Welcome to an 1864 farmhouse…life is good!


Friday, January 17, 2025

Brrr…



Well January has come in with an icy blast! Like so many of you we have sparkling snow paired up with swirling frosty air. 

There have been deer in the backyard, scurrying raccoons and possums, and so many birds at the feeders – such a variety of beautiful colors along with their endless chatter! 

A dear friend gifted me with this terrific cowboy/chuck wagon coffee pot - I promptly filled it with birdseed, making it so much easier to tote outside to fill feeders rather than trying to lug a big bag -  I love it!


The power has stayed on and the pipes haven’t frozen - knock wood, as the old saying goes…oops, did I just jinx myself?!

However, this is coming in the next few nights – very low temperatures for here, with a predicted wind chill of -25 degrees F. 


Today feels like the calm before the storm - it’s sunny and 38° F…down right balmy! For the first time in ages, the space and propane heaters are off and the dishwasher is getting a much needed break. I’m doing laundry, the wood bin in the kitchen has been filled, and later Bailey and I will take a walk back to the woods to stretch our legs and get some fresh air. There’s nothing more to be done - bring it on Old Man Winter - I accept your challenge!  

To stay in the wintry mood, I’ve just finished Laura Ingalls’ The Long Winter – now I’ve moved on to her next book. I found the audiobooks online, so with headphones on I’m listening as I go about my Domestic Goddess chores 😉.

In the evenings, I’m reading the first Harry Potter book and my daughter and I have been watching all of the Star Wars movies – nope, I have never seen all of them. It’s been a wonderful way to spend these long, dark evenings while there are no outdoor jobs to tend to. 

Last week I wrapped up my latest MaryJane’s Farm post. You can find it here if you’d like to take a look:  Rural Farmgirl



Well, that’s the latest from here…if Winter weather is coming your way, I hope you are safe and warm. And if you are West where the wildfires are, know that there are thoughts and prayers for you.  


10 comments:

  1. We are headed into the polar vortex ourselves with daytime temps in the single digits. UGH Both wood, pantry and refrigerator is stocked and ready. Hope you have a good weekend. Try to stay warm, Janice

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    1. It definitely sounds like you’re ready Janice! I guess there’s not much more we can do – that pioneer spirit has kicked in. We’re channeling our grandmothers and their strength!

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  2. And I thought we had it cold recently, but our temperature only went down to -7. Thank goodness you're well prepared, and the pipes haven't frozen. It's been a lot less chilly here this week, but I expect winter will still have a few surprises in store for us. Spring is a while off yet. Xx

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    1. Oh that’s chilly Jules - I hope you’re enjoying some quiet evenings just relaxing. It seems like this is the ideal time - after the holidays and before the busyness of spring. Let’s give ourselves the grace to just “be” for awhile.

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  3. What beautiful scenery you have to look at. I know that you are well prepared. I don't envy your temps, but you will make it through with your pioneering spirit. I'm ready for a break in the temps myself, we aren't used to consistently cold weather here in the Piedmont.
    The idea for repurposing the coffeepot is genius! What a treasure.
    I have never seen any of the Star Wars movies, so don't feel like you are the only one. I may just have to check out the Laura Ingalls Wilder books next time at the library. I can't think of a better time than winter to enjoy them again.
    Blessings from North Carolia! Stay toasty.

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    1. The barn was so pretty to me - it’s a neighbor’s down the road. The snow came on fast! I’m sitting here now in 3 layers - oh yeah, farmhouse “charm” indeed! We wrapped up the Star Wars movies- now I can say I’ve seen them - I’m guessing we’re the only two in the world who haven’t!

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  4. Love the snowy photo of the barn...it almost looks like a painting. I'm glad to hear you are weathering the weather. We have started our downward spiral and will be in the very deep deepfreeze the next 3 days or so where even the high temps won't be above 0 and the windchills will be nightmarish. Hope you stay warm and safe! ~Robin~

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    1. Hope you’re warm Robin - what a time to have furnace issues! My goodness I hope they’ve repaired it correctly by now. Like I mentioned to Daisy - I’m in 3 layers - oh yes, so stylish. You’re right - the barn does look like a painting. I added a bit of blue to it because it photographed really gray - but the snow was just so pretty to me. Keep warm-stay in when you can - jammies on- feet up - cat on your lap- perfect winter evenings!

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  5. We got 5 inches of soft fluffy snow last night just in time to insulate the ground from the brutal cold that is here this week. The wood is in and the the kettle is on for tea.
    I am tucked in for next day or two enjoying the winter rest.
    Cathy

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    1. Cathy that sounds perfect - I couldn’t agree more that a cup of tea and the comfort knowing there’s wood stacked for a cozy fire is ideal with 5 inches of snow! You are doing it just right – I’m enjoying this winter rest, honestly wishing it will last a bit longer!

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