Happy New Year to all!
I've been catching up on blogs...thanks so much for sharing your holidays with all of us. From decorating, to food, to adventures outdoors, it's been wonderful to see how everyone has spent their days!
A quick catch up from here...
Christmas found me baking (and eating way too much!) Enjoying twinkling lights, secret surprises, and movie marathons.
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New ornaments found their way on the tree,
and I always laugh as I hide the pickle ornaments!
The kids look for them and then when the ornaments are found, the reward is a silly gift. In years past it's been a board game, last year it was Elf Sundae glasses and all the sweet treats to make sundaes, this year they received giant gift bags filled with their favorite salty snacks.
My son had the terrific idea of playing Clue by candlelight...it was fun!
And we were in awe of the many over-the-top decorated cars & trucks we saw:
Most days Bailey was found curled up under blankets just taking it all in.
Which leads us to today...
the power was out twice this week, and flickered last night. There's nothing like getting a weather alert this morning that reads:
Winter Weather Advisory:
Severity: Possible threat to life or property
Action Recommended: Evacuate a pre-planned activiy as instructed.
Urgency: take action within the next hour
Like so many of you, a look at the weather radar and wow, it's coming our way!
Firewood stacked? - check
Candles/oil lamps ready? - check
Propane tanks for portable heater? - check
Extra blankets for outdoor critters? - check
Batteries charging? - check
And while there is a certain charm to old farmhouses, there is also a routine for this old house that falls into place like clockwork that's not so charming. While being surrounded by open fields is oh-so pretty to look at and enjoy, with no nearby treeline to block the wind, Old Man Winter will find his way into every nook & cranny.
Kitchen taps need to drip to prevent freezing
Dishwasher running to prevent those lines from freezing
Dryer vent plugged with cotton batting to keep the cold wind out of the laundry room, which freezes the washer lines
Water stored in the basement - (a 30 and a 60-gallon tank) no city water here!
I'm not sure how much insulation good old plaster really provides. And yes, a whole-house generator would be fabulous; however, not in the budget at this time (and oh my, have you seen the price of propane lately, yikes!)
That's okay, time to channel my inner Laura Ingalls...tonight I think I'll re-read The Long Winter and sit by the fire.
Hoping you're warm, cozy, and safe if the snow's blowing your way!
We are getting the cold but not the snow and we need the snow here in the north east.
ReplyDeleteWe invested in a whole house generator just before covid started. And since then we have lost the power almost not at all once for about a hour. We use to lose power once a week here in the woods, go figure!
We have a wood stove and a fireplace we use during the cold.
And yes we got a delivery of propane just before christmas and it is expensive. It is only used for the generator and to heat my husbands workshop so we do not go through it fast at this point anyway.
keep cozy
Cathy
Hi Cathy - go figure as soon as you invest in a generator, the power company becomes more reliable! Ours used go out all the time, but it’s been much more dependable in recent years - we’re the last house on the AEP line – so very low priority🙄 Sounds like you’re snug and cozy, I’m glad – curl up and enjoy it!
DeleteHappy New Year to you Mary! Thank you so much for sharing these beautiful snippets of your Christmas. That last photo is breathtaking! That fireplace!!!!! That angel!!!! I love everything about this! I think I would love your son...Clue by candlelight sounds wonderful! I had to laugh when you explained the "old-house routines." I remember them well from our old farmhouse growing up...and, while my house is no where nearly as old as yours, it has more than its share of "not-so-charming" quirks as well. When the temps drop below a certain point, I have to hook up a space heater in the egress stairs in the basement, and another in the downstairs bathroom, leave the faucets on a bit in the upstairs bath, put draft dogs down, and prepare to shovel snow fro the inside of the garage, etc. We are getting light snow now - but nothing significant. But tomorrow night into Sunday they are saying 3-6"...and, gee, I haven't had heat since this morning and having a dickens of a time getting anyone to come out. I'm so frustrated...and so cold at this point. ~Robin~
ReplyDeleteOh my word, Robin, I hope your heat was repaired! I’m sure when the weather is bad, and the servicemen/women are overwhelmed, but they should be working around the clock when it’s this cold. Did you get the expected snow? You’re too kind – I wish the kitchen fireplace was one of those giant 18th century ones that you could almost walk into! I’d love it if I could pull chairs up close to it - there’s a bench off to the side, but on the other side, a door to another room – another farmhouse, quirk, crazy door placement! Hope your heat is back on by now!! 🥶
DeleteSounds like you've had a delightful holiday season. Bailey has the right idea there...
ReplyDeleteI never tire of reading the Little House books. Enjoy your cozy nest!
Hi Daisy! I found a few of the Little House books online for free, so I’m listening to them as I go about my day, just finished The Long Winter . What a life – hard to imagine all of the incredible changes that she saw in her lifetime. Hope you’re keeping warm and enjoying this downtime before the outdoor fun begins!
DeleteI haven't played Clue in years. That was one of my favorites! I have an old drafty farmhouse too, only we have woods to block the winds. Laura Ingals is always a good read!
ReplyDeleteI was terrible at Clue! I need to work up a better strategy! An old farm house in the woods sounds ideal – how wonderful and beautiful it must be. Hope things are going well and that you’re snug in this cold!
DeleteIt's reassuring to know that you're prepared, Mary.
ReplyDeleteStay safe. Stay warm. Xx
Thanks Jules, I love the snow so it’s a joy to see. We don’t always get this much for very many days in a row. We’re expecting some bitter cold nights next week so we’re gearing up for that. Hope all is well and that you’re enjoying the quiet winter can bring.
DeleteHello, my lovely friend! SO happy to hear about your Christmas Season and see your beautiful tree. I pray you are safe and sound all snuggled in your cozy farmhouse as the wind howls and the snow falls. Have a blessed and Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteI know your home is cozy and snug in this snow - exactly as it should be! I made your taco/rice meal the other night - super simple and delicious! Thanks for sharing with all of us
DeleteAgreed about the old farmhouses in winter. We've deal with some of the same issues. Bailey looks so sweet! She has the right idea. Happy that the holidays were full of good memories and sweet traditions. Happy new year and stay warm and cozy through the storm!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Stacy, so far no more power outages, but the forecast is for -14 in a couple of night so the prep work is continuing! Take care and stay warm, perfect bread, and soup weather.
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