Cold Weather Has Lingered

Cold weather moved in during the night of January 13, after two days of rain and wind. The temperature hasn't risen above the freezing mark [32 F.] all week.  Nights have registered  readings in the teens, then sliding down into single digits. 

When Jim checked the reading at 7:30 a.m. this Sunday morning it was minus .8--I think we could safely conclude that it had dipped below zero F. during the predawn hours. 

I have tried to keep to my schedule of walking but have had to shorten my time outdoors as the bitter cold creates facial pain. 

The effort of pushing through snow while lumbered in multiple layers of bulky clothing really has diminished the joy of being outside.

Area churches were cancelled this weekend, many offering a Zoom option. County offices and schools have been closed or on limited hours.

I was pleased that we had only one necessary trip during the week and that over clear roads to the next town. 

We've added our long johns and warm turtleneck tops to our usual indoor clothing.

Red sky at morning.

On the 17th a brilliant half moon balanced in the clear sky like a bowl resting on a table. The temperature hovered at zero F. Snow glittered in the cold wash of moonlight and twinkling starlight. 

In the morning [18 January] the sunrise display was colorful and prolonged, spreading a wash of rose, crimson and deep lavender to encompass the north and south horizons.

By mid-morning the sky had darkened to a pewter color and snowflakes began to swirl down by mid afternoon. 

I washed bedlinens and was thankful for the electric dryer!

Friday was COLD and snow fell relentlessly. 

I didn't walk outside. The water dish for the barn cats has needed to be brought inside many times per day to have ice tunked out in the sink and fresh water set out.  Going out to the porch with fortifying meals for the cats lets a chill blast into the kitchen, leaves me wanting to huddle by the fire.

Jim has improved the cat coops in the greenhouse with wraps of insulation and a tarp to keep out moisture. There are a number of snug bolt holes in the barn wings as well. 

 

Sunrise as zoomed from the front steps.

I have always enjoyed the tapestry of blue shadows on snow.

Snow crunches under my boots when walking up the lane.

Standing just beyond the lower level porch, camera pointed at the sunroom roof.

Icicles hanging outside the east porch screens.

Our neighbor's beef cattle marching up the slope from the frozen pond.

They have countless times seen me walk past on my way to the mailbox. This time, lumbering along in my quilted bibs, face wound in a scarf, the cattle decided they didn't know me. Apparently I appeared threatening, so they charged up the hill.

Tracks everywhere in the snow. Cat tracks, deer tracks, the hem-stitched prints of birds who have gleaned seeds from every stalk of weed or grass.

Our tracks, criss-crossing the dooryard, imprinted in the snow of the lane.

Robert, who thinks he must be out surveying his kingdom. The roof of the car is warmer than the cold, cold ground.

Fresh bread, with soup and salad, the mainstay of cold weather meals.

A warming trend is projected for mid week.

I anticipate opening windows, shaking out rugs, blowing aways the fusty dusty indoor atmosphere of winter.