Hunkering Down
It's bitterly cold today. The low today is 10 degrees. Even snow showers are predicted. It's not as bad as what the northern US is experiencing, but cold enough for us to hunker down for a few days.
Winter is my least favorite season. Although there's more to do in spring and fall, winter is the most miserable time to work outside.
There's splitting wood, covering plants, blowing out outdoor waterlines (so there's no water in the pipes above ground), insulating the chicken coop, and praying the grid won't go down this year while all of Texas ramps up electrical use. We also ran/checked our generators to make sure all were in working order. The last thing we did before the frigid temps hit us was buy fresh produce and bread.
We started our chores early--before the frigid temps, so we could spread them out over several days. I butchered the last of our quail last year so I wouldn't have to overwinter them. If I want quail this year, I'll buy them from a seller.
I have two big plusses this year in preparation for the freeze and/or losing the grid.
Although we couldn't build my big greenhouse, I bought a small, portable greenhouse for my citrus trees and vulnerable plants. I checked it yesterday when it was 13 degrees, and all the plants were in balmy surroundings. I was so pleased!
The other thing we have is our two solar generators and one gas generator. We will not be cold this year.
The bird feeder is full, there's some corn in the woods for deer, and the chickens have an extra deep layer of wood flakes for bedding.
We're ready, freeze, bring it on.
From the freezer, I've taken out food ingredients for the week, which will include: a small brisket to slow cook, a pot roast for beef stew, vegetable soup with homemade broth, some chili, and lasagna.
How is it by you? Do you do anything to prepare for cold weather? What do you like to make when it's cold outside?
Comments
The only thing I can say about the northern states is that they're so much better prepared for cold weather than we are in the south.
It gets crazy here. People panic. It's stupid.
But like a regular old person I watch the weather carefully. We try to plan days, if not weeks in advance of bad weather. I don't want to be out there in 10 degree weather trying to cover plants.
At least the grid didn't go down. I've heard a few heads rolled when that happened a couple of years ago.
Stay warm, sweetie.
re: Florida
It's warm there at least. Hurricane season is over for a while.
Stay warm, and before I forget, I'm intrigued by your portable greenhouse and solar generator.
There are always rodents in the country. Though with all the coyote and hawk action, we've seen less vermin than usual.
I really like my little greenhouse. No more lugging citrus trees into the house.