Proof of minus 20 degrees!
This morning, the indoor/outdoor thermometer informed me that the outside temp is -20 degrees. That is not the temp with a wind chill; it is a straight up -20 degrees.
Of course, everyone tells me this is the coldest early winter they can remember. Ever. Wherever I live, I seem to arrive on the worst year ever for cold, heat, rain, tornadoes or hail. Wheatland was tornado-free for decades–until I arrived. I moved closer to the Bay Area in California the year of the previous big quake. I hit Colorado on the snowiest year in a long time. Now: frigid temperatures in North Dakota.
However, I won’t complain about the weather. In fact, when I romanticized about living in the relatively far north, I imagined winter days and cozy nights, with Tango at my feet and me bundled up and writing into the wee hours–maybe by candlelight. I imagined a roaring fireplace, lots of hot chocolate and soft music. In the past few years I have read many of Jack London’s stories about Alaska, and they fueled my imagination as I pondered living in North Dakota. The comparison to living in Alaska is not a stretch. Since I arrived here, the temperatures in Anchorage have been the same or warmer than in my new little town!
First snow storm in early November:
Looking out from living room window. The church is to the right of those trees.
Early this morning I gazed out of the large front and back windows looking for birds. I noticed a pink tinge on the western and eastern horizons. Smoke drifting from the chimney across the street was pinkish as well. I imagine an interplay between the ultra-cold temperatures and light refraction. Such a soft, cozy sight on a frigid morning, like pink cotton candy. The smoke looks orange in the photo below:
Tango cannot stay outdoors more than a few minutes or his feet freeze up. More than once, I carried him back inside. I do not think sitting around all winter is his idea of fun, but he is a good sport, always at my side.
Tango on the unfinished floor
A big pot of beef stew or soup (made like the locals do, with dumplings) keeps my insides warmed and nourished. I make stews and soups in the Wonderbag, of course and it works great. It is well worth the hefty price tag, and a family in Africa receives one Wonderbag when you buy one. Each time I cook in the Wonderbag I feel like I am saving trees, helping to clean up the air, helping another family, and making nourishing food for myself. That is a lot of “feel good” for the money.
All the bird feeders are up: three in the front and five in the back. A church member made me a large platform feeder for the Blue Jays and filled it with corn and sunflower heads from a local farm. Woo-hoo. Can’t wait for the Blue Jays to find it.
New platform feeder for the Blue Jays
Back yard feeders on the tree and door glass, the yellowish tint in the background was pink this morning
Three front-yard feeders
The parsonage is coming together. The painting is mostly finished and flooring/carpeting will go in soon (the carpet guy just came by and says he will install under-layment and some of the carpet this week). I set up my sewing/craft area downstairs and dug out some projects last night while I watched the Broncos trounce Kansas City. Each day I settle in a bit more, since I can unpack stuff that goes in cupboards, while I waiting for flooring.
Freshly painted living room. Planning on using burgundy accents–small pics are the inspiration
Freshly painted dining room. The paint color is Sisal. It is a bit warmer than in the photos. I love it. I may use some turquoise accents in dining room–you can see a small picture I am using for inspiration.
So, it is my day off, now a balmy -15 degrees with wind chill warnings that advise people to stay indoors. It is time to live that winter fantasy of writing and sewing. I am so happy to finally have the time to update my blog and post photos so you all can see my new space. While between churches I spent quite a bit of time developing another website, but decided in the end to keep my life simple and stay focused on this one site. But first: dig out the Step exercise stuff and move around a bit so I don’t turn to mush.
My lovely new home and the church, which is right next door!
Worship service 9:30, Central Time. That means I have time to visit the nursing home after church and get home in time for the earliest football game!
Thanks to everyone for buying on Amazon
