Ten degrees, wind chills in the minuses, and 2 inches of snow on the ground. Unless memory fails me, this is the coldest day of my lifetime. The woods are sparkling, all is "calm and bright", not a car has gone down my road all morning - it is just virgin snow. Wow! The landscape looks so totally different - I can't see where the concrete drive ends and the grass begins, or where the yard drops off to the lower garden, and the pond is barely visible because the snow is so bright and the pond a dull brown-grey. I am wondering how that huge deer that was ripping through the woods last night has fared overnight. I did the Southern thing yesterday afternoon and went to the grocery store to load up on food - we panic! It was like standing in the lines at Christmas, hard to get parking space, etc. The bread and milk run out. The beer was running low. Everyone was chatting nervously in the lines about - well, what do you think. Weather and possible weather. This is two snows in one winter, highly unusual for here (once in 4 years more typical). Have been checking the views from all my windows and the prettiest two things I've seen are the snow in the hollies and the snow on my spiky low patio "fence". I love it all - as long as it's very occasional. There is no snow plow here, no snow tires, no chains, and no snow-driving skills, so we plan to sit tight when this happens. I have power, internet, phone service and heat!

We've got bushfire warnings, keep alert with your pets and watching the elderly. In Adelaide it's going to be in the 40's Celsius (104F) and the Tour down under is on there (a bicycle race!!!)
Amy, Steve and the girls have come home today and should be getting to their car and driving home to Newcastle as I write this post. It's only going to be mid to high 20's C here in Newcastle today, so that's pleasant.
I can't imagine your cold Betsey and Toogie. Even when we were in Europe for Christmas it wasn't much colder than 4C. I am in awe of Carolyn's temperatures up in far north east Canada and it's only minus 6 fahrenheit there today. Keep warm all you guys. Love Chris

1 comment

by graceandham 18 Jan 2018

Sugartoes is my one little pet and he lives indoors. I guess I am my elderly and I'm not stepping out on snow or ice with this knee unless the heat goes out! It has reached 34 this morning, so we're getting a bit of drip. Still quite beautiful.

I feel for you. It is mighty cold if you are not used to it. My brother moved to California and when ever he is home (Michigan) he freezes. Won't come home during the winter months. lol. When my husband and I were first married, we lived in Kentucky We used to laugh that an inch of snow shut everything down. Even the malls were closed. We couldn't believe it. But, if you are not used to it.....

I agree, it's cold here and I'm in NW Florida! But I've been through worse having been stationed in North Dakota. Just stay dressed in layers, home and enjoy. I like my nice warm nest just fine.

Here it is the same thing but was 15 degrees. I'm not getting out either. We went 2 days ago, when it was 60 degrees, and got grocery supplies. Can't do much else but cook, eat and sew! I made 8 ITH bags yesterday and a cole slaw and fruit salad. What a mix!-lolHubby cooked the meat/gravy/rice.
I just finished going through the whole book of Anita Goodesigns you gave me. Wow, she has some beautiful sets! Pretty prices too!!! I believe I saw your roosters. I THINK I found the design set that lady used for her sister's wedding anniversary.Check it out in your book, The Tree of Life set. Remember the lady I visited here, when my husband went to see her husband,about parts for his hunting truck? Her sister had sent her this beautiful quilt and I fell in love with it. Anyway, I finished looking though my book the first time, it won't be my last. I am sure I will look and drool some more. Thank you Betsey again for all my gifts. Try to stay warm (my toes are purple unless I keep the heater/ heating pad on them!)-Toogie

2 comments

by graceandham 17 Jan 2018

Don't forget there's a CD in the back cover! Get Stitching!

by toogie edited 17 Jan 2018

Yes, I looked at it and you can make designs individual or wall hanging. Wish they would have included the Tree of Life too!-lol-did you look at it? I love the colors/fabrics they used in it. I think the lady's border was appliques, but a different border, w