Hello Cuties! Well I was feeling low, Friday before Christmas, because of the weather. We live in the south and our homes are not built for extreme cold temps. I told my hubby Friday night, as we were playing a game of Farkle, if we got up Saturday morning, with commode lines frozen,we would have to reschedule our Christmas. I could not cook for 25 people and also have no toilets to use, if our water lines froze.
That night we put an electric heater in the bathroom closet where the tub pipes were and I stayed up all night until 5 am flushing toilets every now and then. The tub pipes were already freezing, so much that we only had a small fine stream coming through, so we couldn’t shower or bathe. The commode lines when you flushed sounded like ice slushing through.
All Friday night and Saturday we kept the electric heater on, me checking that cord wasn’t overheating and finally before dark the tub lines thawed out. The commode lines stayed open so Christmas plans weren’t changed.
We had 22 guests for lunch and supper. After supper we had teams of players and played Farkle until 10 pm, when someone realized the time. It was an enjoyable day of visiting and planning for a trip our family are taking during spring break. It was a long day and even though it left us tired and lazy the next day, we wouldn’t want it any other way. Our 3 grown kids and spouses were here, along with most of our grandkids and all our greats. We FaceTime our granddaughter Lanie that lives across country in Washington state. Her younger brother Ty had flown in a few days before, but she stayed to work. Another grandson Dustin didn’t come, but he’s a nurse and may have worked, too. So all in all, it turned out great.
For those that enjoy their alone time, I’m happy for them. For those alone and wanting to have Christmas with others, all I can say is we can adopt you! Thanks be to God we always have enough food on the table for the unexpected guest. ❤️Toogie
[2]
[3]
[4]
[5]
[6]
[7]
[8]
[9]
109780
We share the love of adopting anyone who needs to be a part of a family, even if it is only for a meal. And it is always amazing to me how God can stretch food to feed all at the table, just as He did feeding the 5,000. I'm so sorry you had such a struggle keeping the water flowing. Having grown up in a house that had no insulation and pipes often froze during the winter, I understand the struggle you had. I know I was praying for all affected (including us) by this Arctic Blast. My prayers included the power Grid too. And we have so much winter to survive!
1 comment
by toogie
28 Dec 2022
When we built our house some thought we went overboard with insulation when we put it in inside walls too. We were tired of high electric bills and I told my son no matter how tight you think you think it is air is in those spaces. I’m wanted insulation to fill the space, not air. The water pipes are under ground, they T off and the only part exposed is the pipe from the ground to the floor of the house. I went out thinking I may could get under house, because it’s high off the ground on that end, and thaw the water line with heat, then wrap the pipe with foam. I didn’t say any of this to hubby because I figured he wouldn’t want me to because of my back. He is suffering so much with his hips he can’t hardly walk and I sure didn’t want him to feel he had to do it. However much to my surprise when I knelt down to have a look, the incoming water lines to the tub were already wrapped with foam insulation! The lines to my sink and commode were not wrapped and were not frozen. I could not believe it so I came back inside, got my phone and went back out and took pictures. When I sent to my best friend she was as dumbfounded as me. The zip tied foam insulated pipes were frozen and the exposed pipes weren’t.
I had invited Grayson’s mom to come Christmas since she would be through with her family Christmas and be alone. When she didn’t come for lunch after church, I asked Grayson, but he didn’t know why. Then she called him to see about coming for supper. I don’t know if she thought it was too late or not enough, but he told her yes ma’am, come on, we haven’t eaten supper yet.
169064
158718Nothing better than holiday time, family and great food! No frozen pipes here, faucet water dripping for 3 days. I could not get out to see my sister, but one son came, and we had a nice Christmas dinner. I miss the large gathering at my house at Christmas time, but I am considering passing it on to others. Getting to be too much for me to prepare and decorate. Suzanna
1 comment
by toogie
28 Dec 2022
Suzanna, I’m right there with you in thinking the same. My husband thinks Christmas has to be here but I got where I couldn’t prepare all the food myself. We always have Christmas celebrations Christmas Day. It’s set in stone, so to speak. So all the in-laws have their Christmas early or on Christmas Eve. I told my girls I know they are busy with other side of family, church parties, programs etc but I need help, if we are going to continue. They have been helping with the sides and some sweets and Marsha bakes the ham. It takes a load off me for sure, so I totally understand when you say it’s too much for you. The family thought I guess since you always did it all, you could still do it. They don’t consider we slow down with age and the family grows in number, so more food is needed. Also, most grandkids are adults now and don’t play with their food like young kids. They eat!-lol
18140What lovely piccies Toogie and I'm so glad your pipes didn't freeze, that would have been messy!!
Hope that the coming week eases a bit weather wise. We are sweltering here in the Hunter Valley, another 34C day today. Looking forward to some rain. Love Chris
1 comment
by toogie
28 Dec 2022
Talk about a mess! When we had the ice storm a year or so ago my tub pipe did freeze and burst. I didn’t want a repeat.
I am enjoying sunshine today and going with hubby for a ride in the woods. His deer camera needs batteries so it will just be a nice ride there and back. I love the woods! Enjoy your house sitting but don’t burn up while there!
234500Your pictures warm my heart.
I hope you will be able to continue keeping your pipes from bursting. Hugs
1 comment
by toogie
28 Dec 2022
Yes, thanks to the good lord prayers were answered to my request. We couldn’t leave that line dripping because it’s one of those one handle faucets that controls hot and cold water. It can’t set to drip.
109774Toogie what lovely pictures of your multigenerational family Christmas. We have had two friends with frozen pipes locally and one of them who couldn’t leave home because of the ice and snow. Take care
1 comment
by toogie
27 Dec 2022
I feel bad for those that didn't get to get out that wanted to. Also, if your pipes are frozen you don't dare leave in case they burst, your house would be flooded.
When I thought to take any pictures we were already eating and the kids ate on the floor down the hall. By the time I got to them they were all through but one.
115766