Old Man Winter

It is currently -10 degrees outside, and with the wind-chill they say it is -35. Yes, 35 degrees below zero. Living in a mobile home, water pipes freezing is always a concern when the mercury starts to drop. With these temperatures, the possibility is very real even for those that live in stick built homes. To try to combat what old man winter is tossing my way, I am up doing laundry. The idea is to keep the water running, and it won't freeze. We do have heat running under our home, and heat tape on the pipes, but only where the water comes out of the ground. The tape is rated for -40, but 5 degrees is just a little too close to the cut off point for my comfort.

-35 is really hard to wrap one's mind around. I took the dogs out at 11:30, and I think that will be our last potty for the night. If they have to go bad enough and have an accident, I will just clean it up. I rather clean up after them than risk frost bite.

I think about all the wild animals and wonder how many will die in this sustained cold. It has been below zero for several days now, and this bitter cold is supposed to last through tomorrow. I know some will lose the battle with the cold. Yet, they have survived many NY winters, so I really should put it out of my mind.

It isn't only the wild animals that I think of. I think of all the strays, hungry and cold. I wish they could all have a warm place for the night. I wish that at the very least.