We are in a cold snap which has given the high desert the first sub-zero temperatures of the season. Last night we hit -4 degrees F. Below zero temperatures are not uncommon in western Colorado; we generally get several very cold nights each year. This is the first of the season, though, and it was still a bit of a shock to walk outside this morning. My “Nanook” hat is getting a lot of use!
I had the kerosene heater going in the garage; the cats have found they can stay nice and toasty if they sit right in front of it.
Cats Ink and Gywneth in front of garage heater
The forecast for the coming week indicates a warm-up to more seasonal temperatures with highs in the upper 30s and lows in the 20s; I hope it’s some time before we get below-zero conditions again.
We did get more snow before the cold temperatures hit. Every thing is covered in white and I used the John Deere garden tractor to plow snow this past Thursday morning and evening. (Blowing snow was more of a problem than accumulation and led to having to do a morning and evening clean-up.) Main roads are now clear but side roads are snow-packed. The warming temperatures will clear the side roads in the next several days but will lead to rather sloppy conditions until they are completely dry. These are typical conditions for the time of year.
There is not much else to report. We continue to monitor the real estate market, but there’s nothing of interest in this slow winter listing period. I am still looking for a new assistant at the Sheriff’s Office. Pam’s stack of incoming transcripts at the community college indicates an even busier year than 2016. Life goes on.
I have a few “general” photos to include; on these cold days, both the cats and dogs look for pockets of sunlight to soak up the warmth.
Senior dog Blondie in a patch of sunlight
Sunny and Cirrus enjoy a spot of sunshine
(Note: These photos were taken with my phone and not my regular camera. I’m not as familiar with the camera phone and the photos are not the best quality but they are what I have for this post.)
Since the Broncos are not in the playoffs this year, Go Packers! Along those same lines, congratulations to the Wisconsin Badgers for their Cotton Bowl win.
That’s it for now. Thanks for looking in!
Pam’s Two Cents Worth:
Two more months, I tell myself, two more months before warmer temps (the dogs and outdoor cats would certainly appreciate it). Unlike my Midwest childhood days — when the “gray snow” and wind chill lasted well into April — I can expect periods of springlike weather by the end of February in the high desert. Some compensation for fairly frequent 100-degree temps in the summer…
Since the retirement house hunt has slowed wa-a-a-ay down at present, I am refreshing rugs, chairs, and misc. household items in preparation for an eventual move to “somewhere.” Wish we were getting on with it. Additionally, I’m practicing my meditation skills (New Year’s resolution) after listening to the presidential transition news.
Happy Trails.
My imagination has Nanook in walrus hide & sealskin. On the other hand, the hat does remind me of what my maternal grandfather wore on his daily winter trap line treks. Borrowing from a M.A.S.H. spin-off, let’s go with “Trapper Jerry, P.D.”…
Back in double-digits (above zero) today after (our) 2nd cold spell of the winter. About the only cold weather benefit is clear, sunny skies rather than the constant grey days, though I’m not about to go out for a “sun bath” in the brisk wind and cold temperature!
Even with the cold spells it’s been a bit warmer than average, though winter does seem to “go on forever” in the Midwest…
Larry:
I think Pam bought the hat as more of a joke than for practical value, but on those cold days it really has worked well.
We are now getting above freezing but had a rare ice storm; I-70 was closed 3 times in the last 5 days. More in my next post!