Wednesday, January 14, 2009

deep freeze.


During the deep freeze days of January we don't usually have cloudy days (unless it is snowing). When the temps get below zero we usually have the intense blue skies and bright sun...which makes you *think* you want to go outside and play.


But when check the temperature and my son reminds me (loudly) that exposed skin can freeze in only TEN MINUTES when the windchills are 40 below (or FIFTEEN MINUTES when the windchills are 20 below, or, or, etc.) and so we stay inside our warm home, do fun projects and crafts, read in the bright sunshine, and enjoy the day.


Today we have to venture out to visit a farm (for a pickup) on a very snowy rural road. But then we'll hurry back home to be safe and warm inside as we get our coldest night of the year so far (very cold!). Its all good though - we have lots of fun and interesting things to do!

18 comments:

Stephanie said...

Visiting the farm sounds nice.
One of Maddie's favorite places.
We're thinking projects today, too!
Though we're expecting a high of 40*, so I'm totally taking advantage.

Sarah said...

We're also in a deep freeze with bright sunshine. I have some curtains closed however, trying to keep it a bit warmer.

Astrid in Bristling Acres said...

I found you via the Crafty Crow.

I know what you mean about staying inside with this super cold weather! It looks like it should be fun to play outside (sunny and all) but it's so c-o-l-d! (and that's coming from an Alaskan!)

We're planning a visit to the Olbrich Gardens and to the children's museum this Saturday. Hopefully that will cure the winter blues!

RunninL8 said...

Stay warm, drive safe! We've gone from -10 to +41-today the schools are closed due to ice! We'll be sittin tight with grandma today!

Stephanie said...

We have lots of fun & interesting things to do, too. However, I am having a hard time starting any of them. :) stay warm!!

Joy said...

Brrr! We're in sunny NC where the coldest night this week (and of the decade, I think) is 15*, yet everyone's acting like it's the end of the world. :) Stay warm!

Sara said...

Burr! We have finally warmed up here a bit. Keep warm and drive safe on those roads.

brianna said...

Boy I don't think I'd manage all that cold so well. My living room thermostat currently reads 71 and I'm wearing a fleece jacket. :)

Drive safe!

Lisa Zahn said...

DH and I have to get out about two times a day each to walk the new puppy, and DH walks 1/2 mile to the bus each day, but other than that we're inside too! It has actually been nice to HAVE to get out for the dog walks, because I'm kinda used to the temps that way. But today, ooh boy! it's bad. We can't wait for a warmer day...

Anonymous said...

Good for you for even attempting to get outside in the cold! Did you take pictures of the farm visit?

Green Hour has a group on Flickr where people are posting their photos of outside fun. Click here to add your own. Anyone can join!

Anne Keisman
Green Hour

Anonymous said...

That's pretty much what we are doing here in Iowa. It's just too cold for being outdoors. The kids are playing with snow dough and making a fort on the table.

I see a link for my friend Jen's blog on your list of local blogs. She moved to Madison from Iowa City.
Do you two run in the same homeschool circle up there?

dawn klinge said...

Your photos are beautiful. It sounds like you're well prepared for the cold. Enjoy those cozy inside days with your family.

denise said...

Sounds like a lot of us are in the deep freeze!

Tonight?
Low: -20º
Wind Chills: -30 to -45º

Whee.

LisaZ - I can only imagine having to walk a dog ... I personally like cold, but when it gets into single digits and below zero with the crazy windchills, asthma boy has a very hard time...it hurts him to breathe the air. A dog is a good excuse to get out no matter what, though! :)

Anne - No farm visit photos today. It was a white knuckle drive in the drifting snow, and too windy/cold for the boys to get out, so I grabbed our pickup and left! Even the animals were inside today - too cold even for cows. :)

Jessica said...

We are in the same deep freeze so I'm staying in, drinking tea, and sitting under a quilt!

TCallihan said...

I thought of you and your boys when I was watching the weather this evening. Stay warm, wrestle a little in the living room and drink some hot cocoa. Spring will come eventually :) I will try to send some warm AZ air your way.

Merilee said...

Hey, I found your blog when I was searching for something on google..can't remember what. But, I LOVE your blog. I love all the great things you do with your boys, and how creative and positive you are!
I have a question for you. I hope you don't mind...do the herbs that you are growing do ok on the windowsill with it being so cold? I have been wanting to start growing some herbs, but was worried that it would be too cold for them next to our windows.(we don't have window covering) Thanks! Hope things warm up there soon! I don't think I could handle that freezing cold!

Sam said...

We currently have a temperature of 8 celcius, and cloudy, rainy weather. I don't envy you the cold, but I do envy the light ;-)

Looks like you have plenty to keep you occupied :-)

Anonymous said...

The last few weeks we've had warm temps with most of the snow and ice melting...but yesterday and today, while it's only slightly colder, we've been treated to lovely freezing fog! Pretty on all the trees and grass, but it feels so cold! It's like I lost my acclimation just from that warm spell.