JEAN'S "IT IS COLD OUTSIDE"

When we got up this morning, it is below zero outside.  Bishop Joseph called this morning and told us they are closing Susan's school today, which is rare.  He said that with so many children walking to school in this weather would not be safe. 




David and Edward went to a painting job this morning, but got a driver rather than taking the buggy.  This cold weather is not good for the horses especially seeing they would have to stand outside a greater part of the day. 




Because of David and Edward's job, Michael had a few extra jobs to today.  Right now he is working with Kevin in Kevin's shop which is heated.  The men did all the outside work today.  David wouldn't even let Katie and Susan out to get the eggs, he had Michael do it.  He felt it was too cold for us to go outside unless it was necessary.



Today is baking day in our home.  We are baking bread, rolls, muffins, cookies, cake and maybe a pie or two if we can fit them in.  Grandmother Olive, Susan and I are doing most of it, but Katie and David Jr. are helping us.  The baking also heats up the house, so we can keep the furnace down lower.




It is a good thing we did our washing yesterday.  It would have been as solid as a rock if we hung it outside today or we would have it hung all over the basement.  We do have some ironing today, but that won't take too long.  I will wait until Katie and David Jr. are taking their naps.




Last night David checked to make sure the generators would work in case the power went off, as it sometimes does with the wind, but it didn't last night.  A few of the farmers did lose theirs.  After we went to bed, David had to go out to a fire.  Elmer was also at the fire and David asked him how things were at his house as the Amish don't have electric.  Elmer said that their house was warm with the heater they have that burns wood.




Other firemen came in their cars to pick Bishop Joseph, Kevin, Elmer, David and his father up.  They didn't want them getting the buggies out at that cold.  There was no fire when they got there.  Someone's furnace had backed up and filled the house with smoke.  Everyone had gotten out of the house.  David said that is really going to be a job for those people to clean all the smoke up, but glad there weren't any flames.




The little ones still want to go outside and play even though it is so cold outside.  David and I had been talking about when we were their age.  The weather didn't bother us then, but we wouldn't want to go out in it today except for chores.  The boys are hoping that it is cold enough to skate on a local pond.  For the past two years, it has not been solid enough for skating so they haven't worn their new skates.  Of course it is suppose to be in the 40's this coming weekend.



Hope all of you are able to keep warm during this cold winter.


Be With God,
Jean