Living in the southeastern U.S., our winters can cover a range of mild to frigid. But we
didn't escape the recent winter storm that swept the eastern part of the
country. Fortunately for us, it wasn't as bad as they predicted! Here's my photo record of what we got.
The ground was covered with ice crystals, while everything else was coated with a layer of ice.
The danger of winter storms here is when trees and power lines are covered in a thick coating of ice. If it gets too heavy, branches come down, knock out power lines, and we lose electricity. Fortunately, it wasn't that bad.
Walking in it was crunchy and slippery, especially on our sloping land.
The wind was bitterly cold. Between that and the strange white stuff on the ground, none of our critters would go outside. Feed and warm water were served in their respective quarters.
Our coldest night was 10°F (-12°C). The greenhouse went down to 18°F (-8°C). My winter veggies are hanging in there, but I'm doubtful my green peppers will make it, even after covering and insulating them for the night.
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| exterior greenhouse door |
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| solar panels |
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| kale and garlic in the garden |
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| poor daffodils |
Things began to melt the day after the storm. Current temps run from above freezing during the day to below freezing at night. Sunny areas are muddy during the day and icy at night. White patches of ice crystals persist where there's shade. The wind is still cold, so we go out for chores and animal checks, but it's mostly indoor time. I'm
spending mine
painting the ceiling of the front room
and
planning a weaving project.
Parting shot
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| Sam |
How is everybody else faring in this unwelcome weather? We've got snow in the forecast for Saturday. Looks like winter isn't going to be over anytime soon.
24 comments:
Phoenix Metro Area—I haven't had to bring in Medusa to protect her from freezing temps this winter. The lows are beginning to rise into the upper 40s and low 50s, so I think we have missed our two-week window of 'winter' with freezing temps.
Judy, good to hear from you. Sounds like you got our mild winter. :)
Sam has the right idea!
Freezing rain is the worst. Thankfully, we don't get it often, just the lovely white stuff!
You never know, the peppers may be OK, they have good strong roots now, and may put up new growth, even though the tops may look like toast.
I'll take about any amount of snowfall over a 1/2" of ice. If we get that much or above, I can count on losing electricity for a period of time and I am definitely homebound until the roads are well sanded.
Rosalea, the peppers are an experiment anyway, so we'll see!
Ed, my sentiments as well. Unfortunately, we seem to have ice events more often than snow. The next day I saw the neighbor's kids trying to make a snowman, but it was a no go.
Most of our area got 9-10 inches of snow, a lot of drifting, followed by majorly windy days, and the temps have been as low as -17. Today it's -11 with the windchill. Thankfully the coop is staying pretty much warm enough for my ladies.
Beautiful ice pictures! Glad it was less worse than expected
Kristina, glad to hear your chickens are surviving. You too! It sounds like you have bitterly cold conditions.
Alex, thank you! I'm glad it wasn't worse either. :)
Hi, Leigh. When all was said and done there was 17" of snow on the ground. Fortunately is was a dry snow so a friend snow blowed the drive way and cleared the deck. The power didn't go out as feared so the furnace kept running while the temps dropped to below zero. Still -2 this morning. How did your heating fire furnace work for you? Take care outside. Kris in Ohio
Yes, we were hit by the ice blast as well. Not as much fun as snow, for sure. There are always indoor projects, or perhaps a jigsaw puzzle to take out and get busy with. This winter will be well remembered. Look after yourselves.
Kris, good to hear from you. So glad you didn't lose power. That's a huge concern in this kind of weather.
Our masonry stove has been wonderful. After it warms up it radiates heat for hours. We do fire it up more frequently, but it's a big improvement over our regular wood stove. We've been keeping the woodstove going on the coldest days as well. It's our wood guzzler, but it really helps to keep the back of the house warmer as well.
Daisy, we haven't had a winter like this in awhile. I'm glad we did all the energy improvements we did to the house. It doesn't get as cold as it used to! Glad you're okay.
Water is so beautiful in the many forms it can take on. I love winter makes you appreciate a warm house and a hot meal.
Mr. O, you're so right about a warm house and a hot meal. We love our daily lunch of homemade soups!
Gosh, maybe I shouldn't brag that it got to 65 yesterday... I remember those typical winter ice storms down in LA, fortunately my well never froze up but did have a lot of broken trees. I also recollect running around with my hair on fire(I am bald) trying to keep our winter garden from freezing! The goats actually loved playing in the icy ground and little snow, it was a new treat for them.
Hi Judy!
Great photos. Unfortunately, I can relate! I sit in a friend's home as I begin Day 5 with no power at my house, thanks to the great ice storm of 2026! It packed a mighty punch here in the Nashville area.
Kevin, brag all you want! It's nice to know someone isn't suffering. :) I'm wondering if we had kids right now if they wouldn't love it. I am glad I stopped winter kiddings though. I'd hate to think of losing more of them to hypothermia.
Oh Bob, that's the thing we all dread. I'm sorry you got stuck with it. Hopefully you'll return to normal soon.
Ice is pretty to look at on the pine needles...but, dangerous! We had -25 below with -45 with wind chill....we stayed inside and home. I'm in northern 1/3 of Wisconsin. Your cat has the right idea!
Hi, Cederq! ; >)
Dicky Bird, once upon a time I wanted to move back north for the seasons. Not any more! Yes, the ice is beautiful but not necessarily welcome. Glad you are staying warm and safe!
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