January 29, 2026

Real Winter Weather

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.


We didn't get snow, we got freezing rain.


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.

exterior greenhouse door

solar panels

kale and garlic in the garden

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

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.

January 24, 2026

Front Room Side Windows: Before & After

Apparently I don't have a good photo of the original side windows in the front room. This one is the best I could find for a before photo.

Photo from 2009

The windows behind the blinds were identical to the ones in the front of the room. Actually, they were identical to all the original windows in this house. Even though we replaced them all, those old windows were used for the walls of the greenhouse.

I have pictures from 2020 of Dan replacing them (here), and a picture of how it's looked since then. 

Here's what it looks like now.

The loom is in the way, but you can see what a nice job Dan did. It's a huge improvement.

I've already started painting the ceiling. It needed a fresh coat of paint. The walls will be next and after that I can put the window coverings back. I have an idea for the two quilt-look bedspreads, which will hopefully work. 

January 18, 2026

Front Room Front Window: Before & After

The front room is a corner room so it features windows on both external walls. The ones pictured below were on the front wall, overlooking the front porch

The original front windows when we moved in, May 2009.

The windows were upgraded when we remodeled the front porch in 2016. We replaced the original single glazed windows with an energy efficient window.

How it's looked since Dan replaced the old windows, Dec. 2016

We got to add much needed extra insulation in the wall. 

After Dan finished the wall that incorporates the back of the masonry stove, he turned his attention to that window. But how to finish it? Do we try to match it to the original wall? I think it's nearly impossible to recreate an original look to match, so it might as well become a design feature. We decided to continue with the rustic barn look to coordinate with the new closet.  

After I paint the wall, I'll put up the curtain rod and my quilt window covering again.

Dan's challenge with all the repairs and improvements he's done to our house, is partly because it's 100 years old. That means they used true 2-inch by 4-inch 2x4s when they built it, which we can no longer get! So the reconstructed parts of the walls are never exactly flush with the original. 



One more window to go, and then it's on to repainting the ceiling and walls.