Watching the House

We watch a house for these folks who go to Arizona for the winter. We make sure the plants are watered, the furnace is running ok and the house is warm. Today I went over to check on things and there was a foot of ice on the whole step going into the house. There was no way I could get the door open. So I went home and got my husband and he brought a spade and chopped at the ice until he got it all off. Then we could get the door open. Got the plants taken care of and went all thru the house and basement and everything was fine. It looks like a piece of siding has come loose on the garage though and will probably tear off if this wind keeps up. According to the weatherman, the wind is just getting started and could hit 45 mph gusts tomorrow so we don't hold out much hope of that siding staying on. I set their furnace a bit higher too as we have had outages of electricity off and on and sure don't want their water to freeze as they have hot water heat. By the time I went to get the mail about 4:00 pm, it was blizzard conditions at the end of the court where we live. Snow banks were forming quite a bit on the curve in the road nearby.

B eautiful Day

It was a beautiful day after all the bad weather we had over the weekend. The snow is really melting and there is so much slush on the roads. I really wish the town would get the graders out and get it off the roads while it is mushy and before it freezes again. They say tomorrow we are in for a huge freezing rain, snow event again and we haven't recovered from this one yet. We talked to alot of people yesterday and today who have been out of electricity for five days already and it looks like it could be as long as two weeks for some people. The trouble is that the refrigerator food spoils and the freezer on the refrigerator has frozen meats and ice cream that is melting and spoiling too after so long. You have to be really careful you don't eat something that has gone bad. I certainly hope no more poles break and lines go down as they have so many to put up yet. But there is alot of ice on the trees yet and that can cause real problems. You even have to be careful where you walk that nothing heavy melts and falls on you from a building. People have been killed by falling ice. It certainly is no fun in winter. The kids next door though are having a ball making snowmen.

Nasty Weather

We are in for some very bad weather. All kinds of winter storm watches and warnings are out for this area. It's supposed to start as rain, then freezing rain changing to snow. It covers a 48 hour period so that is until Sunday night. Are we having fun yet?

You won't believe this one

I read in the paper this morning that they are considering giving deer contraceptives in Iowa to cut down on the deer population. Of course, they haven't figured out yet how they are going to get them to the deer. Why not have a couple of extra hunting seasons. That would take care of it and those who love deer meat would be very pleased. It would be better to cut down the deer population than have it cut down by cars. Many people are killed every year in Iowa and much property damage to their vehicles because of hitting deer on the road. You even get a ticket if you dodge the deer and go in the ditch. Then they say you don't have your vehicle under control. Can you believe that? It's true. I remember reading just a couple years ago that 10,000 deer were killed on I-35 in Iowa alone. This is ridiculous.

New Posting Opportunity

We have found a new blog opportunity called blogsvertise.com. I think it will be a great opportunity to make extra money and we all need extra money these days. Gas prices are high, although they are a big lower than they were awhile back. Our part of the country is trying to help with that with Ethanol and Biodiesel plants but it is still only about 2-3% of the gasoline used in the country. Blogsvertise gives you the opportunity to have posts sent right to you in your email and you don't have to compete with someone else for it. They pay an average of $5-$15 with posts being anywhere between $4 and $25. If you apply with them, you are usually approved within 24 hours. This is a very exciting and reliable chance to increase your income and it is free to register with them and quick and easy. You will find out in 30 days if your post is accepted and they put the money right into your PayPal account. Another benefit is that you don't have to add to your post that you are being paid for it.

My Little Brother

My little brother wrote his first post today and he is pretty proud of himself. It will be great when he gets his blog approved and began posting with PPP for money. He can really use it.

eCards

I have been busy sending out eCards to friends and family. It is a fun way to send cards and fast. You can pick out funny ones or serious ones depending on your friends and relatives.

Big Black Bear

There was a big black bear hibernating in a hole in a cornfield in Iowa. The farmer ran across it when his combine fell into this big hole. He thought it was for a badger but then a big black paw came out and there was a 400 lb black bear!! What a shock. So you don't have to go to Wisconsin to get a bear, they can be found right in Iowa.

Wind & snw

We got 4" of snow overnight and looks like we could get another 4-5" tomorrow. Winter has really set in now and drivers need to slow down. Too many accidents and cars & trucks in the ditches.

Mail

Went to the mailbox to get the mail and the mailman hadn't been there yet. Drove thru the bank drive thru and drove thru the Post Office and mailed letters. It is very cold yet. Was -20 this morning and is 6 degrees now.

NW Wind

We have a another bitter northwest wind again but the sun is out and there is no snow. I am thankful for that. It is supposed to get up to the lower teens yet this week. I can hardly wait.

Wednesday

Got the washing all done and working on my posts. Going for Mexican tonight. Always look forward to that. Neighbor called and needed some spice for some bread she is making but I was out of it too. Homemade bread sounds good in this cold weather.

Cinnamon Rolls

Have some nice fresh cinnamon rolls and are they good! Just need a hot cup of cappiccino and some cinnamon rolls freshly buttered and the newspaper and I'm all set to sit & watch it snow. Looks like a couple inches again. Glad I don't have to go out today.

Freezing Weather

You have to dress for the arctic to take out the garbage this morning. It is way below zero and a wind chill advisory of as much as -35. Good time to stay in where it is warm.

Sub-Zero Temps

NOW winter has really set in. It is way below zero and it's going to stay that way for several days. It's not fit for man or beast. I'm staying in where it's nice and warm. No outdoor work for me.

Groundhog

Yesterday was Groundhog Day and they say he saw his shadow so we will have an early Spring. That's a real joke in this part of the country because we have never had an early Spring as long as I can remember. it is way below zero and it's the middle of the day and going to be lots farther below zero tonight and also the next 3 days. We need our own Groundhog in this area.

My Brother

My brother is the best brother a person could ever have. He is always ready and willing to help you out and do anything for you. I try to help him too whenever and wherever I can. He is learning to post on is computer and will soon be busy at it.