Arctic Blast

Almost two weeks ago we were hit with an arctic blast of ice, snow and freeeeeezing temperatures. I got sent home from work early on a Thursday and then campus was closed on Friday, so we got a long weekend out of the deal. Jason is basically a boy scout when it comes to being prepared, so with the exception of it being SUPER quiet when our power went out we fared very well. He has a cook top propane stove and plenty of propane bottles, so this is how I cooked dinner Thursday night and breakfast and lunch Friday. Not too shabby. Of course, we had to make our carport our new refrigerator while the power was out, but when it doesn't get above freezing, that works out pretty well. 

We have a wood burning stove in our house, which we don't really use because it reeks havoc on Jason's sinuses, that we used to keep warm. Since our tree was next to the stove, it had to be relocated...in front of the front door. It was a site pulling a seven foot massive, real Christmas tree across the house, but it worked and didn't catch fire, which was the most important thing. 

The power was out Thursday night so it was insanely quiet except that we could hear trees cracking and breaking all night long. I'm not sure either of us slept much that night. I got a few hours off and on, but Jason was up all night making sure none of the trees were falling on our house and keeping our toasty fire going. I have to say, at some point in the night, I had to shed the sweatshirt and blankets because I was sweating. When we looked at the thermostat, it was like 78 in the house. I was hot, but so very thankful we didn't have to sleep in the cold. When the sun came up we realize many of the trees we heard falling were in our yard and on our fence. These pictures are from out our backdoor.

Under all that mess is a double gate into our back yard. We now need two new six foot gates. Boo.

Lawson was very confused about why the lights were "broke" and the TV wouldn't come on. Battery powered dancing Charlie Brown became our friend for a while Friday morning. 

And we colored/drew pictures for a while.

Lawson was fighting a cough and apparently has sensitive sinuses too, so we had to keep the nasal spray in him. Funny thing: He loves it! He always wants a turn to do it too. He is very closely supervised of course, but it's crazy that he likes this. He giggles sometimes. What almost two year old likes nasal spray?!?! P.S. He also likes taking medicine nine times out of 10. We are very blessed.

And, we rode our motorcycle. He hadn't ridden this thing in probably a month, but I think he just got flat board. Join the club buddy. It's not fun to have snow when your kid has a congested cough.

At some point on Friday afternoon, about 10 electric company trucks lined up on our road. We had power but many in Greenwood and surrounding areas did not, so these guys were hard at work for sure. It provided a little entertainment for Lawson too!

Here's hoping the next time we have snow my boy is well and can play outside at least a little. He's not much for being inside.