I’ll have to ask for combat pay if this keeps up. I went out for a brief photo shoot, came back quickly, and was in urgent need of warmth and to thaw out. Kim, our oldest and shiest sheep, got caught and stuck in a frozen metal feeder, so we had to get her out, into a stall, and water and feed her.

I was outside for a while, probably two long, but I wouldn’t leave Maria all by herself like that, although there isn’t the slightest doubt that she could handle it, and she did.

I just felt I  had to be out there in case.

The water we gave Kim froze in 10 minutes in her stable, so we have to work on that.

Maria did a great job helping me thaw, wrapping me in a thick shawl, putting a blanket on me, and throwing a big log in the fireplace. I insisted on holding my camera for some reason.

We’re going to sleep downstairs tonight. The bedroom has a small heater, but it’s helpless in this kind of cold when the wind is blowing, and the window seems to be blowing pretty hard here tonight.

If there is any good news, it’s that in two days, the temperatures are supposed to rise to normal, which is just around freezing in daylight. I’m counting on my friend, the sun, to warm things up.

I’ve dealt with frostbite before, and I take it quite seriously. My camera froze on me.

I’m thinking of those many thousands of people in warmer climates who are experiencing this cold; it’s tricky enough if you’re familiar with it. I wish you warmth and comfort and electricity.

Our power is not out yet, and the wind is dying down. Kim is doing well, and the animals are huddled in the barn. I got some sweet pictures, and honestly, I feel I am nothing but fortunate. Stay warm and well. Only two flower photos today, my fingers still hurt.