Mockingbird Hill Cottage

Mockingbird Hill Cottage

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You are here: Home / life / It’s Very Cold

It’s Very Cold

January 30, 2026 at 9:06 am by Claudia

We are still very sore and tired from all the snow excavation. Don, especially, since he has a recurring problem with his shoulder and, of course, he had to push the snowblower (which is very heavy) through lots of snow. I’m urging him to take it easy the next few days.

We had stocked up in preparation for the storm, but by Wednesday evening, we were out of many essentials. So, we went grocery shopping, which involved going to two different grocery stores, plus the hardware store. As all this was happening, the temperatures were dropping and we had ‘cold weather warnings’ because of the wind chill. Today is very, very cold. We haven’t even opened the blinds yet. We just have to get through the weekend and the temperatures should warm a bit. I use the word ‘warm’ loosely, as 32 degrees during the day is still freezing, but not as freezing as 10 below (which is going to happen tonight.)

What an extreme winter we’re having, and it’s only January.

I was ready to store the feather tree because we needed the space on the coffee table. I temporarily stashed it on the sideboard. Turns out, at least for the time being, we like it there. Because that window gets a lot of sun, the ornaments sparkle.

Hey, why not?

Today, we’re vowing to do something creative. Don is writing a song. I’m going to paint a little miniature I have.

After too much exposure to the news yesterday (I am heartbroken about Liam, the little boy who is in the detention center in San Antonio – so much so that I had problems sleeping last night) we are trying to avoid it today. I’m praying. I’m visualizing an end to all of this. I’m calling my Senators and Representative. And today, I’m joining in the nationwide strike. I realize that it’s not a sacrifice for me, as I’m currently not working or attending school. But I can refuse to buy anything today and will.

Stay safe,

Happy Friday.

Filed Under: life 16 Comments

Comments

  1. Darlene says

    January 30, 2026 at 9:36 am

    Wow, you have really been through it. Hopefully the snow melts away slowly so you don’t have too much water to deal with.

    Hang in there brighter days are coming. Praying.

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      January 30, 2026 at 4:04 pm

      Thanks, Darlene.

      Stay safe.

      Reply
  2. kathy in iowa says

    January 30, 2026 at 10:34 am

    it’d be beautiful anywhere, but i like the feather tree in that spot.

    hope you and don warm up and soon feel better after all the shoveling and errands. doing something creative sounds perfect.

    i am so angry and heart-sick about little liam!!! and the murders of alex, renee and the at-least-seven other people who have died in dhs detention!!! same here with letters and calls, prayers. working on a project (related), but awaiting the green light to continue through my church.

    add to that a couple days of errands and yesterday’s annual preventative electrical inspection (that lasted two hours and 45 minutes), will be doing the same here … knitting, watching “the waltons”, reading a book my sister gave me for Christmas, taking it easy.

    and yes to the general strike.

    take care. stay safe.

    kathy

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      January 30, 2026 at 4:04 pm

      Thanks, Kathy.

      Stay safe.

      Reply
  3. Donnamae says

    January 30, 2026 at 11:06 am

    The weather person told us the other day that this is week 3 of the frigid weather. I guess I stopped counting, but that does explain why I can’t seem to get warm these days. Our relief starts this weekend when we finally get into the 20’s. Yay?

    That must have been really hard to push a snow blower through all that snow. I feel for Don….I hope his muscles recover soon.

    When you are retired, it’s easy for us to do a boycott….no shopping. And like you, I did send emails to my representatives this past week. Every little bit helps. I had an interesting conversation with one of the DIL’s yesterday. I guess all of a sudden the political chaos got to her. She has two sons from a previous marriage…and the mama bear in her suddenly woke up, After our little talk, I’m proud to say she became a warrior. And right now, we need all the warriors we can get (for clarity…warrior in a non-violent way!)

    I hope your day of creativity works for you. For me…it’s madly cleaning. I would be earnestly weeding if only it was warm enough for weeds lol. Enjoy your day! ;)

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      January 30, 2026 at 4:05 pm

      That’s great, Donnamae!

      Stay safe.

      Reply
  4. Shanna says

    January 30, 2026 at 11:53 am

    We are even feeling the cold here in FL! Snow even predicted, yikes. Don’t really think we’ll see any, but even the prediction is mind-blowing for us. Stay warm, everyone.

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      January 30, 2026 at 4:05 pm

      Insane!

      Stay safe, Shanna.

      Reply
  5. Elaine (in Toronto) says

    January 30, 2026 at 1:54 pm

    My heart breaks for the people of Minneapolis and other cities who are being besieged by fellow Americans. He has the power to destroy the whole world and that is scary! Keep the faith. People are rebelling more and more. The mid-terms are coming and power will shift. Your tree looks lovely on the sideboard. You can see all the snow you got. It’s very cold here, too. Did you see that frozen fruit juices are being phased out? I thought of Don and his No Sugar Added Apple Pie. I’m going to try substituting apple cider. I’ll let you know how that works. Stay warm and cozy. Hugs, Elaine

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      January 30, 2026 at 4:04 pm

      Minute Maid is. The juice that Don gets is not made by Minute Maid.

      Stay safe, Elaine.

      Reply
  6. Ellen D. says

    January 30, 2026 at 3:10 pm

    We are getting a little bit of snow which is too bad as two of my sons are helping move furniture for my brother who is going into a care facility. He will be in a one bedroom apartment but he will have people to help care for him as he has Alzheimer’s and needs assistance for many things. My SiL just can not handle the care he needs so we are all hoping this is a positive step for him. My big brother is just a year older than I am and when I was little, my parents called me his “little shadow” as I followed him all of the time. Luckily, all of my siblings live in the same town as I do so we can all pitch in to help.

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      January 30, 2026 at 4:06 pm

      I’m so sorry about your brother, Ellen.

      Stay safe.

      Reply
  7. Betsy B. says

    January 30, 2026 at 3:36 pm

    Ditto on yesterday’s post and today’s. I never realized what 0 degrees felt like day after day. My poor dog begs to take a long walk and I end up carrying him because his feet are so cold he starts to limp and he will not wear the booties I bought for him. Long walks are too cold for me too so we’ll both have to survive until it warms up.
    I cannot watch or read about what is happening to our country. It’s sickening. The monks walking are my light. The closer they get to DC the more I worry and pray for them.

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      January 30, 2026 at 4:06 pm

      Thanks, Betsy.

      Stay safe.

      Reply
  8. jeanie says

    February 1, 2026 at 10:54 am

    We’re in the same weather boat. -6 this morning.

    I love the feather tree by the window. It’s just charming there! Have a creative afternoon!

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      February 1, 2026 at 4:26 pm

      Thanks so much, Jeanie.

      Stay safe.

      Reply
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Welcome!

Welcome!

I live in a little cottage in the country with my husband. It's a sweet place, sheltered by old trees and surrounded by gardens. The inside is full of the things we love. I love to write, I love my camera, I love creating, I love gardening. My decorating style is eclectic; full of vintage and a bit of whimsy.

I've worked in the theater for more years than I can count. I'm currently a voice, speech, dialect and text coach freelancing on Broadway, off Broadway, and in regional theater.

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