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Morning, Folks! The sun may be slow getting up, but it’s here—and so are we!
Well, first off, let me tell ya, folks—it was so cold this morning, I had to wrestle with my long Johns just to get ’em on. Haven’t worn those in a while, but when you step outside and your nose hairs freeze faster than you can say “Jack Frost,” it’s time to layer up. The temperature climbing out of bed this morning was a bone-chilling -31.4°C, which, for my friends south of the border, is a frosty -24.52°F. Coldest morning we’ve had here in Port Loring in a few years, and let me tell you, it didn’t disappoint. I even caught the squirrels and birds holding little campfires under the trees.
Now, for today’s weather report. Today, we’re looking at mostly clear skies, with the sun doing its best to shine but not offering much in the way of heat. Highs will struggle to climb to around -18°C (or just about 0°F for those keeping score). Wind chill? Let’s just say if you spit, it’ll hit the ground frozen solid.
Tonight, we’re in for another doozy, with lows dropping back down to around -28°C (-18°F). It’s the kind of cold where even your thoughts freeze before you can think ’em. Best to keep the firewood handy and the coffee pot full—you’re gonna need both.
And as for tomorrow, there’s a bit of hope on the horizon. Temperatures might crawl their way up to a balmy -15°C (5°F), but don’t get too excited—it’s still colder than a well digger’s boots. Keep your hat on, your scarf wrapped tight, and your sense of humor close by.
Highway 522 is snow-covered in a lot of spots, with some icy patches sprinkled in for good measure—kind of like Mother Nature’s version of a slip-and-slide. Not much anyone or anything can do about that in these temperatures, let me tell ya! Even the road salt throws in the towel when it’s this cold. If you’re out and about, take ‘er slow and steady; no need to set any land-speed records today.
While walking to my woodworking shop I even saw a couple of deer braving the highway this morning, heads down, tails up, probably wondering why they didn’t migrate south with the birds. Can’t say I blame ’em. I stopped so I wouldn’t scare them—they gave me a look that said, “Thanks, but you’re still crazy for being out here.”
And as for the locals, well, it’s a mixed bag. Some folks are hunkered down by the woodstove, probably throwing another log on and wondering if it’s worth stepping outside for anything short of an emergency. Others are bundled up like Eskimos, trudging through the snow like it’s just another day in paradise. You can always tell who’s lived here their whole life—they’re the ones standing in the middle of it all, chatting away about how this is nothing compared to the winter of ’78.
So, if you’ve got errands to run, be sure to dress for the occasion. The cold doesn’t care if you’re local or just passing through—it’s an equal-opportunity frostbite giver. Stay safe out there, folks, and if you don’t have to go anywhere, well, that’s what a good book and a hot cup of coffee are for!
On another note, I didn’t spend much time in the old woodworking shop yesterday. My wife and I brought in the new Yellow Pine Harvest Table I made for her, and let me tell you, it’s sitting proud in our home now. Looks like it was made for the occasion—well, truth be told, it was. We couldn’t be happier with how it turned out. There’s just something about seeing a piece you’ve worked on find its place that warms a feller’s heart, even in this cold.
Later today, I’ll snap a picture and let you all have a look-see. Still need to find the perfect knob for the drawer, though—a detail my little woman has a sharp eye for. Funny thing is, I’ve got over a hundred knobs in my stash—round ones, square ones, knobs that could double as doorstops—but not a single one passes her approval. So, once the shop warms up a touch, I’ll be digging through my collection again. If I strike out, I guess we’ll hunt one down at Home Depot the next time we head to the big city for groceries and other necessities.
But for now, the table’s sitting there looking pretty, just like it’s always belonged. We even gave it a proper welcome—had our lunch on it yesterday, followed by a game of crib. I think the table brought me luck, though my wife says otherwise. Either way, it’s already making itself at home.
What will old GW be up to today? Well, with it being so damn cold outside, you can bet it won’t involve anything out there—that’s for certain. I’m not about to risk freezing my mustache off! Instead, I’ll see if I can tidy up the woodworking shop a bit later and maybe unearth that elusive knob for the drawer. It’s got to be in there somewhere… unless it ran off to warmer weather.
After that, I’ll settle in here at the computer and tackle some editing on the videos I made while building the Harvest Table. Like I’ve said more times than I can count: “It takes just as long to edit the videos as it does to make the table.” We’ll see how far I get with that today—though knowing me, I might end up distracted by something else along the way.
With all that information filtering through your mind, I’m off to enjoy the breakfast my lovely wife has whipped up for me—along with our regular hot cup of cocoa. On a day as cold as this one, that cocoa will be a welcome hug in a mug, let me tell ya. She always knows just how to start the day off right, and I count myself lucky every morning for it.
You all have a great day!
Until next time—keep your minds open and your stories alive! GW