“Deep Freeze 2021” continues outside — 9° F. this morning. The power companies in Texas are practicing rolling blackouts with 45-60 minutes off, 45-60 minutes on, at least for those of us on rural electric. Those in large cities seem to only have power if they happen to be on the same grid as hospitals and other emergency locations. And states north of us are much colder with wicked wind chills. Here in our barn, we are thankful for warmth, well water when the electricity is on, and a gas stove that works on propane (and our tank is full).
My favorite tea infuser’s holes were clogged with tea stains, impeding tea brewing. Normally I would soak it in white vinegar but that wasn’t working anymore. I was about to give up on it when Bill tried one of his Polident denture tablets — and it is shiny clean again! This morning’s Earl Grey steeped to a lovely rich flavor.
Great tip for cleaning out the tea infusers! Please thank Bill for me.
ReplyDeleteHope your weather gets back to something more normal for you soon. Stay warm!
Hi, Diane! Our temperatures are hovering in the thirties now; still on rolling blackouts but with longer periods of “on”. Our kids living SW of Houston and N of Austin lost power completely for a few days, but both have it now. What an adventure!
DeleteWhat a terrible state of affairs. It has made the news here in Australia, but only becomes real when you hear it from someone you know. I can see now online that is is still happening and some terrible stories. stay safe and warm
ReplyDeleteThis online community is amazing, being able to keep up with dear friends all over the world! I’m surprised Texas’ winter blast made the news there.
DeleteToday is a much more normal winter day for us (highs around 76° F and lows 43° F). The snow has melted and folks are dealing with the aftermath. Bill and I built our barn-house according to Kansas standards with good insulation and protected pipes. Unfortunately, our daughter’s farmhouse was not. Bill and Michael (son-in-law) are still waiting for parts to fix the rest of their leaks from frozen pipes.
Our newly planted fruit trees are probably lost but we can replant. Surprisingly I forgot to bring in my potted bay leaf tree I grow for cooking yet it survived, as did the rosemary. The outside cat and donkeys went a bit berserk, wondering where their world went to, while the goats just hid out in their shelter. The cow LOVED the cold and snow, but she’s a long-haired British breed.