We’ve had cold spells before, in February, but they were not long lasting. I feel like we are in a cold spell suck hole – this one has been going on for a few weeks, and according the handy dandy weather map, there is no end in sight. I suppose it’s all relative, ants and uncles included, as to what a cold snap entails. Up in Fairbanks our weather would be considered to be balmy. They’d break out the beach chairs and umbrellas, put on the flip flops, and soak up the sun’s rays. We who are wimps huddle around heaters and woodstoves. Seat heaters, heated steering wheels, and block heaters are a must-have.

Picking up poop

The odd thing is, people are not complaining about this. I think most are glad that the sun is shining.

Me, I am seriously put out about this. Pete isn’t here – he’s in Juneau, hanging out in warm environs, this including a hotel.

I came in from being outside – the house was cold because in my absence the stove had gone out – and I was stoking the stove when he called and said that we had a class zoom meeting. I about burst into tears because all the animal’s water containers had frozen solid, and I had not gotten any of them out. So I instead had to hang out as Pete, from his cozy room in Juneau, held academic court.

The class guest speaker did not appear on the screen – Pete winged it very well. After, I went to turn on the generator and discovered that it isn’t working. Oh oh. I think that the problem is the generator is out of gas. I checked, there is not enough gas in the shed. I have enough water on hand for me and the animals to last until Pete gets home tomorrow evening. The handle on the wood stove isn’t working either. It’s impossible to close the door. If Pete’s flight is cancelled, I’ll call around and see if someone can give me a hand getting the generator going.

At times like this, I wonder why we live like this. This cabin is cold and drafty, and when the wind blows the cold air swirls around my feet. And at the same time, I can smell the cold air.

We did want to live this way. However, I had no idea that living this way would be so taxing. I felt, as I hauled water down to the horses and hauled manure up the hill, as though I was moving in slow motion.

And at the same time, the BLBP board expects me to be thinking clearly and consistent in my decision-making process. Because I have never before held a management position, I am sometimes inconsistent.

I have come to a few conclusions about things in the past few hours, one of which is that (as I call it) Facebook is a piss poor advertising tool. Our best advertising tool is us. Me, I write articles and give stump speeches. Now the youngers think that my lack of interest in Facebook has to do with my ineptitude. I think it has to do with my higher than average social acuity.

I must deal. I must deal. I must deal. This is my mantra for now.

Next: 26. 1/26/24: The Ice Age