It\’s been so cold here, I almost feel that I can step outside at night and view the Northern Lights. Unfortunately we\’re too far South here to see them; but all the same, my place feels like an igloo. I even wonder whether an igloo would be warmer!

Last night it got colder than ever. The overnight low was all of 29 degrees; and we\’re lucky that the wind has fallen to near-calm. When there\’s a strong wind, the cold gets driven into my abode; and of course I get a nasty headwind for part of my ride. And no Northern Lights to help take my mind off the cold!

It\’s also lucky that the weather has cleared up. When the sun is out, cold weather is a tiny bit more bearable; and that makes it a little easier to get out there on the bike!

Today\’s ride was a short one. I got to my usual pit-stop point, and discovered that the restrooms were padlocked shut. There was a sign there saying that the restrooms were closed because of the freezing temperatures. I didn\’t know where else I might find a restroom; and it\’s lucky that I didn\’t really have to \”go\”.

There was no point in riding any farther; so I headed back home. I was a real slowpoke today, even though there wasn\’t much wind. Cold weather makes me feel stiff; unenergetic; and tired. I rode miles before I began to feel warmed up.

All those layers probably didn\’t help. Slacks worn over leg warmers

somewhat hamper my legs\’ movement; and I don\’t know why I didn\’t think to wear thermal socks. I did wear double socks, including one pair of merino socks; but my poor feet quickly became cold.

Back Home

Once back home, I downed my recovery drink; and then got busy cooking. I made squashed sauce; and used up a jar of spaghetti sauce that I got at the salvage store. The squash and onion had been in the fridge; and it was amazing just how hard it was to chop them. I was standing right in front of my heater; but even so, my hands were stiff and clumsy from the cold. Handling cold veggies only made my hands clumsier; and I was relieved to get the task finished.

Lunch was squashed sauce over hominy. I got the hominy at the salvage store as a \”just to try it\” purchase; and it was immediately clear that hominy is better mixed with other things. It has little flavor of its own!

I wish I could call on the Northern Lights to get my laundry done for me.

It\’s quite a nuisance doing laundry at any time; but when it\’s as cold as it is today, it\’s even harder. But I loathe having to go to the laundromat; so I\’ve just got to do the washing at home.

It will be cold again tonight; and rain is on the radar for tomorrow night. I wouldn\’t be able to see the Northern Lights even if we weren\’t too far South.