Winter surely began early this year – the first of December and has stuck around. With four low pressure systems marching across the Canadian Border and three swirling in from lower California, it is little wonder that the upper part of the US has endured storm after storm after storm. We’ve had a share of ice this December, although not as much as last year. The ice line has moved about 100 miles north in many years and now covers about half to a third of Iowa.
From 4 p.m. Saturday until 7 a.m. today temperatures dropped quickly. From about 24 degrees to the low teens in about 90 minutes as a front whipped in. Then, on down to – 8 temperatures. Last night was a “three-hinge night” (Those of you who know “Three-Dog Night” the meaning behind the band’s name, understand). Even now, at 3 p.m., two of the hinges on the back door are still frozen. Rich remembered the years in the 1980s when frost came through the nails in the wall! One Christmas temperatures fell to -20s and for the first time I remember, church services were canceled.
We have bought a little warmer for the bunnies. While the “little ones” don’t seem to mind going out and digging, Daisy is less than enthused. She has rather thin fur compared to the other two and doesn’t have a bunny friend to snuggle with. So, maybe this heater will help on these bitter days.
The turkeys have been to the feeder a lot and a beautiful Carolina Wren – russet sides and a creamy eye line – parked on the suet for several minutes eating quickly.
