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Checking to see if my daughter’s connection flight is on time. Have to leave for the airport. Taking the dog along for the ride!

Talk to everyone soon. Wishing everyone the very merriest holiday regardless of the bitter cold weather!
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Oh my!

Not to long ago we had a a 76 yo woman attacked with a iron pipe to steal a pizza.

The world is going crazy!
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ITRR,

I agree. The crimes that are committed are totally disgraceful and disgusting.

I have to run along for now. My daughter’s flight is amazingly only about a half hour behind schedule. Not bad, considering all of the mayhem at the airports!
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Hooray, NHWM! Hope daughter is no worse for the wear. What a stressful trip for her! Enjoy!
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Our generator kicked on while we were sleeping, but I heard it. I ventured out in 12° weather to get us groceries and dinner. This NE girl was cold!
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Barb: Sorry to hear of the Covid.
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Need: Hope that DD has arrived safely.
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Thanks all, for the support and advice. Having chosen to live without electricity or plumbing for 5 yrs in my youth, I'm pretty much able to cope with 62 F in the home (it's 2100 squ feet of living space). I've always lived in the US northern tree belt and have always had a wood stove, wouldn't dream of living up north without one. We didn't buy more firewood this fall, not realizing how far this furnace would decline nor how quickly.

This undersized boiler system was installed under Low Income Heating Assistance which our household no longer qualifies for and the community agency and company both brushed off all of our reports with: "It was done to specs." which it certainly wasn't and we cannot afford the thousands needed to replace it. Since I paid $400. 12/1 to get it running, one of two water circulating pipes has literally melted. I'm now working with state bldg code inspections and enforcement and will be working with them to obtain replacement funds from the company's bond; plumbers have to post a 25k one for situations like this. The State ppl have been amazingly responsive; I've emailed pics of the pump and opinions of 2 heating companies for backup. I'll be back on the phone with them next week.

No danger of explosion due to safety features and it's in a separate, built-on utility porch and well-vented.

We def layer clothes and have a collection of thick woolen Pendleton blankets that are invaluable in winter. Kids have sheepskin lined slippers, warm pjs and cozy robes. We all have the required winter gear.

Compared with what so many millions in the US alone are going through, we're on easy street. So many southern regions with freezing temps and zero ability to cope, no power, no adequate heating systems, no gov capacity to clear roads, etc. And then I think of war-torn regions and the people suffering; it makes me realize how lucky we truly are.

NeedHelp, It takes about 20-30 mins to warm up the cars in subzero temps, if they start! I keep my own battery jumper charged so I never need to call for that help. Nothing mechanical is designed to work properly in these temps, except maybe at the poles.

If nothing else, we can always cook a stew on top of the woodstove with the remaining wood (I get nervous when we have below 1/4 cord) and even cook my traditional steamed Christmas pudding atop the stove, if needs be. We're far better prepared for the weather that is gripping the nation and so many holiday travelers are stranded in airports. My family is able to get cozy and comfortable, it just all falls to my daughter, all the 'guy stuff' work that I did for many decades.

I do try to count my blessings, but just had to gripe because we're due for a break. I used to pray for strength but I no longer do so because I'm tried and tested and need no more tests and trials, just a let-up for awhile, even just a little while.

Everyone stay safe and warm and I hope all of your families are fairing alright as this front sweeps across the country. Let's all send up our prayers for those in need, and surviving in impossible and dangerous circumstances.

Blessed Holidays -
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It was like zero this morning here in the Wash DC area. We both are from upstate New York so we grew up in this type of weather. Time to put on shoes and a sweater !!

Hubby went outside to start up his Jeep but the key wouldn't open the door. He wasn't a happy camper. I just rolled my eyes and pointed to him the other Jeep in the garage that he walked past to get outside. Apparently this weather also causes brain-freeze :P
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We picked up daughter last night. She was glad that she went to visit her friend but said that she will not be returning to Iowa in the winter! She was exhausted.

She said that it was cold even inside the Cedar Rapids airport. Dallas was comfortable inside their airport though.

Her pooch was so happy to see her!

She said that the weather was so cold and windy in Cedar Rapids, that when she went to fill up her rental car with gas, she almost blew away!

Stay safe in this weather everyone and have a Merry Christmas 🎄!
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Not at all surprised that she is exhausted. Just the winds alone, will exhaust one. Happy to hear she is home safely.
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FF try rubbing alcohol in that jeep lock.
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Luta,

Sounds like you are well acclimated to the elements! Me? I would be freezing my tail off! LOL 😆

Once I complained to my friend that moved here to New Orleans from Minnesota about being cold and she said that she wanted to slap me! LOL 😆

She quickly informed me that I knew nothing about being cold. I laughed and told her that she was right.

She said that I would never survive a Minnesota winter. Once again, she was correct!
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My daughter said that when she was visiting with her friends in Iowa that they had a gathering in which they all wore ugly Christmas sweaters.

I think it’s funny how ‘ugly sweaters’ became a trend for the holiday season.

I looked up ugly Christmas sweaters online just for fun. It’s a big thing! I guess that I am out of the loop (as my daughters tell me) because I don’t own any ugly sweaters. 😁 I’m the person that buys a ‘pretty’ holiday outfit to wear.

I even saw an online shop that was featured on Shark Tank. I still am not convinced to buy an ugly Christmas sweater!

Do any of you wear ugly Christmas sweaters? 😊
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Gotta have an ugly Christmas sweater! I entered a drawing for one on Screwball Whiskey's FB page! A very good and very trendy whiskey, made with peanut butter!

Be careful of those sites that claim they are Shark Tank winners! Many of them are not! Look for the list of actual appearances and winners on Shark Tank's actual website.
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Glad,

My daughter says it’s fun seeing all of the quirky sweaters. And she is Miss fashionista! But at Christmas she will adorn an ugly Christmas sweater.

My oldest daughter will buy the funny Christmas tee shirt because of our warm climate. It’s not always cold enough for a sweater here!
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Found TipsyElves which sounds like it would be great for CW today!I

Not sure if the site a real or not based on this YouTube video.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=fr54GKh7haM

Found the entire pitch and deal
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=pbcrnXWpJuE

The third product on this video.
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Glad,

Cute! I can see elves getting a little tipsy this time of year. 😊
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Glad,

Yep, some people want to ride on Shark Tank’s tail. Sadly, there are scammers everywhere.

I enjoy watching Shark Tank occasionally. Some people are incredibly creative.

I have always been amazed at trends though. You know, like the woman who did Topsy Tail years ago! LOL 😆 Those products don’t stick around. It’s a quick money grab. Worked for her!

Some are flukes! Like the guy who invented the Space Walk and he’s still going strong! Or one of my childhood favorites, Slinky! His wife thought it was a dumb idea. He showed her!

I like when they do follow ups on Shark Tank. That woman who invented the stool that sits by the toilet made a fortune! What’s the name of that thing? Potty Squatty or something like that.
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Im feeling for Luta today! In a much smaller way. Our bedroom/rec room level was all toasty this morning, but when I hit the main level it was only 63. We got a nest,, I hate that thing,, but turns out the problem seems to be the second heat pump for the main level travels under the uninsulated part of our house, and the heat can;t make it in this cold. I started the fireplace,, and when hubs got up he brought the Amish heaters down! Its warm in here now,, but boy oh boy was it a worry. At least the bedrooms and rec room is warm. So we won;t freeze tomorrow when company arrives. Oh and Chloe jumped Bella and possibley broke her tail.. off to the vet Monday if it doesn't seem better, She is able to move it , but she squeaks if you touch it. What next? I am afraid to ask.
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Lots of holiday plans are out the window - in my part of the world whole counties have closed roads and people have been stranded, and out in AB nephew #2's fiancée has had her car break down (fortunately at a safe place) and he will have to go rescue her, but not til he has a day off on Monday.
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Luta -thx for the explanation. Unexpected things do happen. I understand the oil lamps, outhouses and wood fires thing. You can be quite cozy Glad everyone is warm and hope you get the needed repairs done without too much fuss. And also hope you have no more emergencies before your surgery.

Pam - Oh no you too!!! Glad you have some warm places in your house Hope Bella gets better.

cw - so true. R's oldest dd just came down with covid and is quite sick and she is a single mum with 2 young boys. It's good your nephew's fiancée broke down in a safe place. It was dangerously cold here the last few days.

No whine from me this time. All is quiet on the (north) western front.
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Ho Ho Ho. I woke up to a chilly house, the snow had covered the furnace vent. Thankfully that was easy to fix!
I'm sending out a wish for some Peace and Joy to all my friends here.
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cw - Great that it was an easy fix. Stay warm!!! Peace and joy to you too!
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Air travel still one heck of a mess all over the country! Many had to cancel trips.
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Hope everyone survived the cold and snow and house malfunctions.

I don't know where to put this, and it is not something I am happy about so here goes.

Got a call from sig other yesterday and he is booked in for another MRI and a biopsy as his PSA is higher than it should be and his brother had prostate cancer. His last MRI was on his shoulder and showed a torn rotator cuff and another very painful torn muscle under his shoulder blade thanks to a vehicle accident a while ago all of which he probably needs surgery for.. Of course, he doesn't let that stop him working. Also he is getting prepared for a complex knee surgery which should have been done years ago. All of this and we are trying to sort out the move. I would appreciate prayers that his biopsy is negative and that we get the things done like the condo flooring without any more hitches. Two days of him up here will get the rest of the house repairs done or I may have to hire someone here to do it. I sure hope he doesn't need more surgery. Dd is just recovering from her treatments. Don't want another year like that!
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Oh no, Golden! Hope all will go well. Hugs.
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I’m so sorry, Golden. I’m at a loss for words because this is so hard for both of you. The ‘wait and see’ is so frustrating and difficult. Hoping for the very best outcome for both of you. Will say extra prayers.
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Golden, May The Lord God Almighty move on the scene and heal your hubbies body. May the tests all come back negative. May you both receive strength, peace and comfort as you travel this road and may you both be richly blessed.

Great big warm hug!
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Prayers Golden.
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