All Tucked in for an Ice Storm!

It is raining. The rain is freezing. The steps are frozen, and the driveway is quickly freezing over.

We've done our "In Case We Have an Ice Storm" shopping in nearby Kilmichael and Winona. Actually Gordon called back from Winona earlier this afternoon to report some early freezing precipitation.

We have a big slow cooker of venison chili simmering, tantalizing the dogs and Gordon every time the lid is lifted to give it a stir.  *grin*

We've checked the propane tanks to be sure we have enough propane to heat the buildings.  The water is dripping.  We sure don't want any repeats of recent water adventures!  Phew!

Fresh batteries are in all the flashlights.  The kerosene lamps stay ready for extended power outages, but we've checked on them anyway and "eyeballed" the candles and matches.

Here in the isolation of the farm, our winter storm preparation is a well-practiced routine.

From this picture you can see that we need to trim our wicks. This is one of two old kerosene lamps used by my Great Grandmother and probably her father. 

I have fond memories of extended winter power outages and ice storms here  on the farm.  We only get a pretty ice storm every five or six years.  We are overdue by several years. 

Yes, Unc usually has to walk the 3.5 miles to town and 3.5 miles back to the farm in order to get the newspaper he and Mama MUST have. Yes, we usually lose phone and electricity for a day or two. Yes, I usually fall a few times on my rumpus from slippery icy patches while I'm out taking photos of the magical winter wonderland that appears when the sun comes out.

Gordon has yet to experience Mississippi when the dense trees shimmer with diamonds, and the woods crackle from breaking branches and falling icicles.  It will be different from the ice storms he knows from growing up in Texas.

Gordon brought home 3:10 to Yuma with Russell Crowe to help me feel better.  Yes, I'm enjoying the THIRD round of stomach virus, beginning last night.  Weight loss is good, but not like this! Russell should be a good tonic!