Remember the children’s story about the sun and the cold wind and the bet they had? An old man was trudging down the road in the wintertime and the wind, boisterous and braggy, bet the sun that he could blow the old man’s coat off whereas the sun didn’t have that power. So, he blew and puffed and did his best, and the old man just pulled his coat tighter, hunkered down, and walked on. 
When the wind got tired, the sun took over. He smiled at the old man, beamed his brightest and warmed him so much that the man took off his coat. The weatherman says extremely cold weather is coming. I was thinking we’d better be sure our coats and scarves are handy and not count too much on the sun.
When I was a child and cold weather was on the way, the pigs would start carrying sticks to their beds to make them warmer. The cows and horse might be extra frisky. For example, a cold day was not a good day to ride Chappo. He would get mighty spirited when the temperature dropped.
Today, I don’t have to go to the woodpile and lug in a big supply of wood against the coming snow. I don’t have to be sure the animals are all well supplied with hay and shelter. Instead of pigs running around to build their beds, watch the people in grocery stores. If the stores are crowded with those who buy enough to stock several blizzards, you know a cold snap is on the way.
Do be certain you have enough books on hand. Especially cozy mysteries. A good book, a warm fire, a hot cup of coffee–those are the supplies that can combat any arctic blast. Happy reading!
Stay warm. Loved this.
Thanks, Susan. Yes, I’ll light the fireplace and stay nice and comfortable. I just hope we don’t get ice. It does so much harm to trees and is impossible to walk or drive on. You stay well and safe too.