The Birth of A New Year

This is what popped up this morning:

What a way to start 2018. It wasn't bad enough that it hit -18 check out that wind chill temperature of NEGATIVE 36! This was actual temperatures in Galesburg, IL where Karin works. We had -16 here (much warmer) The family in Gulf Shores ended up celebrating new years eve in a couple different places. Beth hosted a big party for the younger children with games and crafts. 

Once this party was over the older people went to Rachel's to continue to celebrate the ending of 2017 and the beginning of 2018. I haven't seen any pictures yet, she posted a video on Facebook though, if you would like to see that just look up Rachel Sauder. Even though it was terribly cold this morning and continues to be below zero today all the chores were done. The 3 weanlings had to be brought inside as their waterer was frozen. EllaSky and EasterBonnet were put in one of the big foaling stalls with 2 heated water buckets while Envy was put in the other foaling stall with 1 heated water bucket then the camera's turned on. We will probably keep them in for the rest of today and tonight as we are not going to make it above zero today and it is predicted to drop down to -16 again tonight with a high of 0 tomorrow.  Mark got the tractor started and we moved a round bale into the paddock next to Evan's as that automatic waterer is working well. The weanlings can be moved into that once it warms up a bit. Valiant's is also still open. 

We ran out of cat food this morning so Mark borrowed some from the Reinhard's to feed Rhonda's cats. I used the last of our cat food for the barn cats today. Tomorrow I'll have to head to Big R's tomorrow for cat food and Aldi for human food.
Some of our family is heading home today from Gulf Shores. It sure is hard to leave the warmth and come home to this deep freeze. Anna posted the picture below:

They are not only bringing home their 3 girls they also have Anni and her dog Chewy. Poor Chewy having to ride with 3 dog loving girls.
I spent the afternoon making a big pot of chili and another big pot full of creamy chicken and wild rice soup. We had one for lunch and will have the other for dinner. The chili will be served tomorrow for the Berean meal and the soup will be divided up and frozen for the future.
The video below was posted in 2011 and is such a touching poem: