Ode to Warm Things

It is 15 outside this morning. According to our outdoor thermometer it is 15. The chicken's water froze solid and it took boiling water to break it apart. I meant to empty it last night before bed but forgot. Glad it's a galvanized waterer. I don't go for plastics. I got an egg this morning too and quickly took it from under Fuzztop before it froze too. Although, under Fuzztop, it would have a hard time freezing, the hens have their own lil heating systems going on. I have to remind friends (and myself) who worry about them in this weather that they are not mammals.  They are sheltered, have a heat lamp and corn so they are okay.

I am surprisingly okay as well because I discovered a perfectly warm ensemble that allows me to linger outdoors longer than I ever thought possible.  It's leather over wool over wool over cashmere over thermal, a wool hat, scarf,  jeans and double socks.  The leather coat was originally Cecil's and she got it when she was in high school. It's a classic motorcycle jacket, a good looking jacket and extremely warm. Warmer than any leather coat I have ever had.  I traded my mint, vintage Pendleton  49er for this jacket. At the time I wasn't sure I was making the right decision. It was not easy to finally find a 49er in excellent condition and then have it fit me so well. I may look silly stepping out of a car in  this but it's the warmest thing I own so I love it.  I never feel the cold in it and to think I nearly took it to Buffalo Exchange in September thinking I would never need it.

Today I am thankful that I collect warm things. Today I am not a crazy Texan who wastes her money on wool clothing.  I am so loving my collection of cowichans and uber fuzzy alpaca sweaters.  Today I feel so smart that I didn't pass on the opportunity to purchase a wool robe a few years back. It's so cozy, it's just sooooooooo cozy! I'll also confess that I own a small collection of vintage Pendleton  shirts that I just adore. I collected all these things because they were cute and very well made and a bit exotic since this is Austin,TX.  Sure the 104 degree days of this past summer had me piling all my woolies into bags to haul down to Goodwill.  I was really going to do it but Mr C. convinced me to hold on to them.  I am glad he did and I am glad I listened because now that El Nino has returned, I can  finally wear them again! Even if it's for just for a few hours. I'll take what I can get to rationalize my collection of warm things. So uh, yeah, call me if you need some errands done because I feel like a polar bear.

Update: got two more eggs...