11.15.2018

Today was all about getting ready for the impending storm.  We're still unsure about Jim's car status but for now he needed to get the other 4Runner inspected and situated with insurance for the winter.  We're hoping not to use it - it's never seen salt so the undercarriage is still in great shape and Jim would like to keep it that way.  First, he had to make the trip out to the DMV and turn in the plates on the old 4Runner for now.  He stopped at the local garage to see if they could inspect the car; they couldn't do it right then but told Jim to come back at 2:00.  Which he did - that car passed the inspection so at least we are good with Plan B.

Once Jim got home, it was time to get ready for the storm.  If we get as much as they are predicting (8" with possibility of a foot), everything will be covered so Jim had to make sure the entire area was free of shingles, wood, any obstacles that could potentially get caught in the snowblower blades.  He loaded up all the shingles on a pallet and moved them up the hill.

Then he had to move all the siding pieces (one at a time!) into the pole barn.  To prepare for possible wind, he had to tie them to the sides of the barn.

Unfortunately, the temperatures have been so cold that the ground is now frozen and icy in spots, including all frozen inside the barn.  Jim was hoping to get dirt all smooth and gravel down so that he could fill it up.  But that's not looking like it will happen, so that's frustrating.  Jim will probably move some things into the back of the truck for now.  He says he feels like he spends half his time moving things from one spot to another - a necessary, but frustrating, evil!

At the end of the day, the calm before the storm, were ready.  Everything is clear in front of the house, Jim got diesel fuel and filled up the Bobcat, attached the snowblower and it's sitting inside the barn.

The temperatures have gotten cold so quickly too that Jim is still not 100% confident with the heating system nor the amount of propane we're using.  He continues to monitor everything and raises temps a bit in the workshop or stairwell when necessary or just to keep a little heat going through the Pex.

High 27/Low 22 - winter storm warning