Those who follow us on Facebook (Hailey Merriland if you are looking for us) will have seen us complaining about the cold. Above is the forecast, in celsius, for the next week. If you don't know Celsius: -15 is 5F and -27 is -17 F (and these are warmer then it has been, it has been as cold as -37C/-34F). While these are not uncommon in our winter, it is a little early for a season for this cold. It is usually a week in January that is bitter. The one good thing about it being really cold is that it rarely snows. You will see they are calling for a lot of snow next week (20 cm = 7 inches) when it 'warms up' a little.
My test for how long I think it is safe to be outside is two fold. First, how long until the hairs in my nose freeze (one morning it was under 30 seconds). Second, how long until one of the dogs is three-legged dogging it (this afternoon we got to 2.5 minutes)
These are the tricks to survive this cold:
-Count the number of winters until retirement (12) and know you won't have to live with this forever!
-Drink lots of hot drinks, especially hot chocolate with Baileys, Creme du menthe, Creme du Cocoa, and/or Maple Cream.
-Snuggle by the fire
-Wear warm clothes indoors and out. There is no judging others fashion when it is this cold. You wear what you need to to stay warm. We tend to judge those not appropriately dressed!
-Don't plan on doing anything outside for any length of time. It has been so cold they have closed outdoor skating rinks!
-Give the pups puzzles and play other mentally challenging activities like 'find it' and accept they may be a little restless but there is nothing you can do. Even in coats, pants and boots, it is not safe to be outside for very long. Any exposed skin is at danger of getting frostbite.
-Go outside a little more often but for very short periods of time. I think the max in one trip has been 5 minutes.
-Phod suggests laying right down in the snow when your paws get too cold. After a few minutes you will be ready to race back to the house.
Stay warm dear friends!
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| Not taken this week as it is too cold to take the camera out! |
We aren't quite as cold as you but we are close. Our mom puts booties on us when we have to go out to do our business because otherwise we become "three legged dogs" too.
ReplyDeleteIt's cold here too. Our new years celebration has been downsized (as it has in Ottawa) because of it.
ReplyDeleteIt's been very cold here too, but not as cold as you guys have it! I've been going out in the backyard for shorter times because it's too cold for my feet. We keep the birdie feeders full so that they get enough to eat to stay warm.
ReplyDeleteHave a Happy New Year!
Hari OM
ReplyDeleteWe are getting some the polar freeze, too. However, only to half what you are getting. Still bally cold. Sending warm hugs. YAM xx
Great tips. Although Gail claims you don't have to wait for temperatures that cold to enjoy hot chocolate with Bailey's and dress unfashionably...
ReplyDeleteToodle pip!
Bertie.
OMCs................I'm shivering...
ReplyDeleteI cannot even imagine those temps...I'a frozen teardrop at 20 F.
Hugs HiC
I can't even begin to imagine the cold you are experiencing. The coldest I have been in is -5. We don't have the extreme temperatures in New Zealand. Having said that, we have had over 40C in December.
ReplyDeleteWe cannot even imagine that cold! Feeling a bit chilly in a summer nighty with the door open and it's 17°C! Keep warm!
ReplyDeleteWow, we thought it was cold here...but you got us beat! Brrrrrr....
ReplyDeleteWe like winter and snow but those temps are NOT fun. Stay warm and safe, guys!
ReplyDeleteAnd we thought it was cold here - we are bitter but not that bitter. Very little outside time for us even though we are the Northern breed. Mom won't take a chance. Stay warm.
ReplyDeleteWoos - Lightning, Misty, and Timber
Can I add one? Go to a 2nd floor window or a high deck with a container of boiling water. Toss it into the air, and video as it turns instantly to snow! It's entertaining :)
ReplyDeleteWe have one stretch that cold every winter... and it's really hard when it goes on and on and on like yours. Hang in there. I love your suggestions. Our pups do well with boots, and can stay out for a fairly long time if they are running the whole time. I wear a million layers and leave only a small area on my face open to the air (so that I can see). I take selfies throughout the time that we're outside to make sure that I'm not getting frostbite on my face.
We're thinking of you!
BRRRR!
ReplyDeleteWe are having a warm spell in the 40's but it is supposed to get cold again. We are hoping for no sub zero temps this year
ReplyDeletehugs
Hazel & Mabel
It's cold here too, but I'm going to stop complaining because I see your forecast. It reminds me of our days in Alaska. I also remember when our temps were like yours, and when it would "warm up" to zero, and we felt like it was a heatwave. Stick to your well thought out plan, and hope for "global warming!" :-)!!!!
ReplyDeletePS: You mentioned, facebook, so I sent a friend request... Kim W.... :-)
YIKES!!! I'll stop complaining now. Stay warm and have a nice warm beverage for me. In fact, make it a double!
ReplyDelete