The Texas cold blast

As many of you have heard Texas is one of many states getting the latest cold blast.

It is true ERCOT ( Electrical Reliability Council of Texas ) let Texas down and many of us lost power for us that meant we also lost water due to the water well being electric. We are all electric so there were no backup cooking options unless you wanted to try the gas grill in the freezing temperatures.

We were only without power for 24 hrs our house quickly went to 48 degrees. With a generator, we were able to keep one room at 62.5 degrees with the doors closed and a space heater. We could watch the regular channels on tv to keep up with the weather. We stayed under about 6 blankets and doubled layers of clothing.

We had some snow but very little. Just very cold temperatures 14 degrees F. being our lowest.

Now it’s Friday we still have power but no water. The water well broke some parts. We have had no water since Monday. So you have to get resourceful.

You find someone nearby with water and fill large containers for flushing the toilet, washing hands. If you need a bath you heat water and take a quick wash rag bath. Washing your hair is a bit more challenge it takes two people to not drown yourself. We heated water to wash dishes it works just a bit primative.

Lessons we have learned this time.

We will be getting more insulation blown into the house in the next couple of weeks for a cost of $1500.00. We are looking at buying a whole house generator that runs off propane for $10,000 the propane would mean not hunting for gasoline. Nothing else here is propane but it’s a good plan. Our oldest son Joshua has a friend who sells the whole house generators and so far I know of 5 people who are interested in purchasing one. We are all hoping he can work out a bulk purchase.

This is so rare for the Texas Gulf Coast most winters here we go without a freeze sometimes we get a few hours one night of a freeze but never 5-6 days of cold weather. We lost a lot of plants, lots of garden vegetables and other plants. Most things will come back but it just takes time.

We had enough food to get through the storm and the stuff in the fridge never got below 37 degrees because of the cold house so we did not lose it. We never opened the freezer.

Last night we got creative-made burgers on the grill wrapped them in lettuce added mayonnaise, tomato and we were good to go. We have been out of bread for three days.

All our pets were in the house and glad to get the heat back on again.

We are safe, warm and most of all counting our blessings. Life is Good!