Mark arrived safely Thursday evening at 6:30.  Rain changing to snow was predicted but thankfully it never happened and he didn't run into any weather problems.  Friday we ran to Ingles for snacking foods and whatever else he needed while visiting us.  I made a warm red lentil soup with a little chopped kale.  Delicious with a crusty bread.  I'm taking care of the neighbors chickens while they are visiting family in Ohio.  This has been the worst cold spell we've ever been through in December.  Mark helped me thaw out the chickens' water container and collect eggs.  We bundles in layers and moved as quickly as we could Our temperature one morning was 1 degree! without the windchill........ Fingers were burning by the time we got back to the house.  Needless to say, we spent the weekend inside. We made pumpkin pie, brownies, slow-cooker turkey on Christmas day, butternut squash and mashed potatoes.  He was a great help in the kitchen.  

There is a piece of pumpkin pie under the mountain of whipped cream.  He spent most of the time in shorts while Cliff and I wore layers.  The furnace ran continuously for three days stopping only a few hours during the night when we set the thermostat down for sleep.  Outside temps were in the teens during the day.  Luckily we had sun to warm up the kitchen/dining area.  Today hit a cloudy 30 but we should be moderating temps as the week goes on.  I can hardly wait to get outside and walk.  Mark left this morning and will be home by 7.  Having family visit for Thanksgiving and Christmas renewed us and uplifted our spirits.  Being here was healing for Mark too.  

This afternoon our forest Pileated woodpecker landed on the porch suet.  He stayed for about 15 minutes while the other birds did fly-bys waiting to feed on suet too.  We've never had one this close to the house.  He's so regal............and large.