Oh. My. Goodness. It's Cold out There!

I spilled some water as I was going out the door this morning to water the ducks. 

It froze almost instantly. 

For the first time, including the two polar vortex days... I couldn't get the low water fortex 

 I leave for the ducks overnight to come loose from the ground.  Usually, I take a hammer, hammer the sides around the bottom, and then rock it loose.  Then I lift it (it's heavy!) and drop it on it's sides to break the ice out of it.  

I could not get it loose, no matter where and how I hammered.  

I finally poured warm water over it, in hopes of getting it loose later today. 

The ducks had warm water in the deep fortex next to this one, and water in the fortex out 

in the pasture.  I notice they are laying low this morning, however. 

As were these guys. 

Gratuitous cute closeup. 

My hand was totally frozen trying to operate the camera. 

There is a chick warming light on in their barn. 

My intrepid helper came out in the chilling cold.  She didn't realize it, but about 3 seconds before I took this, Buddy the Rooster was getting ready to put a beak imprint on her behind.  Can you tell there are two starlings trapped in the closed henhouse?  Look at the waterer, and you should be able to.  That's what they do. 

I just changed out water, but that fountain had almost frozen... I have a spare I'll fill and take out in a bit... and this one will come in (ugh) to thaw out.  It's a constant back and forth. 

Here's the kicker: 

Keith called at 9 or so from Salina, where he has gone for a meeting today. 

He told me the Topeka station to which he listens in his truck said that the temps will be 48 tomorrow! 

Incredible! 

It's 7 out right now, up from 4. 

I know we are not alone... people across the eastern half of the country are suffering terribly in this weather, and my heart goes out to you all. 

There is a lot of pouting going on, but I did not let either flock out today.  Just too dangerous in this weather, despite the sun. 

And the smart ones were vying for position under the warming lights. 

And our girl was back down in the middle of the pasture, checking things out.  I still think something is lurking... waiting for an opportunity. 

Everyone try to stay warm!