COLD

Well, it finally got really cold. The lowest that I saw the mercury drop today was 43 below zero. Nothing wants to work right at those temps, the truck runs weird. All sorts of weird noises coming out, tires get this totally hollow sound to them. They freeze flat, so when you first start up, it sounds like you have flats. Engines ping, ting, bang, rattle and generally just dont agree with the cold. We had something go haywire in the front wheel as we were driving tonight, may just need grease, may need something replaced. We'll be dropping it off at the shop in the morning, hopefully getting a ride onto work without any trouble.
Taking the dogs out in this cold has been a bit challenging. They want to go out, they want to run, they want to play, but once they get out there, its just too cold.
They have to wear jackets and boots just to be able to stay out for more than a few minutes.
We have been a little weary of letting them run too much without leashes lately, as there have been some wolves that have been hunting dogs not too far from here (15 miles or so to the east)
I think that 3 or 4 dogs have turned up missing/dead from wolves this year. There was a crash in the rabbit population, and this is one of the turns from that. Domestic dogs and wolves have always had a rough relationship.
I did a test at work today, took a cup of very hot water, ran outside and tossed it up in the air. Nothing but vapor came down, rather floated down.
Very cool to see.
For anyone whos been wondering, the outhouse has been very cold but manageable in this weather, its amazing how fast you can get things done with when you have cold working against you.

We've been napping since we got home from work, so now its midnight and time to walk these dogs,
-32 F and ice fog
Justin