The Adventures of Julie and Bella 2025

Welcome to the frozen tundra. Otherwise known as New York State.
Lately, we’ve been riding the temperature roller coaster with below-normal temps, bitter windchills, and the kind of cold that makes you question all your life choices. Yesterday morning, when I got into my car to head to work, the temperature read -8 degrees. Negative eight. That’s not “brisk.” That’s offensively cold.
It’s been far too cold for much of anything, so Bella and I have been limiting our outside adventures. Even potty breaks require me to bundle up like an Arctic explorer. Layers on layers, hood up, gloves on… all just to stand outside for a few minutes while Bella handles her business. Glamorous living, folks.

And then today, winter decided it wasn’t done with me yet.
I went to do laundry and quickly discovered that my washer pipes were frozen solid. Of course they were. I grabbed my crafting heat gun and tried to thaw them out, hopeful but not optimistic. After about ten minutes with zero progress, I escalated to the space heater and crossed my fingers.
Two and a half hours later, victory was finally mine. The pipes thawed, the washer started, and I felt like I had conquered Everest… or at least my laundry room.

Needless to say, this weather truly, deeply, profoundly sucks. Here’s hoping for warmer days ahead, unfrozen pipes, and fewer moments that require survival skills just to get through a normal day.
Until then, Bella and I will be hibernating as much as possible. Stay warm out there.