Frozen Solid

This is what we woke up to today:

It wasn't even the snow that is a problem, but the temperature is 24 - right now at 2:30 - and it is forecasted to go down into the high teens tonight. Word has it that it will not get above freezing for the highs until at least Wednesday.

Monday (today) is the day that the "honey wagon" comes by to empty our holding tanks. What a surprise - the drain pipe from the holding tanks is frozen solid with sewage in the pipe. The only way this could happen is if they didn't close the main valve before sealing off the drain end. Our tanks are full with no way to empty them until they thaw. we can't wait to Wednesday - or whenever the air warms up to above freezing. I went to Lowe's and bought what they call "heat tape" to put on the drain pipe. I rigged it temporarily to at least thaw it out so the honey wagon can come back later and try again. This is what the outside hookup looks like after doing "frost prevention":

I already had the hose wrapped with the Styrofoam insulation. This long freezing spell is something we weren't prepared for. It definitely casts a bad light on our chances to return here next year. We had vowed never to travel and stay in areas where the weather is this bad. Of course, the locals are saying that this doesn't usually happen this early in the winter. Right.

So far today I have done nothing but react to the problem that the cold weather has created - and the honey wagon guy for his negligence in closing the drain properly last week. With about 1 hour left before we leave for work again, I can tell you that this is not fun. We play the cards we're dealt, so we will manage.

Both of our neighbors are at work now - they work days - so we are alone to enjoy the rest of our time before starting day #4 this week...