It’s the little things that make life worth living, lol.  As I stated in the last blog.  We haven’t had water since February 2nd.  We purchased a camping outdoor shower that has a propane heater.  What I didn’t purchase were the 6 D cell batteries.   The ones we had must have been several years old since they had no charge.  Who uses D cells anymore anyway?  We went to Miles City for our weekly shower (Don’t worry we don’t stink, improvising and keeping clean until we can go get a real shower) and bought the batteries at Wal-Mart.  The heater works!  We had purchased a smaller version in 2017 for our trip out here to fence but it never worked. Hmm…could it have been the batteries?  We will find out after we get back home. We are on the way to Forsyth to attend a Homeowner association meeting.  We are presenting our committee notes to the board.
My four chickens are still alive, I think the new coop is probably warmer for them. I did heat it the first night but after one night, the bottle of propane was depleted. At $3+ for each bottle, it’s too expensive to keep the coop heated.  Anyway, no animal cruelty here.  All the info I have read, chickens can keep warm as long as the building is well insulated and our building is well insulated.  One of my chickens is even giving me an egg a day. Horses are doing awesome as well, fat and happy. No signs of being cold.  A few weeks ago, they had ice on their hooves, looked like Cinderella's high heels.  
For those of you who have grandchildren, you know how they hold a place in your heart.  It’s so heartwarming to get texts from my 4 (3 grandchildren and one son).  I make it a point to send my son a text every day so I know he is still alive and also he knows we are still alive and kicking in the coldest winter in Montana’s recent history, lol.  Both Steve and I are very proud of him, he’s making A’s in his classes.  Go Nick, Go.!! Well  that’s all ‘till next time.

Well we still don't have water, but adapting.  Our main water tank is in the basement of the laundry room so we are still able to draw the water, just no direct water to the house.  This means we had our weekly shower today, lol.  I exaggerate, we get a shower every 4 days.  Don't worry, I do not go to bed dirty.  Today Stephen turned 57, so for the next 2 months, we will be the same age  Yes, I'm the older one in the relationship.  58 is looming but I am not worried.  We got up and I made pancakes using the Kodiac pancake mix.  If you haven't tried it you are missing out on some good 'cakes.  I started my diet last Friday, so I didn't eat any pancakes, but we invited our neighbor over and he and Steve ate pancakes and bacon.  He stayed for a few hours and then Steve and I went to a Homeowners Association meeting.  We are on the by law committee.  This means that we are reviewing the By Laws and recommending changes.  This may sound easy but with the people that live out here, there will be controversy and lots of yelling and shouting, lol.  That's why I referenced the Montana.gov site on about every paragraph.  I'm working on a blanket and unfortunately I have had to rip out the blocks at least 3 times already.  Oh well, I should finish this week, then start on Steve's blanket.  I already have material to work on 2 more, one for my niece and one for a young combat vet.  I can't say more as it's a surprise for both of them, lol.  It's getting late, ready for bed.  Goodnight people.  Love and kisses.

Last blog, I was complaining about the weather. This blog is no different.  My complaint is that in the last 14 days there was only day that was in the 30's, the other days were in the teens or below.  It really wouldn't make a difference if our water pipes didn't freeze 2 weeks ago.  Since then we haven't had water in the house.  Fortunately we can go down to the water tank and draw water but let me tell you, that heating the water for dishes and baths is no fun.  We go to Miles City every few days to wash clothes and take a shower. Although $7 for a shower seems kind of expensive, it's worth it.  We have also built our new chicken coop.  When the wind chill is negative 30, fingers and face freeze.  Hopefully, it will get warm soon.  Today, I went to a get together of the ladies of Wildhorse.  Good food and good friends, had a good time. Steve stayed back to get water for the horses. Have you seen the meme of chopping through frozen horse troughs ?  It is a thing. Steve has to go out every day and chop holes for the horses to drink water.  Fortunately, all the horses are fat and happy.  We have plenty of hay to keep them eating all Winter long.  I can't believe that my four chickens are still alive.  We have the small chicken tractor wrapped in blankets and tarps, so it seems to be keeping them warm. I have to go out each day to give them water as the waterer freezes.  Sewing blankets keeps me busy.  Well not much else to update.  I envy those people who can find something to write about each day. Me, I'm just happy to be here.  Love y'all.