RE: cold snap
Well I just checked and our night time low (and I am not talking wind chill) was -34.4º F. There seems to be no wind. My computer is telling me we have warmed up a lot though.. all the way to -26ºF so it looks like a good day. Actually the sunny side of the house says -18º F. Amazing what a little sun shine can do.
At least I had water to make coffee. Got to have important things you know. This cold snap will really make ice on Superior, but it also drives frost deep into the ground and there is the danger of water pipes...