Just pretending

Ongoing temps below zero and plumbing pipes do not get along. Many folks around here have been entirely without water for days on end. With cabinet doors open and faucets dripping, our pipes did fine until we bottomed out at -6. The next morning our kitchen sink (on an outside wall) had a frozen drain. We're hoping today's high in the 40s will allow it to thaw. We haven't had any leaks or flooding; we just can't use the drain.

Incididents like this make me reflect on which plumbing I value most. When it's that cold, I am mighty thankful for indoor potties and warm showers!! It's really not a big deal to wash dishes in the bathroom sink!

We have collapsible dish drainer for occasions like this, and right now it is camping out on the bathroom vanity. Yesterday after lunch, Abby walked in the bathroom while I was washing dishes. I said, "Isn't this silly....washing dishes in the bathroom?" "No, it's not silly," she replied. "You're just pretending the bathroom is a kitchen. It's not silly." How wise!