Huge Ice storm .hits the deep south...Power out two days; (back just on)
central heat still out;
Christmas eve spent with hearth ablaze in a scene out of 19 th cent "black
houses" of Scotland, only huricane lamps and candles going
old people close by fire as the central room is packed with dogs; kids;
relatives; squalling babies;and  muddy boots line the hall;
 the air filled with lamp and candle smoke and an out of tune fiddle
attempting  an air while dogs fight over scraps.
 There is a mystreious punch bowl that won't quit; kindling wood is scarce
however and we sacrificed the christmas tree today as the roads are still bad;
this is a Bousilage sp? house; based on French Caribean design;all in long
leaf heart pine with "tray"ceilings that are 12  ft.; the roof is 12 -12 going
up to a pyramid; and down over a columned wrap a round porch ; which is
serving as the "  feild kitchen" just now for the turkey and fresh venison
that this mob is feeding on. These houses were designed for the extream heat
of summer where on a hot day you open the doors to the front and rear door of
the long"dog trot " design and you can feel the cool air being sucked right up
to the attic without a fan; unfortunately with no heat this principal is
working quite well for the winter air..and Ive got blankets  nailed up over
the doorways . I guess we will hold out as long as the punch  holds. Its an
fairy like winter wonderland out there ...ice over and hanging from every tree
and branch; even the old stone gates are crystalized and ghost like  in an icy
fog.....now  I  know the meaning of 3 dog nite (you throw 3 dogs on you after
you get in the covers...Happy New Years Pinheads MD.