It’s about an hour before sunset as I sit down at my computer to write this column. The outside temperature is around 10 degrees.

There are eight hungry deer munching on whatever they can find in our backyard. Their coats are thick and fuzzy, a sure sign of winter’s hold on them. They stopped momentarily to check me out as I watched them from the sliding door before I moved on to my desk.

In the front yard, the birds are flying about their feeders in a frenzy for a last snack before they head to bed for the night. The recent extreme cold has the winged friends consuming more food than usual. I upped their diet with some suet that will provide them a bit more energy and warmth.

It’s become obvious that the birds are not the only creatures enjoying the black sunflower seeds. The hoof prints around the snowy earth beneath the feeders suggest that the backyard deer have found their way out front as well.

I’ve also observed a rather chubby squirrel having his or her fill of seeds that have been dropped to the ground by the messier birds. When snow blows onto the front porch, it’s funny to see all the tiny footprints of the birds that take shelter there.

With such cold weather, it’s hard to imagine how anything or anyone survives outdoors. Nature has a way of taking care of itself. Humans are not so lucky.

Personally, the extreme drop in temperatures has really bothered me this winter. I have been cold since September. Unfortunately because of last year’s drought, we did not enjoy any summer or fall evenings around the outdoor campfire. I’m hoping for a better growing season this year that will allow such simple pleasures once again.

Our son, Jamie, came to my rescue, however, with a birthday gift of an electric blanket. It’s been a godsend while sitting and reading or watching TV. It’s a small luxury that has made a big difference.

The coming week looks like temperatures may rise to the 40s with some rain. I’m not sure if that is something to look forward to, but it’s better than a 7-degree reading on my car thermometer.

Warm weather can’t come too soon for me. Until then I can only dream of flower gardens and tomatoes ripening in the garden.

Heather Ziegler can be reached via email at hziegler@theintelligencer.net.