We're almost frozen solid here. City water main's frozen in the ground on many streets. [View all]

[IrishAyes]

I was suspicious when I kept the house fairly warm last night, left a heater on low by the critical indoor pipes, and even left the faucets on thin stream instead of drip. But this morning, still no water.

So I gathered up as many empty containers as possible and drew water at the church on the corner. If they want me for Sunday, they'll have to let me take a Navy shower in the basement on Saturday!

But here's my semi-emergency tip for when/if you find yourself with a toilet that won't draw water into the tank: Keep one of those portable john/jane jugs or some similar diy rig handy, then think spare toilet seat, big empty holiday popcorn tin lined with several sturdy plastic bags and a layer of newspapers, then the magic ingredient - kitty litter!!!!!!!! You figure out the rest. (I don't have a proper compost toilet.)

Between the odor-absorbing newspaper, baking soda, and kitty litter, it really doesn't smell. At least if you leave the temporary lid down. Care and a good sense of balance are highly recommended during use, however.