Rena, I also experienced the snow blowing through the cracks around the window but my father was always resourceful in many ways. He cut a square about 10" x 10" out of the ceiling right over the living room heating stove. My sister and I slept in a room right above the stove so we had a little heat when we went to bed. Also daddy usually rebuilt the fire before we got up in the mornings which helped on those coldest mornings.

You mentioned grapes. I have a great grape pie recipe if anyone is interested. You have to use the Concord type grape that is ripening at this time.

Boil grapes until the skins pop open. Then put them in a colander and press them until you have enough juice to make two cups. Discard the skin and seeds.
Cook, over low heat until thickened and glossy, two cups of grape juice with 1 cup of sugar and 4 tablespoons of cornstarch. Remove from heat and add 1 cup of drained crushed pineapple. Cool slightly and pour into 9" baked pie shell. Refrigerate until set. Serve with whipped cream or whipped topping.

The pineapple gives a good chewy texture. This recipe also calls for 1 cup of finely chopped pecans but I have never used them. I suppose that would make you think you were biting on the seeds.
Mary