Preparing for winter II

Rainy-Days

Cathy2702 - with regard to your winter tyres, to be honest we didn't put them on our Land Rover Discovery and although it is a purpose built four wheel drive vehicle (they actually perform better with winter tyres) we did cope no problem for the last two winters (actually 2009 winter we had the Lan Rover Freelander then and we were okay with that as well!). My Ford Focus also coped okay on the odd occasion that I had to take it out in the snow.

In terms of the cost to useage ratio - there is little point in it. If you were living say Yorkshire, Northumberland or Scotland then it might be a consideration as their winters tend to be longer and harsher. You will also need to have room to store your all weather tyres as well and then pay for the change over costs when the weather breaks again.

Becky_2

Triggles wrote: »

We don't normally cook meals ahead of time and freeze, as even though we have 2 small freezers (one in fridge/freezer and one small separate freezer), we still don't seem to ever have room in it! I think it needs a huge reorganisation over the next week or so, in preparation for winter. Then maybe I can do a few casseroles and such ahead of time to freeze.QUOTE]

Triggles

Last year I had the same problem with our 2 freezers. Now I have written a inventory list of what I have in each freezer. For one of the freezers I have even written what I have on each shelf to make it easier to find. In the box freezer I keep all the frozen portions on one side of the freezer, again easier to find.

Good luck with sorting out the freezers.

Princess_kate

One thing I havent seen mentioned for outside winter prep. Don't forget to turn off your outside tap & lag it if necessary!

I read this thread all the time, rarely post but am so greatful of everyones input!

I have a list of to do's. I have so far bought a chest freezer which is something I have wanted for a long time and as well as allowing me to keep some bread & milk frozen in it incase/when the snow comes again! I can also batch cook lasagne, soups, casseroles as well as keeping some frozen veg in so I can make up a arming winter dinner without having to venture out! I am very lucky as I live opposite a big Aldi & last year I had no touble with getting anything there, but I like to be prepared, just incase!!

Got screenwash, fleeces from last year for the curtains and got a lovely lined pair of curtains which i will put up over the front & back doors as the hall gets really cold in the winter! Snow shovel is the next thing I will source, made do with the garden spade last year & in reality it was probably better as most of the snow froze pretty fast & im sure ice & a plastic shovel wont be much good! Got lots of dishwasher salt in, was fantastic on the ice last year & a bucket of grit stashed in the shed!!

I can totally reccomend go outdoors for all of the outdoors things you need for winter, got some waterproof trousers for £13 and a really good pair of waterproof walking shoes for £20. Wellys are just so cold!!

Kate

wifeforlife

Thanks Rainy days, I'm in NI and managed ok last year with a few shoves from the neighbours. I'm in the country and have to go up a steep hill and down the other side to get to the house or the main road.

I find the drive to work, dropping kids at childcare and the return home the worst part of winter.

candie_gill

I agree with the snow shovels, useless unless the snow is soft and powdery. As soon as its compacted or icey you cant shift a thing! I will stick to my spade, going to stock up on dishwasher salt though and get a big bucket of grit from out local council

mcjordi

i have both candie snow shovel/ normal shovel..

had the front wheels off the car yesterday checking the brakes and theres plenty of meat left on the pads so will do for the winter at least..
is milk ok to freeze as ive never actually frozen it but i am going to this year as the local shop ran out fast when it snowed.
also the council have changed the bulbs in some of our street lights and my god its like security lights on permantley bright as hell.. phone call to them some time monday....

Rainy-Days

mcjordi wrote: »

i have both candie snow shovel/ normal shovel..

had the front wheels off the car yesterday checking the brakes and theres plenty of meat left on the pads so will do for the winter at least..
is milk ok to freeze as ive never actually frozen it but i am going to this year as the local shop ran out fast when it snowed.
also the council have changed the bulbs in some of our street lights and my god its like security lights on permantley bright as hell.. phone call to them some time monday....

Those lights are LED's and they are very bright. They use less electricty mind, but if you are trying to get to sleep they are a pain in the butt!

Yes milk is okay to freeze but i have only ever frozen semi skimmed and not full fat - although I am sure you can with that! When you need to use it take it out of the freezer and leave it on the drainer of the sink it will need about eight hours or so at room temperature to thaw and you will need to gently shake it to distribute the liquid evenly. Other than that it is fine!

pinkmami

Just remembered I need to buy tights for DS. DD's have them cos they're girls! but DS needs them too. Use them last year & his legs were warm & toasty under his jeans/joggers.

sophsnan

I think you can only freeze skimmed and semi skimmed as I have been told that full fat milk seperates when frozen

miss_corerupted

I have frozen full fat milk, just gave it a shake when I defrosted it. Tasted, looked and smelt fine