Preparing for winter II

rising_from_the_ashes

What a way to spend a Friday night - I'm compiling a "proper" list of things to do in an excel spreadsheet (note to self - you really need to get out more!). I've got a list down the left and then a "status", "done" and "comments" box - really happy!:D (oh boy, you really do need to get out more!). Compiled from Rainy Days original list (fab - thank you) and other bits picked up on reading through many, many pages and a few of my own:o.

A few ticked off and a few more still to go!


Anyway, as I was doing it, I thought of one (apologies if it's been mentioned before but haven't quite made it through all the pages yet):

A camping stove is really handy in case of power cuts - from hot water for hw bottles and drinks to keep warm to cooking on. If you have one, get a couple of spare gas bottles in case of a cut - if not, it may be worth checking outdoor stores etc as they're often selling them off cheap at this time of year. HTH someone.

rising_from_the_ashes

THIRZAH wrote: »

We're also having a porch fitted as the hall was like an icebox last year.

That's on my "wish list" (or a conservatory) - have several pets and they all go in/out at different times, either through the front door or patio doors at the back and a "lovely" load of freezing air gets in the house every time!

boredofbeingathome

rising_from_the_ashes wrote: »

What a way to spend a Friday night - I'm compiling a "proper" list of things to do in an excel spreadsheet (note to self - you really need to get out more!). I've got a list down the left and then a "status", "done" and "comments" box - really happy!:D (oh boy, you really do need to get out more!). Compiled from Rainy Days original list (fab - thank you) and other bits picked up on reading through many, many pages and a few of my own:o.

A few ticked off and a few more still to go!


Anyway, as I was doing it, I thought of one (apologies if it's been mentioned before but haven't quite made it through all the pages yet):

A camping stove is really handy in case of power cuts - from hot water for hw bottles and drinks to keep warm to cooking on. If you have one, get a couple of spare gas bottles in case of a cut - if not, it may be worth checking outdoor stores etc as they're often selling them off cheap at this time of year. HTH someone.

T*sco have them on sale now both proper camping stoves and the small case type. I bought mine last year at B&M's i have spare gas bottles and will keep them to hand.

Edit to say A*di also have a few things which may be of use, walking socks ( which are double lined) are great for inside wellies they are reduced in price to £1.99.

Winged_one

I have a plan to order my snowsocks in the next week or so, and DH is talking about getting winter tyres for the front wheels of his car this year (he needs new tyres this autumn anyway, and would get the front regular tyres in spring). I had forgotten about a snowshovel too.

We needed to get drain cleaner in a hurry tonight and I got a set of rods just in case (I knew I could return them tomorrow if not needed, but not good to find they were needed 20 minutes later when shop was closed) - they weren't needed but we can get a chimney brush to go on top and sweep the chimney ourselves - on our own schedule - now. (We usually borrow DH's parents' brush, but that depends on timing suiting both their needs and our travel plans).

Rainy-Days

rising_from_the_ashes wrote: »

That's on my "wish list" (or a conservatory) - have several pets and they all go in/out at different times, either through the front door or patio doors at the back and a "lovely" load of freezing air gets in the house every time!

We have a big front porch which we use allot especially in the winter as we bring the dogs into there have their towels laid down on the floor and dry them/wipe them down. We also have a back porch off the kitchen which is a real little sun trapper and in the summer I often put the airer out there to dry off clothes and that was so useful last year because I bought the vegetable basket in from the garage. The basket of veggies was partially frozen so putting it in the back porch kept them frost free. I think that is also another reaso why our home is warm and snug in the winter primarily because it stops heat whizzing out the front door. Mind you last year we had to go out the garage door a few times because the locks on the porch outside front door were frozen solid!

slm6002

speaking to my friend yesterday and she understands the weather plan for this winter. It was great as all other friends have dismissed the idea and think i am crazy but this one is talking about stocking up and salt for driveways - it was great

Starstream

Hi everyone,loving the winter threads,although I haven't managed to get through all the posts yet!

Quick tip,( apologies if it's been thought of already!) get a cheap corded phone,non wireless variety.
They will work even in power cuts,as long as phone lines haven't been taken down by high wind or snow.
Pound land usually have them in,for obviously £ 1;) or look at bootsales where they can be got or pennies!

Keep the tips and ideas coming

Starstream

slm6002 wrote: »

speaking to my friend yesterday and she understands the weather plan for this winter. It was great as all other friends have dismissed the idea and think i am crazy but this one is talking about stocking up and salt for driveways - it was great

It's wonderful to find a kindred spirit isn't it!
I have alway been a winter fan,and kept extra bits in,but only in the past few years have they been needed.
Now I am not looked at like a nutcase,when I say I am squirrelling away for winter! Hehe

broodylass_2

Been looking for fleece blankets and found them on offer in Wilkos - pack of 2 for £3.50 (120cmx150cm) ...can't post link as I'm a newbie...just type fleece into their search.

VJsmum

Or do what i do and have an old mobile phone (PAYG) with an in car charger and about £5 of credit. I keep mine in the car (doh!) just in case mine is out of charge or credit or i've forgotten it, but would be useful in a power cut also.