Preparing for winter II

abwsco

Frugal wrote: »

Yep!!! She did! I use loo roll for cleaning the loo seat with MrT brand Dett0x spray but not for general cleaning!

She was obsessive about cleaning - wish I was a little bit more like that

Oooh, no she was OTT imo.

macwah97

Red_Doe wrote: »

I'm interested in the storage of cans of petrol or paraffin too. Years ago I worked in a petrol station in the days before self service (that's how long ago it was, lol )
and remember the tanker drivers explaining how, even though all precautions were taken at tank filling time, it's actually very hard for petrol to explode or catch fire unless you deliberately throw a naked flame into it. Even then it takes a long burning naked flame.
They could have been mistaken, but I'd be interested to know about storage because I am saving paraffin for my heater overwinter. It comes in plastic gallon containers and I'll be storing it in a cool, damp outbuilding.

My husband completed his ADR course for haulage of chemicals and fuel and the tanker drivers are correct - you can spill petrol on the ground and smoke around it - but get down low or throw your cigarette onto the fuel and it will ignite - apparently it is actually the fumes that burn - we keep petrol and diesel in metal jerry cans in the garage - buy it when on offer - not a lot - but it is handy when you have got home late and the local garages are closed and you have an early start next day. I know it should all be about planning but sitting in traffic as a result of an accident or having to take a daft detour can huff your budgeted fuel.

kmiller4

Well--
I have got a couple of things accomplished this weekend. First, took the two 20 lb propane tanks for the BBQ gas grill to be filled, so they are ready to cook on if we lose power. Our grill has a side gas hob too so that is handy if needed and it is not cold enough to start the woodstove.
I also managed to use my 40 coupons to purchase 40 bags of assorted frozen vegetables and managed to squeeze them all into the freezer. They are 12 ounce bags (340 gm) and after coupons I only paid $.30 each (about 19 or 20p I think).
I ordered another 20 dishwasher pellet coupons off E*bay. These are a money maker as well as resulting in 60 free pellets.

We have had severe rain and some of our friends to the south have experienced severe flooding. Fortunately, we only got the rain and no further problems. Of course, the dogs pick this time to acquire a stomach flu, so I have been washing spots from both ends of the dogs off the carpeting for days, but it has not been good drying weather for the rugs Also, with all this rain we cannot open the windows much so I have been burning candles and incense. The house smells of cheap perfume and the like! Can't wait for a good airing day!

bluebag

Frugal wrote: »

Yep!!! She did! I use loo roll for cleaning the loo seat with MrT brand Dett0x spray but not for general cleaning!

She was obsessive about cleaning - wish I was a little bit more like that

I use paper towels, but instead of the spray I use baby bottle sterilizing fluid diluted as per instructions. It lasts me years as half a capful of the stuff makes one 500ml bottle of spray. I use it in the kitchen too as it kills germs and is of course uber cheap.

singlestep

Thanks to all the great tips and advice on the thread, I feel like I'm getting there in my preparations. The fridge and cupboards are well on their way to being fully stocked and I'm otherwise all set at home.

I'm now thinking about preparations for commuting to and being at work. I was snowed in at work last December and, as I don't drive to get there, I have a few things to get sorted. All (I think!) that remains is to:

• make sure I'm up to date with bus routes for if/when the trains go off - hopefully better now a new stretch of road is open.
• leave an emergency supply kit of warm clothes and essentials should I be stranded there again
• new coat and boots to get once I have a few days off.

Should have made a list last winter when this was all fresh in my mind!

Red_Doe

Just a copy/paste of the met office weather warning for anyone concerned in the areas likely to be hit, although it looks as if it'll be just another gale for most of us.

Amber Alert of Wind12 Sep 2011, 00:00
Issued at - 10 Sep 2011, 11:38
Valid from - 12 Sep 2011, 00:00
Valid to - 12 Sep 2011, 23:59

The remains of Hurricane Katia are expected to come across the UK on Monday bringing a spell of wet and very windy weather. There remains some uncertainty about its track and intensity, although Scotland and Northern Ireland are most likely to bear the brunt of the winds,

The public should be prepared for the risk of disruption to transport and of the possibility of damage to trees and structures.


The public are advised to take extra care, further information and advice can be found here: http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/uk/links.html

Dustykitten

lickylonglips wrote: »

does anyone know where the cheapest place to get traditional "sausage-type" draught excluders is, please? i am in blackpool btw

They are really easy to make yourself.


There are two methods depending on your sewing ability - circle ends or tucked ends.

Circle ends, cut from fabric two circle of fabric 1.5cm larger (all the way around) than the diameter you want at the ends - I drew around a mug and then added the 1.5cm

Cut fabric strip to length required plus 1.5cm
Depth of fabric is the circumference of your circule plus about 2cm

Sew circles onto the end of the fabric length on the wrong side.
Sew up the long side leaving a gap (I find it easiest to leave the gap in the middle by sewing from both ends).

Turn the right way around. Stuff with anything - I used all the old socks everybody had.

Sew up the hole - ta da.

Tuck method involves no circles. Just cut your fabric longer. Fold in half length ways. Sew from the folded edge up and around to nearly the middle on both sides. Turn inside out, stuff and stitch up the gap.

NualaBuala

Dustykitten wrote: »

They are really easy to make yourself.


There are two methods depending on your sewing ability - circle ends or tucked ends.

Circle ends, cut from fabric two circle of fabric 1.5cm larger (all the way around) than the diameter you want at the ends - I drew around a mug and then added the 1.5cm

Cut fabric strip to length required plus 1.5cm
Depth of fabric is the circumference of your circule plus about 2cm

Sew circles onto the end of the fabric length on the wrong side.
Sew up the long side leaving a gap (I find it easiest to leave the gap in the middle by sewing from both ends).

Turn the right way around. Stuff with anything - I used all the old socks everybody had.

Sew up the hole - ta da.

Tuck method involves no circles. Just cut your fabric longer. Fold in half length ways. Sew from the folded edge up and around to nearly the middle on both sides. Turn inside out, stuff and stitch up the gap.

And if you're a rubbish sewer like me you could cheat like I did. I got old pyjamas (they didn't fit and the pretty tartan material was too nice to waste). I cut a leg off and sewed one end shut, I've a load of old knickers and socks that I will stuff it with and I am going to close the end with elastic and then tie the ribbon from the waist around that to look pretty (not that anyone will see it really). I could do that at both ends now that I think of it - I think I will do that with the other leg. I must finish it - I need to get organised like you lot and make a list!

elgar_2

Wow! I think I have caught up on the last 2 days!!!:D but taken ages and just skim read!

Thank you for the advice. I will put together a box for the cars. I remember when I first passed my test and on first winter I was stuck (was in Durham in those days!) between hospitals and I wished then I had put spare set of clothes and hot drink etc in car! I dont like driving in snow so will try not to if possible and just contact those I need to by phone, but suppose could get stuck between places again!! so will put set for me and another for husband together (he works in Dundee and out late at night for work helping those not as fortunate as us, so better give him warm stuff too) I bought myself a foldaway shovel (I always wonder how I would manage to dig mysefl out) as last year there wasnt anywhere to put snow really! :cool:

I will sort out our hall cupboard and store some food.

I hope we get down to Derby in November as my lovely MIL:o has offered us lots of flannelette sheets and blankets from my husbands uncle who passed away. Will also put away summer stuff and get my mum to give me my winter stuff. I have been blessed as my auntie has given us a set of curtains for hall that fit, so its much warmer and hope now carpet down it will be less dusty.

Its funny as been almost a year without carpet in hall (someone in care takers cupboard left tap on..:mad:. ) and now we go into all and both say 'carpet' everytime! it was very cheap and just stuff that sticks straight to floor! but looks better and with our wedding photos enlarged and hanging up, it looks nice and homely!

Bluebag, I promise we will not panic!!! but I dont have much loo roll in!!;)

Sorry for long ramble of a post!!!:)

Love
Elaine

Confuzzled

NualaBuala wrote: »

And if you're a rubbish sewer like me you could cheat like I did. I got old pyjamas (they didn't fit and the pretty tartan material was too nice to waste). I cut a leg off and sewed one end shut, I've a load of old knickers and socks that I will stuff it with and I am going to close the end with elastic and then tie the ribbon from the waist around that to look pretty (not that anyone will see it really). I could do that at both ends now that I think of it - I think I will do that with the other leg. I must finish it - I need to get organised like you lot and make a list!

good idea! a similar one i've used in the past: if you don't sew you can use a leg like you did, from some old trousers etc and stuff the middle, then tie the ends with ribbon so it looks like a big sweetie or cracker. the end that has been cut off and thus doesn't have a nice hem can be tucked inside so you form your own wee hem then be sure to tie the ribbon so it catches the fabric you've tucked in, totally no sewing at all!

i use this technique for wrapping some presents as well, tuck in the ends of the paper, wrap the ribbons at the end to catch those bits and it looks like a giant sweetie, great for using up ragged bits of left over paper!