Preparing for winter III

THIRZAH

We've got snow in the Peak district. Quite a covering has fallen in the last 30 minutes. I phoned DH at work suggesting he head home but he's in the middle of something and can't leave yet.

This afternoon we had a power cut which lasted for nearly two hours. It wasn't too bad at first as it was light enough to read but then it started to get dark.I was pleased that I could find everything-candles, matches, kettle for the gas stove and the battery radio which I keep tuned to our local radio station. I even found some knitting which needed unravelling and was able to do that by candle light.

Thriftkitten

Just had a look at the live webcam for the cat and fiddle and they are covered!

mardatha

Thirzah get a paraffin lamp, that's bright enough to knit by and doesnt flicker like candles.

THIRZAH

That sounds like a good idea, Mardatha, we've had quite a lot of power cuts lately.

Do places like B&Q sell them or would I have to find an old -style hardware shop?

prepareathome

No snow on the ground but we have had rain, sleet, snow, strong winds, fog ( for an hour or very, very low cloud). Main road drains couldn't handle it and so we had a river outside as it slopes down to just beyond my house and water was actually lapping over the kerbs for a short while. My patio is under water which is already looking icy. Dogs were paddling when they asked to go out so I had to towel them down as they were soaked even after just a few mins - they went out did what they had to, was funny watching the girls crouch as little as possible so bottom didn't end up in water. Only thing we have not had is sunshine. No power cuts but lights have flicked quite a lot. So compared to some of you we have so far got off very lightly.

Stay warm and safe

mardatha

Well I got an old fashioned hardware shop ues but am sure you would get them somewhere else - look on amazon and see what they say ? Is a very nice bright light and doesnt smell if you trim the wick.

Eenymeeny

Just a bit of frost on the grass here today. Well done Thirzah! Isn't it so nice to be prepared? It takes all of the panic away and makes you feel so good!:beer::)

[Deleted User]

Thirzah, there are usually loads of Oil Lamps on EBay and I've seen them in charity shops too. The other place is boot fairs but not too many of them in winter down here in Hampshire.

poohbear59

Thirza, we use oil lamps a lot when the power is off. Lamp oil from the builders merchant is quite expensive but does not smell. I buy oil from a diy shop and it is about £200% cheaper. Sorry I can't remember which diy shop.

We had a lot of snow and SIL had to stay at DS2s place as he couldn't get home. The snow on roads thawed then froze so is lethal ATM!

Life without the oil boiler is surprisingly okay. The boys have to split wood at weekends which warms them up too. I found an amazingly good supplier of heat logs which keep the fire in overnight. If I take my clothes downstairs I can get washed and dressed without freezing. The cold is horrible for my arthritis

THIRZAH

Thank you all for the advice about paraffin lamps. DH has suggested we try the camping shop for a lamp-not sure if it will be paraffin though.I quite like the smell of paraffin. My grandma used to cook on a paraffin stove sometimes. It saved having to heat up the Rayburn in the summer.She had paraffin delivered by a man in a little van.

DD being more modern has suggested I get a light for my kindle to use in power cuts!