Preparedness for when

Perplexed_Pineapple

MrsLurcherwalker wrote: »

Thinking on a bit further on the subject of intermittent power supply making life tedious, I wonder if part of the problems we would all face would be that we are used to 24 hour entertainment in our world, even nattering on here counts as that, let alone 24 hour TV and X Boxes and Gameboys and Radio and Music on tap. I am of a generation to be able to remember no daytime TV and the close down at 11ish in the evening, I can only say that at the time it was normal but even I would miss the availability of some sort of distraction when I am awake. It's one thing to turn off things because you want to, and entirely another to not have them available, it would make for some crossness due to the boredom factor. Also if the electric lights were off reading could be difficult. MAR has a good point about having a manual tin opener, perhaps it would be a useful exercise to look round our homes and list just what we rely on electricity to operate for us in daily life? also to look at what we have that doesn't need the electricity supply it might be helpful to post useful manual lists on here so we can think about getting alternatives to powered appliances? I'm sure that we all could manage to some extent, but to generations that know no other way of life, it would surely be a steep learning curve to have to manage without all the familiar things wouldn't it? Lyn xxx.

I agree. I see a lot of families in our area whose entertainment seems to revolve entirely around the "idiot box". A lot of our kids' friends don't seem to have any books in the house. To be honest I would miss the web and [STRIKE]wasting time[/STRIKE]learning lots of useful stuff on fora like this one, but wouldn't miss TV at all, we've lots of books, wide open spaces near by, we've a piano, board games, we'd be fine.In fact with the exception of the PC, a couple of laptops and a DVD player you could put the entire contents of this house into a 1970s house and I don't think any of it would look out of place.

alfsmum

I would definitely miss the washing machine - I remember my mum boiling up the washing and putting it through the mangle and wouldn't want to go there :eek:

Apart from that, at this time of year I wouldn't miss much else except possibly the leccy kettle because I know that it will switch itself off while the one on the gas stove would be whistling and spitting for my attention.

Come the shorter days I'd miss the lighting and heating we have now. I can live without the goggle box as long as I can see to read/knit etc. this year I'm jamming or bottling surplus fruit rather than freezing. Also stocking up on canned food and bottled water. I lurve my hot water bottle, always have. I don't use the kitchen gadgets that I have very much, it always seems easier to chop or mix by hand with one utensil than find the gadget and have to wash it. That said, I am considering replacing my bread maker unless I can crack the hand made loaf.

daz378

i still have plenty of them old fashioned things called books , dont need plugging in and plenty of lighting options ... bought more batteries today... phase two operation clean flat... today its the kitchen... wish me luck im going in

ginnyknit

daz if we dont hear from you in a few days send out a flare - you do have flares dont you...OMG what if you get lost at sea

I wouldnt miss the tv but would miss the pc OH is having a sleepy day so am going to write some lists and ponder where the hell I put the hot water bottles - now they are something I couldnt live without, definately, chief source of comfort for me. I looked at the solar lamps in I*kea last week so am going to save up for one of those - on a no spend period here to build up the piggy bank.

Must go and throw something together for tea or I will get sacked. Havent really got any Oomph at the moment so shall have to search for that too.

[Deleted User]

It may be teaching Grandma to suck eggs, but I'll do it anyway part of managing on less power is to dress appropriately for the weather just as valid in the summer as in the winter.

Winter Gear
Real Sheepskin Slippers with the fleece on the inside
winter weight jimjams
a heavier weight Dressing Gown
A pair of decent, warm and waterproof outdoor shoes/boots
a warm coat preferably knee length and preferably waterproof
lots of layers of thinner garments keep you warm
good thick socks/tights
good thermal hat, gloves and scarf (can be work indoors if needed)
vests? or at least sleeveless tops underneath outer clothing
gilet/waistcoat to put on as extra layer

Summer gear
lighter preferably loose tops,skirts, dresses, trousers in natural fabric
summer weight jimjams
sandals
cotton socks
lightweight shoes
a light breathable waterproof jacket
a sunhat with a wide brim

It isn't rocket science but I'm very aware of seeing people come to thier front doors in the middle of winter clad in shorts and strappy tops, and seeing people out in canvas shoes and without even coats in the depths of winter, if you dress for the season and the weather you'll need less fuel to keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer.

siegemode

The biggest thing I would miss if/when the power goes off will be the internet. I have loads of books because I have a bit of an issue with relying on gadgets for info and hate sat navs with a passion for a number of reasons.
I got a food processor a while back, but it hasn't been out the box. Whilst I still have the strength in my wrists I'll stick with my trusty wooden spoon.
As most on here I'm always on the look out for a bargain and thinking of the future and a what if scenario. I have a v nice boxed copper bottom kettle in the wardrobe that I discovered for £5 in T's thanks to another thread.
What I would like to find is a reasonably priced and competent coffee grinder.

Talk of gadgets and appliances got me thinking and searching and I found this
http://www.npowermediacentre.com/Press-Releases/Appliances-save-women-10-years-of-housework-11e2.aspx

They say and I quote "There’s a risk that future generations may never know how life was before these appliances became commonplace, hence the introduction of the energy archive.”

alfsmum

MrsLurcherwalker wrote: »

It may be teaching Grandma to suck eggs, but I'll do it anyway part of managing on less power is to dress appropriately for the weather just as valid in the summer as in the winter.

Winter Gear
Real Sheepskin Slippers with the fleece on the inside
winter weight jimjams
a heavier weight Dressing Gown
A pair of decent, warm and waterproof outdoor shoes/boots
a warm coat preferably knee length and preferably waterproof
lots of layers of thinner garments keep you warm
good thick socks/tights
good thermal hat, gloves and scarf (can be work indoors if needed)
vests? or at least sleeveless tops underneath outer clothing
gilet/waistcoat to put on as extra layer

Summer gear
lighter preferably loose tops,skirts, dresses, trousers in natural fabric
summer weight jimjams
sandals
cotton socks
lightweight shoes
a light breathable waterproof jacket
a sunhat with a wide brim

It isn't rocket science but I'm very aware of seeing people come to thier front doors in the middle of winter clad in shorts and strappy tops, and seeing people out in canvas shoes and without even coats in the depths of winter, if you dress for the season and the weather you'll need less fuel to keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer.

Do you think it's an age thing Lyn? I always go out prepared for rain/cold etc but the DDs head off in 'indoors wear' in the depth of winter despite the maternal nagging then complain they are freezing. Day trips in the car see extra coats, cardies, boots etc flung in the boot 'just in case'. I buy clothes on a 'will it be practical and keep me warm' basis rather than a fashion one though you'd never guess to look at me :rotfl: I would rather have a blanket and a hot water bottle when I'm chilly in the evenings but Dd18 will happily put the heating on if she's the tiny bit chilly.

I should add that I really feel the cold and have been known to go out looking like the Michelin man to walk the dogs in winter. It takes several minutes and a couple of people to unwrap me when I get back:)

RAS

alfsmum - have you been checked to Reynaud's?

siegemode

ginnyKnit if you find any Oomph please let me know where to obtain some I seem to be right out of it too.
As for hot water bottles I was saying to oh a few days ago I needed to buy a few as they seem to be a bit cheaper in the summer and I think that going buy nature it's going to be another cold winter. Picked up another fleece jacket and a couple of long sleeve tops from the sale rack in sainsbobs all for £13

I Feel the cold terribly apart from the hot flush sessions and fear the lack of heating the most. Our boiler conked out and we had no heating for 24 hrs on the coldest day of the winter and it was horrible. I'm a terrible hoarder of things that would be useful if....... and really need to have a sort out but not until I find some Oomph

ginnyknit

I seem to ruin slippers as I wander out into the back garden in them so buy cheap one but may buy a sheepskin pair and only use them inside. I wear thick socks a lot as my beta blockers (for migraine) makes my feet cold. I am desperate for a warm winter coat but in my size they are ridiculously expensive, have trawled the CS's for one but no luck so far. I dont like belted ones so am a bit too fussy

I got a couple of long loose cardi's off the market, one for best and one for home and I live in them. I am going to try and sew myself a warm dressing gown using my old one as a pattern, I made my own clothes years ago so should be ok.