Preparedness for when

maryb

her blog is very thought provoking, though she doesn't post as much as she used to. She has another blog as well and besides having a large family of her own they take in emergency foster placements so she's just a tad busy. She brings together lots of threads that people tend to focus on separately - climate change, sustainability, peak oil and at the same time she has a domestic focus that appeals to me - though I do NOT want to be an urban farmer and can't ever see myself liking goat milk (goat's cheese is lovely, though)

westlothianlass

Hi all
Another very wet day again, the garden is looking very sorry for itself. Every time I go out I look like a very ungraceful ice skater sliding about in my wellies.
Im missing the snow too mar just doesnt feel the same:o
Thanks for your links Kittie and maryb very interesting.
2T another one here thant thinks you are right to take food you will enjoy and feel safe with to your new year bash.
Im with you GQ on getting fitter, hoping to spend more (productive) time growing even more veg this year but maybe need to get on my bike more too. Watching the programme on the new Scottish walk got me very excited about planning some weekends under canvas with my DH.
I bought some thermal bottoms (sale price) before crimbo but have an awful time finding a top that fits me (large bust and a hatred of anything too near my neck makes it a tad difficult). Might go into Edin next week and check out the army surplus store just incase they have the top of my dreams lurking:D.
WLL x

Butterfly_Brain

Isn't my DH clever !
He has made his first kandle heater© using pots that we had in the garden, an old sweet tin, bolts washers and nuts from the shed all we had to buy was 2 meccano fake robots from poundland, which are nickel plated so should be safe, do not use anything that is galvanised because it will give off cyanide gas when heated :eek:. We are using a small tea light to try it out and surprisingly the temperature in the hall has already gone up by 5c He is now addicted to making them, but we only have enough bits to make one more, so that will have to do until Wilkinson's have the terracotta pots in and I will have to go to hobby craft for the smallest ones, plus some more cheap meccano, But if they cost £3 or £4 each that will still save us lots of pennies :j

[Deleted User]

Interesting thoughts KITTIE about how to stay warm if there is no wood, my take would be to live, sleep etc in the smallest room that was an option, line the walls, windows with whatever was to hand, even newspaper would give some insulation. I would rig up blanket curtains around the bed/mattress to keep heat in an even smaller space and I think that conserving energy and staying appropriately dressed would keep you warm. Even if that meant wearing padded coats and gloves and a hat indoors too. It would be important too to have the right nutrition if possible and possibly a raw diet if there was no means of cooking. None of that sounds easy though does it?Lyn xxx.

pineapple

westlothianlass wrote: »

Hi all
Might go into Edin next week and check out the army surplus store just incase they have the top of my dreams lurking:D.
WLL x

A word of caution. I bought some army surplus leggings and a vest and washed them most carefully. The leggings were fine - but dear me - the top now stretches to my knees!
I suppose it will 'come in'. Meanwhile I do have quite a pretty v necked long sleeved vest that I got from George.

pineapple

MrsLurcherwalker wrote: »

Interesting thoughts KITTIE about how to stay warm if there is no wood, my take would be to live, sleep etc in the smallest room that was an option, line the walls, windows with whatever was to hand, even newspaper would give some insulation.

A neighbour bought a burnt out shell of a house and lived in the shed for two years while he rebuilt it - I kid you not! This included that cold winter a couple of years back. He lined the walls - not sure what with - it might have been polystyrene and foil :huh:

mardatha

Well really it's just caravan living isn't it? They do it and keep warm so we can.
I like the idea of going back to the old fashioned way of closet beds and living/sleeping/heating one room though, it has a cosy feel. And come springtime it would so nice to break free and spring clean it all.
Remember too how in old pics they always have screens and wing chairs - all to keep out draughts

pineapple

mardatha wrote: »

I like the idea of going back to the old fashioned way of closet beds and living/sleeping/heating one room though, it has a cosy feel.

I once rented an old farm cottage - only form of heating was the open fire downstairs in the lounge. So that's where the bed, the TV and the sofa were - very cosy on a winters night! The 'bedroom' upstairs got a lot more sunshine and had the views - so that was my day room/study.

Uniscots97

My parents last house was a cottage built in the 1600's. My dog wouldn't lie on the floor as it was so cold (stone floor) so you would either find her on my bed, on the sofa or so close to the fire she was in danger of burning her fur.

2tonsils

Westlothianlass I am pleased its not just me who has a large bust and can't stand things near to her neck....good luck in your search for the perfect top. We bought ski thermals last year from Lidl and they are fantastic. They wash well and are lovely and warm. The top is so nice I sometimes wear it as a sweater and it has been much admired lol. I also got a pair of thermal lined neoprene trousers that shed water in a shower of rain and they only cost me 3 euros...best pair of winter trousers I have ever owned.

I also bought a pair of leather boxer boots that are fur lined and I adore them, they are so warm and comfy. I wouldn't give up on the snow just yet...there are signs its on its way for the UK and Europe. We already have heavy snow in Northern Greece.

Thanks for your opinions, I have decided to eat a meal before I go and just take things I can eat as well..so all gluten free. They will never know if I don't tell them lol