Preparing for winter IV

[Deleted User]

Hi KITTIE I keep the cordial in the very cold storeroom over the garage but you can freeze it in plastic fizzy drinks bottles, small ones are best, and then it keeps for years. Once it's defrosted you can keep it for about 6 weeks in the fridge. To use it for sore throats etc. just dilute it with hot water and sip, it's very good to taste too. Lyn xxx.

Fruball

jadziad wrote: »

If you have any pipework which is likely to get cold, i.e. immediately behind air bricks, condier "self-regulating heat tape" (also referred to as "heating cable") which is tape with a mains plug attached which you wrap around pipes, plug it in, and as it gets colder the tape gets warmer.

I have this heat tape on my outdoor pipes to the WM. Needless to say it hasn't been cold enough since I installed it :rotfl:

suzybloo wrote: »

There you go Fruball, your needing a rug for your kitchen and getting rid of your old pyjamas, would they be suitable to make a gorgeous rag rug!

Good plan! Need to YouTube some instructions - thanks! I might fancy some rag rug lap blankets too... Will see how I get on

MrsLurcherwalker wrote: »

Hi KITTIE I keep the cordial in the very cold storeroom over the garage but you can freeze it in plastic fizzy drinks bottles, small ones are best, and then it keeps for years. Once it's defrosted you can keep it for about 6 weeks in the fridge. To use it for sore throats etc. just dilute it with hot water and sip, it's very good to taste too. Lyn xxx.

I have collected some elderberries and blackeberries to make a mixed syrup for coughs and colds over the winter. I will make it with star anise. Found a nice looking simple recipe 250g berries, 250ml water and 250g sugar with 1 star anise. Simple enough for me to follow! I haven't made it before so I hope it is nice. Apparently blackberries with the elderberries is a superb combination

[Deleted User]

Blackberry vinegar is very nice too and also good for the sniffles!

welsh_mummy

Hi, is it ok to join in?

Starting to think about getting things ready for the autumn/winter as the last week has been chillier here in sunny Scotland. Picked up mattress protectors yesterday which I got in the asda sale, they were washed and dried and put onto the beds. Will look out the summer duvets (these were never used this year) and give them a freshen up ready to put onto the beds as well.

Will need to check the medicine box and make a list of what we need and get that stocked up.

Also thinking about getting my 8 year old an electric blanket as he has the coldest room in the house but worry he's too young???

BitterAndTwisted

Is there such a thing as "too young for a leccy blankie"?

pm2326

Well I've made a start on the prep for this winter.

Bought a new 13.5 tog duvet in asda sale, can't afford a wool one yet.

Have also restocked some of my dried pulses ready for some hearty slow cooker soups and stews, so have pearl barley, red lentils, green lentils, yellow split peas and broth mix.

Have dug out my huge bed throw and it needs a wash to freshen it up so that's going in the washer tomorrow if its decent weather.

Have an old fleece fitted sheet that I was going to cut up as rags but now thinking it may still be useful if I put it under the mattress topper as another layer?

I desperately need some new warm pjamas, I had to go find a cardigan earlier as I was feeling a bit cold....this is worrying seeing as its only august and I normally wait until November before thinking about putting the heating on! Had a look online but looks like the shops haven't got them in yet.

Oh and I've discovered my heating thermostat is no longer working properly...its a manual dial one and the dial is cracked and wobbles slightly,when I tested it yesterday it took me 10 mins to get it to click. I have Homecare with BG but not sure if it covers the thermostat so I'll have to phone them to check this week.

Dont have any plans for tomorrow but may go into town and see if charity shops are open and maybe grab a winter clothing bargain or two

aggypanthus

BitterAndTwisted wrote: »

Is there such a thing as "too young for a leccy blankie"?

I think the only prob could be the child messing with the controls.My young neice would put mine on at the 4 setting controls, at odd times.
I cant see it being useful . As the bed would soon cool down a hwb will stay warm all night.

pm2326

Forgot to ask a question!

I prefer candles to be enclosed in something rather than a naked flame and was wondering if I placed tea lights in those little preserving jars or something similar would they still give off enough light and would it be safe....has anyone else tried this?

aggypanthus

PM 2326

The only solution to the fluffy dressing gown is lots of washes. I had mine for 20yrs!

£15 is fine for a door curtain, got the link? I can see if its any good.PS I make my own.

Metamorphic_Furniture

Please can I join in? I lurked last year, I love reading about everyone's efforts!

Well, early this morning (about 6am) some geese flew over honking - is that a sign of something? I'm sure I've read something somewhere about that... Unfortunately due to the early time I couldn't mobilise myself quickly enough to look out the window to see in which direction they were flying, or indeed the type of goose they were! :rotfl:

It's definitely very cold here. I've managed to complete a fairly large job this weekend, though - painting the garden shed a lovely sage green colour. Looks great and will keep it protected over the winter and beyond.

I'm also stocking up on guinea pig fodder and bedding. I also look after a pony so will check over his rugs and clean and do any repairs needed (hateful job). When the creatures are all set up, I'll start thinking about me!

[Sorry for the rather long post!]