Preparing for winter IV

littlegreenparrot

That's basically my plan.
I have stuff that allows me to either wait it out fairly comfortably, or walk to wherever else I need to be. There's not much else I can do.

Although I have always known that if I did end up being stuck on the motorway in the snow, it would more than likely be kids in the car next door having a great time scoffing biscuits under my blanket - and I would be out shovelling!!

Maitane

A quick question for everyone - does anyone forsee an issue with making a draft excluder out of oil cloth?

Our bathroom window has a bit of a draft when it's shut so I thought about making a water/steam-proof draft excluder. I know DH will think I'm mad but if it works, it makes me mad but right and less cold.

[Deleted User]

MrsLurcherwalker wrote: »

You too KITTIE? it seems to have made it's way south and west in the last week I know lots of snuffly coughing villagers including me. Hope you and everyone else can shake the dratted virus off very quickly. I had some of my elderberry cordial in hot water yesterday and it really did make me feel better, be well, Lyn xxx.

I feel a lot better this afternoon and I am putting it down to the elderberry syrup, absolutely amazing `medicine`. I have one bottle of sambucol, found when I was checking use by dates and it is still in date, so I will use that next then make some more. I am glad I have frozen lots of elderberries but anyone who didn`t could use dried elderberries and I have those in my winter stores too

dh is putting the winter kit in the car tomorrow

I did the med sorting and am cringing at the amount I have had to get rid of, so will limit myself this year

Yes maitane that sounds good. What about a lightly padded window quilt hung on a couple of hooks or tied to a rail, a quilt with a nice fat roll at the bottom

Cheapskate

Hello everyone, hope you're all doing well, RL been getting in the way, so have been MIA for a while.

Kittie - how would you make the elderberry syrup with dried berries? Found several suppliers online (cos I missed out on fresh!), which don't seem too bad, price-wise, so was hoping to make some this week. I've got sloe gin and bramble vodka on the go - have previously used the vodka in a hot toddy, added to hot blackcurrant squash or similar - lush!

My car box is done apart from some food items and bottles of water, so that will be ready for the weekend; have just found some lovely flannelette bed sets for the littlies, £15 each for single size, bought another flannelette sheet for our bed, and 2 poondshop pet fleeces for the newly acquired kitten we have!

My older daughter has just had her first baby, so I crocheted him his first winter blanket - and also the first proper thing I've crocheted! Now I just want to crochet all day long. :rotfl:

I need to up the pantry stocks of most things - they're not too bad, but I always feel better mentally if we have plenty of dry goods in, loads of loo roll and plenty of blankets - oh, and maybe a few bottles of something nice to drink and a bit of chocolate to better enjoy those snuggly nights in when it's blowing a hoolie outside!

A xo

pjran

Quite a frost here this morning. Even though we have double glazing there was condensation on the bedroom window so I've turned the dehumidifier up.

Stocking up the pantry is a great idea. I try to keep a good larder full of dried pulses, we love homemade soups and I always add lentils to curries.

[Deleted User]

Cheapskate wrote: »

Kittie - how would you make the elderberry syrup with dried berries? Found several suppliers online (cos I missed out on fresh!), which don't seem too bad, price-wise, so was hoping to make some this week.

A xo

here you are
http://montanahomesteader.com/homemade-elderberry-syrup/

I always try to get my jobs done during the mornings and then I craft during the afternoons, today I finally finished sorting my winter clothes and packed away my summer ones, just in time too by the look of the weather.Lots of empty hangers and two large empty drawers so am getting there with revamping my clothes. No more sewing for me now as I have enough winter clothes, just a button to put on a hm babycord skirt and that is the lot. I have left a couple of sets of layers ie long sleeved t shirts with an overtop of some kind, as I don`t always want warm woollens. I still have several left from woolovers and they are always nice to wear
http://www.woolovers.com/?gclid=CIyzoITH5sECFXKWtAod5GIAmw

We have just ordered new beds, hubbie and I have singles next to each other and we have gone top of the range this time as he is getting aches. Hypnos with a hideaway storage area below, this will easily take suitcases etc so am looking forward to getting yet more cupboard space back

mardatha

Absolutely wild up here tonight. Been pelting rain all day but now the wind has picked up and it's really dire.

babyblooz

Just bought a big bag of spuds from Morries and Son for £2.00 so that is going to provide loads of lovely jacket spuds and comforting mash when the weather gets bad! It's going to be safely stashed away somewhere cool and dark.

I've also just changed energy suppliers and that should save me £110+ if we use the same amount as last year, but looking at the forecasts, even if we use more at least it will be at the lowest possible price!

I'm putting the big heavy curtains up tonight to keep the draughts at bay and when I change the beds I'm going to put the electric underblanket on as well, so I'm looking forward to feeling snug and cosy and PREPARED when it finally hits us.

jabba4

Hi, John here.
It's been a while since I last posted, just been quietly trudging our way through our DMP.


Anyway....
our boiler broke down in the spring and we haven't been able to find the money to get it repaired. Luckily the immersion still works so we have hot water.


But....to my question.....
does anyone know of any schemes where we can get a new boiler ? Maybe a grant ? Or a charge on the house ? Any ideas welcome please.........


We are a one person working household, 2 adults and 3 kids at home, with one at uni. I have some health issues that cause some difficulties, and I don't qualify for any benefits apparently. I stopped working in 2008 to look after the kids while my wife worked as community midwife.


Just really stuck for ideas really. The schemes I've seen seem to be aimed at people who get certain benefits. My son has asthma (not severe, but enough to worry if he gets a cold or chill).


Sorry, bit of a ramble....any ideas welcome as to how I can sort the boiler would be really welcome.


Oh, the old boiler apparently needs a new condenser, and makes it not that economical to repair.


Many, many thanks

Mrs_Cheshire

babyblooz wrote: »

Just bought a big bag of spuds from Morries and Son for £2.00 so that is going to provide loads of lovely jacket spuds and comforting mash when the weather gets bad! It's going to be safely stashed away somewhere cool and dark.

I also got a bag today, need to find an ideal spot to keep them in!