Preparing for Winter V

[Deleted User]

Its nippy here today, even still cold on my fingers when I left the shop at lunchtime and I wished I'd worn a warmer jacket. Now is the time to dig out your winter hats, gloves and scarves and give them a freshen up and also check winter coats for soundness and replace that button that popped off at the end of the spring coolness when you put it away! Bargains to be had in the charity shops at the moment as folks are looking at winter things and deciding on changes and we are getting in some beautiful quality coats and jackets as donations that we put out at £5 or less, might be worth looking locally to where you live if you'd like a warm winter and still have cash in the account!

phoebe1989seb

Beautiful sunny day here today, so have been making the most of it by getting some garden prepping for winter done Have planted loads of stuff (multiples of persicaria, ajuga, primrose, stocks, salvia), prepped planters for bulbs and was about to re-pot several phlomis (ultimately intended for a bed that isn't yet ready so these will overwinter in the polytunnel) when I ran out of compost, so that's it for today. Also topped up the overflow log baskets.....

Yesterday we bought a beautiful, all wool blanket from Aberglasney (to replace my 'posh garage sale' one I've had for so long it's disintegrating!) for one of the book room sofas so I've something cosy to snuggle under on chilly winter days while writing/reading. Had been intending to make one, but rather short of time right now

fuddle

The temps have dropped here so I've toyed with putting on the wood stove. Romantically I thought go on, I'll indulge with the first light. Stove lit and I'm sat with my first hot chocolate of the season and I find that the stove winnit burn. The Sweep renewed the fire bricks a few weeks back and covered the tertiary airflow inlets. At least we know and can cut the bricks down.

Romance scuppered though.

[Deleted User]

Shattered dreams are so hard to bear my sweet, have another hot choc and make this one with marshmallows on top to help you cope xxx.

twopenny

Been glorious here, sitting in the sun with my book and mowing the lawns.
Tonight is chilly though, probably the clear skies and damp from all the rain we've had.
I've got a fleecy throw on my sofa and that keeps me warm just sitting on it. Also the fact that it's soft, hollowfill cushions. Used to be a home made quilt but this is lighter, easier to wash and seems to be just as warm

fuddle

I've been in the stove looking for the elusive airholes at the back of it. I measured the fire bricks and found the were the correct size. I pulled the stove to pieces looked for the air holes. Still elusive. I went to look at the baffel plate sat at the top of the stove and it fell. "Great!" said I. "How do I get this back in place?!" low and behold the air holes appeared.

The Sweep had rested the baffel plate on the top of the airbricks even though there's a huge wad of cast iron for it to sit on above the air holes. I can't tell you how the other side was supported. I don't think it was and the most worrying thing is is that the baffel plate was actually sat blocking the flue. Carbon Monoxide.

The Sweep had swept my stove before, is experienced and has a good reputation. But he talks. Talks and talks some more. He hasn' t concentrated.

The moral of the story is to know your (my!) stove like the back of your hand so each of us can check the work is safe when it's been cleaned and restored.

Is is cold enough for lovely flames this evening? Might be

smeeth

Glad you found the cause Fuddle, that could've been awful.

It's been chilly here today, didn't get above 5C until after 10am.

Pooky

We had our stove fitted yesterday so we've done our curing fires this afternoon, it heats up wonderfully!

I put the 10tog duvet on when I changed the bed this morning, we had the 5 tog and a blanket but I was starting to get chilly. Really looking forward to bed tonight

Frith

Found a few nice hoodies and jumpers for sons in the charity shops.

Have been collecting pairs of gloves and putting them through the washing machine - they end up scattered around the house, car and allotment!

Have lit the stove once and will do so tonight, I think (no central heating).

cuddlymarm

My DS2 has discovered the joys of his first bought home. The central heating stopped working at the first sign of cold. Luckily it was only a fuse needed but he’s getting it serviced as soon as possible. It’s given him a lesson on being ready for all eventualities. I’ll make a prepper of him yet.