Preparing for Winter V

Nargleblast

I have heard a rumour that this coming winter could be a harsh one similar to 2010/2011. Of course, we should always prepare for the worst, because whether this winter turns out to be as rumoured or not, you know sooner or later there will be bad weather so all preps would not be wasted.

Rainy-Days

It is something to do with the El Nino effect and its positioning is in the exact same spot as the very harsh winter of 2010. That is what they are basing their predictions on! It will be interesting to see how it all 'pans' out though.

If any of you are interested I have just been on the Next website and under their Clearance section tab they have allot of winter stock they are selling at half price or less. Slippers, socks and coats are all listed. You will have to open an account for these but I have mine delivered to store which saves me the £3.99 delivery cost. It is worth having look. They have a pretty good selection on the ladies knitwear as well.

Pooky

I've just finished running down the store cupboard from last winter so it's time to start popping the odd extra tin and packet in with the shopping.

I don't need to buy any new clothes/shoes/curtains/bedding etc as we're all sorted. I've still got 11 unopened 25kg sacks of coal and 13 pallets to chop (as well as the left over wood from last year) so we won't go cold.

We've normally had a good few weeks of nicer weather by now but it just doesn't seem to have ramped up to anything yet....suits me as I don't like heat but I'm sure it'll have a knock on effect somewhere down the line.

nannygladys

So pleased this thread is up again. I'm going to copy the list out and start ticking things off it. My house is pretty much done as I'm now retired and have been upgrading it over the last few years in readiness, but I still need to buy bits and pieces like water proofs etc and I really need to take off the fleecey linings on my curtains and start washing them before winter suddenly appears again!!!

Nannyg

fuddle

My winter preps will be around the issue of food. I will look to add to my stores and seek to get DH to add extra shelving in the kitchen cupboard he built to store them.


As far as house preps I think I really only need to look into the large kitchen window and door curtain situation. I am looking to get a wool blanket or two to add to the fleece stocks for the living room when it is chilly. I will get the National Trust Recycled rug at £15 for this. They are scratchy on bare skin but warm and trustworthy (I have one on my bed).


DH and I certainly don't need anything in the way of outerwear although will probably crochet some hats etc as it's my hobby. I do need to look at my vests though, not necessarily thermal, just an extra layer. Some thicker socks needed for Dh and probably me if I'm honest.


My girls? Eldest's coat will be handed down to youngest as and when but as it stands they both still fit and I see no reason why they won't get to the end of the year. I will get vests for both as they have outgrown theirs and probably socks. New uniforms are needed anyway but thinking of trousers as a money saver... they go through too many pairs of tights!


So all in all, aside from odds and ends, it's stock accumulation and concentrating on amenities for power outages really.

parsniphead

I'm planning to spend the weekend doing some winter prep. I think the thunderstorms, if they materialise, will give me some motivation. I need to get the curtains in the sitting room fleece lined as its single glazed and a bit chilly. I think I will need to shop around as they are big curtains to line.


I'm also planning to move DS up from a toddler bed to a single one so new sheets, blankets and duvets will be needed soon. I'm going to treat him to some flannelette ones to keep him toasty.


Candles and bits are also needed plus a new car kit just in case. I will prep the car with anti-freeze and get it waxed up later in the year.


Oh and the central heating needs servicing. I forgot for the last two years. It will be five years old this year so I need to get to it.


I have been clearing out the cellar for the past weeks so some stocks of tins can go down there too. Its too damp for anything else.

[Deleted User]

FUDDLE if the recycled rug is scratchy find a small cheap fleece blanket and line it with that, double the warmth for very little outlay. You could just stitch them together by hand round the edges.

What size are the rugs? I've just looked and you can get them online they look super quality and I'd be keen to aquire a couple for on the sofa this winter if they're big enough.

candlelight_2013

I have washed all of my fleece blankets today and they are outside in the sun. These will be put away now for winter.

Candlelightx

fuddle

MrsLurcherwalker wrote: »

What size are the rugs? I've just looked and you can get them online they look super quality and I'd be keen to aquire a couple for on the sofa this winter if they're big enough.

They are 120cm by 145cm. I adore them Lyn. I look at them every time I use my NT membership. You can't choose your colours online but they are all well matched and rustic looking.

alice-mary

fuddle wrote: »

They are 120cm by 145cm. I adore them Lyn. I look at them every time I use my NT membership. You can't choose your colours online but they are all well matched and rustic looking.

I agree! They really are lovely and such good value for 100% wool. Last winter, I often folded 1 length-wise and draped it across my shoulders while sitting knitting or marking books... toastie warm!

While stretched out on the sofa, one of them forms a very light, extra layer under a fleecy blanket.....BLISS!

Alice
xx