Preparing for Winter V

Auntycaz

Make sure you have a supply of bottled water in stock. My water went off last night again for the 3rd time in as many weeks. Our water authority knows there's a leak but is still struggling to find and fix it. There will probably be more burst pipes in the winter too.
Also, a question about the Nido milk powder. What does it taste like, ie does it taste powdery or is it similar to regular milk? I'm not keen on the long life milk and looking for an alternative if I struggle to get to the shops this winter. I always have a couple of small bottles in the freezer. 

Primrose

Thanks for the bottled water reminder.   We got caught out not long ago when our water supply was disrupted for most of the day and even our kettle was empty !

Primrose

Si-Clist.  Thanks for the coal burning link.  I wasn't aware of the future coal sale ban and know somebody who still only heats their home by this method who probably isn't aware of the future ban of certain coals either so will share the information.

It's good that people on here share their knowledge  - there always somebody out there who's out of the information loop.

Meanwhile  the sun is shining here so another day of delay in switching on the heating.  Incidentally there were queues this morning at a petrol station we drove past so motorists are already filling their tanks in fear of another fuel shorage.

Si_Clist

Primrose said:

Si-Clist.  Thanks for the coal burning link.

You're more than welcome.  As I've found to my cost before now, there's an amazing amount of nonsense on some of those stove supplier sites.  I'm never sure whether it's down to a desire to pull the wool over customers' eyes or simply that they actually do know their stuff but they can't communicate it, but whatever ...

weenancyinAmerica

 

Keep the Home Fires Burning

Beechwood fires are bright and clear

If the logs are kept a year.

Chestnut's only good they say,

If for long 'tis laid away.

But Ash new or Ash old

Is fit for a queen with crown of gold.

Birch and fir logs burn too fast

Blaze up bright and do not last.

It is by the Irish said

Hawthorn bakes the sweetest bread.

Elm wood burns like the churchyard mold,

E'ven the flames are very cold.

But Ash green or Ash brown

Is fit for a queen with golden crown.

Poplar gives a bitter smoke,

Fills your eyes and makes you choke.

Apple wood will scent your room

With an incense like perfume.

Oaken logs, if dry and old,

Keep away the winter's cold.

But Ash wet or Ash dry

A king shall warm his slippers by.

Anon

This is an old poem that might help.

Laura_Elsewhere

@weenancyinAmerica, the poem is by Celia Congreve, from 1926  

VJsmum

Love the poem....

that guidance (the seller of logs) is only good if you buy the stuff - we don't buy our wood, but get it free from a place we volunteer at.  It is never more than 20% moisture and rarely over 10 - that has to be better than kiln drying, i'd have thought.  We have mostly oak and ash.

greenbee

VJsmum said:

Love the poem....

that guidance (the seller of logs) is only good if you buy the stuff - we don't buy our wood, but get it free from a place we volunteer at.  It is never more than 20% moisture and rarely over 10 - that has to be better than kiln drying, i'd have thought.  We have mostly oak and ash.

This is my problem. People keep saying it's illegal to burn, but actually it's only selling wet wood that's banned. While it isn't ideal to burn wet wood - you don't get much heat, and your chimney needs sweeping more often - finances might mean people do. My wood is all bone dry - but most people in the UK would turn up their noses at pine and willow. However, the scandinavians burn masses of pine (better in stoves than open fires as it does spit). And the willow is fine after a couple of years - you just need to split it so it has a chance to season properly. 

skogar

This is the one I have come across years ago in when I was in the guides. However when I saw it the first bits were missing and it started at oak logs..... In the version I came across it was elder scarce at all rather than chestnut.

Logs to burn; logs to burn;
Logs to save the coal a turn.

Here's a word to make you wise
when you hear the woodman's cries;
Never heed his usual tale
That he's splendid logs for sale
But read these lines & really learn
The proper kind of logs to burn.

Oak logs will warm you well,
If they're old and dry.
Larch logs of pinewoods smell
But the sparks will fly.
Beech logs for Christmas time;
Yew logs heat well;
'Scotch' logs it is a crime
For anyone to sell.
Birch logs will burn too fast;
Chestnut scarce at all;
Hawthorn logs are good to last
If cut in the fall.
Holly logs will burn like wax,
You should burn them green;
Elm logs like smouldering flax,
No flame to be seen.
Pear logs and apple logs,
They will scent your room;
Cherry logs across the dogs
Smell like flowers in bloom,
But ash logs all smooth and grey
Burn them green or old,
Buy up all that come your way
They're worth their weight in gold.

                Honor Goodhart, 1920

cuddlymarm

Hi guys
Amazingly it’s still quite warm here. I’m sat in a t shirt with the windows open. I’m making the most of it cos the weather report is rain for the next week or so after the weekend.
I don’t tend to bother with thermals, instead just layering up, with my summer vest tops and various thickness of cardigans and socks.I tend to overheat at times ( I’m not sure whether it’s my thyroid playing up or the end of the menopause) but it saves on heating at times.
The only thing I need are some more candles and a posh winter coat, but that can wait until I can afford or need to buy it for an event. 

The petrol stations had queues here today and we’ve got a cut in the amount of buses due to a shortage of drivers. Unfortunately I discovered that my route had been cancelled only after I stood at the bus stop for 15 minutes. I grumpily walked home. I know we also have trams along my route but they were so full of tourists and I don’t feel safe on them when they are that full , as so many people are refusing to wear masks now. 

It’s quite scary how quickly things seem to be going downhill and we’re not even in winter yet. This site should be compulsory reading for all MPs so they could at least try to understand how normal people live. I know not everything happening is in their control but there’s a lot they could at least try to understand. It’s insulting as at times when they don’t even attempt to understand.
Anyway enough of that 
Goodnight 😴