Preparing for Winter V

bossymoo

I take my thermal door curtains down before summer, and they usually go back up in October. I really wanted them this evening:o just wanted to shut the world and the weather out, and cosy up with the kiddies.

The heating even flicked on earlier - not for long - but the dial was at about 17deg so it must have dropped below

Rather feels odd how dark it is just now, too...

BritishBibliophile

Drove out across misty fields this morning, it was lovely! However the number of cars driving with a busted light this morning was rather alarming!

So MSE peeps, check all your lights are working (you'll need someone to help with the brake lights XD) and that includes your indicators (just stick the hazards on). Obviously get replacements sorted for those that are broken.

You can also have a look at the bank balance and if your last MOT flagged up that your tyres were a bit worn then now might be the time to get new ones fitted, you don't want to make black ice worse than it is :eek:

IndigoGirl

Eenymeeny wrote: »

I've used a large empty pickle jar with a nightlight in with some success when it's really cold. (Break the ice on top and make sure it's safely sited) They burn for quite a long time and I'm sure the birds enjoy their warmish bath!:)

Just read this fabulous idea. Thanjs Eenymeeny :-)

Eenymeeny

You're welcome IndigoGirl, got to look after those birdies!
Anyone who is prepping their car for winter might be interested in this clearance offer (instore only) at B&Q: http://www.diy.com/departments/rac-breakdown-kit/1030847_BQ.prd?_requestid=6741985#
RAC Breakdown kit, warning triangle, hi-vis vest, and lots of other goodies, only while stocks last though. Hope some of you are lucky!

fuddle

kittie wrote: »

just popping in to remind people about maintenance. Leaves from gutter etc.

Thank you. I reported that our gutters needed cleaning to the agents last autumn and they're still as they were. I will email today to get them cleared now before the rush.

We have seriously depleted food stocks here so that in my primary concern.

I need to invest in some good honey again, purely for medicinal purposes and paracetamol. I would like to do elderberry syrup again come September. I didn't get round to it last year and really did miss it.

I still (after 2 winters) have a very large kitchen window to cover. The radiator thermo had the kitchen radiator coming on a lot last season so it really is a money saving practicality that I need to fix. I', thinking along the lines of blankets as curtains but need to investigate and measure up.

I think I just need to top up the glove box, (a few sneaky crochet hat projects just because I like doing them) replenish the girls' underwear and reassemble DH's winter car box.

But.. food. It's a major worry. I need to be proactive in restocking.

SpikyHedgehog

Fuddle, I was in dun3lm M1ll the other day, & saw they had blackout Roman blinds reduced, & the bigger sizes were less than £20 - would that be worth a look? I've got a fleece blanket on net curtain wire over the glass in the front door, & that helps keep the chill off & was a cheap & easy to wash solution, but I still need to put a curtain over the whole door in winter.

alice-mary

Morning All,

My local cheery chimney sweep has already been round this morning and has swept and certified my chimney as safe for use :T
I have ordered my fuel and hope it arrives before I am back at work (school).... it may be fairly warm outside at the moment but the first day of term is fast approaching and then "winter is coming", my favourite season of the year

Take care everyone,

Alice
xx

greenbee

Thanks for the reminder! I need to book the chimney sweep, book the boiler service, order oil and coal...

alice-mary

Hi again, 2 posts in less than 2 hours, a record for me!

I just had a call from the coal-man and they are delivering my fuel tomorrow morning, so that will be me with a fire laid out, ready to light on the first cold evening of the Autumn :j
I do love to get all cozy and wrapped up, listening to an audio book and knitting, with the fire glowing nicely

Alice
xx

[Deleted User]

We took some of the 5 gallon containers of cider up to the barn this morning as they've cleared and when they've settled again after being moved He Who Knows will syphon the clear cider off and leave it in a sealed container to mature before bottling it. I had a look round the barn and we've made some 160 papier mache bricks (from newspaper) to use as firelighters and we've 5 boxes of kindling chopped and stacked too, the sweep is letting us know when he's coming to do the chimney and thanks to donations of wood we've 12 of the 14 cradles full of firewood in various stages of drying out, about 3 years worth. I've been preserving and freezing our homegrown produce like a demented squirrel and am running out of freezer space already! Think we'll be OK if we get snowed in this year!!!