Preparing for Winter V

Auntycaz

I had my covid booster yesterday and my flu jab last week. I didn't want to wait until the weather got any worse before I got them. I'm also stocking my first aid box.and making sure I have enough essentials in the cupboard so that if the weather gets bad I don't need to struggle to the shops.I always freeze some milk as I'm not keen on long life milk .

Wednesday2000

I have ordered some tins of soup as well as teabags in my next online shop. I did go to Superdrug yesterday and I bought some cold and flu sachets. There are 10 sachets in a pack so that should definitely be enough for the winter (hopefully!) for both of us. Last time I had Covid was the Spring and I was grateful I had some tinned soup in the cupboard for a quick meal.

slm6002

Primrose said:

We,ve already had one frost so need to pack away our hose reel into the garage before the tubing gets damaged and put the insulated cover on the outside garden tap. The late Indian summer this year has made us a little complacent over this task 

Thank you for the reminder - now about to go and do this before I get distracted

tooldle

sammy_kaye18 said:

We are at a steady 9 degrees here in south wales at the minute. Im not sure what it was when I got up at 7am or when son left to walk to the train station at 6am but there was definitely a chill in the air. 

I am at the minute trying to think ahead for the weekend and wondered if I could pick your brains.
We recently brought and are in the process of converting a van into a motorhome. So far we have a structure for a bench which changes into a bed and we have brought necessities for camping like a small single burner cooking stove, pans, cutlery, plates, cups, kettle, lantern and torch etc. We have a box with things like tea, coffee, sugar etc as well so warm drinks are no problem and have lined the floor with rubber matting so there is a floor in there. 
Well husband works away sometimes and has started to use it to stay in overnight rather than travelling home because it can be a 3hr trip etc and to save on hotel costs etc. He has a decent sleeping bag but Im trying to think of some other things to put in there that will keep him warm when the weather drops. 

- I have just repurposed an old set of curtains and attached magnets to them so they can be hung and removed inside the van to give him privacy and help create a sort of heat trap where he will be staying in the back from the cab. 
- I have a hot water bottle I can give him that he can heat water for and use to put in his sleeping bag to keep him warm. 
- a pillow as well.
Maybe a few meals he could add water to like pot noodle etc to give himself a quick meal.

But can anyone think of anything else I could include?

Insulation is key otherwise it will be really cold in winter. 

sammy_kaye18

@tooldle yep this will be a focus for us. We have an insulation kit and a noise reduction kit coming as well so that should help. Like I said previously there is a foam flooring down as well which we will be lining with heat reflecting material underneath as well. I am busy packing him a box to keep him warm at the minute. 
if the weather is too cold then he will obviously look into a hotel / airbnb etc until the van is finished.

Plans for today are to get out the slow cooker. I have an eye test later so I'm planning on putting chicken, sauce and rice in the slow cooker about 12.30-1 and letting it all just bubble away on high whilst I am out and it should be nicely done by about 5-5.30 when daughter comes home and Ill leave it on low then until husband gets in from riding after work. 

I really do think I will start looking into cheaper cuts of meat etc to put in the slow cooker and using that a lot more this winter. Plus it gives off extra heat to take the chill off the kitchen.

tooldle

We’ve had campervans and motorhomes for over 20 years now. Lots of experience and good times. Are you adding a heating system?

sammy_kaye18

tooldle said:

We’ve had campervans and motorhomes for over 20 years now. Lots of experience and good times. Are you adding a heating system?

Eventually. We havent had it long and are doing the conversion ourselves. We are at the stage where we have given it a good clean. Have gotten wood for the flooring. We haven't secured it down completely yet as we have a kit coming with the sound deadening patches, and also carpetting to cover wall panels etc so have been finding the best insulation = like I said at the minute we have a foam flooring on top of the wood for the minute. We have brought small basics. I have just fitted curtains between the cab and main bay. We have started to make storage places with the plan to put in a battery to give us a heating system and lighting. We actually have a trailer tent too so we have things like a generator and electrical hook up for that which we will switch over to the van too eventually. Just doing bits little and often at the minute

skogar

Re the van would a flask be useful?    

Cherryfudge

With a big storm forecast, although we aren't in the worst affected area, I decided to charge up a power bank for the phone in case our electricity goes off. Can I find it? No... but I still think t was  a good idea.  

Those in Babet's path, stay safe.

Wednesday2000

I saw what Martin Lewis said about heating your body rather than switching on the heating and decided to order a pair of USB heated gloves from Amazon. I only bought one pair to try it out but if they work I will order a second pair for my husband. Some of the reviews said it is better to have the heated bit on your palms so I'm going to try that.

It isn't too bad here today as it feels quite mild, but tomorrow it is going to be rainy. I have to go out so I will be taking the bus instead of walking!