Preparing for Winter V

dragonette

fuddle wrote: »

bubblewrap on windows? Just wet it and adhere to the glass. I've used it before and does help with the cold coming from glazing.

I'll see if it survives the cats all my curtains have decent lining already

babyblooz

I've had condensation on my bedroom windows for two or three days running, even though they are double glazed. I've scooped up the water with my window vac then opened the windows for half an hour or so. Once I've had my breakfast and second cup of tea then I go back upstairs to get dressed and close the windows.

Autumn has definitely arrived in our corner of the world!

babyblooz

I've also bought two thick furry cushion covers for on the settee. It makes the place feel warmer if there's something to snuggle up against.

Rummer

I have the medical kit replenished and the bottles of water in ready so I now need to turn my thoughts to food and other cupboard staples. Monthly I keep our cupboards reasonably full and I have plans to add a few extra things per week to make sure that I have things ready for the winter.

Clothing wise I am still searching for a long waterproof winter coat and ankle length snow boots. However I have been crocheting my wee heart out and have been making cowls and scarf to keep me warm over the winter.

Also been looking for longer length winter sweaters and wondered if anyone had seen any?

SpikyHedgehog

*Foxglove* wrote: »

One thing I need to do is some preserving. I have a freezer full of various fruits (blackcurrants, redcurrants, gooseberry, loganberry, raspberry, blackberry, plum) that need make into jams etc. I've also got to large bags of pumpkin that need making into soup..

My little one has got his first cold of the new school term:( although he's gone off to school. They seem rather too strict with the attendance rate which should be over 95%. So if they are more than 2 days off a term, the head will get in touch and ask why (flaming cheek). Last year he had chickenpox and the year before he had reactive arthritis....what are parents suppose to do....send ill kids to school?

To be fair to the school, they will have Ofsted and the LEA asking why the attendance rates are what they are, so need to demonstrate what they are doing about them.

And a good school will be saying "Poorly again, bless him - how can we help?" I had DS1's classroom moved round so he wouldn't get migraines triggered by the sun blazing in through the huge windows. On the other hand, my friend's son missed more than a year through longstanding health problems and his school were not bothered to help in anyway including sending work home as my friend and her son requested. Her son is now at a different school where he is supported properly.

My sister gave me some sturdy walking boots for DS2 that her DS1 had grown out of, so I think all I need to get now for outside clothing is waterproof trousers for DS2, as I'd got him a new coat in the sales earlier in the year and have plenty of hats, scarves and gloves for us all.

Trousers will be a problem though as he's short and chunky. The last ones he had were boys ones and fitted round the waist but were way too long in the leg, and I have a nasty feeling (based on trying to buy trousers for him) that we'll be looking at men's trousers. Which means spending lots of money for way too much material that will need shortening.

Unless I try waterproofing some ordinary cheap jogging trousers for him. DS1 asked me to nik wax the hoodies he wears over his motorbike armour on warmer days, so I could try that. And make sure DS2 has spare warm dry clothes to put on when back home if it doesn't help much. The kids waterproof trousers he had last time didn't open at the elasticated ankles so it wouldn't be any different from them.

nannygladys

Thought I was done on winter prep, but then dd3 moves back in and has a dreadful cold so now I have to restock my cold and flu capsules, luckily I don't seem to suffer too many colds, so thought 3 boxes would be enough but obviously not when you have long term visitors!!!!!

Also I've just discovered my wellies have a split in them, I'm a bit annoyed as I only bought them last winter and they weren't cheap ones but hey ho, it's better to find out now rather than on the day you need to wear them.

Nannyg

Princess_skint_a_lot

Hi everyone I just joined today and have been reading this thread with interest. We moved into a house with open fires in the spring and its a draughty old 1920s detached house. We are feeling the cold already so our winter prep has already started. I look after my disabled husband and have three children and money is scarce. This last week we built a woodstore and ordered coal not sure how much we will use yet, and I'm on with curtains I've managed to get two pairs of lined ones and I intend on now the nights are drawing in, making draught excluders for the doors with my girls. I'm on the lookout at charity shops for curtains I can hang by the doors. We all have fleecy jammies on already at night here, I'm really loving your ideas so thank you so much for all the inspiration

Love

Princess skint a lot

Linz4383

Princess_skint_a_lot wrote: »

Hi everyone I just joined today and have been reading this thread with interest. We moved into a house with open fires in the spring and its a draughty old 1920s detached house. We are feeling the cold already so our winter prep has already started. I look after my disabled husband and have three children and money is scarce. This last week we built a woodstore and ordered coal not sure how much we will use yet, and I'm on with curtains I've managed to get two pairs of lined ones and I intend on now the nights are drawing in, making draught excluders for the doors with my girls. I'm on the lookout at charity shops for curtains I can hang by the doors. We all have fleecy jammies on already at night here, I'm really loving your ideas so thank you so much for all the inspiration

Love

Princess skint a lot

Could you see if there are any local wood work/joinery places that would give you off cuts of wood for the fire, would help save money on the coal x

Princess_skint_a_lot

That's a brilliant idea I'll ring round, thank u so much, love this thread for this reason xxxxx :beer:

[Deleted User]

Also keep a look out for builders on building sites starting a bonfire pile, we got all the cutoffs of oak roofing trusses from a big build locally just for being bold enough to ask, they usually are happy to let you collect and don't like burning good wood, very rarely are we met with a complete no!