Preparing for Winter

Savvy_sewing

Gosh I have been lurking here for over 3 hours. Time I got off the computer and got dressed. Kids (BF's) are mving around now. So I better think of something else to do. The sun is still lurking behind the clouds. So I dont think its sunbathing weather. Although it would have been yesterday here, but I never got the chance.
My Dad has a gas stove for me. We had a powercut on friday morning and I realised I could not do anything as we are all electric.
I have a battery opperated radio, kindly donated to me earlier, but nothing else. So couldnt even make a cup of tea, or have a shower!! No way of heating the water if there is no electric.
Must get logs in for the fire, candles, matches, and then make sure there are things I can do when the winter cuts come. Forgot living in the sticks may have some draw backs..

Gigervamp

It's lovely living in the sticks, but does have it's disadvantages, frequent power cuts being one of them and as there's no gas out this way, cookers are electric.

We've got a camping stove, but need to get a bottle of gas for it. We also have a calorgas fire, (oil heating, but if the power goes out, the pump stops working, so no heat) wind up lantern and lots of candles. The wind up lantern doesn't give off much light, but it's enough to see where you're going when looking for candles, going to the loo, etc!

We insulated the loft last year and did notice that upstairs wasn't as cold as it had been previous years. The trouble with this house though, is that the stairwell goes right up to the roof for some reason, so there's no way of insulating that bit which I suspect doesn't help matters.

Still no nearer to getting the chimney lined so we can install a stove. Hubby procrastinates too much, so it looks like it'll be another winter without that. Was hoping it would be done by this winter.

flubberyzing

I was in Basingstoke Primark today and they've just launched a new range called 'Apres Ski'. They've got a lovely range of very thick zip-up cardis with hoods. They cost £15 but I can see myself wearing the blue one I bought all winter. They are lovely and snug.
Worth a look if you are in there.

Gigervamp

The thing I don't like about a lot of fleeces, is the static!

I've got some cheapy ones from Primark and Sainsbury, and I'm scared to touch anything metal when I'm wearing them!

I do have a lovely fleece hooded cardi that I bought whilst on honeymoon in the USA, very flattering, ie, it had a waist, didn't just go down straight from the armpits! But, like all fleecy things, picked up animal hairs like nobody's business! And, that doesn't seem quite as static.
I'll have to check out the fibre content.

Janine2225

Well, I've finally done it.....I've just finished the whole thread!!! Between this and the avoid gas and electric thread I've been here the best part of a week!!

Great reads tho.

I haven't really got an awful lot to do to be honest. I put up curtains downstairs last year (never had any previously), applied for warmfront a few weeks back so hopefully wil get some cavity wall and loft insulating done pre-xmas, and today I went to Ikea and brought us all a new duvet each, a fleece blanket each for the beds, loads of candles and holders (they're basic dinner candle holders are currently at 9p each btw!), some grolsch style bottles for my preserving attempts and I brought their cheapie fleeces which I have cut a slit in the middle to make ponchos for us to wear in the evenings (means we can still move and use our arms yet be all snuggly).
It did seem weird buying blankets and duvets while wandering round in a vest but I figured I was best off buying them now before I was unable to.
Now I just need to convince my eldest DS that he doesn't want to play on the wii permenamtly so my leccie bill comes down!!

Well done to all you well organised MSEers, inspirational.

Gigervamp

:hello: Welcome to the forum Janine.

angelite_2

Hi Janine, I have the same problem with my son and the xbox.

Was just on ebay and they have those snuggle blankets with the sleeves starting from about £10. I had done a search for blankets x

BigMummaF

Gigervamp wrote: »

The thing I don't like about a lot of fleeces, is the static!..............
I'll have to check out the fibre content.

No1..I think I've read somewhere that a liberal--as opposed to OS--dose of fabric softner in the rinse, helps prevent static. I won't swear to it because we can't use conditioner with all our allergies
The fibre content would be of interest, as I've never considered fleece to be anything BUT fleece IYSWIM. Although having said that, I think my BIL said his from M&S last year was recycled plastic
I'd like to pick your brains folks, if I may....We keep a couple of hot water bottles in Iggie's cupboard, should we suffer a power cut. Does anyone else with vivariums have any other ideas as to how we could keep her warm? I've thought about bubble-wrap on the outside, but don't want to frighten her if she couldn't see out...although I suppose we could do most of it & leave a gap near her dining room :rolleyes: Trouble is, she has the whole of the under stairs space, so it's not a case of covering a tank with a duvet.

Bluddin kids! Why did I agree to them having pets :doh:I thought with them [the offspring] being adults, it wouldn't have such an impact on me....how stoopeedo was that!:rotfl:

Molly41

Hi.
The last post made me laugh as I have inherited two Guinea Pigs from my son which I now love and care for. Last year being so cold over the winter my beloved piggys came in and are now well and truly ensconsed at the top of my stairs. How do people keep their outdoor pets warm especially if it is such a bad winter?

Savvy_sewing

angelite wrote: »

Hi Janine, I have the same problem with my son and the xbox.

Was just on ebay and they have those snuggle blankets with the sleeves starting from about £10. I had done a search for blankets x

I can say the same. My son is terrible with computers, music centres, exboxes, lava lamp. phone chargers, DVD.... need I go on??:eek:

Re the fleece blanket with arms, I am going to see if I can make a couple out of the Mr Primarni fleeces that I have had last year! (If I can find them!):rolleyes: