Preparing for Winter

Winged_one

I have a north facing sitting room which, when we moved in only had single glazed windows that we couldn't afford to change yet (they were hardwood and still in good nick, whereas the softwood ones at the back of the house were in dire need of replacement). So, as new curtains were also desperately needed for all windows, I got nice thick damask-type material for that window (it was down to £5/meter in the summer sale as slightly out of fashion, but still fine). And while I also got proper lining, I got an interlining layer too (it's just like a thin blanket) which made a MAJOR difference to them! Even now, when we have good double glazing in those windows, it makes a difference in the winter (during the snow last year, we'd just close the curtains and light the fire and we were toasty out).

When we replaced the windows on the front (the north facing side), we also got wooden venetian blinds on all those windows (DD and guest bedroom, and sitting room) and that has also made quite a difference to heat retention.

And I have used the remnants of the interlining to make dollie blankets for DD!!

sammy_kaye18

Morning all

Well I will be sat making my list of things to do at some point this week.

We have been put onto a gas meter so will be trying to get us ahead with that so we dont struggle come winter, and they are now on about putting us back on an electric meter as we cant go on a repayment scheme for electric for some reason - even though we only owe £131 they want us on a meter instead and we repay it then at £6 a week.

Which might be more cost effective but boyfriend insists the dog needs his light on to eat his dinner, turtles are on every day for basking light, and the computer is usually left on stand by by boyfriend! So think I might need to tighten the reigns on some things a bit more.

Also need to take into account that we have a new household addition too. :D:D:D:D:D:D

[URL="[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v469/welshbird/DSC_0033.jpg[/IMG]"][/URL]

born on the 14th July weighing 8lb 5ozs - so obviously I need to plan another slightly smaller winter wardrobe now too.

mumoftwo

Hey Sammy you have had little Holly then? Congratulations hun. Did everything go ok?
(if you are not too busy could you let the nonny's know?)

She looks absolutely adorable, I love babies..

Sunnyday

I`ve started to stock up on some bits and bobs recently.

One thing that i`m going to make sure i have plenty of this year is salt, last winter we couldn`t get any at all as everywhere had sold out for weeks. I need table salt which is great for thick ice, dishwasher salt because last year i couldn`t get any for the dw never mind the paths and cat litter for the cat. I couldn`t even get cat litter last year as peeps were using that as grit.

I have a shallow lidded unde-the-bed box that i shall be filling with dried yeast and bags of flour too as last winter we struggled to get this due to panic buying.

I`m really hoping to have a new back door fitted before the worst of the weather as the old one leaks when it rains and only fastens properly when it feels like it. We still don`t have a radiator in the kitchen but tbh i`m not too bothered as i`m used to the kitchen being cold. There is no floor covering down atm and its just concrete but i`m looking at some cheap rubber backed carpet tiles for that.

SD

EDIT Just caught up with the thread - Congrats to you Sammy Kaye!

parsonswife8

Congratulations Sammy.
What a lovely little bundle of joy.

cbsexec

Congratulations Sammy - a beautiful baby - sorry about the MFH!!! (I read on other thread)

ginnyknit

She is beautiful Sammy - glad your both ok hugs ginny

Kitchenbunny

Congrats Sammy!

csarina

Lovely baby Sammy, congratulations!!

Well we are making prgress on the multi fuel stove front. The LL has agreed to take out the surround and shelf unit and open the hole up a bit, the chimney will be swept and the feed pipe to the chimney shortened and the stove pushed back almost a foot.

I spent an hour this afternoon cleaning the fire box out and cleaning the glass. We burn mostly wood so have a thick layer of ash to burn on, OH had to empty the ash tray twice. We now have to build up a new ash layer when the alterations have been done. I have bought an eco fan which works from the heat of the stove, it pushes heat away from the stove and allows it to circulate, so we will be leaving the sitting room door open. I will have to empty the room ready, we have the plastic from the bed which will cover the settee, books etc will go into crates in the guest room. I am not looking forward to it, but it will be a good job done......and the room will be a bit bigger. Hopefully we can get it decorated before my quilting friend comes in September.

I am still looking for a blanket to line the hall curtain with, I was in a local charity shop today, the ladies said that they very rarely get blankets these days, maybe I will have to look for a flannelette sheet.

mardatha

Csarina, tell me more about this fan ? How does it work etc?