THE Prepping thread - a new beginning :)

ancientofdays

Thick snow here, hasn't stopped falling for several days. All schools closed but I have to be at work in person, not remotely via laptop - which is at the office anyway. There may be a skeleton bus service, I might be able to get a train, otherwise I must walk in somehow.

GreyQueen

Doesn't sound good. Is work many miles away? I'm sure you know already, but walking in snow takes longer and is more tiring.

ancientofdays

Yes I do know GQ, no choice though. Not sure of the miles, 3 or so I think. I might be able to get down to the station, that's only about a mile, and there might be a train. Not ideal for a 66 year old with arthritis! Never mind, I can't change the weather and I've got gloves, boots and a hat. I'm scared of falling though.

GreyQueen

Not good. If you haven't got yax-trax, you can improvise anti-slip thingies by putting a pair of old socks on over your shoes/ boots. Obviously, this won't do the socks any good but it will give you some traction. Don't envy you this morning.

fuddle

Ancient of days I walked 6 miles in the snow t'other day. I walk it daily but it was a trudge in the snow. I had sore outer thighs and calves for days afterwards and also suffering from costochronditis since. Now there's other reasons why that could be and I suspect it's because of virus or inflammation but it can also be caused by an injury. Walking that far, trying not to slip and keeping ourselves steady takes it's toll on muscles we don't normally use.

That all said, be mindful of the old skeleton and body position, give yourself oodles of time and lap up (be warm!) the surprise positive mental effects of being surrounded in snow. I found it very calming (once I got used to being pelted by snowballs by my cherubs that is!) I hope you can enjoy it somewhat. *Gan canny!

*Go carefully.

Shropshirelass

Many thanks (not the first time!) to members of this group for giving me the hint about Yak-tracks. I got some a few years ago, used them for the first time this morning -brilliant! There is ice under the snow in sneaky patches.
Council have gritted and snow ploughed all our main roads, and local farmers have cleared many local access roads round here. All schools closed, so much less traffic. Just hope for careful drivers.

P.S. forgot to mention the joys of old fashioned Deep Heat muscle rub after shovelling snow or walking a very enthusiastic terrier.

thriftwizard

Just - horrible - here. Not one flake of snow, as per usual, but a frozen howling gale and icy rain slicing sideways, managing to whip into my face under a 4" hat brim. The chickens have taken up residence in the garage, and no self-respecting wild birds are budging from their roosts. I've decided that all but urgent outdoor errands can wait, despite the fact that I'm pretty much booked solid for the rest of the week. It's that time of year when running away to warmer climes seems like a wonderful idea - I can see how holiday companies make their money!

ancientofdays

I'm back safe, haven't got any yak tax but I've a pair of boots, inherited from DS and too big, so can have thick socks underneath and they have mahoosive tread.
Fuddle you are absolutely right, my legs are aching now. Hardly anyone at work, even those who are near stations, I got loads done but the meeting I went in for was cancelled and I've something similar tomorrow. When it is likely to be even slippier as the temperature is falling fast. Never mind, I'm indoors now, aching but warm.

mrs-moneypenny

School was open where I work today, one of only two in the area (possibly county!) they have a co-executive head. We've had a text now to say we are closed tomorrow because of expected deep freeze and icy roads tomorrow. Me thinks we were making the other schools look bad by having all the staff and children in today.
Got heating on tickover tonight and outside tap double lagged.
Did local hand delivery Christmas cards and put phone number through older neighbour's doors incase they need any shopping or help in the cold spell.

herbily

Don't know if anyone's seen the news about the gas pipe to Italy blowing up, and the Italians saying they might have to declare a state of emergency? (BBC news was too full of the latest Star Wars film to notice anything foreign, but other news agencies have detail.) Very very glad I wasn't about to go to Italy, but feel very sorry for the Italians if they have to start rationing gas.