Prepping: the new world...

DigForVictory

Meanwhile, I imagine some of us are testing our storm preps, and I can vouch for winter tyres being very reassuring on wet & windy roads.

DigForVictory

The big four are back circulating - flu, Covid, the common cold, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). 

We can fight back, protecting ourselves & others by regular hand washing, catching coughs and sneezes in a tissue, staying home when feeling unwell, opening a window when meeting others indoors, and considering wearing a mask when going out. 
Those of us with children in proximity, particularly the sandwich carers, can get the jab or just go hard on the soap & handkerchieves... 

sammy_kaye18

Gotten my flu jab already and my grandmother at 89 has just had her covid and flu ones so shes ok. 
Trying to coerce the mother in law with thyroid issues to go and have hers done but at the minute shes being stubborn. I will be seeing if the pharmacy will fit her in on monday and when she goes to the opticians we can make a detour for it. 
Her SIL has the flu at the minute and is really struggling with it. Shes been bed bound for nearly 2 weeks so far.
Even mention to the kids that tonight I think we will do the food shop and buy them some vitamins because with my 15 year old in school and attending a sports class three times a week (brazillian jiu jitsu so she is in close proximity to others) as well as my 21 year old son being an electrician and going into care homes, hospitals etc and going to jiu jitsu too - it wont hurt to boost their immune systems a bit! 

Husband - any advice like that falls on death ears. Hes asthmatic but wont get jabbed and realistically he seems to pick everything up or will be the first to catch things from the kids! 

As far as Storm Benjamin - here in south wales - we had a bit of rain early, a breeze for about 15 minutes and now its sunshine. So unless it hits us badly later - then Im not sure where he is. 

thriftwizard

He passed over us down here on the south coast of England overnight - lots of rain, but nothing too ferocious in terms of wind. We've had a few showers today but a reasonable amount of sunshine too; I'm baffled to find my tomatoes still flowering but perhaps this north wind will finish them off!

greenbee

Plenty of wind and rain here in the east, which is where the weather warnings were. 

Cherryfudge

A bit of a shower here in North Yorkshire: I even got the washing half dry on the line! To be fair to Benjamin, though, he was never supposed to hit up here.

DigForVictory

Local pharmacist adamant I am about to run out of pills, so I accept another months supply with gratitude, even though I’m pretty sure I’ve a fortnight’s stash of peace of mind. She’s dropped pills for three of the household into a held-open tote in the past, so I make a point of assuring her she’s wonderful.

DigForVictory

Express is reporting  "new research by food waste experts at Business Waste, the hot weather over the spring and summer could lead to shortages of some Christmas foods at supermarkets this year, such as potatoes, parsnips, carrots and sprouts."

Experts at Business Waste said: "There's evidence to suggest there will be shortages of key Christmas foods, including:

Root vegetables: crops such as carrots, potatoes, and parsnips all require the soil to be consistently moist. This year's hot and dry weather has had a clear impact. Reports have shown that many of these vegetables had to be harvested early, and the British Growers Association warned back in August of significantly reduced yields.

Brassicas: common winter staples such as cabbage, sprouts, and cauliflower all fall under the brassica family. However, these crops are also very water-hungry, meaning that yields are affected by current weather. Farmers expressed concern that we may see smaller and poorer quality yields this year.

Cereals and grains: due to plants being stressed by hot weather, many grains have rushed to ripen earlier, bringing harvests forward. This usually results in lower yields, as supported by research from the AHDB. It could have a knock-on effect on foods such as bread, stuffing, and even beer."

I'm sure those who do not love sprouts will be less than devastated but carrots, potatoes, and parsnips form part of my cooking staples. (And I expect my lads will have views on beer!)
However, as a trusting consumer, I do wonder just who Business Waste are, and if this article has been nurtured.

DigForVictory

I unwillingly commend the US government for being clear this is not as up to date as it could be, but it remains Fascinating & potentially useful reading even if their spelling makes me wince, Have a looksee (link) Still lacking in Job Loss or Relationship Breakdown leading to Homelessness, but the Americans involved may already be field testing that bit. I am intrigued there is now a section for children, which I don't recall from last time (er 2019). 
For a different cultural perspective I strongly commend the Japanese, who live in a yet more risky location but are so far ahead in their preparedness Godzilla is amusing. Again the website translations are not always as good as we might wish, but the headlines come through as well as a lot of the ideas Again, have a looksee (link) 

Nelliegrace

@DigForVictory, such strange weather this year, there is holly in flower. The leeks on a friend’s allotment did nothing all summer but are thickening up well now.