Prepping for winter 24/25

[Diversion]

If you prep for winter how are you getting on? We have a delivery of logs due shortly and plenty of kindling and fire lighters. I need to order the oil. Ok for food and water and I have recently increased my first aid supplies and OTC meds. Plenty of batteries for torches and lanterns and have bought new PIR lanterns for indoors rather than switching on the lights to save on electric. Need to increase my stock of non scented candles. Stocked up on de-icer and screen wash and we have a good supply of woollen blankets and hot water bottles. We also have alternative ways to cook including the woodburners should we have power cuts and have emergency chargers for phones etc. Still need to stock up on salt/grit sand for icy weather. The weather has been so strange recently that I think autumn and then winter are just going to sneak up on us.

I have been through the bathroom cabinet and First Aid kit and bought in extra paracetamol, ibuprofen, throat lozenges, imodium tablets, plasters, calamine lotion, even Vaseline so from a minor illness point of view I am well stocked. I've got in more soups, both tins and sachets. Also long life milk, tinned fish and corned beef and pasta. I'm also going to get some more more tissues, loo roll, and disinfectant. All camping lamps have been cleaned and spare batteries purchased. Basic candles are also in stock. I think all that is proportionate but not excessive. This is for a single adult of 60.

My to do list for the weekend includes picking up fresh supplies of flu and cold medicines. We are predicted snow next weekend (Saturday)

Going out in car and getting stuck in snow for one. Always keep a snow shovel in the boot, bottles of water, snacks like oat bars, a she wee, first aid kit etc.

The cold weather is coming.

Yesterday I made a list of all the things that needed doing, and today we have been cracking on with them. Tidying the garden, getting some wood inside, opening up the fireplaces, making sure all the gutters are clear, and getting the car ready for winter.

Had someone clear all the gutters out

Bought extra cans of butter beans to add to soups and curries (extra protein and I'm addicted to them)!

Having solar installed soon (fingers crossed).

Buying cheap fleeces in charity shops and Vinted to use as extra layers.

Darning the woollies (underlayers) where they have holes eaten by critters or just because I have worn them through. Lots of holes. Need to find the black wool.

I've lost my snood/cowl thingy so will go on a hunt for that. Searched the car today for it and it's not there.

I have blankets, extra snacks, (had enough for short journeys but doing longer now and more likely to get stuck) drinks, portable potty and its bags in the car. Updated the hospital bag today. Need to check the power banks, though, and charge up if required.

I have a snow shovel. Got hats and gloves coat for DD. Ds won't wear a jumper layer. Just t shirt and coat. Got to think of a solution for that.

Need to add the salt to the car.

Got soup, and just add hot water food.

Topped up the OTC meds. Getting on top of the prescription meds.

Need to turn up the heating at mum's.

Grr. Forgot to buy beans at Aldi! Thanks for the reminder! Did buy Christmas presents though.

It was our day off today and we've literally spent the day sweeping up leaves (impossible once they get covered in snow), putting the protectors on the outside taps so stop the pipes freezing, adding extra bedding to the chicken coop, adding the winter insulation to the bee hive, bringing more wood close to the house and putting fleece around my tender plants. Snow predicted here from 10pm

@BlackeyedSusan sorry for late reply. We prepare for many scenarios, such as there being no water or electricity. We can cook outside if needed. We have enough blankets, mattresses and warm clothes to be able to stay over night. Tomorrow morning we (80 children) will be practising seeking shelter inside in case of a threatening situation.

Well I’ve woken to about 3-4 inches of snow! Glad we cleared all the leaves, that would have been super slippery

Where are you @Ciri ?

East Midlands (top bit). We have just over five inches and it’s still snowing. Dh and ds are outside clearing the drive!

Every hill you drive over from South of Nottingham to Mansfield would be more snow. Trent valley was warmer. (I wonder if that will change a bit now Radcliffe on Soar is shut?)

I am in a less snowy spot now. We've got very slushy snow.