Prepping for winter 25/26 UK

[MyHangryLilacWriter]

I am wondering if I need to do any prepping for the coming winter. I can't seem to find any longer range weather forecast to say if it will be a hard winter. I usually stock up a few weeks food supplies in case of snow or even worse ice. Anyone else doing anything this year?

I am glad we did one of the jobs when I was unexpectedly home a few weeks ago - DH rented a hedgetrimmer and we took 3 feet off the depth of the ivy growing up the back wall, and about 4 feet off the top (down to close to neighbour’s 6 foot trellis on top of our 12 foot back wall).

In the storm last night, what was left got pulled off half the length of the wall (looks like about 15-20 feet from the photo he sent), and down to about 3-4’ high. So he’ll have a busy day today (I am overseas at present). But it would have been a LOT worse if it was not trimmed - at least the trellis is still intact and our shed is upright under it.

I'm in prep mode today because DH saw possible snow in the forecast for next week so its focussed my mind.

I'm about to make a few draught excluders since we have a lot of wooden french doors and then Im getting down the curtain linings from the loft to wash them before adding to the curtains.

DH is at the rugby today but when he's back tomorrow I'm planning a morning of leaf clearing and making sure the gutters and drains aren't blocked following the torrential rain we had yesterday.

That was fortunate @BiddyPopthe2nd Good luck to DH getting it cleaned up.

Sounds a good plan @user927464 I've got the windows open a crack in the living room trying to air it out. Had to cover the air brick as smoke was getting in giving me breathing difficulties but it's now got damp in here. Managed to climb up and take the duct tape and paint off. Glad I kept them open while I went out (second floor) while it is still relatively warm.

Must keep going with the mending thermals.

We moved some of the more tender plants into the greenhouse today and closed its door for the first time since spring. I don't expect them to all last the winter, but worth a try. First fire of the winter today too, which was lovely.

Recently the bulb blew in the lounge light and I couldn't change it due to recent injury. Very glad we had a few lanterns to light the way until dp got home to change it. Not just for power cuts!

It's freeeeeeeezing today. I have the fire going and I'm very pleased we brought the logs up close to the house. Im sitting here working with my heated throw on.

I have just recently acquired an ecoflow “solar generator” setup (big powerbank and solar panel to charge it), although the initial charge was from the wall plug as ..winter in Belgium equals lots of cloud. But it means I have a backup power source. My next plan it to get a 1 ring induction plate to add to cooking capacity (currently could plug in kettle and toaster).

I’ve also found some good options for tins - I have expanded my range of pulses and veg again. But also found a lovely confit duck in a tin and coq au vin from the same company…not cheap as fancy french brands, but good for the shelf and tasty too.

Otherwise, just normal things like washed and waterproofed my down coat and my proper raincoat, dug just the thermals, have the winter boots a good polish to keep them waterproof etc.

So who is watching the longer term weather forecasts (10 days, not the 3 months one) with trepidation and glee combined?! As it looks like there will be some snow for some people.

My good gear is in my apartment overseas, but I have decent walking/hiking shoes with good grip and brought some thermals with me back home for Christmas. I will go get some extra logs on Friday (DH doesn’t want me going out today as “we have loads”…he has 2 small bags in the container, which is enough for about 2-3 days of regular fires, but less if the temps drop as expected).

We got bread yesterday (for sandwiches for visitors), and milk today. DD has a load of smelly candles, and DH (coincidentally) recharged the big battery powered work lamp yesterday.

What we don’t have are the makings of a “snowed in BBQ” on the street, if it actually gets white. It’s a tradition here, to grill sausages and whatever is in fridges on gas BBQs, enjoyed in bread rolls with hot wine for adults and hot squash for DCs, as all the neighbours catch up with each other.

I have snow forecasted to start at 9am tomorrow (NE Scotland). Have been charging up devices and powerbanks. Wood burner is ready to be lit.

My biggest issue is that I am due to leave here and travel south on Sunday. So will see how things are then.

I am due to go back to Brussels too but not until 0545 on Monday..so that will be fun for DH driving me. It’s due to be colder there, and my fridge is empty but I can now bring milk in my luggage. To get me through the day and to when I can go food shopping (as I go straight to work on the Monday).

I don't think we are due snow tat settles, although probably dome light flurries or sleet. I do love snow though so crossing fingers for some. We have plenty of leftover Christmas food and logs, so will be grand.

I am away from home visiting mum and had expected to be travelling back today. However the weather had other plans. Been snowing for several days now, snow compacting and then fresh snow on top.
Cleared the driveway a bit today, and now it’s snowing again this evening.

Least my mum always has a supply of food. Only running low on milk. Village shop did not get a delivery today, may get some tomorrow, will need to wait and see.

Not able to do my usual walks but as trying to do at least a couple of miles trudging in the snow.

We have had snow. 1 possibly 2 millimetres.

Will take a hot flask with me when driving DD. It will work as a hot water bottle. Stick a couple of teabags in the bottom.

Her college is rural. Jealous of the kids who come to college in a tractor.

We’ve been having very hard frosts (lasting until late afternoon) but no snow. Although a colleague rang last night for work stuff and told me I am going back to snow that fell on Saturday and that it was -1, but feeling -5, in the early evening …with a “hat and scarf are not enough anymore to not feel the cold “ warning to me. Currently sitting in the airport to fly back, it looks like it will be minus figures most of the week but not a lot of fresh snow/rain to manage. And I did manage to get milk (a a couple of steaks and cheese) into my luggage so I am ok for a couple of days before I need to get to a shop.