Tuesday, November 2, 2021

FALL - Cold Weather & Preparing

 Well, hello November and hello fall and hello cold weather!
It seems it may have hit a lot of places.  BOOM!

Just a couple ideas today to get your pantry ready and your garage ready.  Both will be money savers in the long run.

If you have fall farm markets or orchards - check them out now.  Apples are a huge item for fall.  Making sauce, baked apples, fried apples, apple nut breads and muffins - fried apple rings - oh my!  Pumpkins can probably be had for a cheaper price now that Halloween is over.  Make up your own pie filling and freeze for later in the winter and the holidays.

All types of winter squash should be available.  They last in a cool and dark location for months and months.  You can get now and have them all winter.  There is such a variety - and so many ways they can be fixes.  
Squash, potatoes, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussel sprouts, green beans, onion, pumpkins chunks, sweet potatoes can all be roasted well.  Add a little oil and seasoning or add your favorite sauce and roast.  Such a hearty and yummy meal.  Add meat if desired and you have a complete meal.
So easy and yummy.
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DON'T forget things that can freeze out in your garage.  
Paints need to be in a warmer location.  Don't leave them in an unheated garage - they will ruin.
Bring in all small chargers and batteries.  The batteries and chargers for things like weed whackers, rechargeable drills, etc.  Trust me - they can be ruined - ask me how I know!!!!!!!!!
You may have chemicals that could freeze - make sure they have a warmer place.
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DON'T forget animals!!!
If you have outdoor pets or any type of animals, make sure they have warm shelter and bedding.
Make sure they have proper food and water.  If you can get one - find a heated water bowl or bird bath.  When things freeze completely - birdies and squirrels have NO where to drink - as even the puddles freeze.
Pets need to be properly hydrated even in winter.  
Look after all the animals PLEASE!
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Get those coats, hats, gloves and scarves out and ready.  Boots as well.  
Shovel needs to be at the ready, have ice melt (I am seeing it in stores now) or a snow blower ready to go.  Deep cold windshield washer fluid.  Keep those gas tanks full and maybe add HEET if available in your area (it separates water from gas - keeps it from freezing).
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Have any extra hats, coats, scarves, gloves DONATE them to a shelter or to area homeless.

Being prepared and bringing things inside - really is frugal.  It can save big money in the future.
All those yummy winter squash add vitamins and minerals to your bodies and they are inexpensive and and they are easy to fix.  Take time to stock up now.


It is that time.  Get ready now and you will be happy in the near future.  Staying in and staying warm this winter will a plus.
Get your pantries and yourself ready!!!!!!!!!
HAPPY FALL

14 comments:

  1. Yup, it is finally time to winterize! The Urban Farmer filled gallon jugs with water from the rain barrels and will empty the barrels probably today. The birdbath needs to be emptied and put away. I have an asparagus fern on the front porch so she will come into the house. My daughter and I will make a Goodwill run tomorrow to get some sweaters and warm sweatshirts and pants. It helps to have something cozy while keeping the thermostat down.

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    1. My goodness, I can't hardly believe you still have a plat outside that you want to bring in. I always bring mine in when temps get to about 50 at night.
      Too bad you can't put a 'heated rock' (electric) in your birdbath so they critters can enjoy all winter.

      I wear layers and slippers. Try to keep t-stat as low as I can. Stay warm!

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  2. Well, we expected to be adjusting to life in a place with snowy winters again this year, but it seems we'll winter again here in CA with a move in the spring. All great tips, Cheryl. I'd also suggest making sure you have sand, clay kitty litter or ice melt on hand for your outdoor walkways and/or driveway. Some places we've lived had winter hit right around Halloween. --Elise

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    1. Bummer!!!!! I always carry kitty litter in the car during the winter - just in case I get stuck. I also keep a small shovel - like a boy scout shovel.
      Good tips.
      You just never know when it will hit.

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  3. I'm off to have the tires changed over on the car this morning. All seasons don't cut it here with the snow and ice we see.

    No snow yet, but I expect it will be here soon.

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    1. So glad we don't have to do that here. I have 4 wheel drive as well. I remember Daddy using chains on his tires - that is illegal now.
      I am not a snow lover.

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  4. Hello Cheryl, yes, winter is coming. I've recently learned that Cheap Chick passed away on October 22. She was a lovely person and it is sad news. My best to you and your furry friends, Celie

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    1. That is so sad. Sorry to hear that.
      It will be winter before you know it.
      Have a great one!

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  5. I've been watching for ice melt in the hardware and big box stores. Shovel has been moved to a more accessible location. Ice scraper is in the door pocket. Need to add a throw to the trunk, and check batteries in my flashlights. With the time change this weekend, I'll be walking the pup in the dark, for sure!

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    1. UUGH - don't get me started about the time change!!! I hate it. I hate it getting dark so early.
      Seems no one every thought about animals - they don't look at the clock - they keep the same inward schedule! Which means I get up earlier.
      Stay safe out there!!!!!

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  6. We are almost done. It gets cold tomorrow and then a hard freeze is coming in a few days. Racing the clock today before it gets dark!

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    1. I hear that. I imagine we get our first hard freeze tonight. UGH. So much to do.
      Hope you get a lot accomplished.

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  7. Our yard is ready and so are the sheds. All things that could and do freeze have been brought inside and put in an area of the basement. Next we plan on checking weather striping on doors, and as soon as I can I will be making new draft dodgers for the doors.

    Potatoes, onions and some squash are in the cold room, and hopefully a few other easily stored veggies will be added.

    Harvey is taking his truck in to be winterized and then it is the SUV's turn. Tires will be changed very soon.

    God bless.

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    1. You sound like one organized lady! Fantastic. Glad to hear you are about to the end of the list 0 then you can sit back and enjoy!
      Blessings

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