Well, it does appear that weather is really starting to change up some in many areas. It is getting chilly or downright cold. Yep, winter is close at hand. The winter equinox is still over a month away - but that doesn't mean the chill isn't coming soon to a neighborhood near you!!
Are you ready?
Have you got your pantry and freezer stocked? Just in case you can't or don't want to get out. Generally, no one is stranded at home for more than a day or so - as streets are cleared pretty regularly. I, for one, just prefer staying home when the weather gets nasty.
Other things to think about.
Your vehicle - make sure all is A-OK. Battery, tires, heater, oil, antifreeze. etc. Make sure if you travel much, that you have a blanket and maybe some extra socks, a hat, gloves, and scarf in the car. Maybe a few snacks. I do keep socks in the Blazer - but I do not go very far in the vehicle. I could walk to get help anywhere I go.
Bring in anything that could freeze from unheated garages or sheds. Paint, fertilizers and chemicals. Make sure to bring in rechargeable batteries and chargers for small garden tools. Freezing can shorten the life of batteries and chargers!!!! Ask me how I know!
Change that furnace filter and have your furnace checked out.
Turn off water faucet outside and unhook those hoses.
Get all your winter tools ready. Shovel, snow blowers, have ice melt, scraper (and extras) for vehicle. Make sure you have those blankies, scarves, hats, socks, etc. in the vehicle.
Change out the batteries in the smoke detectors.
If you use a fireplace - make sure it is clean and in good working order.
Have a plan for covering windows with plastic if need be, and for those drafts that come in around doors. It is better to have a plan than not!!!!!
Make a plan for the chance your power is out, and you have no heat for a while. Plenty of blankets and heavy clothing for layering. Wrapped pipes.
Make sure you have a plan for your chickens, any livestock or pets or animals that live outside. Shelter, food and heated water bowls. Of course, if the weather is too bad - bring in pets!
Cold weather is a great time to catch up on reading, snuggling, and doing indoor projects. I find I hibernate a lot during the winter - with the exception of clearing paths and drive.
Be prepared - it is coming!!!!!!!
The winter solstice is a beautiful time of the year, but I prefer to observe it from inside my home! We hibernate from Thanksgiving through March. We're to get our first hard freeze Sat night with snow predicted for a few days next week.
ReplyDeleteAll of my outdoor chores are done with the exception of cleaning out and mulching the front flower bed, which will get done this week.
Keeping warm clothing and a blanket in the car is a good idea even if you only travel short distances. If you are injured in an accident and can't walk for help, it can be a while before emergency personnel can arrive.
Know the laws regarding removal of snow from your vehicle. Here in PA, the police can now pull you over for any snow on your vehicle after the first 24 hours of a snowstorm. Too many people just use their wipers to clear a spot to see out of and leave a big heap of snow and ice on their roof which can blow off onto the car behind and cause damage or an accident.
Check your heat tape if you live where you need it.
Hunker down in your recliner with a nice warm throw, a hot cup of your favorite beverage, a good book/knitting/crocheting/quilting/music and enjoy!
I like your idea of hibernating! Good idea on keeping things in the car in case of an accident. Thanks for that suggestion.
DeleteDrives me nuts when people do not clean off their windows completely!!!! The tops of the vehicle too - nothing worse than getting blinded by all that snow flying off someone else's cars!
Like your idea of hunkering down.
Yes it's getting cold here in the UK. We had 35-40 mph winds here last night but has calmed down now (lunchtime) How scary for you to watch the tree blow down near your house, so lucky no one was hurt or property damaged. We have tested our central heating which is fine, we had the boiler services in the summer. I have stocked up on batteries for various lamps and tea lights in case of power cuts. Thankfully we live in an area that very rarely has snow, but cars are checked over and cuddly blankets out.
ReplyDeleteI have just said prayers of thanks. My daughter was just on her way to an appointment and her car very narrowly avoided being hit by a lady who was driving too fast coming in the opposite direction. Where we have had so much rain and wind, the road was slippery with wet leaves etc. The lady's car skidded, did a 360 degree turn and slid into a tree. Two passing guys got her out okay, our daughter stopped and helped release the little 3 year old from her car seat, phoned Auntie and waited until the police arrived. Then went home, pretty shaken for a cup of tea!
My husband is volunteering at the local vaccination centre, standing outside for five hours, so chilli and rice later should warm him up.
Best wishes Cheryl. Heather from the UK
Glad your daughter is okay, Heather! How is it that people forget (year to year) how to drive in weather?
Delete--Elise
Sounds like you are ready for cold weather. Forgot to mention candles and batteries. Thanks.
DeleteOh my goodness, thank goodness everyone is OK. Gosh, those close calls are just about as scary as anything. Hope the other women is OK - poor little one as well.
Chili and rice sounds wonderful!
Had a chat to Ang tonight. She said the Mum was very shaken up as was the little girl, thank goodness for sturdy car seats but they were both uninjured thank goodness.
DeleteLots of winterizing tips! We have been rather spoiled by the unseasonably warm temps. Supposed to get lots colder in a week or so. Working on getting the winterization of the screened porch finished.
ReplyDeleteMiss Frances...a few years ago a former classmate of my oldest daughter cleared only a small place to see out her windshield and was responsible for the death of another driver as she could not see properly. Don't forget the rear view mirrors also. Take the time to clear everything off your car, folks!
Miss Heather...so glad your daughter is okay. That could have been disastrous. A similar thing happened to my youngest daughter coming home late from work one night. The police were in pursuit of a pickup truck driven by a man high on who know what. That person was headed straight for my daughter's car and he suddenly veered off to the side. I told her it was Divine Intervention.
Well, I need to go with the Farmer for our walk and then get busy. My get-up-and-go got up and went this morning.
Yep, not completely clearing a car can be so very dangerous. So sad that something so simple, could have saved a life.
DeleteI been busy since the get go - taking a sit down now!
It will be cold soon!
GREAT winterizing tips, Cheryl. Hubs will pick up a snow shovel tomorrow when he runs errands as I stay home with the pup. Crossing fingers she does all right in the car today when we head out to vote. She usually does, though she loses her little doggy mind until we're back in the car with her.
ReplyDeleteAn extra tip.. if you turn the heat down at night, do your baking and laundry in the morning to heat up your home quickly, if you can. In my oven right now is a batch of maple oat cookies w/pecans to drop off as a thank you to volunteers today.
Be safe, everyone! --Elise
In case anyone wants to try them, here's the Cheat Sheet for Maple-Oat Cookies w/Pecans:
Delete1 box yellow cake mix (GF works, too)
2 packets Brown Sugar Maple Instant Oats
1/2-2/3 c. chopped pecans
1/2 c. vegetable or canola oil
2 large eggs (I used duck eggs)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix all dry ingredients together in a large bowl, making a hollow at the center. Wisk together eggs and oil, pour into the hollow and mix into a well-combined dough. I like to line my cookie sheets, but you don't have to. Scoop or spoon out cookie dough, about 1 T. each; bake at 350 for 12 minutes, remove from oven and allow to cool slightly on cookie sheet before transferring to a cooling rack. Makes about 2-1/2 doz. cookies. Your kitchen will smell like breakfast! --Elise
Great tip on using alternative heat sources to help warm the house. It really does help.
DeleteHope your baby does good today!
YUM - thanks for the recipe - sounds terrific! Thanks.
All great tips Cheryl. I'm looking out at about 15 cms (6 inches) of snow that has fallen over the past two days. My large evergreen looks like the photo with the exception of the decorations.
ReplyDeleteWe're not expecting weather above freezing in the next couple of weeks so I expect it won't be going anywhere. Time to get used to winter driving again. :)
Oh my - I shiver just thinking about it. It is always pretty - I just am not a fan.
DeleteStay warm & safe my friend!
Hi Cheryl~ I think we are pretty well in pre-winter mode here. Most of our outdoor fall things are done. I do want to get my lights up before it snows and will probably do that this weekend but not turn them on until after Thanksgiving. I hope you have a wonderful day and are able to vote! xo Diana
ReplyDeleteI VOTED! I think I am about done as well. I need to rake probably one more time.
DeleteIt is a great idea to get those holiday lights up while it may be warmer outside. Last week would have been great here, then we got that wind - so maybe not! But it sure is more comfortable to do when it is warmer.
All excellent reminders. Snow tires go on this week to avoid the rush that comes once snow falls. Further to the comments re:clearing snow off cars, I made the mistake of not clearing the roof of my pickup truck once. As the cab warmed, it melted enough to cause the snow to slide down and completely cover my windshield. Big mistake! A rubber broom is the best tool for the job, also for suvs as they are taller. I so enjoy this blog, and all the friendly responses. A very nice community.
ReplyDeleteThanks. Yep, I did that once and it is not fun to have all that snow come down on the windshield. I use a broom too to clear off the roof of SUV - if there is a lot of snow - sometimes the windows as well (most of it).
DeleteIt is a great group!!! Everyone has grown quite fond of each other and they are all so helpful! Glad you are here.
Years ago I read of a governor's son who killed woman because he didn't see her as he was turning. He'd failed to adequately clean the snow off his windows. With that story in mind I got in the habit of being diligent in clearing off my car including the roof.
ReplyDeleteSupposed to be 70s here on Thursday then 30s by next week. And that means it's winter for sure here until oh probably June! Lol
I copied EM's recipe for the cookies. I'm making those tonight or tomorrow morning! They sound good!
~margaret
The cookies sound wonderful and so easy!
DeleteI think we get to 70 tomorrow & maybe Thursday and then the weekend has highs in the 30's both days!!!!! Next week warms a little but not a lot.
Just a couple minutes of time and effort can save a life. I am pretty anal about clearing all the snow!
Margaret, I'll be making another batch tonight or tomorrow morning, as Hubs couldn't believe I was giving the whole batch away. LOL! I actually brought in an assortment of baked goods and all the volunteers were thrilled. I'd have thought it was common to drop off treats, but not so. Wound up giving a few of the ladies the recipe, too.
DeleteBlue was stressed in the car, not helped because voter registration had our address wrong. We had to go home for a utility bill (in addition to the DLs we showed) and left her in her kennel to go back to vote. We had to go from there to the Town Hall with paperwork, but we DID vote, our votes will be counted and the mix up should be fixed.
I think I've mentioned we've had several cats over the years. Pups are so different in that Blue was beside herself with joy when we got back home, her whole body wagging and lots of doggy kisses. It's a nice feeling. Animals love so completely and unconditionally, don't they?
--Elise
Yep well it's been getting a tad chilly here in Northern England and raining and windy. I've had a little tidy up in the cupboards here and there just trying to keep busy really. Oh my days Ady has so much stuff lot's of it empty cartons of things in the garage. Got rid of a few things past few day's but this is going to take a good while. Clayre
ReplyDeleteWell stay warm and cozy!!!! Oh, it takes time. My garage is packed full of G's things (he was a mechanic and Mr. Fix-it). It is pretty much ALL still there.
DeleteSame with some things inside - it is tough to go through, if you even know what it is!!!!!
I have been cleaning and working on my kitchen a lt this week!
Great reminders! Our trip completely messed up our last good weekend for putting the yard to bed. Now, it's gotta be done this weekend, which is supposed to be quite cold. We're very behind in getting things done this autumn.
ReplyDeleteI always wonder when I see snow covered cars. Nearly everyone on our block has 3 car garages, yet we're the only ones that park both cars inside. Everyone else has their garage full of junk and park in the driveway. I think of Dave Ramsey talking about the insanity of filling your garage with stuff not important enough to be inside, but leaving probably our second most valuable possession in the driveway to be weather damaged or affected by theft. I busted up laughing because it's so true!! A garage is such an asset that I can't imagine not using it if you have one! Especially in extreme weather! I teased my friend when she paid a $500 deductible for hail damage so she could protect 2 pieces of old ratty furniture that her old kitty had peed on in the garage! Okay, soapbox over lol!
Elise, those cookies sound delicious! We always buy at least one box of maple cream cookies at Aldi when they come out.
I just told hubs it was time to bring up the thick lap blankets from the chest downstairs. It's snuggling season! My favorite wintertime activity is a jigsaw puzzle. I want on of those tilty tables that can be used in a comfy chair but they're pricey! Hubs doesn't think he's good enough to make me one.
Welp, that is me! My Blazer has never been in the garage since the day we brought it home brand new. No vehicle has been in this garage. No vehicle today - would go through the garage door! Garages of old, were not as large as they are today. Now mine is decent - but the door is not tall enough and it would have to be empty to get really enough width.
DeleteSo yes, we were those people that always had and still have snowy cars in the driveway.
Hope you get your work done before the real cold hits. I got out my couch blankies the other day. My sister used to do puzzles all the time with her hubs. They had one going all the time. I don't think she does them anymore. Now she reads a lot.
Lol Cheryl!! From what I see, most of the country leaves their cars out! My grandpa always garaged their car, as did my mom. My dad's truck didn't fit. When we bought our first home, the HOA rule was that you had to park in your garage. We had VERY limited visitor parking, no street parking, so it was a $100 fine if you got caught! I didn't mind cuz I'd literally have to go pick up visitors 2-3 blocks away! It improved 100% when the rule started being heavily enforced.
DeleteDebby, the cookies are really good and very easy to make. Quick to make, too, using the cake mix, which makes them soft and almost airy in texture. I remember Maple Cream cookies from our years in Ohio. Yum! --Elise
DeleteP.S. We don't have a garage, but we have a big barn shed on the other side of the house from the drive. We'll probably get one of the steel roofed carports someday or other. --Elise
DeleteIt finally frosted here last night. SO glad all the harvest is in!
ReplyDeleteGreat tips, Cheryl. Just today, I was cleaning and organizing in my garage and refilled my windshield spritzer, pulled out my ice scraper and snow brush for the car, and made sure my snow shovel and ice melt is handy. Although I live in a complex where sidewalks and stairs are included in our monthly assessment, my pup is up so early that the stairs are typically still snow covered, so I make a path and sprinkle with ice melt to get the job started. After a day of snowmelt, it sometimes ices over overnight, and a little ice melt may be needed, so I keep a jug near my door, just in case. Pantry is stocked well enough that, aside from fresh produce and dairy, I could go all winter without a trip to the grocery store. I came very close to putting the flannel sheets on the bed when I changed the linens on Sunday morning. But, with temps 60+ for the early part of this week, I decided against it. The heavier comforter is going on this week, though.
ReplyDeleteSmart girl. You are ready! You sound like me, I am out early with the cats - so ice melt stuff (pet friendly) sits right by the door, so I can do the steps.
DeleteI could easily do without fresh stuff for a while. I have enough fruit and veggies in the freezer and even some eggs. I have shelf stable milk - so I could go a while and not worry.
That heavy comforter will be nice on a chilly morn!
Nooooo......today has been a gorgeous day but I think it is the very last. Meanwhile our family is prepping for another hurricane in Florida. We are ready except to bring in the hoses and draining a water pipe under our deck.
ReplyDeleteKeeping you and yours on the prayer list, Lana. --Elise
DeleteGood golly on the hurricane. Stay safe and well. Please keep us informed my friend. Prayers
DeleteWe have mostly done all that we need to do. When the house is dry and the afternoon is over, I often would put a load of clothes in the washer to humidify the house. Then, the dryer turned on helps to not turn the heat up in the evening on frigid days and nights. Of course, both can help the house warm up in the morning, just depending on how things are going.
ReplyDeleteI use the oven heat as well. Bake something, and then crack the door a bit after turning off. No sense wasting all that warm air!
DeleteGood thing we got ready for winter a bit ago. It hit here on Saturday and while today was nice, winter will be coming back stating tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteAll yard work was completed, and I am pretty much stocked up as much as I can be. Right now, I will be stocking up on baking supplies and adding a bit more in the beef department.
God bless.
It seems to just pop up quickly. Still lovely here - then boom this coming weekend it is to get pretty darn cold. Glad you are done and prepared!
DeleteSmart to stock up on baking supplies. Good luck!
The garage comments made me laugh! There's a neighborhood I drive through often. Years ago when I first started driving through it I noticed that many people had one or two cars parked in the driveway and I wondered why didn't they park in their garages. Then over the years I discovered why as sometimes the garage doors would be open. They would be stuffed with things! These are decent-sized houses of at least 2300- 2400 sq ft. Maybe even larger.
ReplyDeleteI didn't realize that was a common thing to do. We don't. Fortunately, our garage is sized to fit 2 cars with space leftover.
~margaret
My garage is so old - that it wasn't made to fit modern cars (unless a tiny car). The garage door is smaller than they are now. I cannot imagine having a 2 car garage to fit a vehicle plus other things! That would be nice. I have never in my life (TRUTH) had a garage for my car. Many in my neighborhood do not even have garages. I would find getting into a warm and not snowy vehicle a luxury!!
DeleteMargaret, that sounds like our neighborhood. Houses between 2500 and 3000 sf. And when the garage door is open? Another wall of junk with a path on one side. The first time my MIL came to visit, she said the neighborhood looked like a used car lot lol. She was tsking about why people needed so much junk and how they had 9 kids and still used their garage. "If you're not using all that stuff, either rent a dumpster or give it away! I think it's a sin to let stuff rot when someone else might really need it!". Definitely a greatest generation-er, huh?
Delete