Prep Genrl Weekly Prep Thread: Feb 1-7, 2026

feralferret

feralferret

Veteran Member
Sure glad I'm not in the SE part of the country. I watched some of Ryan Hall's live coverage of the mess.

Nice calm weekend so far. Sabbath service went well. Picked up the rest of our groceries afterward. Walfart screwed up and four items that we paid for were missing when we got home with our order. Called customer service after the store didn't answered. Got a stupid AI that wasn't much help. Got transferred to a live person with a bad accent. He was helpful and was able to arrange a refund for the missing items. He also sent me a code good for ten dollars off of my next order.

I had held off a day on my supermarket order in order to use a $10 off of $50 or more that was only good on Saturday. This is the second month that they have been doing that promotion. You get the coupon for it with your receipt all week. I ducked in right after they opened this morning at 6 AM and bought a box of the Swiss Miss White Chocolate cocoa mix in order to get the coupon. I had already submitted my grocery order via email to which I had included replacements for three of the items that the WM order had been short Their website has an issue with processing my debit card so they allow me to email the order to them, then they run my card at the store when I pickup the order.

Yeah, I was still up at 6 AM. I was having a really bad night in the pain department. I used an offer in the McDonald's app for BOGO free breakfast sandwiches and stuck them in the fridge when I got home. I had one for breakfast when I got up this afternoon and put the other in the freezer for another day. When I got home my pain finally eased up enough that I could fall asleep. When my alarm went off, i almost slept through it. For the first time in several days I was pain free. I knew that as soon as I started moving around and got up that the pain would return. IZt did but not as bad as the past few days.

Had a low of 1 degree Saturday morning. Currently 12 after a low of 5 shortly after midnight this morning. Forecast high of 37 today and 47 Monday. Y'all stay safe and warm.
 
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ginnie6

ginnie6

Veteran Member
Well it’s a balmy 14 degrees here in SC…14! Woodstove went out last night so the house is cold! Dh loaded it before bed and bless, every time he does its out in the morning. Can’t tell him that though. Didn’t sleep great last night either.
Ds had gone to spend the weekend with friends, he’s 21 and we have some “rules” but don’t tell him what he can and can’t do. He texted me last night though and asked me if I’d tell him to come home. He was not up for another night of drinking and going out. They wanted to go to strip club. Ds has a gf I think he’s pretty serious about so he was not going to go and they were giving him a hard time about it.
He made it home safely. He was in my car and Subarus even without snow tires are pretty good but he got a ticket the night before for going through a yellow light and he lost part of the key to his car so has to order a new one and program it before he can drive it. That means he’s in my car until. Talk about timing, as SOON as we have a “backup” vehicle it’s needed.
And if all that wasn’t enough his cat knocked over the fresh flowers the gf sent him into his computer and fried it….. so yeah a lot of aggravation was running through my head last night.
I let Rufus out this morning and he came in and jumped straight on the couch he knows he’s not allowed on and on the quilt I’m quilting for the guild that will be raffled off this year and left muddy prints in it. He has a very nice couch in here to lay on but he wanted to burrow up in that quilt cause he doesn’t like the cold lol!
 
SouthernBreeze

SouthernBreeze

TB Fanatic
It was 12 degrees overnight. It's all the way up to 21 right now. Wind chill below 0. Breezy and sunny outside.

Home fellowship in about an hour. I'm sure we'll be discussing our upcoming trip to Gatlinburg the last weekend in this month, too. Left up to me, we wouldn't be going, until it warms up a lot. Maybe, early summer would work better for me. Everyone wants to take advantage of the lower rates right now, though. I just don't like being out in the cold, especially, just sight-seeing in the dead of winter.
 
patriotgal

patriotgal

Veteran Member
Lazy day. Hard snow ice still has our yard and driveway covered. Told the grands not to risk the driveway. Supposed to hit 55 degrees Tuesday. That should help.

It took MIL a long minute to recognize DH yesterday. She has a nice roommate now, one with no serious issues. There is one resident who cries or talks gibberish 24/7 and has rotated in and out of moms room several times. This visit was nice. We grabbed extra chairs from the hall and shut the door.

Made a quick stop to grab a few groceries and some hair color. I did something yesterday or day before that really aggravated my back so after we got home I put on a couple lidocaine patches and stayed in my chair. Found some stories to read on wattpad.

Today is the first of the month so will plan bill paying this afternoon. Cooked a pork roast yesterday to make BBQ pulled pork today. Wish I had thought to grab more cabbage and broccoli. Will do that Wed when DH has follow up with his doctor.

Will also take the time to make my own cheat sheets for replacement gig. This co just started using remote help. It's been my experience that the first time around they have no clue how to properly train anyone and the remote support people don't want to be support so it is a sink or swim situation. Writing out a cheat sheet actually gets the process into my brain somewhat too. I won't be working until 7 because the company turns off the phone system automatically at 7, even if you are in the middle of resolving a serious medical need. Corporate America at its finest.

Gas fireplace is suddenly throwing soot all over the wall. Nasty. DH will be tackling that issue this week.

Looking to replace the entrance doorknobs. After all these years we truly have no idea who still has keys. Kids. Kid's friends. Kid's exes. Repair people. Time to fix that. Doorknobs are crazy expensive.

We are warm and comfortable and our needs are met. Very grateful to the good Lord.
 
M

Milkweed Host

Veteran Member
I've been busy topping off my batteries.
I really like the smart 12v battery chargers, which are so inexpensive that I have several.
My old charger would not do the LiFePo4 batteries.

Prices for LiFePo4 batteries have dropped greatly over the years, while the Gel deep cycle marine
batteries have risen by about the same about. Also, those Gel batteries are extremely heavy.!!!!

I would image that in an EMP situation, the BMS (little computers, battery management system)
on the LifePo4 batteries would not survive, but who knows?
Plus some of the LifePo4 batteries are sensitive to temperature and rate of charge and discharge.
They don't like extreme cold or heat. Can't exceed the rate of discharge or charging.
Have to stay within the limits.

So much as changed in the last 25 years for battery chargers.
I have 1800ah 12volt battery storage, plus lots of the 18650 and some 26650 batteries.
The 18650 and 26650 batteries are each stored inside a PVC tube/pipe with end caps.

I can charge these batteries with solar, if I have to, but for now it's easier to use the smart charges.

Battery storage is like an insurance policy, just in case??????
 
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Meemur

Meemur

Voice on the Prairie
I'm thankful that we only got a dusting of snow and that it's 27 degrees, not 2 degrees!

I'm got bread and a whole chicken in the oven and laundry is in progress. I'm still sorting and working on two of the closets. The ultimate problem: they're small, and I don't have a good way to arrange what I'd like to keep in there. I miss my hall and bathroom closets. Modern homes tend to omit or skimp on those.
 
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summerthyme

Administrator
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patriotgal said:
Lazy day. Hard snow ice still has our yard and driveway covered. Told the grands not to risk the driveway. Supposed to hit 55 degrees Tuesday. That should help.

It took MIL a long minute to recognize DH yesterday. She has a nice roommate now, one with no serious issues. There is one resident who cries or talks gibberish 24/7 and has rotated in and out of moms room several times. This visit was nice. We grabbed extra chairs from the hall and shut the door.

Made a quick stop to grab a few groceries and some hair color. I did something yesterday or day before that really aggravated my back so after we got home I put on a couple lidocaine patches and stayed in my chair. Found some stories to read on wattpad.

Today is the first of the month so will plan bill paying this afternoon. Cooked a pork roast yesterday to make BBQ pulled pork today. Wish I had thought to grab more cabbage and broccoli. Will do that Wed when DH has follow up with his doctor.

Will also take the time to make my own cheat sheets for replacement gig. This co just started using remote help. It's been my experience that the first time around they have no clue how to properly train anyone and the remote support people don't want to be support so it is a sink or swim situation. Writing out a cheat sheet actually gets the process into my brain somewhat too. I won't be working until 7 because the company turns off the phone system automatically at 7, even if you are in the middle of resolving a serious medical need. Corporate America at its finest.

Gas fireplace is suddenly throwing soot all over the wall. Nasty. DH will be tackling that issue this week.

Looking to replace the entrance doorknobs. After all these years we truly have no idea who still has keys. Kids. Kid's friends. Kid's exes. Repair people. Time to fix that. Doorknobs are crazy expensive.

We are warm and comfortable and our needs are met. Very grateful to the good Lord.
Click to expand...
Can't a locksmith reply them for you? If they are otherwise in good shape, of course.

Summerthyme
 
SouthernBreeze

SouthernBreeze

TB Fanatic
Well, I was hoping that our trip would be postponed, but it didn't happen. After Cary gets out of the doctor's office, tomorrow, he is going to "Enterprise" to reserve the mini van that we all will be going in. Cary will be driving and will cover that cost. DS will be covering the gasoline there and back. I sure hope it turns out better for me than I think it will.

It's 35 degrees right now, and I'm cold even in the house with the wood heater going wearing a thermal top, a pair of jeans, and thick wool socks.
 
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summerthyme

Administrator
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SouthernBreeze said:
Well, I was hoping that our trip would be postponed, but it didn't happen. After Cary gets out of the doctor's office, tomorrow, he is going to "Enterprise" to reserve the mini van that we all will be going in. Cary will be driving and will cover that cost. DS will be covering the gasoline there and back. I sure hope it turns out better for me than I think it will.

It's 35 degrees right now, and I'm cold even in the house with the wood heater going wearing a thermal top, a pair of jeans, and thick wool socks.
Click to expand...
You need a pair of leggings under those jeans! It makes a huge difference.

Summerthyme
 
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summerthyme

Administrator
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patriotgal said:
Our door knobs and exterior lights are over 30 years old. Really time ro replace.
Click to expand...
It's probably time, then! You're right, though...they aren't cheap! And the less expensive ones are junk. We had to replace the shop knob set...Tubbs, the Akita, *crushed the brass doorknob* trying to open it! DS replaced it with one with a straight handle, so the dog can turn it! Now I have to try to teach him to close it behind him!

And yes, there IS a dog door in that door! Its the largest they make. He gets stuck halfway through, and also damaged the latch getting unstuck!

Summerthyme
 
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M

Milkweed Host

Veteran Member
patriotgal said:
Looking to replace the entrance doorknobs. After all these years we truly have no idea who still has keys. Kids. Kid's friends. Kid's exes. Repair people. Time to fix that. Doorknobs are crazy expensive.
Click to expand...

Yes, some of the locksets are extremely expensive.
When I worked at an assisted living home, a lot of my time was spent on the locksets.
The $300.00 locksets are easy to disassemble and repair.
I'd take old expensive locksets home, when there wasn't a matching key. I pick it open,
re-pin for another key. Those expensive locksets are truly make to withstand time/use.

I keyed a lot of the sets for the home. Many times the residents were pushing grease/dirt into
the locks, which caused them to fail. I'd remove one or two of last pins inside the cylinder so that was
less likely to occur. It didn't matter anyway. There's no reason for these expensive locksets on a resident's
door. These are six pin locks.

If you purchase some of the common locksets on the market, get four or even eight that are keyed alike.
When one becomes worn, replace it with a new one and all is good. That can go on for years or decades.

Yes, many of these locksets are extremely expensive. It would be easy to re-pin cylinders to match another key
that just happens to slide into that lockset. Then cut more keys to match.
 
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Meemur

Meemur

Voice on the Prairie
I can relate! I lose track of days when I'm on vacation.

Re: beanies -- I inherited some lovely wool and crocheted a dark blue beanie, which made it affordable. The wool ones have really gone up in price, even in the thrift stores, but I even keep one in my car kit.
 
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anna43

Veteran Member
I watched church on U-tube again this morning. I have only been in church two or three times since the weather started going crazy with cold or snow or cold and snow. I never miss because it's always online. We only got a little snow, but too much for me to want to walk to church and I find it foolish to drive 1/2 block plus hard on vehicle.

I always try to orientate myself as to the day and date each morning. Sometimes I end up turning on the computer to be sure! Living alone and being retired it would be all too easy to lose track.

Today has been a very lazy day which most of last week was, lazy that is. Each day I hope to do better and then don't. Temps are moderating with daytime temps in the upper 20's to 50 one day and no below zero temps at night. Winter in Iowa is like always waiting for the other shoe to drop. You just never know what's going to be happening day to day.
 
H

hd5574

Veteran Member
patriotgal said:
Lazy day. Hard snow ice still has our yard and driveway covered. Told the grands not to risk the driveway. Supposed to hit 55 degrees Tuesday. That should help.

It took MIL a long minute to recognize DH yesterday. She has a nice roommate now, one with no serious issues. There is one resident who cries or talks gibberish 24/7 and has rotated in and out of moms room several times. This visit was nice. We grabbed extra chairs from the hall and shut the door.

Made a quick stop to grab a few groceries and some hair color. I did something yesterday or day before that really aggravated my back so after we got home I put on a couple lidocaine patches and stayed in my chair. Found some stories to read on wattpad.

Today is the first of the month so will plan bill paying this afternoon. Cooked a pork roast yesterday to make BBQ pulled pork today. Wish I had thought to grab more cabbage and broccoli. Will do that Wed when DH has follow up with his doctor.

Will also take the time to make my own cheat sheets for replacement gig. This co just started using remote help. It's been my experience that the first time around they have no clue how to properly train anyone and the remote support people don't want to be support so it is a sink or swim situation. Writing out a cheat sheet actually gets the process into my brain somewhat too. I won't be working until 7 because the company turns off the phone system automatically at 7, even if you are in the middle of resolving a serious medical need. Corporate America at its finest.

Gas fireplace is suddenly throwing soot all over the wall. Nasty. DH will be tackling that issue this week.

Looking to replace the entrance doorknobs. After all these years we truly have no idea who still has keys. Kids. Kid's friends. Kid's exes. Repair people. Time to fix that. Doorknobs are crazy expensive.

We are warm and comfortable and our needs are met. Very grateful to the good Lord.
Click to expand...
I good locksmith might be able to relay your locks
Meemur said:
I can relate! I lose track of days when I'm on vacation.

Re: beanies -- I inherited some lovely wool and crocheted a dark blue beanie, which made it affordable. The wool ones have really gone up in price, even in the thrift stores, but I even keep one in my car kit.
Click to expand...
You can find military spec 100% watch caps on Amazon..last I saw under $10...
 
T

tech

Veteran Member
Nothing like getting things ready for upper teens when you hear "bang" followed by an arcing sound...like you hear from a failing powerline transformer. Heat pump control board blew up.
Oh well...fired up the wood stove, reset the solar inverter (it tripped due to high current), and got a replacement ordered today. :( they have gone up in the last decade! Hopefully it gets here quickly.

And here I was hoping to put the greenhouse together...lol
 
SouthernBreeze

SouthernBreeze

TB Fanatic
I sure hope we're beginning to come out of the winter freeze this week. It's forecast to be 54 degrees today. Rain tomorrow, and by the end of the week it's supposed to be in the 60's. Maybe, we will have an early Spring with a lot less rain than last year, but the Spring rains make up for our drought during the summer months. It makes it hard, though, wading in mud trying to plant an early Spring garden.

Cary has to go to his cardiologist today to get a check on his "loop recorder". It has to be checked every 4 months. So far, so good. No sign of Afib. He doesn't plan to have the battery recharged, once it runs out. I can't remember if it's a 3 or 5 year battery.

I'm going to be shopping for my thermal insulated curtain while in town, and Cary wants to get the mini van reserved for our trip. We will eat somewhere in town, before coming home.
 
Meemur

Meemur

Voice on the Prairie
Ooooh! 54 would be wonderful. I still haven't put on my new license tag. It's supposed to be 45 on Thursday, so I'm holding out hope that's true.

I shouldn't complain: it's 27, a heatwave after the sub-zero stuff. I hope we're done with that.
 
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SouthernBreeze

SouthernBreeze

TB Fanatic
Meemur said:
Ooooh! 54 would be wonderful. I still haven't put on my new license tag. It's supposed to be 45 on Thursday, so I'm hoping out hope that's true.

I shouldn't complain: it's 27, a heatwave after the sub-zero stuff. I hope we're done with that.
Click to expand...

We usually start coming out of our winter weather into more spring like weather in February. Makes for the beginning of our primary tornado season, though. 54 is still cold for us, but not like it's 24 with the wind chill in the single digits. I'm so over those kind of temps!
 
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summerthyme

Administrator
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Our "heat wave" includes three days above 20°, then right back to single digits and below zero nights. Forecast last night was 8°... it was 6 below zero this morning at 4 am!

DS is snowblowing the barnyard...Ginger, the mini mare, could no ,longer walk the 60 feet to their "bathroom" spot, and the sheep haven't been able to stray off the path beside the barn for a week! They're all getting cabin fever. Ginger apparently thinks it's all our fault...she pins her ears at anyone who even dares talk to her! Not at all happy. I informed her last night that we weren't happy about it either!
Im hoping to get the harness and sled out tomorrow...it may not make her any happier, but she'll at least get some exercise! This is the weirdest weather- usually, when it gets this cold, our humidity is also low. Today, its 92%! It goes right to your bones...

Summerthyme
 
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anna43

Veteran Member
I realized today that the reason I'm not accomplishing much is I'm spending a lot of my time reading for Bible in a year, two daily devotionals and two Bible studies. Time well spent even though nothing else getting done. I did dishes and laundry and had three phone calls.

I've been going to call my sister since Christmas (or maybe Thanksgiving!) and keep forgetting until late. I could call her at midnight because she'd be up and awake, but a midnight call would scare her. I stopped calling my other sister because she never initiated contact and haven't heard from her since, I'm thinking it has been three or four years. Makes me sad, but that's life. I still send birthday and Christmas cards although never receive any.

Leftover tuna casserole for supper tonight. Not thrilled, but it's the last of it and I don't waste food. Tomorrow night's leftovers will be much more appealing round steak, potatoes and carrots. Wednesday will require cooking something so guess I'd better give that some thought so I can thaw whatever meat I plan to cook.
 
SouthernBreeze

SouthernBreeze

TB Fanatic
We're back from town. Cary's doctor visit went good, as expected. No Afib reported.

I found my thermal insulated curtains, plus, I had to buy a new rod for them. Hopefully, Cary can put those up for me, tomorrow. He also got the mini van reserved. Gosh, the cost on that for 3 days! So, I reckon everything is set for our trip. Hotel rooms paid and reserved. Van paid and reserved. Now, we just wait. I hope and pray the weather is nice up in the mountains that weekend. I would hate to get snowed or iced in up there, and not be able to get back down.

Rain, tomorrow. Wednesday, is our first of the month shopping day. I've got to finish making out my lists. I bought a few things while in town, today, so I can take some items off my shopping lists.
 
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moldy

Has No Life - Lives on TB
Was a busy weekend. I took a short break from here - and thank you @summerthyme for having my back. I think COVID affected me a lot more than I want to admit. I was reminded of some hard truths and that was probably needed.

Therapy is going OK - it reminds me of radiation. I can't really see it working, it is long, and makes me tired. I have 5 more sessions, then will get teeth extracted. Not really looking forward to that
 
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anna43

Veteran Member
moldy said:
Therapy is going OK - it reminds me of radiation. I can't really see it working, it is long, and makes me tired. I have 5 more sessions, then will get teeth extracted. Not really looking forward to that
Click to expand...
You have been through so much with medical the last few years I can understand your fatigue with all this. I've been encouraging my friend who needs all her teeth out, and I'll encourage you, to be thankful you can get it done while it's still available. I don't think I'm paranoid in not trusting medical services being readily available in the future. How far in the future, I have no clue, but I firmly believe in being proactive in keeping everything current.

I'd always gone to the dentist once a year until the last three years when I've moved to every six months. It's expensive but I don't want to be caught with a dental emergency in a SHTF situation. Accidents and emergencies cannot be avoided, (or they wouldn't be called accidents and emergencies!) but I do my best to avoid both. Dentist told me I was his only patient of my age who still had all their own teeth. I'm hoping it stays that way, but age has a way of ending that.

I'm praying all goes well with the therapy and the extraction.
 
D

Digger

Veteran Member
Our ice is finally doing some good melting. Yesterday when we came home from babysitting, we got up the driveway in 2 wheel drive. We spun some, but not too bad. That is 10 days after the storm.The tip down the hill and back to the hen house was not so dangerous. Today it should have a bare trail, at least where I have been walking. I went to the neighbors house to turn off his water. He is working out of state and I look after his house. I turned his water on 10 days ago to make sure it didn't freeze. But it has warmed up enough to not worry about it freezing. I had trouble getting in the yard gate because of the ice still on the ground. I got it open enough to slip through. His yard was still ice, but soft enough I could make a dent with my heals to help to not slide.

Saturday we babysat because the plants were trying to catch up. Hubby went to start the truck to warm and saw a feed bag had blowed off the porch. He went to get it and fell. He would have slid off the bluff but grabbed a small mimosa tree on the edge. Thank God for that little mimosa. The drop is 10-15 feet and a steep slope to the bottom. He already has a very bad back. He has had a rough couple of days. But yesterday he was a little better. We didn't bring the kids here yesterday. He wasn't up to it, but we kept them till our daughter got home. She missed some sleep last night, but got enough she said.

We went in Kroger yesterday. They are still having trouble getting caught up with products. The store was not crowded a all. I just wanted a sale item, we didn't need anything really. I just don't like paying full price if I can avoid it.

Hubby wants to burn the brush piles today if he is up to doing that. One is huge and we need it done before it gets dry weather. I need to start some seeds for the garden sometime in the next week. There is ice everywhere, but it will be gardening time before we know it.

Have a blessed week everyone.
 
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WanderLore

Veteran Member
Morning and more coffee. Any improvement in the weather is welcome. It's a feel like 27 right now!
After chores, will start on basement pipes and outer wall. Also start shoveling snow against outside wall on that corner. Everything is thawed down there so hopefully these improvements help. More cold coming but you know they can change the forecast daily.
Also got plumbing to fix kitchen sink.
Son will help till he goes to work. Hardly any staff so they are always trying to get him to come in to help, besides his regular shifts.
 
SouthernBreeze

SouthernBreeze

TB Fanatic
It's raining at 40 degrees right now. The rain is supposed to last all day and into the night. 53 for our high, today. 41 for our high, tomorrow.

Today is a big laundry day. I have 3 loads to wash and dry. I try to fold everything and put it away, once each load comes out of the dryer. Getting the new curtain up, also. We both believe it will make a difference in the heat in the house, because that area will be closed off. We can open it back up, once the weather warms by tying the curtain back. I bought decorative ties for that purpose.

I pulled a smoked half ham from the freezer 2 days ago, so that's what I'm making for supper, tonight. Don't know what all I'll make to go with it, yet.
 
nomifyle

nomifyle

TB Fanatic
Gearing up to go to the va for my primary care appt, with a nurse practitioner, a nurse called yesterday and asked a bunch of stupid questions, s
Ire hope the person I’m seeing isn’t an idiot, I’m praying God puts a filter over my mouth, I think a lot of stuff that I don’t say, if someone is nice to me I’m nice to them.
 
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WanderLore

Veteran Member
Judy I will pray that you get a decent provider. Oh boy I've been there.
Okay insulation sprayed on that back wall it's just a 2x2 area. Also all the black foam insulation is on all the water pipes. Water softener still froze. Couldn't fix the kitchen didn't have the right parts for the sink whatever. I'll get my plumber to do it he's going to fix the t-pipe under the tub in the next week.
 
SouthernBreeze

SouthernBreeze

TB Fanatic
We got my curtains hung, and we can already tell a difference. Less house heated now that the laundry room is closed off. If we need to use the wood stove in there, I can simply pull the curtains back. They look really nice. It gives the house even more of that old time cabin look that we both enjoy.

Now to get more laundry done and put the finishing touches on my shopping list for tomorrow.

It's still pouring rain.
 
Meemur

Meemur

Voice on the Prairie
Yes, I think most of us will get several days of warmer weather. It's supposed to go into the 50s here next Monday. I'll believe that when it happens, but we typically get 1 - 2 days in the 40s in early February, and then it cools down and snows heavily.

I look for that warmer day: I put on the new license tag, re-fill the washer fluid, air up the tires, and clean the windows. Some years I even make it to a car wash, but they're generally very crowed.

Added: I'm trying to reset my routine. I'm doing paying work later in the day and need to get more done in the mornings. It's hard getting up early right now, but I'll work on that.
 
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