Gearing up for winter...

[jbrooks19]

Last winter i was NOT ready... My water preps were stupid low, canned propane (The green bottles) stock was way to low, this is my backup source of heat..Or was, we just bought a house and it has a wood stove. What are you doing NOW to prep for this winter?

Me, i have been working on the following list:

Buying a couple bottles of propane a week
Looking for firewood
Tuned up snow blower and made sure its ready for snow
Bought 2 extra snow shovels
Organizing cold weather gear, boots, coats, gloves, etc...
Working on saving for a generator to run gas furnace blower during power outages.

What are you doing to prep for next winter in the event its as bad and cold as this past winter was?

[jbrooks19]

Oh, i also forgot to add....Tuned up the truck and replaced weak fuel pump so the -15 degree weather we had last year won't stop me this year.

[MrsInor]

We have a new driveway. Concrete and wider than the old one so I can get the snowblower between the cars without having to shovel a car out first. It should also make it easier to sell the house next spring.

Maybe that isn't really prepping but it sure is a beautiful driveway.

[Imaexpat2]

I will be keeping a bit more water on hand than I have in past years. I had enough to make it through the past few ice storms but got down a bit low a couple of times. While I occasionally use a 1000-3000 BTU propane heater to knock the chill off the place early in the morning, this summer I ran a connector through the wall so I can keep a 40 lbs tank outside and run a larger 10000 BTU heater if it gets worse or if need be. I have a couple of 20 lbs tanks in the shed for back up. But this summer I also caught the 1 lbs Propane bottles on sale for a buck each at Bass Pro and bought 24 of them since the getting was good and they will be awesome for camping too. Life is a little bit different for me as a RVer than it is for the typical homeowner here, I have to occasionally think outside the box!

[Coppertop]

Like you Jbrooks- I bought a house this year with a wood furnace in it. I have been gathering wood and filling propane tanks so far. I have been insulating my shop and getting it ready (although that helps to keep it cool during the summer too). The winter survival gear bag is spread out over the garage floor for sorting and repacking.

Hunting tags are bought. That is not only for food, but staves off cabin fever for a while longer through the winter.

I still need to insulate over the garage, spray the fence with sealant, and get more wood, but I am slowly working the right direction.

[Deebo]

I think they make hose coupler, to refill the small green bottles. I don't know the pound for pound value, versus buying, but at a dollar a can, you probably did good.
Our winter prep was loading my truck fir s dump run, to facilitate the garage cleanout. Gonna have s huge load of throwaways, a huge load of clothes and dishes to goodwill, and hopefully a very small pile to put back. Gotta reclaim the garage for the daughters convertible, and the wifeys stair machine.

[jbrooks19]

I actually really, really need to get a generator... My little propane heater will work in a pinch but i'd much rather have the actual furnace.

[MI.oldguy]

Moved our little hothouse over,put a new u-joint on the outer shaft of my old Ford and greased up the whole truck so far.snowthrowers were serviced last year when they were put away.I was going to put an adapter box on our furnace to run the furnace off our gennie by shutting off its switch and pulling the fuse to it so we dont backfeed the whole house(we would use another cord for lamps,etc,).I have the stuff to do it but theres still time.

[SquirrelBait]

Buying a case of propane a month to power my little Mr. Heater.
West and North side of building, And all blocked windows sealed and insulated.
Washed, Repaired, And stored all Winter gear at the end of last Winter.
Stocked up supplies for bread baking. (Home made bread and soup first thing in the door after a long cold day anyone?).
Stocked up raw cocoa for hot chocolate.
Seven heavy blankets, An emergency blanket, An electric blanket, And three sleeping bags.
Winter vehicle kit stocked and waiting on the shelf. (Also has sleeping bag)
Water stocked.
Candle powered heater for bathroom.
Candles.

I forgot! A tent to pitch indoors if all else fails...

[Arklatex]

Buying a case of propane a month to power my little Mr. Heater.
West and North side of building, And all blocked windows sealed and insulated.
Washed, Repaired, And stored all Winter gear at the end of last Winter.
Stocked up supplies for bread baking. (Home made bread and soup first thing in the door after a long cold day anyone?).
Stocked up raw cocoa for hot chocolate.
Seven heavy blankets, An emergency blanket, An electric blanket, And three sleeping bags.
Winter vehicle kit stocked and waiting on the shelf. (Also has sleeping bag)
Water stocked.
Candle powered heater for bathroom.
Candles.

I forgot! A tent to pitch indoors if all else fails...
Do those candle heaters really work? I'm assuming you mean the home made ones with terra cotta pots. I have the little buddy mr. Heater. Mine is setup to run off a bbq bottle. Lasts a lot longer that way! Cheaper too. I still keep a few of the small ones though.

[SquirrelBait]

Do those candle heaters really work? I'm assuming you mean the home made ones with terra cotta pots. I have the little buddy mr. Heater. Mine is setup to run off a bbq bottle. Lasts a lot longer that way! Cheaper too. I still keep a few of the small ones though.

Yes, The heater made with terra cotta pots. I watched how to make it on You Tube. It's good for small spaces.

[Montana Rancher]

I am amused by people in west texas needing to have heat, here is my experience.

I live in 160 miles from the Canadian border in the middle of the rocky mountains. Needless to say it gets a bit cold in the winter but I have the advantage of natural gas heating. In my 2600 square foot home we run the heater at 55 degrees in the winter, and boost it up to 61 degrees about 8 hours a day for showering in the morning and a boost about the time we get home in the evening for comfort.

With this plan that we have used for years, I can heat my home (including hot water heater) for $46 per month budget billing. Yes we have a blanket on every chair during the winter, and yes we are not "comfortable" most of the winter. But I spend less on heating than my father does in 2 months, and our bodies adjust to the temperature and OMG we survive.

The added advantage is the calories my body spends keeping me warm is calories I don't have to work off.

Quit being a pussy and learn to live with a little discomfort, the added advantage is when you cannot get your little piddly propane tanks you won't notice.

[jbrooks19]

I am amused by people in west texas needing to have heat, here is my experience.

I live in 160 miles from the Canadian border in the middle of the rocky mountains. Needless to say it gets a bit cold in the winter but I have the advantage of natural gas heating. In my 2600 square foot home we run the heater at 55 degrees in the winter, and boost it up to 61 degrees about 8 hours a day for showering in the morning and a boost about the time we get home in the evening for comfort.

With this plan that we have used for years, I can heat my home (including hot water heater) for $46 per month budget billing. Yes we have a blanket on every chair during the winter, and yes we are not "comfortable" most of the winter. But I spend less on heating than my father does in 2 months, and our bodies adjust to the temperature and OMG we survive.

The added advantage is the calories my body spends keeping me warm is calories I don't have to work off.

Quit being a pussy and learn to live with a little discomfort, the added advantage is when you cannot get your little piddly propane tanks you won't notice.

I hope your not referring to me as the "Pussy" in your story? I have a 2yr old and my wife is pregnant. It makes me a MAN not a pussy to want to keep them warm, especially when we had -15degree days, consecutively last year. So, know your facts before calling someone a "Pussy", prick.

[jbrooks19]

Also, keeping my house at 68 degrees we heat our house, with natural gas, at $63 per month. And our house is 2,900sqft. So for 17$ more a month than you , we live comfortably. Over the whole "When you cant get your piddily propane tanks anymore" statement, we also have a wood burner; so, the propane tanks are just a backup to a backup.

[Montana Rancher]

I hope your not referring to me as the "Pussy" in your story? I have a 2yr old and my wife is pregnant. It makes me a MAN not a pussy to want to keep them warm, especially when we had -15degree days, consecutively last year. So, know your facts before calling someone a "Pussy", prick.

Oh let me think, .......

.....

Yes pussy comes to mind

Jeezus can we keep our ****s in our pants long enough to understand my point. The point is that you can live at a lot lower temperature than you realize, both your babies and your wives.

I understand the male tendency to supply all you can for your family, but the better trait would be to teach them to live with less.

[pheniox17]

Dose this mean its almost.... Pool season :mocking:

[pheniox17]

I am amused by people in west texas needing to have heat, here is my experience.

I live in 160 miles from the Canadian border in the middle of the rocky mountains. Needless to say it gets a bit cold in the winter but I have the advantage of natural gas heating. In my 2600 square foot home we run the heater at 55 degrees in the winter, and boost it up to 61 degrees about 8 hours a day for showering in the morning and a boost about the time we get home in the evening for comfort.

With this plan that we have used for years, I can heat my home (including hot water heater) for $46 per month budget billing. Yes we have a blanket on every chair during the winter, and yes we are not "comfortable" most of the winter. But I spend less on heating than my father does in 2 months, and our bodies adjust to the temperature and OMG we survive.

The added advantage is the calories my body spends keeping me warm is calories I don't have to work off.

Quit being a pussy and learn to live with a little discomfort, the added advantage is when you cannot get your little piddly propane tanks you won't notice.

I start sooking when the temp gets below 10 degrees C and above 45 degreed C Lol

But that's comfort talking, last years summer I used the air con for about 7 days (random days not a week) 2 were nights where I couldn't sleep, 2 was when we had visitors, rest was due to it just been super hot (like 45 degree days)

I have not owned a heater since 01

My location even tho it can approach freezing (we had a week of -1 days) you can still survive here without modern conveniences... And that's one of my side goals in what I do, we can't rely on modern luxuries when we all know tomorrow they may no longer be around

I have 3 kids now all under 7 years old, one is a fresh baby, if we focus on these minor luxuries and can't handle anything outside the range of 20-25 degrees C then why the hell are you prepping???

I quoted MR as he is 100% right, the body can handle a lot of "bad" temperature ranges.... And when shtf we won't have the convenience of a electric heater or a air conditioner, or propane (LPG in my language) and long term these things are luxuries, the colder the climate the more you have to do to live without it, but on the other side, heat is just as dangerous... It takes a lot to be ready for extreme heat without modern cooling...

So sooks will be sooks (my temp range is simular to texas to what im told, but my humidity can get as high as 90% without rain)

[jbrooks19]

So, just because i can afford these "Luxuries" now, i shouldn't use them?? Why live without now when there is a possibility not having it in the future? I spend more time out side then a lot of people do, due to my career.. I'm a John Deere Salesman, so i'm constantly out in the hot or cold taking tractors to farms and also showing up there when their tractor is broken down to help them fix it. My job is prep enough for weather related issues. So your saying i need to make my family uncomfortable now for the simple fact that one day there MIGHT not be these same comforts? That's ignorant. Enjoy it while we have it people. And why would you advise someone to subject a 2yr old and a newborn to sub-zero temps? Especially, when it IS an option to keep them warm? Rhetorical, i know why.

[jbrooks19]

I'm done with the pissing match....

[jbrooks19]

Back to the Original subject:

How is everyone's prepping for winter coming along?

[pheniox17]

So, just because i can afford these "Luxuries" now, i shouldn't use them?? Why live without now when there is a possibility not having it in the future? I spend more time out side then a lot of people do, due to my career.. I'm a John Deere Salesman, so i'm constantly out in the hot or cold taking tractors to farms and also showing up there when their tractor is broken down to help them fix it. My job is prep enough for weather related issues. So your saying i need to make my family uncomfortable now for the simple fact that one day there MIGHT not be these same comforts? That's ignorant. Enjoy it while we have it people. And why would you advise someone to subject a 2yr old and a newborn to sub-zero temps? Especially, when it IS an option to keep them warm? Rhetorical, i know why.

And I can afford them too, its a choice as a family we made, good on ya be reliant on the luxuries, I have seen what the loss of such luxuries to "acclimatized" people, as soon as its hotter than 25 degrees c or colder than 18 they fail to function, if that floats your boat great, I refuse to become dependent on such things by choice, Mrs pheniox is worse than me, my kids, are happy either way

[jbrooks19]

And I can afford them too, its a choice as a family we made, good on ya be reliant on the luxuries, I have seen what the loss of such luxuries to "acclimatized" people, as soon as its hotter than 25 degrees c or colder than 18 they fail to function, if that floats your boat great, I refuse to become dependent on such things by choice, Mrs pheniox is worse than me, my kids, are happy either way


It floats my wife's boat.. We both spend all damn day out in the hot or cold and to be honest, when we come home we like to relax and be comfortable. After sweating your bag off all day its nice to cool off in my 72 degree house. When it is 90 degrees and 95% Humidity out it is nice to cool off. We also have a pool, should we not use it because it makes us cool down and be comfortable? Nope, bodies of water will (More than likely) always be available to dip into to cool off, even post-SHTF..

[pheniox17]

You are sooking over a 32.2 degree c day..... Yep OK....

As I said I agree with MR, once you become reliant on the modern luxuries you become dependent....

No arguments against having a pool, as guess what, nothing feels better on a 40degree c day, after fighting a fire, jumping into the pool with a cold beer near by...

But I know today, tomorrow, next year or next decade I can function in extreme heat, don't know about extreme cold (-5 or more) but approate clothing, and thinking (as I assume you have) will get through it, my winter is not a issue here, I don't have any real issues till it hits summer, that's when disaster strikes...

But all I'm doing is agreeing 100% with MR... What you do is your choice, same as what I do, and shock horror MR has a extremely valid point on the reliance of modern luxuries... (That's what I got)

But back to topic on preparation for winter... Be interesting to see any off the grid hints and tips here....

[jbrooks19]

On back to the subject,

One more prep ive been working on is my battery backup system. Ive built it into a plastic tote with outlets on the top..It will run a normal 60watt light bulb for nearly a full day or the blower motor on my furnace for 2hrs straight.. I will be adding better and bigger batteries once the budget allows. It charges up from a wall outlet and then uses a solar panel to charge/maintain the charge in the battery bank. I plan to use it for camping, then keep it around for emergencies where we lose power. Next step (When budget allows) is to buy a good generator.

[jbrooks19]

You are sooking over a 32.2 degree c day..... Yep OK....

As I said I agree with MR, once you become reliant on the modern luxuries you become dependent....

No arguments against having a pool, as guess what, nothing feels better on a 40degree c day, after fighting a fire, jumping into the pool with a cold beer near by...

But I know today, tomorrow, next year or next decade I can function in extreme heat, don't know about extreme cold (-5 or more) but approate clothing, and thinking (as I assume you have) will get through it, my winter is not a issue here, I don't have any real issues till it hits summer, that's when disaster strikes...

But all I'm doing is agreeing 100% with MR... What you do is your choice, same as what I do, and shock horror MR has a extremely valid point on the reliance of modern luxuries... (That's what I got)

But back to topic on preparation for winter... Be interesting to see any off the grid hints and tips here....

I do "See" MR's point, It does make sense. But, anyone with a pregnant, hormonal and crazy wife knows, she dosnt like to be uncomfortable. I know for a fact tho that we would survive with out the luxuries. They are just nice to have, not necessary.

[1moretoy]

Honestly I can't add much to the conversation since it doesn't get that cold where I live, but if setting the thermo at 68 makes me a pussy...so be it. Oh and that's while running the damn fireplace. My ass is toasty warm all winter.

[Innkeeper]

I am getting ready to close on my house(finally) and I am already lining up the electrician to wire in the Gennie, I am going with a Tri gas version, I am switching the house over to natural gas, not sure why the previous owner did not, but will keep the Propane tank as a back up for the generator. I also have been looking at Solar panels to add next year , but here those are only good part of the Year, I live on the 45th Parallel, half way between the equator and the North Pole, and with those lakes all around we get some doozy storms due to lake effect. Last year was very cold with several weeks with temps at -20 and over 6' of snow before Christmas. They predict this year to be just as bad which will make my dog happy she loves playing in the snow. I do keep the temps in the mid 60's, because I can and want to. I have worked for years out in the weather as both a Land Surveyor and in the Gas fields, plus when I did my Cold weather survival school the temps were well below zero the whole time(lucky us). I have no problem adapting to Hot or cold, I made the choice to work day shift at the checkpoint and COP in Iraq because I would rather work in the heat then try and sleep in it, the AC in our tent barely kept the temps at 100 during the day...except the days it hit 130+ then 100 was not happening.

So where I have worked I can handle both extremes, but I agree with jbrooks19, when I want to relax and enjoy down time, I am going to be comfortable. When SHTF I am more then capable of dealing with lacks of, but I prep hoping that SHTF never happens.

[Pauls]

Up at our cabin, 5000 feet above sea level on the USA/Canadian border, there are only two seasons; winter and getting ready for winter. The growing season is too short for most things but we can grow some of our food. There is only the photovoltaics for power although we do have a generator to keep the batteries charged in the winter. We go through three cords of wood for heat and cooking so that all has to be in place a year ahead. The wood we cut and split this year will be used next year. The "non-winter" part of the year is used for repairs and maintenance, grooming the road, and any improvements to the cabin and grounds. We grow onions, potatoes, and grain and collect berries and veggies from the 140 acres that we own. We smoke and can the havest - including the meat we harvest. Most of the etibles are stored in the root cellar under the porch. I am not living there right now and don't plan to anytime in the future. It is hard work for the young and young-at-heart and with my back injury I am not able to do that much hard work - at least for now.

I know how to survive without the luxuries of the modern world but it is much more fun to enjoy some time without all the hard work.

[Innkeeper]

Up at our cabin, 5000 feet above sea level on the USA/Canadian border, there are only two seasons; winter and getting ready for winter. The growing season is too short for most things but we can grow some of our food. There is only the photovoltaics for power although we do have a generator to keep the batteries charged in the winter. We go through three cords of wood for heat and cooking so that all has to be in place a year ahead. The wood we cut and split this year will be used next year. The "non-winter" part of the year is used for repairs and maintenance, grooming the road, and any improvements to the cabin and grounds. We grow onions, potatoes, and grain and collect berries and veggies from the 140 acres that we own. We smoke and can the havest - including the meat we harvest. Most of the etibles are stored in the root cellar under the porch. I am not living there right now and don't plan to anytime in the future. It is hard work for the young and young-at-heart and with my back injury I am not able to do that much hard work - at least for now.

I know how to survive without the luxuries of the modern world but it is much more fun to enjoy some time without all the hard work.

How much charging do those batteries actually get up there in winter? I know here on the 45th we can go weeks without ever seeing the sun in winter, so I would expect that to have an effect on the batteries being charged, I am looking at systems now and trying to find something good to install next year to help lower my reliance on the grid for my electricity.

[Pauls]

In the mountians weather changes constantly but during the fall and spring we get a lot of cloud cover and some precipitation. During the winter the days are so short that the batteries have to be maintained with the generator. We also have a clothes washer that is run twice a week so it runs at the same time that the batteries get charged. We have to keep the snow off the panels too which can be a challenge even with a ladder fixed on the roof (60 degree angle for the roof - 2 foot rise for every foot horizontal). Most of the time the batteries run the 12 volt LED lights and the inverter for when we need the instant hot water heater or AC fo the laptops. There is no phone, internet or other convieniences unless we go into town. That is a 40 mile trip each way.

[Innkeeper]

In the mountians weather changes constantly but during the fall and spring we get a lot of cloud cover and some precipitation. During the winter the days are so short that the batteries have to be maintained with the generator. We also have a clothes washer that is run twice a week so it runs at the same time that the batteries get charged. We have to keep the snow off the panels too which can be a challenge even with a ladder fixed on the roof (60 degree angle for the roof - 2 foot rise for every foot horizontal). Most of the time the batteries run the 12 volt LED lights and the inverter for when we need the instant hot water heater or AC fo the laptops. There is no phone, internet or other convieniences unless we go into town. That is a 40 mile trip each way.

Yeah I have seen a lot of people mount them on the south facing end of their house here, but that is only if you have a good clear opening to allow lots of light in, but it helps with the snow issue some. The Front of my house faces south so that will be a no go, but I am looking at options and yes in winter cleaning will be a factor.

[Pauls]

We bought 140 acres on the south side of a ridge (including the mountain peak) and the cabin was built so one of the roof sides was facing south. It makes the panels at the right angle for the winter when we need it most. During the summer months the panels will keep the batteries charged all the time so the angle doesn't affect the charge we get enough to chang the angles.

[Montana Rancher]

So, just because i can afford these "Luxuries" now, i shouldn't use them?? Why live without now when there is a possibility not having it in the future? I spend more time out side then a lot of people do, due to my career.. I'm a John Deere Salesman, so i'm constantly out in the hot or cold taking tractors to farms and also showing up there when their tractor is broken down to help them fix it. My job is prep enough for weather related issues. So your saying i need to make my family uncomfortable now for the simple fact that one day there MIGHT not be these same comforts? That's ignorant. Enjoy it while we have it people. And why would you advise someone to subject a 2yr old and a newborn to sub-zero temps? Especially, when it IS an option to keep them warm? Rhetorical, i know why.

I was intending to respond to Imaexpat2's post about being in Texas and whining about the temp, I am sorry that you took this as a assault on your thread.

That being said, yes you are doing a disservice to you and your offspring and family with paying money to make them comfortable instead of educating them about the coming energy/money/economy collapse and learning NOW how to do with less and practicing it.

Trust me babies 50 years ago had to live under conditions I have been describing and are doing just fine (heck it could be you)

Providing every creature comfort that you can afford is NOT being the man you will need to be in the coming collapse.

If you are doing your job, when the collapse come, your family will be wondering what the concern is.

[Sparkyprep]

Winter only lasts 2 weeks here.

[jbrooks19]

Winter only lasts 2 weeks here.

Winter for us is approximately 4 months, so we have to be ready for it, especially if it is like last winter were we got 1ft of snow (In one day) and temps dropped to -15f and was that cold for almost 2 weeks.

[James m]

Need tires for the truck before the snow hits.

[jbrooks19]

I'm still getting ready. Man, it was 39 degrees last night and its only September!!!!

Just bought 10 more propane cans (The little green ones)
Also, bought a truck bed load of wood..Wanna get a couple more before winter.

Will be putting cold weather gear in truck and putting the topper on soon..

[Montana Rancher]

Last winter i was NOT ready... My water preps were stupid low, canned propane (The green bottles) stock was way to low, this is my backup source of heat..Or was, we just bought a house and it has a wood stove. What are you doing NOW to prep for this winter?

Me, i have been working on the following list:

Buying a couple bottles of propane a week
Looking for firewood
Tuned up snow blower and made sure its ready for snow
Bought 2 extra snow shovels
Organizing cold weather gear, boots, coats, gloves, etc...
Working on saving for a generator to run gas furnace blower during power outages.

What are you doing to prep for next winter in the event its as bad and cold as this past winter was?

Bravo for working ahead, great post and got people thinking which is critical.

My only suggestion would be to stop on the canned propane and get larger propane tanks like the typical barbeque size or even better the 100# size often sold at Costco this time of year. For 1/5 of the price you will get a lot more bang for your buck.

[Just Sayin']

I just finished planting the last of my winter pastures today. It doesn't mean that we won't have to supplemental feed our goats and horses, but it does mean that they will need far less. If it is a really light winter, we'll only have to feed hay instead of hay and feed, which is a big savings for us.

[jbrooks19]

Bravo for working ahead, great post and got people thinking which is critical.

My only suggestion would be to stop on the canned propane and get larger propane tanks like the typical barbeque size or even better the 100# size often sold at Costco this time of year. For 1/5 of the price you will get a lot more bang for your buck.


I only use propane for my Coleman camp stove and light. I also have a little indoor portable heater that uses them. Plus, I camp a lot so they are nice and portable. I do have adapters though so I can use the bigger ones (the size I've got on my grill) as a back up. I just prefer the simplicity and size of the smaller ones especially since my wife uses them if I can't make it home and we lose power.

[Montana Rancher]

I start sooking when the temp gets below 10 degrees C and above 45 degreed C Lol

But that's comfort talking, last years summer I used the air con for about 7 days (random days not a week) 2 were nights where I couldn't sleep, 2 was when we had visitors, rest was due to it just been super hot (like 45 degree days)

I have not owned a heater since 01

My location even tho it can approach freezing (we had a week of -1 days) you can still survive here without modern conveniences... And that's one of my side goals in what I do, we can't rely on modern luxuries when we all know tomorrow they may no longer be around

I have 3 kids now all under 7 years old, one is a fresh baby, if we focus on these minor luxuries and can't handle anything outside the range of 20-25 degrees C then why the hell are you prepping???

I quoted MR as he is 100% right, the body can handle a lot of "bad" temperature ranges.... And when shtf we won't have the convenience of a electric heater or a air conditioner, or propane (LPG in my language) and long term these things are luxuries, the colder the climate the more you have to do to live without it, but on the other side, heat is just as dangerous... It takes a lot to be ready for extreme heat without modern cooling...

So sooks will be sooks (my temp range is simular to texas to what im told, but my humidity can get as high as 90% without rain)


Last winter i was NOT ready... My water preps were stupid low, canned propane (The green bottles) stock was way to low, this is my backup source of heat..Or was, we just bought a house and it has a wood stove. What are you doing NOW to prep for this winter?

Me, i have been working on the following list:

Buying a couple bottles of propane a week
Looking for firewood
Tuned up snow blower and made sure its ready for snow
Bought 2 extra snow shovels
Organizing cold weather gear, boots, coats, gloves, etc...
Working on saving for a generator to run gas furnace blower during power outages.

What are you doing to prep for next winter in the event its as bad and cold as this past winter was?

Ok.

[Peacekeeper]

Montana Rancher, some people come here for advice, try to be more understanding.

[Sparkyprep]

Don't mind MR, he is grumpy and mean. That's just him being him. Everyone has that one friend who is mean as a rattlesnake, but you like him anyway. That's MR.

[Montana Rancher]

Sorry for that last post, it had more meaningful stuff but it was cut off, I blame the computer, or the Federal Reserve, and at least Obama, crap it must be his fault as well!

[jbrooks19]

Just an update.. Still getting ready for winter, hopefully it is not as bad as some people have been saying it is going to be.

Picked up 6 more propane canisters and a new lantern that runs off of the green propane cans.
Also, split some more wood and got it sorted and stored to keep dry, today i'll be cleaning the chimney and getting the fireplace ready. Plan on using the fireplace to help keep gas costs down. Although, our house is approx 2500sq ft and is extremely well insulated, so even in the dead of winter it was fairly inexpensive to keep at 69 degrees F...