Prep Genrl Weekly Prep Thread: November 10 ~ 16, 2019

[SouthernBreeze]

We are headed off to Lowes today to get the new washer and DH has decided to get a gas powered log splitter, his electric splittler just will not split even medium size wood. Although he's had it for about three years and its done fine, but he started cutting larger trees. I'll definitely save money on the electric bill so it will pay for itself over time. This past month the bill was cut in half for not using the ac/furnace. We only turn to furnace on for a little while to warm the house when DH first gets up. We have a basic generic wood stove that now costs about $300, we bought ours about 5 years ago and we paid $200. At first the burning wood bothered me but It doesn't anymore, another blessing.

Judy

I'm so happy for you, Judy! I'm taking it that you and your hubby got everything set up and ready to go for your new washer?

I love our wood heat! Been using it for years now. Our electric bill drops from around $120 in the summer from using the AC, to only $45-50 in the winter! We get to save more money. The burning wood doesn't bother me, but seems I'm constantly cleaning the wood chips out of the floor from Cary bringing in firewood and loading the heater.

We're about ready to leave for our bi-monthly run into town.

Hope that everyone has a blessed day!

 

[nomifyle]

I'm so happy for you, Judy! I'm taking it that you and your hubby got everything set up and ready to go for your new washer?

I love our wood heat! Been using it for years now. Our electric bill drops from around $120 in the summer from using the AC, to only $45-50 in the winter! We get to save more money. The burning wood doesn't bother me, but seems I'm constantly cleaning the wood chips out of the floor from Cary bringing in firewood and loading the heater.

We're about ready to leave for our bi-monthly run into town.

Hope that everyone has a blessed day!

haha, no we don't have everything ready, but when we do (soon) the washer will already be here. I remembered why I didn't like the washer that went with the dryer we bought awhile back, that one has a small capacity tub and I wanted a larger capacity, they are both on sale and the same price, who cares if they match, no one ever sees them where they live.

I ordered the 2700 ton log splitter, its a Craftsman, which DH loves that brand, it will be here in about 10 days, well not here exactly at the store, I opted not to have them deliver.

I went to walmart and dollar tree and I'm pooped. I need to remember to put a Lidocane patch on my hip before I go shopping in the future.

ETA I sure do wish my electric bill was like yours, its much higher, but not all of our place is insulated and it would be a huge undertaking to insulate it.

Judy

 

[SouthernBreeze]

haha, no we don't have everything ready, but when we do (soon) the washer will already be here. I remembered why I didn't like the washer that went with the dryer we bought awhile back, that one has a small capacity tub and I wanted a larger capacity, they are both on sale and the same price, who cares if they match, no one ever sees them where they live.

I ordered the 2700 ton log splitter, its a Craftsman, which DH loves that brand, it will be here in about 10 days, well not here exactly at the store, I opted not to have them deliver.

I went to walmart and dollar tree and I'm pooped. I need to remember to put a Lidocane patch on my hip before I go shopping in the future.

ETA I sure do wish my electric bill was like yours, its much higher, but not all of our place is insulated and it would be a huge undertaking to insulate it.

Judy

One thing that makes our electric bill the way it is is that our house is only 1000sq ft. In the summer, all of the house is open to the AC. In the winter, we close off part of the house, so it's not heated. Trying to keep the whole house cool during the summer cost more, but a small house doesn't take as much.

LOL, I wouldn't worry about your washer and dryer not matching. Like you said, no one but you and DH probably see them anyway. I have a bigger problem. Everyone sees my bathroom that comes here. I have a white toilet and sink, but the tub is that yucky old time green! We didn't replace it when we remodeled. Now, I'm stuck with it.

By the time I got home from our shopping trip, yesterday, my back was hurting really bad. I changed into my "jammies" after coating my back with Biofreeze, and snuggled into my recliner by the fire under my cozy throw. Fell asleep. Too tired to put anything away, but have got to get it done today.

DH's gas powered log splitter is a 2700 ton Troy-Bilt. Has worked for him for several years now. Craftsmans are a good brand, too.

 

[Freeholder]

The house wiring is going a lot faster than I expected, but the electrician brought three helpers yesterday. He only has one guy today, but I don’t think there is all that much left to do. Then the drywall guy comes to see the house and give an estimate early in the week. I don’t know when he will actually be able to start. But it is encouraging to actually see progress being made.

Kathleen

 

[nomifyle]

Good going Kathleen.

Well we got it done, old washer out, new washer in and going strong. And the wall is back up. Now to get all the crap back in the closet.

Lately I've really noticed how little strength or stamina I have anymore. I can't lift or move things like I am use to be able to do. Thank God DH is still strong. I do have arthritis in my hands and that makes a big difference. I've ordered some fingerless compression gloves and maybe that will help. Getting old is not for sissies.

Judy

 

[summerthyme]

Judy... for sure, we lose strength and stamina as we get older. But it is truly a case of "use it or lose it". As long as you don't have any medical reasons that you can't exercise, make sure you do! Walking is probably the simplest and best way to start. After you get so you can walk a risk mile or two, add in some basic stretches and some weight work... no, not lifting 100#, but 5# dumbbells.

Best would be talking to a decent trainer to get started. But there see plenty of exercise videos on YouTube, etc... and while I haven't looked, there are probably some designed for older people.

Believe me, this is one of the most important preps you can do, and it doesn't cost a penny!

Summerthyme

 

[nomifyle]

You are so right, my garmin died last year and I sat on my behind. About a month ago I bought a new step tracker and I'm working on increasing my steps, I'm away from my desk more and more and doing things. So I've done it to myself and at 72 its up to me to get going. The colder weather is a benefit except on freezing days.

Judy

 

[Freeholder]

Not using it, and losing it, is part of my problem, too. I was doing pretty well up until about three or four years ago, when I was laid up for a while because of my back. I still have to be really careful, but I am trying to do a little bit more each day. It is hard to recover that strength once you’ve lost it, especially as we get older. But we can do it.

Kathleen

 

[ReneeT]

If you start walking, wear a backpack, adding more weight as you progress. Gets you ready for a bug out if needed.