This is the time
of year when I begin to prepare for the winter ahead. Purchasing extra supplies so I am stocked up
in anticipation of higher heating bills and inclement weather gives me greater
peace of mind. My main focus right now
is acquiring enough pet food and supplies so I don't have to go out in bad
weather to buy what we need. Tossing a
bag of chicken feed into the back of my truck during a rain or snow storm is
not ideal and can ruin the feed on the way home. Not to mention, carrying heavy bags of feed
or cat food across an icy driveway can be a bit hazardous. With this in mind I make sure I don't have to
worry about it and pick up enough to get through the winter.
Beginning in
July of each year I try to purchase one large bag of dry cat food and a 50# bag
of chicken feed to stack in my garage. I
keep an extra chicken water feeder and bowls for the cats on hand in case
something gets broken. I also make sure
they all have plenty of treats too. Each
fall I like to have a full bale of grass hay for the bunny and a full bag of
her veggie pellets in the garage too.
This year I've really noticed that pet food has been a little thin on
the shelves and the last time I bought hay I had to drive across town as my
regular feed store I get it at was out. I
find it even more important to make sure I keep extra on hand now more than
ever before.
As far as for
myself I make sure to fill in any gaps in my pantry or freezer and I check my
supply of toiletries, first aid supplies, medicines and cleaning supplies
making sure I pick up anything I may need.
That way if the weather turns bad or I catch a cold I won't feel pressed
to go to the stores and can just stay home.
Also, when the heat bill is higher I won't feel stressed about my budget
because I won't have to spend money on things I already have.
Over the summer
and in the fall any maintenance. repairs or improvements to my house and
vehicles are also taken care of. No one
really wants to change the oil or patch the roof in the middle of winter so I
try to make sure all of those maintenance items are taken care of before the
weather changes. I also check my tools
(this year I need to consider replacing my snow shovel), supply of ice melt,
make sure I have good winter clothing on hand, plenty of blankets in the linen
closet, extra cooking fuel, lamp oil and candles in case the power goes out,
and so forth.
While we can
prepare for everything I feel that what I do each year has helped me to a lot
to be as prepared as possible. With
rising costs, shortage of goods and odd weather patterns I just need to do what
I can at the moment. What are some of
the things you do to prepare for winter.
I’m trying to get items stocked up. I’m having knee replacement in October and would like to have as much as possible on hand so my husband doesn’t need to be running all over the place
ReplyDeleteGood plan! Best wishes to you on your upcoming surgery and recovery.
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