Fall into Winter

Winter / Storm prep tips.

While it's a little early to be thinking about snow here in the Pacific Northwest, it is not too early to prepare for it! 
Women on their own must look out for themselves and be prepared for anything - because anything can happen.  I have been through many major storms here and been trapped for weeks, both at home and away from home.

I now have a preparation ritual.  In the Fall (sometimes sooner) I start thinking about what I need to do, from gathering supplies to making preparations.
Supplies always include extra canned and dry goods, anything I can cook or prepare on a camp stove should the power be out.
Preparations include winterizing the house.  Wrapping outside pipes, putting up heavier curtains inside.
I even pack an overnight bag that I keep in my car should I get stuck away from home. 

I always make sure I have a flashlight and extra batteries, several small propane tanks, lanterns and oil, matches and ground coffee!  Until they design a battery operated coffee grinder, this is a staple for me!  Of course a small drip coffee one-cupper and cone shaped filters must be included.
[ update:  I found a hand grinder!  No batteries or electricity required!)

Other useful things would be a couple of bags of ice in the freezer, so when the power goes out it keeps the food cold.  One year it was so cold outside that I just put the food out there.
Extra containers of water may be necessary if your water comes from an electric pump,  and did I mention candles?  Lots of them.

Obviously I have a back up heating system that doesn't require electricity.  I have a wonderful wood stove.  It is actually my primary heat source. I get my fire wood in the summer, stacked, cured and covered by Sept.

Keep the gas tank full in the car and the snow shovel by the front door.  Have a corded phone to plug in to the jack should the power go out.  Cordless phones are useless without power.
Up until about a year ago I didn't even have a cell phone, but now that I do, I keep that charged up.  While I don't get service here at my house, at least I can use it in the car if need be.

So these are some of the things we can do to be prepared for a long winter living alone.
If you're on a budget like me, or just like to conserve your resources, we have to think outside of the box a little more, get creative and work with the resources you have.

I'm really quite content with my independent life, and grateful to have a sharp mind and willing spirit.  It just makes life so much more interesting.

If you have any tips you'd like to share on winter preparedness, please leave a comment!  I look forward to hearing from you.

Composting on the Cheap

I have adapted this idea to fit the type of container I had on hand.  I would love to say I thought of it myself, but I must give credit to my friend who has the original, full trash can size.

I decided to use these handy totes that have been with me for years working very hard at storing or moving all my junk.  I have two sizes.  The large ones are perfect for the longer term compost, where the smaller one works great for compost immediately from the kitchen.

I drilled half inch size holes in the bottom so the worms would feel welcome.

These dark containers are great for heating things up too, while sitting in the sun.  As I add material to it, I also add a layer of dirt.

I've had the new compost bins in use for a couple of weeks now and have already gone out and turned one in to another, finding the material is breaking down quickly!

I have positioned the two large ones on top of an already rich soil base (so the worms won't have to go far).

While it's not exactly attractive, it really serves the purpose well and I haven't spent a dime!
The lids on these are perfect because they cover the top and remain water resistant.

I am also using these types of containers with holes for grass clipping and mulch material.  I leave the lids off and the water drains out.

What types of containers have you used for composting?

New Pioneer's Wood Shed

  I get more hits on this post than any other, so I decided to update it.  Please keep in mind this is the budget version of a shelter I needed for my fire wood.  I too found it extremely difficult to find any help online, but did follow the advice of a skilled builder, well most of it anyway.
While it was very affordable this way, in retrospect I would have preferred to use treated 4x4's for the standing posts and cross posts.
I will be adding some more photos of the roof as that was my most challenging endeavor.  There just aren't any good photos on the net.  It's a basic build, plywood, roof paper, three tab roofing.  The flashing is the most important!  Fits right over the top of the shingles.
So here's the original post:

I must admit, this project was the most intimidating of all ideas, an actual "structure" I must build.  But, never the less, I took it on.  I needed a dry storage space for the fire wood closer to the house than the driveway for those two and three foot snows we sometimes get. 

Fall of 2010

I began with a frame on level ground with concrete slabs under the posts.  I extended the roof line on the left so that I could hang the garden tools there.

 I also wanted a floor and sides to guard against snow drifts and snow melt.  By the way, this is the "budget" wood shed, total cost was around $150.

  I added these cute fence boards for looks, but it also allows for airflow.

 Finished result is a stable structure with a roof and garden tool storage!  Holds just a little over a half cord of wood.

Update 2011:  This structure is in it's second winter and has held up nicely in spite of not having treated wood in the structure.  I did stain some parts, and the cedar siding boards are treated fence boards.

Update 2012:  This structure is getting ready for its third winter.  As promised here is a photo of the roof which at the time was built on a very lean budget!!  I had to use three kinds of roofing, but succeeded, and it has never leaked!

 

OK, now it's August of 2012,  Compare how tall the tree is here to previous photos.

 
This shed has held up better than I thought.  I was a little concerned about not using treated wood, but no probs!  Also, to anyone who thinks they have to pour a foundation for a small structure like this - here is proof that is NOT necessary!

Here is the shed today (sorry about the washed out look, the sun is shining!).  The roof and structure are still very sound.  No leaks, no leaning, no rot.

 So there you have it, it's August of 2012 and approaching it's third winter.  Who says you can't build a woodshed on a budget??

Update 2017!  Still sound, still standing.  The apple tree came down due to bear mania, but the shed remains.

 

Update summer of 2021:  Still standing, still functional, no leaks.

Update September 2023:
It needed a new coat of stain, I went darker this year.  I also rehab-ed the floors and inside walls by taking out the plywood panels and just flipping them.  I also put both side panels on one side - the side with snow drifts.  I built in a temporary kindling rack too.
I did finally need a new roof and put that on last summer.