Winter Returns

 Winter weather came early to Huck Hollow this year.  It started with some light snow before the Thanksgiving holiday and then a storm rolled in with little notice the last week of Nov.  I had not quite a full day to make last minute preparations here and at a friends cabin.  I managed to pull it off even though it was snowing lightly all day before the big dump that night.

 

The first foot wasn't so bad at my place, but it was wet and heavy and mother nature had her way with trees and power lines along the highway.  The power was off for the next 25 hours. 
In times like these you're on your own and must keep your wits about you.  I stay busy with shoveling pathways for access around the house - and to the bird feeder!  A must.

I do not have a generator so I make due with ice chests and snow filled ziploc bags - this works great folks.  And this year I have more firewood near the house.  I can cook on the wood stove and I have a new butane cook stove that can prepare any meal on one burner. 
Water stays available during power outages because our development has generators for both wells, but keeping extra water on hand is always wise.

Buddha was rescued early on to avoid the plight of last years beheading, (a nasty encounter with a huge evergreen branch). 
I no longer have the giant Alder tree next to my house either - less headaches there, and the back hill has been trimmed up so the huckleberries are quite low.  There are still a few trees I might remove, but everything else is on the greenbelt.

I got out for a walk in the woods with the camera and enjoyed experimenting with my lenses.  I've changed my photography Instagram account to Light Chasing Photography and am now including color images.  You can still find my personal IG acct at jeniz_life.

The power came back on for a day and I managed to get out with the help of a neighbor with a tractor.  I got to work, got gas, checked the mail and the friends cabin.  The next morning the power suddenly went out at 7am.  I suspected a transformer since it didn't seem snow related.  8.5 hours later it came on again but I still had to rig the ice chests and heat water for dishes.  

So this probably sounds more like a journal entry and quite dull to anyone who endures snow more often than I do, but it's all a journey whatever level.

 It snowed a bit more since the storm and hopefully the worst is over - but I think I said that last year before the really big one hit - so - fingers crossed!

Winter Readiness

I like to repost this one every year as we head into winter.  I have had a lot of experience by trial and error on what to do or not do during storms.  The last thing we want is to already be in one unprepared, whether at home or away from home.

I've added two great new gizmos to my arsenal of supplies.  Actually one was a gift from my brother this year.  It's a battery operated light switch.

Don't let this thing fool you!  It's incredibly bright and only needs two AAA batteries.  It can mount via sticky pads or magnets.

 Is that crazy or what?  I love it!

Next up is my go to tool when the lights go out and it's dark.  It's a headlamp.  Hands free light wherever I need it.

This has three settings, two for brightness and one blinks.  I imagine the blinking option would come in handy should I somehow get trapped in a snow bank, lol.

 More tips follow from this archived post:

  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 in the mudroom.
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.