31 Days of the Joys of Autumn - Preparing For Winter

Fresh Basil

With promised temperatures falling below freezing tomorrow night, we've moved the big pot of fresh basil in to the back porch/greenhouse, and the houseplants back to their place on the shelf next to the sunny, south-facing, livingroom window. I have two trays of fresh basil drying in the oven and my husband is out tiding up the yard and weatherizing the house before the cold front arrives. 

This week we've checked the percentage of gas in the propane tank and cleaned the heating stove. Summer clothes have been packed away and the winter garments are clean and ready to be worn whenever needed. We've stocked up on canned chili beans, tomatoes, and tomato paste, as well as a few other staple food stuffs. The only thing left to do in that department is to plan a trip to the Amish store to stock up on bulk goods and winter spices.

Chili Beans and Diced Tomatoes

Since our electricity is notorious for going out in winter storms we've laid in a fresh supply of lamp oil, candles, matches, flashlight batteries, and Sterno for the Sterno stove. In addition to the gas heating stove and four solar-powered lights, these items will provide additional heat, light, and a source of hot food (and water for hot tea!) in the event of a power outage.

Winter Supplies of Heat and Light

All this might seem a bit early or extreme to some, but I've always found that, in the event of an emergency, it is wiser to have a few supplies on hand than none at all.

I don't know that preparing for winter can really be classified as "one of the joys of autumn", but I do know that in the event of an ice storm, power outage, or some other winter weather-related emergency, it sure makes you a whole lot better off than if you hadn't prepared at all. I suppose the joy then would come in the middle of the emergency because of the preparations you had made in autumn, so, yes...it counts. 😄

How do you and your family prepare for winter where you live?

Until next time...

~Rebecca

"She is not afraid of the snow for her household; For all her household is clothed with scarlet" (Proverbs 31:21)

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