tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7685979597473858413.post1111115278411392672..comments2024-02-23T02:03:23.020-07:00Comments on The Eco Cat Lady Speaks: In the Deep FreezeEcoCatLadyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15704811319510740473noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7685979597473858413.post-13082491407752111022013-12-10T12:55:25.498-07:002013-12-10T12:55:25.498-07:00So the ceiling fan thing really does work! That...So the ceiling fan thing really does work! That's good to know. I have actually considered trying my insulated bike tights underneath my pants. They're the kind that are designed to be worn over bike shorts so they don't have a big pad in the butt or anything. :-) But they are really warm yet thin, and fit tightly but still allow me to move, so they might be just the thing. Although it's looking like the frigid air is finally moving out and we're getting back to "normal" for this time of year.<br /><br />I think I'd make a terrible Canadian. CatMan and I have actually fantasied about moving there for political reasons (if they'd even take us... which is a big if) but Holy Moly... I'm not sure I could handle the winters!EcoCatLadyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15704811319510740473noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7685979597473858413.post-18226748164145816282013-12-10T06:41:47.673-07:002013-12-10T06:41:47.673-07:00Re the ceiling fans: yes, in the winter you switch...Re the ceiling fans: yes, in the winter you switch it so that the warmer ceiling air is pushed back down . . . it does not create a breeze at all. We have one in the kitchen by the woodstove, one in the main room and one at the top of the stairs.<br /><br />As a Canadian I am all too familiar with frigid temperatures. As long as there is no wind we manage fairly well but, in an ancient wooden farmhouse, wind is our undoing and, as I live on an island, wind is almost constant.<br /><br />This year I found some fleece lined tights . . .that may sound odd and bulky but they are pretty much as thin as normal tights yet incredibly warm. Better for wearing under pants than long underwear because they add no bulk at all. <br /><br />I am always so hot at night that I removed our down duvet and replaced it with a light down blanket and still, even when the temperature outside is frigid, need to keep the bedroom window open. Drives DH nuts. What can I say . . . I'm a hearty Canuck!Dianehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04878023047516773161noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7685979597473858413.post-29905153297589538162013-12-09T12:05:50.774-07:002013-12-09T12:05:50.774-07:00Warm wrists... I never thought of that. At the mom...Warm wrists... I never thought of that. At the moment I'm wearing a wool shirt that's actually a men's size so the sleeves are too long. I've been trying to push them up all day, but maybe I'll just let them hang out over my wrists and see if it helps. Thanks for the tip!<br /><br />Flannel sheets sound wonderful. Might have to see if I can find some of those too!EcoCatLadyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15704811319510740473noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7685979597473858413.post-46828701863881540872013-12-09T12:03:21.508-07:002013-12-09T12:03:21.508-07:00Ha! "Pleased to meet you... I'm the cat l...Ha! "Pleased to meet you... I'm the cat lady from Hell!" Oh my!<br /><br />Anyhow, the carafe sounds very interesting. I might have to see if I can find one at the thrift store.EcoCatLadyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15704811319510740473noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7685979597473858413.post-86000721203788128922013-12-09T09:10:15.235-07:002013-12-09T09:10:15.235-07:00A hot water/coffee carafe can be purchased for, oh...A hot water/coffee carafe can be purchased for, oh, around $15 and it's basically a giant thermos, with an insulated inner part. I start out with making hot tea in the morning in my mug and add the rest of the boiling water to my carafe (hint: if you pour a little hot water in the carafe first and swish it around, it will warm the interior of the carafe and keep your water even hotter longer) and I find that I still get a decently hot cup of tea by 5:00 p.m. even when the carafe is getting empty from my repeated usage all day. A GOOD travel mug will also work and is what I used during our recent kitchen renovation when the stove was unavailable to me (I used a hot pot--I really don't like microwaved water for tea--it tastes funny to me--and poured it in my Thermos-brand travel mug). <br /><br />Tea cozies are somewhat helpful--it holds the heat in a teapot for maybe an hour longer--but for all-day hot water without repeatedly heating up the stove, a carafe is the way to go.<br /><br />I always wonder what people say to others when asked where they're from--"I'm from Hell! No, really!" I get way too much amusement from this sort of thing.Krisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7685979597473858413.post-73668601346127607812013-12-09T08:32:00.626-07:002013-12-09T08:32:00.626-07:00Flannel sheets are very nice. Not flannel pillow c...Flannel sheets are very nice. Not flannel pillow cases though, don't care for those.<br /><br />And here's a vote for silk underwear. You can buy short or long sleeve tops and bottoms with long legs, glove liners, anything you want. Very thin, so easy to layer up. Keep you nice and warm.<br /><br />Keep your wrists covered. The blood vessels there are close to the surface so you'll lose heat. There are very simple knit or crocheted wristlets for this exact purpose, some plain and utilitarian and others with ruffles and bling. Or, I suppose, you could just cut the ribbed portion off an old pair of socks and slip then on. Judyhttp://www.bellewood-gardens.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7685979597473858413.post-1335426805761806172013-12-08T23:19:53.366-07:002013-12-08T23:19:53.366-07:00Oh... and to answer your question... no sugar with...Oh... and to answer your question... no sugar with the milk just nutmeg. I hate luke-warm milk too, this tastes more like hot cocoa that isn't so sweet.<br /><br />The other thing I used to drink at work was something called Postum - I think it's made from toasted grain or something. It was OK...EcoCatLadyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15704811319510740473noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7685979597473858413.post-75586303043357327342013-12-08T23:18:13.206-07:002013-12-08T23:18:13.206-07:00Well, hot air rises, so I think the idea is to pus...Well, hot air rises, so I think the idea is to push the hot air back down where the people are - but I agree... seems like it would just create a breeze.<br /><br />You could always try mulled wine or hot totties for warm beverages. After a few drinks you probably wouldn't notice that you were cold! :-)EcoCatLadyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15704811319510740473noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7685979597473858413.post-42401124223204334272013-12-08T22:55:58.289-07:002013-12-08T22:55:58.289-07:00Oh yes... sleeping with cold feet is impossible as...Oh yes... sleeping with cold feet is impossible as far as I'm concerned!EcoCatLadyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15704811319510740473noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7685979597473858413.post-34712675613740547172013-12-08T22:55:32.147-07:002013-12-08T22:55:32.147-07:00Hmmm... maybe I need a thermos or a t-pot cozy. Hmmm... maybe I need a thermos or a t-pot cozy. EcoCatLadyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15704811319510740473noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7685979597473858413.post-31410472916154786772013-12-08T22:43:29.213-07:002013-12-08T22:43:29.213-07:00Hmmm... well, the thickest coat isn't necessar...Hmmm... well, the thickest coat isn't necessarily the warmest. If you want something really warm I'd suggest looking for down. Next best is something poly-filled - look for poofey rather than heavy (it's the trapped air that gives it insulating power, not the material.) And materials like wool or polar fleece will keep you MUCH warmer than cotton. Good luck... I'm sure it's a shock to your system having lived all your life in the desert!EcoCatLadyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15704811319510740473noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7685979597473858413.post-69595170372846207102013-12-08T22:39:55.991-07:002013-12-08T22:39:55.991-07:00They used to, but I stopped letting them because i...They used to, but I stopped letting them because it just became too complicated with 4 of them... they tend to fight, and Sputty (the one with the bladder condition) tends to pee on the bed, and Princess wants under the covers... yadda yadda yadda. I miss the kitty cuddles, but it turns out I sleep much better without them.EcoCatLadyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15704811319510740473noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7685979597473858413.post-67556014468566745802013-12-08T22:38:02.677-07:002013-12-08T22:38:02.677-07:00Opening the south facing windows helps a HUGE amou...Opening the south facing windows helps a HUGE amount... just ask my cats! They jockey for position in the sunbeams all day. :-)EcoCatLadyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15704811319510740473noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7685979597473858413.post-64311793234490121282013-12-08T19:45:28.356-07:002013-12-08T19:45:28.356-07:00I'm trying to figure out how to stay warm in o...I'm trying to figure out how to stay warm in our new cooler home. The high yesterday was 29!! Ok, that probably sounds nice to you, but that's the coldest temperature I think I've dealt with in my life. I still need to find a good, thick winter coat and will try to find some knee-high boots to keep my legs warm. I've been wearing leggings under jeans and about 4 layers of tops and knit gloves. My least favorite part is having to get our boys dressed, especially my aspiring nudist. It's worse than pulling teeth to get that kid into enough clothes. Even with it freezing outside and chilly inside, he screams if we make him put on clothes (other than undies) in the house. It's really making we wish for warmer temperatures just to get rid of that battle lol!Megynhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09237520120571515528noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7685979597473858413.post-1516285376084109362013-12-08T19:37:26.789-07:002013-12-08T19:37:26.789-07:00That's too funny riding the train into Hell! W...That's too funny riding the train into Hell! We're well into summer here so don't have to worry about being too cold (and luckily my place is a basement, so stays relatively cool). <br /><br />Do the cats sleep with you? That's a bit of extra warmth :)Liz @ Economies of Kalehttp://www.economiesofkale.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7685979597473858413.post-11495526624386518462013-12-08T15:16:55.044-07:002013-12-08T15:16:55.044-07:00Funny story about the train ride! I like your DIY ...Funny story about the train ride! I like your DIY approaches to keeping warm. We were getting down into the 30's this past wee, and about the only thing I'm doing is trying to let sunlight into the house during the day, and wearing a hat/layers. Easier to keep me warm than the house!Done By Fortyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06246597867355460723noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7685979597473858413.post-80796266648351699992013-12-08T14:47:18.656-07:002013-12-08T14:47:18.656-07:00I have gotten up and taken a warm shower before to...I have gotten up and taken a warm shower before to warm up enough to go to sleep. Mostly, it's my feet that are too cold even with socks and a hot water bottle.Live and Learnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13493777474885053903noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7685979597473858413.post-85172378060032219282013-12-08T13:40:03.448-07:002013-12-08T13:40:03.448-07:00My boyfriend either makes tea in the coffee pot an...My boyfriend either makes tea in the coffee pot and leaves it on the coffee maker burner to keep it warm or pours it into a thermos.Debbie Mnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7685979597473858413.post-25936190414692251482013-12-08T13:37:34.384-07:002013-12-08T13:37:34.384-07:00I've heard that, too. I don't understand ...I've heard that, too. I don't understand it--air is still moving past me. My boyfriend really wants a fan on most of the time, and of course my laundry also always wants the fan on (in whatever direction dries the clothes).<br /><br />Yes, hot cider is yummy, but also sugary. Hot milk with nutmeg? Does it have sugar, too? I really don't like it when milk sits out too long and gets warm, so hot milk does not sound good to me (except hot chocolate made with milk). I do like nutmeg.<br /><br />One other hint--I like to keep a hanky in my pocket because I blow my nose several times a day when I'm cold.Debbie Mnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7685979597473858413.post-38125977887917182312013-12-08T13:21:35.150-07:002013-12-08T13:21:35.150-07:00Ha! So now there are three places on earth named H...Ha! So now there are three places on earth named Hell! I bet you're right... that sign does have a very US Highway look to it.<br /><br />So how do you keep the tea hot all day? Mine goes cold in about a half hour.EcoCatLadyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15704811319510740473noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7685979597473858413.post-55345699096499675522013-12-08T13:20:27.262-07:002013-12-08T13:20:27.262-07:00Usually the furnace turns down to 65 at night, but...Usually the furnace turns down to 65 at night, but during this cold snap I've turned it up a few degrees so it bottoms out at 67. Theoretically this shouldn't be so cold... but somehow it just feels freezing! But I'm always cold at night regardless of the weather... not sure why. And if I stay up too late I get soooo cold that I can't sleep. There have been plenty of times that I've had to get up and take a hot bath just to warm up enough to sleep. CatMan says that my internal thermostat has 2 settings - on and off, because I'm generally either freezing or boiling. Don't know what that's all about!<br /><br />Anyhow, it would be lovely if he and I could sleep together, but unfortunately we seem to be incompatible in that department. I tend to toss and turn, and he has a nerve injury that requires him to sleep in an odd position - and if it gets accidentally bumped (like say, by a tossing and turning bed partner) it throws him into excruciating pain for several days. So we tried sleeping in the same bed when we were first together but very quickly concluded that it wasn't gonna work for us. Sigh.EcoCatLadyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15704811319510740473noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7685979597473858413.post-50362379829931988242013-12-08T13:13:08.390-07:002013-12-08T13:13:08.390-07:00I've never had a ceiling fan, but I've hea...I've never had a ceiling fan, but I've heard that most of them are designed to rotate in 2 different directions. One way cools and the other way just circulates the air forcing the warm air downward to keep it warmer. Don't know if it works or not.<br /><br />I'm a big fan of hot tea... this time of year I like to add a handful of cloves and a cinnamon stick. Have you tried hot cider? That would at least be more healthy than hot chocolate (which I also love.) Hot milk with nutmeg is also good.EcoCatLadyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15704811319510740473noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7685979597473858413.post-8757206418197525672013-12-08T13:09:48.684-07:002013-12-08T13:09:48.684-07:00Ha! So there are two places that are "Hell on...Ha! So there are two places that are "Hell on earth!" :-) I doubt that sign is from the Caribbean though with all that ice!EcoCatLadyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15704811319510740473noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7685979597473858413.post-79848295599857602692013-12-08T13:09:16.119-07:002013-12-08T13:09:16.119-07:00My house has a combination heat pump and a highly ...My house has a combination heat pump and a highly efficient gas forced air furnace that kicks on when it gets below freezing. It's the biggest thing I've done for my house - when I bought it, we still had the original furnace from the 1950's! So it's much better than it used to be!<br /><br />I like the tension rods idea.... might have to see if I can find some. <br /><br />And caulking... YES! I had an energy audit done a few years ago and they said that my house is sealed up so tightly that I'd have to install a fresh air vent if I sealed it up any further! I guess being the "queen of caulk" has paid off! <br /><br />The turtlenecks thing is an interesting idea. I sleep with a blindfold thing that covers most of my face so with that and the hat I'm pretty well covered!EcoCatLadyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15704811319510740473noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7685979597473858413.post-60466822931434561792013-12-08T13:07:44.695-07:002013-12-08T13:07:44.695-07:00There's a Hell, Michigan! There's also a ...There's a Hell, Michigan! There's also a Paradise, Michigan, as well. Several years ago the Detroit Free Press had an article about how it was easier, from Detroit, to get to Hell than Paradise. I think maybe your sign picture was taken here. <br /><br />Great suggestions for staying warm! I boil a pot of water every day, fill my carafe, and can have hot tea all day. Krisnoreply@blogger.com