WINTER CHECKLIST

[jean405]

For candle heat, check out this web site:

http://heatstick.com/_KanHeet01.htm

I had 2 big garden lanterns, made of glass and metal, I took the handles off, put a big (ish) terracotta pot over it and burnt 3 candles in each. kept my sitting room, 6x4 meters, warm. I find putting them in front of the doors or windows most effective. The lanterns are similar to this one, about 18 inches tall, without the handle:

http://www.selections.com/GFA301/knight ... m-gardman/

I've always burnt candles, I find it cosy, I had to buy the lanterns when I got cats, so they wouldn't knock the candles over and burn my home down , last year I added the terracotta pots and extra candles and had a heater of sorts. When it got really cold here in Denmark last year I bought 2 more lanterns, and used them as extra heaters instead of electric heating (which costs a fortune here!)

Jean

[diamond lil]

That's interesting jean - we tend to think that we pay more here than anybody in Europe for elect. Which I suppose is silly, its not cheap anywhere is it I will light the paraffin lamp in the bathroom in bad nights , it gives out a nice soft light and good heat. Plus helps stop pipes freezing I think.

[jean405]

Well Diamond Lil, electricity may be more expensive in Scotland, we have a lot of extra taxes put on our bills, (environment tax etc), and we pay 25% VAT on what we use as well , the only way to get a smaller bill is cutting down on what we use.

I plan to cut down this winter, I have garden shed solar lights which are brighter than ordinary solar garden lights, and I plan to use those, and see if I can adapt.

I dread frozen pipes, do you leave the lamp on all night?

Jean

[hobo]

Interesting stuff, Jean. Thanks!

Hobo

[diamond lil]

Well I haven't had frozen pipes ever, (yet! crossed fingies) but it does give off a bit of gentle heat. Keep the door open and the blinds closed and it will at least help. Our VAT is 20%. We are cutting right down on what we use as well - mainly because I grudge giving the greedy sods my money.

[jean405]

mainly because I grudge giving the greedy sods my money.

me too!!

Jean

[Brambles]

Lil, is it a hurricane lamp you use in the bathroom? I'd like to give this a go myself.

[diamond lil]

No its not these coloured ones that you hang up. Is quite pretty, all glass and about 12" tall, the bottom half is the resevoir and the top half the mantle. We got it off a neighbour years ago. The wick is half an inch wide flat wick. I have hurricane lamps too but this gives a much brighter light. Found a pic - Like these-
http://www.google.com/imgres?q=paraffin ... 29,r:2,s:0

[nickdutch]

Anorak.

Anorak is an Innuit (Eskimo) word. The Innuit were always great survivors.

I regard "Anorak" as a GREAT compliment

[NorthernWoody]

Bumping this as its 'that' time of year again. Plus I made the mistake of going outside in just my pj's to let the ducks and chickens out.
It's taken me half an hour to defrost!!