So, yes, again, it is winter, but the weather forecasters who love a good winter storm are predicting we are going to get one Thursday. They are sure of it, this time. Very sure.
Again, another Lake Effect snow event with winds coming in at 60 miles per hour. So what did Cookie do? The winds are starting to pick up a bit, so it is brisk outside, and there is frost on the leaky windows.
I went to Heinens, the local better grocery store, in University Heights.
A gallon of skim milk - which we do drink, makings for Pot Roast for tomorrow evening, and BBQ pulled pork for dinner tonight, with Tater Tots.
We might be in for something. The dogs, who also act as barometers are curled up and asleep. But then again it might be their age - but pups have crossed into that 16-year-old range.
The new boiler that we added in the spring is pumping out so much steam heat to the second floor, I have the door to our enclosed but unheated sleeping porch open to help balance out the torrid heat these radiators are putting out. In our bedroom, one of the windows is open to balance the huge radiator in the room. And our first floor? Figid. But that's another story.
Meanwhile, the kitchen is like an ice box because someone in the last 50 some odd years ago, someone had the idea that enough heat from the house would keep that room warm.
WRONG.
The kitchen has no heat. Not even baseboard heat. But then again, it could have had it and some previous owner removed it for the dark oak banquette and table they installed and we tossed it out to the trash.
Other than that, we're nestled in.
In other news, Cookie is also going to be resurrecting Krab With A K blog shortly as well. Withering Heights will be more reality-based, Krab With a K anything I choose not to publish here.
Cookie
Our place has similar problems. It's draughty and cold most of the time, then when the heating goes on it gets too stuffy - meanwhile the kitchen stays a frozen wasteland. Regardless, we never have radiators on in the bedroom! That's what duvets are for. Jx
ReplyDeletePS I had to look up "Tater Tots". Basically hash browns, but smaller.
Tator Tots, when fried, and served with a horseradish for dipping is a side dish to die for.
DeleteWhat was the original heating system of the house? Perhaps you can see in the basement whether ducts or radiator pipes ever led to the kitchen. Try to bake some bread when the storm comes--that should warm up the kitchen. By the way, I have heard those dire warnings many times--This is the Big One! Batten down the Hatches! and then nothing--the storm just passes over. Of course, sometimes they are right, so it makes sense to stock up and get ready. I recall filling the gas tank, getting extra bottles of water (my house had an electrically-pumped well), and making sure that candles and firewood were at hand. I hope this storm is a light one.
ReplyDelete--Jim
As my mother always said, it never hurts to be prepared. But if the electric goes down, and with it, the steam heat, oh, you will hear me grumbling loudly. We can still light the cooking stove burners manually, but this old house get cold in a hurry.
DeleteDearest Cookie,
ReplyDeletePlease keep warm.
Don't you love the oddities of an older home? How those folks in yesteryear survived is beyond me. But we do have climate change throwing a wrench into things. I am sure in due time you and the ball and chain will have the house running efficiently. I read once that there was a question of why New Yorkers open their windows in the winter. It was said that the radiators during that time would throw out so much heat that folks would open windows to balance things out. Hopefully, things have gotten better and more regulated over time. I suppose in your neck of the woods folks know that when winter comes it's time to have at least a week's extra groceries on hand just in case for those severe lake effect snow storms. Always be prepared. And don't forget to keep the car's gas tanks at least 1/2 full at all times. Oh yes, I am sure a snow blower is on the list. You guys are not 21 and can't be out there shoveling snow.
Be well--Stay Warm,
Victor