Homemaking

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Trapping Cat Fur With Fleece Throws

Last time I was in Omak, I picked up a two-pack of fleece throws for the cats.

(the orange and brown one also has purple and red stripes in it and doesn’t look tigerish at all)

Fleece throws are great because they catch cat fur and they retain body heat, so cats are naturally attracted to them. Tabitha and Neelix knew immediately that the throws were for them and prefer to lie on them then any other part of the bedding.

During the cold spell this week, I caught them pulling the throws off the beds and bringing them closer to a heat source (too cute). I borrowed one to use as a shawl, and realised that they are really nice for wrapping up in to read a book or watch a movie.

So, I bought another set when I was in Omak yesterday, with one throw being solid green and the other being stripped blue and green. I’ll leave the solid coloured throws on the beds permanently since they match the decor and use the striped ones as wraps.

The first set cost me $6, the second $5!

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Propane Usage for Fall 2010

I ran out of propane this afternoon, pretty much on schedule. I used up my full tank in exactly 72 hours, which means I’ve been averaging 10lbs of propane per day, or $8.90. At this rate, propane would cost me $267 for a 30-day month. The forecast is worsening and we’re going to be below minus ten for the week. Until that magic number, I have no problem keeping a comfortable ambient temperature. Below that, my heating costs rise exponentially.

I’m seeing a lot of frustrated neighbours who have lost their water. I’m not suffering at all. I set up one of my flexible jugs on the counter, so it’s easy to heat a little water in the kettle for washing up. I’m especially grateful that the tap water here tastes good, so I can use that jug for drinking, too.

Last night, I added the sleeping bag to my bedding and slept well, even with the furnace cycling on and off. It tends to keep me up because I find myself waiting to see if it’ll turn off again. If it doesn’t, then it means I’m out of gas and need to go turn it off myself.

The RV park sells propane, but I haven’t checked the prices or availability. I like going to the Shell station at the north end of town. Prices are competitive, staff is always cheerful, and they are open late. Going there gives me a chance to get out for a bit.

On the way home this afternoon, I stopped at the McDonald’s for a coffee; they’re having their annual free coffee event. I won’t go there just to get a free coffee, but I stop in if I’m driving by. I love their coffee, it’s my second choice after Starbucks, so the free coffee event is a real treat.

I have a cold weather dressing tip for the gals: get a heavy, full, ankle-length skirt. This way, going out involves pulling on the skirt over your longjohns and/or flannel jammies for instant warmth and a touch of glamour that will have others exclaim “OMG, you’re wearing a skirt! Aren’t you frozen?!” to which you will smile coyly, knowing that you’re warmer in your skirt than they ever will be in their slacks. 😀

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Cooking Up a Storm

I invited myself over to Donna and Ken’s tonight for dinner by promising to bring the main course. I had a really nice chicken and butternut squash in cream sauce lasagna while I was in Montreal, so I decided to make that. It’s now in the oven, two hours after I started, and my kitchen looks so scary I don’t know where to start on doing the dishes. In a ‘normal’ kitchen I would have had room to start the dishes as I cook, but not in Miranda. I found myself have to stack the used dirty things on the floor! Once I can find my counter again and get the dishwasher opened, I’ll do at least one load in there. Even though all that chopping and grating was tedious, the end result is going to be worth it. I might post a picture if it looks pretty enough. 🙂

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Painting Put on Hold

I’ve put the kibosh on the decorating until I get a dehumidifier in here! While I was in Montreal, there was enough condensation in the study to make the paint run down one of the walls. That cemented it for me; I need to wait for that paint job to cure, then start all over again. If the study was too damp for the paint to cure, then there is no hope for the loft.

Bringing in a dehumidifier is a last resort thing for me because of how big and power hungry those things are. One thing that has brightened the scenario is learning that dehumidifiers give off a bit of heat, meaning that I might be able to run it and one heater only and not go over my available amperage.

My intention is to set it up in the loft; that’s the only place where I’d have room for one and there’s a plug nearby. The next issue is going to be getting the water out of it. I don’t like the idea of making holes in my exterior walls or my floor, so I am considering simply routing the hose out of a window.

The dehumidifier purchase as soon as I see a good deal for one after my next pay day. That will give me time to find the smallest and most energy efficient model. I’ll keep using the Dri-Z-Airs in my shower and cabinets.