Preparing for the Big Winter Storm

WE never lost power, but you could drive 20 miles west of here and they did. The last couple of mornings have been extremely COLD, but today it warmed up to 41F with sun and windy. That's gonna melt and dry everything.

 

Possible snow in Charleston SC this weekend --been a cold winter

 

And it's starting, over 20+ new listing for generators last night. All asking what I consider a premium. Basically brand new units, maybe test run after buying and that's it. So many generators on FB now, wait another week or so then start lowballing LOL

 

This always strikes me as rather funny in a sad way. These people never stop to think there will be other emergencies, other storms knocking powerlines down. And it isn't even over yet for this storm, as we here in North Florida are expecting our coldest nights yet this weekend! Imagine the fool selling off the brand new generator, only to have a power outtage and frigid weather days later! Some folks have no common sense at all.

 

Be careful, a lot of these are locked up with fresh oil up to the dip stick.

 

I went out yesterday,, 1st time since the snow and ice hit the other night. Figured I'd fire up the truck,, go to the store and pick up a few things before this one hits.
I've got weak batteries on my diesel truck ,, threw the charger on them for a little bit ,, went to go to the side of the house to check my propane usage over this last cold spell ,,,started walking around the side of the house ,, the shady side ,,, next thing I know ,, I'm flat on my back ,, with an instant headache. That was one of them cartoon falls ,, where your feet fly up out in front of your face ,, and land flat on your back ,, my neck and shoulders hurt ,, going up into the back of my head ,, that bounced off the ice. And before you ask ,,, No ,,, my head did not break the ice,, it's still there ,, but my head and neck sure sure does hurt. , kinda like whiplash I guess ,, never had that.
Anyway,, you folks be careful out there ,,

 

Sunday night I was out with my dogs playing in they snow. My 2 labs will chase a laser pointer like a cat, they love it. Well I was running around with them when one of my labs decided to stop right in front of me. I toppled over, head over heals, in the process my shoulder was twisted, may have pulled a tendon or muscle.
The worst part is I have it on video from my security system.

 

Are you gonna let us see the video? I'm asking for purely academic reasons, you know, research. That's it research!

 

Still cant get to my house in 2 wheel drive.
Made it fine. She had baked 6 loaves of bread, rhode island reds where still laying eggs, had some great card and domino games.
Walking in the woods i found 2 different squirrels froze to death. Deer have not been been stirring at all.

 

4-7" forecast for Myrtle Beach starting in the morning.

 

I went to Sam's today to pick up one item. I passed a guy who also had just this one item in his cart. I asked him if that was his storm preparation. "Yup."

Mine too.

 

Food Lion had wooden matches on sale for 60% off, so I bought 14,000 matches. Enough to fill two ammo cans and still keep my regular supply in the house met. I go through a lot of matches.


I figure 6000 matches should be a start to go with each lamp fuel cache.

 

I haven't seen a mini-keg since we were in the liquor business. I guess when you have everything else beer is all you need, or when you are unprepared and have nothing else beer is all you need.

 

I have some matches (not 14,000) too, but there are the strick anywhere kind. I have them sealed up in a paint can for future use.

 

I bought up a couple ammo cans full of Ohio Blue Tip strike anywhere matches about ten years ago.
Lady was complaining that they smelled. I took them off her hands for about ten cents a box

Like I said. I use a lot of matches.

 

The roads are all spritzed with beet juice, my fridge is full, my blankets are warm and I'm ready to sit right here and read until it's above 40 degrees again.

 

That sounds like a plan.

 

I finally dragged out and fired up the Mr. Buddy double heater. It works fine.

The humidity is crazy low in the house right now and this will help a lot.

 

If we get ice in Coastal SC for sure we will loose power got plenty of gas for the generator and loaded the porch up with fire wood. Supposed to start about 3 this afternoon last through the night

 

We here in Florida will get the tailend of the northern cold. Supposed to drop into low 20s the next couple nights - Saturday and Sunday, and high 20s Monday night. I'm trickling my front & back outside faucets to hopefully prevent the burst pipes I had last winter.