Winter Planning

Today our weather will be very summer-like.... Almost 90 degrees! But don't let that fool you. Winter WILL come eventually, even to eastern North Carolina! While, I'll admit that being prepared for winter in our area isn't as important as it would be in .... Alaska, The Northeast or some other colder place, it is still a good idea.

A few ideas:

1. Stock the pantry and freezer. I do this year round, but its very nice on a cold day when I get off work and its already DARK to not have to go to the grocery store. I like to be able to say what my Mama always says, "I can always knock something up to eat from what I've got in the cabinets". Its also good to have canned foods that can be used if the power goes out. We already have manual can openers and most canned foods come with a pop top lid nowadays.

2. Plan cool weather meals like soup, stew, chili, beans, etc. We tend to avoid these foods during the warmer months, but now is the time to start utilizing these delicious, comfort foods. I like to have one of them in the crockpot or on the stove every Saturday during the Fall and Winter months.

3. Be ready in case the power goes out. We get our water from a well and if the electricity goes out, there's no water. Now is the time to store water and buy water so that we can at least get by until those wonderful linemen from the local electric co-op come by and fix it. If its apparent that the power is definitely going to go out, its nice to fill up the bathtubs with water so that can be used to help flush the toilets.

4. Of course, we will need flashlights, batteries, candles, matches, battery operated radios, etc.

5. A back up heat source is a great idea. We have a fireplace that has a wood burning insert in it. We don't use it too much, but we like to have enough wood on hand for emergency heat situations. You could also use a kerosene heater.

6. We need to make sure that we have plenty of blankets, quilts and warm clothing. Its time to go through our clothing to make sure we are ready for those frigid days!

One last note: There is an old wife's tale that I think originated in the mountains of North Carolina. The winter can be predicted by the shape of the seeds of a persimmon. My friend's mother has a persimmon tree and checked to see what our winter forecast will be. If the seed is shaped like a spoon it represents a shovel and there will be lots of snow. If the seed is shaped like a knife, it means we will have very cold weather that will cut through you. If the seed is shaped like a fork, it means there will be plenty to eat, so I guess that means the winter will be mild.

Well the verdict for our winter is: SNOW!!! The seeds are shaped like a shovel this year.