Weather

[Blaze]

We seem to have got through more firewood and oil than usual this winter, and it hasn't been exceptionally cold. OH had a complete knee op in November, so has spent more time idling ... errr, resting ... than usual.
The PVC windows were very badly installed 15 or 20 years ago, and the house is hellish draughty. The stone walls are uninsulated and cold and the house was built directly onto the sand. Fortunately the actual temps are never very cold because there's little we can do other than try to fill in all the gaps .... a lost cause !

[Bayleaf]

Marginally warmer today after that week of relentless "Beast from the East" weather. Our fourth delivery of wood was 4 months late, and then they said it won't be ready to burn until next season, as it was only 8 months from being cut. That wasn't what we'd ordered back in May last year!! Unfortunately, we've also been burning more like others, so have been having to try out the new pile, and it's burning ok. We're fortunate in that there are still old beams kicking around outside, and suchlike, that (carefully avoiding nails!) we cut up and burn. We also have a very old farmhouse that has drafts coming in that you only notice when the East wind is howling out there! Slowly plugging the gaps, but like Blaze - it's practically a lost cause without spending sh*t loads more.

Slightly warmer, but wetter weather forecast for next week. Need some rain - need some grass growth for the animals!

[Lori]

Yes, still chilly here. I saw the rain in the forecast for the coming weeks (2). I know we need the rain, so I will not complain.

We will need to order firewood for the 2023/2024 season. Since we are new to this region, we have no idea how to find a reputable supplier. I'll ask the plumber, who lives on a big farm nearby.

Reminder to self - think twice before renovating in Winter...

[demi]

The little house I am renting at present is 8 years old & has any energy rating of A. I have never been so warm in winter in my life. I put the heating on for leass than an hour in the morning & unless it's arctic that does for the whole day. One of my major criteria for buying is an energy efficent house - I hate being cold, especially now I am living alone.

[Mangetout]

How is the house heated demi? I'd love something similar.

[demi]

Gas combi boiler. My combined gas & electric bill per month is 96 euros - over a 12 month period. It will be adjusted in April - I think I might have to pay 20 euros as it has been cold!

[Hotrodder]

Hotrodder, that's a horrible feeling. Would you be able to get more from anyone now? We installed CH 5 years ago and still have a fair bit of wood, but you're a bit far away from here for us to offer you a bit.

We used to live in 17 near St.Jean d'Angely. Much bigger house but strangely much warmer when it was freezing outside. Maybe because it had big south facing windows. Small windows here facing east.

[Char]

bledy cold but sunny.

[Bayleaf]

Sharp frosts still in the morning. Practically t-shirt weather in the afternoon (well it was after finally clearing up someone else's rubbish from the woods and finally binning it, after it's littered the area for possibly 25 or so years!). Wind and rain and milder temperatures still due tomorrow.

[Lori]

Yep, yesterday afternoon was wonderful. Bright sunshine and work in the garden was very pleasant. Big frost this morning (-3 now), but lovely sunshine. Lots of rain in the forecast for the coming days/weeks. We do need it, so hope it actually arrives.