Baby, it's cold outside!

Given the drop in temperature and the snowfall in my lovely corner of the world, I have decided to post on keeping those tootsies toasty. First, take stock. Look at yourself, how are you dressed right at this moment? Could you be wearing the same thing in April? May? September? You know, when it is warmer out? If so, you probably have your heat tuned higher then necessary. One of the joys of winter is bundling up in those cozy sweaters. So dress the part. You can save some energy (and some pennies) by turning down the thermostat. For example, at this moment, I have long johns, jeans, knee high socks, house slippers, long sleeved t-shirt, and perhaps the plushest, coziest house coat on the planet. (I am not wearing a sweater because the housecoat is soooo cozy, sweater tomorrow!)
Other things to do, check the windows - are there drafts? The coop is not the most sound of places, but as a renter, I am limited. So I invested in the Duck brand Window kits. The amount plastic is bothersome to me, but it is less impacting then the heat loss generated.
Also, something as simple as indulging in that cup of hot cocoa or tea. The internal warmth created helps bit the need for bumping up the thermo.
My other big step is to invest in a small space heater. I purchased a forced fan variety because they are safer for the furry friends. It pleasantly heats the little nook I prefer to sit in to watch a movie or read a book. I am keeping my heat between the 63-65 range and have been very cozy. Stay warm! Give something above a try or turn the heat down a degree or two. Remember, baby steps are as important as leaps, both keep you moving forward.

Door Mat

So I needed a door mat for the front door. I found this one that is made from 100% recycled rubber. Not super cute, but in this case I needed function. Remember, your purchases contain power. If more people buy products made from recycled products there would be a greater demand for recycling. Give it some thought need time you shop!

Seasonal Cooking

This is a great cookbook that encourages seasonal cooking all year. It is separated into the four seasons allowing you to see what is available at the market. If you don't have a garden, you can find local foods at your farmers' market. Also, you can help by buying foods that are season at your local store. Seasonal food requires less transport to arrive to your table. You can find this cookbook at Amazon.com or at http://store.mpn.net/showproducts.cfm?FullCat=9 Give it a try it is a wonderful cookbook.

TNR

Today is a TNR day. If you you don't know TNR stands for Trap - Neuter - Return. It is the most environmental and humane way to deal with a feral cat population. I will go into more detail in another post the difference between feral and stray cats. However, it is really early and I do need to start getting ready for work. I have set two live traps - Have-a-Heart, are the traps of my choosing, and made arrangements with a vet to perform the procedure at a reduced price. My dear sweet mother is dropping them off at the clinic as I must go to work at 6:00 or 6:30 and the clinic doesn't open til 8. I will pick them up in the afternoon after work. It will be interesting because I have to also take in Emmy, for her yearly vaccines. The ride home should sound like a choir of angels, tee hee. At least it is only a four mile drive. I have already in the first five minutes made on successful trap. Yeah. Slowly and surely I will sterilize all the barn cats around here. Granted, I have to combat the continual drop off of new cats. Ugh. More on that later.