Prepare for high fuel and heating prices

[jamesglewisf]

With all of the craziness going on in Israel/Palestine plus the bombing of the USS Cole, oil prices are skyrocketing. Since we already have shortages, we all better put aside some extra money for the winter.

[blinc]

Ugg! I'm dreading this winter. We have electric heat - but you know the costs are going to go up on electric as well. I feel so sorry for the people on fixed incomes. I've heard that heating costs may very well triple this winter. Have you heard that as well? Last year, we closed off the ventilation to two of the bedrooms we don't use and it made a bit of a difference in the bills. People just aren't going to be able to find enough cost cutting measures to counter the costs though - good idea about putting something extra away for this winters heating bills.

[ntexas]

My son has been clearing land and cutting firewood for two months, and we have a huge reserve built up. We normally only keep about one season's worth at a time stored, but we are hoping to let our fireplaces help keep our heating costs down.

We also planted wind break trees, but they haven't quite grown big enough yet to really show their impact. In a few more years, we hope to have a good wind wall protecting the house. We've also planted over a hundred new trees this year to replace some that were cleared off a couple acres. I always worry about our oaks in severe weather. It just breaks my heart when one of our oaks is taken down by ice or high winds. I love our big ole oak trees, especially the ones that have been around for years and years.

I've been hearing more and more that this is gonna be an exceptionally cold winter, and that heating costs are going to continue to rise. I hope our communities remember to reach out to assist the senior citizens who are on fixed incomes, and help them with their heating costs.

One thing I've also done is make three quilts this year (which I haven't done in quite a while). Extra quilts, wind walls, and fireplaces are our weapons against the chill. Our last resort is relying on the electric heating system (especially since our electric often goes out in severe weather). Have to try to be prepared as much as practicality dictates.

Not yet buttoning down for the winter, but getting prepared!

[jamesglewisf]

ntexas-->Those are some very sensible solutions. I'm impressed.

[necrominator]

It doesnt matter, oil is in abundance the problem is the refineries, which are working at capacity, and cant refine enough fuel, but they have a monopoly, and not one new one was built in the last 10 years, they attribute from fuel prices.