Looks like I need to update my list as some have turned the heat on and others are still stubbornly clinging to their sweaters.
Here's who is still in the running for America's #1 No Heat Miser!
Me, aka fern - Connecticut
monkeymama - Northern California
wyozozo - Wyoming
debtfreeme - Northern California
mbkonef - Southeastern Pennyslvania
Ima Saver - Georgia
scfr - Texas
snoopycool - Florida
dmontngrey - Massachusetts
sevenofseven - Northern California
princessperky - Charlotte, North Carolina
Househopeful - Delaware
toyguy1963 - Ohio (I'm sorry, you were on my handwritten list and somehow your name dropped off on the post)
Analise - northern California
Those who already turned on the heat:
Mech - Oct. 3 Massachusetts
ME2 - Oct. 3
myenglishcastle - October 1
homebody - October 1
So four have dropped out and there are still 14 in the running!
I must say I wavered a bit this weekend. This morning it is 55 degrees in my house and very chilly. Yesterday when sitting at my computer I couldn't seem to get warm. I started the day with a turtleneck, then was still cold, so I put a lightweight sweatshirt on over that. I was STILL cold, so I put on an over-sized corduroy shirt on top of that and finally Ii was warm, though I couldn't move!
Someone asked if using an electric blanket was "cheating." I don't think so. I imagine the energy used for that is a lot less than heating the whole house. My own strategy last night was to soak in a hot bath and then jump in under flannel sheets and two lightweight quilts, with a heavy comforter on the side, just in case.
Truth be told, even the most stalwart among us will have to cave in when the temps drop to the freezing level, since no one wants to risk frozen pipes. But even when I do turn the heat on, I plan to start off gradually with the thermostat set only at 55; at that setting, it will only kick in at night.
I remember last winter that I kept the heat down so low that I actually looked forward to getting in the car or going to the office because I knew it would be toasty warm!
Here in Connecticut, tomorrow will be the chilliest day of the week with a high of about 57, but by the end of the week it will warm back up to a high of 71. Go figure.
Get Yourself a Sheepdog, But Don't Turn the Heat On
October 5th, 2008 at 03:00 pm
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Ohhh save that house you were talking about for me. I'm saving up the $4.55 million. Hahaha!
October 5th, 2008 at 06:13 pm 1223226788
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About 15 months ago, we put in new windows, that are fabulous, as well as new James Hardy cement based siding. First we wrapped the house in Tyvek. We did all of the work ourselves, and saved a lot! The difference is amazing. The nights here go down to the high thirties, or low forties now, and the house has not been cooler than 67 degrees. The afternoons have been mild, so I open French doors to let some warmth in, and open blinds and draperies on the south and west sides of the house in the day.
Next week, highs are supposed to be in the thirties. I have two wood burning stove, and will use them if I need to. I hope to keep the heat off until some time in November.
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October 13th, 2008 at 07:07 pm 1223921228
BUT I do still have my a/c on at night so I can sleep.