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Home > Get Yourself a Sheepdog, But Don't Turn the Heat On

Get Yourself a Sheepdog, But Don't Turn the Heat On

October 5th, 2008 at 03:00 pm

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.

14 Responses to “Get Yourself a Sheepdog, But Don't Turn the Heat On”

  1. gamecock43 Says:
    1223215910

    ummm...do I count? I live in FLA where it is still in the high 70's everyday. We still run the air conditioning though...so I guess I don't count.

  2. Caoineag Says:
    1223221969

    You should probably add me to the list. I haven't had A/C or heat on in over 2 months. Course, that may be cheating. I live in Denver, Colorado where temperatures can stay mild for forever...

  3. Joan.of.the.Arch Says:
    1223222354

    Can you add me, please? We used to have a household rule of no furnace until November, but I know I cannot do that anymore. I have become cold-natured like a frail elderly person. I do try though.

  4. Joan.of.the.Arch Says:
    1223222481

    P.S. I going to root for wyozozo, who I suspect truly faces the biggest challenge from cold!

  5. Ima saver Says:
    1223224374

    I have on sweat pants and two sweaters, but no heat yet! We have a gas fireplace in the bedroom, but I have never used it.

  6. toyguy1963 Says:
    1223226100

    Thanks for adding me Fern. I'm still in the challenge although my house is a chilly 54 degrees today. I think its warmer outside.

    Ohhh save that house you were talking about for me. I'm saving up the $4.55 million. Hahaha!

  7. littlegopher Says:
    1223226788

    No heat on yet for us here in MN. So far, so good.... a big yay for sweaters, fleece, blankets (on the beds and couches) and cuddling kitties!

  8. nance Says:
    1223227854

    I live in northern Colorado, about 35 miles from the Wyoming border. We have not turned the heat on yet, and I don't intend to turn it on for a while.
    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.

  9. dmontngrey Says:
    1223230600

    Sweater? HA! I'm sitting here in a tshirt! It's a comfortable 69.8 in here right now. Of course it feels like 100 since I'm sick. It's quite chilly up on the third floor though. I think it's because we have the door closed since we're working up there. I hope to only have those closed at most for another week. Oh, I didn't even think about the missing insulation and the fact that the crawl space door is open. That's like a door to outside. Well, no harm done while the heat is still off. Good luck everyone!

  10. ann link Says:
    1223239579

    I am one of those frail elderly persons. Another Ohioan joining in the contest. We do have a handicap in our part of the world. What is the break on that?

  11. debtfreeme Says:
    1223240774

    still off here! it is supposed to be around 73 today and into the 80's during the week. My room faces West so i get that late afternoon sun which in the summer means it is 110 but in the winter usually a comfortable 65 or so until late in the eveing later into the winter.

  12. creditcardfree Says:
    1223244062

    No heat here yet either. It was almost too warm in the house today. No a/c though either! I do hope it is a mild winter for everyone. It would really help everyone out considering the economy.

  13. scfr Says:
    1223247001

    High here today was 85F --- Sweating in my capris & Tshirt. I still think it's so unfair that I'm even allowed in this contest, but since fern insists on including me let me just say: You all are going down! Haha.

  14. Sunshine Suz Says:
    1223921228

    I should jump into the contest and "BUMP" SCFR!!! I'm even farther down south in Texas.

    BUT I do still have my a/c on at night so I can sleep.

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