I know the Ebola stuff is interesting and all that, but for those of us in the Norther Hemisphere, you might want to focus your efforts on something that WILL affect you personally, and that's WINTER. It's time to check the engines, change the oil in the generator, rotate out fuels for fresh stores, get those pantry items reviewed and be equipped for ice storms, snow storms and general yuk weather.

I just swapped out all my gas and diesel stores for fresh stuff, shut down the outside plumbing, had all the chimneys cleaned professionally. Also bought an "emergency" supply of instant coffee and fake creamer. Just in case.

Well, the coffee shows that you have your priorities straight!

We are winterizing our RV in the traditional way. Parking it next to a cactus. Left Maine two days ago, headed for Arizona.

Tonight we are going to feel the remnants of Tropical Storm Ana. A lot of rain and winds expected overnight. Hopefully the power stays on as last week, another storm cut power for almost 11 hours. That may not seem like much for most but it was the first time in a lot of years that we had no power for more then a few hours.

Spent this afternoon organizing our rag tag collection of battery operated lights and flashlights we keep on hand in the house. They are not much but are cheap and work enough for our purposes. The 2 solar lantern lights in the middle, even though they are solar, I throw 1x AA Eneloop in them and the light will last for days without a recharge. The round white LED lights take 4xAA batteries and again last for days. What I like about them is they have a nail/picture hook notch on the back so they can be hung anywhere and also have velcro strips for a semi permanent stick.

Also in the midst of charging all the spare Eneloops with about a dozen more left on the shelf beside the charger. (Need to purchase another charger as 2 AA chargers which charge 6 at a time is not enough.) The power pack is charged and inverter on hand for any low amperage 110 volt needs. I also have 2x strings of 110 volt LED lights (not shown) if needed. Although they don't require much power, the inverter uses a lot more power then they do.



Filled up 3x7 gallon Aqua containers of water then went and filled the car with gas and added about 1/2 tank to the truck.

Also got the propane tank setup out under the deck and connected to the Coleman camp stove and also have a small indoor propane heater ready if the house gets too cold. Expected low tonight is only 46-48F so probably will not need any heater.

Probably won't need all this, but it is good practice anyway.

Last weekend I put winter blades on both vehicles, changed the air filter, oil filter, oil and rotated the tires. Consolidated everything to one weekend.

Got my flu shot. Most of us are more at risk from the flu than from ebola.

I am no longer convinced that fake creamer is needed. I read that mountaineers used Klim (now owned by Nestle) in the early 1900's as standard equipment.

I tried it. Pretty much tastes like milk and tastes pretty good! Shelf life is long and makes great creamer.

Cream? You adulterate perfectly good caffeine with cream? What a ghastly practice.....

The critical component is the caffeine. I have been known to dip or chew instant coffee when necessary. I have even sucked on coffee grounds. Anything for caffeine first thing in the morning!

Fake Creamer!

Would that be Non Diary Creamer?

Corn Syrup Solids, Partially Hydrogenated Soybean Oil, Sodium Caseinate (A Milk Derivative), Dipotassium Phosphate, Mono- And Diglycerides, Silicon Dioxide, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Soy Lecithin, Artificial Flavor, Artificial Color.

Why not just get some dried whole milk!