Tuesday, February 9, 2021

Sundown at My Cottage

My cottage hasn't changed much but there's a little bit of color over my red barn indicating the golden hour. I've been researching snow on roofs around me and on all houses when I drive around (seldom lately). Snow on the roof is a sign of good insulation. Mine takes forever to melt front and back so I don't have much heat loss in my attic. I don't have many icicles either. The ones I do have are coming off my half-round copper gutters when they get a bit of sun. My house is far from cozy because I have large windows, my radiators aren't big enough, and I keep the thermostat pretty low. I dress for warmth inside my house and have actually gotten used to a cooler house. I turn my thermostat down to 60° at night and I love sleeping in a cold room. My eiderdown comforter keeps me very warm. That's about it for today. xo

11 comments:

Lisa D. said...

Hooray for down comforters! I have one, it keeps me super cozy on cold nights, and I absolutely love it. Mine is merely a down comforter, Rosemary. I just couldn't spring for an Eiderdown, which is the top of the line, but I live in a considerably warmer climate than you.

Gail, northern California said...

No matter how many layers, I'm cold all the time and I really hate it. The ONLY time I'm warm is when I'm in bed, or out for a walk with friends.

Pam said...

Your home and the grounds look wonderful, no matter what season! Such a pretty patch of sky above your barn. We've had so many grey, wintry days, I find myself longing for a bit of sunshine. We feel better when we sleep in cooler temps, too. I think it's good for us.

Content in a Cottage said...

Gail, northern California -- I have a pair of Acorn Slipper Socks with leather soles that keep my feet toasty. My brother and I got a pair from Santa every year and everybody in my family wore them but they weren't this brand because it's only 40 years old. The astronauts wore this brand in space so it's tried and true. I also always wear a warm scarf around my neck in the house. For some reason, if my neck isn't covered I always feel cold. I wear one in bed when watching TV too. I have an ancient down vest that I can pull on if all else fails. You can wear a tee shirt under a woolen sweater for added warmth. Natural fibers are the warmest. Get yourself some long underwear. I hope these tips help you. xo, Rosemary
Here's the link for the slipper socks:
https://www.acorn.com/products/the-original-acorn-slipper-sock?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=acorn_brand

Content in a Cottage said...

Pam -- I have had my Eiderdown since the 1970s back when they didn't cost a fortune. Mine was made in W.Germany. It is only a twin size but it fits the top of my double bed perfectly. I shake and air it once a week on my balcony railing to keep the contents evenly distributed. It's a real treasure and a lifetime purchase. I'm glad your down comforter does the job for you.
xo, Rosemary

Gail, northern California said...

Thank you so much for all the wonderful information, Rosemary. Sometimes I brew a cup of tea just to be able to wrap my cold hands around the mug.

P.S. Added a scarf. What a difference!

Unknown said...

I love your blog and beautiful cottage. There is something about a winter sky that is so breathtaking to me! I live in an old beloved drafty house but manage quite well with lots of layers, cups of hot tea, and a roaring fire at times. I set my thermostat to 65 at night but after reading how low you set it- I might just give it a try. Thanks for recommendation of Eiderdown- I've always wanted one and my just treat myself.

Content in a Cottage said...

Gail, northern California -- Gail, I am thrilled that the scarf is working. You could get one of those plug in radiators filled with oil to keep by your favorite chair or spot on the sofa, wherever you sit. They are called personal heaters because they heat the person, not the whole room. A heating pad would be good too for warming up your hands. They don't use much power. A hot water bottle is a good thing too. My mother always had cold hands and feet. She asked the pharmacist for a printout of the side effects of her blood pressure medicine, and sure enough, it was the culprit. I can't remember the name but it began with A....cand or something like that. She never switched and just soldiered through because the pill worked otherwise. I am wearing her down vest right now and it has deep pockets for hand warming. Keep trying new things.
xo, Rosemary

Gail, northern California said...

Next checkup with my doctor,I just might ask about the blood pressure medication I take and whether or not it can contribute or cause cold hands and feet. Thank you!

Content in a Cottage said...

Gail, northern California -- Gail, My mother was a nurse so she knew about such things. Don't forget to ask.
xo, Rosemary

The Queen Vee said...

Rosemary, such excellent advice on how to live in a cool home but stay warm. I prefer a much colder house than my guy can tolerate. Ever since having cancer 13 years ago he has struggled staying warm. Of course it doesn't help that he is really thin now and has next to no fat on his body. When he is warm I'm usually hot. A good thing, in our dryer climate you don't quite feel the cold the way you do in one that has humidity and our temps seldom dip to the lows we experienced in the East. While you are covered in a couple of feet of snow we are praying to get ANY snow. We now have several days of rain coming our way which means snow in the mountains....that's a good thing!

Your cottage looks like a Christmas card, when I look at the photo though I'm REALLY glad you have that backup generator.