2021 - What I did today

Dug up a few more hostas that are full of weeds. They also harbour hundreds of snowdrops that I'll have to find somewhere for. Picked my second and last aubergine of the year and another lb. of raspberries.

We then went shopping for a gas stove (2 ring) that will work from calor gas bottle - we still have one from about 40 years ago that feels about 1/3 full - from when we were living in a caravan while renovating our current house (we're nearly finished but need to start again). The reason being the state of energy supplies in Europe. We are currently all electric so if we have a power cut we lose nearly all our services: lighting/heating/cooking/internet and possibly phones. Recently other European countries have been warning their populations to plan for a prolonged power cut of up to 2 weeks likely sometime in next 5 years. I must get round to having the wood burner fitted that we bought several years ago.

https://lenews.ch/2021/10/18/swiss-presi...shortages/

and Austria but you need German:

https://www.bundesheer.at/archiv/a2021/b...kout.shtml

A bit using google translate:

So what could be helpful and useful? Radio with batteries (car radio!) Flashlights or headlamps (including enough spare batteries) Candles, matches, fire extinguishers, carbon monoxide detectors Water (2 liters per person per day; 3-5 days), drinks, tea, coffee Non-perishable foods for 2 weeks (pasta, rice, canned food...) Important medications for 2 weeks, first aid kit Hygiene articles, garbage bags, adhesive tapes, cable ties Gas cooker, griller, fuel paste Cash in small notes and coins Sleeping bags, blankets, warm clothes Games, blocks, pens Car always at least half full.Please think for yourself what you need for two weeks to make ends meet. What special needs are there in your household (toddlers, pets, care, etc.)? It is also important to consume the refrigerated goods quickly so that they do not spoil.

Plan like for a fortnightly camping holiday in your own four walls!