A Portable Environment, A Portable Environment, or...How To Survive The Ice Age, In Comfort!

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My neighbors often ask me how I manage to cook and clean while swathed in such an outfit. Actually, I've become quite adept at moving about . . . even in the snuggler sack. However, I'd still suggest that "bundling beginners" steer clear of precious breakables . . . you'll soon find you're bigger than you think!

When doing heavy housework, I'm usually able to get by with fewer layers than are needed while sewing, reading, etc. The labor itself generates enough heat to keep me cozy.

(You may wonder how we manage to entertain guests. Well, we're planning to acquire enough sacks to keep our visitors snug. In the meantime, though, we simply turn up one of our three thermostats an hour or so before we expect company.)

WATCH THE WIND

"Portable environment people" will find that as the mercury plummets, the house will actually seem warmer, since the heaters will go on when room temperature drops below 48°. (The occasional warmth from the radiators will come as a pleasant surprise. But remember that even if the thermostat—which is usually located on an inside wall—registers a balmy 48°, your house may actually be five to eight degrees cooler near the outside walls and windows . . . particularly on a windy day.)

TEPEFY THE TUMMY WITH TOASTED TREATS

At one point during that first "bundling" winter, I thought our refrigerator was on the blink . . . since it seemed comparatively warm. Then I realized that my entire kitchen had become an icebox except during those times when I used my stove.

The situation has its fringe benefits, of course. For instance, I can store wholesale quantities of apples and citrus fruits anywhere in the house with little chance of spoilage. And my Christmas greenery remains attractive for months, without shedding a single needle. In fact, even my palms and potted bulbs do exceptionally well, with the latter retaining their blossoms much longer than they would in a warm house. But I've found it best to reduce the amount of water I give my houseplants by at least one half.

It's important to note that cold food—especially when it's consumed in a cold environment—will cause your body temperature to plunge. After experiencing just one chilling meal, I acquired the habit of placing such normally cold foods as fruit, yogurt, cheese, and juices—as well as plates—into my warming oven for half an hour before serving them. (Watch the cheese, though . . . some types will get runny when warmed.)

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