Rough notes for the winter-prep piece — to be expanded and published end of October, before the first cold spell catches everyone with the razais still in the loft.
Sections to write
- The quilt calendar: last strong sun of October is quilt-sunning day; the smell alone justifies the ritual. Cover storage, naphthalene versus neem debate.
- The draught map: one incense stick, one evening, walk the house — every wavering trail of smoke is a rupee leaking out. Door snakes, window film, the towel-under-the-door classic.
- Room heater safety: the non-negotiables — clearance, no clothes drying on oil heaters, ventilation with any gas appliance. Interview the fire officer neighbour if he agrees.
- Razai vs comforter vs the layering system: settle it with actual warmth-per-rupee arguments. Prediction: the old cotton razai wins for anyone who suns it properly.
- Winter kitchen shifts: the soup-and-saag season, bajra rotis, and moving the dining rug so feet stop touching cold floor at breakfast.
[Draft note: photos needed — quilts on the terrace line, the incense draught test in action.]
