so what if i set my thermostat at 54?

Okay, that was a bit of an exaggeration. When I leave the house I turn it down to 54-56. When I first get home, I pop it up to 64ish. I am usually working around the house, making dinner and such; making a bit of my own body heat.

Once I sit down to do paperwork or watch TV I might bump it up to 66, or on a very cold day 68. But I have often been known to leave it at 64 and add on the blankets, hats and socks. Not to mention the warmth from my overheating laptop.

What happens when I go to bed? Now this might be where I loose a few of you...

Tonight (where it is about 10 degrees outside) I have on three pairs of socks, flannel pants, a long sleeve t-shirt, two sweaters, and a knit hat. Not to mention the five blankets on top. Throughout the night I may shed a few layers. The hat will probably be the first to go. Then maybe a pair or two of socks.

But the key to this system is the sock/pants relationship: tuck your pant legs into the first layer of socks. That way when you toss and turn throughout the night the pant legs won't ride up and expose your legs to the elements.

My electric bill is pretty good, but it is the gas bill I am worried about this month. You may ask, "You have a fireplace, why don't you use that?" But with the fireplace, I have to leave the damper open all night; which in my mind is just sending my heat out the chimney.

My system, though convoluted works for me. I think I will keep it. At least until I start seeing someone and have to explain my ridiculous winter going to bed rituals.