This week between Christmas and the New Year is when time slows as if the old year isn’t ready to let go but has no choice. With the old year coming to an end, it’s a time to wrap things up and get ready to roll in the new. I often take a day or two and doublecheck my winter stock and to doublecheck that all is ready for winter. We usually get a good amount of snow here in Willow Lake, so I like to be prepared. Here are a few things I am doing to be ready for winter and the New Year.
My snowblower has been checked and is ready to go and I make certain it is has easy access for when needed.
If it hasn’t already snowed yet, I put my snow shovels on the front porch and back deck so they are ready to grab.
I have already checked my supply of rock salt or snow melt for my walkway, driveway, and porch but I make certain it is handy. Don’t wait until the last minute to get it when everyone is running out to buy it for a predicted snowstorm and the store runs out of it.
I double-check that my windshield scrapers are where they need to be, not only the ones in my vehicles but in the garage. You can never have too many of them and in a variety of sizes.
Hats, gloves, scarfs are loaded into a basket by my front door to grab and go, not only for myself but if someone should forget theirs… that means anyone of my three brothers. I also keep extra ones in my vehicles.
I check to make certain my battery-powered radio is working and, of course, I keep extra batteries on hand.
Since I have plenty of food and water on hand I don’t worry about that, though I do look over my stock to my certain nothing is on the low side.
A generator is hooked up to the log cabin. One bad winter was enough to know the cost was well worth it. If you have a gas-powered generator make sure it is all set to go and that you have the gas on hand to run it.
I am sure you read how Mo (my Alaskan Malamute) and Roxie (my calico) enjoy the fireplace in the living room and while I love having a fire going in it during the winter months, when not in use, I keep the flue closed so my heat doesn’t go up the chimney and out of the house. So, do keep that in mind and don’t forget to open it again when you’re ready to use it.
I also toss extra throws and blankets over chairs and couches. There is nothing like snuggling one around you on a cold winter’s day.
I arrange stacks of books on end tables in different rooms. Being able to grab one without thought to what it might be has had me reading some books I never gave thought to. I thank my Aunt Effie for that since her library has supplied me with endless books to read.
Also, and this is one I thoroughly enjoy doing, I cleanout my office. It feels great to discard what is left of finished projects, endless papers, reshelve research books no longer needed, reorganize, switch things around, and much more. Though this year, I had to move things out of my office since major renovations will begin soon. I mentioned it in my books and you will hear more about it in my next book… Pepper, the Biker, & the Vanishing Body.
Last but not least, I take time to enjoy the last of the old year before the new one arrives. With Ian by my side now, I am enjoying this time of the year more than ever.
Here’s to a happy, healthy, & prosperous year for all!
Pepper