Winter is a Comin'

[minuteman]

Preparing for the 'Big Chill' should be #1 on everyone's mind. Sure there's the distraction of the Holidays. Wally loading up on Halloween, and Thanksgiving decor as we speak. More important should be taking this time to prepare.

It's going to be a while before the cold actually hits, but this is also the time nature itself starts its preparations. I'm talking here mainly about critters. Prepare the ones you want a nice place for the winter if they remain outdoors. The ones you don't want.......you should prepare for them as well. Mice, rats, bats, BUGS will all be looking for a place to hide out. They are already fast at it. Make sure they don't find their way inside by properly sealing up the exterior of your home. Also, straighten out the yard, and outbuilding, so as to not encourage boarders.

It's also the best time to weatherize against the cold, wind, the cold wind, and the invasion of moisture. Hurricanes aside, the wet weather is approaching anyways. 'Tis the season. Watch how the trees are already a changin'. Birds are already a flockin'. Yes, those flockin' birds.....bird seed time.

Don't forget the car too. It needs some simple prep. It may be a wee bit too early for the change for them, but get the supplies ready ahead of time for the coolant change. It would be a damn good time to inspect for bad vacuum lines. Those'll kill a car in the winter easily. Also, check the water in the battery (if possible) to make sure it'll stay charged throughout the season.

Have fun.