The Dance

It is that time of the year, late fall, that I often use the term “The Waltz of the Winter Readiness”.
To those in the tropics this has no meaning for you.
It is the time during which you do everything to prepare for what you know is coming…. the freezing cold weather and lots of snow.
Let me separate it into three distinct areas, namely, personal, residence and transportation.
Personal
Do not let fashion be foremost, let “warmth” be the overriding factor.
If you have stored your warm (winter) clothing in containers, then this is the time to bring them out and store the summer clothes in the containers.
You check all your warm clothing, which includes thermal long johns, winter coats, winter gloves, winter socks and/or winter boots. If you have any that needs attention e.g. cleaning, then get it done or replace the worn out ones that will not keep you warm in the winter.(mitts are warmer than gloves in winter)
Because everything is seasonal, if you need to buy new items, this is the time to go shopping for those specific items, if any needs replacing.
Get your blanket(s) washed and cleaned.(replace if required)
Have your flannelette sheets washed and cleaned.(replace if required)
Do not use any sheets with thread counts of more than 400. (the higher the thread count, the colder the sheet).
Cost range $150 - $1000
Time 10 hours (approx)

Residence
If you rent, this is not required. However, if you own your residence the dance continues.
The purpose is to prevent any cold air from entering your internal space, and stop any warm air from escaping to the outside.
If you have an A/C, then it is time to turn it off and cover the outside unit.
You will need to have your furnace cleaned and serviced.
You will check ALL windows and doors to make sure that ALL cracks to the outside (or potential cracks) are caulked and sealed. The external and internal electrical outlets are plugged.
Outside plants are winterized. This involves wrapping evergreens (to prevent wind burn), covering the roots of sensitive plants and tying/wrapping shrubs to prevent breakage when the snow is on top during the winter. If you had an indoor plant stationed outside, it will need to be sprayed (to get rid of any bugs) and taken indoors.
If you are going to shovel the snow yourself, you will need to check and replace any worn winter shovels. If you are going to have a company remove the snow (snow plow), then you need to make the arrangements now.
You will need to turn off ALL inside water taps leading to the outside. (if you don’t it may freeze and create a severed pipe and subsequent flooding)
Shut off BBQ and store the cylinder. (if you are planning on doing BBQ during the winter, then leave it available)
Cost $50 - $1500
Time 15 hours (approx)
Transportation
The basic premise is to be able to go from point A to Point B, without you freezing.
In public transportation, make sure that your walking route to or from the bus stop is the shortest available, as it will be freezing during the walk.
If you own a car, the options are different. The intent is not to get stuck in the snow/cold.
Replace the tires with winter tires. Change the oil and filter. Have the battery checked and certified for the long winter months. Have the car thoroughly checked from bumper to bumper and should include, but not limited to the following:
-brakes
-fluids (oil, transmission, differential, radiator and washer)
-suspension
-lights
-wipers
-door locks and hinges
Never let your car run with gas gauge on ¼, as this creates condensation in the tank and leads to premature rusting. Follow the rule of filling the tank as soon as the gauge reaches ½.
Cost $150 - $2000
Time 20 hours

The Winter Readiness Waltz

Walk Good.