A call to the plumber netted the following information: they are overbooked and working 7-day weeks for everything from plugged drains to furnace heaters.
This reminds us with the cool weather that out outside requirements need doing - and promptly. In years past one job was to remove the window screens, wash the windows, and then put on the storm windows.
When it got cold enough for Father then the oil burner would magically appear in the living room and we would have house heat until Spring.
The plants we put outside for summer would get brought in. As for the garden plants, when freezing temperatures were predicted we would cover the important ones with old blankets or bedspreads. They would be removed come morning.
Then when it got colder, we picked whatever was left and stored it in the house. First it was the above ground vegetables. Then finally the root crops (potatoes etc). By then it was tool cold to plow the garden anyhow.
In past columns we’ve talked about when we would plant to grow next spring, always enough to do and usually at the last minute too.
When this writer was little it was also important to note when we got the first frost and later the first snowflakes. Usually they would melt come daytime. We have said in past columns we thought the snow that came for Thanksgiving stayed the rest of the winter.
And about now we should have our winter clothes available. In years past, this would be the time to buy new clothes for kids as we used to grow much each year. And get the car winterized. Find the snow brush and have a scoop shovel ready.
This weekend will include Halloween.
Back inside the house be sure to water and care for your inside plants.
Until next week.
