Tuesday, September 13, 2016

Making a List and Checking it Twice Fall Edition 2016

   


   Last night our temperatures took a dip into the mid 30's and I had to throw another blanket on the bed.  I am still resisting having to use the pellet stove to hear our home but know that it will soon become part of our daily routine once again.  Our garden is slowing way down on production with the cooler night temperatures which is a mixed bag of emotions for me.  I have been loving the fresh produce but will be thankful to not have to do so much work in the garden.  I know that it is time to make my list of things to do and get ready for the longer and cold nights and the shorter but beautiful Fall days.  So here is my "to do" list of things that I need to get done to be ready for the Fall.

~Do a thorough cleaning on the pellet stove so it is ready to be put into service again.
~Plan on buying more pellets for the stove.  We still have some bags left over from last heating season, but will need to buy at least 3 more tons.  One of those tons will be bought in mid October if not sooner.
~Make sure I have enough canning jars and lids to use to make all the jams with from the fruit I have been freezing from our garden and from the great deals I have found.  I also want to can up some pears.
~Get the guest beds all made up with extra blankets so they are ready for my parents and brother to come and stay with us for a few days in October.
~Wash all the curtains and blinds.  They got really dirty during this harvest season with all the hust in the air.
~Give all the wood furniture a good wipe down with furniture polish and conditioner.
~Take the grandkids apple and pear picking and also to a pumpkin patch.
~Take a walk through the old section of my husband's hometown on a gorgeous Fall day and take pictures of the brilliantly colored leaves.
~Have the family over for a hot dog roast and s'mores.
~Plan and go on a  picnic complete with hot cocoa.
~Take a walk through an arboretum.
~Press some Fall leaves and send them to friends who do not have Fall in their area.
~Swap out my warm weather clothing for the cooler weather clothing.
~Swap out my warmer weather and Summery type purses for the Fall and Wintery ones.
~Pull out my bins of warm and snuggly scarves, hats and gloves.
~Put some board games and cards out where we can access them easily.  We tend to play more games during the colder months.
~Start looking for sales on Hot Apple Cider Mix.  I love to sip on that during the cooler months.
~Put my cold weather emergency bag in my car and make sure Jeff has one for his car also.  This includes an extra set of winter boots, socks and a warm in case we get stuck in the snow.  I keep blankets in the car year round.
~Get the gardens all cleaned up and ready for their winter nap.
~Put away the rain barrel.


   I find that making these kinds of list really helps me to get organized and do things that need to be done but also to list some fun things that we want to do.  It motivates me and helps me look forward to the wonderful Fall season.

Be blessed!


10 comments:

  1. That is quite a list! Not unlike something I would do - ha, ha. All great plans I would say. I'll be putting a blanket on my bed next time I wash the sheets and I'm going to put off turning on the heat for as long as possible. Sweaters and slippers or warm socks in the meantime. Take care!

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    1. Funny you should mention sweaters and slippers...guess what I am wearing right now? ;)

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  2. Good Evening Debbie,

    We too only have about another 5-6 weeks before our temps. begin plummeting down into the teens and single digits and SNOW. Out here on the prairie our autumn is short lived, but it is quite beautiful during the short time it is here. We've a few projects that need to be finished before it gets too cold and the snow really begins to "fly".

    Blessings to you and yours,
    Mrs.B

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    1. Hi Mrs. B :) You get snow way before we do. We usually get our's some time in early November at the earliest. Some years we just pray that we get some by Christmas!

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  3. Your photo does look like Fall. Can't wait! Had to smile at swapping the purse out, I just finished doing that! Can't wait for tights and sweaters and boots. Sounds like a fun-filled list!

    Hugs
    Jane

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    1. Hi Jane :) I just put the dog out this morning and it was 38F. Brrrr.... I'll be getting out those boots today and starting to put together warm outfits to take to Montana this weekend for a short but sweet family vacation. Isn't Fall wonderful? Have a great day!

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  4. I could so relate to your comment about your garden. I finally had the energy to spend an hour today and yesterday putting the garden to bed. I'm ready to be done with it as much as I enjoy it.
    Enjoy your Fall outings. It's one of my favorite times of the year as well. Cheers, SJ in Vancouver BC Canada

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    1. HI SJ. :) One of my gardens took a small hit from the frost last night. I salvaged all I could. I'm kind of ready to be done with mine also.

      Be blessed!

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  5. I know what you mean about the mixed emotions. I feel the same way about fall. I'm always a little sad that we start getting less sun, which means the flowers start to fade, the garden starts to die down, and the hummingbirds get fat and leave. And it is mixed emotions, because I usually spend 2 hours a day working in the garden and that's a lot of free time to get back. Which I like. So, I understand! 😀

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  6. That is a nice Fall check list! No sign of Fall over here, yet. It's supposed to be 99F on Sunday.

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