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5 Steps to prep for winter
By Chris Botterill
Based on the wonderful weather we had last evening (Oct. 2) I’d like to provide a short little note for those of you who are wondering how to prepare for winter. I hope it helps you; it’s the same routine I’ve used the past three years since moving back to the Kootenays from Vancouver.
Step 1: Enjoy Summer to its fullest
Summer is short as it is so why worry about winter when you only get a few good months of sunshine and lollipops? I say that starting June 1 you should cross off any outstanding items on your to do list and really relax. After all, who wants to worry about a messy garage and lawn care when the birds are singing you sweet melodies?
Step 2: Don’t rush, have no regrets.
I always say that it’s a good idea to take your time in anything you do – that way you get better results and minimize mistakes. Now I am pretty sure I picked up this mantra while developing my career but since it has worked out great for me there I am pretty sure it is safe to apply to my personal life. July is a great month to enjoy the world around you.
Step 3: Avoid distractions from others
Despite the hubbub and busy bodies running around like chickens with their heads cut off you have to keep a level head. Most people spend a great deal of time worrying about things that can be put off until tomorrow; especially when it’s the peak of summer in August and you get the most enjoyable weather.
Step 4: Always remember that September is still summer.
Some people forget that September still provides a lot of great weather you can enjoy. Sure, the kids head back to school and most of your colleagues have wrapped up their summer vacations but this is the perfect YOU TIME. I might suggest taking a few sick days and wrapping yourself up in a few books you’ve been meaning to read all summer.
Step 5: Prepare for winter
It’s October 3 and September has finally come to a close. Surely it won’t snow and the weather will cooperate with wrapping up all the tasks you deferred all summer. In addition to the simple list below I suggest you buy some winter clothes and grow a beard (if you can):
Spring cleaning – have a winter garage sale.
Clean your garage by moving all the junk to one side to create a path through it.
Get six trucks of firewood in the snow. Avoid back sprains.
Winterize your house with expanding foam products.
Prep your lawn for winter by rolling up your hoses.
Return cans to bottle depot from summer festivities.
Beg coordinators to allow you to enroll kids in winter activities.
And remember: When things might seem like they are going to hell in a handbasket, you’ve barely seen the worst. Good luck!
Chris Botterill is a tech-savvy red-neck(ish) walking contradiction that loves to talk tech and explore all the goodies that the Kootenays have to offer. After moving away from Cranbrook in 1999 and spending 10 years in the Okanagan and Vancouver, Chris was able to relocate back to Cranbrook with his family and virtual web design and marketing business Genex Marketing. Despite the radical change in the marketplace, Genex Marketing has thrived in Cranbrook and continues to grow and contribute to the Kootenays’ online presence by developing and supporting sites like e-know.ca.