Kim Meckler
Ahhh fall!
Time to bring out the pretty scarves and boots and feel the crunch of leaves under your feet as you take those last few walks before white is on the ground. I can’t remember a more beautiful fall season in Red Deer and we have been so blessed with warm temperatures and colourful leaf displays that seem to be sticking around!
If we believe the media, fall is for nothing more than wearing jaunty trench coats, kicking up crispy leaves as we sip a pumpkin spiced latte while walking our golden lab puppies. No? That isn’t what you do every day? Don’t try to tell me that fall symbolizes yard clean-up and home preparation!
The sad truth is we sometimes fill our days with the necessary evils of home ownership and fall is a busy time for raking it up and packing it in.
While I am writing this I will remind all of you, make an appointment today to get your snow tires put on and save yourself the headache and lineups when the first snow sticks....you are welcome! The day is already here when we need to clean up flowerbeds and put away summer tools in favour of shovels and snow blowers. It is time to search your car for that elusive snow brush that has slid under your car seat at some point during the warmer weather.
That container of mitts and scarves is around somewhere and it is a good idea to dig those out now before you are trying to find them on a super rushed morning.
Remember that with the cooler temperatures outside, little critters will be looking for a way inside. Adjust the habit of leaving doors open to your home, even to just rush in quickly for an item.
Mice can get in quicker than you can say ‘coffee refill’ and suddenly you have a host of house guests you had no intention of entertaining. Now is also the perfect time to go around your home and seal up holes and possible entrances for the not welcome furry friends. Before the snow piles up against your house it is a good idea to inspect the foundation and windows for possible damage.
While the weather is temperate it is a good idea to clean out window tracks, wash the outside of the home and possibly have your carpet and upholstery steam cleaned. It is a good idea to have soft items thoroughly steam cleaned before the house is officially closed in for colder temperatures.
Spring and summer are so lovely as you can open the windows wide and allow beautiful breezes to blow through but once winter hits and we batten down the hatches the air inside is trapped and the cleaner the indoor fabrics are the more improved your air quality will be.
Cozy up everyone and give your house a little seasonal love and attention. Then you can settle into your cozy slippers and warm blankets as you dream of Christmas cheer and watch your favourite seasonal movies knowing that your home is secure, dry and ready for winter. Enjoy each season in every way possible even if it requires a bit of home maintenance here and there.
Kim Meckler is an interior designer in Red Deer with Carpet Colour Centre.