One of the many things I love the most about having moved to the South from California is the definite and predictable change in the seasons here. Here in Tennessee we have 4 distinct seasons, each with its own special charms and markers. In California we had 2 seasons, hot and foggy and both of them were green! J So when I stepped out of my home the last few mornings and felt the chilled freshness in the air, smelled the faint aroma of a wood burning fireplace and heard the crisp crunch of fallen leaves underfoot on the way to the car, I must admit a smile crept across my face as I anticipated some of my favorite Fall activities. But my Momma raised me to get my “chores” done before I could go out and play; so FIRST we must ready the home for WINTER!

Once the Halloween decorations have been cleared out its time to get ready for winter!  This is the month to make sure the fireplace (and heating) is in good working order, the house is all tightened up and buttoned down (so check those windows), to celebrate the colors of the season, and to get ready for celebrating and cooking to come!

Don’t even think of lighting up your fireplace before you take a moment to give it a quick inspection to make certain everything is in working order, better yet, at least every so often have a chim, chim, chimney sweep come and do the job up right, nothing interrupts a good night’s sleep like having to escape your burning home!.(I don’t know about you, but I don’t sleep in suitable attire for running outside on impulse!) But at the very least, begin by checking the brickwork in your fireplace for any weakness or damage. Check the damper, as well—it should open and close easily. Look into the smoke chamber above the damper to see if it has a buildup of soot. Open the clean-out door, which is located either in your basement or outside the house, and empty out any ashes or other debris.

Small wildlife can nest in chimneys, clogging them and potentially introducing fleas, ticks, worms, and other varmints into the home. A chimney cap with screen mesh will keep animals out, while shielding your roof from embers and sparks.

Then throw another log on the fire, sit back, and enjoy the cool, Fall evenings

AND ABOUT THOSE CRACKS…..
Don’t waste the heat from that beautiful fire, not to mention your hard earned money letting all your heat OUT! Seal any gaps around electrical outlets, ducts, windows, and doors with foam sealants, caulking, or weather-stripping.

 LET’S CHECK THE YARD TOO…
Drain fuel from lawn mowers, leaf blowers and such. Now unless you cook on your grill over the winter now is the time to cover and/or store outdoor furniture and barbecues. Be sure to empty out pots, containers, and planters, as soil left in clay pots outside can freeze and cause the pots to crack.

Disconnect and store your garden hoses. If your home has a separate shutoff for external spigots, turn it off and drain the water from those spigots. Now just in case the forecasters are right and there’s snow on the way, check to see that all of your snow equipment is close at hand, fueled up, and ready for use. That includes snow blowers as well as shovels and roof rakes.

WHILE WE’RE OUT IN THE YARD….
Let’s bring the natural beauty of the season indoors. Fill a bowl with acorns and pinecones to admire, cut leaf-covered branches to decorate a table, or create an autumnal wreath to hang above the mantel—or outside on the front door.

My goodness, I believe we are ready for a relaxing, beautiful and stress free season, so light up a fire, put your favorite pet on your lap, drink some tea or hot chocolate and enjoy the Season’s Best!