Orleans Weekly Journal
Published: Friday, November 7, 2008

The pre-winter chore list

What a week it was. A transformational election in America. Ottawa Senator’s Mike Fisher finally gets a couple of points in an overtime victory. And the weather? Well God Bless Indian Summer (and if this is politically incorrect, too bad!) however brief it was.

Now, advance apologies to all the house hubbies out there who may be looking at those golf clubs in the garage and thinking about one more game, sorry, times up. This is likely the last great weekend of the fall as winter is pre-destined to bite into us from next week onward.

So there is no time to waste; many chores around the house await.

If management (read: your significant other) has not drawn up the list, herewith a small sampling of what needs to be done, alone or in concert with the family. Of course you will need to juggle these tasks with the usual Saturday agenda: hockey, soccer, family, etc.

Rake the leaves and bag them, yes, again. The patio/deck furniture needs to be brought in. Oops, sorry, I forgot that necessitates a bit of a rework/overhaul of the garage. Summer stuff to the back and sides, shovels and winter wash fluid to the front, chop chop, there is still much work to be done.

And those winter tires, better get them on today if you can… like death and taxes, snow in Ottawa is inevitable.

Okay time for a coffee break and you are allowed a trip to Timmy’s or four-bucks (a.k.a. Starbucks). But on your way back a quick jaunt into Home Depot, Wal-Mart or Canadian Tire is due. Grab a wheeled cart please as the little basket won’t suffice.

Hmm, new ice pick, a couple bags of salt, some more washer fluid, late fall fertilizer, another stack of leaf bags and outdoor fluorescent bulbs immediately come to mind. I’m sure you’ve forgotten a few things but don’t worry; you’ll be back at this store again in the next 24 hours.

Ah, home sweet home, but no rest for the wicked. Yes sir, that air conditioning unit needs a winter cover and those precious front walkway shrubs could use some winterizing and shelter as well. While you’re at it, the hedges could use a little winter trimming.

You’re doing well, hang in there just a few more chores to go. Let’s get those plastic drainage spout extensions put away. As well a quick climb of the ladder to clear the eaves trough of any leaves, crap, etc. is in order. And since the ladder is out, heck the Christmas lights need to go up… you really didn’t need a late lunch anyway, work through it tough guy.

Alright, enough is enough, that’s a good day’s work and a healthy sweat to boot.

Sunday, of course, should be your day of rest but then there are groceries, Christmas shopping and the list goes on.

Is it Monday yet? Time to go back to work and relax.