Yes, the weather is lovely, brisk and breezy. It seems the government shutdown is about to be over. We slid seamlessly from football to basketball season. It is almost Thanksgiving, when we get to see family and friends, eat too much and be grateful in our hearts for all we hold dear. But in the midst of all this goodness and ease, have you stopped and made sure your family and home are ready for the coming colder months? Probably not. What could the Editor be talking about? Well, what about putting back a few gallons of water in jugs or a five gallon bucket? Why, you may ask? So that you can flush the commode when (or if) the pipes in your house freeze up. Or the city water system goes down for a bit.
It would be nice to be able to flush. And maybe a little drinking or cooking water, too? Have you had your heating system checked out? Changed the filters and given it a test run? It’s better to do that when it isn’t 40 below. Or as close as we get to that in Blaine County. Have you gone over your vehicle and checked the tires, the antifreeze and windshield wipers? Do you have a backpack in there with clothes for the family members, perhaps a blanket and some snacks? What about a can with some oil dri or kitty litter in it for slick situations? Do you know where your jumper cables are? Do you own a raincoat? Is there a decent flashlight? Yes, there is probably one on your cell phone, but it is about the size of a walnut.
A big, bright stable work light could be your best friend if you have to change a tire on the side of a highway on a cold rainy night. And if for some reason you and the fam must shelter in the car on the side of a road somewhere, there is little that offers more comfort than a bright light. If you have to travel any distance, make sure that your cell phone is fully charged before you head out. Even when coverage is spotty, that phone can be a lifeline should you become lost or stranded. It just makes it easier to locate you. So if you spend a little time and very little money, you can go into the hectic holiday season in slightly better shape than if you hop into the jalopy to drive to Granny’s in flip flops, t-shirt and shorts.