Winterizing

While my main transition occurs as summer moves into fall, the approach of winter requires its own preparation.  I've disconnected the hoses, one with difficulty, incurred minor personal injury closing the basement taps that feed the outdoor faucets, and then cleared residual water from the outside taps.  A burst pipe becomes an expensive repair.  I've not had one, at least not weather-related, though I have had two indoor plumbing-related ones.  Seasonal indoor clothing exchanges on or about October 10 each year.  I never put winter coats in seasonal storage.  Their position in the main hall closet changes as the need arises.  Each winter coat has a woolen cap and gloves in the pocket.  I keep the Peruvian hats that extend past the ears in a separate box, taken out at the time of a snowstorm or deep freeze.  Outdoor clothing for the coldest days needs little advance preparation.  

My snow blower has not functioned for a few seasons.  After three years not needing it, two large storms occurred last winter.  I could have cleaned the driveway myself had my machine worked.  Instead, we hired some young guys to do it.  Probably a better decision.  Some things I should not be undertaking in my mid-70s.

My wife tries to park her car in the fully cluttered garage.  I have one big impediment to her desired space, a box that contained a recliner.  Our carting service no longer picks up cardboard recycling left outside the designated bin.  Even collapsed, this box is unlikely to fit inside.  I could fold it and transport it myself to the state recycling center, a bit of a schlep.  May be better to either move the collapsed carton to the other side of the garage or cut it into pieces small enough to put into the garbage man's plastic bin.

Winter also requires me to protect myself.  Flu shot obtained.  

Other than my bedroom, the HVAC system keeps the rooms comfortable.  For my bedroom, I keep a window air conditioner, which I need to cover for winter.  I also have an electric space heater, retrievable with minor difficulty.  I set it to radiate heat to my side of the bed.  Last year I did not use it, despite a couple of deep freezes.  Sleep often goes better in a chilly room.  I probably will move the heater into position, though I'm not committed to using it.

At one time, I used to put snow tires on my car each October or November.  Radial tires have made them obsolete.  Snow plowing and salting of the interstates has become reliable.  Getting to the interstates less so.  Problem driving has been in the cities, both near where I live and where I worked.  Plows don't navigate parked cars well.  Drivers cruise on snow-covered streets creating ruts.  Not much I can do about that.

Winter, though still before astronomical winter dates, also brings festivals that need preparation.  Thanksgiving gets considerable planning, shopping, execution, and cleanup, hosting family members less able to create their own festive meals.  Hanukkah usually follows shortly.  A gift list, multiple nominal presents to purchase, wrap, and ship.  A few supplies to buy, though we now keep our Menorah in the living room year-round.  My wife's birthday often coincides with Hanukkah.  Another special dinner, though we've shifted gifts to experiences rather than stuff.  Holiday receptions have tailed off, now only one that registers as a must.

Finally, the winter brings the Fall OLLI term ot a close and the Spring session to its beginning.  I need to choose courses at the end of each calendar year.  The intercession, some six weeks long, also enables recreation, sometimes travel.  A chance to visit children and grandchildren. Maybe a week to escape from my climate to a more pleasant one.  Some travel I can do in the cold.  Nearby cities, either by public transit or car.  

The seasonal change also brings important financial activities.  My wife and I need to take required IRA distributions.  Much of the proceeds get donated, so we put some effort into that.  We also have many nominal donations, amounts under $100, that my wife allocates.

It's easy to think of the approaching winter as predictable weather.  More accurately, it reflects part of a calendar.  Some adapt to the cold.  Some adapt to customary schedules, days at OLLI, festivals, birthdays.  Opportunities arise: travel, exploration, time off.  Deadlines also appear, with government mandates for paying various taxes and avoiding penalties.

Cold snaps and blizzards come by chance.  Coping with them in the best way needs anticipation of their arrival.  Other seasonal needs have more certainty.  Special dates and their preparation.  People we want to see and now can, as Winter Break separates the OLLI semesters.  Which worthy causes deserve a share of our treasure.  Winter does not have quite the same framing that I experience as summer moves to fall.  But it remains a special time, with its own events.