Fall Close Up at the Cottage
September 24th, 2007Well it’s almost here, the weekend I dread the most -closing up weekend. I think it’s mostly psychological. Preparing the cabin for winter consists of putting away the toys, including our boat, emptying all the cupboards, cleaning out the fridge, stripping the beds, and my least favourite job - draining the water and antifreezing the plumbing.
Actually, the water and plumbing are “blue jobs,” which in our household means Bill, (my wonderful husband) has to do them. I tend to hover in the background to make sure he is doing them “correctly.” The irony is, I have no idea how to drain the water, I just know if it’s not done correctly, i.e. water gets left in the lines, we will have a mess on our hands come spring. My real job is to pour antifreeze into both toilets. (Note to self, make sure we buy antifreeze on the way to the cabin this weekend.)
Our closing up ritual is not that bad. I read a “closing up ” check list on another cottage related website, and I am thankful our “to do” list fits on a posted note.
I think the reason I dread this weekend is because it signifies the end of cottage season. We are doing all this work for an ending. Contrast my mood to the May long weekend, the beginning of cottage season and I am downright joyous. Personally, I find opening up the cabin, way more work. But do I mind cleaning eve- troughs over flowing with black goopy pine needles, do I dread lugging bedding, planters, food and other necessities back to the cabin? Do I emit having sighs about all the yard work that needs to be done? No. I am pumped. Bring it on, let’s get this party started.
This week, in addition to our Thanksgiving recipes, I will be publishing some helpful tips on closing up the cottage. I am open to any suggestions on how to turn this into a “fun weekend.”
Cheers,
Julie
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September 25th, 2007 at 5:35 am
One of our experiences over the many years we have been at the Lake is “Pest Protection”.
Mice squirrels, bats, insects and other nasties are a fact of life. Good idea to check all those nooks and crannies and try to seal everything as much as possible. Make sure all windows and doors fit tightly. Weather stripping around doors and windows is a great idea. Squirrels come in from those overhanging trees so cut the branches back, and seal up the holes in the eaves, gables and vents. Bats like crevices and will squirm in between flashing in search of a snug hibernation spot. Mice come up from the ground so keeping shrubs, debris, and wood piles away from the cabin is a start. They love to find a cozy corner in a drawer so putting those linen drawers on the counter in the open air, makes it less attractive, less protected. Remove all food or put in tight containers. Caulk and fill holes around wires and pipes. A mouse can fit through a crack the size of a quarter…or less!
Those pests keep coming back until you convince them it is not worth it.
Even the cute little deer mouse can cause a lot of damage, so consider rodent bait which, hopefully, sends the victim outside in search of water. But…be prepared for a messy cleanup in the spring!
September 25th, 2007 at 5:03 pm
Those are great suggestions, thanks Ed and Jo. I also find steel wool is good when you can’t seal a hole, as mice cannot chew through it.
Cheers,
Julie