Tehama Country Real Estate

HOW TO B E R E A DY F O R E n d o f S u m m e r Aer a few months of blue skies and warm temperatures, summer revelers will soon bid adieu to the sultry days of this beloved season. Summer is oen a season filled with vacations and recreation, but as the warm days dwindle and work and school commitments begin anew, there is additional work to be done in preparation for the months ahead. * Stock up on pool equipment. Home - owners who have pools can take advan- tage of end-of-season sales to purchase a few more gallons of pool chlorine or oth- er pool equipment. Store them aer you have winterized the pool, and you will be ahead of the game in terms of supplies for next year. * Plan your garden harvest. If you have a backyard garden, pick your tomatoes and other vegetables before the weather starts to get chilly. Herbs can be washed and frozen in zipper-top baggies so they can be used when cooking over the next several months. Boil tomatoes for sauce and freeze or jar them. Begin to clear out residual stems and plant debris from the garden. * Clean patios and furniture. Scrub and hose down outdoor furniture, cushions and living areas. Clean and dry items before storing them for the winter, so ev- erything is ready to go when the warm weather returns next year. * Purchase spring bulbs. Buy bulbs for spring-blooming flowers and map out where they will be planted for beautiful flowers next year. Wait until temperatures start to dip before planting the bulbs, oth- erwise they may begin to produce shoots prematurely, zapping the bulbs of energy. * Check the heating system. Although turning on the heat may be the last thing you're thinking about, it's a good idea to test it and, if necessary, have the system serviced prior to the arrival of cold weath- er. * Tend to the deck and other repairs. Make repairs to outdoor structures now, and they'll be more likely to survive the harsh weather that's just over the horizon. Apply stain or sealant to further protect wood structures in advance of rain. * Examine the roof and chimney. Winter is a poor time to learn you have missing roof shingles or a leak. Furthermore, en - sure the chimney and venting to the out- doors is not obstructed by abandoned ani- mal nests. * Check your closets. Go through clothing and remove any items that are damaged or no longer fit, donating them if possible. Clean out kids' closets as well, as pants that fit perfectly in May will not necessar- ily fit come September. Stock the shed. Once the weather has cooled down, move outdoor flower pots, hoses and lawn ornaments you no longer need into the shed or garage while ensur- ing items needed in fall and winter, such as rakes, are accessible.

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