My absolute favorite time of year has arrived yet again and this year I have been soaking it all in! The chill in the air over my morning coffee on the deck, the deepening hues of red and gold that have started to dot our vast landscape as well as the not so distant thoughts of cozying up by the fireplace with my favorite book and perhaps a glass of red wine. All the while still enjoying the last warm breath of summer air that kisses our Autumn afternoons.... fall in the Peace is really good to us, isn’t it?

 

 

The changes aren’t only apparent in our landscape but also within the rhythm of our community as the school bells ring again and we settle back into our routines at home, with family and our favorite winter sports and activities. This is Northern Living at its finest... and it's a wonderful feeling to be apart of such a lively community! ☀️

So, now that fall is officially here, it’s time to prepare your home for cold weather, these steps, most of which you can do yourself, will help lower your utility bills and protect your investment. A home which is loved and well cared for will always yield higher returns at the time of sale, than one which is neglected. 

• Service Your Furnace For about $100 to $150, a local technician will inspect your furnace to be sure the system is clean and in good working order before temperatures drop. Act soon and you will minimize the chance of being 200th in line for repairs on the coldest day of the year. Brrr…..❄️

• Check Windows & Doors This is a great time to do a little yearly maintenance. Check all windows and doors for damage, cracks, or drafts. If the entire perimeter of each window and door is not sealed tight against water and air infiltration, then your home is vulnerable to expensive heat loss. Caulk any gaps or draft spots if necessary and/or install some heavier curtains which will help keep you cozy through the winter.

• Hit the Roof Or at least scan it closely with binoculars. Look for damaged, loose or missing shingles that may leak during winter’s storms or from melting snow. If your roof is flat and surfaced with asphalt, as many are in Northern BC, rake or blow off fall leaves and pine needles, which tend to hold moisture.

• Clean Your Gutters Before the temperature drops below freezing, our gutters need to be clear of all debris. If eavestroughs and downspouts are clogged, two things will happen: First, any debris and water caught in the eavestrough will freeze into a channel of frozen muck which will overload the eavestrough and cause it to warp (remember, water expands as it freezes). Secondly, water can back up under the shingles and cause damage to the roof deck which can be a costly repair. Make sure your downspouts run at least 3-4 feet away from the foundation.

• Pull out the Winter Gear This tip doesn’t have to do with house preparations but it’s still just as important. Pull out last year’s winter gear and check sizing. We all know how quickly our children grow with a summer full of northern sunshine! Making sure you are ready for the impending weather is a lifesaver when that unexpected snow day arrives! 

So why is fall my favorite time of year? Not only is it the most scenic and beautiful, and the best time for those who love to be outdoors, it’s the season to be thankful and to surround yourself with those you love. It’s the perfect time to reflect on the past year, the memories you made, the challenges you overcame, as well as the impact these experiences have made in your life. This is your time to harvest, and reap what you have sown! If your harvest is sweet, celebrate your efforts, if your harvest is sour, celebrate your efforts. Remember that in planting we learn and in the harvest we grow. No matter what we reap, there is always a beautiful new season to begin again. :-)