Well, this is it. After this year the 2000’s will no longer be a teenager.
What a crazy ride this century has been in it’s formative years. It seems that everything is changing, exponentially. (That’s my new word for the year.)
But it’s January in Alabama, and that means cold, ice and (maybe) snow. Oh yeah, it also means warm days, rain and (maybe) a little sunshine. This is Alabama after all.
Just because it’s well into January and we haven’t really seen any ice yet, don’t get too relaxed. With February still to come, there are several things every homeowner should take care of now.
If the temps stay 60 degrees or above for several days, open your foundation vents. This will help dry out your crawl space and could eliminate potential mold growth. Just don’t forget to close them back should the temps take a plunge.
Check insulated pipes and areas that may allow cold air to get to them. Weather, pets and varmints can sometimes knock things around and create air gaps that will freeze when the cold weather arrives. Don’t forget hydrants and exterior faucets that should be covered.
Get outside and take a walk around the yard. Recent storms have naturally pruned a lot of trees, and the limbs need to be picked up before mowing starts in a few weeks.
While you are walking the yard, take notice of where water is standing or where the ground is really soft. These are areas that may need a little filling or draining come Spring.
Now is a great time to clean out your bird boxes. The new tenants will be arriving shortly.
Time marches on, and in a few months we will all have “2020” vision. (Remember, you saw that here first.)
Don’t forget, help is just around the corner at your local hardware store.
