50+ Lifestyles

Getting Prepared

By Mary Huebbe
Marketing Director
Ridgecrest Village

According to the calendar, winter is a month away.  Outside it feels like it’s already here. It was summer and then it wasn’t. Fall, my favorite time of the year, was gone in a blink. So how should we prepare for winter?

We all know about raking leaves, but have you thought about pruning the shrubs and vines so they don’t block your vents. This is a good time to have vents and chimneys inspected to ensure there are no obstructions. And what about your thermostat? It’s time to balance bodily comfort (that cozy feeling of warmth) with the utility bill.

Here’s one suggestion that really helped me last year.  Instead of turning up the thermostat to my comfort level, I just increased the temperature by one degree.  I put on a sweatshirt and kept a small throw blanket around for the times I felt a chill. I added a degree once a week until I got to my desired temperature. You will be surprised how much it actually saves you.

You can also open your curtains and blinds in the morning to allow the natural sunlight to warm your house a little (at no cost). Make sure to close them in the evening.  If you feel cold air seeping in, you might consider wrapping your windows to keep the cold out.

Before settling in for a long winter, check the weather-stripping and mortar around your doors and windows.  Make sure your home is tight and secure. You don’t want to replace weather-stripping with snow on the ground. Also check all your screens to make sure there are no tears or holes. This will help prevent unwanted winter guests.

Check your plumbing to make sure you don’t have leaking pipes and/or clogged drains. While you’re there, winterize them so you don’t have to worry about freezing pipes.

Do an inventory of the essentials in case there’s a winter storm. Keep extra food including bread in the freezer, plus toilet paper and bottled water.  Dry milk is better than no milk and don’t forget your comfort food.  Even in a blizzard, I need my cookies!

Check on the outdoor essentials as well.  Make sure you have shovels and salt to keep your property safe for your
family and any other person on your property. Don’t wait until the last minute, because if a storm is announced the items you need may already be gone and the price will surely be higher.

The Red Cross was offering smoke detector checks earlier this year.  Be sure that you (or a friend) test yours, as well as your carbon monoxide detectors. During the winter months our houses dry out and fires are more likely to happen.

Consider your mental well-being.  During the long winter months, depression will try to creep in.  Everyone gets cabin fever. We feel lonely and bored. Winter weather can isolate us, so it’s important to keep social. Keep in touch with yourfamily and friends; that will definitely help.

Finally, I invite you, your friends and family, to come to Ridgecrest Village between December 8th (Our actual event date) and Jan 1st to see the Forest of Trees in our Arcade.  This time of year our staff, residents, and a few outside associates show our Christmas Spirit by displaying Christmas trees in the arcade hallways as well as throughout the building.  On the 8th we will have music and story time with some snacks and drinks to start our celebration off with a bang!  Please join us.