What to do before the snow flies

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I’m not going to get all squirrely on you. I’m not talking about hoarding nuts and gathering firewood. I’m thinking more about embracing this brief, bridge season between fall and early winter, when the weather is fine but — no question — the clouds are gathering.

There is of course the practical stuff to consider during these weeks. In truth, I don’t feel like watering my annuals anymore. I’m lazy, and more inclined to let them wither and die, but then I feel guilty. How many more days do they have to indulge their secret pleasure, photosynthesis? So although they are ragged and quite pathetic, I douse them once in a while as an end-of-life gesture.

On my small property, it’s pretty much each living thing on his or her own. The trees and big bushes better be hardy enough to withstand a tough winter, because we don’t believe in coddling the plant life with fertilizer or plastic protection from the elements.

We do close the windows in our porch and throw covers over the outdoor grill and chairs, but that’s about it in the way of preparation.

Come the first cold snap, we’ll turn on the heat. For now, however, during these few weeks, the windows are open and fresh air blows through the house. In the morning the birds sing their song to the fading sun. In the evening the crickets still chirp. But there is a sense of an ending.

I feel a certain urgency to get out and do some of the activities I put off because, after all, we had “all summer.” So, come along and cash in on these perfect mid-60s days. Head for the boardwalk or the park for a brisk walk; before too long, we’ll be walking against the chilly winds of November and December. Before too long, we’ll need hats and gloves to venture outside.

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