Pat's Blog

As the summer comes to a close, it's a good time to do a little end of season cleanup to prepare for the fall season just around the corner.

Garden

To get ready for any fall planting, clean out garden pots and dry out or preserve any fruits, vegetables, or herbs you worked hard on all summer so they don't go to waste.

Pool

Begin to prep your pool for close by vacuuming, cleaning filters, testing the pH balance i...

As the summer draws to a close and the first chilly winds of autumn blow through, it's time to think through the way you'll clean up, fix up, and maintain your home for fall. By keeping up with your home's maintenance, you can ensure both a cozier winter and long-term protection for your investment.

Closing Out Summer

• The first thing you'll need to do is put away the outdoor toys and furniture left over from this summer. Check for items that need to be repaired or discarded, and clean them before you put them in storage.
• Clean your grill and either cover it or put it into storage in a sheltered spot like a shed or garage.
• If you have a pool, talk...

We love summer, but it's unpredictable. Sometimes, the weather forecast says it's going to be sunny, so you plan for a barbecue and it ends up being not-so-sunny when the day rolls around. If it's the day of your party and you hear a sudden crack of thunder and rain smacking down onto your roof, you don't have to immediately cancel the event on Facebook or call everyone coming to try to reschedule.

Take advantage of your garage.

If it's not going to be windy while it rains, you can move your party into the garage, but keep the door open so that guests can still see the outdoors and it doesn't get too stuffy. This also lets everyone keep an eye on the weather in case things clear up and you can move outside again. Clear any tools and recreational items out of your garage prior to the party, or just move them into a corner of the garage and cover them with a tarp. Move your food tables, drinks,...