If your ipe deck is new you probably don’t need to do this, but if your deck is cracked or fading you may want to apply a new coat before the harsh weather sets in. Rain, snow and low temperatures can ruin unprotected wood, so make sure your deck’s finish is up to snuff.

Our lives are so different from 2 generations ago, when people mostly grew up and married in the same towns in which they’d been born. You saw extended family at church and picnics and holidays. Now we almost always have to travel to see family. We have to divide our time between my family and yours.

Clear the gutters. Remove any stuck debris. Test the downspouts to be sure they are directing water at least 12 inches away from the foundation of the house. To make the exterior of the gutters look like new, especially white ones, take a tip from the experts: wipe them down with a household cleanser such as 409 or Fantastic.

junkyard cars Change that bar of soap to a milder gentler cleanser and shower gel for all over skin hydration. Soap can irritate dry skin conditions. In Ayurveda we use ground oatmeal or chickpea flour mixed with a little milk as a cleanser. In winter you can add a few drops of aloe vera or sesame oil.

prepare for winter Be aware of your surroundings. Watch out for any dangers or obstacles in the road, and keep a special look out for cars driving too close, as this is even more dangerous in bad weather. Look for patches of ice and try to avoid these if possible.

Once you have determined the best choice have an oil change. Many mechanics recommend switching from 10W30 to 5W30 during freezing weather. The lower viscosity of the lubricant allows it to flow more quickly at very low temperatures. In addition to changing the weight you use consider using high quality lubricant if you don’t already. Many companies make a lubricant specific for winter or cold climates and it will reduce damage to the engine when it is started on freezing days.

cars in winter Buy thermal curtains for all of your windows. An uncovered window can suck out a great deal of your heat and thermal window coverings add an extra degree of protection.

CHECK YOUR BELTS. Some of you ladies might do this regularly at home, but what about under the hood? This is Texas remember, 70 days and 30 nights. (Sounds like a bad country song.) Anyway, dried up, worn out belts are bad news; whether they’re in your closet or under your hood, they should probably be replaced.

You may also want to invest in a can of de-icer. This is sprayed on iced over windshields and almost immediately clears them. Pick a can that comes with a built in scraper.