Groundhog Day: How to Cope with Either Weather Prediction

Groundhog Day is upon us and every year we hope that Punxsutawney Phil - the little weatherman who predicts our fate for the next six weeks - will be evaded by his shadow and bring us an early spring. There is always a possibility that he will see his shadow and bring us another six weeks of winter weather.

 

Whether we have another month and a half of ice and snow, or have blue skies and sunshine in our near future, here’s how to cope with whatever weather old Phil sees for us.

 

If He Doesn’t See His Shadow:

If the groundhog doesn’t see his shadow, legend says spring will be arriving shortly! While we’re always eager for warmer weather, there is a lot of preparation that goes into readying your home, vehicle and family for spring when you live in a cold climate. Here are some things to consider, should spring be shortly on its way:

 

Prepare for Spring Cleaning

An easy way to prepare for spring is to stock up on cleaning supplies for the areas of your life that need tidying up. Once you get going, don’t be afraid to extend this momentum outside of the home. Perhaps your vehicle is in need of a deep clean as well. Being prepared will make the process of cleaning that much more efficient once the warmer weather rolls around.

 

Make a To-Do List

Preparing a list of things, you would like to accomplish in the coming season will help ensure those tasks are actually completed when the time comes. Perhaps you’ve been hoping  to get some painting done or have been dreaming of fencing in your backyard. Think of things that are most important to you and prioritize your list based on those needs. Then you can start to plan out those projects well in advance.

 

Order Summer-Flowering Bulbs and Seeds

If you enjoy gardening, use this time to order the bulbs and seeds you’ll want to plant this spring. If you’re interested in taking up gardening, but have never done so before, you can use this time to plan out where you’d like to build your garden and research what plants you might be interested in growing.

 

Declutter Your Wardrobe

Before unpacking all of your warm-weather clothing from storage, it’s important to go through your winter clothes. If there are items that you didn’t touch during the colder months or items that no longer fit, consider donating the gently-used pieces to charity.  If you have clothing that is torn or stained beyond repair, you might consider repurposing them as cleaning rags.

 

If He Does See His Shadow:

In the event that little Phil does see his shadow, it is said that we will have another six weeks of winter weather.  Since we’re already in the throes of winter, you may have completed a lot of preparation earlier in the season. Winters in New York state can feel never-ending. By the time February rolls around, many of us are itching for a beach day. Here are some things you can do to help you cope with the long, cold season and - perhaps - keep up on some simple maintenance:

 

Get Cozy

While it’s probably safe to say that no one truly enjoys scraping ice off of their car or driving through a blizzard, there are enjoyable aspects of winter that tend to get overlooked. One of which, is the opportunity to create a welcoming environment in your home. Consider making your space extra inviting by stocking up on cozy, cold-weather essentials, such as fluffy blankets, your favorite candles and hot coco or tea. Trying new recipes in the oven or slow cooker will make for an exciting evening. The smell of a home cooked meal in the air will add its own charm.

 

Get Moving

Being active can be one of the simplest ways to boost your mood. Exercise releases endorphins in your brain which can make you feel happier as a result. One Harvard study suggests that just five minutes of outdoor exercise, can result in improvements to self-esteem and overall mood. Click here to read about some of our favorite outdoor winter activities for families.

 

Top Off Your Windshield Wiper Fluid

It looks like you’ll be using winterized washer fluid for another few weeks. You might consider purchasing an extra bottle or two and topping off your car so that you’re prepared for the weeks ahead. It’s always a good idea to keep extra washer fluid in the trunk of your car in case of emergency.

 

Stock Up on Fuel

Depending on how you heat your home, it might be time to restock your firewood, pellets or oil reserve to keep your living quarters  warm and cozy for the rest of the winter.

 

 

Whether Phil sees his shadow or not, we know that spring will eventually be on the horizon. Check out the link below to learn more about preparing your home for the coming season.