If you don’t like the weather in Alabama, hang around for about 24 hours, because it may change drastically.
Since last week, we have had temps in the 70s, tornado threats, a dusting of snow (more than we’ve had all winter) and, oh yeah, we started Daylight Savings Time. By the time you get your next issue of the Franklin Free Press, spring (which begins on Monday, March 20) will officially be sprung. [Well, according to the calendar anyway.]
So, what should you have checked off of your “honey-do list” by now? Quite a few things actually.
READY FOR BIRDS. Clean up or put up boxes for incoming bluebirds. They are already looking, and if your box is dirty with old nests or falling apart, they may look elsewhere. Bird feeders should also be cleaned and hung to attract the colorful song birds that will be arriving very soon.
SEEDS STARTED. Good Friday is about a month away, and your seeds should be started in a temperature-controlled area so they will be sprouted in time for planting. Potatoes and cabbage could already be in the ground.
FLOWERS. Plant flower bulbs such as dahlias and gladiolus. Put down new landscape fabric and mulch to prevent weeds in your flower beds.
POWER EQUIPMENT. Change the oil, oil filter and air filter. Grease all greaseable points and sharpen or replace blades. Drain any fuel over 30 days old. Charge or replace batteries if needed. Inflate tires to the manufacturer’s specs.
HAND TOOLS. Sharpen all cutting edges, and check wooden handles for rough spots. A little sandpaper or steel wool will smooth them out, and a light coating of linseed oil will make them last longer.
Who knows what “Mother Nature” may have in store for us yet, but warm weather is coming. As for us Alabamians, well, we’ll keep our T-shirts, shorts and winter jackets readily available.
Remember, help is just around the corner at your local hardware store.
