Bluebird stretching a wing and a leg

 I've done the checklist for before first frost and the one for before the killing frost but there is also a checklist for before first snowfall and I'm working that today.  Needed a boost to get started so first Whip and I went downtown for a latte.   

• Put the sheets in the washer.  Not something on the list but needs to get done anyway.
• It's going to be above 50 degrees for the next few days so decided to mow the lawn - probably for the last time this season.  At least one year I did mow into November but the forecast looks like it's only going to get colder.   
• Hung the sheets out on the line.  Not much of a breeze.  
• If there wasn't much of a breeze it's a good time to do the burning I needed to get done.   Spread out the 2013 documents up the sides of the wicker basket and set it ablaze in Ragnarök.  Wicker makes quite a pretty fire.  I've always had a pyro streak.
• I removed the markers showing where the peonies and lilies are along the edge of the deck.  Then made a pass w/ the lawn mower and finished up w/ the trimmer.  Replaced the plant markers.  
• Put the trimmer's battery on the charger but it showed a full charge still.  I love this  trimmer!
• I'd pulled out all of the solar lights showing the edge of the deck earlier.  Half of them no longer worked.  The local recycler said they would take them along w/ the tubes they sit on.   I had saved the others in a bucket so replaced them around the deck and then replenished their number w/ two boxes of new solar lights.  They will shine through even a snow cover as long as it isn't too deep.
•  The sheets were dry - I brought them inside.  
• I watered the plants in Sleipnir - a little early but they are still adjusting to reduced temps and light.
•  Then I started refilling the water container I'd moved inside.  It will take two buckets for each month I need to water the plants.  I've filled it to 'January' so far.  
• The thermostats in both of the outbuildings require batteries.  Something I didn't realize until one winter Mjolnir's temp dipped below what I'd set it at.  Now every fall I put in fresh batteries in all three thermostats in the autumn.  Both buildings were in the 50's.  I turned on their heating systems and set the thermostats.  
• Composted the strawberry plant I decided not to overwinter.

The nice thing about being in and out today is I saw the bluebirds come through.  They are saying goodbye before taking off for warmer climes.  Must remember to add mealworms to my fall checklist for next year.