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If you're the owner of a non-winterized cottage, you have undoubtedly begun to anticipate - and postpone ._ the annual ritual that you and your family probably loathe: closing up the summer cottage. For most cottage owners, this is an oner- ous chore - not just because of the amount of physical work involved - but because it hails the end of a season traditionally filled with memories of moonlit canoe rides, hikes through the woods, sailing and swim- ming in the sun - and just plain fun. But as the daylight hours begin to wane and the air develops a chilly nip, you realize you can't procrastinate any longer: autumn has officially arrived and winter will follow shortly. Organize Well in Advance If you organize yourself well enough in advance and get everyone in your family Annual ritual begins for cottagers responsibility involved - assign them to var- It's a good idea to trim any branches that ious family members. are hanging too close to windows or the Once you've done this, figure out exact- roof. When these become laden down with ly what you need to take with you to do the a heavy snowfall, they can cause serious job (cleaning supplies, tools for repairs, damage. etc.). Don't plan on taking alotofclothes or If you have any storage sheds or a To start, make a comprehensive list of all the things that need to be done. Then priori- tize them and - depending on the amount of responsibility involved - assign them to var- ious family members. involved in the undertaking, you'll find the job goes much faster and is far less depress- tng "Call us first"338- 9000 7 Lokeshore Rd. W, Oakville food items if you intend to bring a lot of things from the cottage back with you. Take only the bare essentials. Do make sure you have an adequate sup- ply of bags and boxes and other containers to haul things back in. Outdoors Keep in mind that this is your last chance to check the exterior of your cottage to see if there are any items that need repair - like loose or missing shingles, loose siding, any holes or gaps, loose windows and clogged, loose or broken eavestroughs or down- spouts. operated nToletely rer an Rd 16f UK to voted pne ig? RUTH ANNE WINTER Soles Roprosentativo $289,000 de to downtown shops & restaurants. Lovely private garden - possible main (kyy in4aw suite. Call RUTH ANNE WINIER, B. HISTORY ABOUNDs $649,000 Tudor style Heritage home on 300 lot wiihpt:rrd&ptxy.Fedueswideirkfkxys, stained Ops; MW: 1ttpp_hy1c)pttip, 000 5 $499,000 bdrm. oll RUTH ANNE WINTER. B. 338-9000, oll RUTH ANNE WINTER, 8. 338-9000 boathouse, check to see that they are in good shape as well. After all, you don't want to face an endless list of repairs next spring. TM". SETTING A proper cap should help keep any curi- ous animals from setting up a cosy retreat in your cottage during the winter months. These caps can usually be purchased inex- pensively at local building centres or hard- ware stores. High and Dry When removing boats from the water, make sure they're well-drained before stor- ing them. If you have a sailboat, it'sl importanttomakesurethesailisdrybefore If your cottage has a chimney, it's a good idea to make sure the top is securely pro- tectqd with an animal-proof cap. (See 'Dont' page 23) LAKESHORE EAST oll RUTH ANNE WINTER, B. 338-9000 pleby Colege & Lake barium breakfast room '6, sec. din. room, hard