Hello fellow Chaparralians,
March is almost upon us; the worst of the winter should be over by now and we are heading straight into spring. With warmer weather, the sun is staying out longer, giving us more daylight. This means that kids will start staying out a little later and our community playground and playfields will get more use, hopefully. Please make sure that you are aware of this and pay attention to playground zones in the area; remember that we do not pass in the playground zones and some zones have U-turn restrictions.
A timely thing to start doing this time of the year is preparing the yard and the house for spring rains and summer. Here are some things that can help with this transition:
• Clean gutters and downspouts to prepare for the spring and early summer rain season.
• Start making notes on the condition of the exterior woodwork. Does it need to be resealed or repainted? The fences, decks, and such, will stay in better condition longer if they are properly maintained every couple of years.
• Get rid of the standing water. In recent years, we have been made more aware of the potential dangers that can be spread by mosquitos. The best way to minimize the spread of mosquitos near your house is to simply get rid of the standing water. Take a look around your house and get rid of anything that may have stale water for prolonged period of time – if you see anything, tip it, get rid of it, or maintain it on a regular basis.
• Check door and window screens. If you find any holes or tears, it may allow bugs to get in. Patch it up – repair kits are available in nearby stores.
• Schedule AC service, especially if you have not done that in a while, myself included; regular maintenance will help you to enjoy the cooler air more efficiently.
A separate note, as I drive on 22X almost daily, watch your speed in the construction zone on the 22X bridge. Every time I drive this stretch of the road, I see people blasting past me at high speeds. The speed limit in effect is not only when the construction workers are present, and I know this is a separate topic of conversation; it is in effect 24/7, just in case there is an obstruction or change in traffic flow and is for everyone’s safety.
I wish everyone a great transition from cold to warmth, from dark to light.
“March is the Month of Expectation.
The things we do not know –
The Persons of prognostication
Are coming now.”
―Emily Dickinson, March is the Month of Expectation
Contributed by Anton Ovtchinnikov, CCA President
