I realize this wonderful small cottage has a large house attached. I hope it isn't dependent in any way to the big one but could easily stand alone.
I have mowed all of my grass very close to the ground with the #2 blade setting on my push mower. Now all the leaves can blow away with no raking required. I still have a few geraniums outside in big planters that I have to repot and bring inside. My peonies haven't been pruned to the ground yet either. And I need to put in more weatherstripping on a door or two but otherwise, I am pretty prepared for cold weather. I haven't turned on my heat yet and am wearing warm neck scarves indoors. If my neck is warm, I feel warmer all over. I do this in bed too when watching TV before I turn off the light. Try it, it really works! photo source
xo