Our home is our safe place.

It is where we go to rest, pray and strengthen ourselves. Here are a few simple tasks to help you freshen things up and make sure that you have less stress when the cold settles in. I promise if you do these simple things you can make it good.

• Use a screwdriver to probe the wood trim around windows, doors, railings and decks. Use caulk to fill the holes or completely replace the wood.
• Lower humidity and cooler (not yet cold) temperatures make fall a good time to paint the exterior of your home.
• Wrap water pipes that run along exterior walls with heating tape. It will save energy and prevent them from freezing.

The change in temperature and humidity and normal wear and tear can cause window seals to crack and shrink. Check your windows and doors inside and out for leaks and drafts. Caulk cracks or install weather stripping around windows and doors, including the garage door. Replace screens with storm windows and clean them if needed.

Just some food for thought while it is still warm