October has been a whirlwind, and with hunting week just around the corner, there’s no slowing down. Having recently recovered from COVID, I’m still grappling with the aftermath. The exhaustion, headaches, and lingering cough have made it difficult to get back on track, not to mention the chronic back pain that flared up from spending too much time lying down. While the road to recovery has been rough, there’s a lot to do before November 9th when hunting season officially kicks off. Here’s a look at how I’m preparing, plus some helpful tips for those gearing up for a busy season.
IN THIS ARTICLE
Tackling the To-Do List Before Hunting Week
With only a couple of weeks left, there’s so much on the agenda. Here’s a breakdown of the tasks I’m working through:
1. Freezer Meals Preparation
Freezer meals are a lifesaver during busy times, especially when there’s a need to provide warm, hearty meals for hunting week. I’m a bit picky about freezer meals, though—they need to taste just as good as fresh meals to avoid feeling monotonous. If you’re in the same boat, consider making dishes that freeze and reheat well, such as:
• Lunch Ideas: Homemade chili served with fresh-baked bread. The flavors of chili only get better with time, making it perfect for freezing.
• Supper Ideas: Turkey pot pie and the meatballs for spaghetti both freeze well. Both dishes maintain their taste and texture after freezing, making them convenient for quick dinners.
Tip: When freezing meals, let them cool completely before sealing them in airtight containers to avoid freezer burn. Label the containers with the date and reheating instructions for easy meal prep.
2. Preparing Hunting Gear
All the hunting gear needs to be organized and set up in the garage. We recently installed a 4-point hoist lift for our Corvette, which will allow us to store the car at home and still have room for all the hunting equipment. Keeping the gear in the garage minimizes the mess from the bush—burrs, leaves, and mud have no place inside the house!
3. Home Maintenance and Cleaning
October has been hectic, but getting our apartments’ gardening done was a huge relief. We also hired out snow removal for the winter, so no more 4 AM wake-up calls to clear the driveway! Now, it’s time to do a little deep clean of our house:
• Bathroom: Scrub the shower, toilet, and vanity; wash the floor; and refresh the shower curtain.
• Living Room: Dust everything, wash throw pillows, and use a carpet shampooer on the swivel chairs.
• Bedrooms: Set up the beds with fresh linens, pillows, and duvets.
Cleaning ahead of time means fewer chores during hunting week and more time to focus on enjoying the experience.
10 Daily Cleaning Habits to Keep Your Home Always Fresh and Organized
Start incorporating these daily cleaning habits today and enjoy a home that’s always fresh, organized, and stress-free!
Stock Market Wins and an SUV Upgrade
On the investment front, one of our stocks has been performing remarkably well. It’s a mining cryptocurrency called HODL that recently bought out Solana, and the gains have been impressive. We’ve already pulled out our initial investment, locking in some profit while watching the stock continue to grow.
This month, I also upgraded my SUV. It was a difficult decision because my old car, a 10-year-old Ford Edge with only 60,000 kilometers, was still in great shape. But when we found a beautiful Range Rover Velar with fewer kilometers and newer features, we couldn’t pass it up. Switching to a European vehicle has been an adjustment, especially with its fully computerized system, but it’s a fun challenge.
Tip for Long-Term Car Maintenance:
If you want to extend your vehicle’s lifespan, consider Krown oiling. I did this yearly with my old SUV, and it remained practically rust-free. It’s a small investment for the long-term health of your car. Check out this short study for the benefits.
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Staying on Top of Mortgage Rates
Another important task this month has been looking for better mortgage renewal rates for some of our apartments. While it’s nice to see interest rates starting to come down, switching banks isn’t an easy decision. Credit unions tend to offer more flexible lending options for business owners, and their long-term client support can be valuable despite their slightly higher interest rates. For anyone in a similar position, weigh the pros and cons carefully when considering a switch. Don’t forget to check out a mortgage broker to get you started on finding the lowest interest rates as well.
Coping with Post-COVID Recovery and Chronic Pain
After a week of being bedridden with COVID, I’m now focusing on physical therapy to ease my chronic back pain and reduce headaches. If you’re dealing with chronic pain or recovering from illness, it’s essential to:
• Stay Active: Gentle exercises and stretches can help prevent stiffness. Start slow and gradually increase activity levels.
• Prioritize Sleep: Rest is crucial for recovery, but try to maintain a consistent sleep schedule to support healing. If you need tips, check out 10 Easy Ways to Stick to a Bedtime Routine.
• Consider Professional Help: If pain persists, consult a physical therapist for exercises tailored to your condition.
Getting Ready for the Holidays
With hunting week and the holidays approaching, I’m preparing early. All Christmas gifts need to be wrapped and ready for my brother-in-law to take back with him since we won’t get time off for the holidays. It’s a reminder of the sacrifices we make for our careers, but planning ahead helps keep the stress at bay.
Helpful Tips for a Smooth Hunting Season
For those preparing for hunting season, here are some additional tips to make the experience more enjoyable:
• Invest in Warm Gear: My husband recently bought heated socks for everyone, which are going to be perfect for staying warm during long hours in a tree stand. Don’t underestimate the power of good-quality gear—it can make a big difference in comfort and endurance. My husband buys almost everything from the Bass Pro Shop.
• Stay Hydrated: (whether you’re the hunter or the one cooking and cleaning) It’s easy to forget to drink water in the colder months. I recently got a Simple Modern water bottle, and I love it! It’s dishwasher-safe and easy to clean. Staying hydrated is essential for energy and recovery. Here’s a few more stylish water bottles to check out if you’re looking for one.
• Organize Supplies Early: Set up gear and supplies at least a week in advance to avoid last-minute stress. This includes checking hunting permits, licenses, first aid kits, and preparing sleeping areas for everyone.
Why I’m Embracing ‘Good Enough’ as the New Perfect – 7 Reasons
Join me in embracing ‘good enough’ and discover how letting go of perfection can lead to a more joyful and balanced life.
Wrapping Up October and Preparing for November
As the month comes to a close, it’s time to finalize the bookkeeping and get everything ready for the new month. With a busy few weeks behind me and an even busier season ahead, staying organized has been the key to managing all the chaos. Here’s to hoping for a smooth hunting week and a great start to November!
By sharing my October experiences and preparation tips, I hope to inspire you to stay organized, plan ahead, and find joy in the little victories amidst the busyness. Whether you’re recovering from illness, preparing for hunting season, or simply trying to wrap up the month on a high note, a little planning goes a long way.
Thank You Credits: All photo by The Unscripted Femme.
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