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nce again, J it‘s that time of _ year when the call of the loon, the chirping of chipmunks and the sound of water genâ€" tly lapping against a dock beckon cottage owners across the province to begin the annual ritual of openâ€" ing up their summer retreats. Get Organized This annual undertaking will undoubtedly gobble up at least your first couple of weekends of the season â€" but the earlier you get started, the earlier you‘ll be finished. With just a little planning and foreâ€" sight, you can make this task less onerous â€" even fun â€" if you try to make a game out of it for the entire family. Make opening cottage a game for entire family Start off by makâ€" ing lists of everyâ€" thing you need to take with you, such as tools, cleaning supplies, linens and a fresh supply of nonâ€" perishable _ food items. For the first trip of the season, avoid taking unnecâ€" essary items. After all, there isn‘t any sense in overloading the car with a lot of extra paraphernalia that you probably won‘t need during this visit. Once you arrive, inspect your property carefully for indicaâ€" tions of damage or theft. If it‘s apparent a breakâ€"in has occurred, don‘t touch anything and contact the local police right away. It‘s also a good idea to allot chores to family members to make sure everyone feels included and that all tasks are covâ€" If you have youngsters who are too young to particiâ€" pate, make sure they are properly superâ€" vised during the cleanup. Also keep a close watch on any older children to make sure they stay well out of harm‘s way. Also be sure to turn on the water and power as soon as you arrive. The cottage will likely be damp and. musty after being closed for so many months, so give it a good, thorâ€" ough airing by openâ€" ing up all the winâ€" dows ~andâ€" doors Getting Started (weather permitting). In the meantime, take another good look around outdoors for any signs of damâ€" age or normal winter wear and tear. Check for signs of loose or missing shingles and crooked eaveâ€" stroughs or downâ€" spouts. Also check around and underâ€" neath the cottage for signs of wildlife damage. Porcupines in particular can be aggressive wood chewers. In addition, you should set the dock in place and, dependâ€" ing on the weather, you may want to launch your boat. While the cottage is still airing out, you may also want to take this time to clean up the property â€" removing fallen leaves, branches, twigs and so on. If windows have been boarded up for the season, now is a good time to clean them â€" if you have the time â€" otherwise leave them for the next trip. Tackling the Indoors _ Once the inside has aired out suffiâ€" ciently, it‘s time to take your cleaning supplies in hand and tackle the dust and cobwebs. You‘ll also want to turn on the heat at this point. If you don‘t have baseboard heaters and rely solely on a fireplace or woodâ€" stove for heat, make sure the chimney is clear before lighting a fire. Wildlife often take up residence in chimneys and you wouldn‘t want to cause any injuries. If you do find you have some "tenants," conâ€" tact a local wildlife group or humane DON GOODALE Sales Representative o n 1t * This home has it alll * Large 60‘ x 170‘ mature lot within easy walking distance of Downtown Oakville, The "GO", Schools Parks * Many upgrades including HE furnace, new windows T/O, Facia, Soffits Eaves * Well maintained decorated T/O * Spacious inâ€"law/Nanny suite in LL. $339,000 countRy in Tus City! * Spacious luxury condo apt. overlooking Bronte Harbour and the Lake * Walk to your own private docking * Huge terrace patio overlooking the * Unique location â€" streat level entrance, but still 2 storeys above the water! * Very unique â€" see it! Absolutely stunning Arthur Blakely in Glen Over $100,000 in upgrades T/O Totally renovated kit: feat. granite counter tops, miele b/i appliances, solid maple cabinatry, cusâ€" tom lighting 17" ceramic tiles Professionally landscaped gardens Gorgeous Lazy L Pool in very private rear garden This home shows to perfection â€" Don‘t miss it! $254,900 ANTENTION SAILORS! Amazing 100‘ x 332‘ lot in a mature area near the 20‘ x 40‘ VG pool, child play centre, BI BBOQ, priâ€" vate gardens, hot tub, room for a tennis court ‘Spacious (approx. 2200 s£) 5 barm bungalow Totally renovated upgraded T/O Perfect home for an active family DON GOODALE 845â€"9180 845â€"9180 society for informaâ€" tion on the safe and humane removal of these visitors. Check Chimney It‘s also a good idea to check the chimney for any debris or creosote buildup. Creosote can cause chimney In the kitchen, give cupboards and shelves a thorough wipe before stocking them up. Your fridge is also likely to smell damp and musty after being closed all winter. To absorb these odors, it‘s a good idea to place a box of baking soda in the fridge before you start cleaning. As you‘re cleanâ€" ing, check for signs of winter visitors and ascertain whether they have vacated the premises before you leave any perishable food items out. In Beautifully maintained 4 level split. Updated kitchen, fumnace, roof. Lot 80x125 West oakville. Near schools. BUD FARRIS* Renovated, extended, professionally decorated. East Oakville, great public and private schools, walk to "GO" BUD FARRIS* 3 bedrooms, upgraded kitchen w/bow window, bath w/whiripo! tub. Recent frunace, C/A.Near schools,lake BUD FARRIS* Spacious back split in West Oakville. 3+1 bedrooms. Separate ent. to rec. room. Near public/private schools BUD FARRIS* Ceramicsâ€"foyer thru eatâ€"in kitchen, large 44‘ x 150‘ lot, Basement roughed in for fireplace and bath. UD FARRIS* Affordable bungalowâ€"prime location. Updated w/jacuzzi bath, hrdwd firs, fin. basement w/rec. rm., den bath. SUE NATYSHAK* $539,000 LOVELY GARDEN TOO! $159,500 BRONTE BUNGALOW $177,500 SEMI NEARLY NEW $249,500 SUPERB LOCATION $179,900 A LOT OF PRIVACY $289,900 FANTASTIC LOT! D FARRIS* Sales Representative Immaculate 3 bedroom brick townhouse. North Oakville location. Garage, appliances, blinds, plush broadloom. SUE NATYSHAK* Ravingâ€"end unit only $105,900. 3+4 bedrooms, garage, appliances. On.||y 5% down 8.9% interest. PAT (HAT) TAPIA* 7 or 8 bedrooms, 2 kitchens, 3 full bathrooms â€" separate entrance PAT (HAT) TAPIA* This 4 bedroom home is a real family pleaser. Large pricipal rms. Good condition. Quiet street. Immed. poss MARY DUBIK* Do_)u C aquietbl%.éhgoo? lowionclosetc; o?n%]w ", shopping? Wiating for your personal touch. %mrmw 2560 sq. ft. of luxury. Hot tub spa. 50K upgradesâ€"high efficiency furnace. Appliancesâ€"much much more. Call PAT (HAT) TAPIA* 2 FABULOUS T HOMES $129,900 $123,900 FIRST TIME BUYER $149,500 WELL MAINTAINED $332,000 POWER OF SALE $2064,900 PARK SETTING