Grand Union Is Empty

Happy Thanksgiving! We hope you have an enjoyable holiday this week with friends and family.

Please note that if you plan to come to the Cape for Thanksgiving, you may want to shop before you get here. Due to The Grand Union being sold to Stop and Shop, the store is pretty much empty. There seems to be no plans to re-stock, so if you need turkey and trimmings plan ahead. 

Change More Than Just the Clocks

A few weeks ago we turned the clocks back one hour. Besides the extra hour of sleep that you hopefully were able to take advantage of, it is also a good time to change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Wherever you live, whether you own or rent, inspecting your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and changing the batteries twice a year is strongly encouraged. Please note that you do need both smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your house.

Even if your detectors are hardwired, which means they are attached to a separate electrical source, you may want to ensure that they are working and that the battery backup has a fresh battery.

Landlords, this is a good time to check both your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your rental units. Whether you have seasonal, vacation or year round renters, its wise to take the preventive step and make sure the detectors are functioning properly.

Renters, if you rent year round, making sure your detectors work is very important. If you do not have a smoke detector call your landlord immediately. If you do have one, you may want to check it yourself or call your landlord to inspect it.
And finally, it may seem like a hassle to always be changing the batteries, or worse some people gripe about the cost of a battery. These are life saving devices. Think about what could happen if a smoke or carbon monoxide detector has no battery and there is a fire.

It is always better to be safe than sorry especially when it comes to detectors.

Preparing Your Home for Winter

Having experienced such a beautiful fall on the outer cape, it is hard to face the reality that winter’s chill will soon be arriving. A challenging economy and fuel costs have given rise to our paying extra attention to keeping properties protected in the off season.

For those who continue to use their second homes, it is time to think about setting the thermostat at a temperature warm enough to keep the pipes from freezing. Usually, 50 to 55 degrees is adequate, but a higher temperature may be necessary if the outside temperature drops below 15 - 20 degrees for an extended period of time and is accompanied by strong winds. 

Check all sinks and toilets to be certain that there is no dripping or running water as this can result in very high water bills. Also, keep vanity doors under sinks open for maximum warm air flow.

Many property owners have decided to close their homes for the winter by shutting down their heating systems and draining all pipes in the house. Be sure to consult your heating professionals and/or plumbers about how this should be accomplished. Done properly, owners can experience considerable fuel savings.

Free energy audits are available from many providers. The Cape Light Compact for example, will provide audits for their customers (Click here).

Having a friend or property manager check in on your property while you are away during the winter or for an extended period of time, is also a good recommendation. (See our Q&A from October 30, 2008 about hiring a winter watch company - Click here).

Three Great Reasons to Come to Provincetown Before the End of the Year

If you’ve never been to Provincetown in the ‘quiet’ season, you might be surprised to find out that it is not always so quiet. There are several fun events that occur between the summer and New Year’s each year, and there are still three big weekends on this year’s calendar.

November 6 – November 9: Meet Your Man 2008, a weekend of fun and friendship for single men in an unforgettable location. Highlights include speed dating, wine tastings, gallery strolls, concerts, dance parties, sing-alongs and an inn stroll. For a complete schedule of events, www.ptown.org/Meetyourman.asp.

December 5 - December 7: Holly Folly, Provincetown’s Annual Holiday Festival, a great time to experience the unique beauty of winter in New England. Highlights include a performance by the Boston Gay Men’s Chorus, lots of shopping specials and an inn stroll of the bed and breakfasts decorated for the holidays. For more information, www.ptown.org/HollyFolly.asp.

December 29 – January 4, 2009 : New Year’s Week, a great way to ring in the New Year. Stay in a romantic inn with a fireplace in your room and enjoy a special New Year’s Eve meal at your favorite restaurant. Many shops and restaurants will be open.