It’s the last week of September, officially autumn and we can all wonder together what happened (again) to summer. Seems like there was a lot of rain and not too many days of extra hot sun, but my memory may be fading with the season.

It looks like fall, though. Few yard sale signs decorate lawns. Folding chairs are slumped against the side of the house, the grills stand idly waiting to rust, and a football sits in the middle of goldenrod stalks. Time to get serious about an oil price survey, and check out sales on weatherstripping and caulking. Set aside a few minutes to make sure the storm windows can be used and if they’re those combo kind, find the WD-40 and give them a good spray on their little “runners.”

I was planning to do my fall energy check on Sunday, but as you know, it’s not a good sign when you wake up with a toothache, one of those that throbs. Especially when on the other side of your mouth you have a broken tooth. This means a liquid diet for the day. Of course, if it happens on a Sunday (and it always does), you’re destined to wait.

Some days are just doomed. On these days I usually cover everything up, the piles of work, clothes to iron, things to be put away, and lean back in the recliner with a book. I’m a Yankee, for sure, but I’ve learned over the years to suppress that “guilty if I’m not working” piece of the Yankee creed. I know better days are coming and I’ll be working twice as hard to make up for time lost.

I’m expecting any day now to read about a flu vaccine shortage – no matter that the news has reported there’s plenty this year. For at least two or three years, that report has been followed by notices of shortages. If you need the flu vaccine, get it as soon as you can, is my advice. Check the local supermarkets, as they usually plan at least a couple of these flu clinics that are most helpful.

If you find you have extra coats or jackets or other warm clothing for adults or children, consider donating them to the Windham Clothes Closet, located across from the Friends Church on Route 202, in the same building with the Human Resource Center. Clothing is distributed free to those who are in need, and we have many in our town who are in this category.

Also needed are blankets and other warm winter items. The Clothes Closet is open from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Mondays, for those who would like to see what is offered. Donations can be dropped off on Monday, Wednesday or Friday. Also, this would be a wonderful time to help the Food Pantry in the same location. Canned goods and nonperishable items (soups, canned chicken and tuna, peanut butter, packaged pasta mixes, for example) are desperately needed. The need continues to grow, and winter will be a real challenge for many. Help your community.

See you next week.