So, this is the Week that I tackle not only the front porch, but also the back deck and the garage exterior. I've added the deck and garage exterior washing here because the Garage Week is so late in the HGP that it's often too cold to do much wet exterior cleaning. Here's my PLAN ... Let's see how closely I stick to it.
Monday: Sweep down cobwebs on front porch; discard old planter; insect / spider spray around door (as needed) and put down additional ant traps outside. Wash sidelights and transom window outside, and storm door in and out; wash down door, as well, and clean and sanitize all handles. Inside windows will get done during Entryway/Foyer week; I have a pup and there will always be nose prints, so no need to do those windows twice. Scrub door base sill. Start gift lists, shopping list, and plan food gifts.
Tuesday: Change storm door pressure control thingy; check exterior lights -- front, deck, garage; check doorbell and change batteries if needed. Update Christmas card addresses (can't find my flash drive). Clear deck for pressure washing. Neighborhood high schooler is coming after school to pressure wash my deck and below the deck, so I can install additional bird spikes to keep the mourning doves and pigeons from roosting below my deck. (In case anyone is a bird lover, just trying to relocate them; my deck is over part of my parking area, so no one can park on my slab without having the paint on their car damaged.)
Wednesday: Trim hydrangeas out front, install bird spikes, touch up paint in the front, paint deck as needed, following pressure washing. Plan holiday parties and other gatherings. Update: Nope, will let the landscapers cut everything back. Ladder not high enough to comfortably install spikes, so will need to ask SIL for assistance on this one. Deck rails need painting, but were not dry enough following pressure washing and a heavy dew overnight, so going to let it go for another day or so.
Thursday: Clean deck windows and patio door (outside). Wash down garage slab; schedule seal coating; schedule furnace tune-up; schedule carpet cleaning. Plan dinner menus for Thanksgiving and Christmas, in the event that I host. Start discussions on holidays (who, when, where).
Friday: Wrap up any loose ends; check holiday throw rugs and floor mats and note what needs to be replaced. Garage windows (exterior) and clean garage lights.
