Snowbird Lifestyle, Cuisine, Entertainment and Travel
Snowbird meals are generally much simpler due to necessity from using fewer ingredients and a very limited selection of cooking appliances SNOWBIRD KITCHEN APPLIANCES, GADGETS You’re spending your first week in your snowbird rental and have an incredible list of meals you plan to create …
As the leaves turn vibrant colors and the weather changes, your pet's preparations are likely in the advanced stages of completion. Every snowbird season the needs of your pet should be reassessed based on their physical and emotional well being, as well as your own. You and your pet will be less stressed if you are both adequately prepared for the journey well in advance. There are four major areas of evaluation prior to departing for your snowbird destination.
--Food, treats and nutritional supplements
--Tags and licenses
--Medication, heartworm, flea / tick prevention
--Leashes, collars, restraints
--Toys, bowls, bedding
--Brushes, combs, shampoo, grooming supplies
--Flashlights, reflectors and specialty night lighting
--E-collar and charger
--Taste deterrents
--Skills / training
--Veterinary care: annual check-up
--Vaccines
--Preventative care: kennel cough, heartworm / flea / tick; probiotics
--Copies of medical records
--Vehicle to / from
--Accessories / cages / restraints / ramps
--Hotel to / from your homes: steps, elevators, refrigeration for food / meds, etc
--Your seasonal home: steps, elevators
--Linens / sheets / furniture covers
--Monitoring systems: webcam and / or other devices
In just four years, we've experienced the full range of emotional and physical limitations. The first year our 11 year old Golden Retriever, Reilly, was advanced in age and seriously ill with an end-of-life kidney condition. She was unable to climb steps and lacked the energy to walk except short distances. Reilly was on the complete opposite end of the spectrum compared to our 10 month old Golden Retriever puppy, Bodie who made his debut our second season. Bodie is now a fully grown, 90 pound, rambunctious two-year-old whose needs are ever evolving, including training and retraining.
Bodie, being larger and stubborn, basically calls the shots, especially when walking on a leash. He was able to wiggle right out of the heavy duty harness we originally used, so we tried many more harnesses looking for one that is escape-proof. Finally, we found a rope-style harness that works for us. I liken it to the same principles as ranchers use with calves. Because our Northern yard is fenced in, it becomes necessary to re-train on a leash every Autumn when the weather cools down so we are ready for our snowbird home where every visit outdoors is on a leash.
There is nothing more stressful than worrying about your beloved pet escaping in an unfamiliar area. So, we also purchased an e-collar as a back up. We do not use the shock setting because the vibration mode is very effective, but it's cumbersome to put the collar on/off and it is not intended for the dog to wear all the time. When the e-collar appears, our dog's behavior normally improves just by looking at it.
Other skills such as ramp training and improved socialization may be necessary. With a dense population of people with pets running the gammet of all personality types, it can become very dicey when encountering them in public spaces. Think ahead to give enough time to address all the changes for you and your pet each season.
Prior to our first season, we purchased a pet ramp to assist elderly Reilly with getting into our sedan. But, upon testing it, we realized due to the angle of the passenger doors, it was impossible to use the ramp. So Reilly had to be boosted into the car.
After traveling in the sedan the first three seasons, we purchased a full sized SUV so there would be more space. Despite being young, Bodie's hind legs also caused him to struggle and he needed a boost, which was increasingly difficult during two full days of travelling. Even with the new vehicle, we found the original ramp was impossibly steep. So we purchased the longest ramp from a well known manufacturer and it is still a bit steep. Of course, organizing the cargo space is a new concern so the ramp will fit into the vehicle with a pass-through to get to the front where Bodie wants to be right next to us. We will be continually testing prior to departure.
Best safety practices for everyone will make the trip less stressful, so an adjustable pet barrier will prevent Bodie from entering the driver area. We made sure it fits and will function properly in case any adjustments need made or worse, that it doesn't work.
Every year we book the same pet-friendly hotel for the trip to/from our snowbird destination. Not only is it a great location at a reasonable price, each room has a mini refrigerator and microwave. Reilly, with her serious kidney condition was only able to eat ground turkey and rice, so it was a godsend for us to be able to keep her food in the room with us and heat it up for her. Even Bodie, who is a healthy 2 year old, had stress-related travel issues. As in explosive diarrhea the second day in the car. So, this year we will be bringing turkey/rice, yogurt and vet issued pro-biotics so he is less likely to become ill from the trip. And we already know we have a fridge at the hotel.
We carefully chose our snowbird home because the building has an elevator, which worked out great for Reilly, who had physical limitations and would never be able to climb steps to the third floor multiple times per day. Ironically, Bodie is able to climb steps, but refuses, so we ride the elevator with him as well.
Another big consideration: chewing. Puppies chew everything and anything, so it was a major concern for us. We brought a supply of a popular taste deterrent in a spray bottle and provided plenty of his own items to distract from the desire to chew the furniture in our snowbird rental. It helped tremendously with tile floors throughout -- accidents were much less stressful -- and much of the furniture is constructed of metal.
If you are renting your snowbird home, bring your own bed linens and sheets or furniture covers. Pet fur may not only be contractually a problem, but you're much more likely to not be welcomed back if the furniture and linens show evidence of a pet staying there.
The first year when Reilly was so very ill, I dreaded leaving her alone at our condo because I worried she was scared, barking or crying and upset. Yet we couldn't live our life staying in the condo with her 24/7. When an irritated neighbor told us she was "barking incessantly" one evening while we were out, I didn't believe she had the strength for that behavior, but we couldn't prove otherwise. After just three weeks in our snowbird home, sadly, our beloved Reilly crossed the rainbow bridge. In hindsight, I wish we had brought our webcam and set up the computer to monitor the dog and condo while away. For Bodie, we had the web camera facing the entry door and logged in to periodically check on our puppy, who thankfully sleeps next to the door the entire time we are out.
This check list is designed to provide an easy reference to prep yourself and your pet for the upcoming snowbird season. Everyone's individual needs will vary from season to season, of course.
--General George Patton, General of the United States Army
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Many snowbirds retreat to their warm climate homes in October and November, which means now is the time to get prepared for the countdown to departure.
If there's unfinished business at home, figure out your projected timeline to complete them, bring the projects with you or delay them until you return. By being proactive, you'll be less stressed out later. Yard/landscaping, home
repairs, maintenance, roofing, decluttering, correspondence, files, bills, banking, improvements, hobbies, and more to name a few.
Contact your trusted friends, family and neighbors to help you while you're away. Who will be handling your mail? Houseplants? Packages/deliveries? Snow plowing? House sitting? Unexpected problems? Work ahead and let your team know when and how they will be needed. Just because they helped you in the past doesn't guarantee they'll be available or willing to help again. Set up a plan A, B and C if you can. Of course, the more you can do yourself, the better. Set aside a budget to pay for the necessary help unless you have someone to trade duties with. If it's someone who insists they won't take money, send them a gift card. It's important to make them feel appreciated. No one wants to feel used or taken for granted. Don't forget to
give them access instructions for your home, including security codes.
Don't forget to update your pet tags and medications such as heartworm/flea/tick preventatives. If you have "snowbird" business cards, update and reorder if needed. If you use checks, restock your supply. Same for your prescriptions and anything else that may be important.
Do you have doctor's appointments, vet appointments and other unfinished business such as meetings with your tax and financial advisors? Get them scheduled and done at least a month or several weeks in advance of your departure. Don't forget to schedule one last hair appointment before you depart. If possible, schedule upcoming appointments for the first part of your snowbird season and get those out of the way.
Merge, purge and weed out your stuff. Donate to charity or have a garage sale. It will feel better to lighten the load in advance so you don't have to think about it while you're away and it won't be staring you in the face when you return home in the spring. I'm not one who is a natural organizer, but being organized is fundamental for any snowbird. My favorite organizational tool? Plastic storage bins in all shapes/sizes. Photo albums, family keepsakes, toiletries, linens and seasonal items all reside in storage bins. Don't forget to label them. Also, purge, back up and organize your passwords, computer and electronic files as well.
Now is the time to check your existing security systems and consider increasing your security. If you already have a security monitoring system, consider upgrading it before you depart, such as adding more glass break sensors. Other security measures include more interior and exterior cameras and installing deadbolts to any exterior door that doesn't already have one. Motion sensor lights are another good option. If you haven't already installed a keyless entry to the garage, do so now. If it's available through your third party security vendor, add an alarm to your sump pump for peace of mind.
If you rent your snowbird home, outstanding balances will typically need paid anywhere from 60 to 90 days in advance. Review your contract for any other details that may be pertinent. The goal is no surprises. Be sure to stage the folder containing your rental agreement and proof of payment along with your other important documents that need to move south with you.
Reserve your hotel for the trip both down and back well in advance.
Because we travel with our Golden Retriever, we book our favorite hotel for the half way point to our snowbird destination. They have a limited number of dog accessible rooms and we don't want to miss out. Not only does the staff remember us, the rooms have mini refrigerators and microwaves and the hotel has a fantastic breakfast buffet. Plus they charge a very reasonable fee for the dog. Not every place welcomes pets and for both us and our dog, knowing what to expect makes the trip slightly less stressful.
Check your calendar and make your social plans with friends and loved ones to avoid a last minute scramble. Our first season, we hosted a farewell lunch for family several days before we left. It was the last time we would see them for awhile and it turns out it was the last time they ever saw our beloved Golden Retriever, Reilly, who sadly passed away while we were in our southern home. By making plans before leaving, you and they will tend to cope better when away for an extended time. This year we made plans to meet up with our snowbird friends on Labor Day weekend -- before everyone heads back to their winter homes again.
Thoroughly go over your vehicle and determine what maintenance needs done. Change the oil, purchase new tires if they are less than 50% and get a general check up. Don't forget about winterizing vehicle/s being left behind. Take photos of your odomoter readings and put the keys to your vehicle/s in a safe place where only you know where they are. Don't provide temptation for theft or anyone else. Be prepared for possible deflated tires and dead batteries upon your return.
On the way home from our third season, we decided it was time to switch from a sedan to a full-sized SUV for increased cargo space and to help our furry passenger, Bodie, more easily enter/exit. Bodie wouldn't climb into the sedan without an assistive boost each and every time we made a stop, so his needs were an important consideration. Eight months ahead of our departure for season four we brought home our "beast." This gave us enough time to evaluate and purchase additional accessories including a pet barrier as well as a new ramp for rear entry so our dog can easily enter/exit.
I pack reduced quantities of herbs, seasonings and spices; wooden spoons, spatulas, mini server spatulas and flippers, serrated knives and just about anything else that can fit into one shoe-box sized plastic storage bin. If you have favorite custom spice rubs and blends, pre-make an appropriate quantity before leaving home so you aren't hauling 14 ingredients only to use a small amount of each. Canning jars are excellent for transporting smaller amounts of liquids if you can avoid breaking them during transport.
Prepare a contact sheet for your closest friends and loved ones with your address, dates of travel and any pertinent details. Distribute it well in advance of departure so you don't have to worry about it at the last minute. Notify all other appropriate businesses and entities, such as your newspaper and change of address for your mail. Don't forget any other delivery services who may need to be put on a seasonal hold. If you can temporarily stop your cable tv service, it could save some money.
Get your packages ready several weeks ahead of your departure and avoid the last minute crunch that inevitably happens as departure approaches. Because we are self-employed, we have computers, a printer and products, including parts/accessories that are shipped in advance. Getting the timing right is an art form, but is much smoother when you are prepared.
Last, but not least, clean and prep your home for a season away. If your home will be unoccupied, turn off the exterior water line. Adjust the blinds and thermostat, set up your lighting self-timers, turn on the security alarm and trust that your systems and pre-planning will pay off for another successful season away.
--Andrew O'Hagan
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SNOWBIRD THEME PARTIES 75 Party Ideas for Your Next Snowbird Gathering Snowbirds are generally social and enjoy hosting dinners, parties and other events for their warm weather neighbors, family and friends from home. Theme parties can be as simple or elaborate as you wish. A …
Solo snowbirds are somewhat rare, with their own unique needs, including housing that is just enough space, but not too much; a winter home where it's reasonably easy to navigate to their destination, seeking places where they are more likely to feel safe and either already know people or can easily make new friends.
There are several categories of solo snowbirds. It could be they are solo due to divorce or the loss of a spouse / partner. Or their spouse is not yet retired and unable to accompany them full time. Whatever the reason, solo birds are generally strong and independent by nature.
First time solo snowbirds new to an area should consider staying at a property with amenities such as a community pool, club house and / or fitness or rec room; joining local groups or meet-ups and engaging in activities where it's more likely to meet friends. Returning solo snowbirds have an advantage of reconnecting with past friends and being familiar with their warm climate community. Yes, it can be daunting, but many solo snowbirds have made it a top priority to return to their warm weather homes where they have a special place within the community.
--Consider themselves self-sufficient and are accustomed to being solo
--Have a well thought out "Plan B" for issues that may arise while they are away. As an example, they have a loved one who can help them if needed in case of an emergency such as illness or injury
--Purchase travel insurance in case they cannot make it to their warm weather destination due to accident or illness
--Actively make social plans with their warm climate neighbors: shopping, movies, lunches, dinners, gatherings, and more
--Invite their loved ones to visit their southern home
--Stay in contact with their loved ones from home on a regular basis and/or their trusted warm weather neighbors
--Avoid driving through large metropolitan areas during heavy traffic by taking alternate routes and/or driving through these areas very early or later in the day
--Make use of collapsible canvas wagons and pet strollers to carry pets and essentials
--Bring pee pads and baby pens for their pet/s to reduce the need to go outside after dark
--Appreciate the kind gestures and thoughtfulness of their neighbors
--If you don't already know a solo snowbird neighbor by name, take time to introduce yourself and get acquainted
--Offer to take their trash out to the dumpster
--Invite them to a dinner in, an evening out, lunch or an afternoon movie
--Inquire if there's anything they need from the grocery if you're already going out
--Ask if they would like a ride to drive together if attending the same event
--Loved ones from home can make a solo snowbird's day by sending a gift card to a local movie theater or restaurant
--Unknown
The beautiful uncluttered master bedroom in the high rise where we stayed part of the first season MODEL HOME SYNDROME After returning home our first snowbird season, I realized something was off, it didn’t feel the same. Months went by… After having spent a …