Have Some FUN in the Minnesota Winters!

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The snow is here!

Now instead of wishing it away, here are a few ideas that the Zehnder Homes Team enjoys doing in the winter season.

  • Hockey is a big sport around here, whether it’s watching it or playing it. It isn’t winter in Minnesota without some hockey!

  • Ice skating is another sport for the athletic and not so graceful, but anyone can do it! There are ice rinks everywhere, so if you haven’t put on some skates in forever you should brush off the dust and take them for a spin.

  • Checking out the Holiday light displays! You can see them in your neighborhood or find larger displays. There are parks, houses, trains, and building displays all over the Twin Cities. Some you can get out and walk around and others you can see from the cozy warmth of your vehicle.

  • Ice fishing is a family favorite for some of us. It may not be appealing to everyone, but it brings joy to so many people during this winter season. You can’t drive past a lake without seeing a few dozen fish houses on it!

  • Polar plunging is definitely not for everyone, but a few crazy Minnesotans do it every year! One of our team members has done it a few times!

  • Of course snowmobiling! People wait all year for the snow to go trail riding. Others might just go in circles around the yard! If you have kids, then you probably know they love getting pulled around and around, with a sled, behind a snowmobile for hours!

  • We can’t forget about Skiing and Snowboarding. A few of us at ZH’s have been skiing or snowboarding for years!

  • Sledding, snowball forts, making snowmen, and decorating are a few other ZH’s favorites!

  • Last but not least the Holiday treats!!!

What is your favorite winter activity? :)

Apple Orchard Fun

Apple Orchards are full of fun fall activities for all ages!

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No matter where you live in the twin cities or suburbs, there is an apple orchard close to you. Not only do they have sweet, delicious, fresh treats for you to sample, pick, or buy, but most have a variety of fun activities for everyone in the family to do too!

A few of the activities we enjoy are the corn pit, petting zoo, corn mazes, kid rides, apple cannons, and of course the apples! So if your looking for a fun fall activity to do with the family you should check out some of Zehnder Home’s favorite apple orchards listed below.

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Apple Jack Orchards
4875 37th St SE, Delano, MN

LuceLine Orchard
2755 Rose Ave, Watertown, MN

Pine Tree Apple Orchard
450 Apple Orchard Rd, White Bear Lake, MN

Minnesota Harvest Orchard
8251 Old Hwy 169 Blvd, Jordan, MN

 

What is your favorite apple orchard in the Twin Cities area?

Fall Maintenance Tips

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Summer is wrapping up, and we've begun ordering PSLs (pumpkin spice lattes) and taking our cinnamon flavored candles out from storage. But, while some of us may be a little excited to slip into the cozy clothes, watch football, and eat chili, we can't forget about taking care of business - your home.

It's important to prepare your home for the upcoming season - inside & out. Here is a list of items you should be taking care of during Fall to help your home get through our (sometimes) frigid Minnesota winters. 

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- Inspect and clean gutters & downspouts
- Seal gaps & cracks around windows & doors
- Inspect your roof for damaged or curled shingles, corroded flashing, or leaky vents
- Repair driveways, sidewalks, and steps
- Drain and winterize outdoor faucets and irrigation systems
- Store any lawnmowers, weed-whips, etc. and prepare your snowblower (test to make sure it works), shovels, etc. for the coming winter.

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- Clean or replace your dirty furnace filters (you should be doing this monthly)
- Inspect your furnace or have your HVAC contractor do a maintenance check to prepare for heating your home this winter
- Test smoke alarms & CO detectors (change batteries if needed)
- Check dryer venting - make sure it's clear of lint
- Get our your rake & garbage bags
- General Cleaning: now is the time to deep clean every room. Get rid of old newspapers and magazines, leftover household chemicals, clear spaces around heaters, furnaces, and other heat producing appliances. 
- Store spring/summer outerwear & get coats, boots, and gloves ready. 

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- General Cleaning: now is the time to deep clean every room. Get rid of old newspapers and magazines, leftover household chemicals, clear spaces around heaters, furnaces, and other heat producing appliances. 
- Store spring/summer outerwear & get coats, boots, and gloves ready. 

Once you've prepared your home for the coming winter, sit back with a warm cup of apple cider (or PSL) under a cozy blanket, and RELAX.

Enjoy this magical season with your loved ones!