Winter is setting in and the cold, wet days to come will prevent us -- or at least make it very difficult for us -- to perform important tasks that affect our comfort and our pocketbook.

If the temperature in your area, for example, has dropped to an average below 55 degrees F, then the possibility of patch-painting exposed wood surfaces is lost until spring. Yes, you can paint. And, the paint job will probably look as good as ever. But chances are it probably won't stick.

Paint just doesn't cure when it's temperature is below 55 degrees. When it doesn't cure properly, it doesn't stick. When it doesn't stick properly it will peel off prematurely. Mid-winter and the hottest days of summer are not meant for painting.

Concrete is another product that doesn't do well in extreme temperature conditions. A cool day is great for concrete because it takes longer to cure and the slow curing time actually reduces the potential for cracking. But, once the temperature gets into the mid-50s, the curing process changes and you can end up with concrete soup.

Be cautious of the contractor who tells you that it's OK because there are additives that can change curing time even on very cold days. This is true to some extent, but do you want to be the one who owns the cracks if the concrete company fails? It is hard enough to get proper curing when the weather is perfect. Why gamble when the weather is extreme?

This time of year is our last chance to clean, oil and store our gardening tools. Before it gets too cold to comfortably walk outside -- let alone clean anything -- get your garden tools pressure-washed, oiled and stored in a dry location. Wooden handles rot and splinter in wet weather and unprotected metal will rust, even if it is indoors.

Don't be shy about oiling the handles as well. Wet winter air, leaks in the tool shed roof and walls -- not to mention damp ground -- all promote moist storage conditions.

Besides tool handles, this time of year also is our last chance to oil exterior wood surfaces to protect them against water damage. Oil preserves wood. Once absorbed into the wood's fibers, the oil displaces water that would otherwise cause fungus damage and rot. Unfortunately, once winter rains begin, exterior surfaces absorb the water and will not absorb much oil. Therefore, oiling wet wood is a futile practice that, simply stated, is worthless and useless.

This time of year is our last chance to clean, protect and store our barbecue and our garden furniture. It is important to remember to clean these items before storing them. Small pests are attracted to mud-covered wood and metal. If the barbecue is outside and built-in, shut off the fuel source and protect areas where spiders can nest and lay eggs. Not because the spider could be unfriendly, but because the webs they weave can clog fuel lines and orifices.

This time of year is our last chance to paint and caulk exterior windows and doors to reduce high energy bills. Paint won't cure when it's too cold outside. And nothing (paint or caulk) sticks to a wet surface.

This time of year is our last chance to make ready your storm windows and shutters. We all know that storm windows increase home comfort and reduce energy bills. But it is very human to wait until the last minute. Unfortunately, waiting until the last minute results in long lines at the window store and other place that offer storm window repair and maintenance.

This time of year is our last chance to replace loose or missing roof shingles to prevent damage to our home's interior. When wet weather is on the horizon, roofers are their busiest. Which means it is the hardest time to get their help. Be sure to spend a minute or two -- right away -- with a pair of binoculars to check out the condition of your roof. A missing shingle can leave you with thousands of dollars worth of interior damage to ceilings, walls, cabinets (not to mention their contents), damaged floor covering and more. Call now if you suspect a problem.

This time of year is our last chance to have our firebox and flue checked for cracks and creosote buildup. Creosote buildup can combust or explode when the fireplace is used. Cracks in the firebox or flue can allow flames and hot gasses to come into contact with combustible surfaces in our home. A deadly fire can result.

This time of year is our last chance to have our furnace checked at a decent price and in a decent period of time. This is the time of year when heating contractors are at their busiest. A furnace that has gone unchecked for an entire season could be a danger to your family. A little rust spot is all it takes to allow the furnace to pump deadly carbon monoxide into your home.

This time of year is our last chance to have our water heater cleaned and checked. Cold water in the summer is bad enough. But, there is nothing worse than no hot water in the dead of winter.

This time of year is our last chance to change exterior light bulbs. Picture yourself changing an exterior light bulb when the temperature outside is near or below zero. Change all exterior light bulbs now. It is inexpensive and could save someone a slip on the ice.

This is definitely an important time. It's your last chance for the year to do a lot of things.

Have you made YOUR list?