Another winter may go by before we decide how -- or even if -- we want to dress our kitchen windows. They have been bare for years -- as has the sliding glass door in the eating area.

Then again, this could be the year we finally move on it because I have created a new "system."

What new system? The one that has already made one friend laugh at me.

"January is Closet Month," I announced last weekend, when she dropped by for a quick visit.

(Even quicker when I started talking closets, I might add.)

"Closet month? Really?" she responded.

I explained to her that on top of all our usual household chores and maintenance, I am going to focus on one additional project a month. This could turn out to be a very good way to get things done, I told her.

During Closet Month -- so January-sounding, isn't it -- I have already cleaned out, reassessed and rearranged the back hall closet.

In addition, the front closet has a new hanging rod, cubbies, hooks and shelves. My husband even painted it first; he knows I am serious about this.

We still have one more closet to work on -- an upstairs hall closet -- and, yikes!, the month is almost over.

Did I mention Closet Month began a little late? We were already into January when, frustrated with my To Do list, I came up with the idea for my new system.

As a result, Closet Month may now have to spill over into Lighting Month, which is February. But that's OK. This being a leap year and all, I have an extra day.

Besides that, it was Closet Month that got me thinking about how dark the upstairs hall closet is and how it could really use a light. See how this all works together?

Therefore, during February, I may call in the electrician for a project or two. I also plan to look for a new lamp for the family room and take a good look at the ones we own. Perhaps one could use a new shade. Another, a new location.

Lighting Month will also involve restocking candles -- our supply of white tapers is pretty much depleted -- and figuring out the flashlight situation. Some work; some don't.

While I'm at it -- I'm really on a roll here -- I'm going to think about our outdoor lighting, too, and gather some ideas on how to improve it come warm weather.

Determined not to be exhausted (or completely broke) by March, I'll move on.

March, so long in days and feel, may be a good time to work on the windows. I'll rally the team to take down and wash the sheers. Clean the rods. Repaint window sills. Figure out what to do with those kitchen windows.

After that, with nine months to go, there can be a Basement Month, a Fix-Broken-Things Month, a Photos Month and all sorts of possibilities for the summer months.

I bet the team can't wait.

smartin@buffnews.com null