It's in the high 60's here in north Georgia today. The sun is bright and the sky is blue. Better than that most homes are clean and decorated for the Holidays. What a great sales opportunity it would be today. But the Ice Man Cometh.

My beautiful wife, Myra, is from Alaska. When we first met she was living in Tampa, Florida. Before we married and she knew she would be living in Georgia she asked, "Does it ever get cold there?"

"Oh, yes," I answered, "it gets down into the thirties and sometimes even the twenties."

She didn't think that was cold. Bless her heart.

Just because it is cold and dreary we do not get a pass from our bill collectors. Nope. We still have to get that payment in - and on time, too! So what do we who rely upon sales do to keep our bills paid without dipping into our reserves? Here, hopefully, are a few ideas from myself followed by millions or billions from Active Rain readers:

Flowers. Fill that home with fresh cut or flowering potted plants.

Photos or artwork of sunnier, warmer times. If the homeowner has photos of the house or events at the house during warmer months get them enlarged, frame them or put them in ads and a photo book at the house to hand to the prospect for browsing.

Hot cocoa. Have the homeowner leave the makings for hot cocoa or coffee readily available to you to deliver to the prospects upon entry.

Lighting. Even during daylight hours have the lights on - even add rope lighting or accent lighting to warm up the view.

Fresh flowers in landscaping. Chrysanthemums, pansies, ornamental cabbage, dusty miller, and others really spruce up winter landscaping.

Fire. Duh! A fire in the fireplace inside and the smoker or firepit outside. Now that's what I'm talking about!

Music. The Four Seasons playing quietly in the background is amazing. Pacalbel's Canon does the trick, to.

Checking coats. Make sure you know where to put the coats and gloves - this even shows funcionality.

Know the heating costs. If it is cold outside and warm inside this is definitely an important answer. Even then you should know the cost per therm (I am not kidding) of gas and cost per kwh of electricity. Nerds like me, we care about such things!

Parking. Please tell me the garage is presentable and you have the opener. Oh yes, this is the wife's favorite thing - never getting wet!

Hot Tub! If there is one, turn that sucker on and fire it up! Let that steam boil into the atmosphere.

Mostly - never complain about the weather. Let your client do that and tell them, "Yes, it's cold outside but where we are going will warm you up!"

Well, there are just a few. I know you have more so please share with us. Since I have never lived or worked in Buffalo or Minnetonka I know you have more suggestions for us Sun Bunnies.