In the yard outside, his budgerigars rattle at their rusty cages.

Here and there, at intervals, when the wind blew, shouts, clamor, a sort of tumultuous death rattle, which was the firing, and dull blows, which were discharges of cannon, struck the ear confusedly.

Whether you use a calendar, a tickler file, or an assistant (in person or computerized) to rattle your cage at a designated time is simply up to what works best and is easiest for you.