It’s Snow Fun

Well, we finally used our snowshoes this season. I’d been sort of keen to get them out in January and February, gradually lost interest in March, and now – I suppose I should just be grateful that we got to use them at all…

We only went as far as the end of our driveway (which is better exercise than it sounds – it’s 900 metres long, and uphill in both directions 😉 ), and once we made it to the end, we had to dig out the car which the snow plow had graciously buried just so we could get even more exercise. On the way out, we had to ditch Bailey’s snowshoes because a strap snapped, and then he decided it would be fun to somersault his way out – what a circus! Then Riley gets herself stuck up a tree, and – You know, I’ve really been identifying with Bil Keane’s Family Circus lately. My kids’ tracks through the snow are a perfect reproduction of Keane’s cartoons showing the kids’ paths through the yard or whatever. So much energy…

SHOVELLING TECHNIQUE
I think this was the first time I did any significant shovelling this winter – other than clearing a path for our chihuahua to get from the door to her “spot”. I was thinking about how this season any time I saw footage on the news of somebody shovelling snow, they were using an overhand grip with their lower hand. It made me wonder – did I miss some sort of press release about the proper way to shovel snow? I’ve always used an underhand grip with my lower hand. I tried both today, and I didn’t find the overhand technique to have any particular advantage, so I guess I’ll stick with what I’m used to. Has anybody out there ever thought about this? Or do I just think too much…

SHOVELLING CLOTHES
You can sure work up a sweat shovelling snow, so I make sure to dress in layers so I can strip down if I get too hot. In the last couple of years I have discovered the benefit of wearing clothing made of synthetic material for my base layer, to wick away moisture. You don’t want the clothes next to your body getting all wet, because eventually they end up cold and wet – a very uncomfortable combination. I started with polyester shirts, and have branched out to include socks and underwear – but maybe you didn’t need to know that…

TAKING IT EASY
On a more sober note: I think about my great uncle every time I shovel snow. He died one New Year’s Eve after suffering a heart attack brought on by shovelling snow. It was one of the saddest days of my life. Uncle Lorne loved to work hard, and probably never thought twice about it that day. That’s the thing about shovelling – it doesn’t seem like it’s that strenuous, but it’s very deceptive. So, make sure you take it easy. Slow and steady, and take frequent breaks.

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