Here in the Toronto area we tend to be whimps when it comes to winter. At the mere mention of a snowstorm we race to the store, madly grabbing provisions to tide us over.
In most cases the storm never arrives and we move on with our lives, grumbling all the while about the fool weather service.
A huge storm was predicted for last night and extending well into today. I cancelled my meeting scheduled for this morning as a precaution and decided to 'work' from home.
Many school boards took the precaution of cancelling schools yesterday. This is rare - generally the call is made at 6 AM to cancel the schools for that day.
That should have been a sign that this was no false alarm.
When Paolo woke up at 3 am to get ready for work I looked out the window and noticed very few flakes out there.
'Pfft' I thought - another false alarm.
When I finally crawled out of bed at 6 am the snow had started. It's 4 PM now and it hasn't stopped. We figure it is the most snow we've had in about 4 years.
I shoveled at 10 AM - back spraining shoveling. The snow was up to my knees.
By the time I had finished one area of the driveway it appeared that it hadn't been done at all because so much snow had fallen on it again! ARGH
I helped shove cars out of the unplowed street. That was when I decided in for the day.
Someone posted this helpful information on facebook:
When you consider that a shovelful of snow weighs 5 to 7 pounds, you realize how much weight you have to lift to clear your sidewalk or driveway — on average, several hundred pounds! These technique tips will help keep your back in top shape:
- Do a quick warm-up and some simple stretching.
- Always try to push snow rather than lifting it.
- Protect your back by lifting properly and safely:
- Stand with feet at hip width for balance.
- Hold the shovel close to your body.
- Space hands apart to increase leverage.
- Bend from your knees and hips, not your back.
- Tighten your stomach muscles while lifting.
- Avoid twisting while lifting.
- Walk to dump snow rather than throwing it.
- When snow is deep, shovel small amounts at a time.
- ...And don't forget to take breaks!
Paolo arrived home at 12:45 after a long trudge from work. The regular 10 minute walk taking 4 times that long.
Here is a shot of the traffic camera on Canada's busiest highway taken at about the same time:
Yes, people are actually shoveling the onramp by hand. We Canadians are a hardy lot.
Unlike the crowds who descended upon the stores last night I decided to wait and do my shoppin this morning after the false-alarm snowfall. When I took stock this morning I was out of both milk and eggs. I did have plenty of beer, wine, vodka, and rum.
I guess we'll get through it.
Stay warm!
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