Snow - No Need to Shovel Between Zoom Calls

Since I became the primary shoveler I have not been a fan of snow, but in retirement I view it a bit differently since the urgency to clear it is no longer there. That was tested last week when we got the first snow of the season. The forecast for our area was for 12-18”, mostly overnight, but we got lucky and only got about 8” – still more than enough for first snow of the year, and more snow than ALL of last year – let that sink in, we got more snow in our first storm of the season than we had all of last winter!

It was nice to wake up the next morning without the stress of having to clear snow around meetings like in previous years or have to drive to the office. I was on my schedule and enjoyed a leisurely breakfast before heading out for the chore awaiting me. While still not something I enjoy doing, without the pressure of adhering to a meeting schedule, it was much less unpleasant. Having a snow blower helped too! I’ve had it for years but I would shovel unless the snow was really heavy or deep; preferring the additional exercise to mechanized help. Let’s just say that in retirement I have become wiser and will take all the mechanized help I can get.

With the first storm being so fierce, I am hoping the Woolly Bear caterpillars are right this year. I’ve been fascinated with them since childhood – this fall, all of the ones I saw were black for about 10% at each end and 80% orange. For those not familiar with the folklore surrounding these critters; black = harsher winter (more snow) and orange = milder. The width of the bands and head vs tail show when in the season the harsh vs milder parts will hit and their relative duration. I’m a big fan of the orange! And lest you think I am off my rocker to enjoy spotting these little guys, if you Google Woolly Bear Caterpillars you will find a few festivals dedicated to them. OK, that doesn’t prove my sanity, but it does show there are more people like me (remember my last post “Enjoy the Little Things”).

I know that some of you love snow and don’t mind the work to clear driveways, etc. For you, it’s play time whereas for me it’s work. I’m all for a good snowfall when someone else is cleaning it up but quite the opposite when t’s on me. Though no matter how bad the snow clearing is, I always reward myself once it’s done by making a snow angel in my front yard. It lets me finish a nasty job with a smile (again, see that last post) and the cold snow feels good after all that hard work. It gives the neighbors a chuckle too.

While not a fan of snow, it does provide opportunities for positivity. Helping neighbors shovel, especially those who can’t do it themselves, or to break through the gift from the plow driver at the end of their driveway, is rewarding in itself and gives us the chance to interact with our neighbors in this crazy time. After the shoveling is done – or while the snow is falling – sitting by a nice warm fire is relaxing and therapeutic, and provides down time with family members, and many times pets as well. One of our cats is entranced by the fire and lies as close to it as she can while watching the flames flicker. She’s got the right idea.

A little different post this time, but following my last one, it’s about finding the positives in our everyday lives. That is something we all need now more than ever, and if we are open to them, we usually don’t have to look hard or far.

Merry Christmas & may the new year bring much happiness!