Shoveling

Since we got buried in about 5 inches of snow recently, I think this would be a good time to review the "dos" and "don'ts" of shoveling snow. I feel that with any job, it pays to apply what you have learned so that you can avoid some of the pitfalls the next time around. And, living in Wisconsin.....there will be 'the next time around'.

• When to start shoveling? - There seems to be a difference of opinion on this matter. Some, like Grandpa, prefer to wait until it is finished snowing and we are then buried up to our knees; unlike me, who sort of likes the idea of keeping up with it a little at a time. Either you break your back shoveling a lot of snow or getting bundled up and going out in the cold several times to shovel just a little bit.....I don't think there is a right answer to this one so I just follow Grandpa's lead on this one. Although, I will get testy if the snow piles up on the patio and dogs refuse to go outside to do their 'thing'.
• Choosing the right equipment - Since our snow blower gave out a while back, we have become total shovelers. I mean, we were moving to Tennessee....why waste the money on a new snow blower which we would only need for a very short time (however, this is the second winter that our house has been on the market AND Tennessee has seen more snow this winter than in past years) but that idea was a bust. So when picking a shovel, make sure the shovel does not weigh more than you do. Remember you have to LIFT that shovel and it's going to be a lot heavier when it is full of snow. As for that 'bend at the knees' theory....I never did get that so I stick with a nice light-weight plastic shovel.
• What to wear? - When dressing for your stint of shoveling snow, you must remember that you will be 'working', at least if you are doing it correctly. Therefore, you do not need to dress as warm as you would say, if you were taking a walk. If done with real gusto and properly, you will be working up a sweat and you don't want to get overheated. Also, if you put too many layers of clothes on, it may make it hard to bend at all, much less 'at the knees'. As for footwear, remember....if you are out there shoveling snow, that means it is also too deep for your short little chic boots but you need to be able to lift your feet to move from one spot to another. So, don't do what I do and wear the heaviest, largest boots I can find and trip and drag my feet the whole time that I'm out there.
• Be aware of which way the wind is coming from! - There's a very simple reason for this. You don't want to be throwing snow into the wind and have it come right back needing to be shoveled once more. Or even worse, come flying back and hit you in the face which is really aggravating if you wear glasses like me.
• DO NOT have the end of the handle of your shovel resting against your stomach when pushing snow across the driveway or sidewalk....especially, when there are multiple cracks or seams under the snow. You will know why after you hit the first crack at high speed.

If you follow these few simple tips, your snow shoveling experience should be a little more....not enjoyable but maybe a little more tolerable. NOT!!