"Working with old man winter": Sunday Night, by MaryHelen Swanson

Posted 2/28/01

"Working with old man winter": Sunday Night, by MaryHelen Swanson

Itís been a long time since weíve seen this much snow and itís beginning to get old. But, itís here until the lamb decides to come and play.

There are several things that we should be mindful of as the white stuff piles up and up and up. For one thing, itís heavy. As fit as we may think we are, and most donít even come close, it does tax our bodies to shovel. Using good equipment is essential, using proper posture is also. And taking it easy, stopping to rest every now and then and knowing when you canít go on and stopping are all important things of which to be aware. Sometimes it might just be better to hire someone younger and stronger to do the job. There are a lot of athletic teenagers out there who could tackle this chore, why not give them a call.

The Rush City Fire Department has been getting calls about buried fire hydrants. You know why they are there - to provide water in the event of a fire. If there is one by your home, why not help keep it open? The cities are trying to clear them out but itís not easy to accomplish all of this and keep streets, parking lots and sidewalks clean, especially when a lot of snow falls at one time.
Another issue is plowing snow across the road from your driveway. Mn/DOT says not to do this, but if it is necessary, you must be sure not to leave any snow on the street or road to form ridges that freeze and cause driving problems.

Another snow problem this year is the mammoth mounds that are making it hard to see at intersections. Again, city/county maintenance crews across the area are trying feverishly to clear streets, etc. and may not be able to knock down these icy mountains. Go slowly through these intersections. And, if at all possible, get a neighborhood crew together and work on those big piles before they go from being a nuisance to a hazard. With all of this snow, wonít spring be interesting?

Until all of these issues are dealt with, however, itís best to drive with care, walk with care and, oh yes, get out and make a snow angel if you can.