Winter weather is something I’ve never been a fan of

In my adult life, I’ve never been a fan of the snow.

Sure, as a kid, I enjoyed sledding, going for a ride on my uncle’s snowmobile, and occasionally getting a snow day from school. But those days are way back in the rear view mirror.

I’ve found there are more fun things to do in life than shovel snow. I am thankful I have a neighbour who helped out during the most recent storm of Jan. 25 and other snow accumulation events, but overall, pushing heavy snow and ice chunks is not my idea of a fun day or evening.

It has to be done every snowfall, so I’ll keep doing it, but I still wish I was elsewhere.

Driving is the biggest thing I don’t like after a snowfall. Several years ago, I had a meeting to attend in Essex. I was heading down the Gesto Road, a.k.a. County Road 12, and there were patches of blowing snow on the roadway. I wasn’t driving fast but I hit a patch of snow and the vehicle turned 180-degrees and ended up on the shoulder of the road.

I was on the westbound shoulder but in the eastbound lane.

As I was skidding for those perilous seconds, I couldn’t help but to think “please don’t hit any mailboxes” as some were coming in plain view. Thankfully, my car didn’t wipe any of them out and everyone got their mail as normal.

After taking a few deep breaths and expressing thanks that nothing actually happened to me, my car or anyone else’s property, I went on my merry way and arrived at my meeting. The ride home was fine and that situation ended up being nothing more than the aforementioned story, with no collisions, damage or injuries.

Just a scare for yours truly.

When police and others recommend people slow down and adapt to road conditions, I can see why. I always believed them, but those seconds of spinning onto the shoulder hammered home a point that I never doubted to begin with.

Knock wood, I’m sure will be some slippery situations for me and others at some point again. That’s why I only drive if I have to in snowy weather.

To be honest, I would sooner take the cold than the snow. At least you can add another layer to combat the frigid conditions.

At any rate, it’s February in Canada. As much as I am trying to get these feelings off my chest, this type of weather is to be expected. Besides, it won’t be long before I and others like me will be bellyaching that it’s too hot outside.

Winter weather is something I’ve never been a fan of