Winter 2019-2020, with exception of an early foot of snow, has been benign. It think it is because I am prepared for winter in ways I’ve never been prepared before.
My little SUV, a silver AWD Dodge Journey has the very best snow tires on the market. I keep the gas tank full…just in case…and I carry a new set of tire chains in the back. I have extra gloves, a space blanket, a real blanket, about two dozen hand-warmers, water, food bars, a cell phone charger, a tow strap, jumper cables, and a basic set of tools. And that’s just for running around town.
I am also the proud owner of a new electric snow blower that works pretty well at clearing sidewalks and decks. Parking areas take a little longer than I had hoped, but it still gets the job done…as long as you don’t freeze out first.
After last winter’s three feet or so of snow, I knew I had to have a roof rake for pulling snow off the roof before it melted and formed nasty ice dams. (So far…1-21-2020…I haven’t needed it.)
I own a brand new pair of snow pac boots which sit proudly inside the back door while a new snow shovel leans against the side of my house ready for use. The snow shovel saw limited service during that early storm I mentioned, but the snow boots have yet to walk outside.
I keep wondering what this winter would have been like…so far…if I had not prepared for it. Could have been a real bugger. I’m thinking, however, my preparation guaranteed a mild winter. It may be like washing your car to guarantee a rain storm.
New boots, new snow shovel, new roof rake, new snow blower and no snow. I might be on to something. Now, about next winter, I’m thinking new snow pants, new parka, new snowmobile…or maybe a winter in Mesquite, Nevada.
Rod