I generally try to avoid anow shovels this time of year. The little bits that we usually get don’t tend to stick around much this time of year, so I tend to ignore it. Although I did drag the shovel out today.
Not that I really needed it. There wasn’t a lot around and it may have melted off. But I didn’t want to take the chance that it might freeze.
I have a general rule when it comes to shoveling snow. I try to limit snow clearing to only between the months of January and and March. If snow happens before the first of January or after the end of March, I try to let it look after itself. Not that nature seems to care much about my snow clearing rules. In fact, it tends to just laugh at me.
But they would be the earliest I have had a snow shovel in my hand for quite some time. I’m hoping it doesn’t become a habit.
Maybe it’s a good thing to get a bit of an early start. I could probably use a new shovel, so best to get out while there is still lots to choose from. Finding a shovel that fits can be a long process.
Not too big, because you don’t want to strain your back. Not too small, because you don’t need to be shoveling all day to get anywhere. I kind of like the ones with the curved handle, rather than the straight handle, but you don’t want too big a curve. And a nice sharp leading edge is good for getting this icier bits off.
That’s my problem at the moment. The little metal thing on the edge of the shovel fell off a couple years ago. Since then, the edge of the shovel has developed a bit of a curve. Not great for scraping at those stubborn bits of ice.
The past couple of years, with the late start to the winter, I haven’t noticed that I need a new snow shovel until the season is almost over. Then I convince myself I can get by. Because the season is almost over.
I guess the positive thing about the snow? I can put a new shovel on my Christmas list. I imagine Santa knows where to get some nice ones.