It seems to be a common occurrence lately to be jumping between puddles of melting snow and ice during the day, and I don’t really love it.
I know a lot of people aren’t going to agree with me, but this year, I kind of feel ripped off by winter. The warmer-than-average weather has its positives, sure. I don’t have to keep my truck running to warm it up, and driving on the dry roads has been a little less stressful.
But, if I’m being honest, I’m kind of missing the -20 stretches, the unexpected snowstorms, the odd bus-cancellation, and random snow-days that often come with the average Alberta winter.
Right now, my feet are slightly damp from having to dodge puddles, while also trying to keep my balance on the ice that freezes each night after things thaw. Nearly every day lately, the kids come home with soaking wet mittens, damp winter jackets, and they are now both on their second pair of snow pants this year, with those also seeing the wear of playing in mud and ice, rather than fresh, white snow.
Finding winter boots for a five-year-old is also a tricky taste in this undecided weather. They stay wet for days if they aren’t properly placed near a heat register, and a second, back-up pair has proven to be crucial this year.
Even playing outside in the snow/ice has its challenges this year. The ice has proven to be a somewhat dangerous obstacle when it’s hidden underneath a thin layer of snow.
My oldest son has so far received the brunt of the injuries in our family this winter. Although he says there was no ice involved in the more serious incident, which required eight stitches to his forehead, it does still baffle me why he feels it’s necessary to play soccer in the middle of winter, on a hard surface, near a school wall.
So far, I’ve only met the hard ice once when I wiped out after one of the first melting/freezing periods. I learned my lesson to be a bit more careful, but I’ve certainly had more close calls than I can count.
With not quite enough snow to build a fort that stays around for long, and no good tobogganing hills in close proximity to the house, the boys have still managed to find ways to keep themselves busy outside – but we’ve also learned that having a baseball hit you in the face in zero degree weather is a bit more painful than when it’s +20 outside. Playing most sports while wearing wet snow pants, mittens, and bulky boots is a bit trickier than shorts and runners.
As spring gets closer, I’ve already heard people talking about how they are looking forward to winter coming to another close, but I can’t say I feel the same way. Maybe, with any luck, we’ll have a snow-filled March and a white Easter.
