Dear Friends,
After moving to Texas after living in Michigan most of my life with some years in the northern lower peninsula, I have spent many hours outside shoveling snow off of driveways with steep hills early in the morning and late at night. Thought that I wouldn’t miss it but I do.
During “snowmageddon” in west Michigan back in 2011, my longtime employer gave me the week off for, “bad behavior,” so I had time to dig myself out. Other businesses like ours closed because of the storm but my employer put everyone in danger by being open and forcing employees to work. Truthfully, I knew that my employment was coming to an end but the timing was spot on. Because of the amount of snow, I dug out my home and driveway in layers to prevent getting a cold and to avoid injury. Plus, I had time to relax and to think about my future.
With shoveling snow to remove it from the driveway, one has to protect one’s back and arms while dressing warm and still being able to move. Bending your knees and lowering yourself closer to the ground will also prevent injury like many other exercises.
Another perk of shoveling especially in the early morning is the peacefulness and quietness that even in the city made it awesome.
Finally, I miss the cold weather and I miss the shoveling although I am considering a move back up north to be able to shovel a driveway again but not in Michigan.
In Peace,
Leslie Elizabeth David.
The Magnificent Modern Mature Woman 