Shovelling snow, Ottawa, March 2012

Most Canadians keep a shovel in the garage, and it’s not to build sandcastles but to shovel snow.

A single snowstorm can bring ten, twenty, thirty or more centimetres of snow and it can make getting out of the house a challenge. If you live in an apartment, you’ll be fine (yet you may have to shovel your balcony). But if you live in a house, you will soon be familiar with the shovelling routine. Clearing the driveway, especially the edge, is the most-hated winter chore.

There are different kinds of snow. Wet snow may be the prettiest but it’s also a bitch to shovel because it’s so heavy. For ice, you need a metal shovel (or a flamethrower… I still wish we could use these!). For the heavy slush at the end of the driveway, you mostly need patience and a lot of time.

That said, shovelling snow is good exercise and a great way to meet your neighbours! You are all in this together… eh!

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10 Comments

  1. Elisabeth Stewart March 16, 2012 at 11:15 am

    I keep shovels very handy – on the front porch!
    But it seems as though spring has arrived early – such beautiful weather we’re having!

    Reply
    1. Zhu March 17, 2012 at 12:13 pm

      I know, it’s amazing! I hope it stays that way. I wouldn’t want to have to go through another blizzard now that we are used to warmer temperatures.

      Reply
  2. Cynthia March 16, 2012 at 11:19 am

    Lots of people in MTL have a snow blower even if they have only a small drive way to clean. I used to like shoveling snow but then again I only had a small walkway 🙂

    Reply
    1. Zhu March 17, 2012 at 12:14 pm

      It’s not that common in Ottawa, from what I can see. Lots of people shovel their own driveway, or hire someone to do it with a truck.

      Reply
  3. Jeruen March 16, 2012 at 3:24 pm

    Ah, yes. Even I have a snow shovel. Bizarrely though, I haven’t had the need to use it this year!

    Reply
    1. Zhu March 17, 2012 at 12:14 pm

      Lucky you! I’ve used it a few times since we got back.

      Reply
  4. Tulsa Gentleman March 16, 2012 at 10:27 pm

    It is good that you enjoy the pretty white snow. Here in Tulsa it was 80F today and no snow. We have to content ourselves with the flowering shrubs and trees instead.

    Reply
    1. Zhu March 17, 2012 at 12:14 pm

      No flowers here yet but temperatures are definitely warmer than usual!

      Reply
  5. Nigel March 19, 2012 at 3:20 am

    “or a flamethrower”

    HAHAHA, I actually laughed out loud in the office at this one 🙂

    Reply
  6. Laurel March 19, 2012 at 6:50 pm

    I don’t miss driving in snow, but I actually miss shoveling snow, you’re right it’s great exercise and a good excuse to go outside when it’s cold.

    Reply

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