The northeast appears to be getting a little snow today (March 14th). The storm, Stella, is starting to taper but it is still snowing at a decent clip. We have maybe 18 inches on the ground.
They were predicting this would be the worst storm since the Winter of 1993. There is a whole generation out there who has never experienced a ‘real Winter’. Well, when I was a girl, we had snows that….huh? OK, sorry.
I tried to take advantage of the snow today. I got the cross-country gear out. First time I was out for 20 minutes and ‘somehow’ the Beastie Baby got let out the front door. Of course she ran right down the middle of the road following me. Had to take her home.
The second time I went out I was skiing into the wind. My glasses iced up and I could see nothing. There is an invention opportunity for someone: glasses with defrosters.
All told I probably got 45 minutes out on my skis. Literally on the road. Sometimes lax road maintenance can be a good thing.
Now, I have been told I am strange hundreds of times. One reason people tell me that is I actually enjoy Winter. But what about people who don’t? What about people who are not prepared for bad weather? Maybe people who are older and/or have low vision, for example?
I found a short article by Set Your Sights. It was entitled Winter Weather Tips for People with Low Vision. Once again a title that is highly functional but not highly creative. We need to get Lin to make a few suggestions to some of these people. [Lin/Linda: sorry, I only have enough creativity to do our titles!]
Be that as it may, this article suggests a safety tip for your white cane if you are a cane user. It also suggests safe, sturdy footwear. Remember the ‘chains’ the orientation and mobility guy gave me? They should work. Make sure the drivers can see you especially if you cannot see them. Walking Beastie Baby after dark I use a basic, yellow reflective vest. I got mine at Walmart, but there is a collection of them on Amazon, starting at about $6.
The article also has some suggestions for those who hunker down and stay home in this weather. Do you have a list of emergency numbers? Is your phone charged? Do you have an emergency kit with a flashlight? How about another way to get heat?
The first article I found links to a second article. It is ready.gov/winter-weather. This site has a whole LOT of suggestions including a list of things you should have in your emergency kit. Actually good for anyone to read, especially those who may be new to ‘real’ Winter weather.
So, for you ‘normal’ people who do not like the Winter, I hope that some of these suggestions are helpful and keep you warm and safe. You abnormal people? I will probably be out again tomorrow. Anyone want to cross-country ski?
Next: I Survived the Blizzard of ’17
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