Re: For those approaching their first winter
 

That's coz they've been nicked. :lol:

Re: For those approaching their first winter
 

The less diplomatic version of what I said. :rofl:

Re: For those approaching their first winter
 

Actually yes.
In the most southerly part of Canada where I live, we are south of all or part of Pennsylvania,New York, New Hampshire, Maine, Michigan, Wyoming, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Idaho,Washington, Oregon and the northern extremity of California.

Colchester Ontario Canada 41.58.94N
Yreka California USA 41.73.54N

Re: For those approaching their first winter
 

It should be noted that California isn't usually subject to the 'polar vortex' effect that Ontario (and a number of the other states listed) experience during winters :)

Re: For those approaching their first winter
 

I haven't turned the heating on yet.

I have closed, & reopened, windows.

Forecast predicted snow for today & next couple of days. So far, it's pissing down rain. And warm; for Cdn values of "warm".

Re: For those approaching their first winter
 

Great example of how you don't need to break the bank for a winter jacket.

My jacket is fantastic. It's an inner one that can be worn alone (Fall/early Winter) and an outer one that can be worn alone (it's lost a bit of its waterproofness on its own) and together they are great for winter.

The zip is a bit frayed and I'm a bit concerned that when it's most inconvenient it won't undo or do up, so I've been on the look out for something spare and adequate should the need arise.

Giant Tiger has the very thing for a mere $45. Brown or Black.
http://b.dam-img.rfdcontent.com/offe...80x180_pad.jpg
I didn't get one as - sorry to say - I already appear to have reached my winter weight :o and I might find that when I need it it'll be too tight.

Anyway, other than standing at the bus stop when the wind chill makes it feels like -30 I think it would do the same job as my current one.

They also had some thick hoodies (and I mean thick and heavy rather than fluffy and light) for $35 which combined with a $20-$30 waterproof jacket from Walmart may well perform similarly.

Re: For those approaching their first winter
 

It's raining today, not cold, and window open for fresh air.

Re: For those approaching their first winter
 

Winter tires going on tomorrow morning.

Re: For those approaching their first winter
 

There were a couple of practical things that nobody told me (and that possibly might be evident to some of you, but weren't to me)....no Vancouverites...I'm talking Eastern Canada here...:thumbup:

Stick the long sticks in the ground up your driveway, to help you know where the drive is, about now - if you leave it till the snow comes, like I did, the ground will be rock solid and won't thaw before the end of April.

When the snow falls and you see everybody out shoveling, go out and do it! I decided it was too depressing to do it instantly, and had a sulk for a few hours...by then the snow had hardened to the consistency of concrete and it took me Hours and Hours to chip away at it with an ice pick.

Re: For those approaching their first winter
 

And shovel the snow back much further than you need to because by the time you've shovelled a few times you'll run out of driveway.

Re: For those approaching their first winter
 

:nod::nod::nod::nod::nod:

Re: For those approaching their first winter
 

My experience seems somewhat opposite in this respect. I've been out to do it while none of the neighbours have done theirs so many times that I regularly wondered whether there was a need or if I'd be wasting my time.

Sometimes this has been because of my preference for clearing a few inches 3 or 4 times (while still snowing) rather than waiting and trying to shovel it when a couple of feet deep. But mainly it's been after the snow has stopped.

When I'm done and see how nice and clear it is compared to the neighbours slushy messes, I'm pleased. Especially in the early part of winter where because of what I've done all traces quickly disappear. :thumbup:

I think it's because all the neighbours drive and driving the car in and out a few times helps get rid of it and they're not bothered about the slushy mess.

Re: For those approaching their first winter
 

I learned the hard way about leaving snow too long when living in Edmonton, never did get the sidewalk completely clear of snow and ice.

If I ever lived where it snows on a regular basis again and I have to clear the snow, either hire someone to clear it or a snow blower.

Re: For those approaching their first winter
 

You need somewhere convenient to keep a snowblower. A garage with doors that open outwards is not the best, let alone one at the back of a long drive. The idea of shoveling a load of snow just to get to the blower doesn't really appeal (it's a bit like employing a cleaner and tidying up before they arrive). Not to mention they are scary.:ohmy:

On the plus side, the long drive means there's plenty of room for a small plow operator to push the snow towards the back and the $25 a time, when needed, up to 10 times a year is preferable to the typical $500 for a season's contract....especially if it's like last winter when I arranged one for my duplex and then there was so little snow it was only done 3, maybe 4 times. :(

Re: For those approaching their first winter
 

I just know shoveling by hand was too slow, difficult, and wore me out, and I would get dizzy doing it, never again.

Luckily as apartment dwellers we don't have to fuss with snow, that is the building managements problem....

Owning is never an option, so I guess we will never have to worry about snow....;)