I want to share with you my 7" rule. If a snow fall is 7" or below, I hand shovel. If it is greater than 7", I will haul out the snow blower. Here is the reason why. I don't like noise There is something peaceful about the quiet after a snowfall. The hush the snow gives to our enjoinment is welcomed. The snow blower is a loud machine that disturbs that stillness.
It is great exercise. I have many walks and patios to shovel, so I am not saying this because I have an easy task. Once I get going ,I often will shovel the walk of my neighbor. Don't talk to me about the cold. We have great winter apparel. Plus, once you start exercising the heat comes from my body. There is therapy to me in the rhythm of the movement of the shoveling and the song the shovel makes as it scrapes the pavement. What a feeling of accomplishment I have when the walks are cleared.
Often I will have my dog out with me, and he chases the snow as I throw it in the air. He runs around and explores the new stuff. There must be great smells in it, as he can't get enough of it.
Yes, come March I have had enough of it. Still, I can't think of a better exercise for me. My heart is healthy and there is no reason for me not to do the workout. My mother-in-law is 88 and up until 2 years ago she did her own shoveling. It worked to keep her healthy and I am betting it will do the same for me.
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