Yesterday, it was Brett's turn. On his way down the driveway to get the newspaper, he slipped on ice that had formed in an area where water flows over a dip in the driveway. Normally, the ice is thin and his boots crunch-slosh through. I typically avoid that area all together, stepping onto the frozen grass and hopping over the stream. Yesterday, the ice was not particularly thin so instead of breaking through, Brett's boots slid from under him, flying forward, and he landed smack on his back. When he fell, the ice did break and all that icy water flowed under his pants and jacket. He wasn't hurt; but he was sore and he was not happy.
To all of my readers who live in icy winter climates, please be careful out there.
I walk like an old lady over the icy walks every day. Winters in Germany are almost as bad as the Summers.
ReplyDeleteThat's it exactly -- you have to walk like an old lady; hunched over, watching, stepping slowly and carefully.
Deleteouch- slipping on ice is no fun at all. I hope that Brett heals with no issues.
ReplyDeleteIce is mean. Living in central NC, we get all kinds of weather.
ReplyDeleteAfter winter storms we frequently have standing water on roads and bridges that freezes. The local description is 'Black Ice' since most of the roads are black top paved. Its really a clear sheet of ice that appears black because of the underlying road color. Its treacherous whether its a sidewalk, steps, parking lot or a driveway.
Even with hiking boots, the frozen grass can be slippery, but usually not as hard as pavement. Hopefully Brett will keep his eyes open tomorrow.
I use an old ski pole when I have to go after the newspaper. That extra support can be helpful, and you can test the ground in front you. A good pointy hiking pole would serve and might come in handy when you do a little warm weather hiking.
M in NC
I do have one of those pointy hiking poles. But, I never thought about using it for walking in icy conditions. Thanks for the tip! We also use the term black ice -- its the worst; scares me to death when I'm driving.
DeleteIce is my nemesis too. We have these ice grippers that we strap on over our boots. They really grip when you walk and you don't need to look like " Bambi On Ice"!
ReplyDeleteThose sound awesome!
DeleteHi Annette,
DeleteIn case you're interested they called STABILicers Maxx and they work great on the ice. Just put them in the search engine and I'm sure they'll be lots of sites selling them. Don't remember where we got them. Good luck. And I hope Brett feels better.
Thanks for the reminder. Yes we do have to be extra careful in New York as well. I did fall in 1974 with my eight month old baby in my arms. Neither one of us were hurt. Now I am sure my bones will break if I fall as I am not a twenty three year old new mom any more.
ReplyDeleteOh man, that must have been frightening - falling with a baby in your arms. Be careful; NY has a lot of ice and I don't want you to get hurt. Thanks for the comment -- I don't think I've had a comment from you before. :). Welcome, if you are new to the blog.
DeleteIt's cold and icy here in the morning, very frosty, but the snow melts so fast here at 4000 feet. What's left is what I consider the real danger, mud. Deep, deep mud that if you step in it the wrong way or drive in it too fast, even with 4-wheel drive, you are pretty much toast. I always take a golf club with me. I hope you are both OK and have no more icy slips.
ReplyDeleteWe'll be careful -- and you be careful too. The snow is half-way melted so the mud is a real pain. Do you have one of those hiking poles? That might be good to take with you.
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