Rules and Guidelines

It's been an interesting week and a half. So, a short update on that before I give you some much needed rules regarding snow etiquette!

Last week, a good friend of mine, aged 14, was diagnosed with leukemia. It's hard to know what to think or say when you get that kind of news. The emotional stress was compounded by the fact that we share many mutual friends. I think we did a lot of dumping on each other! Praise God, the young man has now been released from the hospital. You can continue to pray for him however, that he would keep responding well to his treatment, and that his exposure to other illnesses would be limited.

Ok, now it's time to talk about snow. Obviously, it's been snowing here, and I have a prime place to watch everybody get into trouble. You see, no one seems to know how to drive in it. I live across the street from a steep hill. Every time it snows, very few people seem to be able to get up it. Here are some driving rules passed down from experienced drivers. (I.E. my dad!)

Driving Instructions


If you're going up a hill, maintain your speed gently. If you start to slide, that is not a reason to jam on the brakes. Just keep going slowly and carefully and it should work.

If you're going down, try going in neutral.

When you come to a stop, any stop, if it's clear, don't come to a complete stop. You're more likely to slide if you accelerate from a full stop.

You can drive in other people's tracks. It has the advantage of not having to plow through snow, but it is more slippy, so be careful!

Don't panic. Drive slow, drive safe.

Walking Instructions


Always be extra careful when taking an un-trained dog on a walk in his first real snow. He'll want to pull you quite a bit faster than is safe.

When walking up a hill, don't walk flatfooted. Use your toes, sometimes with a little force, to dig steps. It takes more energy, but it is safer!

When walking down, well, I would recommend a sled! But if you don't have one, or it's not feasible for you, walk slow, and use your heels in the same way that you use your toes when going up. Look for the flat spots.

When walking anywhere, don't walk in the previously trodden path, (unless you happen to know there's a ditch elsewhere) Someone else's footprints or tire tracks are usually even icier than walking in fresh snow.

Playing Instructions


Follow walking instructions.

Stay well away from traveled roads. Don't sled on hills ending in a ditch or traveled road, OR a creek! brr!

Don't pack your snowballs too hard, throw them too hard, or aim ice balls at a face.

When belly flopping onto a sled, go in low. Don't hit with your knees first. It hurts!

Never knock over someone else's creation unless you ask first.

Try to make the perfect snow angel, with no grass showing! I dare you!

Dress warmly.

Be a good sport. Have fun.