Month: January 2011

I’ve had these LL Bean 3-in-1 Gore-Tex mittens for 3 years now. I use them for anything except handling firewood when outside. They have a lighter glove liner that come out of the mitten and is sufficient for just throwing snowballs or general light use. For snow plowing and shoveling I wear the liner and the mitten and my hands do not feel any cold at all. Also, though the glove will get wet from melting snow, it does not penetrate the glove at all. The wrist strap is nice to make sure the mittens don’t slide off my hands and the long gauntlet easily stretches down over my wrists and keep snow from getting inside the mitten. Aside from making sure that they don’t get lost between seasons, I don’t treat them particularly kindly- though I don’t abuse them either. They are pricey, but assuming I don’t lose them they will be the last mitten I ever wear.

I was never a fan of Georgia Boot because I thought they looked like snazzy, mass produced work boots and I, therefore, assumed they were completely non-functional and cheap. I purchased a pair similar to these this summer last (my G8182 model doesn’t appear to be made anymore). I decided to give them a try on the recommendation of the shop owner whom said this particular boot was extremely popular. Plus, it was all they had in a size 15.

They have proven my assumptions regarding Georgia Boot completely wrong.

First, the boot is the most comfortable I’ve ever owned. I’ve been living in them this Winter and my feet do not hurt or feel tired even after wearing them for 12+ hours straight. Second, the boot is extremely rugged. The leather is very thick and I’ve worn them in snow, while stacking and chopping firewood, for mowing the lawn, taking hikes in the woods and pretty much any other kind of work around the house. Other than the usual “breaking in,” they’ve absorbed all the use without a problem. Third, the boot is warm. My feet haven’t felt cold while snow shoveling or playing with the kids in the snow. That includes trudging through 3-foot deep snow as well. Further, water does not penetrate the boot, even at the tongue which is webbed all the way up to the top of the boot. Fourth, the tread is very aggressive so the boot affords plenty of traction.

I can’t say these will be the last pair of boots I own because I know even these will eventually succumb. That said, I suspect it will be a long while before they do so and when they do finally go, I’ll be going right back to Georgia Boot for whatever their closest model to these are.

Basically, I have nothing negative to say about either of these items. Both have been put through their paces, especially this Winter, and both have easily been up to the task.

For those of you in more temperate climates, “roof raking” is when one pulls several feet of snow off the edge of their roof. Contrary to your first hunch, the reason for roof raking has little to do with removing weight from the roof. Though that can be a secondary benefit if the rake is long enough.

The primary benefit is in the prevention of “ice dams.” Because heat escapes the house through the roof, even a well insulated house, the first several inches of snow right on the roof melt. Mostly during the day when there’s some additional help from the Sun. Even during the night, with enough snow and its insulating properties it is possible for snow to melt given enough heat in a house.

What then happens is exposed melting snow freezes and forms a dam either right at the gutter or at the edge of the roof line (some houses up here don’t have gutters). Once it freezes, it expands and in the worst case, the snow continues to melt further up the roof and feeds the dam. As the damn continues to form, the ice expands up under the shingles and eventually gets to the sheathing. Left alone long enough, the roof can be damaged to the point that it requires resheathing and reshingling. It’s also possible for gutters to collapse due the weight from the ice.

Those sorts of repairs are expensive, in case you’re wondering.

However, for a mere $40 a homeowner can obtain a roof rake. The rake is basically a “plow” style snow shovel reversed (so it plows when pulled instead of pushed) and attached to an expandable handle. Then, raking a roof is as simple as dropping the rake into the snow on the roof and pulling. Rinse, repeat. All the way down the roof line. Both sides. Times several hours, depending on how deep the snow up there is.

And sore shoulder muscles.

Very, sore, shoulder muscles.

I’m still enjoying this Winter, but roof raking is no fun. Did I mention that all that snow from the roof then has to go somewhere? Yep. That batch of snow gets moved twice. And it’s a lot heavier than the stuff already on the ground.

I’d rather rake leaves.

My Mother gave me a pair of StabilIcers as a gift this Winter. She didn’t want me slipping and falling on my head anymore.

When I first got them, my initial impression was they’d be too much of a hassle. I was incorrect. They are simple to put on. Further, they stay on without slipping or moving and they also come off with ease. I’ve worn them on hardpacked snow, ice and other frozen sorts of terrain thus far and they have performed splendidly. I used them today while shoveling and plowing and had no issues. In fact, once on I really don’t even notice them unless I walk on concrete or some such surface. They are also proving to be durable- neither the straps nor the rubber sole is showing any sort of wear thus far. And I’m not particularly kind to them.

Anyone looking for a good solution for Winter traction will be pleasantly surprised by these.

I’m pretty much exhausted. The muscles in my back, shoulders, arms and legs all hurt from shoveling the snow. It took me about 3 hours to clear our driveway this morning and another 2 or so to clear parts of our deck and a path to our woodpile.

But it’s the most awesome Winter I can remember. I have vague recollections of the Blizzard of ’78. I also have other vague recollections of Winters with multiple big snow storms. But I was just a kid then. For all I know, big was 6″ of snow.

We have piles of snow that are at my eye level. Walking out into the pristine landscape, I easily sink in up to my knees. The dogs go out and have to bound through the snow. It is as high as their backs. Some of the piles are so high that they won’t even bother trying to go over.

I told the kids to enjoy this Winter as much as they can because they may never have another Winter like this one. But it was obvious that they didn’t comprehend my meaning. They’re still young, and the have so many Winters yet to go through. This is what Winter is for all they know.

They should be so lucky.

I’ve got a bunch of pictures to post, but that won’t be until later tonight. For now, I’m just reveling in our Winter wonderland.

It’s snowing.

Film at 11.

Oh- and it’s supposed to snow tomorrow. More film at 11.

On the plus side- at least temperatures are above 0.