I moved to Switzerland in 2012. That was their coldest winter in 30years. It started snowing in October. Even P was caught unprepared and built a snowman with the boys using his rubber garden gloves. P travelled a lot then and the boys were so young – 5 and 7 year olds. I was too busy trying to adjust to life in Switzerland. I certainly didn’t have time to shovel snow to clear a path from the gate to the main door! When the snow was too thick, I went out through the garage door. Until that gentle tap on the shoulder by the kindly neighbour - clearing the path is the homeowner’s responsibility. If the postman has an accident trying to get to the front door, we would be responsible for the said accident. Noted. A wide lightweight aluminum shovel was purchased. I also threw in a couple of red plastic wood-handled smaller shovels thinking the boys could help.
Ten years later, I think I’ve gotten the hang of it! There is a bit of planning and skill involved. It’s best to clear the snow when it has just stopped snowing and it is still fresh and soft. Wait overnight and it’s possibly hardened to ice that you have to hack off. I always marvel at how I start off with a thick coat, gloves and hat. And as I get underway, slowly peel a layer as I begin to sweat. It’s like cardio and weights workout combined, done and dusted before 9am. P has to be at work by 8:30am so this was my job. He teased me that I’ve become a ‘Heidi’. If he’s not fast enough, that comment earns him a shovelful of snow hurled in his direction.
But P has since retired. I pointed out to him that he can take over the snow shovelling duties. It’s his turn to be ‘Heidi’ or Peter, if you’ve read Johanna Spyri’s book. He can’t really argue with that and credit to him, he was uncomplaining. Except he started boasting that he’s so much better at it than I am! He says for one, he not only clears a path for people but he also clears a path for the cats! ‘Because darling, they might freeze their jelly bean paws!’ Who can argue with that?
Switzerland doesn’t seem to have that problem of people keeling over while shovelling snow that seems to make headlines in the US and Canada every winter. Apparently about 100 people in the US die every year while shovelling snow. Shovelling increases the heart rate and blood pressure which combined with the cold air which causes arteries to constrict and decrease blood supply is deemed ‘the perfect storm for a heart attack’, according to Cardiologist Barry Franklin. "People at greatest risk are those who are habitually sedentary with known or suspected coronary disease, who go out once a year to clear snow," he says, adding that smoking and being overweight drastically increase the risk. Could the last point about obesity be the key? US obesity rate is at 41.9% in 2017 while Switzerland’s is 11.3%. Wishing you safe shovelling. Guten tag!
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