snow – Mediocre Mum

Sledging in April at the Snow Centre, Hemel

It appears that my 3.5 year old daughter has absolutely no concept of fear. People often comment how great it is but I’m not convinced. It’s a bloody miracle that we haven’t been to A & E yet! She runs up to random dogs, has been skiing, quad biking with her dad in Canada, tubing behind a speed boat and has held a rather large snake. The only thing I’ve ever seen her balk at is spiders, but I think she gets this from her father.

In the video, you’ll see her hurling herself down the Cresta Run at the Snow Centre in Hemel on a Ringo. As she was not quite four, I had to give special permission for her to go. I did a quick mum health and safety check, which usually involves me asking myself ‘will she be killed or seriously maimed’ and the answer to that was a resounding ‘no’ as it was perfectly safe.

I only had to go down with her once and then she insisted on doing it by herself as she was a ‘big girl’. If they would’ve let her, I’m sure she would’ve went down on a Zipfy (5+) or a Airboard (16+) and too be honest I probably would’ve let her.

I don’t want a clingy nervous child but somewhere in the middle would be great.

Thanks to everyone at the Snow Centre, Chris Bennett from F!nn Communications Ltd and Fabiola Franco from Arena Quantum for a great day out!

New government advice on clearing snow

I was in town today, we’ve had about 8 inches of snow in the last few days, and there was a physically challenged gentleman probably in his 40s, with two children under 5, walking with sticks. He was practically walking down the middle of a very busy street, which happens to be a bus route as well. Due to the sticks, he was unable to hold the children’s hands and they were terrifyingly close to the traffic. It was one of those moments where you couldn’t bear to watch.

The reason he was walking in the road was because the footpaths were impassable. I was sliding around and I’m perfectly able. This refuelled my anger of the madness of Health and Safety; I know it’s not just this country. It’s unfair to continually compare Canada to the UK but this is my reference point. In Canada, you’re legally responsible for clearing the footpaths (sidewalks) outside your property including the one leading up to your house. If you don’t and someone slips and is hurt you’re liable.

Up until recently, it was believed in the UK that if you ‘did’ clear the paths then you would be liable, which seems completely back to front to me, which has resulted in no one clearing their paths. I was walking into town on the weekend and was speaking with an elderly gentleman who was meticulously clearing his own drive, but wouldn’t clear the footpath for this very reason.

So, I was pleased to read that Hertfordshire County Council has welcomed government guidelines that give clear guidance for residents who want to clear snow and ice from outside their properties.

“There is no law stopping you from clearing snow and ice on the pavement outside your property, pathways to your property or public spaces.”

In response to concerns from the public about being sued, the guidelines continue:

“If an accident did happen, it’s highly unlikely that you would be sued as long as you are careful and use common sense to make sure that you don’t make the pavement or pathway clearly more dangerous than before. People using areas affected by snow and ice also have responsibility to be careful themselves.”

You can read the full article here which includes advice on clearing paths.

So, come on and get your shovels out, if you have one! You may want to check with your local council first. :-)

I’m a Grumpy Old Woman. Are you? Help yourself to a badge.

How to Drive in the Snow!

I’m by no means an expert on driving in the snow. However, I’m Canadian and started driving at 16 (23 years ago) so I have a few years driving in treacherous weather. I once called the AA and they said they’d get to me in 3 days! This post is tempting fate and I’m sure I’ll end up pranging the car in the next few days so you can all point and laugh.

The thought of driving in the snow here in the UK doesn’t faze me, it’s the other people that, frankly, terrify me. I’m often surprised when schools are closed and people can’t make it to work. I know it’s not fair to compare Canada to the UK as you don’t have the infrastructure in place for a few days of snow but these short periods of weather seem to be getting longer and longer every year.

“Too many motorists simply jump in their cars on chilly mornings and treat adverse weather conditions as an inconvenience. The reality is that without proper preparation and a change in driving style, the consequences of snow and ice can be fatal.” from the BBC.

So, here are a few of my own tips to keep you a bit safer.

1.) If you’re not confident or the thought of driving in the snow makes your blood pressure race then for the love of god walk away from the car, go back inside and make yourself a nice warm cuppa. If you’re a nervous driver you won’t be able to react in time and will end up doing something stupid. No journey is worth it.

2.) DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT use your brakes unless you absolutely have to. Yes, this means that you have to drive at Grandma Speed but at least you’ll be able to stop when you need to. If you are driving a manual use your gears. If it is an automatic transmission then use the lower gears…those are denoted by the D1 and D2 on the column shift.

3.) Do not speed

4.) Just because you have a 4X4 it doesn’t mean you’re invincible so slow the f*ck down. I don’t know how many times in Canada I’ve driven (smugly) past SUVs in the ditch in my little town car.

5.) This one is actually in the road code, but most people seem to have forgotten. If you are coming down a hill (icy or not) the person coming up the hill has the right of way. If the person coming up the hill has to stop on an icy slope the laws of physics makes it nearly impossible for them to get going again. If you are coming down the hill and unable to stop then you’re going to fast!

6.) Use second gear when pulling out from a stop; it will prevent the wheels from spinning.

7.) Try not to change gears when going up a hill.

8.) If the worst happens and you start to skid, take your foot off the accelerator, DO NOT brake and steer in the direction of the skid.

Hope you have a safe journey!

The Mountain Wins Again (Hemel Snow Centre)

Madame had her first ever ski lesson this morning courtesy of The Snow Centre. Even though I’m Canadian, I was secretly hoping she wouldn’t like it as it’s one of those sports, like horse riding, that may require a second mortgage! However, she absolutely loved it! At the end of her lesson she demanded more and tried to make a break for the big slope!

A special thanks to Ali Fischer, the Marketing Assistant, at the Snow Centre for such a warm welcome and to Nicole for being and ever so patient Instructor.

I can’t wait till she turns 4 so I can get her into lessons. Shhh, don’t tell hubby!

The music is by Blues Traveller one of my favourite bands.

UK’s Lesser Known Tourist Attractions

Most of you know that I’m Canadian. Contrary to popular belief Maple Syrup doesn’t flow through our veins nor are we born with skis strapped to our feet. I can ski although not brilliantly and I’ve never needed the services of Mountain Rescue.

I grew up 45 minutes away from Sun Peaks ski resort which is currently being developed in conjunction with Nancy Green of Olympic Gold Medal Fame. When I was growing up it was called Todd Mountain, but apparently Tod means death in German, so to attract more tourists they changed it.

So, I have to admit when I first moved to the UK and came across a dry ski slope I fell about laughing. Who in their right mind would make a ski hill out of washing up brushes? Let me think about it, white fluffy powdery snow…..abrasive material used to scour pans. There doesn’t seem to be any logic in it.

When my family comes to visit, I always take them to the main UK attractions like the Changing of the Guard, the London Eye, Stratford upon Avon, etc but I always have to take them to see the local dry slope and of course we go via the Magic Roundabout in Hemel! They always have the same reaction as me and jump out to take a photo in disbelief.

We’re hoping to go on our first skiing holiday in February so I’m really looking forward to Madame’s first ski lesson, at the Hemel Snow Centre. Apparently, they have real snow…

*sponsored post