Here's what Cody and I did while my coffee was brewing this morning.
Cody couldn't wait to get back from our walk to romp around in the backyard.
I had been planning on going to swim before Allan takes the car to work (then I basically don't have the car all weekend). But as much as the snow is beautiful, I haven't driven in this weather in a very long time, probably not since I'm a teenager. I'm not sure it's worth the anxiety to get over to the Y.
We - er, that is, Allan - put the plastic over the windows last night. In doing so, he discovered that several windows were only closed on the inside. The outside windows that cover the screens were wide open. Duh, no wonder it was so cold in here! Between double-shutting the windows and putting the plastic up, things are far more tolerable already. If we save a little money into the bargain, that will be a bonus.
Continuing on the winter theme, do you guys use winter tires?
15 comments:
It's a winter wonderland here too. Winter tires are essential in Montreal. They may not be quite as essential in the Toronto area, but it makes driving a lot more pleasant. Four seasons tires can do it, but they don't give you that sense of added security.
Definitely winter tires.
I mean, if you have brand-new all-seasons it's okay, but they definitely don't work as well as winter tires, especially after a year or two. Some people don't see the need for them, but they're the ones who end up in a ditch in a snow storm.
We have winter tires on for about 7 months of the year (all-season radials, my ass). Out here on the Prairies, you can have a snowfall in mid-November and still be driving on the same snow in mid-December (which by then, has been compressed to the consistency of glacial ice). In the coldest months, December and January, it's too cold for salting, so unless a nice Chinook blows through, the snow just stays around the whole time. Man, I love the Chinook.
Why is that our doggies love to romp in the snow so much? The minute I open the back door after it snows Athena and Cian are like two puppies again :-)
So pretty!!!
Best bet in regards to tires is to go with All-Season (mud & snow) tires. For Ontario winters, they do the trick, and save you having to change them when winter starts and ends.
They do tend to be a bit pricier than straight snow tires, but when you weigh the cost against that of a set of snow tires and a set of regular tires, it works out to be cheaper. Plus you get the added convenience of not having to change them, as mentioned above (can you tell I hate having to change tires?).
Personally, I've been using All-Season tires for years, and my super-light (and super-powerless) little Saturn has never had a problem navigating the winter roads. I've just never seen snow tires as having that much more benefit - at least not in Ontario, anyway. And I say that having grown up in a rural area where we were lucky if a plow got there at all some days.
To get a better sense of the comparison, visit canadiantire.ca (I know, I know ...) and look under "automotive". They have a detailed All-Season tires section, as well as a Snow tires section, which should give you a better idea as to which would be best for you.
As far as I know, we use all-season tires. I'm not entirely sure because Lori takes care of car stuff -- and it's a leased car, so they may change the tires during the regular checkups and I wouldn't notice.
Some people don't see the need for them, but they're the ones who end up in a ditch in a snow storm.
This is what I'm afraid of.
I've been using All-Season tires for years, and my super-light (and super-powerless) little Saturn has never had a problem navigating the winter roads.
Although this says a lot, too.
Allan is trying to veto winter tires, but I'd rather be safe than sorry. I'd rather not have an accident and then get the winter tires.
When I caught this post in my RSS reader, I said...there better be pictures. Yaaay! I had no idea your home was in Narnia!
By the way, be careful driving for the next little while -- not so much for the snow itself, but because Torontonians always seem to suffer winter driving amnesia during the first snowfall of the season...
I had no idea your home was in Narnia!
:-)
Torontonians always seem to suffer winter driving amnesia during the first snowfall of the season...
I hear ya. I have a bit of winter driving amnesia myself, but it's been many years for me!
I hear ya. I have a bit of winter driving amnesia myself, but it's been many years for me!
You've got an excuse! I often find it alarming just how many accidents the first snowfall produces, given that folks up here should know what they're doing...
If you're only going to be travelling around Oakville, or generally anywhere south of a line 50km north of the 401, I'd say winter tires are not worth your money.
If, on the other hand, you visit Barrie, Collingwood, Orillia, Kincardine, the Bruce, etc. often (and on bad days), it's well worth it.
Do you do any camping? Ever done winter camping? How about renting a cottage? I've got lots of suggestions if you're ever interested (I'm quite well travelled and have lots of good suggestions for outdoorsy stuff if you're interested).
Thanks for the offer, but no camping for us, in any season!
We're not too outdoorsy. We do appreciate nature and like to do some hiking - as long as there's a hot shower and a nice bed at the end of the day. :)
We probably won't rent a cottage, either. I'm really into travel, and with limited time and money - and a looong list of places I want to go - I'll usually choose a more sightseeing vacation.
One nice thing, right now having a backyard is such a treat for us, it's practically like being in the country.
Oh by the way, we live in Port Credit, by the way, not Oakville. :)
Down here in snowy New Jersey, I heard on the radio today that when driving in snow and ice, you should imagine that you are driving with a bowl of hot soup in your lap. It's an appropriate image, I think, that will help us all avoid rapid accelerations, decelerations, and abrupt turns. It works for me. Drive safely, everyone!
Cody's cocaine habit exposed!
Post a Comment