February 15, 2026
When you read this, it will be a snowy winter here in Ontario. Let me share a memory from last year’s cold, white season. (Some of you heard this tale from me “live” then!)
In early December 2024, Dave and I drove back from visiting family in Texas. We have done this before, about the same time of year, and winter weather is not usually in full swing here. However, this time more than four feet of snow blanketed our home and driveway in the woods. The main road had been cleared by our neighbor, but I would not be able to tremor-stomp myself through the drifts.
So Dave dropped me at a hotel in Orillia, and went back home to winterize all the vehicles, check the generator, and clear off the wifi receiver. And then plough our driveway. This took about 3 days.
In the meantime, I was near a drugstore, coffee shop, and grocery store. But one morning I took my walking poles and decided to take the Highway 11 overpass to go to the bank. Part of the way over, I found that the sidewalk ploughing had not been done properly and there was an unexpected section of only a single foot-width worn path in the snow.
The sidewalk is narrow and close to the traffic. Turning around would have been more dangerous, so I prayed and pressed on. Forty-five minutes later, I arrived at the plaza, plunked myself down at a nail salon and breathed a prayer of relief! Took a taxi back to the hotel…
It was the beginning of needing to be always watchful of walking surfaces. Compromised mobility brings with it heightened awareness!
