If there is one word that has most people on edge these days, it is the "s" word. I have to admit we have been blessed with an abundance of snow, but looking back on old time photos, it appears Saskatchewan had piles and piles of it in the 1930s and 1940s. It never seemed to be quite as big an issue back then and if it was, possibly because of lack of media coverage and communication, it wasn't broadcast as much and the determination of having to keep doing chores took all the energy for a day. We must also consider that the large equipment of today was not so readily available, so the digging was done by small tractors and most by hand. Can you imagine digging out a rail line manually?
The lifestyle of the farming culture 100 years ago displayed a much slower lifestyle. The natural pattern of the seasons kept work in check and one could only get as much manual labour done as one could in a day. Today, life has progressed to the point where things can't be done fast enough. Technological advances haves created a society that wants tasks done quickly and efficiently, leaving no room for growth, error or explanation. It's a do, do, do, go, go, go, fast, fast, fast world we live in, and in many cases, it's an "all about me" attitude. We all have places to go, appointments to keep, work places to travel to, schools or meetings to attend and let's hope the weather doesn't interfere with our plans.
Towns, villages, hamlets and cities are faced with certain challenges while rural municipalities are faced with others. Rural municipalities are faced not only with the challenges of an abundance of snow but roads packed with snow that is as hard as rock. Graders are unable to break their way through the snow thus requiring the assistance of larger, but unfortunately few available, pieces of industrial-sized equipment such as bull dozers and other related equipment.
Snow removal and disposal in the 2012-13 winter has been a challenge to say the least. But I must commend the numerous hamlet, village, town, city, rural municipal and highway crews for their hard work in attempting to clear and dispose of the snow. It appears, in many areas, the snow disposal sites are nearing capacity if not full already.
Of course, snow removal also requires the due diligence of the home and land owner. Being considerate to neighbours and obeying city/town regulations is of vital importance in keeping peace within the community. Why do we look at snow as something "cursed?" Everyone is anxious to "get it off my place!" I understand the need to remove the snow from around structures to avoid seepage into homes and other buildings, but let's face it, there are many options out there.
Instead of griping about the white blessings that has accumulated preventing you from getting somewhere fast, take the time to wave to the working crews, smile or stop and thank them for the job they are doing.
I think the winter of 2012-13 will be a winter to remember. Remember that every effort is made to ensure the road system is cleared, but patience must be exhibited while these dedicated individuals work diligently to make the roads safe for everyone.
