I had an awakening watching Landman on TV. The scene showed a small boy maybe 10 or 11 throwing newspapers to deliverees out of the passenger window of a GM Station Wagen circa 1976.
To me knowing what I know now the overwhelmingly gas-guzzling Station Wagon was not even necessary for this task but most importantly it soiled the boy’s altruistic remuneration or money.
I feel strongly because I loaded fifty or so daily newspapers into a pouch that fit on the handlebars of my AMF single-speed when I was that age. The papers all got there and the money was good and exceptionally clean.
The last few weeks here the cold snap has not yet ended although gradually temperatures are forecasted to increase fairly significantly over the next 1-2 weeks.
I think we’re through with cold snaps for this year. Sure we’ll have a bit more snow but not much. I’m looking forward to spring and an early one at that.
The cold and cold snaps in particular change the commute and the ride into slogs. Pavement is usually icy or snow-packed and slippery as in such cold snow and ice do not melt.
Furthermore, it hasn’t been easy coping with this cold snap that has really gone on and on for more than two weeks!
Two mornings I drove to my commitment because it was just too cold. I was back out on my trusty bicycle in the afternoon.
A number of days I wore handwarmers, including in my socks, and they helped significantly.
I also wore a balaclava most days. The day I didn’t my frozen noze and lips made me feel like I wish I had!
I have two different balaclavas in my wardrobe one is thinner but not less warm and the other is thicker, made of fleece and seems to be about the same level of warmth as the first one.
I prefer the first one however because it is thinner and easier to get a hood and a helmet over for riding purposes.