Snow. You either love it, or you hate it. But if you are living in Iowa, you better get used to it. And why not?
Snowstorms bring me back to my childhood days, playing for countless hours, all bundled up for the winter weather, sledding on the hills. I also remember my brother Brian getting his dirt bike out and racing around in the snow on an open lot near our childhood home. He convinced me to allow him to tie my sled to the back of his motorcycle and pull me around. It was fun for a few laps, until he fell.
Seeing all the snow in the parking lots this week reminded me of another childhood memory. Did you ever “bumper ski”? Now before I explain what this foolish activity was — in case you don’t already know — I must start by stating that I don’t recommend it. It wasn’t safe or smart in the1970s, and it is even less safe or smart now.
Bumper skiing was a simple “sport" that didn’t require any equipment, other than some well-padded winter wear. The participant simply placed his or her hands on the rear bumper of a stopped vehicle and slid across the parking lot with it as it moved, crouching down to keep balance. Admittedly, it was more fun to watch than do, as the inevitable faceplate would occur when a vehicle surpassed 15 mph.
Even if you wanted to try it, bumper skiing would be difficult to do today. First of all, very few vehicles today have bumpers that you can actually hang on to. And second, parking lots are clear of snow down to the dry pavement more frequently today, and sliding on blacktop would not be easy. But if you are bound and determined to hang on to something in the snow, come on over to my place, and I will introduce you to a snow shovel.
Now have a great Wednesday!
