If any official is going to tell the residents of Regina or any community about Saskatchewan and our weather for 5 or 6 months out of the year, “be prepared for winter with a shovel and winter tires” might be the wording.

This morning, I got stuck right out front of the station! Why did I had to drive on a day like today? Mostly because I felt as though that might be a better idea than walking. I was wrong! The streets drifted in, heavier is some places than other spots. Yes, I pulled an illegal move, but for my own safety. No one was coming, I drove down a street the wrong way. Things seemed like it was going to be clear sailing. Until our block of Rose Street. Rose Street from Victoria Avenue north to Saskatchewan Drive has to be the worst spot if you think you can park at a meter. The street is just built to suck you into the curb and lock you down.

Thank you to two men that helped me and gratitude to Mark Johnston for showing up to work this morning! He came along at the time I was stuck in the middle of Rose and 12th – 4:50 am to just after 5am. Finally, out of the way of any traffic, I was in reverse to try and achieve some sort of parking. It wasn’t easy, but finally I could leave the car and hope that I would be able to get out later in the morning. I did, you can bet I’ll be walking tomorrow.

Snow, blowing snow, rain. All things that come together to create the perfect storm. The first snowfall – we officially have WINTER. Keep track of this, because who knows what Mother Nature has planned next. We lucked out through the early fall with above normal temperatures and a dry Halloween. Living in Canada is amazing. All the curves that come our way. Being prepared for all seasons is a master class! Basically, a few missteps and you’ll learn along the way. Think of these as check points as you winterize yourself.

Winter: Good tires. Block heater cord out. Wipers in good shape. Antifreeze washer fluid. Blankets. Scrapper. Cell phone charger. Emergency candle. Emergency snacks. Winter footwear. Water. Tow rope. Safety vest. Shovel. Sand. Hand/Feet warmers. Toque. Heavy coat. Full tank of gas. The option to stay at home

Canadians are built for adventure!! And we are confident that we can drive in any condition. Of course driving during May to September should be seamless. Many years ago I was driving on an eastern slope logging road just west of Turner Valley, Alberta. The drive started out with sun and fall warmth until I ran into a whiteout at the pass before heading down the other side. Let me tell you seeing cows grazing at an angle was interesting. On the other side of the road, the tree line dropped into a very deep valley. A narrow logging road, a small car and snow; what a combination! I’ve driven home from Alberta at Christmas ramrodding through drifts on the highway. I have ventured out when the QEII south of Red Deer to Calgary was so slushy that I left a hand written will, just in case. I might just be getting a bit long in the tooth for such adventures.

Thank you to all those that will stop and help when you need them during the chaos that is winter. They carry shovels and advice on how to get you out of a pinch. They have tow ropes and muscles to push.

Please remember: Snow Routes take time to clear and are done with ease, if you actually abide by them. Watch for signage and move your vehicle. Download the city of Regina App or get the alerts for Snow Route notifications.