I woke up this morning to about two inches of snow as predicated, so it was not necessarily a surprise. I knew I would have to provide shuttle service for my wife to her office today, as a retiree with supposedly nothing better to do. It also meant that I would be forced to run on the treadmill like a hamster, trying to maintain my daily running streak of 3,711 days. I could probably have run outside, and have many times in the snow, but quite frankly this “brittle-boned senior” is more and more afraid of falling on these steep neighborhood hills. In fact, the first thing I did this morning was prudently attach crampons to my running shoes.

Crampons are probably more suitable for an adventurous mountain climber rather than an aging man like myself. However, the feisty pups seem unfazed by the ice and anxiously try to pull me down the steep sidewalk. On several previous occasions I’ve lost my balance and taken a tumble on the incline. These bones aren’t what they used to be and bruises seem easier to come by. There’s no reason to add to the stiff joints and sore “muscles” that are a natural part of any retiree’s day. I don’t need to go tumbling down the hill and given another reason to take a pain pill!

It wasn’t really necessary to attach the crampons this morning. The snow was fluffy and it was too warm to be dangerously icy, Nonetheless, I’ve gotten into the habit of stretching them over my shoes to add some traction. I probably should have also put on the tire chains, but that’s far too much trouble. My wife wants us to get an SUV, but I’m too stubborn to trade for a car that is paid-off, especially since I now do little driving. The aging Solara at least has front-wheel drive; her lighter sport’s car has trouble navigating the winding route to work. I’ll pick her up later this afternoon, after the dogs go to the vet. They’ll appreciate the extra time away from home.

As a grandfather of three who has been retired for over two years, I call my shoe traction devices “Grampons.” At this age, I certainly not worthy of outdoor adventures beyond taking the dogs on short walks. I’ve yet to run in my “Grampons,” but on a cold morning I’ve encountered some slippery spots “black ice,” especially at 700-1000 feet of elevation. I’ll be a wimp and stick to the treadmill during in-climate weather anymore. Our home is at 550 feet where we get snow a couple of times every year. My “Grampons” keep me safe as I try my best to “exercise caution” and prevent injuries that could take the fun out of retirement.

***Continued in Post #853 including poem.