winter is cool.

the sidewalk that goes from the backdoor to the garage is lower than the grass that surrounds it, so when it starts to get warm & the snow starts to melt, all the run-off ends up pooling in the lowest part of the backyard: on the sidewalk. once it's cold again for a few days, all the run-off becomes a giant patch of ice. this, combined with the fact no one shovels unless it snows at least a foot, makes for a dangerous walk to the garage (or in my case, to the side of the garage).

i obviously know this, & i usually walk on the snow to the side to avoid falling on my face. i was tricked into forgetting about the thick ice this morning, as the sidewalk was covered with a new layer of fresh snow. i walk outside (carrying 3 bags, don't ask), take 2 or 3 steps, & immediately fall flat on my ass. 

of course.