And while many of us don't habitually greet the process of bundling against the elements with shovel in one hand and flat hoe in the other, with passionate enthusiasm, attitude is key. Let's take stock of the positives. For starters, by using shovel and flat hoe to remove snow and ice, we can feel good about not contributing to the chemical equation that runs off into water systems, soil, and vegetation. Carefully watching where we step, we have a chance not only to exercise our heart and awaken dormant muscle groups, but to release a little stress in the process of the physical activity. Try a bit of measured flat hoe action on the ice at this point.
Creativity works in mysterious ways.
If you're physically unable to do the work yourself, hire a student or trade services with a neighbor to follow your wishes. After a startled look or two and some fine- tuning on the price or prize for services to be rendered with each snow fall or icy conditions, you'll feel good about the choice. A word of caution about physical methods learned from my husband. As an enthusiastic Eco-minded teenager, he volunteered to remove ice from his parents' driveway. Rather than chipping the heck out of paved surfaces with a pick-ax, a flat hoe can help you pry off the ice without the same risk of severe damage, though you still want to be careful.