Under the Hat: Back in the Swing - WICU12/WSEE Erie, PA News, Sports, Weather and Events

Most of us are back in the swing this week, and I'm talking about more than just getting back to work from the holiday break.

We are also getting back into the swing of dealing with winter, a set of skills that haven't been used much given that last year was the Winter that Wasn't.

Indeed we have learned to look for that shine on the road known as Black Ice, remembering that it's a good idea to put on the brakes before going into the intersection, just in case.

We're remembering to throw the snow brush and the rock salt into the trunk.

We're remembering to invest in decent tires and wipers.

Of course the roads are just part of the lifestyle at this time of year.

We're also remembering to bend at the knees when shoveling snow to keep the strain off the back.

To wash hands to avoid colds and not forget scarves and gloves and hats.

Then there is my personal favorite; the baby step walk we all know how to do to get across an icy parking lot in heels or dress shoes.

It's all slowly coming back, skills that we haven't needed in a while given our recent warm snap.

But it never really goes away, it's like riding a bike.

Which isn't that easy to do this time of year anyway.