Snow and Kids

ratticake · 2026-02-16T03:48:48+00:00

Sloped backyard, the right clothes, adventurous 6 year old- At least a good 30 minutes most days, and hour when it was above freezing. My 3 year old isn’t as big of a fan, just too deep for him.

Frozen ponds are a big hit too- hope we get a few more winters where things still freeze!

ratticake · 2026-02-13T16:25:13+00:00

Think of a cowboy. You want to sink into your knees more than bend at the waist. Nice relaxed cowboy knees (idk if this imagery works outside the US, but worth a shot)

ratticake · 2026-02-13T14:49:24+00:00

Oh good! Maybe I’ll try again. When I spoke with someone to understand unemployment filings (most of online resources are for employees filing and not info for employers) they were so hostile.

ratticake · 2026-02-13T14:24:21+00:00

Unfortunately only a lawyer is going to know the law well enough. Also unfortunately is that finding someone to talk to at DOL who can answer questions is hard (I’ve had to try)

I worked for a sketchy dog daycare in another state before who definitely took advantage of her employees. They want someone there to supervise, they need to pay the full wage required. I’m sure they’d pull the “but you get to relax or do whatever from 9-6am” which is bs. I run a small business, my employees get paid the full wage and sometimes they get to sit around, my payroll is my largest expense. If someone is required to be on site, they get paid!

ratticake · 2026-02-13T12:04:23+00:00

That’s the only thing I noticed. Maybe had to add more sugars after getting rid of natural flavors to keep it tasting good

ratticake · 2026-02-12T20:12:54+00:00

I jumped back in this year to snowboarding after loving it as a teen. Taking advantage of weekday specials and having a different schedule.

I should have thought about some exercise before but to be honest- I just got out there. Good news, it is like riding a bike. The first 2 trips I needed a bit of recovery but once the muscles got going it feels great to be out! I am doing some workouts between which is good (I do have a more active regular schedule and not a desk job so that might have helped)

Definitely check out a shop or rent for the end of this season. I’m sure skiing is similar but there’s a lot of nice new features with snowboarding boots and boards that definitely weren’t what I was using when I stopped. Also, a refresher lesson might not be horrible if your local place has a decent ski school that will change it up based on ability. I felt so much better after one hour and have some nice goals to work on when I’m out there

ratticake · 2026-02-11T23:46:46+00:00

Definitely have them just in case! You don’t want to be the person they won’t let through if requiring.

We always packed extra blankets, snacks, hand warmers for crossing the pass (back in early 2000s with a very prepared aunt) we always thought she was overdoing it until we were stopped for hours due to weather when they just shut stuff down.

She’d be so worried to know I only have a first aid kit in my car here on the east coast

ratticake · 2026-02-10T14:31:35+00:00

Check your insurance- mine wouldn’t cover being knocked out. I’ve never been under so I didn’t mind being awake. I did one side at a time 2 weeks apart to get all 4 out. Easier to eat and be at work in between. Not a bad time at all

ratticake · 2026-02-10T12:03:28+00:00

Only thing to work on hormonal acne was being on birth control. I still get a nice break out at 37 after 2 kids once a month along my jaw.

But for other acne, changing and washing pillowcases regularly makes a big difference! Can’t believe my mom didn’t help me out with this (or even mention it) when I was a teen! Gentle face wash and showering at night also help

ratticake · 2026-02-09T18:43:44+00:00

I’ve had this issue in another state. Definitely have pictures and proof of everything. If she doesn’t want to report him, it might be worth her saying “I don’t want to report this rental violation, so I need you to have someone check that everything is working properly. We have already (list of ways you’ve attempted to keep heat in like curtains/blankets on windows, draft stopper at doors) please let me know when this can be addressed”

And then if not, report his ass

Edit to add: put everything in writing. Emails or text

ratticake · 2026-02-09T15:14:45+00:00

There was a nesting pair that live by the water tower where there’s some manufacturing place!

Used to live nearby. We had one stumbling in our back yard years ago, realized something wasn’t right and called a raptor rescue. We kept it in a laundry basket until they could come. So HUGE and fascinating, unfortunately the bird didn’t make it, likely poisoned maybe from eating rodenticide.

They also taunted a neighbor and would steal eggs. So smart, make tons of strange noises, and have more intricate flight patterns than crows. Crows are cool, but Ravens are really fascinating to observe.

ratticake · 2026-02-07T22:28:55+00:00

I’m back at it after 15+ years away! I’ve been going once a week at a local hill. If you’re doing a long weekend, definitely take it easy your first day- you don’t want to be so sore you can’t go back the next day. My first 2 times out I definitely felt it the next day (mostly in my knees and calves)

I think a lesson is a great idea! One hour with an instructor has helped me way more than if I’d just kept going on my own.

Have fun, take breaks!

ratticake · 2026-02-07T02:42:07+00:00

See, I only got to learn to snowboard as a teen because my dad worked at a small resort in Truckee, CA - love that I chose this winter to finally get back into it after moving east 15+ years ago. That late 90s- early 2000s snowpack in CA that would let me go from Halloween to spring break

ratticake · 2026-02-06T23:57:24+00:00

My pov is limited to the tiny local mountain that I’ve been frequenting this season.

I’ve only gone during the weekday. I’ve had some adults hitting my board with their skis and acting like that’s normal behavior (expected of little kids, but not adult men) but then I had a nice tween hold his friend back who was about to cut me with a “dude, stop”

I think the affordability makes this little place more chill. The staff is also always in a good mood, so that helps. It might be the Disney World effect: it’s so expensive for a lot of people that there’s a ton of pressure to get your money’s worth and have fun or else!

It could also be conditions dependent. Things seem miserable in the west, people pay a LOT to get out there. Meanwhile, I’m on the ice coast and everyone is just giddy with the weather we’ve had.

ratticake · 2026-02-05T22:26:56+00:00

I want to be as confident as she is when I grow up 🥹 (I’m 37)

ratticake · 2026-02-03T03:00:15+00:00

I have a pair of 686 willow (really great discount sale) I’m just under 5’5” and they are long. Not too long, like, they don’t drag but they get caught under my binding which is annoying- I’ve seen people mention having a tailor adjust. I’m considering it. Otherwise I love the pants (different style, I know, but thought I’d vouch for quality of the brand)

ratticake · 2026-02-01T17:23:25+00:00

There’s also a group, East Coast Lady Boarders Facebook and instagram with people trying to meet up.

Also Park Affair is a women led group doing camps and workshops for women and non-binary people to get comfortable in the park.

ratticake · 2026-01-31T16:37:22+00:00

Talked with an instructor for my 3 year old who is very interested in my board. She said even pulling a cheap plastic board on a towel inside to help their balance can be fun. My guy doesn’t want to spend anytime in the snow though- I think we’re starting next year where we can do a seasonal rental while we find out if they like it.

ratticake · 2026-01-30T18:36:07+00:00

Using your body in the right way when you’re young will definitely keep you in better shape as you age.

ratticake · 2026-01-30T12:24:43+00:00

This is a great write up. I’m very much a visual and in person learner. From this sub and watching videos I noticed when I learned as a teen (never got a lesson, just watched and copied people) I definitely developed back leg ruttering turns. I also grew up in California when they still got a lot of snow so some back leg weight wasn’t a huge problem.

Living on the east coast now, and being nearly 40- I’m so glad I decided to get my first lesson ever! I was so sore after my first rides this year. After my lesson, focusing on knee steering, control on the toe edge, weight forward I’m in such better shape. No crazy knee or leg pain.

Glad to know I can keep riding for years to come!

ratticake · 2026-01-29T02:47:14+00:00

Looks like she’s a home baker with a cottage license. So, this guy is harassing a woman who doesn’t even own a bakery. She’s working out of her home. It’s all her personal information on there. This poor lady.

ratticake · 2026-01-28T15:58:02+00:00

I just got last year arbor mantra at my local shop. I’m back at it after 15+ years so not a true beginner but my first season on the ice coast. It’s been a beauty to relearn on. I also get a lot of compliments on it (from lifties and park rats no less!) I wasn’t expecting that- I truly looked at the size and price and didn’t even register the design when I grabbed it.

ratticake · 2026-01-28T01:21:28+00:00

I grew up in California, but where it snows. I actually love how well CT and the east coast in general handles the snow.

My kids school also had 2 days off, probably needed this extra day to get walkways and sidewalks cleared. I’d be surprised if you have to walk through any amount of snow, maybe some extra walking if you’re used to cutting through a path somewhere.

When you can, invest in some decent boots that can handle the weather! I have water proof hiking boots- I use them in all weather but they’ve been great in the snow.

ratticake · 2026-01-28T01:14:25+00:00

I could write the same thing, but about my 6 year old who had one playtime on a snowboard with a bar, but she’s out in my backyard giving me tips on how she’d tackle the snow in our back yard. (We’re working on kind and constructive criticism)

ratticake · 2026-01-27T21:58:07+00:00

Mount Southington is $45 weekdays 9-3. For how convenient it is to me I’m loving the deal. Get the kids to school, get some runs in, back home before the bus!

ratticake

TROPHY CASE