Lynners discuss working in the cold

LYNN – While some citizens spent the holiday staying cozy in their heated homes, those who make their living outside faced the frigid temperatures and went about work as usual.?If you dress warmly it?s okay, but it?s not my favorite time of year,” said Swampscott dog walker Lucy Shepherd Monday afternoon. “It?s easy when it?s nice and warm but, (I?m) out here when it?s snowing and raining.”The area has been lucky to avoid major snow storms or even a long freeze so far this winter, but outdoor workers still have to shield themselves from dryness and wind, which are especially damaging to hands and faces.?The cold?s not that bad – it?s the wind chill that gets you. It cuts you like a knife,” said Al Peters, who works for Delco Utilities and was out fixing a fire alarm circuit along Western Avenue on Monday. “It?s like skiing: if you?re going down a mountain and (the wind?s) hitting you, 30 turns into zero fast. It?s not enjoyable.”Peters said he and his crew work outside off and on, but usually fix the problem and get out of the cold quickly. Not so for the gas station attendants at John?s Oil off Summer Street in Lynn, who withstand the elements so that patrons don?t have to get out of their heated cars.?When no one?s here I go sit in the office, which has a heater. So if no one comes, it?s better,” said attendant Paul Mackie, who has worked there for about a year.Even if the gas station is crowded with drivers unwilling to brave the elements for a fill-up, Mackie said time feels like it?s moving slower as soon as the temperatures drop.?I definitely don?t look forward to it,” said Mackie. “This place never closes because even when the plows are out they fill up here – in rain, snow, Nor?easters.”Shepherd said she?s affected by the plows? presence as well.?You have to make sure the plows see you or they won?t stop,” she said. “And of course, you have to be careful on the ice.”Shepherd walks about 10 miles throughout the day in short, half-hour increments, followed by a short rest in a heated building, preferably with some hot chocolate.?These guys don?t mind it,” she said, gesturing to the four dogs tethered to her on leashes. “They?re fine, they have fur coats, but some days I have to say, ?No sniffing, keep walking!?”Taylor Provost can be reached at [email protected].