Being from Minnesota, a freshly fallen snow conjures up memories of building snowmen (sorry, they were called snowMEN back then); lying on the ground making snow angels (feeling no cold or wet); and a runny, red nose that needed the rising steam of a cup of hot chocolate to thaw the schnozz (with lots of marshmallows). But for me, the one image that the presence of 4+ inches of fresh pristine powdery precipitation prompts is the sight of a cleanly shoveled driveway. That vision - and the sound of my mother's voice "motivating" that she wants to see that so clean she could eat off of it! - are what fuel my inner fire when I venture out to take on the task.
I'm not going to use this forum to expound on my shoveling technique (well-honed on two driveways and the sidewalk at 2712 Quentin Avenue in St. Louis Park). But I did want to thank the neighbor for shoveling our driveway here in NJ. They've done it a few times over the past few years, even bringing in the heavy equipment of their snow blower when we've had upwards of 6+ inches. Being responsible for clearing their own one driveway is enough of a chore, but repeating that often arduous process again for another is exceptional generosity.
It should be clear that I don't like to, nor ever do, play the Cancer Card; getting ahead in line, getting out of an undesirable family task, or getting to have the last brownie in the pan. Since being diagnosed, it's never been necessary for making it through any kind of life situation. And frankly, I'm just not that sick to warrant the preferential treatment.
But, in as much as I really do like the fresh air, the controlled exercise, and the indescribable feeling of accomplishment that comes from a snowless shoveled driveway, I also don't mind every once in a while, opening the garage door (bundled to do battle), and finding that the war has already been fought on my behalf - - - being the neighbor with cancer who could use a break. Thanks again !
PS: Image is an actor’s portrayal - not my actual driveway
