My Adventures in Shoveling

Being in a house for the first time in MN, as an adult, and being responsible for my own shoveling has been eye opening after this past weekend's storms. First of all, I didn't have a shovel any bigger than a kid sized shovel that I found in my work car. So, I gave the kids lids to plastic storage containers and had them scoop up snow while I used the baby shovel for the first storm. It was frustrating and exhausting.

So, when snow was threateningly imminent, I bought a bigger shovel for me and another smaller shovel for one of my kids. So, now there are 3 shovels, figuring my two older kids can shovel. I didn't count on my kids fighting over the opportunity to shovel. Having a bigger shovel did make a difference. And having more shovelers made a difference too. We got more done and faster.

My house is right off of a busy road and having a clear driveway, I am realizing is not only "nice", it's critical. So, I was up at the top of the drive trying to clear it down to pavement and the gravel so that I would have traction when I need to dart out in the morning, because that is often what I have to do to when I leave for work. I saw the snowplow coming at a pretty fast clip and I turned in toward my house and began walking but not fast enough. A huge spray of snow and road junk hit me full force across the back. I was stunned silent for a moment. I looked at Princess and PH and their jaws were on the driveway. Princess was wiping snow from her face and said she got a face full of snow. I told her that I got hit real hard with snow, dirt, ice and whatnot and that I probably was going to bruise.

I still didn't know what to say but I knew something had to be said. I continued shoveling for a few minutes, taking advantage of the rush of adrenaline that hit me but I started to ache and my head was getting cold and I knew I was full of road slop. Before announcing I was going inside for a hot shower, I told my kids, "This would be why it is very important that you NOT play by the side of the road during the winter. Did you see how fast that snow plow went? And he didn't see me at all? And even if he could, he couldn't slow down."

Then I looked at the driveway and decided it was good enough. My daughter said, "Mom, there isn't much left. I will finish it." What a good girl. If I wasn't so cold, my heart would have melted into a puddle right there.

"Be careful of snowplows", I said, as I walked into the house.

"If we see one, we are going to RUN!"

They are good kids and fast learners.

I have a bruised shoulder and bruised rib on top of sore muscles and back from shoveling. And believe me, if I see the snow plow coming, I'm running too!