Since the day before Thanksgiving, snow has been on the ground where we live. Wait, where else would it be? In the air? I have already used the snow shovel and snow blower multiple times to clear the driveway. Our snow blower is a Toro, and it worked very well and quick. Don’t tell anybody that sometimes when I am using it, the snow blows right back at me (even though I have the chute turned away); I blame wind! I also watch our neighbors for techniques. Why is that one neighbor using a leaf blower? Even on Facebook Reels, I see videos of people and companies doing it, and it’s very fascinating to watch.
Moving from the Texas heat to the Minnesota cold, I was expecting snow. And, you know something, it’s actually really satisfying clearing the snow. To me, it’s a sense of accomplishment. Kind of like when I mow the lawn, but with the snow, it’s a just a small area to clear. I do need to buy another type of snow shovel, one that works better at the end of the driveway where it meets the street.
Now driving in it, that is a different story. Fortunately, Niko was off from school Wednesday through Friday for Thanksgiving. On Sunday, the three of us blowed and shoveled the driveway, and I even had Nina back the car up and reverse it in the garage, so when I would leave Monday morning for school drop-off, I could go straight out of the garage. Well, that morning, it was my first time ever driving on snow and it was a very slow drive and I took turns extra cautiously. It was definitely a weird feeling. I have felt the car slide, but my speed has been so slow, that I am able to control it and get my traction back. A few days ago in the morning, Niko and I saw a car in the ditch. I did tell Niko, if anything does happen, we are in a very safe car (Honda Pilot), and we will be OK. But the car may not be OK. Not on purpose, but lastTuesday morning, I did supply the glove compartment with our updated car insurance!
Now, if we do feel our FWD SUV isn’t sufficient for this weather, we can very easily get an AWD SUV. But, to be honest, and so far, it’s doing really good. I mean, I see little tiny cars driving in the snow and if they can do it, then ours can too.
Rain, I don’t mind driving in rain. But, snow, I don’t like it and am glad that his school is very close. One day last week, they let the kids out early as heavy snow fell that afternoon. The next day, his school had a delayed start. We didn’t have to drive that day as Niko wasn’t feeling well.
Behind the scenes, all the roads and neighborhood streets have been plowed by the city and are drivable. Even the walking trail behind our house has been plowed. Last week, Nina and I each had medical appointments about 30 minutes away, and the main highway was cleared of snow. Nina went in one direction and I went in the other direction – on different days.
I am still waiting to see snow mobiles driving!
