It’s February in Minnesota. I know it’s supposed to be cold and yes, I expect snow. But this winter seems to be lingering so long already (last year we had a major snowstorm in April). We’ve had 30 days where our high temperature was less than zero. Â That’s ZERO. Blah.
Yesterday afternoon our blizzard started with 2 inches of very wet snow. I headed out early enough and shoveled the very heavy snow. I’ve learned that when a lot of snow is predicted, it’s best to get out and shovel a little at a time rather than when the snow is too thick — it saves on back pain, trust me.
Later in the evening I headed out a second time and shoveled again. Our snow plow guy had not arrived yet and he wouldn’t arrive until it stopped snowing — what would be the point?
Looking out the window this morning, our driveway was plowed. We have a very dependable snowplow man. But, as winter would have it, it snowed after the plowing.
So, with shovel in hand, and bundled up for the 10° temperature, I shoveled and shoveled and shoveled some more. (We do have an electric snow blower but I find it hard to push it — much easier with the shovel.)  Later in the morning, the sun came out and getting motivated again, I headed over to my 89 year old neighbor’s house and shoveled his walkway. Unfortunately, I hadn’t gone over yesterday and shoveled his 2 inches of sleet/snow so he had quite a bit of snow and ice. Fortunately, he always leaves his shovel outside his front door so I didn’t have to haul mine with me.
The sun continues to shine through the snow laden branches. It’s dangerous out there though. Empty trucks are stranded on the highways. Filled trucks have to be extremely careful or they won’t be able to stop when cars skid into snow banks. There’s a lot of ice under the snow that won’t be melting any time soon because of the next round of “polar vortex” that is heading our way.
Our mailman attempted but was not able to deliver the mail (I can tell by the truck tracks) as the city plowed the snow against the side of the road and left a huge snow bank. I had to climb onto the bank to get our newspaper.
Minnesota snow is beautiful but this beauty is not worth it to me. What am I saying? I don’t want to retire here. I’d like to be able to go out in winter — take a nice walk (even with a coat) or at least be able to drive around without having to worry about winding up in a ditch.
So — with six (or so) years left to retirement, we have a few years to research other places to live.
Anyone have any suggestions?