Not as helpful as one might hope

[pameladean]

Since we may get a total of 11 inches of snow by Wednesday, and since the vacuum cleaner needs to be taken in for repairs, and since I had not shovelled the driveway after any of the last three one- to two-inch snowfalls we've had, I went out to clear off the old snow and the two inches from last night before any more landed there. When I first arrived with my shovel, I thought that our neighbors to the south (often known as the "dog neighbors" because they have five rescue dogs, all extremely cute) had kindly used their snow-blower to clear about half the driveway. Closer examination, however, revealed a huge tire track, as of a large truck, in the remaining show; and also a wall of compacted snow with the telltale marks of a plow blade in it. This wall was shoved up against the already-hefty snowbank on the north side of the driveway, so that it obstructed part of the garage door and obtruded about a foot onto the drive itself. Our garage space is limited and our driveway is very wide and very short; there is not a lot of maneuvering room in the situation.

So instead of being able to shovel and toss soft, light snow off the driveway, I had to chop off chunks of compacted snow and then either heave them higher than my head or else carry them to the other side of the driveway and heave them a shorter vertical distance. Nobody on our alley has a truck with a plow blade, as far as I can recall. I have no idea what whoever did that was thinking. Possibly nothing. Maybe alcohol was involved. Unfortunately, I don't think a sign saying, "Please do not plow this driveway; it will make things worse" is likely to have much effect.

P.

Comments

[inlaterdays.livejournal.com]

YIKES. I hope you were able to dig yourself out? :/

[fledgist.livejournal.com]

Good grief! I hope you were able to dig (or tunnel) your way out.

[brigidsblest.livejournal.com]

Yeah, they're saying 9-12" of the white stuff here (Chicago area). Stay warm and safe.

[clindau.livejournal.com]

I cleared our driveway this morning; your post reminds me that I should check to see how much snow has fallen since then.

Also, don't forget about the Scottish Play on Tuesday. The tickets are under your name. I can meet you by the gift shop after.

[mjlayman.livejournal.com]

People here went out enough that by evening they had to push each other's cars. And today, the front loader had to sort of chop with the front bit to get the ice bits out. We'll have to compare snow the next few days -- we're expecting up to 12" more starting tomorrow.

[ryrostad.livejournal.com]

Wow. That sucks. I live in the St. Cloud area-- things aren't that bad here, but we're suppose to get like nine inches tonight or something like that. (I'm crossing my fingers for a snow day.)

[suzilem.livejournal.com]

Texas....Thank the Ghods....

[pameladean]

Yes, it was just much more difficult than it needed to be. I came back in and took some Tylenol and did part of the front walk. I hope our dog neighbors will get out the snow blower for that. At least it is unlikely that anybody will drive a truck with a plow blade on it up our walk, and if they do, they will come to grief on the front steps.

P.

[pameladean]

Hee. No tunnelling necessary. The amount of snow, before the unwanted compaction, was only about six inches, and it was light stuff, fortunately.

P.

[pameladean]

You too!

I feel we are getting off easily compared to the East Coast, but it's still snow.

P.

[pameladean]

It seems to be easing off a bit, but I guess it will persist weakly all night and much of Tuesday.

Thanks for the remider, but truly, there's no way I'd forget. And thanks for the tip about no intermission. (I suspect my email didn't get through?) See you at the gift shop after.

P.

[pameladean]

I will be happy to compare, but I think you'll probably win. 8-)

P.

[pameladean]

Yes, if it's going to be annoying, one might as well get a day off.

It is beautiful snow, I'll say that for it.

P.

[pameladean]

Enjoy it. Heat destroys me. I'd rather shovel compacted snow, really.

P.

[lblanchard.livejournal.com]

We had 28 inches over the weekend, with another 10-18 forecast for Tuesday/Wednesday. If that occurs, we will have had the snowiest Philadelphia winter since we started keeping records.

[flourish.livejournal.com]

Random friending 'hello' message -

I've friended you because so many excellent people I like (pegkerr and jenett to name two) are friends with you, and I've seen you around these here internets for near on 10 years without ever actually coming into contact. And that seems silly! So, hello. :)

[pameladean]

Hello, and welcome!

I tend to friend new people in clumps when I have the time, so please don't be offended if I don't immediately reciprocate.

P.

[flourish.livejournal.com]

Not at all. I just usually like to know something about people who friend me, and therefore usually introduce myself when I friend others. :)