Please know that I do not judge. I try, as best I can, to not criticize. I know that no one is perfect. Being right all the time is clearly not possible. But, three to five inches, or four to six inches were predicted for our recent snowfall. Without any axes to grind or truths to be altered, the snow pile at the end of our driveway tells a slightly different story. 

For two hours, our Kubota tractor and I set out to defeat nature’s call, or at least attempt to reconcile the difference between what we were told was coming and what actually arrived.   

When the pure as the driven snow creeps up to the mid wheel hub of the tractor and when snow piles reach a height that requires tamping down for improved visibility, one begins to question the reliability of weather predictions.

Another key indicator of considerable accumulation is when our mini labradoodle dives into a snow bank, which she is likely to do, and disappears from view. Or, when her outside toilet is so covered that the much needed smell of her last flush is unavailable. This requires further excavation to reveal the appropriate landing zone. Shovel time! 

I am not totally opposed to winter. I grew up in an area of Pennsylvania which got tons of lake effect snow from Lake Erie. Our winters were long, deep and continuous. They started in November and ended, often, in April. We ignored the predictions of Punxsutawney Phil even though his “home” was quite nearby. Groundhogs don’t normally hang out much in winter awaiting the opportunity to predict the weather. I think Phil probably has special accommodations which don’t resemble his natural habitat. We generally confirmed snowfall by looking out the window. I have come to re-employ this procedure. In other words, “What you see is what you get.”

So, please, for however many people read this week’s adventure, grant me permission to reveal the fantasy photo shared above. I saw this scene vividly in my mind’s eye! Granted, at this stage of life, the mind’s eye has suffered from overexertion. “There but for the grace of God go I.”

Despite being recently misled by qualified predictors regarding the generous contribution to ski and snow enthusiasts, I wish to shovel with vigor and plow with enthusiasm, knowing full well that flowers and butterflies are in our future and no groundhog or meteorologist will interfere.     

Be safe out there.