THE SHIRT FARMER .COM

It has been quite a winter! We've had plenty of snow, but we've also had a bit more rain than I ever remember. That makes for some really heavy snow, or worse..... slush that freezes.

The past three storms have dropped what seemed to be insignificant amounts. The temperature rose enough that perhaps spring would be early and the snow would just melt? The groundhog didn't think so....but I don't think the groundhog thinks. He reacts. He pops up to see us cabin-fevered crazies wringing our hands waiting to see what he'll do. I can tell you what I'd do......

I'm being that typical rambling yankee again aren't I?

Anyway, we didn't tend to our snow removal chores. The mailman refuses to deliver if he can't reach the mailbox. Yesterday I watched him drive by. This drives me crazy.

So, on with the pack boots, and out I go. When I get up there I'm amazed at the damage the plow did. All that slush was piled up at the edge of the road and froze. I took a few whacks at it with the shovel. Sure, it broke some chunks off, but the shovel bent too. My back wasn't too happy about the whole thing either. I decided to break out the heavy artillery.

I trudged out back to get my tractor. The bucket was buried under a thick layer of ice. I kicked it a bit to break up the crust. I knew it was useless. There was too much snow and ice around it-- and it has turf tires on. But I jumped on and started her up anyway. I guess I was hoping to fast-forward to spring. (Now Dad...and brother...I don't want to hear a thing out of you two, after all....isn't that your tractor stuck out in the field right now?)

So I trudged back to the road with another shovel. It was going to be a back-breaking day. I was at it for about ten minutes...sweating, hair everywhere....and barely a dent. A man stops. He has a plow! He offers to help so I move out of the way. He clears the top of the driveway in a few swipes. Then he waves and moves on.

Well. The mailbox is still buried.

I started hacking away at it again. All the while I'm festering.I know I shouldn't be....but well, I was. I stand and stretch my back. My eyes fall on the old Jeep. It's 4wheel drive, and has some mean tires. I really don't like that vehicle. It's a gas hog. Wastefullness is a major irritation for me. Perhaps I could put it to good use though.

I trudge back in and grab the keys to the Jeep. I take off my bulky coat so I can handle the ride better. Oh yeah....you know it! Not too long and I'm up on the bank in front of the mailbox. I put it in gear and floored it. The icy snow roostertailed right out behind me.....into the driveway! A few of these maneuvers, and five minutes later my job is done!

It was easy to clean up the driveway mess too. After all, the Jeep made it light and fluffy.