Snow, snow and more snow.
It is New England, but really.
Evidently, the answer to that is, “Yes. Really.”
So today I had to put the ‘in theory’ knowledge into practice. If I wanted to make it out of the driveway at any point in the day, I was going to have to bite the snow-covered bullet.
My patient-to-a-fault husband had given me a brief overview of how to run the snowblower, should something that crazy ever be necessary. And yet, sort of like a fire escape plan, you think you’ve got it until you really have to recollect specific details, in order, under pressure…
And you realize you have no idea what to do.
I was undeterred, though. I can read forgoodnesssakes. The quick instructions are right there on the darn thing. And I’ve run machinery much more intimidating than this, I told myself.
But.
My first grievance with said snowblower is false advertising. Sprawled across its shiny red exterior are the words: Electric Start.
But, as I learned the hard way, it is not. You do turn a key. But then you have to pull out the choke. And then crank it.
Easier said than done for a sadly out of shape 42 year old woman whose biggest workout during the day is folding 3 baskets of laundry.
But, thanks to numerous run-ins with uncooperative lawnmowers, I prevailed. I got it started. And then I actually ran it. With albeit limited success. I don’t do well with things that require more than 2 hands. Direct the snow chute? Right brake, left brake? Self-propel? Engage snow blowing? Huh?
I think I heard muffled laughter coming from my neighbor’s direction.
The good news though? My driveway is now cleared. And what I missed with my errant snow-blowing, I shoveled with ol’ reliable. The snow shovel.
Not gonna lie, I didn’t know that it was possible to sweat that much in freezing temperatures.
And I, for a brief moment, considered taking a few pictures… just because I was so proud of my newly-cleared driveway.
But I was too tired.
oh my– this was just hilarious! mostly because i would have been had the exact same issues!!!
so– what was so important to snowblow?? a chocolate run?? out of coffee? (those would be the only things to get me to try a snowblower!!!)
🙂
I think just the fear of NOT being able to get out for either of those ESSENTIALS 😉
Actually, we didn't go anywhere today, I was whupped!
Lol! You go girl!
I have a much small version of said, electric start snowblower. Necessity on the frozen tundra. I have used it many times. Know how to start it…decided to be productive rather than take a nap a few weeks ago. Should have taken a nap!! I ran over the ext. cord for the Christmas lights! UGH! Snowblower came to a quick halt…150' cord ruined. 2 hours and 2 phone calls later a friend and I got the cord out and the blower running again. Lesson learned though! Next time I will just take a nap!
Stef…I could just picture lil ole you out there with that thing. Better you than me. i'd still be inside sipping cocoa. I can be lazy that way!
K
SO FUNNY!
I only wish my husband would let me snow-blow (actually, maybe not). It's HIS toy. HIS job. It's what he lives for. It is fun for him. Very fun. Which is very weird.
But high-five to you for being such a brave gal to take on such a task!
Oh no! An extension cord? Ack!!
Thank you for sharing… and making my efforts seem successful 🙂
stories like these are making me enjoy our Florida weather that much more! While we wish for some snow each winter, I would be the one to not only run over the extension cord but probably shoot something through a window. 🙂
we got about 9 inches here a couple of weeks ago. My mom had back surgery so she wasn't able to go out and try and run the snow blower. So me and my little brother were forced to go out and shovel the drive way ourselves. I asked about using the snowblower but was told no. Even the next door neighbor asked if we wanted to use her snowblower! haha i feel your pain, all though, mine was the old fashion way with just the shovel 😛
Why can't Canada keep their snowy weather. I want the weather from the Gulf!
I really, really love New England! I would move back in a second and stay forever. That said, it was 50 degrees and beautifully sunny here in Louisiana today. Not a cloud in the sky or a spec of snow in sight. 🙂
(I never even bothered to learn to use the snowblower – good for you!)
All the best,
Nicole A., now in LA
hahahaha..thankfully, my patient husband showed the teenager how to use our snowblower, so I didn't have to do it (not that I would have been the least bit bitter that said husband chose to leave a day early on his business trip to avoid the snowstorm).
lol…and THAT is why I live in the city! 😉
Way to go, Stef!! 🙂
das funny, yo…
Oh Stef! I am laughing because Jeff gave me the same "tutorial" on Monday before he left for SUNNY SOUTHERN, CA THAT IS HAVING A HEAT WAVE!!
Thankfully, I was able to use the shovel, and break a sweat too this week.
We are looking forward to a balmy -40Below Windchill at some time tomorrow… Seriously, I want to go back to Nashville!
Praying for you Girl!!
Hugs,
Diana
Morning Stef – great work! Our electric start snow blower really is – you plug it in and press the starter and off she goes!! I too managed to kill an extension cord for the Christmas lights – but in my case broke a shear pin (always got a couple spares tho!!) e'll be using ours again today. We average about 2' of snow per season – we'll pass that for this winter in todays storm (8" expected), and that will get us within striking range of a new record total. And this is 'global warming?" Proud of you!
hugs – aus and co.
I'll never know what it's like to have to use a snowblower. 🙁 sniffle, sniffle.
Those of us who have always lived in New England have the "battle of the snow blower" every year, and it's unsuccessful a lot of the time. I hear the words, "I'm going out to try and start the snow blower," I stay out of the way! Congrats on your first attempt, maybe the second will be a success?
Oh girl. You know how to tell a story. Thanks for the laughter!
Love & Blessings from Hong Kong,
Kim
Good job! Too bad no pictures…guess I'd really want to see the video anyway…including the neighbor ;^)
ROFL.
The Prez just kept saying as I read this to him out loud, "Did she take any pictures?"
"Did she POST any pictures?"
Then I read that line about the photos, and The Prez says, "Well, I'm not getting out of my Lazyboy then if there are no photos."
*smile*
I feel like I should apologize for my hysterical laughter at this post. I'm so sorry that I have been so behind in blog reading that I am only reading this now……as a life-long New Englander, I have to say, I too have never had the fun experience of running a snow blower (although, it appears I will get my chance tomorrow), that's what dads and husbands are for. However, i HAVE (just last week) shoveled until my arms nearly fall off and then come in form freezing cold temps drenched in sweat. I wondered about that phenomena last week.
Thanks for a good laugh….in the face of more snow, I needed it. (And, even us hearty New Englanders are thinking this is a bit nuts!).