by Mark G. Sullivan

Created on: February 28, 2010

Having spent years of moving snow it’s hard to reflect on one instance or even a season of shoveling. Each one different from the previous yet the same for the snow has to be moved. Leaving it in place certainly is preferred by this snow-moving veteran, but experiences of falling on hard cement due to iced-over coating has trained me well.

Critical to the task of shoveling snow is a well-balanced shovel. My back isn’t what it used to be especially when lifting a full scoop of sopping wet snow. So a trip to the shovel aisle at the local hardware store is required before the first flakes hit the ground. There have been times I waited too long resulting in the best hand held snow remover being purchased by another old hand of the season.

Normally after the first snow, I realize while working in the cold that there are holes in my gloves. Why they were not thrown out as the last of the snow gave way to the warm spring sun seems to be a yearly mystery. In any event, unless I’m willing to put up with numb fingers, another trip to purchase insulated leather gloves is needed. This should have been taken care of while hunting for that trophy shovel but my memory seems to have mellowed with age.

For the uninitiated into the wonders of shoveling snow, the best part of the job is standing inside a warm home looking out at the clean driveway and walks. The exercise provided leaves me feeling invigorated and a sense of accomplishment. Once again, old man winter has been defeated.

That is until the formerly cleared entry to the driveway is closed by the passing snowplow. My calm gives way to frenzied panic that should not be witnessed by those faint of heart. “Game on” I mutter as the wet boots and gloves are put back in action. This is serious snow shoveling only to be performed by those willing to sweat, grunt, and shake a fist at the smiling plow driver as he returns to check his work.

As with many storms, the snow rarely falls straight down. No, winter winds from the north seem to pick up steam as the white flakes fall. A lesson learned early in my career; do not throw a shovel full into the wind. One would think that after many years of shoveling that I would stop trying to defy this basic law of physics. It is amazing how quick a bone chilling face full changes ones actions.

Then there are those windy occasions where the area just cleared is quickly covered again with blowing fine cold grains. The act of shoveling snow waits until the blustery weather gives up and calm returns. At that point with shovel in hand the hard packed snowdrifts can be speared repeatedly breaking them down to size. Once more victory is claimed over the snowy mess.

There is no doubt; shoveling snow is the heart and soul of winter in our part of the world. That familiar scraping sound echoing throughout the neighborhood has been a call to action for years. As the years have passed, the temptation becomes stronger to change tactics and purchase a snow blower. Maybe someday, but for now I will continue to walk the shovel aisle looking for that next great snow remover.

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