This has been one whale of a winter. As of April 1, Bismarck is only 1 1/2 inches away from eclipsing the old record for the snowiest season in history.
I've had to shovel snow time after time after time. It started in November and hasn't let up much. 
The real problem is that we rarely got just a trace. The snow usually fell in large amounts, several inches at a time.
So far, the total accumulation has exceeded 100 inches. We acknowledge the fact that it gets cold here but it's generally not as snowy as it is in other parts of the country.
This year, however, has really tried my patience. I often poo-poo the notion of Seasonal Affective Disorder. It seems I have finally been infected by it.
Thank goodness for my trusty shovel. It has a unique design in order to make it easier on your back. The base curves in such a way as to allow me to scoop up the snow without bending over too much. Unfortunately, it has taken a beating over the years. The scoop started coming loose last winter but that didn't really concern me.
By March, I figured I could endure with it and consider buying a new shovel next winter. Then things fell apart. The scoop came right off the handle. So what did I do?
I just slipped it back on. I learned that if I scooped up snow and threw it forward, the scoop would fly right off. But it would tend to stay on if I picked up the snow and simply tilted the shovel to the right or the left.
Then came 17 inches on Monday, March 30th. I kept up with the sidewalk the best I could, and a neighbor came by with a snowblower once. It usually takes a few days for the plows to come by and clear our street, so I wasn't too concerned about the van parked in front of the house. Big mistake. It came sometime overnight and a three foot pile of encrusted snow and ice chunks surrounded the van. That's an overwhelming task even with a good shovel. However, I tackled the job until the scoop flew right off. That was it! I threw both pieces into the snow pile and headed to the hardware store.
I just slipped it back on. I learned that if I scooped up snow and threw it forward, the scoop would fly right off. But it would tend to stay on if I picked up the snow and simply tilted the shovel to the right or the left. Then came 17 inches on Monday, March 30th. I kept up with the sidewalk the best I could, and a neighbor came by with a snowblower once. It usually takes a few days for the plows to come by and clear our street, so I wasn't too concerned about the van parked in front of the house. Big mistake. It came sometime overnight and a three foot pile of encrusted snow and ice chunks surrounded the van. That's an overwhelming task even with a good shovel. However, I tackled the job until the scoop flew right off. That was it! I threw both pieces into the snow pile and headed to the hardware store.Not only did I find a new shovel, I found three of them; one for each of the men in the family. Funny how much easier it was when I could count on the tool in my hands.
It may have taken me an hour or so, but I managed to dig the van out. Somewhere along the way, I simply buried the old shovel under the snow I was throwing. Good riddance! I suppose it will re-emerge in a week or two. 
Now, my cheapskate instincts are setting in again. I bought three shovels and have only used one of them. The forecast seems to indicate that the snow is done and it's going to steadily melt away. Will my sons ever get the blessed opportunity to use what I so lovingly purchased for them?
All I know is that my shoveling days are coming to an end. Let Mother Earth swallow up all the moisture we have so generously been endowed with.
After all, I have a good five months of dog poop to deal with in the back yard. I splurged and bought a new scooper last summer but it disappeared under the snow sometime around Christmas. Oh, happy day!
It may have taken me an hour or so, but I managed to dig the van out. Somewhere along the way, I simply buried the old shovel under the snow I was throwing. Good riddance! I suppose it will re-emerge in a week or two. Now, my cheapskate instincts are setting in again. I bought three shovels and have only used one of them. The forecast seems to indicate that the snow is done and it's going to steadily melt away. Will my sons ever get the blessed opportunity to use what I so lovingly purchased for them?
All I know is that my shoveling days are coming to an end. Let Mother Earth swallow up all the moisture we have so generously been endowed with.
After all, I have a good five months of dog poop to deal with in the back yard. I splurged and bought a new scooper last summer but it disappeared under the snow sometime around Christmas. Oh, happy day!