a man and his snowblower

Many of us living in the suburbs can relate to the ambivalence toward winter chores, especially when it comes to snow removal. It’s funny how the excitement of a snowstorm can quickly turn into frustration when the flakes fail to pile up. I remember one winter when I kept my snowblower in the garage for weeks, only to finally drag it out after a neighbor’s call about an impending ‘big storm’ — which turned out to be just a dusting. Using a snowblower can feel like a workout, but also a strangely intimate routine. You come to know the machine’s quirks, and sometimes, like in this story, it feels like the snowblower itself has a personality, waiting ‘all sad’ for action. It’s almost like sharing the anticipation and disappointment between man and machine. Retirement changes things too. Suddenly, the daily struggles of clearing snow might become less about necessity and more about a charming eccentricity. The comedic tone in this piece is a reminder that even mundane tasks can be a source of humor and connection — whether it’s talking to a psychic about snow or joking about New York City getting all the fun. If you’ve ever delayed snowblowing because the snow just wasn’t enough or caught yourself cheerfully mock-talking to your equipment, you know the comfort and comedy in these moments. Winter may bring cold weather, but with a sense of humor and a trusty snowblower, it can also bring warmth and laughter.