Exhausting Morning

This is the path I cleared.

Finally, I have a clear passageway for BUGGIE.

Co-workers and I clearing the opening to our office parking lot.

It didn't surprise me to open my outside front door this morning to see "over-the-knee" deep snow. Because our association blew its budget on snow removal last winter, the new policy is something like: snow removal will commence up to 12 hours after the cessation of a major snow fall. I guess 13+ inches of snow qualifies for a major snow fall.

Someone - I don't know who - put a nice, new shovel in the utility closet out in our hallway. So after getting everything ready for the day, I donned my coat, boots, mittens, and grabbed the shovel and started the arduous task of blazing a path so I could get to my garage. I started at 7:30 and made my way to the sidewalk in front of the Visitor Parking. I didn't shovel the next 20 feet to the street because it was so deep. Then I returned to my house, gathered my lunch and purse, and set out. I had to trudge through the deep snow (up to my knees) to the street and around the big mound to my garage - only to discover this time the plows only came within 6 feet of the garage doors. So, I waded through this snow, grabbed my shovel, and proceeded to clear away this mass of white stuff so I could back out. A kind neighbor woman came over and helped me. She had just finished doing the same thing in front of her garage door. Now it's 8:00.

Driving carefully the mile to work went fine. The last half mile or so, I followed a city plow. Unfortunately, being behind him at the entrance to our office parking lot meant he plowed it shut! I drove around the cul-de-sac to see if I could possibly drive through it and decided it wasn't wise. I certainly didn't want to get hung up. Only one person - Sharon -had made it in before he came. I knew she wouldn't be able to push me out if I got stuck. So, I parked my car and walked to our entry way where there is a shovel - of sorts. It is broken off and jagged at the blade. I worked and worked, taking little scoops at a time and walking it away to throw it so I could clear a path wide enough for a car. Raela and Chris drove up next, parked their cars, and took turns using the excuse of a shovel. Finally we opened it enough to drive through. I have to say - I'm pooped!