12" of snow cleared in Saint Paul, but there's still work to do.

[MineralMan]

Here in Saint Paul, MN, we all woke up with a fresh 12-15" of snow on our driveways and sidewalks. As usual, the snowblowers and shovels started right at 8 AM. In my blue collar neighborhood, not everyone owns a snowblower, so neighbors help neighbors to get the snow cleared, especially after a big storm like this one.. We don't even necessarily know each others' names, but if a neighbor doesn't have the equipment or is elderly, someone will clear their driveway and walks for them, right after they finish their own.

It's a good system. I wish we had as good a system for all those neighbors we can't see, and who lived hundreds or thousands of miles away. We're pretty good in the US with helping the guy next door or just down the street, but not so good collectively at helping everyone who needs help, not just during a snowstorm, but all the time. As individuals it seems as if there's no way our small contributions can do the job. We depend on government, at all levels, to see that those in need get the help they need. That's how it's supposed to work, anyhow. These days, it's not working so well. Maybe the contribution we need to make is to demand that those we have elected get that job done before they cut taxes on the wealthy and the corporations. Let's take care of those who need help, not those who have all they need, and more. Let's send that message to everyone in office, both local, state, and federal.

[Jackpine Radical]

1. I used to live in Superior, and remember the big snowfalls there.

In those days, cars had antennas, and everyone had little a orange ball on top of their antenna. It served two purposes: When you were driving, it showed over the snowbanks so people could see you coming. And after a good snowstorm, it helped you figure out where to start digging to excavate your car.

But that's mostly not what I wanted to write about. What I wanted to write about is how people with snow shovels would form into roving packs of diggers and go around digging each other's cars out, clearing doorways & paths, making passable trails of the sidewalks, etc. Even then, I knew I was participating in something really special in the way of communual mutual assistance. It was really a lot of fun.

[MineralMan]

2. Nice. There is a sort of community spirit after a blizzard.

It's good to see it still working in neighborhoods like mine. I did my drive and walk, and my next door neighbor's. When the plow comes through today, I'll take the snowblower out again and clear the piles it leaves for three or four houses, where there's nobody home due to work. Doesn't take long, and I know what it's like to come home from work to a big pile of snow blocking your driveway.

[Raschel]

3. My neighbor is great at this. He has this HUGE machine and wears the full snowblowing gear

Makes everyone else look pathetic. lol

[MineralMan]

4. It's good to have a neighbor like that. They love their snowblowers,

so they use them as much as they can. They're an asset to the neighborhood, for sure.