The Brotherhood of the Snow Blower
Snow has fallen in mass quantities here in Chicagoland, and once again, men from my neighborhood are bound together in what I call “The Brotherhood of the Snow Blower.”
Starting at about 9 ‘oclock this morning, the smell of 2-cycle engine exhaust permeated the air as we all broke through mounds of white ice with one goal in mind, “Get this driveway clean and clear before the wife awakes with a desire to hit the mall and spend money for Christmas.”
But I do enjoy my time outside in the frozen morning. As I look down the sidewalk, I see other men steering their blowers as I steer mine. I have to admit, my one neighbor, Rob, has a much larger blower than me. But he is kind and does not 
look at me strange. Plus, my wife said this morning that she was happy with the job my blower did, so I feel adequate.
Speaking of the snow blowers, some of you may remember the heartache I was feeling at he end of summer when I had to put my lawn mower to bed for winter, but I must confess, my snow blower does make a nice substitute from time-to-time.
On a serious note, if you are tired of shoveling snow, and are in the market for a new power tool, a snow blower is a good investment. Mine is a Yard Machines 5.5 horse power with electric start. It works just fine, but does tend to lag with wet and heavy snowfall. I’d definitely advise others to purchase a 6.75 HP or higher model. Also, the electric start is a nice feature.
Finally, it’s always nice to spread a little ice melting product on the sidewalks after you clear the snow. Be sure to get a brand safe for concrete and grass…we don’t want to burn your hibernating lawn! Happy blowing.
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December 17th, 2007 at 8:54 pm
No need for a snow blower here. I had a little frost this morning and the temp dropped to 24 degrees, but snow is a rare thing ’round these parts, and never worthy of blowing.
Matt all-I-want-for-Christmas-is-a-white-Christmas Mitchell
December 17th, 2007 at 9:42 pm
We got plenty of snow here for ya Matt! Just lemme know where to ship it to,
Actually, when it gets real bad here, businesses hire dump trucks to take loads of snow outta the parking lots and dump in outter lying places like cornfields. Can you imagine having to pay someone to truck snow away?
Crazy!
December 17th, 2007 at 10:26 pm
I love the photo and of course the time spent out in the cold with the “men” in the neighborhood. I had my teenage boys out helping this weekend, and they finally got it! They too saw the challenge and the sense of completion and arrival.
December 18th, 2007 at 12:00 am
Good article, but I’ve never read one in which the word or words blow, blowing & blower were used so haphazardly…9 times in fact…without me having to read a disclaimer and having to prove the veracity of being over the age of 18 to enter the site. Very helpful none the less.
December 18th, 2007 at 12:39 am
I think that Potash is a good ice melter and (check me if I’m wrong) it doesn’t kill your grass.
I got an 11 horse Husqvarna and it is a work horse. That thing will blow some snow. However, it is a big brute to muscle around. I would probably think twice about getting one that big again. Heck, I figured bigger is better right?
December 18th, 2007 at 1:44 am
I love my snow blower! My dad bought one for me two Christmas’s ago, and I made sure to call him yesterday morning to thank him again.
I have a couple friends that have yet to join the brotherhood, but in my kindness and desire to add members to the brotherhood I ventured out with my baby to help clear their driveways.
Seeing the ease with which the snow flew through the air, and my non weary back should encourage them to join!
Good Post!
December 18th, 2007 at 1:59 am
Move to the SOUTH! Where we shut entire cities down over an INCH OF SNOW! YEAH!
December 18th, 2007 at 2:26 am
I would like to join the snow blower brotherhood, but It won’t be until next winter.
I was knee deep in snow (b/c i’m really short) when Chad came with his “baby” to help me out. Thanks Chad.
December 18th, 2007 at 7:59 am
“The Brotherhood of the Snow Blower.”
Heh.
December 18th, 2007 at 8:34 am
Two years ago we were the first people on the block to get a snow blower and when people needed help getting their cars out they would always come to us.
Kinda weird how people who you don’t have contact with all of a sudden are all neighborly when they need you to dig out their car.
December 18th, 2007 at 8:50 pm
Mr THumb–I’m not sure what part of the city you are in, but I love how you guys put your kitchen chairs in the street to hold your spot!
December 19th, 2007 at 3:42 am
It’s easier to procrastinate when you shovel it!