The morning of (February 2nd), we woke up to howling winds and silence as the roads were totally covered in snow that rivaled the Arctic landscape on the National Geographic channel.  Apparently the storm front also brought with it wind gusts that blew snow drifts that were piled up against garages and cars parked in the streets.  Our cars weren’t the exception.

But we had a problem:  We were hungry, and the food in the fridge didn’t look appealing enough for us.  So what did we do on such a day as this?  We went out to eat, of course!  Eve’s CR-V is an awesome vehicle, it’s slightly raised due to the larger wheels and has enough power and torque to get her through the worst of snow storms (just like this one!).  It also has a 4WD system that basically makes it unstoppable in this type of weather.  So without even having to dig ourselves out, I powered the monster truck out of it’s spot!  Remember, the snow was up over the tires, and at some point up to the windows.

So after getting back from lunch at Omega’s restaurant on 27th, we get back home and start suiting up for the long day of shoveling.  (well, me only because Eve’s pregnant and all, what an excuse, hey?)  So I start suiting up for a long day of shoveling.  But looking at the depth and sheer mass of snow surrounding our house (the corner lot too, ugh!), I was all but defeated before I even started.  Not to mention the fact that I already woke up with a back ache in the morning, which didn’t really help my motivation either.  So, through the miracle of my friend Hershey, who alerted me to a deal on a snow blower at Menards!  (thanks buddy!)  I check out the deal online and sure enough it’s still going on.  What are the chances there’s any in stock after this storm?!  I begged and pleaded with Eve to let me get this snow blower because a) my back hurts, b) there’s a ton of snow outside!, c) we live in WI, there’s bound to be more big storms like this, d) I promise not to complain about shoveling the sidewalks anymore, e) well…..you get my drift.  I had a ton of excuses and reasons to get the snow blower, so she eventually gave in and agreed to it!  (secretly inside, I just wanted to have another big boy toy to play with!)

So here she is!  All 250cc’s worth of Briggs and Stratton power!  6-speeds, with 2-speed reverse, and electronic start!  I just love power toys!  This was the biggest and baddest snow blower at Menards that day, and it happened to be on sale.  Powerful is an understatement here, and I’ll show you why in a little bit.

Now when I say powerful, this thing will throw the snow clear across the other side of the street!  It will literally drag you across the ground as it munches on snow and ice as if it can’t get enough of the white stuff!  And seeing as the plow trucks won’t be able to get to our street until days later, we decided to take matters in our own hands and started carving out our night parking spots.  This big guy cleared out our ENTIRE STREET without even breaking a sweat!  Here’s the end result.

Twas a good, long hard fought battle.  Hmooj – 1.  Mother nature – 0.  Rematch anytime soon?