Again and again and again

Well, the weather has not exactly been improving. Out to the left we see the lake now looking like a field of snow. Today we're in again. Got out Monday and yesterday. Both days it was go late, come back early. We did get a major plow to clean out the front driveway and I thought all systems were go for today. No way. A sheet of ice covered with the new snow.

How we got the driveway cleaned is one of those southern country stories. My friend Maverick (yes that is his real name) called me to ask if I'd be wanting them to do any work at the house since there would be the monthly "furlough" at the end of the month. Yup, I have stuff he and Bobby can do. Bobby is the husband of a staff member and one of my best sistas. Bobby and Maverick have done some awesome work at my house including the bird feeder patio (a whole nother story). So,I said yes come on. In the meantime Mr.P. had decided that we should look into a small snow blower for the sidewalk. Yes, we just gave Giovanni a snow blower but that ones a big beast, too much to handle, and too big for the sidewalk. BTW, G got it going, used it on the back driveway, and then a belt broke. Anyhow, we're driving around in the Cherokee the only thing we're taking out, looking for this small snow blower after hitting Jr's for lunch and then Walmart for bread, V-8 (my favorite juice) and a few other things like sausages for Mr.P. While we are hitting these places and a couple more (Barnes and Noble--remember I'm out of books and Pier One for a quick moment of shopping therapy) I'm thinking that if it snows another flake the front driveway will be impassible. So, I call Maverick back and ask if he knows anyone who can push snow. Sure, he'll call so and so. Calls me a back at the third stop (we've hit Lowe's, Sears,and are at Tractor Supply looking for this blower) and gives the number of a guy. So, I call the guy and leave a message. He calls back. Turns out he lives at the end of out road, I know his nephew, and he's already pushing snow only a mile from the house. THIS IS GREAT.

So, he shows up with his buddy. While the drive gets plowed out (10 minutes tops I swear) I learn how many cuts of hay he got this summer, how he plows Byrd Lodge at a hint of snow and the full story of land ownership of a broken down building that had been totally refurbished by him( its next to his land and he now owns it). I also find out someone on our road who might contract with the community to keep things cleaned up since we never seem to get plowed. When we asked him what we owed him, he responded with "well, what is it worth to you." When we hemmed and hawed, he said "OK. $20.00" I said "Give him at least $25" and Mr.P. gave him $30.00. We're all happy.

As you are beginning to see getting stuff done here is part of creating community. You don't just hire people to do stuff. You create good will. I just love it.