Superplow--An INCREDIBLE Product...Unfortunately, Not For Us

 For the past two winters, my family has had a side gig...snow removal. Last year - not a big deal. I think we were called out four times...

This year, however, we've already got that beat and we're not even into February.

Because this year has been so tough, our family has discussed options for next year. We've decided we've got to get some help...some mechanical help, if we want to continue the gig. Not only are my wife and I getting older, but the neighborhood, in which we've been hired to remove show, is growing. We could have an 20% increase in homes by next winter. We can't keep up with what we're currently doing.

So, I took to the internet and checked out some plows for sale. That's when I happened upon an incredible product, an amazingly wonderful product called the Superplow.

Basically, this thing hooks up to any trailer hitch and you pull the show from behind. I asked several questions to the seller...is my little Subaru powerful enough to use this? Is it okay to pull snow into the street and what do you do with it afterwards? Is there a lot of parts that can break down?

The seller answered them all. He even allowed us to hook it up, take it home, and try it out, which we gladly did. We drove home--it was weird having a 200-400 lb plow hanging on the back of my car. When we got it home, it was obvious we could not use it on our own driveway because my car is so low. Had we a 4x4 truck, it would be no problem. We then went to the neighborhood and tested it out on two driveways. The thing was amazing. I was a little worried about my car handling the snow, but it did okay. But, unless we bought another vehicle to use the Superplow, we'd not be able to use it on 1/3 to 1/2 of the driveways. 

This morning, after weighing the pros and cons, and discussing it with the family, we decided it's not for us. We're taking it back tomorrow. 

We're not sure what the future will hold for us. For the price of the Superplow, there are some quads with plows that we might look into--we're not quite sure. I don't know who invented the Superplow, but I think they did a great job. So much so, I'm surprised there aren't more of them out there.

Give Thanks...For Good Neighbors

 Like almost everyone in the state where we live, we got snow this past week...not as much as some, but more than others. It's interesting how something like a snowstorm affects people. After one storm, I took a break from work and shoveled our driveway (off the clock, of course...), then went back to the grind.

That's when I saw our neighbor and his show blower...

Removing snow not at his house.

I live in a fairly typical neighborhood. Everyone sort of takes care of themselves. It seems every home has a snow blower sufficient for their needs. When storms hit, we all emerge from the warmth of our houses and remove the snow. Then, we go back inside where it's warm and dry. But, some will look around and see if there's a driveway and sidewalk where the snow remains.

Then, they take action.

I've been told, and I do believe, that if you're down and you want to feel better, so service. Do something for someone else...something not expected, something you don't have to do. Even if the recipient doesn't know what you've done, you know and the universe knows and you're blessed for it.

I'm grateful for neighbors who I know will help if needs be. I hope I can be that kind of neighbor. I'm trying harder and harder to become one.

Looks Like We May Be Getting A Side Gig...Or Sidewalk Gig

 Due to a strange turn of events, my family might be doing something extra this upcoming season. And I don't quite know how that will affect us.

What is the side gig, you ask?

Shoveling snow.

We live in a new neighborhood, so new, that they're still building homes and they will continue building homes until the land is gone. There will be hundreds of structures joining us within a few years. Personally, I think people getting homes for their families is a good thing. Now, we haven't been asked to remove snow from everyone, but for a specific neighborhood.

Because of labor shortages, a snow removal contract was canceled for the neighborhood to the west of us. This is a community of older residents and they did have contracts in place to have snow shoveled from their driveways, but that has ended, and they need people to help them out when the snow flies. We talked to our boys a few months ago when the community first came to us to see if we would be interested in the job and the boys thought it would be a good way to make money. It's possible we'll become the snow removal service for several homes.

I must admit, I'm a little apprehensive taking on this responsibility. What if we get hit with a bumper crop of snow this winter? Will we be able to do it? Will we get yelled at by dissatisfied customers?

Possibly.

But, it's also a chance to start something, something that could end up being a business for one of our kids, something that can help build positive attributes for all of us. Yes, it might be more trouble than it's worth, but we don't know that yet and will only find out if we take the plunge. As with most things, time will tell.