The "Santa Mailman" Story

It was an ordinary day. Kind of! It was REALLY SNOWING! We were expecting between 12-24 inches of snow during the day. Hey, we don't have anywhere to go anyway. No problem here. I got my snow blower out and put fuel in it and started it to make sure I was ready. I bought it about five years ago when I got tired of shoveling my drive every time it snowed. It works great. Two years ago I didn't use it at all while last year I didn't need it either, but plowed the two inches we had during one storm just to use it again. Figured I paid for it and I'm going to use it. Well, I'm definitely going to need it later today. Noon came and we had about six inches. By 3:00 PM we had ten inches and it was time to plow. I had nothing to do and I was getting antsy so I put on my long johns, wool socks, sweatshirt, jacket, stocking cap, gloves and boots and headed out. Snowplow started on the first pull and I headed down the drive. Reversed at the other end and back up the incline. Around again for the next pass. But, something seems to be wrong. All the snow is gathering in front of the plow. Now what? The auger wasn't turning. Must have broken the shear pin so I got another one and started to replace it. That wasn't the problem. I tried everything and nothing worked. Now what? I shoveled for a while and gave up. Back started to hurt so I came in and filled the tub with hot water, climbed in and turn the air on. Boy does that work! As long as you stay in the tub! Just as I had settled in, Carol came in with the phone. Seems our neighbor Keith wanted to know if I wanted him to do our drive. Out of the tub, dressed and outside lickety split. He has a new snow blower and is anxious to use it a whole bunch. Keith was a former student of mine and had some heart problems this past summer so I mowed his lawn for a few weeks until he was able to do it again so I think he is trying to return the favor. It couldn't have been more welcomed. Well, after thanking him I thought I would check to see if the mail really does get through in all kinds of weather. Lo and behold, my check from the school district was in the mailbox and best of all, my Caribbean Travel and Life Magazine had arrived. That's better than the check. "25 Ultimate Beaches" it said on the cover. Boy can I use that. Maybe while I soak in the tub!! I ran inside and said to Carol, "Santa arrived early!" It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.