The road less traveled. Is it a more scenic route, or simply a short cut? I have taken many short cuts in my life. Some have gotten me to where I wanted to go a little more quickly, and some have just caused more trouble than they were worth.
We have a snowblower. In Wisconsin, that is a pretty handy thing to have. We bought this behemoth two years ago after spending a winter without one. When there is a light snow, (under 3") shoveling is not a problem. Even 5"-6" is not too bad. Until the snow plow comes past the house and deposits an icy/slushy TALL mound of snow at the foot of the driveway. This kind of man made drift is much more formidable. So, we bought a snow blower. It has served us well. Except perhaps the time that I dropped the key in the garage and I did not notice it. I tried and tried to start the machine and thought that this new machine had failed me. Hmm. Electricity is a wonderful thing, when all of the connections are there. I learned that in physics class. Back in the day.
Extension cords are wonderful things as well. They give us power over longer distances. We have one that has been draped across our patio to give power to the little defrosting mechanism that keeps the bird bath open for the winter season. The birds seem to quite enjoy having this water source throughout the frigid Wisconsin winters.
Snow blowers and extension cords do not really mix well. If you take the time to make certain that the cord is out of the way of the auger, it is not a problem. If, however, you try to guess where that power cord is under the blanket of snow, and believe that you will be able to avoid it, that can cause problems. The power cord will be pulled into the auger and can even cause the auger to be knocked off of its axle. Don't ask me how I know this. I just do.
Shovels are wonderful things. They are also tools of repentance. They help to remind us that we have backs that need to be strengthened and that short cuts can cause us to work a little harder at getting where we are going.
One day, I will learn the lessons that are presented for me the easy way.
I remember my dad telling me that I could listen to him and learn from his experiences, or I could learn the hard way. The choice was mine.
Perhaps I will learn that the road less traveled is sometimes not a shortcut, but just a difficult road and that is why it is less traveled.
