Cathy in the Wright

Blade Ruiner

The VP came home from work and told me that we're in for a snow storm. I think he said six to eight inches were predicted over the next couple of days. We'll probably wind up with three to four, but that's still enough to shovel. And plow.

My father-in-law got a new plow blade put on his pick-up truck this month. Brand-spankin'-new blade on a truck so new it still smells like the showroom. Much better than the old Jeep. I can testify to this because I got a chance to use it this evening.

You see, my father-in-law is the greatest guy. He's always helping me around the homestead when The VP is at work or fixing dinner for the clan or dropping by with a special treat for the boys. I can't say enough good things about the man. And so I was a little disturbed when The VP told me that my dear f-i-l had asked The VP to plow the driveway once during the storm so the snow wouldn't build up and be more difficult to plow when the storm was over.

The VP refused. He told his dad he would plow once.

Well, I wasn't about to let my dear old f-i-l down. I am going to plow during the storm so it's done the way he wants. But, since I've never used the new blade, I figured I ought to go out tonight when there isn't any snow and practice. This way, I won't have to deal with the hazards of a slippery driveway or falling snow impairing my vision on my first run.

Dear Bup: Is the plow supposed to sound that loud? And you know that 5" strip of black metal on the bottom of the blade? Well, it's more like 3" now. I don't think that will be a problem, will it? And you know how you had the Chevy garage fix it before you left town because it was leaking hydraulic fluid? Well, that is definitely fixed. Now the fluid that leaks is brown or dark green. Any ideas?

Those were the only minor troubles I encountered. Unless you count the large strip of steel siding that came off when I backed into the barn. What do they use to fasten siding with these days, chewing gum? I can't believe how easily that popped off. Don't cut your vacation short though - I called the neighbors and some of the guys will be down to fix it. Said they'd be over as soon as they finish their beers. Should be good as new by Valentine's Day.

On the positive side, I will say that the new blade seems to be a lot stronger than the old one. This baby will shear off a pine tree slicker than a triple-blade razor on your 5 o'clock shadow. Barely felt it in the truck. The VP said I should blame it on the deer, but I thought you'd want to know how powerful your new plow really is. It's wider too, isn't it? So's the driveway now. As for the mailboxes...that I am blaming on the township snowplow.

Well, enjoy the rest of your trip. All is well here, and you can sleep well knowing I'm on the job.

Posted by Cathy at December 12, 2005 08:06 PM