A Shovel Full of Kindness...Pay It Forward...

First of all, on behalf of all of those folks in the midwest who thought we would not have the joys of extra thick white winter snow blankets...I want to extend a shovel full of gratitude to our East coast friends for sharing their good fortune...it was the thoughtful, considerate, kind thing to do for the skiers, hookey from school players, snow tire dealers, plowing contractors, sidewalk salt manufacturers and others who love the "four seasons" we hold dearly or fearly in the midwest....you have given us much to be thankful for as I hear the plows and salt trucks while writing this blog.
   While sometimes we are "surprised"....or at least do not have as much warning...this time we had plenty of PR...uh...forecast of the inches...dare I say...feet... of this natural blanket that will campus some people for a couple days.  We look at it as a great opportunity to catch up on not only the office and work sorts of things...but in the spirit of multi-tasking...filling the freezer with home made soup and other goodies that simmer and cook while we work.
     In our sphere, we have a number of people who are older....or have the good sense not to drive when the snow gets deeper than they can safely navigate their vehichles or some who do not drive or wish to risk a broken...hip, leg, arm or other body part slipping and sliding down sidewalks and driveways....and stay inside until plows have been out...sidewalks salted...and driving or walking does not present a safety hazard.
  A trip to the 24 hour grocery store before the team of snow bunnies cleared the shelves provided "Snow Staple" bags of a few things to get folks through the few days ahead...a little soup, bread, deli treats...fruit....and sprinkle in some fun.....and went on our delivery route before we got stuck in the fluffy blanket to come...It was not expensive...it was fun....making short lists...and the snow survival kits....don't forget the pets...an attitude of gratitude...You bet...Pay it forward one bag at a time...they will appreciate it....and no matter what the temperature...you will feel warm all over knowing you helped someone who could not help themselves.