I wanted snow, and boy did we get it! Yes, I still love it, but the back-to-back storms pounding the East Coast are even giving me, the winter adorer, pause. I was waste-deep in the white stuff earlier today as I slogged around the back of my house to make sure all of the vents were clear, and the window wells empty. I ventured to work during the weekend storm and, gratefully, made it to and from safely. While my daughter sledded with friends on Sunday, I oh-so-gently pushed gargantuan piles of snow off my roof. And then shoveled all that fell to the ground. I've got the aching back and bruised knuckles to prove it. And as a blizzard kicks up outside as I write this (Wednesday), more shoveling awaits ... and then some ... and then some.

Still, while I dig through the snow, I'm thankful that I have a home and sidewalk to look after. I'm sure many of the people seeking refuge in local shelters would be grateful for the responsibilities that come with a home. And I'm grateful that I'm healthy enough to tend to these chores, and that my daughter has friends with whom she can have some fun.

And, on a lighter note, I'm sure that my neighbors appreciate what the storm forced me to do: finally (Feb. 7) remove the Christmas decorations adorning the front of my house.