Let it snow, let it snow … but not on the sidewalk

Snow, while pretty to look at, is not very fun to drive in and falls to downright drudgery when it comes to shoveling the driveway or sidewalk.

It is, sadly, a necessary evil since trying to get around on sidewalks jammed with boot-trodden snow is unpleasant at best. At worst, it can be dangerous as pedestrians sometimes resort to walking in the street when the sidewalk because too clogged with snow.

Oh, yeah, many cities also have snow removal ordinances which require businesses and homeowners to keep the sidewalks clear. But that is a different, far less entertaining story.

It was with this in mind — and knowing I was going to be writing this editorial — that I dutifully popped downstairs to check on our own sidewalk in front of the Bee. After all, we would have deservedly been fair game if I had written an editorial saying, "shovel your sidewalks," and our sidewalk was the only one on the block unshoveled.

I left my coat upstairs — yes, Mom, I know, wear your coat in the winter … and your hat AND your gloves — along with my keys and my cell phone. After all, it isn't that big of a space and I didn't figure it would take me more than a few minutes.

Halfway through, a co-worker left for the day and accidentally closed the door I had carefully left ajar. It wasn't until she had driven away that I realized I had no way to get back into the building. I trooped next door, where the nice folks at Merwin's let me use the phone to call another co-worker.

A few minutes later, sidewalk done, we were on our way to get a hot latte — laughing the entire way.

Now get out there and shovel your sidewalk — but make sure you have your keys.

Caroline Lobsinger is the managing editor of the Daily Bee.