Snow Angels

We're waking up to more than a foot of snow in Eastern New York this morning, our first real snow storm of the season.

It's just a few minutes past 7:00 am.

About 45 minutes ago, I was practically hurled out of bed by the mass pandemonium of the three younger dogs losing their minds (plus the elderly one being agitated and confused and randomly slamming into various pieces of furniture).

I listened as the barking ceased and heard only the faint sounds of snow being shoveled up the street.

I returned to bed.

"Knock-knock-knock" from the front door.

CANINE PANDEMONIUM PART DEUX

Not even half awake - having spent the previous six hours alternately snoozing and tossing and turning, dreading the shoveling awaiting me in the morning - I pulled the closest thing resembling a bathrobe around me and rapelled my way downstairs alternately using the wall, banister and stairs to change my direction, bearing and speed - much as I imagine Helen Keller might have, had she been awaken suddenly, violently and without a frantic explanation made to her palm.

I struggled to open the front door, with three snarling and yapping demons behind me, leaping around under and up into the front hall Christmas tree, ornaments pinging and shattering against the oak desk and paneled staircase.

In the periwinkle darkness of pre-dawn, a slight and mildly spotty youth stood without, his nose red with cold, the faint odor of stale cigarettes hovering round him.

"Sorry to be coming by so early - did you want us to clear your sidewalk and driveway?" he inquired.

"Who am I?" I thought, "...and why are these magic wolves destroying the tree of light and fantasy?  Why am I here - who is making those speaking noises?  Is it God? God - hello?    No?  Then be QUIET or the Cafeteria Lady will HEAR you - and you know what she's like!! "

(Brian will absolutely confirm that this is spot-on in terms of how I dream and then wake up)

Out of my mouth, however, came, "Great!  Just the sidewalk and in front of the cars where the plow came by would be great, okay?"

Off went my snowy savior to join his two comrades who attacked the snow with an energy and vehemence of hobgoblins disemboweling an unwary traveler.  Snow flew this way and that as I watched blearily from within.

After a few minutes of wakefulness, I glanced around outside and realized that a good hour of back-breaking shoveling and snow clearing still lay ahead for us.

So, I made espresso and waited patiently for the hobgoblins to finish their grim task.

When the head youth returned to my front door, I was able to see him much more clearly.  Young, fresh-faced - seemed a decent enough kid/young man.

I apologized for having been out of it when I first spoke with him and asked how much he was owed.

He said "wow - I don't know - um. $10 each?"

I thought - okay - fair enough.

"How much more to clean off the cars and shovel the driveway?" (we have a small parking strip - just big enough to get two cars off the street)

Him:  "Hmm - I don't want to hurt you, man - another $10?"

Me (thinking):  "Hurt me?  Hurt me for another $10.  You're actually helping me avoid thousands in possible medical bills when I shatter my spine, slide under Brian's car and am then dragged on floral deliveries for the next three days."

Me (speaking):   "Okay. Cool. Thanks."

With that, I handed the $40 in cash to the earnest young man. He then rejoined his compatriots and within seconds, I saw the roofs of our cars emerge from the snow.  Then the windows and hoods, and finally, the tires.

And with that, they were gone.  Piling into their battered black Isuzu Rodeo, they tore off into the still-dark morning - destined, no doubt, to aid other out-of-shape and confused middle-aged people before the sun rose.

Brian thinks they're crackheads.  I like to think they are smart and entrepreneurial young go-getters who know the value of hard work.  And maybe beer.  Okay - and maybe an occasional dime bag or so in there somewhere.

But more than anything, they are my snow angels.  Allowing me to sit and write this blog entry in warmth and comfort while my neighbors toil away.

And like other mysterious creatures - such as Bigfoot and Extraterrestrials, all I have is a memory and a grainy photograph to remember them by.