Stories have broken nationwide about how the hardy Minnesotans have endured record snowfall. But, until now, no intrepid reporters have bothered to document and publicize this historic event for curious Arizona snowbirds and posterity.Today, tenacious Tom answered the call and strapped on his honest-to-goodness snowshoes to work his way behind the duplex we share with him. He got far enough from the door for his good wife to take a few pictures. Controversy is raging in the homeowners' association about snowplowing and sidewalk shoveling, but these back yard photos seem to neatly avoid the natty issue entirely. The association president allegedly left a blistering voice mail to our snow removal contractor, we are told, and response was immediate. All will be forgiven by the time we get home, of course, as the sun's healing redemption will erase all transgressions.
Thanks a bunch for the pictures, Sandy. But why does Mr. Tom have to be in all the photos? How about a shot of Super Sandy mushing across the tundra? Is Tom just seeking more free publicity for his fledging Tax Service?
Whatever, bloggers, here's the pictures the Stories took and sent us in Tucson. We're grateful. Remember sports fans, if you're ever in trouble with the IRS, -- and April 15 will be here before you know it-- give tenacious Tom a call. He's obviously got some free time on his hands... or feet.By the way, looking at those photos, Good Neighbor Tom: I see there is a lot of snow accumulating on my roof. Would you have that no-good-son-in-law of yours clear it off for me?
Muchas gracias, as always.
In other news from the home front. . .
It appears that a new house is under construction across the fairway from our Minnesota house. (See photo, right)When we left Minnesota in mid-January, nothing had been started there except some foundations and a few deliveries to the site. Now I see, thanks to Sandy's pictures, that despite the snow and cold, a substantial house will be in place when we return to Minnesota in March, probably ready for occupancy in May.
Unbelieveable. I cannot tell you how impressive this is. In year-round Arizona, where there are no impediments to construction, other than the vivid imaginations of the local contractors, you cannot construct a house anywhere in less than a year, even though identical reference copies stand nearby in ticky-tacky rows. Many folks must sacrifice three years to reach completion of their new house. The sad part is that, in this town, many of the folks don't have three years left to wait for their dream home.
And road repair, in a state where frost isn't ever an issue, don't get me started. It is under way everywhere and without end. Why?
Another mystery to be solved another day.
