I'm past the snow freaking me out..

[TwinsinCA]

I don't think your neighbors are mean or rude. Did you help them out? I'm also living alone in NoVa and got nearly 3 feet of snow. I didn't wait until Sunday to start digging. I started on Friday night, then went out again on Saturday 3 times. It made it a LOT easier. Also, a few times, I was out the same time as my neighbor. We chatted and helped each other out. I don't expect anyone to shovel my snow FOR me while I sit inside.

Thank you! I am sitting here mystified as to how the neighbors are being "mean" for not doing someone else's work.

 

[smschex]

Thank you! I am sitting here mystified as to how the neighbors are being "mean" for not doing someone else's work.

She wasn't asking anyone to do her work while she sat inside. It just seems it would have been the considerate thing to do, when you were all shoveled out to help a neighbor who was clearly having difficulty. Instead her neighbors walked by with taunting remarks.

If that is the norm where you live, I am very sorry for you.

 

[Eeyore'sthebest]

She wasn't asking anyone to do her work while she sat inside. It just seems it would have been the considerate thing to do, when you were all shoveled out to help a neighbor who was clearly having difficulty. Instead her neighbors walked by with taunting remarks.

If that is the norm where you live, I am very sorry for you.

Absolutely! Once you're out, those of us that have compassion for our fellow human beings offer to help out others. We don't stroll by and make snarky comments. Tina is new to snow and is struggling by herself. It would have been nice if a neighbor strolled by, saw her struggling and said "Hey, do you need any help?" Even if the neighbor lifted 5 shovelfuls of snow, it would be 5 less that she had to do.

 

[jen0610]

Thank you! I am sitting here mystified as to how the neighbors are being "mean" for not doing someone else's work.

Sorry, but in my book and may others, when you see a woman - young or old doesn't matter - struggling to dig thru the amount of snow Tina is dealin with, you offer to help them out, not just make comments.

Tina and Matt have been living there long enough for the neighbors to know that he currently is not there - temp stationed outta state, that she's out there doing it on her own, not becase he doesn't feel like doing it, but she's the only one that can do it or it's not gonna get done.

If we were there close to ya Tina, I'd have DS15 over there digging you out. And I still say, Matt owes you a big sparkly in a blue box/bag and the snow blower. When he gets you the snow blower, the next time you see the "helpfull Henry" neighbor, you can just blow all the snow his way.

 

[hereyago]

Tina, I feel for ya! Being a military wife is hard. Ok, I am not one, but I am a single mom who had DD11 and DM 76. I do all the yard work and had to get ready for when we had snow. Ice melt, snow shovel and all.

Ironic thing is, years ago, my boyfriend at the time joined the Navy, I broke up with him because I didn't want to be a military wife and alone to do stuff.

My neighbors and I help each other out and the ones who are elderly, we help out. Your neighbors probably thought they were amusing with the remarks.

Take breaks with the snow shoveling, no sense in hurting yourself.

 

[jrmasm]

Sorry you're having such a tough time.

A tip for the next storm: move the snow as soon as the storm is over. It's much, much easier than after 2 days of melt and refreeze.

 

[bluesaturn]

I think it is sad that no one offered to help. Particularly because you are alone in your house. Presumably most of them had more than one person shoveling their driveway, and they are already done. It's not their obligation, but it would have been the kind thing to do.

You should move over to Maryland

 

[locolala]

Come move into my neighborhood lol! My neighbors came and dug out my sidewalk for me, and refused payment! They know my DH is home but they said they would take care of it. They also said that if DH ends up having to go in to work for a few days (I hate being married to an NCO.. if they need him, they'll make him live in the barracks for awhile) that they'll shovel me out again. They said I am not allowed to even consider touching a snowshovel, lol. They're going to the store in a little while and they're gonna pick up a few things for me . Might I add, these guys just moved in like a week ago, and I already like them.

 

[TwinsinCA]

She wasn't asking anyone to do her work while she sat inside. It just seems it would have been the considerate thing to do, when you were all shoveled out to help a neighbor who was clearly having difficulty. Instead her neighbors walked by with taunting remarks.

If that is the norm where you live, I am very sorry for you.

First of all I didn't find any of their comments to be "taunting" -- I think they were trying to be funny and because she was already upset about having to shovel she took the comments way too personally.

As I see it, my yard is my responsibility. Period. If it snows? The onus is on me to dig out or pay someone else to do it. To expect others who are finished to then help me is ridiculous. Sure it would be nice, but NOT helping isn't 'mean' which is what I keep hearing on this thread. I am not arguing that it isn't nice to help people. But to expect it is more than a little entitled. (The OP didn't say she expected it, but others apparently do.)

I have lived in MN, WI, and CO -- all very snowy states and believe me I have shoveled plenty of snow. It is hard work. I would highly recommend investing it a snow blower or contracting with someone to shovel/plow from now on. It will be well worth it.

 

[huey duey & luey]

It may not be anyone else's responsibility but you make it sound like a bad thing for neighbors to help.

We didn't even get that much snow on Saturday and my husband was at work, and would have done it when he got home. My one neighbor snowblowed my driveway, and my other name (whose son was playing in my yard all afternoon), came to pick him up and shoveled my walkway. I will take those type of neighbors anyday

 

[punkin]

My husband helped my neighbor across the street this morning. We paid people to do ours and our neighbor did his own, but this morning a plow truck blocked his driveway and he couldn't get out. My DH helped him out.

Tina, you have to pay someone to help you. The news says another significant snowfall will be here by Tuesday.

 

[lovemygoofy]

I am done!! My entire drive to the street and my car is snow free.

For the record, I don't expect help from anyone. However, I certainly don't need the remarks when I'm out trying to get this stuff shoveled especially from the same couple for two days. It's neither cute nor friendly or funny.

I never saw anyone come into the neighborhood wanting to shovel for a fee or I would have done it. I certainly never saw someone with a snow blower. I do not sit on my butt waiting for someone to help me. I get out and get it done which I did. I don't care that it took me two days, I did it. I've never even seen this much snow at one time let alone shovel it. It's not that easy and I tried to keep up during the storm but it seemed impossible.

I know more snow is coming and I'm ready as can be. I think my deck may break off if anymore snow gets on it but what can I do? I'm sorry if this post came off as someone who is wanting to sit inside and be rescued because that's not the case. I have and always will take care of myself.

 

[S. C.]

Many years ago when our state was considered an emergency because of the snow, we lived in apartments. I went out and shoveled a spot for our car, everyone was getting stuck and DH had just got out of the hospital. I went to the store came back and sure enough someone took the parking spot. We did not have assigned spots so I just had to wait for them to leave and move my car back into the spot I worked so hard on.

 

[ncmickeyluvr]

I am done!! My entire drive to the street and my car is snow free.

For the record, I don't expect help from anyone. However, I certainly don't need the remarks when I'm out trying to get this stuff shoveled especially from the same couple for two days. It's neither cute nor friendly or funny.

I never saw anyone come into the neighborhood wanting to shovel for a fee or I would have done it. I certainly never saw someone with a snow blower. I do not sit on my butt waiting for someone to help me. I get out and get it done which I did. I don't care that it took me two days, I did it. I've never even seen this much snow at one time let alone shovel it. It's not that easy and I tried to keep up during the storm but it seemed impossible.

I know more snow is coming and I'm ready as can be. I think my deck may break off if anymore snow gets on it but what can I do? I'm sorry if this post came off as someone who is wanting to sit inside and be rescued because that's not the case. I have and always will take care of myself.

I don't think you sounded like that at all!! That still doesn't mean that someone couldn't have been neighborly and HELPED YOU. I think it's actually kind of sad that people don't take care of their neighbors like they used to. I remember growing up and all of the adults on my street....Men and Women...used to stay outside and shovel together until everyone was done....and usually some guy came along with a snow blower and everyone loved him until spring.

 

[KirstenB]

Seriously, if they know your dh is deployed, and they didn't help, shame on them. We lived in Norfolk many years, and everyone pitched in to help Navy wives.

 

[Eeyore'sthebest]

I am done!! My entire drive to the street and my car is snow free.

For the record, I don't expect help from anyone. However, I certainly don't need the remarks when I'm out trying to get this stuff shoveled especially from the same couple for two days. It's neither cute nor friendly or funny.

I never saw anyone come into the neighborhood wanting to shovel for a fee or I would have done it. I certainly never saw someone with a snow blower. I do not sit on my butt waiting for someone to help me. I get out and get it done which I did. I don't care that it took me two days, I did it. I've never even seen this much snow at one time let alone shovel it. It's not that easy and I tried to keep up during the storm but it seemed impossible.

I know more snow is coming and I'm ready as can be. I think my deck may break off if anymore snow gets on it but what can I do? I'm sorry if this post came off as someone who is wanting to sit inside and be rescued because that's not the case. I have and always will take care of myself.

You have NEVER come across as someone who wants something for nothing or wants someone else to take care of you. Don't worry about what other people have to say. Its called common courtesy. Sorry you don't have any kids walking the neighborhood. I hope you don't get hammered too hard this next time. Might I recommend some Motrin and a nice warm bath for those muscle.

 

[bluesaturn]

I am done!! My entire drive to the street and my car is snow free.

For the record, I don't expect help from anyone. However, I certainly don't need the remarks when I'm out trying to get this stuff shoveled especially from the same couple for two days. It's neither cute nor friendly or funny.

I never saw anyone come into the neighborhood wanting to shovel for a fee or I would have done it. I certainly never saw someone with a snow blower. I do not sit on my butt waiting for someone to help me. I get out and get it done which I did. I don't care that it took me two days, I did it. I've never even seen this much snow at one time let alone shovel it. It's not that easy and I tried to keep up during the storm but it seemed impossible.

I know more snow is coming and I'm ready as can be. I think my deck may break off if anymore snow gets on it but what can I do? I'm sorry if this post came off as someone who is wanting to sit inside and be rescued because that's not the case. I have and always will take care of myself.

You're right, it isn't cute or funny. Most people in this area aren't going to have a snow blower, because they would rarely need to use it (except this year). Heck, many people didn't even have shovels before this storm. Few of us knew how to deal with a storm of this magnitude, which is obvious considering the area is still shut down. So I don't think you did anything wrong. These were extreme circumstances, and I'm sorry no one took a little time to help you out.

Unfortunately, I think the military picked the worst winter ever to bring you to DC. I promise it will be more fun in the spring!

 

[dumboiu]

Tina - that was a lot of snow. A lot of snow for you and a lot of snow for the area. Your DH is not there to help and your neighbors should never have walked by making snide remarks to you. While you do and can take care of yourself, a little kindness and help from your neighbors would have gone a long way. I am sorry that you had to go this alone. More on the way, so hang in there!

 

[puffkin]

I'm sorry it took you so long. Have you checked craigslist or called a couple of local landscapers? Most of them will do snow removal for a fee.

Where I live we usually get a big storm every few years or so. The biggest tip is to just do your best to keep up with it. That means while it is snowing to shovel several times. It is much easier to shovel 6" at a time rather than a few feet! Plus once you start the melt/refreeze cycle it is all over. Just gets way too heavy. Waiting until the snow stops is just too late. Even with a snowblower you have to keep at it through the storm. I know it is a PITA but it really is the only way. Before we got our snowblower I remember we got about 30" on President's Day the one year. I think we shoveled our driveway 3/4 times during the storm. IT was awful but then it was over with. I'm sorry you had to learn that lesson the hard way.

 

[disney4us2002]

I am done!! My entire drive to the street and my car is snow free.

For the record, I don't expect help from anyone. However, I certainly don't need the remarks when I'm out trying to get this stuff shoveled especially from the same couple for two days. It's neither cute nor friendly or funny.

I never saw anyone come into the neighborhood wanting to shovel for a fee or I would have done it. I certainly never saw someone with a snow blower. I do not sit on my butt waiting for someone to help me. I get out and get it done which I did. I don't care that it took me two days, I did it. I've never even seen this much snow at one time let alone shovel it. It's not that easy and I tried to keep up during the storm but it seemed impossible.

I know more snow is coming and I'm ready as can be. I think my deck may break off if anymore snow gets on it but what can I do? I'm sorry if this post came off as someone who is wanting to sit inside and be rescued because that's not the case. I have and always will take care of myself.

That happened to our neighbors' deck. You have to shovel the snow off or sweep it off if you can. It will get too heavy and if it collapses, it will mess up the siding or worse.

I can't believe the forecast for more snow is being reported. I'm not sure whether to laugh or cry at this time. I think the only part of me not sore is my earlobes - maybe...