The only reason I need to get a snowblower

When I was shovelling tonight, the scoop end got caught under a sheet of ice. I yanked up on the shovel, but the ice didn't break. Instead, I lost my grip on the end of the handle, making that end the business end of a Class III lever. The handle smacked me in the face, and I quietly stopped shoveling. I'm kidding -- I actually very loudly stopped shoveling, and was glad when I looked around afterward that no one seemed to be within earshot.

Incredibly, my glasses remained intact. And although my face hurt, I didn't realize I was bleeding until the side of my face felt cold.

I took a quick picture before cleaning up:

The Miracle of Modern Science

We recently spent the last of our money on a new furnace, and so far it has been worth every penny. A mere glance at the before and after shot should explain why:

















In case it doesn't, the new one is about 2/3 the size, and the rooms upstairs actually get warm now.