In case you did not read my last blog I’ll tell you again that in the past three weeks we have sold eight to nine years worth of snow shovels. Why? Well beyond the fact of the blizzard and massive amount of snow, people just like to own snow shovels. We find this true even in years without much snow. Snow shovels are a very popular item here in Loveland.
Now I’ve hardly ever known someone who likes to use snow shovels. We hear moans and groans every time we put the shovels out in the fall. People often grumble as they’re buying one. Yet, they still buy one, then another and another. I own five shovels myself. I know many people who own multiple shovels. People usually own one of every garden tool. They don’t try new types of spade shovels, or such. So why do we all want multiple snow shovels?
I have a few theories: The more shovels you own, the more people you can con in to helping you move snow. The more shovels you have the less likely you are to break a handle or scoop on one. The more different types of shovels you have the more prepared you will be for all types of snow.
I think my third theory is likely the best. There are definite differences in shovels. The scoops for digging, the pushers for clearing, the bent handle scoops for the really heavy stuff. Then there are aluminum, steel, or plastic blades, all of which have there good and bad points. Don’t forget the new snowplow designs and of course, the car shovels and grain scoops. There are many types of snow and that makes people want the right shovel for the right type of snow.
My second theory is the old Murphy’s Law thing. If you only have one shovel, you’ll likely break it in the middle of the deepest snow. I know I broke the handle on a shovel that I had for many years. I’ve often broken blades, or bent up metal blades trying to use them for purposes that they’re not really designed for.
And my first theory? Well, that one works great, especially for those of you with teenage kids. We saw many families buying everyone a shovel in the past storm. No reason to give their kids a good excuse to not help, buy them all a shovel and put ‘em to work! Of course, I have no great ideas or tips on how to get your teenagers to give up their video games or snowboards and wake up early enough to help you.