Paradise ponders, driveway maintenance edition... When yesterday dawned, we had up to 2" of ice on our driveway (1" in most places), and it was so slippery that one could barely stand upright. For most of the day the temperature was above freezing and we had intermittent precipitation, so a layer of liquid water built up above the ice. By using my snow plow as if it was an ice shaver, in two efforts separated by about four hours, I was able to get all that ice off the driveway. This was far less work, overall, than plowing a foot of snow off – and the benefits are well worth it. Last year we had a persistent layer of ice for a couple of months, but I never tried the “ice shaving” trick. It's now in my repertoire...
We didn't do much else yesterday, just puttered around the house and ran a couple of errands. But we did stop for a lovely lunch at Los Primos, where we both had a bowl of their delicious vegetable beef soup. We've been there enough times at this point that the waitresses are becoming familiar with us. This time they didn't even bother bringing a menu; our waitress knew we would want the soup. :)
A few days ago I had a bit of fun with our Model X that I forgot to relate. I had run up to Ridley's (groceries, hardware, and guns – so Utahan!) for a few things, and when I walked out and back toward my car, I noticed a couple of young guys looking at it. They were gesturing and talking excitedly, and as I approached I overheard one tell the other that the owner couldn't be someone from around here. So I introduced myself, and asked them if they'd like a little ride in it. Their answer was an excited and emphatic “Yes!” I opened the falcon wing back doors for them, which started them going again, then I drove them a half mile or so down the road and back. I had a chance to show them the acceleration (which, being young guys, of course they loved). They also liked the big display. However, they deeply regretted the lack of engine sound. :) That was fun!
A few days prior to that, we took our friend Michelle H. out to lunch at Los Primos. She rode in the back of our Model X, and when we got to the restaurant we opened the falcon wing door for her to get out. When we walked into the restaurant, the people at a table near the door piped up with “Nice car!” and wanted to know what it was. Michelle's comment: she really liked being noticed getting out of the “cool car”, and offered to go with us anytime we wanted to be noticed. :) Personally I'd be more comfortable not being noticed, and I'm kind of glad that the falcon wing doors are on the rear seats (which we rarely use) and not the front...
This morning we have about an inch of slushy snow on the driveway, and it's still coming down. The temperature is hovering right at freezing, but should be going up at least a few more degrees during the day. I'll be plowing at least once again today...
