Tests of character

Let's start with the good news, if you can call it that. The aluminum gear box on our Ariens snow blower cracked during the last big snow storm. The guy who repairs our stuff was vigilant beyond the call of duty and tracked down a steel gear box from a seller in Maryland and returned the repaired snow blower to us on Wednesday.
Now, it's about this,

3 to 6 inches of snow will likely accumulate in the advisory area through tonight... with locally higher amounts likely depending on where more persistent snow banding sets up. Additional light to moderate snow accumulations are possible on Sunday and Sunday night. Overall... this will be a manageable light to moderate long-duration snow event. However... roads are expected to become very slippery. In addition... north to northwest winds will pick up this afternoon and tonight... and this may result in periods of lower visibilities.
Winter Weather Advisory- Statement as of 4:04 AM EST on January 02, 2010

The advisories continue with a forecast of high winds later in the weekend.
So, the moral challenges arise as we decide when to clear away the snow. The smart thing is to wait until the snow stops falling. We don't have any particular place to go this weekend and plenty to keep us entertained and busy at home. We like each other's company and have plenty to think and talk about.^[1]
When my father-in-law lived here, being a high-energy guy, he'd go out every few hours and clear away the one or two inches that had fallen. Another neighbor might bring out the snow blower for each four inches.  The town will have its plowers and sand-and-salt trucks out pretty much constantly because goodness knows that the people in our fair 'burb couldn't possibly have to drive on snowy roads.
And like that. To wait out a storm while those around us are compelled into outward and visible action is a true test of one's convictions. Let's see how we do.

via HOBOTOPIA: Laugh-Out-Loud Cats #1317