We're at zero this morning, there is a frost and the Weather Network has started its Fall colour report.

And so it begins.

Time to get the snowblower serviced then.

I see lots of driveways with large piles of wood on them. I feel rather smug about having stacked my logs in May.

Time to buy one, in my case.

I know nothing about these things. What are the key things to look for?

Go for max horsepower for the cutting path size. So 11.5hp for 28" good. 9hp for 28" bad. Avoid the MTD brands - yardman, yardworks etc. Basically anything sold in Canadian Tire, Home Hardware etc. I'd look at Ariens (which is what I have), Toro or possibly Craftsman.

I have to confess that, as AX predicted, my snowblower attachment was a fiasco. The problem with it was absurd oversensitivity to objects in its path. Every time a tree branch or rock got into it the shear pin broke which meant a great deal of climbing down and up again. In the end I cleared using the bucket, that's effective but presents a different problem, where to put the snow.

Still roasting here....

I'm glad you mentioned Craftsman, I have a mower of that make. Another snow blower question, how would a snow blower work in a narrow, say walls 10 feet apart, and long, say 25 feet. Blow the snow forward to the open area then sideways? The alternative of a shovel would seem the best option.

I have a 10hp 27", using the logic smaller cut with power equals good. Electric and manual start with power steering for the Mrs. It's being delivered this afternoon.... how depressing.

You can convert your dishwasher.

Just buy her a snow shovel !

Aww come on Souv be an optimist you can't possibly have that much snow two years in a row.

Don't mention dishwashers.

perhaps we could mention lave-vaisselle?

Perhaps we could go play in the traffic.

Will you sell me some?