{"id":6520,"date":"2024-12-02T22:03:44","date_gmt":"2024-12-02T16:03:44","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/falseducks.com\/theblahg\/?p=6520"},"modified":"2024-12-23T21:54:34","modified_gmt":"2024-12-23T15:54:34","slug":"seven-feet-of-snow-in-buffalo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/falseducks.com\/theblahg\/?p=6520","title":{"rendered":"SEVEN FEET OF SNOW IN BUFFALO"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Well, it’s time to debut this year’s Christmas story.<\/span><\/strong>\"Santa I was struggling to come up with an idea for this year but the well was dry.\u00a0 Then I thought of a story I had started a few years ago called “Seven Feet of Snow In Buffalo.”\u00a0 Let me just say, a few years ago was actually ten.\u00a0 When I checked the history of the file, I found I had lasted written anything on the story on December 3, 2014.\u00a0 That’s tomorrow and with today’s final edit, I’m a day shy of the ten year mark.\u00a0 There were probably a couple of leap days in that decade so it evens out to make it a full ten years.\u00a0 <\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0 This story was actually inspired by a real event.\u00a0 Seven feet of snow actually fell on Buffalo, New York.\u00a0 Here’s a summary from a Buffalo weather service website:\u00a0 <\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

The epic November 17-19th<\/sup> 2014 lake effect event will be remembered as one of the most significant winter events in Buffalo\u2019s snowy history.\u00a0 Over 5 feet of snow fell over areas just east of Buffalo, with mere inches a few miles away to the north.\u00a0\u00a0 There were 13 fatalities with this storm, hundreds of major roof collapses and structural failures, 1000s of stranded motorists, and scattered food and gas shortages due to impassable roads.\u00a0 Numerous trees also gave way due to the weight of the snow, causing isolated power outages.\u00a0 While this storm was impressive on its own, a second lake effect event on Nov-19-20 dropped another 1-4 feet of snow over nearly the same area and compounded rescue and recovery efforts.\u00a0 Storm totals from the two storms peaked at nearly 7 feet, with many areas buried under 3-4 feet of dense snowpack by the end of the event.<\/em><\/h4>\n

I thought about that event and thought about my own Christmas lawn display and was inspired to write the story.\u00a0 Unfortunately, I never finished it and the original ending I had for the story didn’t sit well with me.\u00a0 This year, I was inspired again to get back to the story and again by new nativity display:\u00a0 <\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"My<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Here’s a picture of some of that real seven feet of snow in Buffalo from 2014:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

I finally came up with an ending to the story I thought was suitable and I spent ten days, when I could find the time, fleshing out the rest of it.\u00a0 I had only written about three and a half pages ten years ago so I went back and did a slight edit but kept the majority of it.\u00a0 I inserted a description of the metal star and the inflatable angel, like the ones from my picture, and the rest, another twelve pages, is the finish from this year.\u00a0 <\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0 Here it is.\u00a0 I’ll put a line where the previous version stopped and where the new version begins:\u00a0 <\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

SEVEN FEET OF SNOW IN BUFFALO<\/h3>\n

By<\/h3>\n

Scott Henderson<\/h3>\n

<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 There was seven feet of snow in Buffalo.\u00a0 This could not be denied.\u00a0 It was a fact that was repeated constantly over the airwaves.\u00a0 The whole city was digging out.<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u201cSeven feet of snow fell on Buffalo during the last 48 hours,\u201d the newscaster proclaimed for what must have been the tenth time before Bert reached over and shut off his radio.<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cSeven feet of snow in Buffalo and what have we got here\u2026nothing!\u201d\u00a0 Bert said this aloud to no one in particular.\u00a0 The now quieted newscaster couldn\u2019t hear him and no one in his family would listen to him anymore about that particular subject.<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Bert Chase was fed up.\u00a0 He wanted snow and the fact that Buffalo had a monopoly on it didn\u2019t help.\u00a0 Here he was, four hours east of Buffalo, in Canada, the land of ice and snow, and there was nothing but grass.<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 It wouldn\u2019t have been so bad if Bert wasn\u2019t as fond of Christmas as he was.\u00a0 Well, it wasn\u2019t Christmas exactly but, more to the point, Bert\u2019s Christmas lawn display.<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Bert was a fanatic about his outdoor decorations and come the end of November he spent two solid days assembling and organizing his display so it would be perfect.\u00a0 Was a little snow to help with that perfection too much to ask?<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cIs a little snow here too much to ask?\u201d\u00a0 Bert was musing aloud again.<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Christmas was Bert\u2019s time.\u00a0 Everyone knew it.\u00a0 His neighbours on either side had Halloween and Bert got Christmas.\u00a0 It was an unwritten rule in the neighbourhood<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The Halloween displays on either side of his house were impressive enough with all of the tombstones, cobwebs, ghosts, ghouls, and assorted monsters his neighbours could try and fit on their front lawns.\u00a0 Ted and Carl, the aforementioned neighbours, always tried to outdo each other and both were always to be found outside on Halloween night in some outlandish costume passing out candy.\u00a0 This year Ted had gone overboard with a particularly grotesque zombie costume he\u2019d made himself while poor Carl was a distant second in his Dracula outfit offering to suck the blood of neighbourhood children before doling out tasty treats.<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 But Christmas was Bert\u2019s time.\u00a0 Ted and Carl would put up lights on their houses but it was understood that lawn ornaments or large displays were Bert\u2019s department.\u00a0 Even other houses on the street scaled back their household adornments to allow Bert to shine.<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Bert\u2019s display got bigger every year.\u00a0 Sure, he had lights on his house, which he kept up all year round, but these were just a token.\u00a0 It was the lawn display that drew crowds from near and far.<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Every year there was something new.\u00a0 He had light-up animatronic reindeer, a group of plastic carolers gathered around a festooned fir tree, numerous plastic snowmen and penguins, giant nutcrackers, and a bevy of Santas in different positions.\u00a0 Even inflatable designs were not forgotten.\u00a0 When these began to hit the market in the past years, Bert would look for just the right ones to compliment his display.\u00a0 He had an inflatable chimney with the back half of Santa sticking out while three desperate inflatable elves, stacked on each other\u2019s shoulders, tugged away at Santa\u2019s legs.\u00a0 There was a giant snow globe where styrofoam chips blew around and fell about polar bears, adorned with Santa hats, chugging Coca Colas.\u00a0 A lit Candy Cane lane ran along the driveway while an inflatable Santa, sleigh, and four tiny reindeer pulled at their tethers when the wind blew just right.\u00a0 There were familiar characters from Peanuts and Disney sporting winter outfits.\u00a0 And yet all of these paled in comparison to Bert\u2019s newest addition.<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Bert had thought long and hard all year about what to add to the display that wasn\u2019t already represented.\u00a0 His wife gave him the kernel of an idea when she suggested a traditional Nativity.\u00a0 But that wasn\u2019t good enough for Bert.\u00a0 He had to make it a spectacle that would be this year\u2019s centerpiece.\u00a0 Thus the idea for the Hollywood Nativity was born.<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Bert was pretty handy with tools and he had plenty of these in his garage.\u00a0 Power tools, saws, sanders, and every variety of hand tools had been gifts to him over past Christmases, Father\u2019s Days, and Birthdays and Bert put each of them to good use this year.<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 It started with the Wise Men.\u00a0 That came easy.\u00a0 There were three of them so naturally he thought of the Three Stooges.\u00a0 Plywood versions of Moe, Larry, and Curly were designed, cut out, and painted.\u00a0 The idea for the gifts they brought to the Christ child was Bert\u2019s inspirational stroke of genius.\u00a0 He painted Larry with a few gold teeth and the cut out kneeling while pointing to his mouth.\u00a0 The gift of gold was covered.\u00a0 Next came Moe.\u00a0 Bert didn\u2019t know much about the gift of myrrh other than it was some kind of liquid that came in a jar or bottle.\u00a0 So Moe came to the Nativity with a bottle of bootleg liquor.\u00a0 This was homage to the classic Stooges short where they made bootleg scotch.\u00a0 Moe\u2019s bottle was real but the fake label said scotch, bore the Stooges image, and the words \u201c111% Proof\u201d.\u00a0 Curly came next.\u00a0 He brought Frankenstein. \u00a0Well, in truth, he brought Frankenstein\u2019s Monster.\u00a0 Frankenstein was really the Doctor but most people got that wrong and with an inflatable Frankenstein\u2019s Monster, borrowed from Carl, and linked with a long chain to Curly\u2019s hand, Bert thought it a comic parody perfect for his display.<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The shepherds should not exceed the Wise Men.\u00a0 Two shepherds would be all it would take and keeping with the comic theme, Laurel and Hardy came to the manger.\u00a0 Sporting the traditional shepherd garb and topped with their traditional bowlers, Stan and Ollie were a welcome addition.<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Bert couldn\u2019t think of anything comedic to spin on the sheep and the camel so these were conventional.\u00a0 Flanking these beasts however were barnyard animals courtesy of Looney Tunes.\u00a0 Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, Foghorn Leghorn, and even Pep\u00e9 Le Pew, the lowliest of animals, were strewn throughout the scene.\u00a0 Eyore the donkey, friend of Winnie the Pooh, was the beast of burden who bore Mary to Bethlehem.<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Mary and Joseph gave Bert only a moment\u2019s trouble.\u00a0 He wanted a traditional Hollywood power couple and Bert discarded a number of ideas before he settled on Lucy and Desi.\u00a0 Who didn\u2019t remember \u201cI Love Lucy\u201d?\u00a0 Lucy with her red hair stood out nicely and the addition of a baby Shirley Temple doll with her curly locks in the manger topped everything off nicely.\u00a0 So what if Shirley Temple was a girl?\u00a0 In painted nativity scenes, the baby Jesus was always depicted with curly locks like Shirley\u2019s.\u00a0 Wrapped tightly in swaddling clothing, who would tell the difference?<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Bert arranged all of this up close to the front of his house against a stable backdrop he had fashioned himself.\u00a0 Small flood lights were placed strategically to ideally light the Nativity. Over Bert\u2019s front door was a shooting star he had found at a thrift store.\u00a0 It was at least thirty years old and was made of metal.\u00a0 The star was emblazoned with white lights and the tail sparkled in blue LEDs with strands of gold tinsel woven throughout.\u00a0 The effect was stunning.\u00a0 It was fastened to the house at least two feet above the door frame.\u00a0 From the base of the star he hung an inflatable angel as if it was descending into Bert\u2019s version of Bethlehem.\u00a0 Everything was a marvelous tableau.\u00a0 Everything was perfect\u2026almost.<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 There was no snow.\u00a0 It needed snow to add an extra touch of Christmas to all of Bert\u2019s lawn displays.\u00a0 There was no snow.\u00a0 Not here.\u00a0 There was seven feet of snow in Buffalo but nothing here.<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cSeven feet of snow,\u201d Bert began again, \u201cand Canada gets nothing.\u201d\u00a0 It angered Bert that Buffalo had more snow than they really needed.\u00a0 There was so much snow in Buffalo that they couldn\u2019t give the stuff away.<\/h3>\n

Bert stopped suddenly after this thought.<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cWhy not?\u201d Bert mused aloud.\u00a0 Something was sparking in his brain.\u00a0 He had a thought.\u00a0 Buffalo couldn\u2019t give away the snow if there weren\u2019t any takers.\u00a0 Why couldn\u2019t he be a taker?\u00a0 Why couldn\u2019t he just go down to Buffalo and get some of that excess snow?\u00a0 It sounded crazy but maybe it could be done.<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Bert began to pace back and forth.\u00a0 He had to think this out carefully.\u00a0 There was snow in Buffalo and he wanted it here.\u00a0 How could he pull it off?\u00a0 Shortly, the answer came to him but it was one he didn\u2019t relish. Stu.<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Stu was his wife\u2019s brother.\u00a0 Bert didn\u2019t care much for Stu.\u00a0 It wasn\u2019t that Stu was good for nothing but there had been a time when that description was appropriate.\u00a0 Stu had once lived with Bert and his wife while he tried to find himself.\u00a0 It had taken him two years and some financial banking from Bert to make Stu the man he was today.\u00a0 That still irked Bert.<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Stu ran a successful frozen food outlet and he eventually had repaid Bert but there was still something about Stu\u2019s success that didn\u2019t sit right with Bert.\u00a0 The fact that he called himself Stuart now was particularly annoying.\u00a0 He\u2019d always been Stu before his success and Bert delighted himself in calling his brother-in-law Stu whenever he could.\u00a0 Those opportunities to call him Stu were not frequent because Bert avoided Stu as much as he could.\u00a0 But now he needed a favor from Stu and this didn\u2019t sit well with Bert either.<\/h3>\n

————————— (old version ends and new version begins)<\/em><\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cOh, I know what he\u2019ll say,\u201d Bert said to himself; musing aloud again.<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cAre you crazy, Bert?\u00a0 I can\u2019t just lend you one of my refrigeration trucks.\u00a0 This is my busiest time of year and a refrigeration truck full of snow driven across the border is going to raise some alarm bells.\u201d\u00a0 Well this wasn\u2019t entirely what Bert thought Stu would say but it was exactly what Stu did say when Bert finally got around to approaching his brother-in-law.<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Bert had mulled things over for a couple of days and in that time the snow stayed away and news stories about Buffalo\u2019s plight spurred Bert to put things into action.\u00a0 He\u2019d dropped in unannounced on Stu and unburdened his thoughts to his wife\u2019s brother.<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cDo it for the kids, Stu.\u00a0 Where\u2019s your Christmas spirit?\u201d\u00a0 Bert thought that might raise a positive reaction.<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI suppose that\u2019s better than you saying I owe you,\u201d Stuart replied.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t owe you anything Bert.\u00a0 We\u2019re square as far as I\u2019m concerned.\u00a0 And I prefer to be called Stuart.\u201d<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cListen Stu,\u201d Bert continued, ignoring the plea in how he was to address him, \u201cI\u2019m not asking for money.\u00a0 Okay, so you say we\u2019re square.\u00a0 I\u2019m just asking for a small amount of interest on everything I\u2019ve done for you.\u00a0 It\u2019s just a little snow.\u201d<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cAnd a refrigerated truck to haul it in!\u00a0\u00a0 Besides, everything I have is booked up until the day before Christmas.\u201d<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll take it!\u201d Bert replied with enthusiasm; knowing full well that no official offer had been made.\u00a0 He quickly stuck out his hand as if to seal the deal.<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cWait, I didn\u2019t promise anything!\u201d Stuart reacted.\u00a0 \u201cI was just stating a fact.\u00a0 Besides, December 24th<\/sup> is four days away.\u00a0 It\u2019ll be too late by then.\u201d<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cNo it won\u2019t,\u201d Bert countered.\u00a0 He kept his hand extended across Stu\u2019s desk.<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Stuart didn\u2019t take Bert\u2019s hand.\u00a0 Instead, he leaned back in his chair and brought the tips of his fingers together as if in contemplation.<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Bert sensed he was on the losing end of his own proposition.<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll pay all the expenses.\u00a0 Gas at my cost,\u201d Bert added.\u00a0 He was struggling to find anything that would persuade his brother-in-law.\u00a0 \u201cPlease, Stuart.\u201d<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Stuart stared at his sister\u2019s husband.\u00a0 He thought Bert must be desperate if he was going to address Stuart correctly.<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cAnd Christmas Dinner,\u201d Stuart finally replied.<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cWhat do you mean by \u2018and Christmas Dinner\u2019?\u201d\u00a0 Bert was confused but he was still holding out his hand.<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cAnd Christmas Dinner,\u201d Stuart repeated.\u00a0 \u201cI want an invitation to Christmas Dinner.\u00a0 It\u2019s been years since you\u2019ve invited me over to your house.\u201d<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 So that was the catch.\u00a0 Bert should have figured that Stuart didn\u2019t do favours without expecting something in return.<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cAnd Christmas Dinner,\u201d Bert sullenly responded.\u00a0 He stuck his hand further in Stu\u2019s direction.<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cAnd Christmas Breakfast,\u201d Stuart added while grasping at Bert\u2019s hand and holding it tightly.\u00a0 Bert tried to pull his hand away as if stung but Stuart held fast.<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cAnd Christmas Breakfast?\u00a0 What gives?\u201d\u00a0 Bert finally managed to free himself of Stu\u2019s grasp.<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cWell, we probably won\u2019t get back until late and then there\u2019s all that snow to unpack.\u00a0 You\u2019ve got that great spare room and what\u2019s a little breakfast between in-laws; especially the kind that lend you one of his third best refrigerated trucks?\u00a0 We are going to have a grand adventure together.\u201d\u00a0 Stuart grinned, knowing he had secured the better part of the arrangement.<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cWe?\u00a0 As in you and I, we?\u201d\u00a0 Stu\u2019s grin, like his handshake, was putting Bert off.<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll be there at six on Christmas Eve morning.\u00a0 My truck.\u00a0 My rules.\u00a0 And I do all of the driving.\u201d<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The handshake, the grin, having to say \u2018Stuart\u2019 and now the promise or threat of Christmas Eve morning was almost too much for Bert to bear but he couldn\u2019t let Stu know that.\u00a0 Instead he leaned heavily on the desk, quickly grabbed up Stu\u2019s hand and shook it as if he was trying to wrench it free from Stu\u2019s arm.<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cDeal!\u201d Bert cried before sporting his own grin that made Stuart feel like he mightn\u2019t have made such a great bargain after all.<\/h3>\n

<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Stu did not show up with the truck on December 24th<\/sup>, until closer to nine that morning.\u00a0 Bert had been waiting for him since half past five.\u00a0 He\u2019d been up early and ready to go with two of his best shovels ready for action.<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 At seven, Bert began to worry and thought about calling Stu but kept making excuses for his brother-in-law like engine trouble or cross-town traffic.<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 By eight, Bert began to fume and curse while his wife made excuses for her sibling.<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Thirty minutes after that, Bert stretched out to wait in his favorite lounge chair in an effort to go back to sleep.\u00a0 He hoped to dream of throttling Stu or causing some bodily harm that didn\u2019t leave bruises.<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Just before nine, Bert was brought fully awake by Stu shaking him.<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cBert, Bert, get up!\u00a0 I thought you wanted to get an early start?\u201d<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The dream of hurting Stu never came but on waking, Bert was fully ready to launch himself with arms a-flailing in Stu\u2019s direction.<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI was ready by six!\u00a0 Where were you?\u201d\u00a0 If Bert couldn\u2019t strike out then at least he could add some venom to his words.<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cWhat do you mean six?\u00a0 We said nine.\u201d<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cWe said six.\u00a0 In fact, I\u2019m sure it was you who said \u2018I\u2019ll be there at six on Christmas Eve morning.\u00a0 My truck.\u00a0 My rules.\u2019 \u201c<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cLook, I\u2019ll prove it to you,\u201d Stuart said, reaching into his pocket.\u00a0 \u201cLook at this.\u201d\u00a0 He produced a small square post-it note with a holiday border and handed it to Bert.<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cBert, refrigerated truck, snow, Buffalo, December 24th<\/sup>,\u201d Bert read aloud.\u00a0 It was written in a large messy handwriting.\u00a0 \u201cIt doesn\u2019t state a time on here.\u201d<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cLook at the other side,\u201d Start gestured.<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Bert turned it over and saw a single number \u20186\u2019.<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cIt says 6, just like we discussed,\u201d Bert replied; almost spitting the words out in Stu\u2019s direction.<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cNo it doesn\u2019t, it says 9.\u201d\u00a0 Stuart grabbed at the note and then reread the first side to Bert.\u00a0 \u201cBert, refrigerated truck, snow, Buffalo, December 24th<\/sup> and if you flip it over, it says 9.\u201d<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cYou don\u2019t flip it over like turning a calendar from month to month, you turn it over like flipping a page on a book! You wrote 6 because we agreed to 6 Stuart!\u201d\u00a0 The inflection on Stuart was as hostile as Bert could make it.<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cAgree to disagree.\u00a0 Regardless, I\u2019m here now.\u201d<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cYes, and you\u2019re three hours late!\u201d\u00a0 Bert wasn\u2019t prepared to let it go.<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cEnough!\u201d a female voice interjected.<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Both Bert and Stuart turned to look in Dottie\u2019s direction.\u00a0 The wife and the sister had spoken.<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sorry Dottie,\u201d Bert and Stuart said in unison.\u00a0 Her full name might have been Dorothy but no one dared call her that.\u00a0 She didn\u2019t put on airs like Stuart so she preferred the simplicity of \u2018Dottie.\u2019<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t know how you two are going to pull this thing off, and I have my extreme doubts, but you better put this squabbling aside or you\u2019ll never get to Buffalo and that seven feet of snow you\u2019ve been talking about.\u201d\u00a0 Now Dottie was finished.<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Bert and Stuart didn\u2019t say another word.\u00a0 Bert put on his coat and pulled on his boots.\u00a0 He shoved a toque and gloves in his pocket and grabbed an extra pair for Stu.\u00a0 He was sure that like the designated time, Stu would have forgotten the need for these as well.\u00a0 Bert was right.<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Bert grabbed up the shovels and stowed them behind the seats in the cab of the truck.\u00a0 Silence filled the rest of the room in the truck and neither spoke a word to the other until they were out of town and well on their way.<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cWhat\u2019s your plan here Bert?\u201d Stuart finally asked; breaking the silence.<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cRefrigerated truck, snow, Buffalo, December 24th<\/sup>,\u201d Bert said reluctantly.\u00a0 He thought about adding \u201c6\u201d but Dottie had kissed him at the door and said play nice.\u00a0 This was Bert being nice.<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI know that,\u201d said Stuart, while trying not to react to Bert.\u00a0 His sister had also hugged him on the way out and repeated the instructions of playing nicely.\u00a0 \u201cWhere in Buffalo, exactly?\u00a0 It\u2019s big place!\u201d<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019ll sort that out when we get there.\u00a0 There\u2019s seven feet of snow in Buffalo.\u00a0 It can\u2019t be that hard to find.\u201d<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Stuart just shrugged.\u00a0 He\u2019d committed himself and he was doing all the driving.\u00a0 Bert was right, though, seven feet of snow in Buffalo would likely be pretty apparent.<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cOkay, start the clock.\u00a0 Four hours and counting down.\u00a0 No muss, no fuss, leave the driving to us.\u201d\u00a0 Of course, by \u2018us\u2019 Stuart meant himself.\u00a0 He\u2019d told Bert \u201cMy truck.\u00a0 My rules.\u00a0 And I do all of the driving.\u201d\u00a0 That he could remember but when it came to the correct time that was a different story.\u00a0 At least he\u2019d got the date right.<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cMind if I listen to the radio?\u201d Bert asked.\u00a0 Maybe some holiday music would make this journey more festive.\u00a0 With music playing, he wouldn\u2019t have to engage in conversation with his wife\u2019s brother.\u00a0 Play nice, she\u2019d said.\u00a0 She hadn\u2019t said Bert had to talk to Stu.<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cNo can do Bert, I had it removed.\u00a0 Removed them from all of my trucks.\u00a0 Just a distraction to the drivers.\u00a0 Eyes and ears on the road, I always say.\u201d<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Bert had never heard Stu say anything close to that.\u00a0 No radio?\u00a0 This was going to be a long four hours.<\/h3>\n

<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Of course it took them longer than four hours.\u00a0 Stuart\u2019s sense of direction and driving skills were spot on but they hadn\u2019t counted on the holiday traffic. \u00a0They reached Buffalo almost six hours after they left Bert\u2019s house.\u00a0 It had taken them four hours alone to get to the border and another hour at the crossing trying to explain why two Canadians with two shovels were entering the United States with an empty refrigerated truck.<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Stuart wanted to bluff their way through and say they were going to pick up a load of holiday turkeys and hams.\u00a0 Bert agree that was plausible but pointed out they might be asked to provide some proof like a weigh-bill or anything that would corroborate their story.<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 In the end, Bert felt the truth was their best recourse.\u00a0 That\u2019s why they were an hour at the border.\u00a0 They were held for further questioning but no one could find a reason to deny them entry.\u00a0 After all, they weren\u2019t bringing anything into the United States and their plan to bring snow back into Canada, although far-fetched, was something for the Canadian authorities to pursue when they crossed back over.\u00a0 They eventually were sent on their way and Bert was sure he could hear a few chuckles after the border patrol waved them through.<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The sixth hour was spent finding someplace to have a bite to eat and a rest stop.\u00a0 Bert didn\u2019t realize how hungry he was when they finally had ordered takeout.\u00a0 It had been a long time since 5 a.m. when he\u2019d had his breakfast and optimistically settled in to wait for Stu\u2019s six o\u2019clock arrival.<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cOkay Bert, what\u2019s your plan here, I\u2019ll ask again,\u201d Stuart said between bites of his hamburger.\u00a0 He and Bert had picked up their food and headed back out to eat in the truck.\u00a0 The vehicle had been too large to maneuver through a drive-thru.<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve been mulling that over since we got here,\u201d Bert replied.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s been almost a week and all of the main routes have been plowed or the huge snowbanks are dirty with gravel and slush.\u00a0\u00a0 I\u2019m thinking maybe some of the side streets.\u00a0 They\u2019re usually the last to be cleaned out.\u201d<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 After they finished eating, they spent twenty minutes crisscrossing some of the residential streets to no avail.\u00a0 All of those streets had been plowed and the driveways for the homes had been shoveled or blown clear.<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Stuart pulled over on the side of one street and he and Bert both jumped out of the truck.<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cLet\u2019s give it up Bert and chalk it up to a failed road trip,\u201d Stuart said.<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cNo, I won\u2019t give up!\u00a0 We\u2019ve come this far.\u00a0 I can\u2019t come this close and go away empty handed.\u201d\u00a0 Bert was pacing back and forth and slamming his arms vigorously across his chest to stay warm.\u00a0 It was cold outside when compared against the hours they had spent in the truck.<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re close to nothing Bert!\u201d Stuart shouted.\u00a0 He turned away from Bert and gestured toward the street.\u00a0 \u201cThere\u2019s nothing here.\u00a0 This was a fool\u2019s folly at best.\u00a0 Let\u2019s get back in the truck and get some coffee and head home!\u201d\u00a0 That\u2019s when the snowball hit Stuart in the back.<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Stuart turned and glared at Bert.\u00a0 \u201cSon, you\u2019re going to regret that!\u201d Stuart bellowed as he bent down and scooped up a handful of snow.<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t you dare Stu!\u201d Bert hollered back.\u00a0 \u201cYou had it coming.\u00a0 You\u2019re lucky I didn\u2019t slam you before this.\u00a0 This wasn\u2019t a fool\u2019s folly.\u00a0 Or if it was, what does that make you for coming along?\u201d\u00a0 Bert leapt to the side as Stuart\u2019s snowball whizzed by him.<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 After that, the war was on.\u00a0 Both took up positions on opposite sides of the street and began pelting each other with insults and frozen projectiles.\u00a0 Nothing was off-limits.\u00a0 Even past histories were resurrected and used as ammunition in the verbal assaults.\u00a0 The snowballs kept finding their targets in each other and soon they both lay tired and spent in the snow across the way from one another.<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cAre you boys done, now?\u00a0 You\u2019re a little big for a snowball fight and from what you were yelling at each other, you\u2019re obviously family, right?\u201d\u00a0 A woman out walking her dog glanced back and forth at Bert and Stuart and shook her head.<\/h3>\n

\u201cIn-laws,\u201d they both shouted back.<\/h3>\n

\u201cI guess that makes it okay, then?\u00a0 Do you mind telling me what this is all about or do you want to explain it to the police?\u201d<\/h3>\n

Neither Bert nor Stuart were keen on it escalating it that far.\u00a0 They were strangers in this Country and neither wanted it to become an international incident.<\/h3>\n

Bert got up and approached the woman and began to tell her the story of his nativity and how he had come up with the idea of helping relieve Buffalo of some of its seven feet of snow.\u00a0 Stuart came and stood by them and didn\u2019t interrupt as Bert told their tale. He didn\u2019t think it was necessary to add his thoughts about how Bert\u2019s nutty idea had pushed them to this point.\u00a0 This stranger could obviously gather all of that from their boisterous bickering and their now soaked clothing from having been bombarded by snow and then flopping down exhausted in it.<\/h3>\n

\u201cI guess your story about wanting our snow is just as crazy as you two trying to injure each other from opposite sides of the road.\u00a0 I might be able to help you but I\u2019m not sure I want to after the way you\u2019ve been treating each other.\u201d\u00a0 The woman glared again at both Bert and Stuart in turn.<\/h3>\n

\u201cPlease, uh, sorry, I didn\u2019t catch your name,\u201d Bert inquired.<\/h3>\n

\u201cHolly,\u201d Holly began before glaring again at both of them, \u201cand yes that\u2019s my real name.\u00a0 I\u2019ve heard all the remarks that this time of year brings so you needn\u2019t comment.\u201d<\/h3>\n

\u201cHolly and the Ivy?\u201d Stuart queried.\u00a0 He couldn\u2019t help himself.<\/h3>\n

\u201cHolly Jolly Christmas?\u201d Bert chimed in while snickering.<\/h3>\n

\u201cGet it all out,\u201d Holly offered.\u00a0 \u201cI guess anything you can laugh at together is something you don\u2019t use against each other.\u00a0 \u201cYou might as well know that my middle name is Noel.\u00a0 My parents loved Christmas.\u00a0 It\u2019s not bad the rest of the year but I get it good around this time, what with the holidays and all.\u201d<\/h3>\n

Bert and Stuart began to laugh.\u00a0 They looked at each other and laughed even harder at the sight of each other dotted where snowballs had hit their marks.\u00a0 Eventually they stopped laughing long enough to engage again in conversation.<\/h3>\n

\u201cPlease Holly,\u201d Bert continued, while trying to stifle the last of his chuckles.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019ve come a long way and we\u2019ve got just as far to go and I don\u2019t want to leave empty-handed.\u201d<\/h3>\n

\u201cWell, if you\u2019ll promise to at least be civil to each other, I\u2019ll show you something and then you\u2019ll decide for yourself if it\u2019ll help with your wild quest.\u201d<\/h3>\n

Bert and Stuart both crossed their hearts and looked at each other without any malice toward the other.\u00a0 Bert watched closely to make sure that Stu hadn\u2019t crossed his fingers behind his back.<\/h3>\n

\u201cGood enough,\u201d Holly responded.\u00a0 \u201cFollow me, then.\u201d<\/h3>\n

Holly led them around the block and up to a house where the snow still lay deep in the driveway and up the front walk.<\/h3>\n

\u201cThe Kelvins,\u201d Holly pointed out as if it the name explained everything.\u00a0 \u201cThey\u2019ve gone south for the winter.\u00a0 The Wilsons a few houses further on are the same.\u00a0 Some of their neighbours will eventually get around to clearing this all out after Christmas.\u00a0 I guess you boys have arrived just in time to help yourself.\u201d<\/h3>\n

Bert and Stuart smiled at each other and, without a word, Stuart jogged off to get the truck.<\/h3>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll head home and see if I can convince my husband to give you a hand.\u00a0 I\u2019m not sure if he\u2019ll believe your story but if a tall sandy-haired fellow named \u201cWill\u201d comes around then I guess I\u2019ll have done a good job of recruiting.\u00a0 Merry Christmas and good luck,\u201d Holly concluded before leading her dog back in the return direction.<\/h3>\n

Stuart came around the corner honking at Holly as she passed the truck and was soon out of sight.<\/h3>\n

Bert opened up the back as soon as Stuart had come to a stop.\u00a0 He grabbed up the two shovels from the cab and tossed one to his brother-in-law<\/h3>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll hop up inside and push back everything you toss up,\u201d Bert instructed Stuart.\u00a0 \u201cLet me know when you want to switch.\u201d<\/h3>\n

\u201cYou got it Bert.\u00a0 I think between this house and the other, we should be able to really pack it in.\u201d<\/h3>\n

Within fifteen minutes they both realized how tiring their efforts were going to be and how long it would probably take with two guys and two shovels to even make a dent in the seven feet of Buffalo snow in the Kelvins\u2019 driveway and walk; let alone the other house up the street.\u00a0 Bert was also getting even more soaked to the skin as shovels full of snow tossed by Stuart collided with him as much as it did the floor of the refrigerated truck.<\/h3>\n

\u201cWait a minute, wait a minute!\u201d Bert yelled.\u00a0 \u201cThere\u2019s got to be a better way.\u00a0 Let me jump down and we\u2019ll both try and throw snow up into here.\u201d<\/h3>\n

They both continued shoveling and tossing the snow before the air soon became filled with the sound of some motorized devices.\u00a0 Both looked around in case they were in the path of oncoming snowmobiles.<\/h3>\n

Coming from around the corner were three men with gas powered snow blowers advancing in front of them.\u00a0 Bert thought of his nativity and the three stooges wise men approaching from the east to behold the miracle birth.\u00a0 Instead these magi were bringing a miracle to this odd couple from the neighboring country to the north, now leaning heavily on their shovels and watching the procession.<\/h3>\n

As they approached, they slowed their engines so they could converse.<\/h3>\n

\u201cAre you two the Canadians who want a truck load of snow?\u201d the taller of the group spoke out over the low hum of the blowers.<\/h3>\n

\u201cYou wouldn\u2019t be Will, would you?\u201d Bert asked.\u00a0 Stuart looked on dumbstruck.\u00a0 First the sight of the three with their machines coming to their aid and now Bert seemed to know one of them?\u00a0 Their outing had taken another turn toward the even stranger.<\/h3>\n

\u201cYep, and these are my buddies Phil and Bob,\u201d Will said, pointing to the other two who waved back in turn.\u00a0 \u201cI can tell you I almost didn\u2019t believe Holly when she told me your story but then I\u2019ve never known her to lie.\u00a0 I had to see for myself and brought my pals along for support.\u00a0 Is that the truck?\u00a0 Get her into position and we\u2019ll get started.\u00a0 It\u2019s going to be dark soon.\u201d<\/h3>\n

Stuart was still speechless but took the cue and backed the truck up against the end of the driveway.<\/h3>\n

Soon the trio was underway while Bert and Stuart tackled the walkway and heaved the snow onto the driveway where it was soon thrown into the air and into the back of the truck with the rest of the load.\u00a0 Thirty minutes later they moved on up the street to the Wilsons and repeated their actions.\u00a0 By the time they were done, the streetlights had come on and a beautiful sight of well-lit homes with holiday lights blazed into the darkness.<\/h3>\n

Bert stood back and looked at all of the Christmas decorations and soon he was reminded of his new Nativity scene and how it was waiting for his consignment of Buffalo snow.<\/h3>\n

\u201cThanks a lot guys,\u201d Bert began in his thank you to his new American friends.\u00a0 \u201cWe couldn\u2019t have done it without you.\u00a0 Well, we could have but we\u2019d still have been at until New Year\u2019s Day.\u201d<\/h3>\n

\u201cHow about some holiday cheer before you go?\u201d Phil offered.<\/h3>\n

\u201cOr a holiday treat or two?\u201d \u00a0Bob chimed in.\u00a0 My wife\u2019s been baking up a storm and I think I\u2019ve gained five pounds this week alone.\u00a0 I can\u2019t ever say no to her shortbread.\u201d<\/h3>\n

\u201cWe\u2019d love to,\u201d Bert replied, \u201cbut we\u2019ve got a long haul ahead of us.\u201d<\/h3>\n

\u201cBesides, he\u2019s driving,\u201d Stuart added.<\/h3>\n

Bert just looked at his brother-in-law and grinned.\u00a0 Another holiday miracle!\u00a0 Bert was going to let him drive.<\/h3>\n

\u201cWell, it\u2019s a good thing I came prepared,\u201d Bob responded.\u00a0 \u201cCompliments of the Mrs.\u201d He reached deep in his parka pocket and produced a small clear bag containing a half dozen or more shortbread cookies.<\/h3>\n

Bert and Stuart made their thanks and climbed into the truck for the journey home.\u00a0 They made only two stops.\u00a0 The first was for coffee to go with the cookies.\u00a0 They were anxious to get home and the treats were probably going to be their dinner.\u00a0 Their second break came with the obligatory border check before they reentered their home country.\u00a0 They had to explain all over again about their journey and had to show off their load of snow for inspection.\u00a0 There were plenty of questions again but no one could say it was against any rule to bring into Canada that which naturally fell from the sky into both countries; even if it didn\u2019t descend around Bert\u2019s house.<\/h3>\n

The rest of the drive was pleasant enough with Bert extolling his amazement at their luck in meeting Holly and how obliging her husband Will and his chums had been to their cause.\u00a0 Stuart regaled how he had scored heavily against Bert in the snowball fight and Bert just laughed and allowed his wife\u2019s brother to rejoice in his victory; even though Bert felt he\u2019d probably hit Stu more times by comparison.<\/h3>\n

An hour from home, Bert called Dottie and told her they\u2019d be home soon.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t tell her the full story of their day but she could tell from the tone of his voice that he\u2019d been successful and further that her husband and her brother must have called a truce.<\/h3>\n

When they drove up Bert\u2019s street, he could see a row of cars parked looking at his lawn display.\u00a0 His neighbours Ted and Carl were standing ready with their shovels to help and Dottie was passing around hot chocolate and some of her own Christmas cookies.\u00a0 Even his children were there and walking about with some of the other neighborhood kids.<\/h3>\n

Many hands soon made short work and it was nearing midnight when they all stood back and looked at Bert\u2019s display surrounded now by a layer of the snow they\u2019d brought back from America.\u00a0 It was quite a sight and the flood lights sparkling off the snow added to the festive scene.<\/h3>\n

Bert and Stuart held audience as they spoke of their mission and their battle against each other that had been interrupted by a Christmas angel named Holly who had brought them to their goal and supplied a group of helping hands; with one bearing festive baking for their return travel.<\/h3>\n

As the throng began to break up and head indoors, it began to snow.\u00a0 Bert was heard to shout out his glee.\u00a0 It didn\u2019t matter that he\u2019d had to drive to Buffalo with Stu and how he\u2019d had to beg his brother-in-law for the loan of the truck.\u00a0 It didn\u2019t matter that he\u2019d been soaked through from all of their efforts, and his mini-war with Stu and that he\u2019d barely thawed out and dried off by the time they\u2019d reach his house.\u00a0 It didn\u2019t matter.\u00a0 In Bert\u2019s mind, this new falling snow was the topper.\u00a0 He\u2019d done it.\u00a0 He\u2019d gotten some of that seven feet of snow in Buffalo.<\/h3>\n

Bert and Stuart were tired.\u00a0 They weren\u2019t long for bed.\u00a0 Dottie caught her husband snoring moments after she had turned out the light.\u00a0 She could also hear the snores of her brother chiming in from their spare room.<\/h3>\n

In the middle of the night, Bert got up to check on his display.\u00a0 He\u2019d been dreaming of it and he had to see it again.\u00a0 He was dressed only in a t-shirt and boxer shorts but he pulled on his winter coat and boots.\u00a0 He stepped out to find the snow still falling and the ground covered white and knee deep.\u00a0 He waded around to the front and scooped snow out of the manger to reveal the babe.\u00a0 He kneeled down and ran his hands through the doll\u2019s curly locks.<\/h3>\n

\u201cThank you baby Jesus.\u00a0 Thanks for bring us home safe and for the seven feet of snow that fell on Buffalo.\u201d<\/h3>\n

Bert went back to bed.\u00a0 His wife let out a little squeal as Bert\u2019s bare legs brushed against her.\u00a0 They were still very cold from where he\u2019d squatted in the snow next to the tiny savior.\u00a0 He\u2019d had to scoop out quite a bit of snow but he was sure it would stop by morning.<\/h3>\n

The snow did not stop by morning.<\/h3>\n

By Christmas breakfast it was waist high and Bert had to unplug some of the inflatables as they were sagging beneath the weight of the snow and he was afraid their motors would soon give out.<\/h3>\n

The snow continued to fall as they opened presents.\u00a0 Dottie had gone out last minute Christmas shopping and made sure there were gifts for her brother labelled from her, the children, and Bert.\u00a0 Bert watched amazed at Dottie\u2019s thoughtfulness and Bert\u2019s delight at being included in the family\u2019s celebration.<\/h3>\n

By Christmas dinner the snow was shoulder high and most of the characters in the Nativity were buried as they kneeled in the representation of ancient Bethlehem.\u00a0 The snow was also halfway up the inflatable angel\u2019s garment.<\/h3>\n

By the morning of the next day, the snow had risen to the eight foot mark and only the star above Bert\u2019s door could be clearly seen; the only symbol left apparent from Bert\u2019s nativity.<\/h3>\n

Stuart gave up all hope of digging out the truck.\u00a0 The peace between Stuart and Bert began to wane and they were soon at each other\u2019s throats again with Stuart blaming Bert for everything.\u00a0 The truth was, however, that Bert was not to blame for this eight feet of snow or even the seven feet that had fallen to the south.<\/h3>\n

It was two days after Christmas before Stuart hiked to the nearest main thoroughfare and hailed a taxi.\u00a0 He\u2019d had enough of his sister\u2019s family and Christmas and snow.\u00a0 He\u2019d call in a crew in the new year and have them dig out and retrieve the truck.<\/h3>\n

Bert couldn\u2019t say he was sad to see Stu go.\u00a0 It had been nice while it lasted but their armistice had only lasted until the eight feet of flurries that had fallen at Bert\u2019s house trumped the seven feet of snow in Buffalo.<\/h3>\n

<\/h3>\n

The End<\/h3>\n

MERRY CHRISTMAS!
\n<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Well, it’s time to debut this year’s Christmas story. I was struggling to come up with an idea for this year but the well was dry.\u00a0 Then I thought of a story I had started a few years ago called “Seven Feet of Snow In Buffalo.”\u00a0 Let me just say, a few years ago […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[1],"tags":[46,4,3,304],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/falseducks.com\/theblahg\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6520"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/falseducks.com\/theblahg\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/falseducks.com\/theblahg\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/falseducks.com\/theblahg\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/falseducks.com\/theblahg\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=6520"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"http:\/\/falseducks.com\/theblahg\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6520\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6548,"href":"http:\/\/falseducks.com\/theblahg\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6520\/revisions\/6548"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/falseducks.com\/theblahg\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=6520"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/falseducks.com\/theblahg\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=6520"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/falseducks.com\/theblahg\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=6520"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}