FoxTrot Classics by Bill Amend for January 09, 2014

Oh Pete, that has to be the worst attempt at trying to evade work ever!Enjoy your hours of back-breaking shoveling.

Peter’s about to learn that which Calvin knows all too well…Shoveling snow builds character.

Why isn’t SHE out helping him? Back when we had a driveway, I always helped my husband shovel (at least until a friend bought a plow and offered to do our driveway as well).

I thought he’d say, ‘Dad said I’m helping him by not helping (staying out of the way).’

What you said!

I made good money when I was a kid (60s-70s) shoveling sidewalks.

While I understand your point, are we supposed to feel sympathy for your neighbor? Who was the one who did the spoiling of those three lazy teenagers? It’s her job to tell them what’s expected of them and what the consequences are if they don’t do it. Then she has to follow through. Otherwise, she’ll be chipping at frozen snow until her dying day.

I agree with pretty much all you said. But do note that Peter could easily turn part of your argument around: “Sure Peter could help, but why should he, when he has a middle-aged father who obviously needs the cardiovascular exercise at his age. And the story of your neighbor reminds me of the story of a woman who had three kids. On a particular winter day none of them were home when she arrived to find the driveway blocked by snow pushed back by the street plow. It took her a very long time to chip away enough with an inadequate shovel, and even though some neighbors saw the whole scene, none of them offered to help her.

I have a 300 foot long driveway. We get a big snow every other year. Buying a plow is not an option. Neither is shoveling the drive.

I have a very effective method of snow removal: spring thaw.

There’ll be heat elsewhere if he doesn’t go outside….

I"m with Andy on this one. Peter, get out there and help your dad shovel the snow!