January 20th

Curving paths up the driveway, along the sidewalk. Under the nose, down the chin.

Shoveling. Shaving. The same thing: cutting away to the new, "old familiar" underneath. Making way for smooth travel, and maybe a kiss.

Sure, both have their hazards: the chunk of hidden ice that catches the scraper and rams the handle into your breadbasket; or the occasional bloody nick. But, in the end: tap your snowy shovel on the concrete; rinse your shaving cream razor in the sink. Either way, you did it, brother. It 's finished.

There's plenty of time to get to work. Plenty of time to never-get-anything-done. The only time today you can say: the task is complete. So, lean back on your snow shovel. Slap on the aftershave. Survey the job well done: your shoveling & shaving Sabbath.

It is good.