More Dogs on Main: Some days are like that

Title: A Challenging Winter Day: Embracing Life's Little Struggles Last Saturday marked a significant snowfall in what has been a rather dry winter. Although television weather forecasts had built up expectations of a monumental storm, the reality fell slightly short of the hype. Nevertheless, the snowfall was substantial, and for many ski enthusiasts, this was a welcome sight and a chance to enjoy the elusive winter powder. I had hit the slopes on Friday and reveled in the decent conditions, although the ski terrain was limited. A small crowd cheered the snow-making crew, hopeful that Saturday would bring the powder day of their dreams. Living in a rather isolated area, I faced my own set of challenges just to hit the trails. Unlike others in the community, where services are readily available, my home requires some effort to access. To prepare for skiing, I needed to plow the road leading from my house to the main highway. I had envisioned this task being straightforward, particularly since I prepared for winter over a month ago. Unfortunately, the heavy snow proved too much for my 45-horsepower snowblower. Instead of clearing the path, it became a frozen mass, rendering it ineffective. I quickly shifted my focus to using the bucket on my front-end loader to clear the road, but an hour later, the reality of deteriorating weather made it clear that my skiing plans would have to be shelved for the day. Returning home, I received an urgent call from a neighbor reporting issues with her water supply. Drawn into a web of community responsibility, I recalled my long tenure managing our neighborhood water system. Texting the current overseer, I discovered he was vacationing in Hawaii, which meant the problem inevitably fell back into my lap. I felt a guilty satisfaction, realizing it was no longer my concern—but duty called. Years of maintaining the system taught me that an open hose at the end of the line prevents freezing, a hard-learned fact my neighbors had overlooked. As I addressed the water crisis, I contemplated the appeal of urban living, where services like snow removal and plumbing are just a call away. The complications of rural life—though often frustrating—do offer unique moments of beauty and reflection. By late afternoon, after dealing with a leaky pipe inside the house and finally managing the snow removal, I decided I deserved a hearty dinner. The evening sky was painted with a magnificent sunset. Pulling over to soak in the natural artistry, I was graced with the sight of a moose sharing the tranquility. In moments like these, despite the challenges of the day, everything feels right, reminding us that some days have a charm of their own, even amidst struggle. Tom Clyde is a former lawyer in Park City, residing on a ranch in Woodland, and has penned this column since 1986.