Were we to be trapped in our home with our dog for days? Did we need a plan? There was a knock on our front door, 31 steps up from the street. A smiling man with a shovel stood on the porch and asked if we wanted the snow removed. Of course, but not just the stairs which were tricky to descend with a leashed dog even in good weather. We would need the driveway and alley cleared as well. He agreed. We settled on a price and he began his non-stop task.
That’s how we met Salvador Bautista. And if you’re not familiar with Spanish, his first name translates as “savior.”
The past two winters were no problem. In January, however, we needed digging out once more and Salvador showed up without our calling him, this time with a helper, ready to work. Then on Thursday, February 13th, we were once again stuck in the house. A kind neighbor offered to send her men over to dig us out. I was somewhat apprehensive because the alley is so long and I had a feeling that Salvador would appear, but I agreed. However, those men didn’t show and we prepared for another day in the house.
In the early morning, Emmy the dog was ready for her usual walk but we knew it was too dangerous to take her on leash. We opened the door to the garden, but confused by the snow piled high in the back garden, she refused to go out. Then she indicated that she wanted me to accompany her so I put on my boots and bundled up. She led me around the garden, but didn’t think it was worth a bathroom break so we came inside. This happened three times more during which she explored the front and garage exits, undoubtedly hoping to find a different weather situation. Each time I put on my boots, got dressed and went out with her. No action. I was wishing for that knock on the door from Salvador.
Finally, before noon, convinced that snow blocked every entrance to the house, Emmy gave up and performed in the back yard to our cheers and commendation. We still needed the alley shoveled to get the car out. Emmy was not going to put up with this situation much longer.
After her lunch, Emmy settled down for one of her numerous siestas. Some minutes before five o’clock, another walk time, she began to bark wildly and headed for the back door. She had heard some noise. Just then the doorbell rang and there was Salvador, this time with a crew of workers who he said were his family.
Once again, we were saved by Salvador and Emmy was able to walk up her alley. Muchas gracias!
We also met Salvador last week, in our call for neighborhood snow shovelers. And don’t let this week’s spring-like temperatures fool you. Forecasters think we’re in for it again next week. According to the Washington Post’s Capital Weather Gang: …”around a week from now, the cold air is back and we could be looking at our next threat for wintry precipitation.”