Why do we live in Minnesota?

This winter snow blast that we have been enduring for the past few weeks has been exposing my weaknesses.
I’ll be the first to admit that I am not mechanically inclined. The thought of trying to repair something just makes me quiver in my skin. And makes me run for the Tylenol bottle as a pounding headache settles in quicker than Mother Nature can deliver her surprise to us.
A few weeks back I used my Toro snow blower for the first time this season. All went fine. I glided up and down my driveway throwing snow all over the yard with no problems.
Last week during the first of who knows how many snow storms (I’ve actually lost count by now), I went to engage my snow blower. It started up fine, but as soon as I engaged the thrower, K-thunk, K-bop, K-pow it went with a few extra sputters that made it sound like the machine was going to explode. Some smoke even came billowing out from underneath somewhere. I could not operate the thrower.
Upon closer examination, I determined a belt had broken. Of course, it was no problem ripping out the old belt. But when it came to replacing it, it’s an entirely different story. After a few cuss words thrown around for good measure and no where closer to getting the new belt on, I gave up as the snow continued to pile up in my driveway.
It always amazes me how something used so sporadically throughout the year is the first thing to go down. Just when I need it the most, it decides to mess with me and drive me crazy.
I reverted to the trusty old shovel to clear away Old Man Winter’s latest grip on our lives. I guess a little physical exercise with shoveling doesn’t hurt anyone. At least that’s what I’ve tried to tell my aching body ever since I’ve had to shovel several days over the past week. For some reason my bones and joints aren’t listening.
With no relief in sight from my lack of mechanical knowledge, I think I’m going to have to break down to haul the snow blower in for repair. I was hoping I could avoid the inevitable, but no luck.
And why do we live in Minnesota?
That’s what I’m trying to figure out as it seems like it’s treacherous to even venture out anywhere walking or driving. I can’t even get beyond my driveway without nearly slipping on my butt.
Old Man Winter, you’ve won the battle. I’m done with you. Bring on spring before winter sends me to the funny farm.
It’s time for me to go in hot pursuit of some warm spring thoughts to keep me from going completely kooky.