Eight-year-old Quinn Owens walked his dog Rufus along with his mom Tricia and little bother Nigel, 3, through the slushy streets of their Post Falls neighborhood on Monday. Most school districts including Post Falls were closed today due to slush. (SR photo: Kathy Plonka)

About 10:15 last night, about 154 houses lost power, moments after the first 2015 episode of "Downton Abbey" had concluded. Mrs. O said that she and others would have been outside in the streets with tar & feathers had the power gone out before the episode concluded. I did go outside shortly afterward, to shovel heavy, heavy snow off the sidewalks and driveway. Two neighbors with snowblowers were doing likewise. The heavy snow kept jamming one snowblower. Occasionally, I envy neighbors with snowblowers. But I'm usually good to go with a snow shovel, as long as the snow on the ground isn't too heavy or deep. I view snow shoveling as a good exercise in winter months.

Question (for those who own snowblowers): Do you help your neighbors clear sidewalks and driveways?