I think it was @bryanhansel I was chatting with regarding local hashtags (#CookCountyMN). I realized I am the only one apparently using #SouthStPaul.

Trying #SouthStPaulMN and #DakotaCountyMN.

Hashtags are important because they allow us to search across federated instances. Searching on 'Minnesota' does not work but #Minnesota does.

#Minnesota #CookCountyMN #SouthStPaul #DakotaCountyMN #SouthStPaulMN

Public sidewalks in Minnesota in the winter are not a viable avenue for those with mobility issues.

#Minnesota #SouthStPaul #sidewalks #UnreasonableExpectations

In order to remove the ice from the public sidewalk, we used as much salt/ice remover in the last three weeks as we have in the last three years.

We typically use less than 5 gallons/40 pounds of salt per year. This year, after using 20 gallons, we have no salt left. We have a 40 pound bag of salt on order from Ace Hardware.

I'm looking forward to another email newsletter from the county telling me to use less salt.

#Minnesota #SouthStPaul #sidewalks #UnreasonableExpectations

A sheet of ice had formed on the sidewalk adjacent to a neighbor's driveway, probably from melt water from their driveway.

As I directed the snowblower down the sidewalk, I started sliding as I lost traction on the ice, the only thing keeping me from falling was the handles of the snowblower I was hanging on to. After sliding 10 feet behind the snowblower, I was able to slow it enough to regain control.

#Minnesota #SouthStPaul #sidewalks #UnreasonableExpectations

Much of our work was undone by ice that formed from melt water that froze on the freshly cleared sidewalks.

The freshly fallen snow from today created a slick, treacherous situation on the public sidewalk. I nearly fell several times while trying to clear it of snow, the only thing saving me was the showblower I was using. After I strained my leg, I gave up.

#Minnesota #SouthStPaul #sidewalks #UnreasonableExpectations

This last weekend, we removed ice from the public sidewalk. Four hours of effort resulted in 80% of the ice removed from it with both of us reaching for pain relievers and muscle relaxers.

My hands tingle from using the ice chopper/scraper to remove ice. My upper arms, shoulders, and middle back are giving me grief from the slamming and throwing I did on Saturday and Sunday.

#Minnesota #SouthStPaul #UnreasonableExpectations

I worked at removing some of the ice and snow from the public sidewalk this afternoon. My back hurts.

I didn't clear all of the snow or ice from edge to edge. I don't have the strength nor patience for that.

Nor do I have the machinery. A lot of ice and snow on the public sidewalk was deposited there by city and county snowplows clearing the street. My snowblower cannot clear heavy, icy snow crud.

#Minnesota #SouthStPaul #UnreasonableExpectations

Today, I took another look at the public sidewalk adjacent to our property with the idea that maybe I could clear it of snow.

Nope. Not going to happen. It is better to have it partially covered with snow than expose the ice. At least the snow provides some traction.

I was in Minneapolis on Friday where the sidewalks were almost entirely iced over. It was a challenge to walk the sidewalks to my destination.

#Minnesota #MNWX #ableism #SouthStPaul

If I were to remove all of the ice and snow from the public sidewalk adjacent to our property, I would need medical attention for the damage done to my back and shoulders.

Yet, the city and county snowplows come by multiple times per day to clear the street of non-existent snow.

#Minnesota #SouthStPaul #CarCulture

"Snow, ice, dirt and rubbish remaining on a public sidewalk more than 24
hours after its deposit thereon is a public nuisance. The owner or the occupant of property
adjacent to a public sidewalk must use due diligence to remove all snow, ice, dirt and
rubbish from edge to edge of the public sidewalk and keep the walk safe for pedestrians.
The owner or occupant may not allow snow, ice, dirt or rubbish to remain on the walk
longer than 24 hours after its deposit thereon."

#SouthStPaul #Minnesota

I've read the local city ordinance regarding snow removal on sidewalks. It is not possible to comply with for anyone except those extremely able or the wealthy who can hire the extremely able.

#ableism #wealthism #SouthStPaul #Minnesota

All of the mail we expected to be delivered, based upon Informed Delivery, was delivered this week. I suspect the local post office is caught up.

I wonder how many overtime hours the local USPS staff had to put in to catch up. Like I posted previously, I am not angry with them, just frustrated by the situation.

And Lizzie the dog wishes she could give them all puppy kisses. They deserve it for their diligent work.

#USPS #InformedDelivery #InformedDelivery #SouthStPaul #Minnesota

Lizzie doesn't like strong wind. To comfort her, I had her cuddle next to me, covered under a blanket. At some point, she was warm enough to throw off the blanket but she put her head under my leg.

#DogsOfMastodon #weather #Minnesota #SouthStPaul

The wind today has been gusty. It blew down a removal section of fence we had leaning against the fence and ripped the tarp off we were using as a temporary fence. The removable section was off so a tree removal crew could remove dead ash trees.

#SouthStPaul #Minnesota #weather

There is a consistent phenomena regarding the wind. If the National Weather Service says the wind is coming from the north, the wind at our place will be from the south. Likewise, if the NWS says the wind is from the south, at our place it will be from the north. However, the east/west direction always agree.

I follow on Weather Underground a personal weather station a ¼ mile from our place. The wind direction reported there matches ours, not NWS.

What is up?

#SouthStPaul #Minnesota #weather

For a long time, I didn't use the local libraries because, well, the staff were crabby. My wife let me know that the ornery ones have retired. Plus she said I can reserve books online and pick them up without interacting with the staff.

It's been awesome! I reserve a book online and, at some indeterminate date, the book is available for pickup. I just need to scan my library card and books and I am set to go.

#library #SouthStPaul #DakotaCounty #Minnesota

Our mail was delivered yesterday and today. We are currently caught up.

I was excited to see the mail being delivered by our previous mail carrier yesterday. She is competent and efficient.

Today, I was disappointed to see someone I didn't recognize delivering the mail. I want a carrier I can consistently work with.

The USPS is short staffed. I am not upset with any carrier. I am, however, frustrated by the situation.

#USPS #InformedDelivery #LateDelivery #SouthStPaul #MInnesota

USPS delivered our packages today. Apparently they had access to the delivery location, unlike yesterday.

#USPS #LateDelivery #InformedDelivery #SouthStPaul #MInnesota

USPS was scheduled to deliver three packages today. That didn't happen. Instead, they lied by saying they had "No Access to Delivery Location" They have complete access since the delivery location is right outside our front door.

I wonder if USPS learned the no-access lie from Amazon Logistics. About one-in-ten packages aren't delivered on time because Amazon Logistics claims they don't have access.

#USPS #NoDelivery #InformedDelivery #SouthStPaul #MInnesota

We planted flowering shrubs in our wetlands for pollinators.

Yet the tree removal company needed to use tthat space. I fear all of our shrubs have been destroyed under the tires of the tree removal company.

#EAB #SouthStPaul #Minnesota