The New Shovel

I had occasion to use my new shovel this morning. We woke to snow on the ground, none falling by the time I got up, 6:20, and not a lot of snow but enough to need removing before I could back the car out at 8:00.

I was not thankful, but, thought I, at least I have a new shovel. I'll make quick work of this snow. I bundled up, put on my gloves, and at 6:50, still dark, I was out working on the driveway, sidewalk, front walk.

I don’t like the new shovel.

What could be wrong with it? you ask. A shovel is a shovel. Right?

Apparently not. Halfway through the job I leaned it against the garage wall and picked up the old shovel. Even with its torn edge it worked better than the new one. I don't think I imagined it. After all, I was the one pushing the shovels.

Now I have to haul the new shovel over to Lowe’s and ask for my money back. A nuisance. It’s not close, you know. And I’m not sure what I’ll tell them when they ask, “Was there anything wrong with this shovel?”