There are some events that stand out in our lives. Living in Southern Wisconsin – Lake Geneva, Elkhorn or Walworth County – you may keenly remember that day in 1982 that the Brewers beat the California Angels to advance to the World Series. You probably remember, depending on your age, a number of the Packers Super Bowl victories.

Significant weather events also have a way of standing out in our memories. In these parts, that often means snowstorms. For instance, you may remember some of these snowstorms:

• April 8-9, 1973: as much as 20 inches of snow with wind gusts to 50 mph
• Jan. 12-14, 1979: 12 to 20 inches of snow with drifts to eight feet
• Dec. 14-15, 1987: as much as 17 inches of snow with blizzard conditions that included 73-mph wind gusts
• Dec. 23, 1990: Blizzard conditions dumped up to 22 inches of snow
• Nov. 26-27, 1995: As much as 14 inches of snow fell coming down at a rate of 2 to 3 inches per hour
• Jan. 26-27, 1996: Up to 18 inches of snow
• Jan. 2-3, 1999: This blizzard dropped as much as 20 inches of snow, created whiteout conditions and created snowdrifts to eight feet
• Jan. 21-22, 2005: This blizzard deposited as much as 15 inches of snow with 50-mph wind gusts that drastically reduced visibility
• Feb. 5-6, 2008: This blizzard dumped up to 21 inches of snow
• Mar. 21, 2008: Up to 18.5 inches of snow
• Dec. 8-9, 2009: Up to 20 inches of snow fell in this storm
• Dec. 10-12, 2010: This statewide storm dropped snow amounts that measured to 23 inches
• Feb. 1-2, 2011: Southern Wisconsin caught as much as 24 inches of snow following a 3-6-inch snowfall Jan. 31

These records show that Southern Wisconsin doesn’t get hit by a major snowstorm every year (it also shows we haven’t had a really bad blizzard in a few years – some might say we’re due). But, they do come with some frequency. With significant snow drifts, shoveling out of a driveway can take a couple days or more, depending on the driveway and how many people are shoveling.

The reality is that, even if Southern Wisconsin isn’t hit by a major blizzard, it’s still a pain shoveling the snow that we will get, and we will get snow. You have to get all bundled up and then go out in the cold to work up a sweat. What fun is that?

Often, you wake up to the snow and have to shovel before you can leave for work. Or, you come home from work just in time to work shoveling your driveway and walkways.

The solution, whether this is a winter for a major Southern Wisconsin blizzard or not, is to let someone else clear the snow from your driveway and walkways; the solution is to hire a reputable snow removal company.

Reputable means that they have quality equipment and experienced drivers, in appropriate quantity, to ensure that the snow doesn’t shut you down this winter. Just think how nice it will be to wave “Good morning” to your neighbors, as they shovel their drives and you climb into the car and pull out of a driveway that was cleared of snow before you came out the door.