Yeah, that Jeep has been good us over the years. In four-wheel drive it can hop through just about anything.

But not the ice that has caked onto our driveway in the last few days. I went out early this morning to clear the windshield and warm it up; came out a few minutes later with Cookie and Mojo and got it into gear.

Nothing.

The wheels spun and the ice offered no purchase. I did some quick work with the ice-pick but it was pointless: after almost a month of snowfall and a thaw-refreeze at the end of last week there is just too much ice to clear.

So we walked to school today in the bitter cold. Da Chimpz were afraid we'd get there late, but it appears they got through the doors in time. I walked back and sneered at our permafrost driveway as I keyed into the house.

I still like the old Jeep though. Would never buy another one, though, considering the company's contempt for us taxpayers... us very cold taxpayers.

Which reminds me: I gotta get my tax materials together. It's getting to be time for the annual hosing.