Before the first snowfall, I always get a little nervous. 

I see the snowblower sitting there in the garage, daring me.  Daring me to give it a start.  It's like it knows that I am nervous.  Nervous about "The Start". 

The start is the first pull of the season.  Most guys like me, that don't have the time to sit and tinker in the garage due to schedules, know what I am talking about. 

Will it start right away?  What will the repair bill be?  How did I put it away last year?  The annual transfer of the mower to the snowblower can be stressful.  If you keep excellent records, you're fine.  If it is a crap shoot, you could be in a world of hurt. 

When I checked the forecast and learned that there was measurable snow coming, I got that sick feeling in my stomach.  I knew that there was blizzard conditions as well. 

I saw myself sitting there in the blowing snow, shoveling all by myself.  Trying to get to the back door before I freeze to death.  The family would be inside all nice and warm, mocking the fact that this could have been avoided. 

"He should have checked that thing before this blizzard hit". 

I thought that this year would be different.  I think that I remember taking precautions to make sure that I was not mocked this year.  I could not remember for sure.  I nervously walked up to the machine.  I lovingly put gas in the tank, filtered through a funnel, so as not to put any dirt or grit into the tank.  I moved very slowly.  I did not want to upset this beast, in case it could sense fear. 

The fuel line was switched to ON, the engine switch as well.......here goes........don't get too upset I told myself, it never starts on the first pull........Don't worry, just get through the first one, and pull it quickly again.  It will be forgiving.  The first pull.......hey it started.  WHAT?  IT STARTED? YES! YES! YES!  I DID IT! I DID IT! 

Not a small victory for The Rookie, a big one.  I never had so much fun moving snow in all of my life.  I've been sticking it to the "Snowman" ever since...

Good luck with yours...first or second pull