I live in Mn, too, and it is tiresome but also, strangely gratifying, to get through the tough spots. While I am saying this one of my cousins is in Hawaii and my sister is on a cruise and my starter quit working and when I picked up the car from the shop it had a flat tire. well, damn!
But we are survivors! As I look out the window it is snowing beautifully! I really can't always explain why I like winter in Mn.