Should we use the neighbor's snowblower?

[Bernadine]

We used it the last snow because the neighbor was sick and needed their driveway cleared to get out for a dr's appointment.  J used it to clear their driveway, and they said to go ahead and use it for ours.  They've offered to let him use it again this snow to do our driveway.  I feel weird- they paid a lot of money for it, and then we're just using it for free?  OTOH, we really like the neighbors, and if we had one, I'd have no problem offering ours to them.

Am I overthinking this?  Should we just use it, and then I can make them cookies or something?

[Kristinmo]

Use it and then buy gas to refill it. And take cookies too.

[Kit]

If they offered, why not? If it takes gas (I think they all do?) maybe you can buy them gas for it and bake some cookies.

[W.T.Faulkner]

I think you can use it and make them cookies/bring them treats of some kind.

[Kit]

Mar 3, 2014 10:53:48 GMT -5 Kristinmo said:

Use it and then buy gas to refill it. And take cookies too.

Jinx!

[ECB]

Use it. We have a snowblower and while I'm not overly generous w/ "use it!" to my neighbors (when it's just me at home w/o DH, I don't want to run out of gas because I can't shovel) - if I were to tell you to use it, I'd mean it.

And on that note- we always snowblow the entire sidewalk in front of our two side neighbors. Just to help out as best we can.

Plus, you really helped them out last time. I'm sure they appreciate it and are paying you back by letting you use it.

[lilac05]

Use it, bake some cookies, and maybe give them a small gift card for gas.

In our neighborhood, almost everyone has snow blowers, but you frequently see one neighbor clearing another's driveway, especially if it's "warm" enough for the kids to play. Below 0, it's every man for himself!

[ECB]

Mar 3, 2014 10:56:37 GMT -5 oceanspray said:

Has anyone suggested gas and cookies yet?

No. So I will-  give them some gas and cookies.... 

Actually, I will say this- give them $$ towards gas.  You don't need to go buy a gas container and fill it up.  We have a container we use and dont' need more.  Especially if this becomes something they share with you every winter. 

[leeann]

I would use it, but I hate shoveling with a passion.

[noodleoo]

Yes, I'd use it and thank profusely both with gas money (agreed on $$$ vs gas) and sweets.

My H will often clear others' driveways with the the snowblower. It is just a nice thing to do. Our neighbor used to help us before we got ours. If you are using theirs though, just be careful with it. I'd feel awful if it broke or something!

[dragonfly08]

Agreed...they offered, so use it, refill the tank, and give them some baked goods or other treat as a thank you.

[penelope]

I am of the opinion, with neighbors like this, that everthing comes back around. Use it, ditto the gas and cookies (although in our neighborhood it is more like a 12-pack!) and the next time they need a hand with something, they know where to go. Neighborhoods like this are the greatest!!