Before the buses run, Stickney's alleys have to be passable and the garage aprons have to be open — that is the first hour of any winter morning here. Mike and sons lawn care and snow removal takes it on: plowing drives, breaking out the apron the street plow just packed shut, shoveling walks and steps down to the concrete, salting behind it. Snow in this part of Cook County arrives fast and gets driven over quickly, so timing matters more than muscle. The satisfaction is watching a car back out clean at seven while the street is still white. Winter here is a schedule, and this crew keeps it.