February is the blunt month. The thaw comes at noon, the water runs, and then the temperature drops and every drive in Genoa Township goes to glass by nine at night. Leo Excavating & Landscaping LLC works that cycle — plowing lots and driveways once the storm passes, shoveling steps and walks by hand, then de-icing ahead of the refreeze so morning does not arrive slick. The trucks are on the back roads while the township sleeps, and the measure of the night is simple: bare surface showing, banks pushed back out of the way, nobody stuck. That is the whole ambition of winter work out here, and it is enough.