A February clipper comes into Mason sideways, filling the doorways of the old brick storefronts downtown and packing the corners of every parking lot. Clean Up Crew works those hours, plowing lots, shoveling out entries and laying salt where the glaze forms first. By the time the shops unlock, the walks are dark and wet instead of white. There is a real satisfaction in a lot swept back to its painted lines while the wind is still going. Winter in mid-Michigan is long, and being ready for it is most of the job.