Had an awesome evening last night. Went out and volunteered at a local talent show. The event was awesome.
I did, however, get humbled by a parking spot...
I turned off a back alley into my friends back parking spot. The back alley had about 8 inches of super packed snow. Very solid. The parking spot was as follows: A layer of ice (on top of gravel), then some loose snow, covered by a wind/cold packed layer of snow, which was covered by about 10 inches of snow.
It looked like I was going to be pulling onto snow that was 5 or 6 inches deeper than the lane I was on (which is never a problem). It turned out to be about 14+ inches of snow (almost up to my knees), with a 8 inch ledge that I would have to back on to. I had a good shovel, and had scooped most of the snow from under my vehicle. Unfortunately, it seemed to dig down - no matter what I tried. I guess that ice was "helping".
I worked for about 45 minutes by myself, some awesome guy stopped and tried to help for about 20 minutes. In total, I only managed to move about 4 feet in that time. It took the tow truck about 45 minutes to show up. And only about 10 minutes till I was on solid ground again.
I have a Ford Escape (with all wheel drive and ok - all season tires). Had I known about the packed snow ledge, I would not have even tried. (Physics rules are to be obeyed in winter conditions

) I do believe in winter tires, but they have not been in my budget this winter.
If I had a 4 wheel drive vehicle, with winter tires, and the ability to lock the differential -- I might have been able to get out myself. The conditions were perfect for most vehicles to get stuck.
My initial plan (which always has worked) was to pull into her spot - backup & go forward to pack the snow - which would have easily allowed me to get outa there. FAIL

At least it was only 14F (-10C) and I was dressed for colder weather... So, I didn't freeze or anything.
I did get to meet a new employee of my favorite local towing company. I look upon the towing fee as a "stupid tax".