On these icy, wintry nights we've been having lately, I can't help but think about those who are out on the highways sanding, plowing and trying their best to keep up with the storms.

In winter, Department of Transportation workers put in long hours clearing roads while we're warm and snug, asleep in our beds. I can't imagine what would happen if our roads weren't cleared. In spring, summer and fall if the trees weren't trimmed, the litter wasn't picked up or the grass alongside the roads mowed, what would we do? Most of us probably wouldn't give it a second thought.

There are so many services we take for granted in the hustle and bustle of daily living, including the person who serves you that almost perfect cup of coffee every morning.

Dealing with the public can't be easy. Have you ever thought about being on the other side of the counter or road for that matter? Believe it or not, some of us really enjoy helping others.

What about the people who pick up our garbage? What if we had no one to do that? Or the person who picks up our bottles for recycling.

I think about my friend Ann, who is a mail carrier. She's out there in the coldest or hottest weather and always wears a smile.

Yes, it's true that sometimes we may feel a little inconvenienced that those big orange DOT trucks might be slowing us down. But, if we just stop and think how important their jobs are, maybe you'll toot your horn with a smile instead of making bad gestures for them to get out

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of the way.

Most of the time we are all in a hurry, but if it wasn't for those hard-working men and women cleaning the roads, it would take us a lot longer to get to our destinations. Let's give them a break and slow down when driving past those DOT trucks. They help us.

Marva Hamilton is the librarian at the Connecticut Post. She can be reached at mhamilton@ctpost.com.