What Would You Have Done?

Some background...... I have a very good relationship with my neighbor. Every winter he and his wife go to Florida and I look after his house. He gave me a key so I can periodically check on his house to make sure there are no strange things going on or water in the basement, get packages delivered to his porch, etc. I shovel his driveway and park there as it frees up my driveway and it makes it look like someone is home at his house. He is always grateful and I am way happy to help him out (he's an older gentleman).

Today I came home and his "old" snow blower was in my driveway. When I say "old", we're talking MAYBE five-years-old. Still looks new. I went across the street to ask him about it. His two grandsons were there doing yard work and they told me they wheeled it into my driveway because my neighbor wanted me to have it. I was touched but told them I very much appreciate it but I'll never use it. I actually like shoveling snow and getting the exercise that comes with it and not smelling like exhaust or having another piece of equipment to maintain. Plus I don't have a lot of room in the garage.

Finally my neighbor came home and it appears his grandsons told him I declined it. He almost seemed upset that I didn't take it but I told him my reasons and that while it was an extremely sweet offer, I just didn't want it. His wife (always the voice of reason) was in the truck with him and she told him, "He simply doesn't want it." Then he gruffed a little then pulled into his driveway.

Again, he is a GREAT man and a GREAT neighbor but I just felt pressured accepting something I simply didn't want but I hope I didn't offend him. Even his wife has told me he's a grouch sometimes and we laughed but deep down he's all heart.

So, you're in my shoes. Would you have graciously accepted it or politely declined it? I feel a little bad.