The snow that was supposed to begin last night and cause treacherous driving conditions has begun at 9:30am. This means that most people (who work 1st shift) are safe at work. This also means that when they get out of work, the dangerous conditions will be waiting for them.

Mother Nature while wonderous, can be so cruel.... Ying/Yang, Man/Woman, Day/Night.

While I look out the window by my desk, I see a blonde squirrel scampering around. Perhaps looking for more food to store for the long winter months, or maybe enjoying the days before snow covers the ground.

DH always looks longingly at the white chocolate covered pretzels that come out during the Holiday season. So yesterday we bought some pretzels and white chocolate, and I figured I would make them when we got home. Melt the chocolate, dip in pretzels, easy right?

Well they didn't turn out like the stores. They're a light brown from the pretzels slightly melting, and the chocolate is caked on in big chunks. They still taste good. DH read the directions and found out that you should use a double boiler (which we have, but is at Mom's). So next time we make them, we'll know.

I called Alliant Energy yesterday (our electric company) to question our bill. It said that we don't have to pay this month and have a $15.99 credit for the next bill. While I'm perfectly happy with not having to pay, I called just to make sure this was correct, and it was!!!

They estimate what your bill will be from past months/years (and only check the meter every 3 months or so), and since we have once less person living with us and we are really trying to cut down on utility costs, we used a lot less electricity. (When FIL lived here he used a space heater, which I know used a lot of energy.)

Frugal/Simple Thought for the Day: Be careful when you're driving, especially in dangerous weather. Drive at whatever speed is most comfortable, even if cars are passing you. You're family and friends would rather have you (and the car) home in one piece, then you home at your usual time.