Snow Day, Now What???!!!!???

Snow days can be magical, but also pose the threat of power outages,
heart attacks and close encounters with snowplows, mailboxes and ditches!


What is the first thing you do when your children (or you) have a snow
day? Besides big plans for a neighborhood snowball tournament, making
snowmen and sipping hot chocolate--- take a minute to:

Throw something yummy like a roast or chicken breasts in the crockpot, or
a meatloaf or casserole in the oven or a big pot of soup or stew on the
stovetop now! If you lose power you'll still have some warm food for the
energy you'll need to dig out, bail out, help out or hunker down!
If you don't lose power, then dinner for today and tomorrow are already
made!

Check all your flashlights. Know where they are and if they work.

Put a shovel, blanket, jumper cables, boots/sturdy shoes & socks and
other recommended winter car kit items in your vehicle if you plan to
travel. Take your cell phone. Let a family member know your destination,
route and what time you expect to arrive or return.

Shovel two or three times. Don't wait until the snow stops to get
started with the shoveling. It is healthier on your heart to shovel two
inches of snow twice than four inches once if you are out of shape, older
or have heart problems. (Everyone is running out of places to stack the
snow, but remember it is illegal to throw it back into the streets or to
block the public sidewalks.)

Now that you're better prepared---get that pot of hot chocolate simmering
and go check the snow to see if it is snowman snow! If not, bundle up
anyway and check on your neighbors. Make a few snow angels with the
earth angels in your life! Taste snowflakes! Take pictures to send to the
warm weather relatives in California, Arizona, Hawaii or Florida! Don't
think about global warming; at least for today! Wash your face with snow
(or someone else's!) Look for and try to identify animal tracks in the
snow!

Today I see the glass as half full;with hot chocolate! Enjoy the day!

SNOWMAN SOUP makes 1 cup

2-3 tablespoons instant hot chocolate mix
1 tablespoon chocolate chips
2 large marshmallows (or lots of little ones)
1 tablespoon crushed candy cane (or cinnamon red hots, butterscotch or
other hard candy)

Combine all ingredients in a mug. Add one cup hot water. Stir until
chocolate chips are melted.

Great after sledding since you did all that walking back up the hill!
Serve with peanut butter toast or a muffin.