Apparently winter has decided to take over here I. North Central Oklahoma.  On Monday, it was cold with blustery winds, and gunmetal grey skies.  I left for the school where I teach at my normal time and it took the normal 35 minutes to get there.  By mid morning, the snow/sleet mix had begun to drop out of the sky.  Kids were kept in for lunch recess ( I teach at a middle school and. That outdoor time is very important on the students AND the teachers sanity).  By dismissal at 3:35pm, we had to keep kids in until loading on the bus because the temps had dropped, and the snow and sleet mix had coated all the roads, and walkways. Kids who normally walk home were instructed to call someone to come get them.  I left as quickly as possible, as soon as getting the room prepared for the next days state writing exam ( all walls covered so no instructional or motivational posters werre visible). The drive home took 90 minutes with the worst being once I was off the interstate and into Lincoln county.  They had not plowed, nor treated that anyone could tell.  The interstate I could go about 55 mph because both treated and plowed, though still slippery on the bridges.  By the time I climbed the last hill into Prague and headed east to Paden, the roads had gotten worse.  Once I crossed into my county (Ofkuskee) I could see sand and what looked like cinders spread on the road as some attempt to treat them.  At this point I could safely get to 35mph. Once off the pavement and onto the four miles of dirt road to the house, it became a bit easier to manuever because the semis going into and out of the gas plant had "broken trail" for me.  One of the things I have learned about homesteading, is own a big brawny pick up, preferably four wheel drive.  Something's to remember when out driving I wintry weather.....don't go faster than you feel it is safe.  If many people get backed up behind you, pull off for a moment and let them go by.  Saves stress on you every time you look in your mirror.  Stay home if possible in the worst of it!  Keep a blanket, extra warm jacket, bottles of water, and even some protein bars in the car in case you get stuck.  
   We did get a snow day today (Tues) and I am guessing will do the state exam tomorrow on our return.  Ms. Boo and I are staying comfy and warm in front of the wood stove today, which is keeping the cabin at a comfy 75 degrees with very little effort.  I have turned off the electric space heater that I use during the day when not home.  I did take a walk up the hill to see and yep the pond is frozen, though not ice enough, by anyone's stretch of the imagination to walk out over the ice!  The next storm is forecasted to hit us on Friday night and through the weekend.
I plan on cooking and baking today to take advantage of the wood stove heat.  Ya'll stay warm and dry!