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I remember reading a murder mystery where the victim was stabbed to death with an icicle. The weapon melted and therefore the murderer was never caught. Sounds like a good plot right?

This winter , I’m enjoying the beautiful sight of abundant icicles glistening in the sun. But with that sight, I have this irresistible child-like urge to knock them all down, have a sword fight, lick them, write messages in the snow with them. Anyone else have fond memories of playing with icicles?

Have you wondered if they may be causing harm to your home? Or are they a sign of maintenance that needs to be done?

They are a sign that heat is escaping from your attic That along with the sun’s heat on the roof, causes the icicles to form.

The best solution to prevent the formation of icicles is to properly insulate your attic. Winter is actually an ideal time to add insulation. Wouldn’t you rather be working in a small, dark enclosed space in the winter than with the hot sun beating down in summer?

The icicles may be forwarning you of an ice damn forming in your gutters which could cause damage if not resolved. When the sun melts the snow, and it flows into your gutters, then freezes overnight, this could impede the proper flow of the water away from your home causing damage to your gutters and possibly water pooling around the foundation

And while we are on the subject of winter hazards:
With the record-breaking amount of snow we are seeing this winter, make sure vents for the dryer, furnace, stove, and fireplace are clear of snow build-up to avoid carbon monoxide build up.

Lastly, while you are shoveling your driveway and sidewalks – make sure there is clear access to fire hydrants in your neighborhood. Just this morning, local news had a story about a delay in fighting a fire because the fireman had to first dig out the hydrant.

Bacon Era is right now, right here in Des Moines, Iowa.  Saturday February 16, all four levels of the Event Center.

It’s Blue Ribbon Bacon Fest. Perhaps the largest collection of bacon related foods and activities that you will see in your lifetime.

And there are still tickets available.   As their website relates:

This year’s theme, “Hello Piggy – East Meats West,” will pay homage to both the Year of the Pig on the Chinese Zodiac Calendar and the pork-filled relationship Iowans have built with the people of Yamanashi Prefecture in Japan since sending them 36 pigs almost 60 years ago.

So many bacon questions.

• Thick sliced or regular?
• Fried or baked?
• Breakfast, lunch or dinner?
• Crisp or limp?

A few features of  this year’s Blue Ribbon Bacon Fest

• Japan’s Bacon Queen will be a guest of honor.  And a local Bacon Queen and King will be crowned.
• Bacon Eating contest, both individual and group competition.
• Bacon Duct Tape Bike giveaway
• Super Piggio Kart Races
• A lecture from the Bacon Professor – Iowa Bacon: Border to Border
• Gangnam Style Dance Off
• Bacon Costume Judging

Here are some “Did you Know”  facts about Bacon

• Bacon dates back to 1500’s, making it one of  the oldest processed foods.
• The average American eats 18 pounds of bacon a year.
• 2 scrambled eggs have more calories than 4 slices of bacon.
• Oscar Meyer began selling pre-sliced, packaged bacon in 1924.
• Nearly 1/3 of the nations hogs grow up in Iowa.

What’s your favorite bacon fact?  And what’s your favorite food involving bacon?

Bacon’s the best.  Even the frying of bacon sounds like applause. Jim Gaffigan