Monday Morning Musing: War, Sister Boniface, and Winter Doldrums

 Sorry this is late. No internet service.

The Ukraine is on the minds of many people this week. Is this a prelude to more invasions? Who will stop Putin from doing this again with another country?

It seems like all my life there’s been a war somewhere. I was born during World War II. During my childhood, the Korean War raged as did the Cold War. Then Vietnam, the Gulf Wars, and Afghanistan. I probably left out some. Somebody is always fighting someone somewhere. Some bully wants more than he’s entitled to. Laws and boundaries are for other people, not the bullies.

Why can’t we all just get along? I guess I’m naïve to think so.

Last week, I wrote about my husband’s birthday. Thank you all for your good wishes, here and on Facebook. A modest man, he was surprised and overwhelmed by the many birthday wishes.

Have you watched Sister Boniface? It’s a spinoff of Father Brown, the 1950s priest who solves murder mysteries in a small English town. Sister Boniface, a moped-riding, forensic specialist nun, does the same in the 1960s. I’ve been trying to figure out why it isn’t as entertaining as Father Brown. I think it’s the lack of humor. It tries, but Sister Boniface doesn’t have a Mrs. McCarthy or a Lady Felicia for comic relief. Still, I’ll keep watching to see if it improves.

Winter doldrums. We had a lovely break in the weather a week ago. Here in west Michigan, we actually got up into the 50s, a heatwave. 😊 The usual February thaw. We’re back in the deep freeze again with winds strong enough to send the windchill below zero. Another month or less (I can hope) and spring will be here. I can’t wait until I can open the windows and let in the fresh air.

Tomorrow, I’ll be over at Paranormal Romantics for my monthly post. Dr. Seuss’s Birthday.

Wild Weather

 As I write this, we're about to be hit with the second big snow of the winter of 2014-15. Or maybe it's just a continuation of the one that came on Thursday since we've only had brief reprieves. We're expecting 8 - 10" of snow. I don't know about where you are, but this is too early for winter. Mother Nature cheated us out of Fall.

Not just snow but cold. Below zero wind chills expected. I hate wearing my winter coat even when necessary. It's bulky, uncomfortable. I'm grousing. Sorry. And I never did get a pair of boots. You'd think after 159" of snow last year I would have bought boots as soon as they were in the stores. Nope. Procrastinator me didn't. I thought I had more time.

I hope where you are you're safe. If you don't have to go anywhere, stay home. Drive cautiously if you have to be on the road.

The internet is a my best friend right now. I can visit my friend Jessica E. Subject in Canada without leaving home. I'm on her blog today with a new excerpt from THE CASE OF THE BYGONE BROTHER.  http://www.markofthestars.com/wp/the-case-of-the-bygone-brother-by-diane-burton/

How's the weather where you are?

Insecure Writer's Support Group

It's the first Wednesday of the month and that means it's time for the Insecure Writer's Support Group.  Started by the intrepid Ninja Captain Alex J. Cavanaugh, the purpose of this group is to share doubts, concerns, and to encourage. At the bottom of this post is a link to other authors' blogs.

Winter Doldrums

Photo by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

I used to like winter. I used to like snow. Crisp, cold days. Sun glistening on snow-covered trees. Pristine whiteness covering up the brown of dead grass and pruned perennials. That’s before I moved to West Michigan.

It’s only the beginning of February and I’ve had enough winter. We’ve had over one hundred inches of snow. And another storm is hitting today. Our mailbox down at the curb is almost covered. The snow banks are so high it’s difficult to see around corners for on-coming traffic. And more is coming today. Along with the Polar Vortex, an Artic current keeps swinging down our way.

Unlike Atlanta and other places in the South, our cities are prepared for this type of weather with heavy snow removal equipment. Our snow blower is getting a real workout on our driveway. More of a workout than I’ve been getting. Thus is my problem. Being cooped up indoors doesn’t bother me like it does others. I can stay inside very nicely—just give me my laptop, Kindle, and television. I can write, read, watch movies. All sedentary activities.

Going outdoors is painful. The cold hurts my joints. Slippery sidewalks and parking lots can mean a fall and possibly broken bones. I see why so many people head for Florida or Arizona. I’m giving serious consideration to spending next winter with my son in Phoenix. (Just joking, sweetie.) I know I can go to a gym or walk at the mall. Just doing it is the problem. It’s too comfortable to stay inside. Comfortable but not healthy.

I guess I need a boot in the rear to get away from my electronics and exercise.

What motivates you to move in the winter?

Many thanks to today's awesome hosts: Sheena-kay Graham, Julie Musil, Jamie Ayres, and Mike Swift.   Click here to find others on the Insecure Writers Support Group Blog Hop. Or go to IWSG on Facebook to see who’s blogging today.