The calendar may say March 25, but it certainly doesn’t feel like spring yet here in Niagara; the ground is still frozen solid and was coated with early-morning frost, and I had to scrape my windshield and brush off a light dusting of snow. Winter 2013/2014 has been brutal, and even someone like me who loves blustery, blizzard-y weather is REALLY over it, now. I’m ready for bright sun, warm breezes, open windows, starting seeds, filling garden pots, getting this shaggy dog her summer haircut (my puppy, I mean…”shaggy dog” is not a euphemism for my lady bits. Not today, anyway.).

There are a few things I will miss about winter, though, as we move toward warm weather. A roaring fire in the wood stove. A mad dash from the house to the car while the wind whips snow in your face. Shoveling the driveway (yes, I like that, I don’t know why.). Coming inside to a blanket and tea and the perfect excuse to spend all night curled up reading. Cancelling plans to go out because of bad roads, and instead playing Clue with the kids. Chili bubbling in the slow cooker. Watching fat snowflakes fill the air. There is magic there, a cold and secret power that the mundane must respect even if they can’t appreciate its origins. As these things are going away until next November or so, I suppose I should enjoy the final blasts of cold, and bid farewell to my old friend Winter as she prepares to leave. And so, tonight, a final fire in the wood stove, a last batch of winter chili, and a whole day curled up under a blanket reading (and editing) with a pot of tea.

Catch you folks when the thaw comes.

(Author’s note: The third book of the Marnie Baranuik Files, Last Impressions, is nearly ready for release. My graphic artist, Greg Simanson, is finished with the cover, the edits are running smoothly via Mr. Rafe Brox (I say “mister” cuz he’s scary), my enthusiastic manager Wendy Logsdon has got her plans in order (love you, Wendy!), and overall, things are looking good for release in May. That date will be firmed up as soon as possible, and when it is, I will probably pass out from excitement. I’ve got that New Book Fever, and I’m weeks away from becoming a true pain in the ass. Until then, thanks for your continued support and words of encouragement. My readers are just awesome. xo Aj.)