Wednesday, February 23, 2022

Making it to the End...of Winter, a guest blog by Liz Milliron

 JULIA SPENCER-FLEMING: Jungle Red Writers has been around since 2007 (Yes! Our fifteenth anniversary is coming up on March 22nd!) and one of the things we're proudest of has been the number of folks in our commenting community who have gone on to become published writers. One of them is Liz Milliron. If you hang around the backblog, you already know what a sharp, funny writer she is, and if you haven't tried her Home Town mysteries, set in the early days of World War Two in Buffalo, NY, you're in for a treat. One lucky commentor will win a copy of her latest book, THE LESSONS WE LEARN!

Now I have a particular affinity for this series, because my family moved to Syracuse when I was fifteen, and I spent the next six years learning to endure love Lake Effect Snow. Winter lasts a looooong time in Syracuse and Buffalo, and you'd think those of us who grow up there and move away would choose Arizona or Florida, but no, we wind up in places like Maine (me) and Pennsylvania (Liz.) Maybe it's because we've honed our winter survival skills, several of which Liz shares with us today.

 

 

 

Thanks, Julia – and all the Reds – for having me back on the front of the blog. It’s always nice to step around the “curtain.”

I remember a cartoon about winter; I’ve seen it a few times. The first panel is all bright lights, happy snowmen, and sparkles. The caption reads, “Winter before Christmas – a happy, magical season.” The second panel is the same snowman looking a little worse for wear. The sky is gray, there are no sparkly lights. The caption reads, “Winter from January on – a great big gray ball of suck.”

Readers, we are in the suck.

As I type this, on February 16, it is eleven degrees (that’s Fahrenheit, for those of you outside the U.S.). The projected high is 37. Last week at this time, it was single digits. Around Thursday, it went to 60. It’ll be back up to 60 by Thursday the 17th. Then back down. Then up.

You get the picture. In other words: Go home, Mother Nature. You’re drunk.

At least the sun is out. So there’s that.

The groundhog promised six more weeks of winter, but honestly? There’s always six more weeks of winter here in southwestern PA. This is the worst time. When spring teases, but we know there’s a bit more to go.

To combat the feeling of, “Can’t it just be over already?” I offer a list of good things about winter. This list is in no particular order because honestly? The order changes depending on my mood.

1. Roaring fires

We fire up the wood stove in November. But it really proves it’s worth right around now.


Not only does the stove provide warmth, it changes the entire atmosphere of the house. Things are cozier, more hospitable. Plus, the fire is entertainment. You aren’t just sitting staring off into space, you’re “watching the fire.”

 

 

 

 

2. Snow zoomies

Okay, this one isn’t mine. I don’t zoom at any time of year, especially not in the snow. But Koda looks like he’s having fun.


When he came to us from Florida, he wasn’t quite sure what to make of the cold and the white stuff. Clearly, he’s had a change of heart. Not my idea of fun, running barefoot in the snow, but hey, he likes cutting it up and throwing snow everywhere. Bonus: I don’t have to wash mud off of his feet (and the rest of him) like I do in the spring.

 

 

 

3. Hot chocolate

Another thing that can be enjoyed practically any time. Although something’s a little off about drinking hot chocolate in July, at least to me.

I convinced The Hubby to spend a little and invest in these not-really-fancy-but-with-some-interesting-flavors cocoas. Choices include mint, caramel, cinnamon, Irish crème, double-chocolate, and salted caramel. We’re partial to the cinnamon.

 

 

 

 

4. New workspace

I love my work nook in the sunroom. The windows are big, I get a lot of light (even when the sun is hiding) and I can watch the wildlife. However, somewhere around mid-January, when we were stuck in a long string of days when the high temperature didn’t reach double-digits, I went to The Hubby and said, “I can’t take it.” Even the space heater was not enough.

Bless his heart, he helped me disconnect all the cables and we moved my desk into a corner of the dining room, right under the secondary heating unit (which is also our A/C, but I digress). It’s very comfortable. The bathroom is farther away, but the kitchen is closer. It’s a trade I’m willing to make in exchange for not freezing my tuchus off.

 

 

5. Cozy reading nook

This is another thing that can be enjoyed year ‘round, if I’m being honest. But in warm months I prefer reading on the front porch or in the sunroom. This space is built for winter.

A comfortable chair, a thick fleecy throw, a footstool, a table for my cup of hot chocolate (see #3 above) or tea, surrounded by books. There’s even a space for Koda. What more can you want when outside feels like the dark side of the moon?

 

 

 

6. Bubble baths

Okay, okay. Lists are supposed to end on five, or ten, or twenty – you get the picture. But I couldn’t resist throwing this in.

No, I am not going to show you a picture of me in the bathtub. You’re welcome. But there is nothing like being submersed to your chin in hot water and lavender-scented bubbles on a cold night. We have a reasonably deep claw foot tub, although it’s not quite long enough to stretch out. Regardless, I take a cup of tea, a book, and, well, see you in a couple hours.

There you have it. My attempt at making the best of a dreary season. I’d love to hear what gets you through the cold, dark, dank days of winter. (Come back in August and I’ll be listing the things that get me through the hot, humid, dog days of summer. Where is that place in the world where it’s always sunny and 70, with a playful breeze?)


https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-lessons-we-learn-liz-milliron/1140949985THE LESSONS WE LEARN

March 1943. As the Buffalo winter ends, the father of Betty Ahern’s friend, Lee Tillotson, disappears. At first his absence is a relief, providing Lee, his mother and sisters refuge from the man’s frequent drunken rages. But when Mr. Tillotson is discovered drowned in the Buffalo River and the police charge Lee with the murder, the family’s newfound peace shatters.

Worse, Lee becomes secretive and unwilling to cooperate with Betty or the police. Betty is certain of Lee’s innocence, but there she has very little time to investigate before he must enter his plea in court. To prove Lee’s innocence, Betty digs into Mr. Tillotson’s life, discovering a seamy and dangerous underside to Mr. Tillotson, and to Buffalo itself. With time running out, Betty soon learns who her friends really are, how much Lee loves his family and friends and is loved in return, and just how far the corruption leaking from Buffalo’s City Hall has reached. But can she prove Lee’s innocence before it’s too late?


Liz Milliron is the author of The Laurel Highlands Mysteries series, set in the scenic Laurel Highlands of Southwestern Pennsylvania, and The Homefront Mysteries, set in Buffalo, NY during the early years of World War II. She is a member of Sisters in Crime, Pennwriters, and International Thriller Writers. A recent empty-nester, Liz lives outside Pittsburgh with her husband and a retired-racer greyhound. You can find out more about her and her writing at her website, friend her on Facebook, and follow her on Instagram.

98 comments:

  1. Alas, my winter survival skills have all but vanished . . . I remember the joys of no school snow days, but I’ve definitely outgrown that. Today is supposed to be one of those in-the-sixties days; they’re predicting snow by the end of the week. But a good book and a warm, comfy blanket work wonders for distracting me from the weather outside.

    My list of things that help get me through the winter includes lots of hot coffee, homemade soup, and cookies warm from the oven . . . .

    Congratulations on your new book Liz . . . it sounds quite intriguing. I’m looking forward to finding out just what Mr. Tillotson was involved in that got him murdered.

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    1. Warm cookies and homemade soup...wonderful tactics, Joan! Hope you enjoy the book!

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  2. Congrats Liz on your new book. What helps me through the winter is hibernating in my warm and comfy apartment. Alas, outside appointments make me go outdoors.

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    1. Dru, yes. I always say I can deal with snow as long as I don't have to go out in it. Unfortunately, I can't stay inside for three months (well, the pandemic may have proven that is wrong, but you know what I mean).

      Thanks!

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  3. What a great list, Liz! I'm looking forward to my signed copy of the new book arriving!

    We no longer have a wood stove or a bathtub, so those two items on your excellent list are out. But always a good book on the couch with a lap quilt, hot soup on the stove, and my ankle warmers. I'll tell you, a pair of loose knitted (non-itchy) ankle warmers makes all the difference! I also like to bake blueberry muffins with frozen berries I picked last summer. They taste like, well, summer.

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    1. Thanks, Edith! I went down to sign your book yesterday, so hopefully you'll get it soon.

      Ankle warmers, hmm? Must check those out. And blueberry muffins...yum.

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  4. LIZ: Your list is great! Alas, I have not tried any of those.

    Torontonians are winter wimps. But I got my fill of cold winters and lake effect snow when I lived in Burlington ON during the 1990s.

    And now that I live in Ottawa, I have learned how to embrace a winter that can start in late October and last into early April. As long as I am properly dressed, I can go on long solo and group walks along icy paths and trails. I also like to go snowshoeing, and fortunately this winter has been cold and snowy since January.

    And like Edith, I do make hearty comforting soups (and stews) and bake yummy treats to sustain me when I have to hunker inside.

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    1. Grace, I hope your birthday is wonderful. And filled with good food and beverage.

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    2. Thanks KAREN, EDITH and DANIELLE!

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    3. Happy birthday, Grace!

      I would not have figured Torontonians as wimps, considering the city is right on Lake Ontario and should not be a stranger to lake effect snow. I applaud your enjoyment of winter outside activities. I'll stay inside and keep your soup warm. LOL

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    4. LIZ: Thanks! Yes, Toronto is right on Lake Ontario but gets very little lake effect snow because the winds would have to come from the south. In contrast, Burlington is on the western tip of Lake Ontario and when those east winds blew, they got dumped upon. Similar to what happens in Buffalo.

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    5. Happy Birthday, Grace! I so enjoy your posts here.

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    6. SUSAN: Thanks! I enjoy chiming in here every day.

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    7. Happy Birthday Grace. I hope you are well, devoid of diesel fumes and able to go to the shops!

      Ottawa is said to be the coldest capital city in the world. No wimps there.

      I have been surprised at the attitude toward winter here. I mean, for a bunch of people who are proud to live where the winter is part of the culture, they sure do gripe about it!

      Only some of them though. I've started making up character stories using the way the students dress in response to winter weather as a beginning. The huddled in their winter gear versus the upright hatless, open jacket "bring it on" attitude in my head translates to Vancouver vs. the prairies.

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    8. DEAUN: Thanks! No diesel fumes but we had over 8 hours of freezing rain yesterday so I am trapped at home. My morning group walk was cancelled since our leader could not even make it to the meetup point. Both the Uber Eats delivery and courier guys complained about the treacherous icy sidewalks and staircase to the apartment building.

      Yes, it's true that Ottawa has that distinct title. We don't brag about that too often, though.

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    9. Grace: Ugh, ice. Glad you are tucked up safe at home.

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  5. Liz, congratulations on your new book! The cover is terrific!

    Flannel sheets. For years I resisted trying them but once I had, it changed everything. Last week I bought a set for the guest bedroom which is where I go to read in the early hours before Irwin and Kenai wake up. Cozy.

    Baking and cooking while listening to audio books! So much better than TV!

    I like winter. I like spring and summer, too. I love fall. Love the one you're with.

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    1. JUDY: Funny, I'm the opposite re: flannel sheets. I gave them all away this past year to Byward Market neighbours since I am still in the "hot flash" mode of my life. I now use HUSH ice cool sheets all year round.

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    2. That was a weird time of life, Grace. I never knew what to wear. Maybe that's why flannel sheets are so right for us now.

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    3. I thought it might be a hot flash last night. not to be; it was the weather. turned on the a/c. Hell is back.

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    4. I prefer crisp sheets to flannel, but oboy, a down blanket is cozy this time of year.

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    5. Always flannel sheets in the winter!

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    6. Karen, the down comforters are inside flannel duvet covers! Remember, we turn the heat down to 58 Fahrenheit at night.

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    7. Thanks, Judy! We had flannel sheets for years. Until we bought a split king bed, which allows us to have two adjustable bases so each of us controls our own elevation. A split king is just two XL twin mattresses shoved together and while I can find percale cotton sheet sets, I have not yet found flannel. I fear I might have to make my own, but that's expensive.

      As a result, we miss our flannel sheets. And since we have so much pluggin, we're afraid to use our heated blanket.

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    8. Liz, The Company Store has XL twin flannel sheets. In fact, some of the sets I looked at were only still available in the XL twin size. Worth it to see if they have what you would like.

      https://www.thecompanystore.com/search?q=xl+twin+flannel&lang=en_US

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    9. Judy, I’ll take a look. Now if only they sell a king-size flat sheet (only the flat) and king-size pillowcases, I’ll be set!

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    10. I have been known to mix and match using colored sheets and patterned sheets together. Also, sewing together 2 twin flat sheets would still beat making your own flannel sheets. TCS has all types of individual sheets and sheet sets. Check them out!

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  6. Hi Liz, congrats on the new book!

    I make it through the winter by bundling up, staying inside and just focusing on getting through each day.

    Now if I could just avoid shoveling snow I'd be good. Wrecked my back twice so far this winter with the shoveling.

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    1. That's awful, Jay. Both Irwin and I have backs that go out on occasion. It's the worst! Take care of yourself.

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    2. Trying Judy, but Mother Nature is not helping matters. We've got another storm heading in on Friday. Forecast calling for 3-5 inches in my area at the moment.

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    3. Thanks, Jay! I'm so fortunate that I still have The Boy around so he can help with the shoveling duties. Between him and The Hubby, I rarely have to shovel. Be careful out there!

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  7. I knew you when, Liz! Congratulations on another new book. Woohoo!

    Check, check, check. No Zoomie-dogs here, but loads of wildlife watching (13 deer in the backyard one afternoon last week). All easier to see when the snow is on the ground and no leaves on the trees.

    We purposely planned for a wood-burning inset in this house, after losing power one winter for several days. As long as there is wood on the porch we're good.

    Homemade soup, homemade bread, and a comfy place to read, and I'm good. Don't expect to see me until the spring thaw.

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    1. Thanks, Karen! We installed the wood-burning stove after one of those extended power outages. The Hubby swore we'd never be in that situation again. We are beginning to consider a move, and at least one (and preferably more) fireplaces are a must. Gas is nice, but also wood-burning so we aren't dependent on the power (I think an electricity outage would prevent ignition of the gas fireplace, yes?).

      I make a lot of homemade bread in the winter. We like it thick, toasted, and spread with cream cheese, jam, and/or peanut butter.

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  8. Morning Liz, congratulations on the latest book. I am very happy for you. Winter is almost over on Nome Street, most of the birds have flown north, and the gators are stirring again from their nests. Next month they will begin bellowing for a mate. Soon our morning hot coffee, spiked with selected cocoa mixes will be replaced with tea, gallons of tea before noon. If the govt was willing to build roads that took care of snow melt, and provide robots to do the shoveling, I would move north. I miss the quiet of a cold winter's night.

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    1. Yup: "the quiet of a cold winter's night" -- not even the dog strollers are out at our temps these days!

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    2. Thanks, Coralee!

      There is a lot of beauty in fresh snowfall and yes, those winter night's can be peaceful. Add in grocery delivery to your list, and I'm good (although we have that, now, thanks to COVID).

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  9. Turtle necks and wool sweaters up here. And snow pants and down jackets. And wishes for a slow melt so all our snow seeps into the drought-stricken ground.

    Congratulations on your latest book, Liz. Keep writing, wherever you have to move your desk!

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    1. In addition to a slow melt, fingers crossed for no huge April snowstorms to increase the risk of spring flooding.

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    2. Amanda, yes on the wool sweaters and woolen socks! They really make a huge difference!

      Yes on relieving drought with snowmelt. Wouldn't it be great if it happened slowly instead of all at once? BTW, it'll 60°F out today and there's a big snow/sleet event coming Friday. What a winter!

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    3. Thanks, Amanda!

      Yes, love sweaters. And thick socks. And cute boots. Still.

      My yard is a muddy mess right now from the thaw. It was 60 degrees yesterday and only 30 today. The yard is having a hard time absorbing all that water and we've already had the first flood warnings of the year.

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    4. oh my. weather everywhere seems up and down and up again and down again. fingers crossed for a temperate slide into the next season, everyone!

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    5. I'm pretty sure my situation is exacerbated because my property is on a water reserve of some kind, either an old well or something. There is a patch of my backyard, right by the house, where the grass never gets brown - no matter what happens.

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  10. Congrats on the new book Liz! Your list is wonderful--makes me almost miss winter, although I think I'm remembering the sparkly Christmas season, not dreary Jan-March!

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    1. Thanks, Lucy! Yes, the Christmas part of the season is so much different. LOL

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  11. Congratulations on The Lessons We Learn , Liz ! I love the cover.
    As I enjoyed your Laurel Highlands mysteries, it would be time for me to explore your Homefront mysteries beginning with the first.

    Even if winter is longer than three months here, I was glad to see we were 2/3 of the season this week.
    I’m not a “ bath “ girl, more a “shower “ one and I’m intolerant to chocolate but
    I enjoy “ watching the fire “, drinking hot beverages , making and eating soups and reading books in a comfy blankie and in a cozy atmosphere.
    I also like walking outside, the air is different in winter, so good.

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    1. Thanks, Danielle!

      Showers are for cleaning, but baths are for luxuriating. But I'm with you on all the rest.

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  12. So true, Liz, about the winter doldrums setting in this time of year--when we get a few sunny, warm days thrown into the mix, only to have another storm heading our way. We'll get blasted before you, Jay! No zoomy dogs, but a cat or two who enjoy winter naps as much as I do, especially if they cuddle close--they make great lap warmers, too!

    And what a great era to mine for stories, Liz! I've been lurking in the backblog long enough to remember when you were yet to be published--and now look at you--two series!! Congratulations on your latest book!

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    1. Thanks, Flora!

      Yes. That feeling of, "Aren't we done yet?" We get two days of sunshine and 60, and then winter says, "Psych! I'm not done yet." Sigh.

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  13. Congratulations on the new book, Liz! Yes, I agree there are some good things about winter... I just have to remind myself to remember themselves as I'm layered for warmth indoors and shoveling snow out. Seconding thumbs up on soups and chili and stews.

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    1. Thanks, Hallie!

      It is hard to remember the good things about the season when you are shoveling, isn't it?

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  14. With Mother nature spinning her roulette wheel we never know what to expect, so every day is a surprise. Very warm two days ago, yesterday non-stop rain, today mud but snow is coming and everything will look beautiful for a day or so. The good news is I don't have to mow the lawn or pull weeds, both things my sister in another part of the country is already doing. Even this time of year is great if one is retired and doesn't have to go out.

    I am so looking for your latest book, Liz. I love that you have set it in Buffalo in the early years of the war. What did you use for your research, other than people's memories? I can't tell you how much I wish I had listened to my grandmother and father talk about what they did in the war. I know what my mother did - she was on the farm and in high school. My grandmother had worked at a place called the depot, but I've no idea what she did. My father was very young and in the navy.

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    1. Thanks, Judi! Your weather sounds like ours right now.

      I spend a lot of time looking at the digital archives for the Library of Congress and other sources. I found a video of FDR touring the Bell facilities that way. I also use old versions of the Sears Roebuck catalog (to see what people were buying/wearing), newspaper archives for current events, and I watch old movies (I know, a hardship). I have a timeline of major events for WWII and I use a couple of websites for slang and to check words/language for authenticity.

      One of my grandmothers worked at Bell and she did talk a little about her experience; my other grandmother was a Navy nurse and talked a lot. LOL Both of my grandfathers were in the service, although only one of them was alive for most of my childhood. He didn't want to talk about battles, but he would tell funny stories about army life when they weren't fighting.

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  15. LIZ,

    Your new novel sounds like a mystery novel. Is it a stand alone novel? Congratulations on your new novel.

    Hot chocolate with peppermint candy cane is my favorite kind of hot chocolate.

    Diana

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    1. Thanks, Diana! Hot chocolate with peppermint is always good.

      All of the books in the series have standalone mysteries and can be read in any order and you'll know what's going on. What you get if you read in order is seeing the characters grow in their arcs.

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  16. Congratulations Liz. Your book sounds captivating and is set during my favorite era. Wonderful! Your winter list mirrors mine. Tea all day long, bubble baths, hot chocolate, homemade soup and fluffy slippers and cozy blankets. Sunshine and warmth is what I need daily.

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    1. Thanks! Yes, I do have hot tea all day, too. Various flavors to keep it interesting. And sunshine is a definite must and not something we get a lot of this time of year in Pittsburgh. Unfortunately.

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  17. Welcome, Liz! I just last week added your new series to my "go find" list. I think I'll bump it up. I might be your ideal reader because...I grew up in Watertown. Yeah, snow, and snow bound adventures and listening to the radio as soon as we got up, to see if school was cancelled. Now I live in New York city, where a couple of wimpy inches ties up everything. Plus there is this: a huge Army base operated just outside of Watertown during the war and was still active for reserve training in summer when I was a kid. I was born in 1946, and wartime, home front life seemed very real to me. I've written about it in Brooklyn. Can't wait to see what you've done with it upstate. Good luck.

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    1. Thanks, Triss! Ah yes. Watertown. Ah, yes, Watertown. I'm familiar with it since my dad was in the Army. Right near Ft. Drum, home of the 10th Mountain Division, "the frozen chosen." Yes, they know all about snow up there. LOL

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    2. My sister, who lived in Rochester her adult life, tells me its easy to love snow (I do) when you don't live with it all winter! She lives in TX now. Fort Drum reopened as a full time base a few decades ago, but long after I moved away.( I wrote a book about this and turned it in just as my then-publisher was dropping its mystery line!) Drum was only operating summer for reserve unit training when I lived there. But still, it made us a sort-of-Army town and the wartime barracks and some tanks, etc were still there. Going to order your book ASAP.

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    3. I hope you enjoy it! And thanks!

      That’s how my dad spent his time at Ft. Drum. He was a reservist.

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  18. Congratulations on your latest, Liz. It sounds spectacular.

    Your list is fantastic, and I'll be ordering some of those hot chocolate variations. They sound wonderful.

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  19. Congratulations on the new book, Liz! I have not been reading this series, but I intend to go find it and get caught up now.

    Like Edith, I no longer have a wood stove or a tub to soak in, and I sure miss them both.

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  20. Liz,
    Congratulations on the new book! It sounds exactly like something I would enjoy! And it has been a joy to watch your journey to becoming a published author!

    There is nothing about winter that I like. Except knowing that it’s going to end. Summer is my favorite season. I spend as much time out in nature as I can. As for hot cocoa, I drink it year round, just as I drink hot coffee and hot tea year round. I will admit that winter can be pretty, but so can the other seasons!

    DebRo

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    1. Thanks, DebRo! I have to laugh, "Except knowing that it's going to end." I can completely understand that.

      I can drink hot tea all year 'round, but not hot chocolate. I'm not sure why. And to my mind, nothing is more beautiful than a mountainside of lush autumn foliage - but that's me. The beauty of snow is more...cold (and I don't just mean temperature-wise).

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  21. Congratulations! Liz, your mystery is unique and intriguing. The setting is wonderful, having visited Buffalo many times when I lived in that area and the amazing period which would capture the story vividly. Winter means bundling up daily and brisk walks when there is no snow or ice but inside provides me with comfort and warmth. Your list is so ideal.

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    1. Thank you! Yes, anyone who has spent any time in Buffalo know what to stock up on and when to just stay inside with a cup of hot something and read.

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  22. It is 30 degrees in Nor Cal at 7am. Last week we were in the high 70s. At least it rained a little yesterday, not enough, only a little. Hot tea is great because I can hold the mug in two hands. My feet and hands are usually cold but in the winter it is worse so hot mugs and blankets work wonders.

    You new book sound great, Liz. I need to check this series out.

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    1. Thanks, Deana!

      Yes, I loved cupping my hands around a warm mug. I bought a Yeti travel mug because I got tired of the multiple warm-ups it took to get through a whole cup (and the microwaving does dent the flavor after a while) and the thing I miss most is the ability to wrap my hands around the cozy warmth.

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  23. Congratulations, Liz on the new book and for taking your place behind the curtain. I am looking forward to digging into your series.

    I have far fewer rules of living than Leroy Jethro Gibbs but #3 is this: You can never have too many blankets.

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    1. Thanks, cd!

      No, you can never have too many blankets.

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  24. Your home front series sounds so good! My take from Minnesota and Ohio winters of the past: bed is good. If you don't have to go anywhere stay in your nice warm bed.

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  25. Congratulations on the new book, Liz, and it's good to see you out front today. This home front series sounds like one I'd love. I enjoy reading stories about what the people at home were doing during WWII. So, I just ordered The Enemy We Don't Know for my Kindle.

    And, I saw this in a meme the other day. It explains how I cope with the challenges of each season.
    Winter: It’s snowing. I should stay inside and read.
    Spring: I have allergies. I have to stay inside and read.
    Summer: It’s too hot. I’d better stay inside and read.
    Fall: It’s so windy. I think I’ll stay inside and read.

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    1. Thanks, Kathy! Hope you enjoy the book and the adventures with Betty.

      I saw that meme. I do a lot of the same (although sometimes substitute writing for reading).

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  26. Congratulations on your book, Liz!! I can't wait to read it!

    And I love your list! Check on pretty much everything. I am definitely a bath and wood fire girl. I would add "reader socks." I bought these in Toronto when I was there for Bouchercon, and they are the only thing that keeps my feet warm under my desk when it's really cold. 23 today in north Texas, and sleeting. Ugh. Time to dig out some hot chocolate, and I'm making pasta e fagioli for dinner tonight.

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    1. Aw, thanks Debs!

      I see big, thick fleece socks in stores and I'm always tempted to try them. But many times they don't have grippers on the soles and we have all hardwood floors in our house on the first floor. Trust me when I say that would not be a good combination for me.

      23 in north Texas? Brrr!

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    2. These do have grippers, otherwise I'd be slippin' and slidin' on our hardwood floors. Only drawback is that they collect a lot of dog hair!

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    3. Dog hair is a fact of life for us - and for you. Fortunately, Koda's hair is very fine. I'm sure what I call a "heavy shed" for him is nothing compared to your doggies. :)

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  27. Congratulations, Liz! I love the premise of your latest mystery!
    I grew up in CT so I understand the winter grays but it did always make spring that much sweeter. Your post is timely as we're having a 41 degree (hey, that's cold for central AZ) very rainy day. Very gray. Very blah. My dogs refused to go out. LOL. I'm going to go make hot chocolate now!

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    1. Thanks, Jenn. Yes, the gray days do make that final arrival of spring much sweeter.

      That *is* cold for central AZ. And the damp always makes it feel colder, at least for me. There have been many days lately when Koda sticks his nose out of the door and turns around as if to say, "You want me to go out there? Forget it, lady!" LOL

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  28. Congratulations on your latest, Liz! I've been meaning to start this series since reading a Betty Ahern short story in an anthology--possibly Murder Most Historical (?). I enjoy most of winter--just not this tail end of it we are in now. Last weekend--frigid! Monday--warm enough (40s-50s) to take a walk on the beach. Yesterday--so much rain I thought about building an ark. Friday--some icy, sleet, snow thing. Ah well. There is soup.
    -Melanie

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    1. Thanks, Melanie! Yes, Betty's history started with a short story in Mystery Most Historical, "Homefront Homicide."

      I sympathize with the pinball weather. Saturday morning: white out, Sunday, sunny and 40, Monday sunny and 60, yesterday pouring and 60, today rainy and 35 (I call shenanigans on the 60-degree forecast), tomorrow the forecast is cloudy and 40 and Friday frozen mix and 40...pass the fleece blankets, please.

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  29. I missed my morning stops at my blogs today. No wonder I've felt off all day.

    We were heading to spring, but winter decided to make a comeback here as well. Our lows will be near freezing, and I don't think it hit 50 degrees today. You can stop laughing. For a So Cal boy, that's cold! At least, with working from home, I didn't have to go outside all day.

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    1. I wondered where you were!

      I woke up this morning to a weather alert for snow on my phone. It was 60 degrees two days ago.

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  30. SO late! And what a perfect post, as the wind is beginning to howl around here! And I just ordered the ingredients for beef stew...xooxoo Congratulations on the book! YAY!

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    1. Thanks, Hank!

      The Hubby loves a good stew on cold days.

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  31. I hate icy-cold, gray days as much as most people do, but I have to confess that I've been pining all through January and February for a week, just a single week, of below-freezing temperatures, because we haven't had a week like that for years now, and here in Bern (Switzerland), that's just weird. Or, sadly, it's not weird anymore, because it's climate change. Our coldest night so far this winter was 16 degrees, but one night of that isn't going to freeze the neighborhood pond enough for the kids to skate on it. Today--in February!--the high will be 52. I'll be glad to take my afternoon walk in a jacket instead of a coat, but it'll be hard to enjoy it unreservedly. I do allow myself to enjoy the sheets of snowdrops blooming everywhere, though. And the crocuses are coming up--yay!

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    1. Thanks for stopping, Kim. I think Western Pennsylvania stole all your sub-freezing days this year. You can have them back any time you want. LOL

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  32. Winter, Bah Humbug! Although I'm only 65, I feel like a feeble old lady. Winter is my nemesis since it flares up my arthritis. Since I've had surgery to replace both knees and hips, any fall can be serious. Living in the northeast corner of Ohio doesn't help with Winter since we live along shore of Lake Erie and get Lake Effect snow as well as being in the snowbelt. Oh well such is life and we all must grin and bear it. Thankfully it's books like yours that help ease the time while we deal with Mother Nature. Congratulations on your new book and this series.

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