Remember in a recent blog I asked you all to “think snow”? Well, STOP!!!! It’s beautiful, but after being snowed in the condo for a total of five days off and on and seeing more than 13 inches of the white stuff fall (the mountain received 22 inches this week), I’m ready for a break. This morning it was one degree when I woke up. One degree! Now that’s insane. I was able to get out for about three hours on my birthday, and then it started snowing harder, so it was back to the inside world because the streets were getting slick again. I had such big plans to celebrate, but those are on hold.

And speaking of my birthday, I want all of you who sent me greetings to know how much I appreciate being thought about. It was probably the very best ever in terms of emails, e-cards, traditional cards, and calls, although some of you were so tacky!! Did you have to remind me about all those things that come with age??? For the first time, I received notes from Japan, Australia, Germany, Canada, and Mexico, not to mention from so many of you nearby. Talk about a global birthday! It was truly special, and again I thank you. Sometimes, we forget how it takes so little time to make somebody’s day quite memorable.

But now it is back to reality and I knew it wasn’t going to be a good day when I turned on my computer and there was an email from The Scooter Store!!! You know the same company that advertises on television that it guarantees freedom and independence. Thanks, Scooter Store, but right now I have both.  They even said they would help me out with what Medicare won’t pay!! Medicare!!! Now, I realize that I just had a birthday, my hair is gray, and I don’t move as fast as I once did, but the Scooter Store?!! Give me a break.

One degree outside and the Scooter Store email, all in one morning. Maybe, I’ll go get back under the covers!

Dateline: Ruidoso NM, Nov 30 — I am sitting in front of a blazing fire, having a hot chocolate and taking in the beauty of the snow covered pines and Sierra Blanca Mountains. It has been snowing since early yesterday, and the weather experts are predicting it to last until Wednesday. Right now, I’m loving it, but by Thursday I may have a severe case of cabin fever. Since I’m not exactly good at driving in snow, I think I’ll stay holed up until things look at least slushy.

I have plenty to keep me busy, not the least of which is editing the final copy of Promises Kept, the sequel. I think it is so much better than the first book, but maybe I am just tired of dealing with Patrick—after all it did take a few years for him to leave home and go on his publishing journey. Never been so glad to get rid of a man in my life!!!

And speaking of Keeping Faith, I am beyond excitement because I have my very first book signing scheduled here in Ruidoso on Dec. 19. It will be at the cutest, quaintest little book store you can imagine. On a hill among the trees, Atticus Books and Tea Room is a cozy place with shelves lined with books from every genre, wooden floors, fresh scones made daily and almost any kind of hot tea a person could want. And although I’m not a hot tea person, I wish I were every time I go there. On the Saturday of my signing there will be a young woman there providing Joan Baez kind of music (do you remember her?) so I think that will be pretty cool!  The whole place reminds me of a throwback book store from the sixties, and it has “come in, sit awhile, read, visit and enjoy” written all over it.

Cindy Bradford enjoying the snow (and the fake bears) in Ruidoso

I arrived in Ruidoso, New Mexico on November 20, after several stops and hotel stays along the way. After all, it is a 16 hour trip, so no need to rush. I know it seems crazy to go west to cold country for the winter when others are traveling south to stay warm, but every now and then I like the change, and the way the mountains, trees and potential for snow add to the holiday excitement. The little village here is decorated for the Christmas season (and I do not apologize for calling it that—whoever “invented” political correctness should be burned with a yuletide log).

The twinkling lights hanging along the storefronts in mid-town look just like a holiday card, and the people bustling around the shops remind me of those described in the traditional carols playing on the radios inside the stores. It is, indeed, a magical time, and although I love South Padre, the palm trees just can’t compete this time of year with the tall pines and junipers. It just smells like Christmas here. Of course, when the temperature is 19 degrees in the morning, it definitely feels like Christmas.

Ski Apache is open, and ski racks on top of SUVs are as common a sight as fishing poles hanging out of pick-up truck beds at the island. The drive up the mountain is scary, especially if the snow refreezes over night. Even with the newly added guard rails, it is a treacherous 12 mile drive. But it doesn’t stop the die hard skiers and snow boarders. In my younger years I forged up there and skied a few times. These days, I opt for a hot toddy and a good book in front of my fireplace. Skiing is hard work, and there are not enough hot tubs to make me less sore the next day. Been there, done that, and glad to have the memories, which include landing in a snow drift and running over an old man, not to mention falling off the lift when the operator yelled jump.

They had to stop the whole lift just to keep the chair from taking off the top of my head.  And I had lessons!! Think what might what have happened if I had tried this without ski school. As you know from reading earlier blogs, lessons don’t necessarily “take” with me. But I love a winter wonderland, and I’m happy to be here to celebrate the season. So close your eyes and think snow!