Sitting is the new Smoking in New Immigrant

That's what a cardiologist said while I was sitting, listening. Several new nails have been pounded in my casket this brutal winter. TV has saved my mind, but not my body! I have only myself to blame.

The Winter Olympics inspired me to get on the treadmill a few times, but not nearly enough. The first week of the event kept me happily occupied. If I wish ice dancers Meryl and Charlie into my mind, I still swoon. All the ice dancers and skaters, really.

The British series (Downton Abbey, Sherlock, House of Cards, Doc Martin) have provided royal entertainment. Very glad to have a happy ending to the much too short "Downton Abbey" series. One full of surprises this season, including some happy ones!

I have learned who Benedict Cumberbatch is and it's fun seeing where he pops up, including the kind slave master in "12 Years a Slave" and the cousin in "August: Osage County."

Online movies enabled me to sit atop my icy ridge and view many Oscar nominees (Blue Jasmine, Dallas Buyers Club, Gravity, Nebraska, Captain Philips, 12 Years a Slave, August: Osage County, Twelve Feet from Stardom) Watching them from the treadmill could have happened, but it didn't.

Oscar Night was a major event, with the truck once again struck on the hill and subzero temperatures returning, I loved Gown Watching and then the awards. I was happy with all the winners.

This week Iowa public television is having one of their damnable fundraisers. I despise them because routine evening shows are replaced with one special after another. Even if I liked one of them, I would not watch because I'm too furious. I made that clear when I upped to sustaining member this year. All my friends agree, we tune in because we relish the regular programming, not this stuff!! Grrr.

Anyway, this brings me to Garbage Day and I am hoping I can get myself out of this chair (Recliners should be banned), get the truck up the driveway, and cross my fingers for an unswerving descent after our 5" of new snow (now plowed).

Weather predictions are for above freezing temperatures, which leaves me pondering if I should shovel or let Mother Nature do the work?

Oh my gosh, I nearly forgot to say that a Red (fox red) Adult Screech Owl was in our entry alcove the other morning. A wondrous little bird, who looked at me and didn't stir. Then I messed up trying to take a photo and he turned with an indignant squawk and flew off. Beautiful bird, never knew screech owls came in red!

In other wildlife news. I am NOT to be feeding deer (by order of the DNR) but I couldn't tolerate their caved in sides. Plus two yearling fawns have broken legs, which devastated me, but are traveling about like Zipper on his three legs. "Survival of the fittest" seems to be at work among the nine because the adults are all being mean to all the fawns, jumping at them and chasing them from the food. What choice did I have but to buy 200 pounds of whole corn for them, being the sap that I am?

Thank you all for you varied useful or hilarious suggestions for not falling on the ice!!

I am thankful for: All of you Sunshine on a wintry day Shelter, heat, flush toilets and running water! Wool socks and sweaters For not falling...yet

Carpe Diem!