Winter and Cold Weather Precautions - Or Don't You Need Them?

39 consecutive hours of below zero temperatures in the Chicago area! 9 below, 16 below, I'm shivering as I hear the forecast.

Lots of precautions on the news. I thought I'd pass some of them along to you, plus a few of my own, in case you live around here or have a visit planned some time soon.

TO KEEP WARM:
Bundle up when going outside. Dress in layers. Cover your head so the heat won't escape. Thick gloves or mittens are a must. Tie a scarf around your head so you can breathe through it, instead of breathing in the frigid air. Try to keep as much of your skin protected as possible. Keep your outdoor time to a minimum to prevent frostbite or hypothermia.

WHEN WALKING:
Wear boots if you can, since there's plenty of snow and ice that won't go away any time soon. Watch your step, especially near curbs or driveways or bridges, since ice has a habit of forming in those areas even more so than in others. Don't walk very far if you can help it.

WHEN SHOVELING:
Don't try it if you have heart or respiratory problems. Don't put too much on your shovel at one time, or you'll end up with a bad back. Don't step into the street without checking for traffic because cars will have difficulty seeing you around the mounds of snow. Do it in shifts, so you're not outside too long at one time. Stop if you feel dizzy or weak.

WHEN DRIVING:
Start your car in a well ventilated area every day, even if you're not planning on driving anywhere, so your battery doesn't die when you need it. For a long trip, keep a blanket and a flashlight in the car in case you get stuck somewhere. The main roads will be in better shape than the arteries, but you'll still need to proceed with caution. Make sure you have your cell phone with you to call for help if needs be.

I'm sure there are plenty more precautions I've missed. Okay, now's your chance. Do you have any advice to add? Or, do you live somewhere that is not inflicted with snow and cold? If so, you can gloat. I promise not to delete your post. (G)

Begging for a Vote at P & E, Plus Hosting Beverly Stowe McClure Today

Hi Gang,
If you haven't yet voted at the Preditors & Editors poll, today is the last day. Please consider voting for

Girl of My Dreams by Morgan Mandel - Romance Category at
http://www.critters.org/predpoll/novelr.shtml

and/or Author - Morgan Mandel at
http://www.critters.org/predpoll/author.shtml

Enough shameless plugging for myself. Please direct your attention to YA Author, Beverly Stowe McClure, my guest at my group blog, Acme Authors Link, at http://acmeauthorslink.blogspot.com.

I'd appreciate it if you'd hop on over, read all about Beverly and her book, and leave a comment to make her feel welcome. She's got a great post there about what her teen years were like, which I have a feeling a lot of you can relate to, as I did.

As usual, comments here are always treasured.

Do You Belong to A Writing Organization?

Here I am with Mary Micheff, on the left, at our Holiday party. She was the President of Chicago-North RWA when I first joined.

I've been a member of the Chicago-North Chapter of Romance Writers of America for years. I was trying to remember how many and came up with at least 13, maybe more, since time goes by so fast.

As you may know from previous posts and remarks I've made in person, I credit my local chapter for passing along enough encouragement and know-how to launch me on the road to publication. I doubt if I could have made it without them.

I also belong to Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime and EPIC. Through listservs and networking, especially at conferences, such as Love is Murder, I've learned valuable information.

What about you? Do you belong to any writing organizations? Has membership helped your career? Or, do you go it alone? Please share. Feel free to brag about your organization.

Tables are Turned - I'm Being Interviewed Today

The tables have been turned. I'm the one who usually hosts authors at my site, but today I'm being interviewed by Spunk on a Stick, L. Diane Wolfe, at http://circleoffriendsbooks.blogspot.com.

I'd appreciate it if you'd hop over and learn more about the real Morgan Mandel.

Oh, and if you wish, please leave a comment here, there, or both spots.

Thanks a bunch. As always, I appreciate your support.