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March Already

March.  Already.

And even so, no sign that this brutal 2014 winter is going to let up any time soon.

If you are not in Florida, I don't know why not.  Everybody else is here!  Since I am one of them, I am not allowed to complain about the snow birds, but I am also just glad that I am here long enough so that I don't feel the need to do all the "vacation" things.  I don't think it has been as crowded in this area since I have been coming here.  They are predicting that next winter will be record breaking numbers of vacationers because of the bad winter this year.  I suppose I will make travel plans with that in mind.


******

Since I am half Ukrainian, I have been watching the news about the crisis there. It is pretty scary stuff.  As I understand it, this big stand-off is over Crimea, which has been a part of the Ukraine only since 1954 and which is ethnically Russian.  Crimea was a "gift" from Russia to the Ukraine?  It makes so little sense to me.  As a parent, I would say, "Let the children work it out amongst themselves."  Maybe it doesn't work that way for a big brother.

******

I cannot recall ever having watched the Oscars.  Those kinds of shows tend to bore me and I wander off, but I may tune into bits of it tonight.  I have actually seen three of the movies that are nominated this year--Captain Phillips, Philomena, and Nebraska.  I also saw August, Osage County and Meryl Streep is nominated for her role in that.  Or, I may just find out the results on the morning news.

*****

It looks like another full week ahead.  I intended to keep myself busy this winter.  I am being successful with that.



Comments

  1. Muffy's MarksMarch 2, 2014 at 6:55 PM

    Every condo is full here. Thinking the harsh winter in the plains and midwest has a lot to do with "no vacancies" Glad I'm where its warm too!!! And I vow I'm not going home until the snow is melted.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. OlgaMarch 3, 2014 at 7:35 AM

      I am heading back at the beginning of April. There is every chance that I will see a snow storm or two.

      Delete
  2. RianMarch 2, 2014 at 8:25 PM

    I can understand the lure of Florida these days. We lived there the first 2 years of our marriage (on the coast not far from Orlando). But we prefer Texas ... or did *before this winter*... (it was 80 degrees yesterday... and today it's 21 and sleeting... with forecasts of 12 F by Monday morning). So odd...

    As for the Oscars, we hardly ever watch, but since they've taken off all our favorite shows from PBS tonight (for Pledge week), we may watch some. Besides, with Ellen hosting, it should be funny.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. OlgaMarch 3, 2014 at 7:38 AM

      I did not make it very far through. I took my book into bed and read until I was sleepy, did some bedtime yoga, and then off to dreamland. I have not yet even turned on the news to find out the results. Even Ellen didn't keep me in front of the TV.

      Delete
  3. Linda ReederMarch 2, 2014 at 8:31 PM

    I am watching the Oscars as I type this comment. I have seem many of the movies either in theaters or through cable TV, I like the whole hoopla, even though it is no where near as important as real life threats to our world, like the situation in the Ukraine.
    I have never been to florida, and don't plan to go there. For us west coaster, winter escape comes in Arizona or California of Mexico. But we don't really need to escape from here in Seattle. We just need our rain gear.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. OlgaMarch 3, 2014 at 7:45 AM

      I have never been to Seattle, but when I see pictures of your garden, I do want to go there.

      Delete
    2. KayMarch 4, 2014 at 1:22 AM

      Oh my! Linda and I are alike again. I've never been to Florida either. It's on our bucket list though.

      Delete
  4. SakuMarch 2, 2014 at 8:53 PM

    I'm just back from my Caribbean cruise and dreaming of warm(er) weather...Florida sounds good to me. Hopefully Mother Nature checks the calendar and realizes she's messed up!

    Not a fan of the Oscar's as I rarely go to the movies so I have no opinion. I'm watching The Amazing Race instead.

    Have a great week!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. OlgaMarch 3, 2014 at 7:46 AM

      Ah, a bit of a winter break in the Caribbean. I hope you had a wonderful time.

      Delete
  5. UnknownMarch 2, 2014 at 10:35 PM

    Even though we've had a LOT of rain the last few days I am so glad to be in southern California and in a flood, mudslide and fire free zone.
    Thinks in Ukraine are unbelievably frightening. Once again -- we are lucky to live where we do. I look at other countries and the struggles that people go through just to try and get to the grocery store.... We are so lucky.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. OlgaMarch 3, 2014 at 7:48 AM

      I have seen the news about all the rain in southern CA. I know that it is desperately needed--maybe just not all at once like that.

      Delete
  6. Arkansas PattiMarch 3, 2014 at 8:22 AM

    I usually tape the Oscars then I can fast forward through the tiresome parts. I have it on pause right now. From what I hear there were no surprises which is a bit sad.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. OlgaMarch 3, 2014 at 4:31 PM

      I can't tell you the last time I taped something--well over 20 years ago. I can do a lot of things for myself, but for that one, I need an 8 year old around to help me.

      Delete
  7. Granny AnnieMarch 3, 2014 at 9:10 AM

    I did what Arkansas Patti did. I taped enough of the Oscars to skip through the boring parts. It was a surprise to me that Matthew McConneghey won best actor because I wanted him to but most said he did not stand a chance. Ellen is a good host and kept things moving along.

    I am really rethinking my desire to stay in my country home after this bitter, bitter winter. Either I have to be better prepared before next winter or I must sell out and move back to the city. That would mean giving up so much that I love starting with my dog Slim, who could never live in the city, and my chickens, etc. Not gonna do it, nope.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. OlgaMarch 3, 2014 at 4:38 PM

      I am not ready to make a plan about houses yet, but I do give it thought now and then. Right now I am able to pay my way, but finances will play a part. I love my Vermont community, but I know I would be more comfortable in a less rural setting when I'll have to think about things like public transportation and access to services. All in its time.

      Delete
    2. Jenn JilksMarch 5, 2014 at 8:54 AM

      Good for you. You do need to think it out. I find that summers here, we have to plan when to go into town. Pretty busy.
      I reviewed a good book about this. You may want to read it. "A perfect Home for a Long Life."

      Delete
  8. TomMarch 3, 2014 at 9:16 AM

    I was in Florida in January and noticed that it seemed even more crowded than usual -- everywhere I went the traffic was just brutal. And like you, I was on the west coast, which traditionally has been less crowded than the east coast, but I don't know if that's true anymore. But who cam blame anyone for wanting a bit of warmth this winter. I wonder if the same phenomenon is happening in Arizona.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. OlgaMarch 3, 2014 at 4:45 PM

      It does seem more crowded this year. I have heard that a lot of people are moving to the Sarasota area from Naples, which I think is a gorgeous town, but very crowded. Venice has three draw bridges for large boats to pass under on the Intracoastal waterway. That can really tie up traffic no matter how many cars are on the road.

      Delete
  9. MuffieMarch 3, 2014 at 11:31 AM

    My husband was watching golf, and it was sunny and warm on that course. I asked where it was -- the Garden of Eden? Utopia? Camelot? Nope -- southern Florida! It snowed again, here. [sigh]

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. OlgaMarch 3, 2014 at 4:46 PM

      It is common to refer to Venice as Paradise. I have to give up talking about our weather though. Family and friends are refusing to answer their phones when I call these days.

      Delete
  10. AnonymousMarch 3, 2014 at 12:50 PM

    I didn't watch the Oscars, but David did. He was so disappointed that he did not win the $200 prize for predicting the winners correctly. Ah, well, such is life.

    ReplyDelete
  11. KayMarch 4, 2014 at 1:24 AM

    I really enjoyed the Oscars! I thought Ellen did a fabulous job and I laughed out loud throughout the night.

    The Ukraine situation is so sad. I don't know enough to understand the political situation, but I do think the Russians should stay out of there and let them handle this themselves.

    ReplyDelete
  12. AnonymousMarch 4, 2014 at 1:55 AM

    I am not interested to know much about political issues...

    ReplyDelete

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