Midway through January 2024.The Best Is Yet to Come

So far, 2024 has not met expectations. Family members have been ill, although most have recovered, but the weather …. Let me just say, if I got paid for every major storm we were supposed to get and didn’t, I would be rich!

While fellow Canadians out west, specifically in Alberta, are stuggling with -40 degree temperature, (the point at which Celsius and Farenheit are the same) here in Eastern Ontario, it’s -5 C although it feels like -18 C with the wind ( 18 F, feels like 3) but the sun in shining and that has to count for something.

I haven’t done much writing or editing these last two weeks because I’ve been getting ready to go (drum roll) on vacation! That’s right. Within a few days, I will be soaking up the sun in the Caribbean. I’ve had my manicure and pedicure, gotten my hair cut, and had my glasses adjusted. The suitcase is almost packed, and my required posts have been set up and scheduled. Nothing’s going to stop me now. The last time we traveled to the heat was pre-COVID when we visited my brother-in-law and sister-in-law in San Jose Del Cabo, so I am looking forward to two weeks of R & R. That vacation inspired Tequila Sunrise, the first of my Cocktails for You Series.

I can’t wait to dip my toes in warm Caribbean waters, walk along pristene beaches, and bask in Mother Nature’s beauty. I look forward to seeing coral reefs, sea turtles, and listen to island music.

Will I regret my sojourn in the south when my time is up? I hope not. I also hope I won’t come home sick as so many winter travelers do, but I’ve had my flu shot, my 7th COVID shot, and my asthma is under control once more and always enjoys sea air. My arthritis will love the heat which will be a respite from the pain and stiffness. Of course, when we come back, I’ll feel the cold more deeply, but it will be February, and the longest of the winter months will be behind me. With my luck, it’ll probably be colder than ever with more snow, but that’s climate change for you–no one gets what they expect.

While I haven’t been doing a lot of writing, I have been planning! I’ll let you all in on my newest project for 2024–another book in the Harvester Files series. I already have a title: The White Madragora … Never heard of it? Well, it’s Latin name is Mandragora officinarum and it’s a species of the plant genus Mandragora in the nightshade family Solanaceae. It’s more commonly referred to as Mandrake, although the name is used for other plants.

As of 2015, sources differed significantly in the species they use for Mandragora plants native to the Mediterranean region. The main species found around the Mediterranean is called Mandragora autumnalis, the autumn mandrake. The plant is a perennial herbaceous plant with ovate leaves arranged in a rosette, a thick upright root, often branched, and bell-shaped flowers followed by yellow or orange berries.

Because mandrakes contain deliriant hallucinogenic tropane alkaloids (atropine, scopolamine, and hyoscyamine) which cause delirium and hallucinations, and, as Harry Potter fans know, the shape of their roots often resembles human figures, they have been associated with a variety of religious and spiritual practices throughout history.

The White Mandragora will have the band back together as they search for a cult leader intent on finishing what the Prophet started. I’m excited about this upcoming project and know you will be, too. I expect they’ll be another Cocktails for You book this year, too, along with a sci-fi I began a while ago.

After I finish a few I’ll dive into The White Mandragora. Expect it out by the end of 2024 or early 2025.

Now, as I promised, an update on my personal Battle of the Bulge. I started chair yoga exercises, 15 minutes each morning, between my tea and my shower. The breathing exercises are great and seem to have improved my lung function. If you’re like me, your mobility is limited and the thought of going to a germ infested gym to exercisie isn’t for you, I suggest chair yoga. I can do most of the poses I’ve attempted, and it doesn’t stress any of my joints.

I’ve also managed to hit my 2500 step a day target. Most days, I’m above that number, but I’d rather meet a low goal and surpass it than fail to meet a higher one. Rather than get overly ambitious, I’m sticking with that number.

The best news of all is that I lost 2 pounds. I’m down to 164. Since vacation means more food and booze, I’m hoping not to regain more than those two pounds. I plan to continue my yoga routine and try to do more walking, something that always easier whgen you’re having fun. While it’ll be hard to say no to those Bahama Mamas, I’ll try to opt for fewer sweet drinks and maybe stick to low carb beer. I’ll also try to follow my food plan and make sure i eat as healthy as I can.

That’s it for my bi-weekly report. The next time, I write will be in February and I’ll share some holiday pix! Enjoy the rest of the month!

If you’re looking for something to read, why not check out my backlist? You can find all of my books on my website. Most are available in e-book, paperback, or on Kindle Unlimited!

https://mhsusannematthews.ca/