I went for a walk-run Friday - about five miles. Lots of folks were out on the walking trails. Some were pushing strollers. Other walking dogs. Kids were running and riding bikes. 

​I saw a hawk of some variety, circling near the creek. I wonder what it was hunting?

It appeared much closer in person. Shockingly large. My cheap phone camera does it no justice.

Then this morning I saw the hawk soaring over my house. It swooped from tree to tree. I've noticed a lot less bunny rabbits in the neighborhood this spring. A coincidence? I think not!

I believe if you have a choice to laugh or to cry, opt for laughter. People have gotten creative with COVID-19 humor.

Don't argue with me about whether it's okay to make jokes about a deadly virus. I write humorous murder mysteries. I've already solved that conundrum to my own satisfaction.

This cake caught my eye. My husband and I were shopping for groceries, surrounded by people wearing masks of all styles and colors. Prominently displayed in the King Soopers bakery was this, and another COVID themed cake. Kudos to the baker who was bold enough to bring laughter to shoppers' days. We didn't purchase the cake. We're both on low-carb diets, made more necessary by the stay-at-home orders. I'm determined not to gain the "COVID 15," the fifteen pounds people are expected to pack on by fighting a war while reclining in front of the television. With snacks. And adult beverages.

Speaking of laughter, author and artist Mario Acevedo has an adorable series going on Facebook he calls Cats Under Quarantine. You can find him on Facebook, or follow his Instagram, to see how the cats are coping: Cats Under Quarantine. 

I treasure my Kindle e-reader more than ever. New books and the library are only a click away. Are you stuck at home, sheltering in place, and looking for a good read?

Stone Cold Dead and Stone Cold Case are once again available in e-book format. 

Readers often like to start at the beginning of a series. For several months this year, Books One and Two were simply not there for e-book fans. It's a long story, but I'll cut to the interesting part.

They're back!

Encircle Publications released the first two novels in my series in e-format today. I invite you to go on an adventure in the Colorado mountains with my amateur sleuth and two charming donkeys, while you observe proper social distancing. Happy reading!

We made a quick trip to the mountains this weekend. It's easy to practice social distancing when your closest neighbors are hawks and deer. Last week was cold and gloomy. We received snow and bitter cold night temperatures. This week looks more like spring. 

I'll be honest and admit I'm not anxious for the social distancing aspect of this virus crisis to end. Being a recluse by nature, I've enjoyed the lack of pressure to be in close proximity to other humans.

These weeks have been the Age of the Introvert, brief though it promises to be. 

I have enjoyed quiet. Reading a novel. Writing fiction. Working from home. Getting outdoors is the icing on my seclusion cake. 

My photo of a rock demonstrates the tenacity of life. Frigid winter temperatures and the dry mountain climate can't stop new life.

These photos are from a month ago. Ironically, the weather today is about the same. We've had sunny, warm weather in between. My family spends as much time as possible outdoors, walking, biking, or hiking. I haven't seen big horn sheep again, but lots of deer.

On March 14th, part of our extended family hiked in Garden of the Gods. Being in self quarantine does not require staying indoors. If you are stuck in self quarantine, and can't get outside at the moment, enjoy my slideshow. Or if you've had your own outdoor adventure, enjoy a different view of the big wide world. Stay sane, friends!