...which is why I spent the odd off-moment this morning sketching out dialogue. It's the first thing that usually comes to me, along with opening impressions.

I have no time for this.

Temps hit the 40s (F) yesterday. Now a front's moved through. In the teens now, and windy. Snow that had melted on the ground started to stick. I padlock the gate leading into the backyard, and came home this evening to find that enough water had gotten into the lock to freeze it shut. A more agile soul would have simply leapt the fence, but I already have enough trouble with my ankles, thanks. Some windshield deicer, followed by a couple of light whacks with a hammer and a few swear words, and lock unlocked. I should've known not to use the blasted thing if it snowed.

Record-setting cold coming. Single-digit highs on Saturday--some areas could experience wind chills of -30F. Don't think I'll be going out much this weekend.