I feel for The Spinster, because I don't like blustery frozen messes anymore than she does; but I saw something today that put it into perspective:

This is a USGS map showing the earthquakes in Indonesia over the last seven days; 19 in total (list with details). The larger the square, the bigger the quake. Each one you see is 5+ on the Richter Scale. The darker the square, the most recent. All of these are within the last week, the orange is today, the red is within the hour.

As bad as winter is, at least we know it's only temporary. But what the hell are you supposed to do when the spit of sand you call home threatens more than once a day to fall into the sea?

I gotta say, I've come to understand that I belong in The South, particularly the Southeast, for many reasons. I love the weather, the people (or more appropriately, the lack thereof), and the cultural tapistry. I've lived in many places, but never in a place that felt so much like an integral part of a larger
'place' that stretches across so many states. I walk onto my porch and I could just as easily be in Umatilla, Hiltonia, or my own backyard.

Of course, it's not without its flaws. Like, say, Burmese Pythons. Firstly, the Southwest bit is pretty ridiculous. Burmese pythons are amphibious reptiles that need a constant source of water; and there doesn't seem to be any continuous geography like that in the Southwest.

The Southeast is another story altogether. As a matter of fact, there is already a wild breeding population in the Everglades. I'm sure we all remember the alligator vs. python pictures. That being said, I think if they moved any further north than Charleston, SC or maybe even where I'm at; the longer winter and lack of a consistent swampy wetland would drive them off.

Which is a bittersweet double-edged sword, because they would really help combat the rising population of another regional pest that we refer to as 'Yankee transplants'.

Sure, come visit, have some grits, maybe a little sweet tea; but for the love of God don't stay.