#snowbirding

La Negrita Cantina will sell me mason jar cocktails for $50 pesos. When I did the math I dropped my phone, I can buy 30 cocktails for under $100 Canadian. Immediately I booked a one way flight November 12th and a rental with a pool in the theatre district. In three weeks I’ll be sunstruck drunk on Mezcal in Merida as Canada freezes. Cold weather increases the contagiousness of Covid, our feckless leaders failed to contain the virus when they could. The darkest winter in Canadian history can manage without me, I’ll take my chances on humid patios shaded by palm trees.   I bought a mini projector for travel so I can watch college football while margarita’ng in my pool. In the meanwhile to learn Spanish I’ve been watching art house Mexican films and El Chapo projected onto my bedroom ceiling. Soon we will know if no frills rum punch with homemade weed gummies are a study aid.  I’ll continue to occupy my do-nothing corporate job poolside. I broached subletting with my landlord and he counter-offered lowering my rent by $300 a month until August. Without the hassle of a sub-tenant I can flee back to Kaiser’s arms as I please when she’ll sniff suspiciously the stray dog smells on my clothes.  Even paying two rents my lifestyle will be cheaper in Mexico, in central time my “work” day ends at 4pm when La Negrita Cantina opens.  

Bouchercon, the annual World Mystery Convention, was held this past weekend. Despite the change of venue from Sacramento to virtual due to the pandemic, the author panels and award ceremony went on as planned.

I’m thrilled to share that MYSTERY MOST EDIBLE, the mystery anthology to which I contributed my short story of suspense “Snowbirding,” won the 2020 Anthony Award for Best Anthology!