Hi there, guys and dolls! Winter blues already got you down? Not me, no siree. See, I don’t think it’s ever too early for the first getaway of the year. Pour yourself a hot toddy and read along.

It all started on Friday after work. I was out getting my groceries, thinking what could I do to put a little pep in my step… Then just like magic, I walked by the travel agent’s and came across this little gem. A shirtless hunk of male splendidness, advertising fun in the snow and sun? Count me in.

Next thing I know, I’ve ditched the grocery funds and made a new plan. Skiing! You know, the kind with fresh air, pillowy snow and of course, a handsome snow instructor or two. A quick pack of the overnight case, a train ticket and I’m off.

Now, I don’t ski. Never been on them in my life. Don’t really care that much about the cold, either. Or being damp. Especially damp below freezing. Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea after all. Oh well, what’s life without a little adventure. Winter clothes? Well, I could use with some. I’ll buy them when I get there. Why, just the thought of a new wardrobe’s warmed the cockles of my heart already.

So, after an uncomfortable night sitting up on the train (who needs a sleeper – I’ll save money for a new darling coat, thank you very much), I pull into this adorable winter resort town.

Did I mention winter? Did I mention resort town? Did I mention that adds up to chilly and highway robbery prices for those darling ensembles? Hmm, needs must and I’ve got some saved up for a rainy (okay snowy).

I must say I got some great finds to bring out my inner snow bunny. I’ll need it to capture my winter wonderman. The competition up here is fierce. Must be the cold, because I’ve seen such a sight as the female slalom to the manly instructor human finish line. I swear that shirtless poster must have gone all around the country. Two, in particular, Judi and Trudi, were notoriously predatory. Rumor around the ski lodge has it that they have an international reputation of poleaxing more than one instructor in every ski resort going. My work was cut out for me, but I was up for the challenge.

I don’ compete unless I can win. And when it comes to catching those delightful sporty males, I am a pro (retaining the catch, well, that’s for another story…). So, while they were eying and whizzing down every slope pursuing every male victim, I simply put on my most fetching new outfit, positioned myself in an oh help me, yet flattering appearance that I had just fallen down and gone boom, just in front of the most breathtaking male winter athlete.

Turns out he was a true gentleman, and such a charmer. The rest of my weekend was spent in the fine company of Thor, the shirtless model of the ski poster, in front of a roaring log fire with mulled wine at the ready.

As for Judi and Trudi, last I heard they were caught out of bounds in a snowdrift. That’ll teach them to ask me for directions…..

Thanks for reading and stay tuned for more posts. And don’t forget to give my Poppy Cove Mysteries a try if you haven’t already. 

Toodles, Barbara Jean