Stalkers and Icicles

Global warming takes a continual dive. One can either assume that icicles will fall because of Global warming or that the over-abundance of ice debunks the hoax of Global warming. FYI Falling icicles kill people all of the time — especially in Chicago and Russia. In fact, death by icicle goes back to at least 1776.
Boy in Devonshire, England, 1776
The son of a Parish clerk in Devonshire, England, was killed when an icicle fell on him and fractured his skull. His epitaph reads:
"Bless my i,i,i,i,i,i ~~~ Here he lies ~~~ In a Sad Pickle ~~~ Kill’d by an Icicle."
8 Chicagoans in Chicago, Illinois, 2000
At one Chicago hospital, at least 8 people were treated for falling ice-related injuries in 2000.
5 People in Samara, Russia, 2008
In 2008, at least 5 people were killed by falling icicles in the industrial city of Samara, Russia.

Being a procrastinator I tend to avoid anything that requires effort. I have been told that I should spend some time in the sunshine because it helps the immune system. I could claim that I am greatly afraid of falling icicles, but alas, there is not enough evidence of that around here for any precautions to be taken. I did take a great photo of ice falls on a recent trip through snow-entrenched Utah.

It has been cold so the temptation to stay inside of a snuggly warm house overrides my better instincts too often. The other day I determined that taking a book just outside our back door to sit and read for a few minutes wasn't going to be a hardship on my precious time. I pulled out a chair and settled in for a nice sun-soaked time, but before I had been warmed sufficiently, there was a bee buzzing around which wouldn't take a hike or a hint. I am not afraid of bees, but this one was persistent and I am also a little paranoid of angering a bee by shooing it too forcefully. I finally gave up and took my book and chair inside.

The next day I thought, "well, that annoying, too friendly bee had surely gone on its merry way." I dragged out a chair and sat for an anticipated sun-soaking, AND there it was again. I am sure it was the same bee. It didn't take long before I gave up. Icicles and stalking bees are always a threat not to be ignored.

The next day, I peeked out the door, looking around, I hoped the coast was clear and that the beast had found blossoms elsewhere. What could possibly be the aromatic allure around my body???? No comments please. I didn't see any further threat and certainly no icicles, so I took my chair and book out, still being a bit wary of a little hairy buzzing body. I spent a nice warmed, pleasant, immune stiffening time in the fresh air. Very nice. To my horror, however, the little varmint had entered the open door and was buzzing around inside the kitchen window.

I had to use a stiff paper and cup to extract him from MY domain. I shook the cup to disorient the critter and then sent him off in the front yard with a scolding. "Go away and never come back." Maybe I shouldn't have been so harsh. They say the honey bees are being depleted which will upset several factors of our environment, which will probably contribute to Global warming. If my little endangered buddy comes back today, maybe I will be more tolerant. "Stick around, but no stalking!"

Watch out for death by icicle and pesty bees. This could happen to you.