Author: Joy Hurt

Everything can be going along fine. Just fine. Even breath-takingly fine! And then, with the ingenuity of Ghanaian’s (those from Ghana), that sense of safety and “fine-ness” can be shaken to its core. If you’ve never been hacked, count yourself as a very lucky person. If you’ve never been rolled by a Ghanaian, count yourself even luckier. Here’s my cautionary tale of woe.

I’m an Airbnb gal. I’ve used this service many times before, always finding the cutest little places to stay with the kindest of hosts. From my limited experiences, the pictures have been exactly what I’ve received upon arrival. I’ve found things sparkling clean and the hosts ready with helpful hints about surrounding activities and things to see.

On our honeymoon, we were lucky enough to rent a tiny little cabin in West Yellowstone. A gem of a find, it’d been recently renovated. Everything was squeaky clean, which is hard to accomplish when one owns a cabin. I know, having owned my own for a short time.

Our host, Michelle, carefully laid out the rules and regulations, along with sending best wishes for our honeymoon. There was everything a young-ish newly married couple would need. We made morning breakfasts in a teeny tiny little kitchen complete with a toaster, pots and pans, and silverware. You get the idea. Airbnb’s can be much better than a hotel room for two honeymooners.

Since then, I’ve already booked a house for Valentine’s Day, and was looking for another fun place to visit in the next few weeks when disaster hit. by Ghanaian hackers, I was booked at a resort. Not just any resort, but a resort with a PARTIAL down-payment of $599.00 for November 5th-10th for a place that offered a boathouse complete with ski boat. It was Cabin #2 of 5. I was given the address and complete instructions on how to get THERE.

One little problem.

THERE just happened to be in GHANA.

The hackers were in the process of booking massages when I discovered the “Non-refundable” charges. There I was, chatting away with some guy in Ghana about the most delightful times to enjoy spa treatments for me and my friends. To say my eyes were hemorrhaging was an understatement. With a immediate call to my bank to cancel the credit card, and a ringy-dingy to Airbnb, the hackers were stopped in their tracks.

Or so I thought.

About an hour later, I received a call seemingly from Oklahoma. It was the hacker, who assured me he wasn’t a terrible person, but only helping me because all my information is now on the dark web. Really. Isn’t that just a wedding present beyond belief????? I slammed it in his ear. Most likely he is sitting in some tree in Ghana trying to find some scared little woman to scam. Not me, Buster Brown.

Blocked his number right back to Ghana.

Oy.

Vey.

After canceling my card and ordering a new one, changing all the accounts that charges that card, and having a heart-to-heart with Airbnb, I then found my email was also hacked. All this involved a day of frustration while repairing the hack . Thank goodness I’ve got the most loving new groom to hold my hand and tell me everything would be fixed. And, it is.

I’ve no information on how these people got into my account. I cannot understand how evil people get away with so much theft and corruption at the hands of the innocent. I have learned some valuable lessons and have some suggestions.

If at all possible, use a credit card with a very low limit with which to book trips or shop on Amazon. Be sure to use ever single security tool your site offers. If they want you to change your password once a month, do it. Check your bank account on a daily basis, making sure all charges are yours. The very minute that there is a problem, start taking down names, numbers, and notes. Document everything, and in the end, everything will be fixed.

A big thanks to my bank and Airbnb. So many times, these huge companies are demonized. They handled the crooks and will be investigating further. The associates that helped me were kind and detail oriented.

On top of the on-going move, I must admit I’m a bit frazzled at the moment. I had a perfectly clean studio awaiting a gorgeous oak bedroom set. Now, I have a clean kitchen and dining room, with all the overflow moved into the studio. Moving does put me in mind of sliding puzzles I played with as a child. Things move this way and that until finally, everything has a place or is discarded. Heaven only knows how bad it would be without my Lovely Lobster Talisman.

Whatever you do today, don’t let the fear of hacking keep you from dreaming about a little trip somewhere. Airbnb is such a fun way to visit new places. Even after this horrendous little nightmare, I can’t wait until our first Valentine’s Day as husband and wife. I’m already planning and it will be wonderful. And no, Ghana isn’t on the list.

Happy November!!!

It all started out with the perfect plan. Yesterday was to be the first quiet day we would’ve enjoy in weeks. Just a simple day of retirement starring the two newlyweds. The plan was quite an easy one. We’d practice being lazy. Stay in jammies all day. Watch a movie or two. Prepare for Halloween. That would be our goal, even though Winterpast is in total disarray with boxes stacked to the rafters. We’d ignore the mess for one day.

Closing our eyes to immediate sleep, we opened them a bit later than usual. The clock showed 5:15 AM when I got my first cuppa and went to our desk to write. Early risers, both, we’re also very quiet morning people. With the news playing softly in the background, I blogged. Writing comes as naturally now as when I used to write with my only company being Oliver as he snored at my feet. The day’s plans were unfolding perfectly.

Around 8AM, I made us a hearty breakfast of bacon and eggs. After that, I refilled our cookie jar with Tollhouse Chocolate Chip cookies made with semi-sweet and milk chocolate chips from scratch. A still lazy HHH inquired about the delicious aroma wafting in the kitchen.

Then, the fun began. With our brand-new freezer at the proper temperature of 6F, we decided to move all our frozen foods to their new home. I cannot tell you what fun we had organizing our combined frozens on the proper shelves. It was during this time I realized we both have meat hoarding tendencies. It’s delightful to open the door to see a vast array of available food ready for our nightly dinners.

A bit of Autumn advice. It’s a great time of year to go through your pantry. Inspect the expiration dates on each item and discard the old, while keeping a replacement list. The oldest thing we found had expired in 2016. Some things never expire, no matter the date. Dried beans, rice, or pasta to list a few. But, other things should go. Be on the look out for dented cans or bottles of liquid that have collected sediment in the bottom. Food poisoning isn’t a way we want to start wedded bliss.

With much sorting and purging, our kitchen is coming together. A new set of Ninja Never-Stick pots and pans that arrived, requiring unpacking and storage space. By then, the day was half over.

No jammies.

No movies.

No cuddling on the couch.

Just a suggestion that it would be nice to bring another load of belongings to Winterpast. With both of us agreeing it was totally necessary, off we went across town. Sixteen boxes and a load of clothes later, we decided that a pizza created by Chef “Papa Murphy” would be delicious followed by and ice cream desert created by Chef Steve.

With all the boxes needing unloading, we finished as we were greeted by Wookie and Oliver who both wondered just WHEN we might be thinking about giving them their dinner. Dogs are the best when it comes to helping us humans remember to stop and eat.

All in all, our quiet day of relaxation didn’t unfold the way we’d imagined. And yet, the best days are often spontaneous. The kids got a great brushing from Dad-Oh, while Mom-Oh went to work organizing late into the night. With continued work, Winterpast will again be orderly, just in time for our first Thanksgiving as a married couple.

As for moving, it’s exhausting and rewarding all at the same time. I had forgotten how much fun it is to be married to someone you like more than anyone else in the world. No matter what mundane tasks of life arise, if you’re with your bestie, it can’t help but be a great time.

By the way, Halloween was a bust in our neighborhood. We had only three littles that were brave enough to ring the bell. YES, we did buy candy especially for the event, and YES, we did leave the light on. The cold temperatures must have kept them away.

Whatever you do today, be thankful that you aren’t in the middle of a move. If you are moving, take a day off and don’t work through it like we did. Getting married and moving are two of life’s greatest stressors. Self-care, Pizza, and an ice cream sundae are essential to get through.

****** Today is the first day of “National Write A Novel Month”, more fondly referred to as NaNoWriMo. Here’s the plan. You write 1500 words a day for the month and you have a novel. There are no other rules than to write. Please look up their website for more information. I’m starting today. Happy writing.

More tomorrow.

If only moving was effortless! The Mrs. in the pic doesn’t seem to have a sore back or tired arms like we do.

Our move is in full swing with my Hubba-Hubba-Husband doing the heavy lifting while leaving the unpacking to me. Unpacking can be fun if the things you are unpacking weren’t just packed up the day before. In this case, the boxes unpacked yesterday held the content of one kitchen which is being moved to another.

Under the watchful eye of the most adorable little kitchen talisman made from a true Maine Lobster claw, no fragile items have been broken. Ten kitchen boxes have been unpacked, with the contents run through the dishwasher and placed in new cupboards. I’m pretty lucky to be acquiring new gadgets whose purpose HHH will demonstrate.

HHH is our Master Chef. Each morning, he peruses recipes on Facebook to find the right one for our dinner. He thinks nothing of dropping everything to run to Walmart for one missing item. He SINGS in the kitchen, yes he does! With a dreamy voice, he gets lost as he dances in the delicious aromas he creates. Am I Dreaming????? This is the best. EVER!!!!

Every Master Chef needs lots of pantry and freezer storage. With a purging of some wonderful cabinets, our garage storage is ready for the winter. The new upright freezer arrived yesterday, complete with the internal temperature on the door. For those garden parties for 40, the freezer can be turned into a giant refrigerator. Never have I ever seen a convertible freezer/refrigerator and now, we own one chilled to 6 degrees per the chef’s orders.

Of course, living alone for so long, I never never a second refrigerator or freezer in the garage. As far as I’m concerned, this honeymooner will enjoy every single snow, hoping for the one that renders us housebound. We’ll be prepared.

We’ve transported the 2023 potato crop to Winterpast. From HHH’s garden, we harvested 30 pounds of Russets, Yukon Gold, and Baby Reds. Growing potatoes was a garden highlight, for sure. If you haven’t attempted this, you must. The plants themselves are beautiful, but harvesting is even better. You just never know what lays just below the surface. These potatoes taste like no others.

From another mover across town, HHH scored on a stash of canning jars. All sizes. Next year, we’ll be gardening with purpose as we grow our own food. It doesn’t get better than that. The old apricot, Granny Smith apple, plum, and pear trees, and blue berry bushhad better sleep well. We’ll be depending on them next year.

There are some things that will stay behind. HHH’s favorite peach and nectarine trees. His grape vines. The cutest yard and garden areas. All will be left for the new renters enjoyment. And just like that, we are a married couple of two with our very own rental over which to fret.

Wookie and Oliver are a bit perplexed by the events of the last few weeks. We are home for a short time, leave, and then return with boxes. It’s all been very strange for them since Mom-Oh and Dad began walking around with beautiful new wedding rings. This move can’t go on forever, and then things will settle down.

Today is the second Halloween we’ll treat the kids to candy. Last year, we were across town at HHH’s house. It’s always fun to see the costumed littles as they brave the long walk to the front door. This year, the temperatures are really low with a current temp of 28F. Once the sun sets, it’s downright cold. We’ll see how many littles come to Winterpast. The porch light will be on for the first time since April 2020.

As we combine two homes, there are so many things that we no longer need. Currently, we have four bedroom sets and only three rooms in which to place them. We have two dining room sets with only one dining room. And so it goes with every room in the house. As things have happened so many times in the last year, another happy accident occurred.

After no inquiries on a perfectly good queen size bed, frame, dresser, chair, and bedding, HHH called the thrift store to come retrieve everything. We’d no sooner made the decision and placed the call and we received a call from The Mayor.

A family member signed necessary paperwork to lease an apartment yesterday. As it turns out, they’re just starting out in life and need everything. Quick as a cricket, we set them up in fine style. One bedroom, a love seat, AND a dining room table. They had strong bodies, a truck, and trailer with which move the items. A great combination resulting in room for our new guest bedroom room set! Win-Win!

As the World Series continue, it’s a lovely time to chase dust bunnies and then cuddle in with HHH. I can say that married life has been adorably sweet and comfy. It’s wonderful to laugh and talk with my best friend. I’d forgotten how much I’d missed companionship while talking about life late into the night.

With the new changes to my blog site AND all the other activities, I’m turning in early these days. Fall is such a lovely time of year to be a new bride in love.

I’ll be back tomorrow with the latest.

Happy Halloween!!

What amazing things have happened in the days in which I’ve been absent. The most life altering change is that I’ve married a most wonderful man, perfect for me in the most imperfect ways. To consider myself blessed is an understatement. Happiness has come to live at Winterpast in stacks of boxes and new belongings.

While being in the middle of the organized chaos of a move, life has been a whirlwind including the World Series, packing tape, and two dogs that have taken up fence barking with the neighbor’s dogs. No more the quiet and mundane life of the past, things are ripping around here like the King Tides of the central coast.

I promise I’ll get to the details leading up to the big event, however, I want to start with a quiet little story about the rings. During the honeymoon, the story about our wedding rings brought a tear to the eye of one or two. Perfect for the first day back at the keyboard.

When my Hubba-Hubba-Hubby (now HHH, formally known as My Mysterious Marine and Fabulous Fiancé) first proposed, we were a little stumped. If you’ve just happened to look for wedding rings, you know. If not, trust me, it’s a daunting task. Diamonds or another precious stone? Gold, titanium, or something else? Tattooed rings? The list is endless.

Both HHH and I enjoyed long and beautiful marriages to high school sweeties before cancer and COPD changed all that. Those relationships made us into two people that fell in love over the last year. Two heavenly angels now watch over us and might’ve even had a lot to do with us ending up together. We’d like to believe that they’re dancing a jig in heaven celebrating that we’ve found earthly companions with whom to continue our journey.

After becoming a widow and widower, there were many times we thought about what should be done with the rings that remained. Sell them? Gift them to family? Make them into something else? Nothing seemed right for either of us so they sat in jewelry boxes at two different houses in the same town.

After thinking about the situation, we decided the rings were a symbol of the wonderful lives we shared with former spouses. They were also a statement about the people we’d become during those relationships. What better materials from which to create rings that will be with us until we die?

And so, the plan came together.

HHH just happened to know a guy that just happened to be an amazing jeweler who just happened to be married to a jewelry design genius. Together, like old friends, the four of us sat together at their little shop and visited while a design was drawn on paper with pencil. From there, the wax prototypes were created for our approval. In a month, the real rings were ready to be picked up. I will tell you, they are blindingly spectacular.

By using our past, we created a present that we’ll enjoy long into the future. The love embedded in the gold was there long before I ever said my vows to the most handsome guy standing at the end of a very long aisle.

In the first days of our married life, we’ve found it delightful to ride around in a luxury car with painted windows. “Just Married”. “J Loves B 4-ever”. “He asked and she said “Yes””. With those few words written in white paint, the waves, honks, and well wishes have warmed our hearts. We have made more than a few people tear up as they’ve listened to our love story while sharing their own.

In the next weeks, the plan is coming together. Grievinggardener.com will remain to help those just entering the nightmare of widowhood. From the sadness, loneliness, and grief, good things can again grow. Just as the devastation remaining after a forest fire, with rains, sunshine, and the passing of time, new life comes. So it is with the journey of widowhood.

In the next months, look for a new blog that will chronicle life as a 67 year old bride. It isn’t for the weak or timid, I can assure you of that.

Whatever you do today, reflect on the first days of your own married life while remembering the beauty and fragile nature of a new marriage. That’s where HHH and now I stand as we enjoy things like Thursday Night Football and the World Series. Our Winter has past. There is so much to celebrate. I’ll tell you more tomorrow.

Working on fall cleaning late last night, I found my own space has changed so much in the last four Autumns. I spend much less time watching movies in “Zero Gravity”, floating in the weightlessness of self pity. Nope. No more of that. This woman has things to do and places to go. I’ve chosen a purposeful course of action with my eyes focused forward instead of looking down.

There is now an empty dresser in my room in which my new husband will place his belongings. There is an empty side of the closet that will hold his clothes. Every part of Winterpast is different now. That frightened young widow of 17 days who stood next to the empty pantry shuddering in sobs is healed.

During those years of self discovery, there was something that only a widow or widower understands. I was A-L-0-N-E. Before baptism and spiritual rebirth, I was in an even darker place of loneliness. For widows everywhere, my heart breaks for you. Although I only know my grief experience, I know I wouldn’t wish it on anyone. No matter how its described, its thousands of times worse and then some.

In the beginning, VST was everywhere here at Winterpast. On every wall and counter, there were pictures anchoring me to 32 years of marriage. So blessed when I met him at our class reunion, I can honestly say, we saved each other. No matter the ups and downs of married life, we were safe together. And then, the only together left was photos and old cards.

Over time, everything has changed. Winterpast is a reflection of the woman I’ve become. Although still alone, I’ve filled the void making friends with myself. That took a little doing, as I realized there were things about myself I didn’t much care for. Things I was angry about. Things I needed to change. So, with God’s help, I did.

When I remembered who I was, things changed. For the better. I stopped accepting poor treatment from others. I learned to try new things while realizing simple truths like “I hate mayonnaise now and forever more.” Somethings will never change and I learned that’s okay, too.

A little over one year ago, a wonderful guy came into my life. He lives just six miles away in a grey and white house that helped him heal. He’d lost his high school sweetheart AND his beloved dog of 16 years. He was A-L-O-N-E, as only a widow or widower can understand. He spent the same four autumns purposely changing. He painted. He gardened. He softened his heart to the Lord. He prayed. And, he found me.

Everything has changed just as everything always does. When the nights are the loneliest and the days so dark you wonder where the sun went, just keep going. Make one little, tiny change. And then another. Pretty soon, you’ll be on the road to better. Don’t miss that turn towards “Happy”. Sometimes, it’s lost behind the trees, but trust me on this, it’s there.

For the next bit of time, I’ll be a laughing, crying, doubting, embracing, quivering, shivering, bitching, forgiving, loving, sleepless, nightmare-plagued, cranky, coffee-guzzling, detail-oriented bride. One minute I’ll be singing songs from The Sound of Music, and the next minute, I’m sure I won’t have a voice at all.

By THE DAY, I’ll have ordered every possible evening dress in THE certain desired color, only to have returned them all, except one. THE DRESS. I’ll have spent time with the people in this world that I love the most. And then, I’ll walk down a very short aisle that will seem like a million miles. I’ll only make it to the end because there will stand a man with the most beautiful blue eyes waiting to take my hand. And there, the first chapter of our life’s story together will begin.

I’ll be back on October 30th. By then, I’ll have a new last name and be enjoying the honeymoon year of our new marriage. Shortly after, there’ll be some changes. I can no longer be writing as the Grieving Gardener, as I’ll certainly be Glowing and Grinning. My Mysterious Marine and Fabulous Fiancé (MMFF) will have a new name, already selected. Come back on the 30th to find out all the news! Just embrace it. Everything Changes!

Well, the last of the major details are ironed out and plans for the big day are on hold until it arrives. Ceremonial protocols are in place. Biblical scripture has been chosen. Seating charts are in place. Flowers ordered. Menu planned. All the hard work is done. If so, why do I feel there are some important details forgotten? Because I’m the bride and we’re supposed to feel that way (or so I’ve been told).

Yesterday, it became REALLY REAL. While talking to the pastor in God’s house, the ceremonial details of The Big Day became finalized. There are still details to work out with the timing for the photos. It’s always hard to wait at the reception for the couple to arrive. I hate that part. But, it’ll be necessary to take some photos after the ceremony.

My Mysterious Marine / Fabulous Fiancé has only made one request. He doesn’t want to see me on the day of the wedding until I walk down the aisle. Easy enough. Our church has a little playhouse in which to hide. Complete with little tiny chairs, the hens will squeeze in a few minutes before the service begins. I’ll be listening for the correct place in the music and then, down the aisle I’ll glide.

Yesterday, the pastor if we’d like to record the service. At first, we both gave a confident “NO”. But, video is something you can choose to never watch again. However, if you don’t have the video, you don’t have a choice later on. There are also some important people that won’t be there. For them, we changed our minds and agreed. We did request that he ask people to turn off their phones and pay attention to the service. No extra pictures in the church.

Our beloved friends and family members are being so supportive. They’ll begin arriving the Thursday before the big day, and then party will begin. Until then, there are yards to mow and cobwebs to sweep in preparation for their visits. I’ve cleaned the guest room and bathroom many times over, wanting a 5-star review from my guests.

As the last of my houseplants die, I’ve been buying replacements. The African Violets should be in bloom when our big day arrives. Autumn is here turning Winterpast into a mural of reds, yellows, golds, and browns from leaves that are now falling. What a show the roses have given us this year! Thanks to MMFF, the yard has 8 new rose bushes, 1 apple tree, two Japanese Maples, and three hosta’s during the summer of 2023.

Next week, it’s again time to turn off the water for the year. It’s quite the routine, opening a valve here and shutting one off over there. The watering system of Winterpast is intricate and extensive, keeping the 1/2 acre of gardens watered twice a day. It’ll be nice to take a break from the demands of constant repairs and upkeep of the aged system, a chore about which MMFF never complains.

Today, my attention we be focused on shopping for the honeymoon. It’s time for new jeans and hoodies. We’ll need them as we start out on our new life together. Thankfully, our vacation won’t involve airplanes because in this crazy world, it might take us a week to arrive at our destination. We’re depending on a more traditional and luxurious form of transportation to whisk us away on our honeymoon.

Whatever you do today, enjoy the fall season. Check out the Halloween decorations that are appearing everywhere. If you live close to the Goddess of the Central Coast, you’ll already know that you can find a beautiful array of scarecrows in residence for the month of October. If you’re not, start a tradition of your own and put a few up in your neighborhood. Enjoy that morning cuppa and relax!!! It’s fall!

More tomorrow.

I pray you’ll be our eyes, and watch us where we go
And help us to be wise in times when we don’t know
Let this be our prayer, when we lose our way
Lead us to the place, guide us with your grace
To a place where we’ll be safe

I pray we ‘Il find your light, and hold it in our hearts
When stars go out each night,
Remind us where you are
Let this be our prayer, when shadows fill our day
Help us find a place, guide us with your grace
Give us faith so we’ll be safe

A world where pain and sorrow will be ended
And every heart that’s broken will he mended
And we’ll remember we are all God’s children
Reaching out to touch you
Reaching to the sky

We ask that life be kind, and watch us from above
We hope each soul will find another soul to love
Let this be our prayer, just like every child

Who needs to find a place, guide us with your grace
Give us faith so we’ll be safe
Needs to find a place, guide us with your grace
Give us faith so we’ll be safe _{Written by David Foster}

Last night was full of music and laughter as we created the play list for a reception. I couldn’t help but reflect on how times have changed. Once, not that long ago, one needed to hire a disc jockey to play real records. Now, two sexagenarians can sit on the couch and listen to any genre of music while selecting their favorite tunes.

The wedding party and I will be entering our little church to the English version of “The Prayer”. I just found this song yesterday, and by the end, I was crying. Last night, I played it for my Mysterious Marine and Fabulous Fiancé. By the end of the song, he, too, was crying. So, it’s a winner. The whole church will be sniffling.

So far, we’ve selected everything from Motown to Sinatra, with a movie tune thrown in for good measure. With our reception being five hours and our current list three hours, we need 20 more songs to complete the list.

If you decide to make your own Alexa-compatible playlist, you need to install the Amazon Music app on your phone or iPad. Then, you simply request the songs you like and create your own list. You can make it public or private, and then ask your Alexa to play the songs in order, or randomly. As simple as that.

We had several songs that we both chose. There were a few that were new to one or the other of us. But, for the most part, MMFF’s selections mirrored mine and mine his. Just another area in which we are so similar.

Today, we are meeting with our Pastor to go over the details. I’m hoping we don’t need a rehearsal, but perhaps we do. I’m thinking it’s pretty easy to walk through a door and down an aisle. In reality, it will probably be the longest 45′ walk of my life. Thank goodness there will be bright blue eyes waiting at the end, and warm hands to grab mine that will be shaking. Everything else will fall into place.

We are writing our own original vows. No surprise there. MMFF has limited the word count to 100. That will be tough for a writer. Actually 100 word manuscripts are tough for anyone. Try it if you don’t believe me. To have an impactful message in 100 words is almost impossible on the first try. I will honor his request, but am hoping he’ll grant me a higher word count.

Today will be my day to work in the yard and garden, while escaping wedding madness for a bit. I’m still replacing house plants after the terrible tragedy of death last week. A few more have passed on. The Ficus benjamina is dropping its leaves after such a hard lesson learned.

Whatever you do today, keep listening to music. Go back to your high school days. If you have an Alexa, ask her to play 50’s, 60’s, or 70’s music. Back then, people actually played the instruments and sang songs that they wrote themselves. Incredible artists help raise us into the unique individuals we are today.

As the days get closer to the wedding, I’m really enjoying the life of the bride! As my “To-Do” list gets shorter another important detail pops into my head. And so it goes around here.

I’m finding that the more that MM and I share our news, the more fun this engagement becomes. It doesn’t matter who. Friend or stranger. The news of two sexagenarians marrying makes people smile.

Saturday, found us traveling to a nearby valley to attend the wedding of a young relative. The couple was of the appropriate age. In their 20’s, it was only fitting that they had six bridesmaids, six groomsmen, a junior bridesmaid, and one darling flower girl.

The weatherman had been threatening rain for two weeks. On that very morning, bright blue sky broke through heavy clouds, giving them the weather that every bride would love. I’m pretty sure their pictures will be fabulous, as the light had that perfect fall quality that I hope to see at my own wedding. The only droplets falling when they married at 2 PM were the bride’s tears.

The Mayor, (soon to be my brother-in-law), did a great job with the ceremony. As this was HIS oldest grandchild, it was hard for him to get through some of the words himself. Especially when the cutest bride was speaking her vows through tears of her own.

After the ceremony and a wait for pictures, the party moved into a barn. Not a moment too soon, as the rain started.

It’s hard to compare weddings, especially when the bride and groom are at such different seasons of life. The wedding of a couple with their entire life ahead of them is different than that of a couple that is in the Autumn of their lives. Each union has its own unique qualities.

This week, it’s time to buckle down and get the last details ironed out. We’ll be meeting with our pastor to talk about the marriage ceremony. There are vows to be written and music to be selected for the church. The venue, food, cake, and music have been selected, but now need fine-tuning. When thinking of the normal cost of weddings these days, I’m proud to say we’ve kept under budget.

A new friend who just happens to be a professional is going do the photography. Not only does he do an occasional wedding from time to time, he is THE photographer for the huge rodeo in the biggest little city to the west, along with their air races. If this man is shooting rodeo competition from inside the ring, he’ll be able to get some great shots of our family as they celebrate our day!

As all couples do, we’ll be off on a beautiful honeymoon to parts kept secret for now. I’ll be taking at least a week off to enjoy my new married life. But, that’s a little while from now.

Through all of this, I guess I’ve been glowing. It’s been a long time since I’ve glowed about anything. People smile and tell me happiness looks good on me. Let me tell you all, it feels great.

When I think back through my experiences since January of 2020, I thank God that MM was waiting for me at this fork in the road. Sweet MM with his enchanting smile and sparkling blue eyes. There is no doubt in our minds that God planned the next part of our journey just for us.

Whatever you do today, listen to some of your favorite tunes. Music lightens the load and can brighten your spirit. If you have a chance to attend a wedding, do it while wearing a smile. Remember, happiness is something wonderful to share with others.

More tomorrow.

Oy.

Vey.

Me, oh My, a stick in eye!

Down to the last of the details, my head is swimming with so many little bits of nonsense. Just what is the perfect shade of rose to compliment my dress (which isn’t white, by the way). Which shoes will let me dance until my legs are about to fall off? Who will join my reception crew? I can see how a bride turns into a crazy, detail driven BRIDEZILLA and I can’t let that happen to me.

Yesterday, I visited the venue. The doors to “our” room were closed, but the reception coordinator was there to take payment and give advice. There is one small detail that has me worried. At the very minute I put one satin slipper on the aisle towards MM, we get the keys to the reception hall. At least the tablecloths will be on all the tables. Other than that, in a very short time, the room will be transformed into our reception hall. I’m still looking for willing friends and family that’ll miss a few minutes of the big moment in order to help us with the hall.

We knew this little detail when we booked the venue. Another group has the room rented until 4:00. Somehow, in jeans and t-shirts on a sunny day in August, it didn’t seem like a big deal. Now, I’m beginning to recognize our flawed thinking. We are decorating minimalists and know our guests will make the wedding, not centerpieces. The delivery of the food and cake are a bit worrisome , but I know the reception crew we choose will make it happen.

With the hall paid for, I was off to order the food. Meats, cheeses, fresh rolls, and three types of salads are on the menu. With chocolate and cake, the food should be delicious and no guest should leave hungry. The very young woman who helped me with my order was adorable. Likewise, she thought it adorable that someone so old would be getting married. Lovely child. Just lovely. All I need is a food angel to pick up the trays and get them to the reception on time.

The last detail on yesterday’s agenda was a trip to the local flower angel. She’s my sister in Christ and will make sure that everything is perfect on the big day. She’s even letting us borrow a couple arrangements for the wedding. My bouquet will look as if was picked from an English garden that morning. That’s a skill to be able to create that look when one lives in the desert. Hanging out with the flowers was my favorite task of the day.

The jeweler touched base with us yesterday. Custom rings will be finished in a week. I can’t wait to see the final product. How amazing it’s been to watch a handful of gold and diamonds turn into something entirely different! Our pasts behind us, we’ll pledge vows and then step into the bright new world together. The jeweler has assured me he will make rings garden friendly. Good thing, because I don’t plan to take mine off very often. Diamonds and cashmere. Doesn’t every girl garden that way?

Tomorrow we’re attending our first family wedding as an engaged couple. The bride registered for a mop system. You heard that right. An “O-Cedar Rinse Clean Mop with 3 Heads”. I have that very system and love it so much. This bride is delightfully practical. Now, I can’t say for sure, but, a mop just might be in her future. If you don’t have one, check it out. It’s worthy adding to a bridal registry.

There are many more details still to cover. From music to a guest book, these things are starting to disturb my normal bedtime routine. Last night, I finally finished assembling 100 adorable favors, each taking several steps to complete. Another project completed.

Whatever you do today, think back to your own wedding preparations and day. Think of all the work you did, or didn’t do because you were smart and eloped. Then, say a little prayer for this Desert Bride who will be in full freak-out mode for the next few weeks. All prayers and good vibes are certainly appreciated.

With Monday stuffed with out-of-town appointments, I’ll be back on Tuesday. Until then, keep calm and carry on.

Wedding coordination continues as the excitement builds every day. These tasks more suited for youngsters, but MM and I are holding our own. Every aspect of THE big day has been visited and planned. Some parts have almost completed themselves, which is a good feeling. Details seem to have been preplanned with us being the last to know.

MM’s sweet mom was fretting about a wedding present. With two full homes, we have most things you would consider giving a young couple starting their lives together. We’ve got two kitchens, twice the wall decorations, and furniture to give away. She was really struggling over finding the proper gift so she asked what we would like.

The perfect gift just popped into my brain. Winterpast doesn’t have a proper apple tree. Now, we do have apricot, plum, and pear. There ARE two apple trees of Chinese origin. Let me tell you, the Chinese were trying to overthrow our country by introducing us to this variety. The fruit isn’t good for cooking. For that matter, it’s not good for eating being prone to worms and rot. A cardboard tasting version with very little apple flavor. A worthless variety, every summer I need to clean up after the abundant crop these two trees produce.

And then, we have the Crab Apple, which is almost as bad as the Chinese Apples. Worthless.

Yes. A Granny Smith apple tree would be about the best gift any person on this planet could give us. Sure, we need a peach and a nectarine, but a Granny Smith tree would give us pies and applesauce for the rest of our days together.

When I mentioned that this would be a gift we’d both love and cherish, she just gave me a look. It’s not every day a new bride would celebrate the thought of a new tree for her garden. But then, I’m not your average, everyday new bride. These days, I’m a Glowing, Grinning, Gardener.

After deciding on the gift of a tree, MM and I jumped in the pickup and visited a REAL nursery. The kind of place that charges the correct price for the quality of plants they sell. Not a big box store that sells off brands that are prone to early death. There, in the tree section, sat the last two Granny’s. All the other types of fruit trees were in groups that would create small orchards. In the Granny section, there were just two left, and one would soon be ours.

After carefully looking over the trees, we selected the better of the two. A young employee delivered it to the pickup as we talked along the way. Enjoying his second year of work at the nursery, he was lucky enough to have another job and loved them both. Even the employees were of high quality at that place.

When we arrived home, MM again worked his magic, properly planting the Granny next to the little bridge in the back yard. There, we’ll enjoy many seasons with her.

MM’s mom did ask that we buy a big one so we can enjoy its apples together. All being in the Autumn of our lives, I understood her words all too well. Plant apple trees while you still can. Make pies while you can still serve them to your family. Applesauce works well when you have fewer teeth than you started your life with. Nothing finishes a great dinner better than a fabulous piece of pie.

Our first wedding present was a huge success. Gardeners love nothing more than gifts for the garden. Winterpast is our favorite place, holding memories of family, friends, and us. Welcome home, Granny. Enjoy this most beautiful season of life with us!

Whatever you do today, consider visiting to a REAL nursery or farm. It might involve driving a few miles if you live in a city, but try. A winery? An apple orchard? A pumpkin patch? Take a day and experience a little Autumn fun. Don’t forget to take a sweatshirt or coat. Enjoy a crisp fresh apple along the road . It’s Autumn!!

More tomorrow.