Author: Joy Hurt

Well, things didn’t go so well for the first inhabitants of the greenhouse. In fact, the 12-hour visit to the lush and very humid oasis resulted in the death of five seasoned plants. Total destruction, with no chance for recovery.

Two days ago, with Autumn breezes churning the air, I took all my houseplants out to the greenhouse for a little rejuvenation. Rest and relaxation. A change of scenery. My thoughts were that I could do fall cleaning in preparation for the wedding while the plants enjoyed some sunshine.

Everything was fine in the beginning. With many trips from one house to the other, the plants seemed to be loving it when they were all in place. Using the nearest hose, I gave them all a good shot of Miracle Grow as I watered the pea-gravel floor again. After they were all settled I shut the door and went back inside. It was late afternoon, with the greenhouse receiving three more hours of full sun.

I never gave the plants another thought until yesterday around 11. I thought the sun was high enough in the sky to create some humidity creating water droplets on the walls and leaves. Expecting happy plants on a day with cool mid-day temps, I opened the door to be overcome with horror and disbelief.

The inside temperature in the greenhouse was 100+. Even with gallons of water applied to the floor, there was zero humidity.

The plants were either in a state of true stress OR worse. D-E-A-D. I think I could’ve suffered a major sunburn myself. Springing to action, I removed those plants that hadn’t yet burned.

The pathos plants that’ve lived with me for over 10 years were burned to death. Their lifeless little leaves were now blackened. MM had just commented on how well they were doing in rooms with very little light. Well, no more.

The Dracaena’s all died, frying where I’d placed them. Each pot was so hot, it was hard to carry them to the trash were they received last rights.

Surprisingly, the Ficus bejamina tree, which I thought would’ve been the most fragile, survived.

The Sanseveria were on their way out, but luckily, I arrived in time. Another hour, and there would’ve been more reportable deaths.

Thank goodness, the new African Violets didn’t make the trip. Even I know they are just too fragile to survive such a change. There would’ve been nine deaths to report. As it is, they are growing well with new blooms to open soon.

Fifteen healthy plants went on vacation. Only ten came home. They are resting, still traumatized by their trip to the other house.

Today is a new day, with plans to order the greenhouse shade cloth. Before guests arrive at Winterpast, replacement plants will grace my windowsills.

“Oh, what lovely plants you have! What a green thumb! I wish my plants would grow this well! What’s your secret? The greenhouse?”

Welllll……..

Actually……..

Yes.

That, and a really good nursery at which to buy replacements. Let’s keep that one our little secret. Okay?

Whatever you do today, if it involves the unknown, start small while checking for unknown results. If you move a plant to a new location, check on it every few hours for the first few days. You might save yourself some grief. Happy Gardening!!!

More tomorrow.

At Last! My house plants have some respite from dry desert conditions. Yesterday, they all moved into their new digs until the wedding! Nothing like some humidity to spruce them up a bit. It’s time I give an update on the greenhouse.

Greenhouses are the desired possession of the suburban home owner in these parts. They do come with drawbacks, many discovered over the summer.

1. Unless you live in constant 70 degree weather, (in which case you don’t need a greenhouse), there is some down time. In fact, there are times of the year they are unusable without extreme effort. Even then, questionable. Under the intense desert sun, my greenhouse is just too hot. Think of burning weeds with a magnifying glass. Similar heat in the greenhouse. Next summer’s goal is to find a way to ventilate. Perhaps I need to remove a couple side panels? A drape of shade cloth? Something can and will be done, but I haven’t found the answer yet.
2. Greenhouses must be watered. A Lot. Meaning, the ground in the greenhouse, not just the plants inside. I don’t know what I was expecting, but I didn’t expect the amount of water it would take to saturate the ground, providing consistent humidity. It will take some time to season the soil under the pea gravel floor to provide the necessary humidity. The water bill will reflect the luxury of my new hobby, no doubt.
3. Heat will be necessary in the winter. The smaller part of the investment was a thermostat for heating and cooling. The larger expense will go to the electrician that will need to run power to the little house. And so, the project will take on a life of its own.

The positive points of owning a greenhouse are obvious. It’s a tropical paradise in the middle of the desert. When I need a little humidity and extra oxygen from all the growth, I can step into my little oasis. 10′ x 14′ of lush greenery and soothing humidity. My ferns and geraniums will overwinter there, being safe from the winter storms and snow. Our prize strawberry plant will find a safe spot and continue to bloom and produce a little longer than normal. As soon as the heater is installed, that is.

So far, I have two potting benches on which to play. Today, I’m going to get some needed accessories, such as a garbage can to store my potting soil and mulch. Pots and tools will find their place. Slowly, it will turn into a playhouse of wonder and a most loved spot here at Winterpast.

If you are thinking of a greenhouse of your own, be sure to get the biggest one you can afford. This size is big enough for two people to work without stepping on one another. Choose the appropriate material for the “floor”. (Pea gravel is working well.) Carefully consider the foundation. Having a concrete foundation on which to anchor the greenhouse made a big difference here in the high desert wind.

Speaking of the Zephyr winds….

Our first wind damage occurred last week. One of the roof vents and panels ripped away from the greenhouse. Poof. Ripped off. The fix will take some careful design work and MM is on it. These aluminum structures are not for the winds of the high desert plains. Although mine is in a protected area of the gardens, it’s still vulnerable. Other than that one panel, the rest of the structure survived.

It’s ability to withstand snow pack remains to be seen. It will be a chore to remove the snow from the roof each day. The good thing is that we don’t get much here on the high desert plains of Northwestern Nevada.

With Autumn officially here, the trees have started dropping their leaves and the next phase of work begins. Fall clean-up. I hope the roses will continue blooming a little longer for wedding photos in the back yard. In just a few weeks, life will change here at Winterpast. For such blessings I am so grateful.

Whatever you do today, think about poking around outside. If you don’t have a garden, think about raising a plant. Terrariums are a wonderful hobby. Tiny little greenhouses that you micromanage from your kitchen table. Plants clean the air and add something to a home. Give it a try.

More tomorrow.

Blessings surround Winterpast. Ollie and the Wookie are having the time of their lives racing through the first leaves of fall. I’ve put the first bit of water in the greenhouse, which is just now cool enough to use. There are roses to trim and trees to feed. MM and I continue to plan our upcoming nuptials. But, a sense of loss looms large.

A dear friend has now been a widow for seven long days. I met her while VST was still alive. In fact, it was she who introduced us to the magic of Winterpast. Her expertise as a realtor helped me through my first week of widowhood while I was selling one home and moving into another. We both lost our husbands suddenly in violent and tragic ways. I know exactly how I felt when it happened to me. I haven’t a clue of what she is experiencing right now, but I’m pretty sure it’s hell.

This weekend, I decided to put together some gifts for her because at this time, words are clumsy. There’s no advice. No magic wand that can given her a short cut. Time WILL make things better, but the question is “How much?”. In her case, their love will last until the 12th of never, and that’s a long, long time.

Remembering back to April 2020, there were some things that kept me moving forward. They weren’t given to me through the advice of a counselor. All the grief specialists were hiding behind their locked doors, fearing the virus. They were little things I dreamed up that worked.

My first comfort, then and forever more, has been God. Plain and simple. God. I began studying the Bible. The most fascinating book on the planet. Real miracles changed my life after I was baptized December 12, 2021.

There were earthly rituals and items that helped, as well.

This very friend, now in anguish and shock gave me a special gift when I was a new widow. A garden angel that would light the night. For four years, this solar angel has glowed throughout the night, reminding me that real angels surround my life and keep me safe.

Another friend had given me a solar rainbow-maker for my window. Just when I’d least expect it, little rainbows would appear throughout the house. Little promises that life won’t remain dark and daunting.

For twelve long months, released balloons on 8th day of the month at 10:30 AM. You’d find me on the back lawn crying as I watched balloons ascend towards the heavens. Each month, there’d be one more added to the bunch. Making my fingers release the string became easier with time. 111 balloons released over 365 days carried a lot of grief heavenward.

I bought very soft, comfy pajamas in which to quarantine and hermitize. In some ways, Covid came at the perfect time for me. There didn’t need to be an excuse to stay home and avoid others. It was provided by the government. In those early days, I spent time unpacking and organizing, two chores that showed obvious results. About the only two things I could control as I started on my journey as one.

I chose a focus word a month. Single words described my life with VST. Friendship. Love. Adventure. Each time I became overwhelmed, the word of the month would remind me of countless memories, all precious and cherished. After remembering all the reasons I chose the word, I’d feel better and could continue on.

Each month, I bought one Christmas gift that represented the monthly word. On Christmas Eve, 2020, VST and I shared a private party. I’d written a letter to myself each month which reflected a life headed on a healthy journey.

Writing is life. Remember that. I journaled. Even if I had nothing to report on but the weather, I journaled. The time I got up. The time I went to bed. Everything in between. It’s all there. Some of it is cringeworthy. Other bits hilarious. There are a few books wrapped up in those journals that are neatly tucked away, unlike Grievinggardener.com, which also helped.

Yesterday, I filled a bag for my friend with items to help her begin her journey. Included was the little garden angel. She has a new job watching over her rightful owner. I put a ribbon on the rainbow maker, because everyone needs a promise of hope during their darkest days. A soft comfy nightgown will warm her on the crisp fall nights. A journal and pretty pen will help her put her thoughts on paper. And finally, a canister of helium and a box of tissues.

The sadness I feel for her is deep. Sometimes, it’s necessary to do something because nothing else that can be done. Right?

Whatever you do today, contact one widow and brighten her day. Tell her a new joke. Find out the latest news on her end. Spend time listening to her. Let her know you love her. Widowhood isn’t for the faint of heart. It takes courage, fortitude, resilience, and a community of best friends.

More tomorrow.

In the last week, two close friends have experienced the unexpected and tragic loss of a close family member. This is a tale of two families that chose differently. One family prepared a trust while the other meant to, but never got around to it. Both losses were immediate and final.

Planning for the future can involve things like engagements, rings, and honeymoons. It should also involve a trip to the attorney to make sure all legal aspects of one’s life are in order. I’m taking my turn at adulting today to visit my new best friend, Mr. Lawyer Man. I’d scheduled this appointment two weeks ago, before I received the tear-filled phone calls from my friends. Not totally unprotected, my own family trust was created on January 7, 2008 and revised in Nevada shortly before VST died in 2020. Thankfully, we both agreed it was important.

As for my friends……

A California farmer was the soul caregiver for his medically fragile wife and son until he died last week without a will or trust. The estate is now locked, from the credit cards to the safe. Without a trust, the state will take over and plan for the family, while their current needs continue. Funds to help care for the son and wife are available, however, they aren’t accessible right now. This process is quite lengthy, leaving a burden for the extended family.

There could be answers in the locked safe, however, no one can remember the combination. Even that small bit of information could be vital. While adulting, tell someone, somewhere, the location of your important documents and how to retrieve them.

The second family lost their beloved husband, father, and grandfather after he kissed his wife goodbye and left on his drive to work on Tuesday. Rear-ended in a horrific accident that made the news, he died at the scene. At an age most men retire and golf, he preferred to continue with his career. He was one of the finest men I’ve ever met, adored by all that knew him. In the blink of an eye, he was gone.

A professional man, he prepared for those he loved. His family now grieves their loss without locked bank accounts.

My understanding is this. A trust is like a virtual box in which you place your valuables, holding instructions that will be followed when you die. It protects your assets for distribution to those you chose to include. I am not an attorney, just a very protected widow who planned while I was still the very loved wife of VST.

Decision making regarding ones own death is never comfortable or fun. Just remember, it’s the adult thing to do and this is one of those times adulting isn’t fun.

While planning your trust, there are other legal issues to consider. Create a medical directive, Power of Attorney, and other essential documents. A lawyer will give you advice on the documents you need.

There are online sites that generate these documents for free. If you choose to use them be sure to complete the final step and have them notarized. Without that step, the documents aren’t valid and you return to the group in probate. A terrible thing for any family to experience at a time of grief.

As for my two dear friends, I hope their heavenward journeys were on the wings of angels. For them, the suffering and earthly work is over. For the surviving family members, I send prayers and love.

For those of us here on earth, it’s time to get prepared for life’s one certainty. We’re all headed down the same road, not knowing the time or day. Leave a paper trail of legal wishes for the family you love so much because it will make all the difference in the world when the time comes.

Whatever you do this weekend, have some fun! Tomorrow is the first day of fall. Get out and kick up some leaves. Enjoy some hot apple cider on a crisp morning. Just be grateful to be alive. Summer 2023 is behind us!!! We made it!!!!

I’ll be back on Monday.

Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.  Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. _{Colossians 3: 12-14}

In these crazy days, that’s a tall order. With scammers, hackers, and cheats around us, those souls trying to do the right thing are often victims. But, not always.

Last Saturday, a UPS delivery woman rang my doorbell. She wore her scowl like armor as she shoved a package towards me. Who knows the reason she was upset. She WAS a UPS driver. I can’t imagine her days jumping in and out of a hot truck to deliver heavy packages while avoiding the hazards of the job. In the case of one poor soul Monday, a rattlesnake that put her in the ICU. Dogs are not always friendly, either.

This woman didn’t have time for a smile. No chit chat. No wave goodbye. Just the delivery, Ma’am. Nothing but the delivery. And a package for an entitled “Karen” at that. UGHHHH.

Until…..

She looked at me.

All of a sudden she broke into a brilliant smile. This actually transformed her into the beautiful young woman she was! Her eyes sparkled. She was actually grinning. For goodness sakes, there seemed to be an immediate glow!

The morning had already been filled with dead cell phone battery craziness and an unplanned trip to Walmart. I’d answered the door in haste and forgotten something silly. I was wearing my golden “BRIDE” tiara while making apple pies for the party that night. Alexa was playing our wedding play. I think “Happy” by Pharrell was on. She probably heard me singing off key when she rang the bell.

“Are YOU getting MARRIED?????” she asked, as if we’d been besties forever.

Then it was my turn to put a smile on my flour-dusted face!

“Oh MY! I forgot the tiara. YES, I AM!!!” I replied, as my hand immediately went up to grab the tiara.

We were both giggling by this point.

“CONGRATUATIONS! This is the best news of my day!”

The young woman sprinted to her truck, turning to wave once more before she drove away. She was still smiling.

She changed my morning, too. It’s okay to be silly while baking apple pie. A woman shouldn’t be shy about wearing a “Bride” tiara when she is one! No matter the age, being the bride is an exciting time in life.

If I’d grabbed the package and slammed the door, she would have continued on her grumpy way. This tiny exchange was enough that it made its place in my wedding journal.

Our upcoming nuptials seem to have that affect on the people around us. It IS delightful that two sexagenarians (one six months from becoming a septuagenarian) have found something that people look for their entire life. LOVE. How wonderful that we are the ones that can spread some happy news. We both paid it forward in our separate journeys through the wilderness of widowhood. We’re drinking in every single smile from family and friends. It’s our turn to Be Happy.

Whatever you do today, reach out to a person that’s having a rotten day. All it takes is a smile. Think about someone gruff and offer them a little tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. You might be surprised how nice they look sporting a smile.

More tomorrow.

Well? Sometimes you need to come up with a creative fix. Hat’s off to the mom that figured out a round-about way to fix a problem with technology. Screenshotting still has me a bit baffled. I’ll remember this hack.

Last weekend, MM and I had another type of techno-failure. Much to our horror, MM’s very expensive iPhone was unable to charge from the cord. No small problem, as our phones have our lives on them. Along with communications with the outside world, most people have phone numbers, addresses, photos, calendars, and even banking. I wish my eyes were young enough to do banking on my phone. I’m lucky enough to still be able to text.

Well, this dying cell phone gave us both a fright. With a house full of guests arriving at 5 PM, we’d need to jump in the car and make a 40 minute trip to the biggest little city to the west. Then, we’d hope to get an appointment with a specialist to diagnose the problem. All the while the battery life was dwindling.

10%.

9%.

8% .

With every plug and brick we tried, there was no improvement.

7%.

Just when we though things couldn’t be more dire, MM had a marvelous thought. With the phone at 2% remaining battery life, he remembered that the new luxury car in the garage could charge the phone without a cord. This feature only works with iPhones, but that was exactly the phone needing charging.

Racing to the garage, we started the car and gently laid the phone on the charging station. With that, we both returned to the house to wait for a few minutes. Ten minutes later, the phone was charging. Disaster averted. Thank goodness. With the approaching nuptials and honeymoon at hand, a new cell phone isn’t exactly in October’s budget.

After diagnosing a fix for the phone, the next move was to purchase a pad charger. Of course, the obvious source for this device would be Walmart. For $40, the problem was solved. While we were paying for the device, the associate was kind to let us know this problem happens quite frequently.

Some days I long for the olden years when phones were wired into the wall. Not even with removable cords. Wired in. I remember sneaking late night calls with my boyfriend at my father’s desk. The phone cord was just long enough for me to lay on carpet and talk. Of course, all calls were monitored and timed unless they were made after the very tired farmer and his wife were asleep. Such sweet innocence.

As a young mom of the 90’s, I rocked a 50′ phone cord which allowed me to do housework while catching up on the latest with my bestie. CC and I accomplished many domestic tasks at the ends of those extension phone cords. Didn’t seem to slow us down one bit.

Who would have thought that battery life would become an issue? That photo albums and scrapbooking would become a thing of the past? That a phone would display the 10-day weather forecast or announce messages from people that really don’t like to talk anymore? I almost wish a cell phone wasn’t so necessary for daily life in 2023.

MM’s phone is fully charged since Saturday. It was a wake up call that a techno-fail could cause us to derail at any point. Just another thing that can happen here on the high desert plains of Northwestern Nevada.

Whatever you do today, think about the age of your phone. If it’s been a few years, you might want to start saving for a new one. Some of them cost more than my first car. Remember to keep your phone clean, shiny, and on a charging schedule. Things just work better that way.

More tomorrow.

The very things we think will never happen to us sometimes do. The following situation has been affecting me for the last three days. I guess I’ve been lucky to enjoy shopping online for all these years without incident. After this experience, I’ll change my routine a bit.

Like everyone, Amazon has lulled me into becoming an internet shopper over the years. I first learned of Amazon back in 1996 when, as a teacher, it was the best place to find and buy books. In the beginning, they started selling books. As a newbie, I attended a librarian’s conference. It was there the word “Amazon” was the buzz among educators. No more trips to Barnes and Noble. Amazon would deliver books right to your door. Imagine that!

Through the years, I’ve often joked that you could probably get a live pony delivered by Amazon. I certainly have ordered weird things like a rototiller and snow blower. Slowly, Amazon has become my go to place for spa chemicals, garden tools, and party dresses. That was, until last week.

Seven days ago, I started receiving weird text notices on my phone. They were notices involving a two-step authentication in order to proceed with my purchase. The funny thing was, there were no purchases on the days I received these notices. I simply blocked the sender and didn’t give it another thought.

Now, every bride-to-be understands the necessity of Amazon Prime. At the moment, I’m receiving deliveries of cutlery, tablecloths, and clothing. Each day, I only need to think of something I need for the wedding and I’m off to place another order. Online shopping saves time and gas. It also helps to assure that the needed items will arrive. The mind of a bride is often a little foggy.

With the notices dismissed, I didn’t give it another thought until Sunday. Needing to order something, I attempted to sign into my account. Low and behold, my password had been changed. No problem. They would send a two-step verification notice to my e-mail. Except that, the emails never came. I was locked out of my own account. Frozen from my purchase history. Estranged from a return for which I hadn’t yet received a refund.

If anyone else lived here at Winterpast with me, they would’ve been suspect. Heck, Oliver might have been questioned, but he’s been at puppy camp for a little respite from the bride. Some devious soul had hacked my account and changed the password. I’m just fortunate it hadn’t happened since 1996.

And so began the phone calls with Amazon associates that live in far away countries while all named John, Mike, Dave, or Sue. Each one would assure me that they’d fix me right up as soon as they sent me an email. No emails ever arrived. Through four different people, each reading the same script, no emails ever came. Although I received other emails successfully, there are none from Amazon. Not in the inbox. Not in the Spam. Not in the Trash. And so, there was nothing that could be done, they told me. Sorry. No can do.

My association with Amazon is effectively over. The hackers won.

The dear associates trying to help me need a new script. Over and over they read the same instructions. The directives that didn’t work on Call #1, #2, #3, and #4. Doing the same thing over and over while getting the same results is a cesspool of frustration. I’m appalled that a company as large as Amazon doesn’t have a fix for the hacker that got me. Let me assure you. They do not.

Their advice to me? Contact my email provider. It must be THEIR problem.

OY.

VEY.

Maybe I should just chill and watch a movie on Amazon Prime?

One small problem with that idea.

“Please sign into your account. We will send you a verification code via email.”

Not happening any time soon.

The best advice I have to share is this. Do not leave your credit card on file anywhere online. Just do not. It takes very little time to type in a credit card number each time you order something. Although it’s very convenient, it’s not safe. For that matter, really consider whether or not you need an account. Shop as a guest. At my current level of frustration, I’ll be looking for other options. Perhaps Walmart and Costco Online.

In the mean time, I reported fraud on my credit card and requested a new number. It’ll be necessary to contact everyone that charges me on a monthly basis. Unnecessary work that shouldn’t happen, except that it does when one lives in the world in which we do.

Living in remote places is difficult at times. With only one Walmart within 30 miles, my shopping will now be severely limited. Great for the budget. Not so great when trying to plan last minute details for a wedding.

That’s the news for today. Stay aware. Vigilant. Alert. At the first sign of any strange messages or e-mails, investigate to make sure they aren’t from crafty hackers. Don’t open anything that looks suspicious.

Whatever you do today, make a plan to check on your financial accounts at least once a week. Most banks have user friendly services in which you can take a look and make sure all charges are yours. Alert the bank immediately if you have any fraudulent activities. Just use the number on the back of your credit card. Better safe than sorry.

More tomorrow.

What a beautiful Weekend! Although I need a few weekdays to rest and recover, I will say that it’s been some time since I’ve enjoyed such fun. Thinking back to the events of Saturday and Sunday fills me with amazement and wonder. For the blessing of friends and neighbors I am so grateful.

The weekend did start differently than MM and I had planned. The invitations arrived a day late, making Friday night crunch time to address them. My Mysterious Marine, and soon to be husband, arrived with his names and addresses at the ready. I was prepared with my trusty address book. Together, we addressed, stuffed, stamped, and licked each one. Someone asked if MM watched TV while I did the addressing. Nope. He was there every step of the way, even when ingesting the retched envelope glue. A Ride or Die friend. That’s my MM.

Saturday, we’d planned a little dinner party with neighbors to announce our engagement. Just a few guests. Seventeen to be exact. MM had been over most of the day beautifying the gardens here at Winterpast. We set up tables and chairs for 18 as the first leaves of the season were falling.

For our menu, we chose Rustic Country BBQ. We started with Chips and dips, crackers and cheese. For the main course, we served BBQ Chicken with Sweet Baby Ray’s sauce, baked beans, green salad, and homemade Mac N’ Cheese. There were two homemade apple pies for desert. The food must have been good, because most of it was gone by the end of the night.

Laughter floated on the evening air. Just a bunch of neighbors from houses on the block getting to know one another better. I learned the following.

1. We have a bowling champion and master quilter living just a few doors away.

2. My new neighbor across the street has the most precious smile.

3.Everyone loves a good glass of wine and conversation.

4.My margarita maker is still the hit of any party.

5. Ninja Neighbor and her tribe are a blessing to the entire street.

I learned about neighborhood parties from my Auntie TJ. She started this whole thing years ago with a Christmas party. Just an open house that started at 5, because 5 is the most elegant hour to start a party. The same magic occurred at her house, whether at Christmas or 4th of July. She knew how to draw the neighbors in and slowly, a family was formed. Even today, when I visit her small coastal town, I still need to visit the neighbors, because they’re my friends too. Heck, I even met a real, honest to goodness Goddess of the Central Coast along the way.

Saturday night, the Dolls of the Desert Plains and their men-folk were delightful. We’re already thinking about our next party, to be held in December. We’ll still be honeymooning. A perfect time to celebrate new beginnings.

Of course, we had wedding invitations for everyone with hugs all around as this was neighborhood NEWS. I couldn’t have been more proud of MM. While BBQ-ing, he visited with everyone, being the perfect host and fiancé.

Sunday was a day for worship at our little church. Twenty more invitations were delivered followed by more hugs and squeals of delight. In a few days time, a little desert church sitting on a wide spot along the interstate will be the place to be. SRO. Standing Room Only.

There, at the end of the aisle, my Mysterious Marine will be waiting just for me. As long as he’s there, everything will be alright. Somewhere along the way, I must’ve done something good.

More tomorrow.

As we plan to squeeze out the last bit of summer fun this weekend, I share a rare picture of the gardens of Winterpast and Wookie with you. If you look closely, you’ll see the greenhouse towards the top, just left of center. Blessed with this oasis, gardening is something that is a pleasure, without demanding too many days of back-breaking labor. At least for me. MM might tell you a different tale.

This year, MM has planted three hostas, seven roses, and two Japanese Maple trees. To accomplish this, he used his own trusty pick ax to make holes in the desert soil. Any Mysterious Marine that owns a pick ax is a good guy! Then, he went on to pour a concrete foundation and, with the help of his trusty “go-for” girl, build our 10′ x 14′ greenhouse.

This summer, the back yard has come to life. This is, in part, due to the wonderful plant supplement called “SuperThrive”. If you garden and haven’t found this product, do some research and buy some. It’s not cheap, it’s used sparingly. On an average yard, 4 oz. will last a season or more. It’s worth it’s weight in gold. Unlike “Miracle Grow”, which works on leaf production, “Super Thrive” works to stimulate root growth. The two together produce amazing results.

Earlier in the year, we went on a garden tour in the land of Top Gun, just to the east. A woman had the most beautiful hydrangea. Not the usual one found at Grandma’s house on the coast, but a very different plant thriving in the hot desert sun. I fell in love with it and purchased my own at the local nursery.

After bringing this delicate beauty home, I did a very stupid thing. Replanted, I set the new plant in full sun as the directions said to do. However, full sun in the desert isn’t the best idea when you have just repotted something. This gorgeous plant lost almost every leaf, even with lots of water and Miracle Grow. She was stressed to the max.

MM assured me no worry was necessary. After all, there is always the magic of “Super Thrive”. I lacked faith the magic would work. He proved me wrong. The plant, moved to the shade of the back patio, is thriving. With thick green foliage, she’s a happy plant that will winter in the greenhouse.

Twinkling lights grace all the trees in the yard. Up-lighting illuminates my “banyan” apricot tree. The Christmas present of outdoor lighting that MM lovingly installed in early spring, provide a soft glow to the perimeter of Winterpast as the days shorten, turning into cool desert evenings. The best kind of evening for a block party.

With hand written invitations already delivered, 20 neighbors are coming over tomorrow night to enjoy BBQ chicken, Mac N Cheese, fruit, green salad, and signature homemade apple pie. And the great news of upcoming nuptuals. It’ll be fun to spend the evening visiting with friends from our block.

In the background, the wedding favors are in the final phase of completion. Little stickers are secured on the bottom of 300 Hershey’s kisses. Plates, cups, and cutlery for the wedding sit waiting for the big day. THE dress is selected. Shoes are purchased. Thirty favorite songs are now part of my first-ever personal play list. Invitations should arrive today to be sent out ASAP. During this past week, progress has been made, eliminating the need for bridal nightmares.

With a life full of friends and family here on the desert, happiness brings with it laughter and a peace that surpasses all understanding. Memories of a wonderful past life are as beautiful as the blooms of Winterpast. The present is rich and overflowing with fulfilling activities. The future, just like the rose, will unfold under God’s watchful eye. It’s just the way life is.

Whatever you do today, make it count. If you are a person of faith, read some in your Bible. If you already do that, don’t just read it, study it. Such a rich tapestry of life and all the lessons it holds. If your eyesight isn’t the best, listen to the words. Biblegateway.com is a wonderful website offering most languages and versions of the Bible online. Check it out!!

Have a wonderful weekend. More on Monday.

All my attention has been towards music in these past days. Music that will be the backdrop at the best reception of the years. Ours. If you’re a vicenarian or tricenarian, musical choices are fresh and obvious. Just turn on the radio and choose the songs you know and love. Us sexagenarians have extra decades full of musical choices. Old songs carry us back to simpler times.

I grew up in a house full of music. My parents loved music and made sure that we were exposed to it. My father played the trombone in high school. His instrument stayed in the closet until they sold the ranch, a brass object of mystery. My mother played the piano beautifully. The oldest sister escaped and became a twirling majorette. The next played the accordian, the middle one chose the clarinet. And then, there was me.

I learned a little of this and a little of that. Is started with percussion and piano. As I grew, being too cool for the marching band, I stuck with choir, using the instrument God gave me. I played the guitar for a few years, learning enough chords to accompany many popular ballads of the 70’s. Yes, music has always been a part of my life.

Having hours to fill, MM and I came to a quick agreement. Each one of us will pick 25 of our favorite songs. They will be added to a computerized play list, one of his, one of mine, until we have 50. At 3 – 4 minutes a song, that will cover it. Sounds easy, right? Take the challenge, yourself. You’ll find lots of instructions online. Keep trying until you get it.

My list takes me back to a time when my sisters were in high school and I was 5 years old. Having older siblings, I gained a broader appreciation for musical selections outside my own age group. Sam Cooke and Etta James will make a special appearance. But, Jason Mraz also made the mix.

The DJ we chose will be a brand new nephew of mine. This young guy will control the room and get the party started. If you can’t smile in his presence, you might not be in a mood for a wedding reception. At least, not ours. He’ll be the perfect DJ to guide a wonderful night.

One requested dance to happen sometime during the night will be La Conga. Other than that, it will be dancing as usual. No German Polkas. No chicken dance. No electric slide. Just a lot of people on the dance having a great time.

Whatever you do today, enjoy some music. It can lift you right out of a terrible day. Turn on the radio and dance a bit. It will get your blood flowing. Just ask Alexa for your favorites. She will help you find some tunes.

More tomorrow.