Author: Joy Hurt

The experience of being a Fur-baby Doula and Grand-Ma-Ma has been delightful. Never did I imagine that, in this lifetime, I’d have one more chance to care for another litter of brand new, squeaking little puppies. From their birth, we’ve watched over them. Tomorrow is the day they’ll transition to their California home to enjoy the springtime of their lives.

Their next home will have three eager caretakers who love them as much as we do. They’ve been waiting for nightly pictures as the pups, who started out very much the size and look of gophers, have turned into little dogs. The pictures are adorable, but nothing can compare to a Wook-let grunting and snuggling next to your heart. There are somethings videos just can’t capture even with the best technology.

Wookie will get a California vacation, as well. She’ll be recuperating in the lap of luxury with her Cali gang around the grounds next to the pool enjoying seriously nice digs. She does have a love interest over there. Please don’t tell Oliver. It’s time for the pups to meet their real dad. Oliver doesn’t need to know. Wookie is HIS girl.

The Mysterious Marine and I will surely miss watching the pups meet their milestones. We wish we could screen every new home before little Bingo, Tiger, and the gang move on. Their new owners should come equipped with 2.5 children, plenty of balls and toys, a comfy bed, and lots of love. But then, we won’t be making those decisions. That’s the job of the California crew.

The California Crew is highly qualified, with their own set of experts at the ready. The Mysterious Marine is Dad to some of the crew and Grandpa to the rest. Rest assured, the plan comes together. We were given the easy part. Now the real work begins, left to the youngers of the family. The Wook-lets will leave sweet pawprints on our hearts.

The puppies have taught me a few things. Good things come to those that wait. Never, ever think you have God figured out. Sometimes pups come four days early and wait 14 days to open their eyes. Little puppies learn a safe heartbeat very quickly. Dogs bond quickly as humans. They know who they can trust for a warm cuddle.

Little Tiger will take a piece of my heart to her new home. She’d better get the best, because she’s the pick of the litter. Little Bingo showed that just because you are half the size of your sisters, you can still be the cute, even if you complain often. Wookie showed me that there is love enough to spread to anyone who needs it, including seven of the fattest little Wook-lets you’ve ever seen. Smiling through it all, she’s been an amazing example of strength, courage, and patience. She has smiled through the entire experience.

Each day, as we’ve watched their every movement, the Wook-lets have changed and grown. We did our part to love and nurture them, laying the foundation for sound canine companions that have a lot of work to do in their lives. Dog is GOD spelled backwards. These little ones are heavenly. We’ll miss them a bunch.

While Wookie is enjoying four weeks of Cali-Canine-Capers, the Mysterious Marine has a little work ahead of him. There are carpets to shampoo and a Wook-let nursery that’ll transform back into a boring office. No more squeals in the night from puppies that strayed too far away from mom. No more freshly baked chicken breast and cottage cheese for a hungry Wookie. Just the best memories of time spent with them that he was so kind to share with me.

Today, Oliver is heading off to puppy camp for a visit with his friends. It’s been while since he’s seen the gang. California isn’t Ollie’s cup of tea. He hates cities. He’s a desert dog, through and through. Besides, the Wook-lets irritate his bachelor soul. He’s never had puppies of his own and would like to keep it that way. They take way too much patience. Nope. He’d much rather have a bachelor weekend with the guys.

Over the mountain and through the woods we’ll go. God, please grant us travel mercies as we head West. It may be a very long three hour ride.

Whatever you do today, remember those pets that wait for you at the Rainbow Bridge. Pets make life so much richer. Smile about the ones that have gone before and hug the ones that sleep at the foot of your bed. And, please, don’t forget the treats.

More tomorrow.

The last 24 hours have been a whirlwind of high drama, suspense, and success!  Car shopping isn’t for the faint of heart.  There are details to consider far beyond the price.  Cars today are like driving an i-pad.  My new car is a touchscreen-wonderland full of helpful features and today, I’m waking up to a new day of driving.  I think I need to run across town for a pack of gum.  Many times.

Just 24 hours ago, I was a bundle of nerves.  I nearly forgot to take important things like the back seat of the Barbie Jeep (taken out because it wasn’t needed), the pink slip (which isn’t pink, but blue), and the extra key (which, at today’s prices, has a $350 replacement cost).  The weather was a crisp 20 degrees once the sun was up.  My Mysterious Marine was here right on time to provide added support.  It isn’t every day one goes to purchase a brand new car.

I’d planned to visit the car store that offers every single brand known to man.  Everything in one spot to test drive and compare.  However, the stars weren’t aligned that way and there were no available appointments.  Luckily, I’d already booked one with a luxury dealership across town.  Funny how that all worked out.

After looking at the NEW and USED inventory, I already knew my budget would only cover a used car.  New cars are sold at unbelievably high prices these days.  Add a touch of luxury and double that.  Nope.  I’d set an unbendable and very practical budget. Either they would have a car that fit or not. Simple.

Well, that worked out like the United States debt ceiling, just so you know.  At least, I started with a good plan. It didn’t end up being realistic.

Our Sales Specialist was exactly that. Knowledgeable and  efficient. A middle aged guy just a little older than our kids, he patiently listened to my wish list. 

1.  4WD/AWD
2. Electronic safety features, including blind spot monitor and lane detection monitor.
3. Heated seats

That was it.  Everything else was negotiable.  Remember, I live in cold country. If I was having heated seated, my hands would like to be warmed, as well.

Now, I’d have loved a spare tire, but that isn’t offered in many cars these days.  Nope.  No spare tire at all.  24-hour road assistance to deliver a fix for your flat, but no spare tire.  It’s just the way it is these days.  Those of us 1900’s models will just need to deal with it. Get a can of fix a flat and hope for the best.

After listening carefully, he brought up a group of cars within my budget. 

Either too many years or too many miles. Nothing.

When budgeting, one does need to factor in today’s prices.  What one would’ve bought ten years ago for $X now costs 2$X.   There was absolutely NO question that the car would need to be pre-owned.  It might even need to be 5 or 6 years old if we were going to come together on a price.

Until…..

Mr. Car Wizard continued to look through inventory, stopping at one car that was very strange. 

Color – Brilliant Titanium

Status – Used

Shipped from – Kansas City, Missouri

Year – 2022

Mileage – 13 miles.

Well, hold the phone………

A used car with 13 miles????????  Who am I to question?

Certified by this swanky dealership, it’s covered by a six year, unlimited mile, bumper to bumper warranty.  Period. Throw in all maintenance for two years at zero cost to me.  Included are the services of a barista to make me designer coffee while I wait in the shadows of the Sierra Nevada’s while receiving said service.

This made no sense to the salesman.  The car was purchased on December 15, 2022.  It was never driven. Classified as used with only 13 miles on the odometer.

Of course, the price wasn’t within the limits of my initial budget.  Sometimes things turn out a little different than we would like.  This was a great deal on a used car that had never been used.  Not even a a little bit.  Brand NEW used.

The car was beautiful, it was being filmed for the dealership’s weekly commercial.  The owner and his sons were in house, dressed in beautifully tailored suits.  The owner was an amazing gentleman who was kind and genuine.  It was obvious he was the reason his businesses had flourished.  I’m so glad I got to meet him in person.

After negotiating a price, running to the bank to get a cashier’s check, (another story for another day), and receiving quick instructions on the basics for driving the car, we were off.

The drive home was something I haven’t ever experienced.  Floating at speeds well above the 70 mph speed limit, I realized Barbie’s Jeep had lost her NEW long ago.  She was never and would never reach the heights of being a luxury car.  Now, my focus would be on trying to stay below 85mph.

Once home, I needed to drive over to spend time with Wookie and the Wook-lets.  Their nightly photo shoot was exceptionally cute.  They’re just starting to be aware of their surroundings.  One barked.  They all wagged their little tails.  Slappy-Paw and Bitey-Face are the next games that should begin soon.  Seven wonderful little bundles of love, they have lots of work to do throughout their lives.  Their new families are in for a ton of fun.

My brand-new used car now has over 100 miles.  I can’t wait to see the adventures that will unfold while driving her!  I need to learn how to operate Cruise Control.  My future adventures don’t need to include tickets for speeding! 

Whatever you do today, enjoy yourself.  Do something you love.  If it’s a nice day, get out in the sunshine and breathe the fresh air.  Spend time with friends and be thankful for being alive. Heck, take a drive! The beautiful days of February are just beginning!

More tomorrow.

OLD FRIENDS

I do not say new friends are not considerate and true,
Or that their smiles ain’t genuine, but still I’m tellin’ you
That when a feller’s heart is crushed and achin’ with the pain,
And teardrops come a-splashin’ down his cheeks like summer rain,
Becoz his grief an’ loneliness are more than he can bear,
Somehow it’s only old friends, then, that really seem to care.
The friends who’ve stuck through thick an’ thin, who’ve known you, good an’ bad,
Your faults an’ virtues, an’ have seen the struggles you have had,
When they come to you gentle-like an’ take your hand an’ say:
“Cheer up! we’re with you still,” it counts, for that’s the old friends’ way.

The new friends may be fond of you for what you are today;
They’ve only known you rich, perhaps, an’ only seen you gay;
You can’t tell what’s attracted them; your station may appeal;
Perhaps they smile on you because you’re doin’ something real;
But old friends who have seen you fail, an’ also seen you win,
Who’ve loved you either up or down, stuck to you, thick or thin,
Who knew you as a budding youth, an’ watched you start to climb,
Through weal an’ woe, still friends of yours an’ constant all the time,
When trouble comes an’ things go wrong, I don’t care what you say,
They are the friends you’ll turn to, for you want the old friends’ way.

The new friends may be richer, an’ more stylish, too, but when
Your heart is achin’ an’ you think your sun won’t shine again,
It’s not the riches of new friends you want, it’s not their style,
It’s not the airs of grandeur then, it’s just the old friend’s smile,
The old hand that has helped before, stretched out once more to you,
The old words ringin’ in your ears, so sweet an’, Oh, so true!
The tenderness of folks who know just what your sorrow means,
These are the things on which, somehow, your spirit always leans.
When grief is poundin’ at your breast — the new friends disappear
An’ to the old ones tried an’ true, you turn for aid an’ cheer. _{Edgard Albert Guest}

Last night was a magical night overflowing with love and friendship. Four very old friends and the new girl on the block (me) shared a dinner of home-crafted chicken noodle soup, piping hot rolls, and lemon cheesecake. After a long day of traveling, and a longer day of waiting, very old friends were reunited. It was a beautiful thing to behold.

There are some people that are heart friends. When you find one, you know. Just as the poem point states, it has nothing to do with riches or airs of grandeur. It’s unspoken love and respect that’s as clear as the color of one’s shirt.

Miracles in life are so beautiful. The healing nature of a hug. The warmth of a blue-eyed smile across the table. Holding hands during a prayer before eating. Laughter and shared stories. All of these things are found in a life, rich and full.

Five months ago, I met the most Mysterious Marine. A quiet man with twinkly eyes and the most beautiful smile. As the days have gone by, he has shared his family, friends, Wookie and the Wook-lets. Secrets of his home town have helped me to grow even deeper roots here at Winterpast. Sharing his family has been one of the biggest gifts he could have ever given me. My life hasn’t been the same since our first “Hello”.

Now, my circle of friends has grown by two. Friends are family you choose. For the Mysterious Marine and his family, these two fit in that category, chosen decades ago. They are the kind of friends that drop everything, pack up, and move across state lines over Donner Pass to help someone they love. They are real. They are loyal. And, they are a hoot and a half! Last night was a blessing. A day I won’t soon forget, while unforgettable days are stringing together, more precious than a delicate strand of pearls.

To my oldest friends….CC, Miss Fire Cracker, Ninja Neighbor, the Humble Ones, Miss Sunflower, TJ, The Goddess of the Central Coast, and DaGirl… While many miles are between us, we remain heart sisters. To each of you, I send my love. I wish you could’ve joined us last night for soup. We’ll have our turn very soon.

Today is an pivotal one. Traveling west, there is a certain car waiting on a showroom floor with my name on it. Barbie’s Jeep is emptied, washed, waxed, and vacuumed. She and I have been through a lot. She helped me move from Virginia City to Winterpast. She knows how many miles held hiccup-py tears. She will always be a fond memory in my heart, but life moves on. My next car may be firey red or intensely yellow. It’ll have heated seats and a hot engine. The odometer will show a bright 0, and off I’ll start into a new chapter on the road. Stay tuned for the outcome of this, my biggest shopping adventure in quite awhile.

Whatever you do today, think of your old friends. The ones who finish your thoughts when you pause to remember a certain word. The ones who know where you want your dishes unpacked and placed in an empty kitchen without needing to ask. The ones you would trust to buy a new clock for your home. The one who make the best chicken noodle soup spiced with love and tenderness, just because. Call them. Keep them close and hug them often. They are the true gifts in this life.

More tomorrow.

When it comes to vehicles of any kind, I could really care less. An auto is something to get you from HERE to THERE. It’s always nice if the windows roll up and down and the tires hold the proper amount of air, but beyond that, I just want something that works. Something that rolls down the road safely at the speed limit without causing death to me or anyone around me. I am sad to report my Barbie Jeep no longer fits that category. Her days in my garage are limited.

The mail last week held very sad news. I’m now an unwilling member of a class action suit settled against Jeep. My Jeep has a crash-causing defect. A faulty front end. This isn’t just a little tiny problem. The design can cause you to lose complete control of the Jeep. It’s happened to me three times. Each time, I could have used the Recovery System shown above. Each time I was lucky enough to bring the Jeep to a safe stop.

Now, just so you know. This class action settlement gives me an extended warranty up to 90,000 miles. But, only the original owner. And, in the case of death, the family can still sue Jeep. I kid you not. I read the settlement. Imagine my relief when I realized my kids can get rich off my roll-over death on the backroads of Nevada. How kind of them.

There are so many things a lady of the 1900’s shouldn’t need to know about. The inner workings of a 2017 Jeep are in that category. Unfortunately, when all this came to our attention when the Jeep was brand new, I was right there with VST. As we peered under the hood of different Jeep, we wondered how we weren’t killed. That one was a Jeep 2014 Jeep Cherokee. Also a victim of idiot engineering.

When it happened to that car, we were on a two lane mountain road headed to a fun time at the coast. We were towing the Jeep Cherokee behind our motorhome. Willy Nelson’s Roadhouse was on the radio. We were waiting to see who would see the ocean first when it happened. VST turned white. The tow car was swinging violent back and forth off the hitch. Not rolling, but bouncing and swaying. We had to stop in the road, as there was no turnout and very steep cliffs on either side.

If there would have been another car on the road, we would have all died. It was that violent. We were lucky it didn’t take the motorhome over the side. Once we stopped and started again, the car again worked perfectly. We sold that Jeep immediately. It was three years old. VST, in his John Deere Service Master internationally known and respected heart of hearts, believed with 100% certainty that it was IMPOSSIBLE for it to happen to a Wrangler. And yet, here I am with the same problem. I’m glad he isn’t here to experience this. He would’ve died of a stroke over this!

KJ Jones and Jason Gonderman – Authors and Photographers for MotorTrend have the following explanation.

“Death wobble. No other pair of words strikes fear into the heart of a diesel truck owner quite the way these do. It starts small: a simple shudder or vibration. But before you know it, you’re white knuckled, grasping the steering wheel tight, trying to settle the truck down before losing control.

While the causes and cures of death wobble are a highly debated topic, if your truck has it, there is no mistaking it. The first step in controlling death wobble is understanding exactly what it is. Death wobble is used to describe a series of sudden, often violent front suspension vibrations exhibited by solid front axle suspensions, and more infrequently, independent front suspensions. When death wobble occurs, you will feel a shaking in the steering wheel, which will increase or decrease with speed, and depending on severity, shaking throughout the cab. If you experience death wobble, let off the accelerator and allow the truck to slow down until the vibration stops, then immediately proceed to a safe place where the vehicle can be inspected before continuing on. Even just one death wobble incident can cause permanent—and dangerous—suspension or steering damage.”

They forgot to add one thing. A person can lose control of the vehicle, crash, and die. It’s the dying thing that really gets me. Not something I’m ready to do because of a Jeep.

The Barbie Jeep was recalled once for a fix-it part. VST was still alive and we went in for the repair right away. He was convinced the death wobble would never happen to a Jeep Wrangler. If so, this Barbie would’ve never agreed to buy another.

Soon after VST died, I’d gone on a mental health drive through the wide open spaces of Nevada to a magical place called Bridgeport. If you’ve ever been, you know. If you haven’t, you should go. The Eastern Sierra Nevada’s at their finest. On the way home, there was a bend in the road, along with a dip and a cattle guard. The trifecta of circumstances that caused the wobble. The fix to make it home is this. Slow down. Stop. Turn off the car. Turn on the car. Avoid every pot hole or imperfection in the road and drive straight to the delearship.

There, it was discovered by my professional Jeep mechanics that the “fix-it” part for the recall was installed backwards. There are just no more words on that subject. Read the past sentence over and over. Put on BACKWARDS. (From another dealership whose mechanics must be related to the engineers that designed this system.)

Oy.

Vey.

Living in the environment I do, I cannot drive a vehicle that goes into a death wobble for any reason. Becoming a member of a class action settlement was the final straw. My newish Jeep with only 45,715 miles has got to go. This week.

Car Max is ready to write the check. I just need to find a replacement and there is the hitch. What to buy?

Cars of today have so many options. Heated steering wheels. Air-conditioned seats. Cameras that watch out for traffic coming in any direction. Lane detection. Automatic cruise control. Enough already. I want a pretty car that drives well and passes the crash dummy tests.

As for the Jeep, I’m heartbroken that our time together is over. It’s the first car I ever really loved, except for the fact that it could be the death of us both. When she was running fine, she was running fine. I’ll miss the secret waves from other Jeep owners. I hope they don’t run into me when they get their own wobbles.

If you are a parent or grandparent of kids that are getting great deals on Jeep Wranglers, do your own research. If you own a 2018-2020 Jeep Wrangler or 2020 Jeep Gladiator, think long and hard about what your life is worth. Having experienced the death wobble at 50 mph, I can tell you, it was hard to control the vehicle. The worst thing is that after you pull to the side of the road and turn off the engine, when starting it up again, everything seems fine. Until the next time. Might be tomorrow. Might be next year. But, happen again it will.

Today, I’m deep in the cyber aisles of cars at Car Max. I’ve found a few possibilities. There’ll surely be a learning curve and a lot of unpleasant words. But, there’ll also be fun. Getting a new car is a big deal, even if the idea was forced on me by incompetent engineers at Jeep.

Look it up. Watch some videos. Death Wobble. You’ll understand. I don’t have a choice in this one.

Whatever you do today, spend a little time with your car. Are the tires properly inflated? Is there washer fluid in the reservoir? Is it time to change the oil? Do you know where the spare tire is located? Have you cleaned and vacuumed it lately? Spend a little love on something that keeps you safe and sound as you travel about. Have a wonderful day!

More tomorrow.

The Wook-lets are on the move! All 28 eyes are open to some degree, and little dogs now stare back at us. Seven squirmy and opinionated little dogs moving this way and that. All of a sudden, they are learning to climb like little bulldozers. Busy in a basket, this bunch.

Yesterday, MM and I decided it was time to take them into the world to meet an important family member who lives a short distance away. My mother’s old craft basket had been perfectly sized for the last two weeks. My how things change in fourteen short days. Twenty pounds of squirming Wook-lets is something to see.

Of course, there was considerable yipping and yapping.

“She’s on my head.”

“Tiger, move over.”

“Ewww…. Bingo peed.”

Listening to their complaints, we drove the short distance while I held the basket on my lap. Wookie sat nicely in the back seat, as she always does. Being a true lady, she has the best manners. I wish she’d teach Oliver a thing or too.

We were visiting a place where life passes right outside the front door, while few residents even notice. No overhead music plays, but then, few would hear it anyway. The place is beautifully decorated, modern, and clean. At first glace, some might think it would be a lovely place to live out the golden years, until one tries to live there. A place to slip away while staying safe and warm. A Rest Home, as they used to be called in the 1900’s.

In the case of our beloved person, we’ll refer to it as a Rehabilitation Center. The intention was for a healing to occur and strength to return. Those things did happen and our beloved is coming home tomorrow. Her world is rainbows and lollipops as she gets ready to return home surrounded by friends and family that love her. We’re springing her from the joint and its all happening tomorrow!

MM and I had one shot at showing off the Wook-lets while sharing their magic. After signing in, the ten of us moved through the great room where three residents were sleeping by the fireplace. Turning left, walk straight ahead until you take another left at the end.

Knock. Knock. Knock.

The door was locked.

A quick phone call produced an unanswered ring tone on the other side of the door.

It was then we realized what day it was.

Thursday.

Bingo at 1:00.

“Bingo, please stay in the basket.” (Our loved had named the first puppy Bingo, after her favorite activity.)

BINGO!!!!

Here we were with nothing better to do than carry around some Wook-lets in a basket, and SHE had a hot BINGO date at the Senior Center.

We did consider taking the puppies to the Center, but quickly decided it would cause such an uproar, that safety issues for everyone involved might arise. The little Wook-lets, now ready for their afternoon meal, continued to complain.

“I’m too hot. Yip.”

“I’m too cold. Yap.”

“She stepped on my tail. Yip. Yap.”

It was time to head back home. These cranky critters needed a nip and a nap.

As we were signing out, an associate at the desk noticed Wookie. How can you miss a dog that smiles???? She’s one of a kind. Well, like a magic act, the blanket on the basket was removed, revealing our little friends.

Yesterday was the first time I’ve witnessed puppy therapy at work. Four very stressed and tired employees all gathered around to stroke some puppy fluff and get their dose of puppy breath. Some powerful healing occurred in those few minutes as each employee cuddled their fragile little friend close to their heart. It wasn’t lost on me that each of these kind people held their Wook-let in the most gentle and sweet way. I now understand puppy therapy. It should occur at every business on the hour. Many problems would be solved while holding puppies.

After a few minutes, tails were counted, everyone was back in the basket, and we were on the roll. Rather fun. MM and I aren’t the ones convalescing from a fall. We’re relatively young in comparison, and able to do as we choose. We’re the ones taking care of household chores and shopping. Doing a little of this. Completing a little of that.

All the while, Miss It was out on the town enjoying a hot day of Bingo. So wonderful. I hope she won a bunch!

Whatever you do today, think of a way to brighten the day of an elder or their caregivers. Many places exist just like the one I described. Beautiful on the outside. Tucked just behind the Starbucks and quite out of sight. Find one. Meet the director. Visit the residents. You can brighten someone’s day even if you don’t have a puppy to share. Your smile will do it. Have a wonderful weekend.

I’ll be back on Monday with lots to share.

Two weeks old, and these little ones with their seven little noses and 28 little paws rule the roost. They are fat beyond description. So fat, in fact, their little legs cannot support their bodies yet. They slept through Day 10, forgetting to open their eyes, and are just getting started with that now. Through it all, Wookie is an outstanding mother, attending to their every need. Well, except for human socialization. MM and I are handing that. It’s a rotten chore, but someone needs to do it.

It isn’t often in life that one gets to interact with brand puppies. The adorable noises and intoxicating puppy breath make everything else fall away. There are only puppies to be held and cuddled.

Two of them now have names. Not a good thing when these puppies will be heading away to their lives where they’ll watch their human playmates grow up and have kids of their own. These little guys have a lifetime of work to do. But, two of them have names now. Bingo and Tiger. Growing up on a farm, I learned early on that its not wise to name the animals. Time with furry friends was limited and names complicated the “Goodbyes”, which were never Good. Well, the farm is history. Bingo and Tiger are named. For now.

Along with their physical growth, they are starting to yawn, which causes them to topple a little. They are also trying to use their little legs more. Their little pads are the pinkest of pinks dotted with black spots and their noses glisten. Tiger was licking my chin last night. There isn’t a clunker in the bunch.

The runt of the litter is a total brat, while she cries about this and complains about that. Just because she’s small, don’t fear that she’s missing any meals. She is the first to dive in and latch on. She’s the first and only one to have opened her eyes and found her voice. Her fur-ever home had better be top notch. If not, she’ll let everyone know. As the for Bingo, Tiger, and the others, they are sensibly mellow. Just like their mom, they are growing into amazing dogs. It’s all happening too quickly.

Yesterday was a day to do a little cooking. MM has been taking care of the issues with ice each day since the fall. The weather has warmed up a little and tomorrow it may even get to 50 degrees. Then, another round of storms will be upon us. Next week the lows are predicted to be around 12 degrees, maybe even colder. More snow and ice. More indoor projects.

Yesterday, Lasagna was on the menu. I’ve learned a few things from MM and his amazing cooking skills. Lasagna sauce should be simmered on the stove. Not left on its own in a crockpot in the corner, but simmered on the stove where one can routinely stir and add a little more love. Last night, delivered in exchange for ice melt and puppy cuddling time, I delivered fresh Lasagna, garlic bread, a green salad, and homemade ice cream with hot fudge sauce. It was the best Lasagna I’ve made in my entire life. It had to be worthy of puppy time. It did not disappoint.

As the days go by, my life is becoming a complete picture with so many different activities in the day. Comparing today to April, 2020, my life has changed into something totally new, full, and wonderful. Somedays, it takes my breath away. At times it can be a little overwhelming. This is what life is meant to be! Homemade Lasagna, puppies, and someone special to enjoy it with. It truly doesn’t get better than this.

Whatever you do today, look for the golden moments in your day. The ones you never want to forget and the ones you can never get back. Make a new friend or call an old one. Think of the happy memories you left behind and dream of some new ones that will be fun to make. Don’t shut the door on your own potential. If at all possible, make Fresh Lasagna and hug a puppy. It will cure what ails you.

More tomorrow.

January is a great month to start something new. At the beginning of the month, I received a gigantic catalog in the mail. THE GREAT COURSES! The World’s Greatest Professors at Your Fingertips! Not being able to resist the title, I looked further into their fantastic sale for first time buyers. Well, they were practically giving away the first five courses at $30 each, so I ordered.

A small box arrived on Monday. Four courses were nestled inside with the DVD’s and manuals neatly packaged. I’d found four subjects that interested me. Writing. Drawing. The History and Archaeology of the Bible. And, (this will be a surprise to anyone that really knows me)……..The Everyday Gourmet.

Each course is divided into 24 lessons each 30 minutes long. You can order the courses on DVD’s or stream them. I chose the antiquated form of DVD’s.

With my gutters now exploding with big drippy icicles while hanging over a vast skating rink that used to be my patio, it seems the great outdoors will need to wait a bit. Yesterday, My Mysterious Marine came to the rescue with ice melt and plenty of sympathy. Being smart about everything handy-man-ish, I’m sure he saw more than he’s saying about the gutter situation. Icicles hanging from a gutter that is to take water away from your home is never a good sign. Even I know that.

It’s time for spring to arrive. Sadly, for us people living in snow country, that’s 56 days, 6 hours, and 49 minutes from this writing. For the Goddess of the Central Coast of California, my sweet Godmother, TJ, or Miss Firecracker, Spring is any time you look out the window. Most of California is like that.

I started watching the cooking lessons yesterday, while still recovering from my Battle on Ice. Chef Bill Briwa, C.E.C, C.H.E., had me at lesson one. Flavors, aroma, and taste. Maybe this is where I’ve gone wrong all along. I wanted to find out more from this Master Chef.

In his Chef like voice, he gave me my first assignment.

“For this exercise, you need will need melon, radicchio, lime, sugar, and salt for your mise en place. “ It was if this guy could look through the television and see. My cooking always involves a “mess in place”.

Well. After searching a bit, I did find the sugar and salt. I need to run to the store to get the lime and melon. Radicchio.? Hmm. Something that will certainly go bad after one bite. I wonder if the produce associate at the grocery store will just give me a leaf? Come to think of it, I don’t think they even sell this in Nevada. Probably outlawed. I’ll just get some iceberg lettuce and call it good.

Hence, this is where my cooking adventures always go sideways. Pretty sure you need to follow recipes. I’m not so good at that.

According to the chef, just add a little salt here, or a little squeeze of lime there, and the flavors will explode in wonderful deliciousness. Feeling really crazy? Add some Cayenne Pepper.

But.

What if you are allergic to lime. My taste buds are, unless we’re talking about margaritas. And Cayenne Pepper??????? Fergettabout that one.

Learning new things can be hard. Determined to try something new, my mind needed to stay receptive and open to new experiences. So, I was ready to learn about the five tastes he covered.

1. Sweetness. I can skip the sweetness challenge. My expanding waistline tells me I’m good on that one. Definitely not allergic to sweets.
2. Saltiness. I try to avoid adding extra salt to anything.
3. Sourness. According to the chef’s own words, this is a sign of under-ripeness or souring. It’s a warning to stop eating certain foods. I had trouble following his point on this.
4. Bitterness. Also confusing, as this is a sign the food might be poisonous. Yes. I will just scratch that radicchio off my grocery list. Poison is never good. Kale goes here.
5. Savory. “The flavor of protein that has begun to break down a little bit through enyme activity or through long cooking.” Hmmm. I need to think on that one. I think I have some very savory hamburger in my meat drawer that needs discarding, if this is the definition to follow.

Well, there you have it. It seems plain as the nose on my face. Sweetness wins. Fresh fruit, or perhaps homemade ice cream. Both winners.

I plan to try this entire tasting experiment just because the Chef was so nice to prepare a great lesson. Perhaps I will find that bitter radicchio is my favorite new food. Or that combining melon, radicchio, salt, and lime make a pleasant new flavor all together. At the very least, just saying the word Radicchio makes me feel like putting on a chef’s hat and cook something.

I can hardly wait to begin the other courses. Bible study is always interesting, but to add a visual to the places we’re studying will give the stories a vivid mental backdrop. I can always use hints to improve my writing. Drawing is something I’ve been wanting to learn. Now, there’s no excuse. Practice and techniques will make the pages come alive.

Whatever you do today, consider learning something new. There are so many ways to expand our brains in these dreary winter months. Lifelong learning. It just doesn’t get better than that.

More tomorrow.

There are some things that should never be ignored. Even if the high for the day is 10 degrees. Even if the snow is coming down so beautifully. Even if there are a million other little things to do in a cozy home, one should never, ever ignore a hot tub sitting under snow. I learned this lesson the hard way.

Oh, for the days when VST put on on his snow gear and took care of our property. I will admit, on some mornings, it was a bit irritating. At the break of dawn, he would be outside clearing the night snow from our steep drive or decks. He never missed a day, and we never had an incident.

“Don’cha know, Darlin’? We can’t leave this stuff or it will turn to ice!”

Just once in awhile, I would’ve loved to share a second cup of coffee with him as the night became day. Nope. And complain I didn’t. We never fell on icy, day old snow. Ever. Not on his watch.

Well, the first two years I lived here at Winterpast, there was the amount of snow you would expect for desert life. Very little. I was kind of disappointed, actually. Then, we came to this year. The year the storms didn’t stop and the snow kept falling. It’s been so cold, I didn’t really think about soaking in the hot tub.

The hot tub is on a side of the house that is easily ignored. It can’t be seen from a house window. Yes, Oliver could have told me he was having trouble staying upright on the ice. But, he was polite and quiet about the entire situation. I didn’t think about snow removal during ALL those storms. Snow is pretty when it’s undisturbed. It looks so natural. Besides, it’s been so cold outside, as it often is when there are inches of unmelted snow on the ground.

Along with not attending to the hot tub, I didn’t watch the gutters, which were already in need of repair before the storms ever started. Truly, a condo in Waikiki sounds pretty inviting right about now. The gutter heaters that VST installed in Virginia City were a great idea. Wish I’d thought of installing them here.

Well, yesterday was a day to get some things accomplished. On the list was Monday Hot Tub Servicing, which had been avoided for two weeks. Okay, maybe a little longer. On Mondays, I add chemicals and check the water level while making sure nothing looks out of order. It’s a short 10 minute job at the most. Unless, of course, there are 4″ of ice and snow on top of a frozen hot tub cover.

The snow looked so fluffy and light. Looks can be deceiving. This was all frozen, as snow does tend to do after a few days of sunshine. The top looked like fresh snow. The ice was hiding below.

“I told you so, Darlin’?” Husbands and their words of wisdom.

There isn’t a big area in which to slip and fall. To one side there is a hand rail for safety. It was ignored. You see, I was on a mission to get the top cleared so I could open it. I got my handy dust pan and started chipping away at the snowy ice, careful not to damage the cover. It wasn’t working very well, so I changed my position just a little bit.

I’d made a mental note of the dagger-like icicle hanging from the broken gutter above. As I already mentioned, I’d meant to fix the gutter last summer, but that involved a ladder which for me, ends in trouble. That bit of fun would need to wait. Yesterday, the frozen cover was my first priority.

In reality, how I ever thought I could’ve lifted this cover was the first problem. In its present condition, it weighs much more than I could lift on a good day. Let alone if there happened to be one little undetected patch of ice under my warm and fluffy smooth bottomed slipper.

It was then it happened.

Upright one minute.

Down the next.

Dang.

At the same time, Oliver was trying to see what I was doing when he started skating on the ice below the step. Oliver has no trouble with balance, having 4″ legs, but each one was going in an opposite direction as it struggled to get to me as I struggled to get to the back door, only inches away. All in all, not a pretty sight.

Most days, I’m pretty disgusted about my extra weight. Yesterday, it saved me from a broken hip. I now have a lovely bruise that will remain concealed. Thankfully it wasn’t worse.

I’ve finally learned my lesson and will plan accordingly.

My Mysterious Marine will be over today to spread ice melt and help me clear and open the hot tub cover. If I hadn’t been so independently stubborn, he would’ve helped before now. Another lesson learned. Accept help when offered. Especially if that help is offered by a really sweet and delightfully mysterious Marine, Duhhhhhhh…..

Soaking my bruised hip would feel pretty good at this point. I’ll do a visual on my gutters to make notes of where repairs are needed. In a couple months, I’ll look into gutter heaters and repairs. Not an expense I wanted incur, but then, necessary repairs often come at the worst times.

From now until spring, I’ll remember to wear ice claws when retrieving the mail or while doing any other outdoor activities.

Above all, I’ll be clearing snow when it falls. I get it VST. Thanks for all the shoveling you did to keep me safe. Hope there isn’t snow in heaven. You shoveled quite enough during your time here on earth.

Whatever you do, look for safety hazards around your house. Falling is no joke and those of us living alone worry about them. Look for those things that could trip you up and fix them. Above all, stay upright if at all possible. And remember, accept any and all help that is offered.

More tomorrow.

Anniversaries are tough. Life holds brilliant memories made along the way. 35 years ago, January 23rd at 2:00 in the afternoon, VST and I were married. Surrounded by family and friends, we were two very young, hopeful, and loving people who pledged to love each other until the end of time. Sadly, our time together on this earth ended on April 8, 2020.

Today is one for quiet reflection about the wonderful years spent creating the life we chose, day by day.

Whatever you do today, take some time to reflect on loved ones that have gone on before. If you’re grieving, remember this. You are blessed enough to have loved deeply. That’s a precious blessing, indeed. One well worth the price of grief, in my opinion.

Morning Has Broken
Morning has broken,
Like the first morning,
Blackbird has spoken
Like the first bird;

Praise for the singing,
Praise for the morning,
Praise for them springing
Fresh from the Word.

Sweet the rain’s new fall,
Sunlit from heaven,
Like the first dewfall
On the first grass;

Praise for the sweetness,
Of the wet garden,
Sprung in completeness
Where his feet pass.

Mine is the sunlight, Mine is the morning,
Born of the one light
Eden saw play;
Praise with elation,
Praise every morning,
God’s re-creation
Of the new day.
_{by Eleanor Farjeon}, _{later performed by Cat Stevens}

More tomorrow.

Things are hopping in this my hometown, just a wide spot on a dusty road next to the interstate here in Northwestern Nevada. As I write those words, I realize how much I’ve become involved with latest news. It’s so cool to be friends with the 1st family, Mr. and Mrs. Mayor. Miss Sunflower runs the only independent florist in town. My Bible Study Besties cover the spirit of our town. Between politics, matters of the heart, and spirituality, there is a lot to be learned about the town I call home. Soon, I’ll be a 3rd year resident. Hard to believe.

Yesterday, our humble little group met at 10:00 for our weekly lesson. For a few more weeks, we’re studying Women and the Bible. The lessons are helping to make real people like Sarah, Ruth, Naomi, Mary Magdalene or Esther come alive. They were just gals like us, living during a time when women were not respected, valued, or equal. Some experienced miracles. For goodness sakes, Sarah got pregnant with her first child at 90. Now, that’s a scary thought.

A good Bible study led by a knowledgeable and capable instructor can be most interesting. Especially if the instructor humanizes the people on the pages creating a beautiful visual of the times. Through my studies, I’ve learned important facts about the chapters in the Bible. Several of the chapters in the New Testament were letters from Disciple Paul to congregations in various towns while he was imprisoned (Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians). Paul was an amazing man all on his own, and I’d never have known about him unless I spent time in class.

Yesterday’s fun continued after class, when nine of us went out to lunch at the local Denny’s. How nice to make the first tire tracks in brand new snow to head out for a day with the girls! By the time noon rolled around, the snow had turned to a messy mixture of sand and slush. Thankfully, the storms are on pause for now and the roads will be dry.

Our tight-knit group of 20 don’t find interest in gossip for gossip’s sake. It’s not enlightening, entertaining, or helpful. We do love sharing information about our own lives that might need additional prayer and praise, celebrating the good and hugging tightly through the tough. These woman are the miracles that came into my life the day Jesus took the wheel and drove me to my first when I didn’t even know the group existed. God covers our friendships with his love and grace.

During lunch Miss Sunflower was all aglow about Valentine’s Day, which is in just 25 days! Valentine’s Day is one of my favorite holidays of the year. If you’re just the least bit romantic, you understand. Valentine’s Day is a time for us to release our inner cupid! I have my arrow ready!

For a florist, planning begins early for this very special day. Flowers need to be purchased and cleaned. Vases need to be ordered and arranged for efficiency. Multiple delivery drivers need to be contacted and ready to roll for days. Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day are the two biggies in a florists life. For the next three weeks, Miss Sunflower will get little sleep as she prepares.

During our lunch, it was delightful to be with women I haven’t seen for weeks because of this or that. Last week, I’d been up the night before delivering Wook-lets and needed to catch up on sleep. There was a virus one week and snow another. Yesterday was a time to get caught up on life and spend a little time gabbing and laughing with the girls. Two hours spent with the best women in town. I couldn’t be luckier.

Today, my list is ready and the chores are plentiful. It’s laundry day and so much more. Oliver is back in Puppy Training 101. I hope today holds many more praises than sneaky doggie pranks. He’s better start remembering HE is the PET, not me. At present he’s plotting in his dreams as he sleeps at my feet. I’m sure he has more planned behind those irresistible green eyes of his. His cuteness sees him through many of his antics.

This weekend holds time with the Wook-lets, who should open their eyes tomorrow. Seven little chunks are about to begin exploring the world of their nursery. I can’t wait to cuddle each one. Of course, being a farm girl you learn an important lesson early on. NEVER, EVER, EVER name the babies. Same here. In a few weeks, they will find fur-ever homes with their real families. I hope they remember how much love they received in the beginning.

Whatever you do today, consider a way to get out into the world. Talk a little with a complete stranger, even if it’s just a quick Hello. Smile for no reason at all, even if you need to fake it. Smiles are infectious and our world needs them right now. I’ll return on Monday to fill you in on the weekend, which will be full and exciting. Make yours the same.

More on Monday.