Standing in front of Walmart on a cold autumn day while asking for food for the needy was a reality check on many levels. First of all, I can describe desert extremes in great detail, but standing outside in the cold for two hours was experiencing it first hand. Even with multiple layers of clothing, I was glad I hadn’t signed up for more than two days of exposure.
I mentioned the cold temperatures to my Sister in Christ, Widowed Wizard. Now, this is a woman that knows exactly who she is and the jobs she has left to complete on this earth. She wasn’t nearly as bundled as me.
“Cold is all in your mind,” smiling warmly as she said those words.
Interesting and brilliant on so many levels. I just wish my mind would’ve put me in the warmth of Hawaii for the next two hours, because, it was high desert cold outside the doors of Walmart.
Focusing on the reason for being outside yesterday reminded me of the hundreds of people in our little town that don’t have their very own Winterpast in which to drink hot coffee and blog. They are out there right this moment. Cold isn’t in their minds but sucking the life out of them under our bridges or behind our buildings.
Abraham Harold Maslow (/ˈmæzloʊ/; April 1, 1908 – June 8, 1970) was an American psychologist who was best known for creating Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, a theory of psychological health predicated on fulfilling innate human needs in priority, culminating in self-actualization. Maslow was a psychology professor at Brandeis University, Brooklyn College, New School for Social Research, and Columbia University. He stressed the importance of focusing on the positive qualities in people, as opposed to treating them as a “bag of symptoms”.(Wikipedia)
It’s interesting that Maslow placed Love and Belonging at a lower spot than Esteem or Self Actualization. Before taking off on an airplane, the flight attendants always remind us to put on our own oxygen before helping others. That applies to life and self-love, as well. How many times I’ve nearly broken while attempting perfection when we all know there is no such thing. Loving ourselves unconditionally is a nearly impossible task for most of us. At least that is a truth for me.
Standing outside Walmart yesterday, was this 66 year old woman finding her way through life in a body that is never going to be the prettiest, the smartest or the most clever. But I’m pretty enough to smile back at the woman in the mirror, smart enough to avoid drowning in the rain while admiring the clouds, and clever enough to create a life worth living. That’s my reality. The more I embrace basic truths about my life, the happier I’m becoming.
Yesterday, as people streamed by on their way into the store, I was amazed at how many took the time take a flyer and even more amazed when they came back with a sack of food for our Thanksgiving food drive. Self-Actualization at it’s finest. Worrying about others before themselves.
I did find some humor in those two hours.
One fine lady took my flyer and got a very worried look on her face.
“I can tell you this. The day this world stops eating innocent birds is the day I’ll have respect for people. Horrible. Barbaric. Chopping heads off to stuff their guts at Thanksgiving. Bet the turkeys of the world aren’t thankful, now are they?”
Not knowing what the Christian reply would be, I needn’t have worried. She didn’t miss a beat.
“But, you aren’t asking for turkeys here. I can help out with everything on this list. Just stop murdering birds, okay? Awful. Just awful.”
Muttering to herself, she walked away as she read our grocery wish list. More to think about. I do believe she was a few clicks above Self-Actualization.
Thinking about life in between the contacts I made, the Law of Attraction came to mind. It suggests that positive thoughts bring positive results into a person’s life, while negative thoughts bring negative outcomes. When we start to like ourselves just a little, our perception of the world around us will change. Miracles become more visible and happiness may land on our shoulder for awhile if we only accept it.
My life has been full of so many “Should’s”, “Shouldn’ts”, “How Could You’s?”, and “Why Did You’s?”. It’s high time for a few “Why not? Give it a try’s!” mixed with a good dose of mental hugs and high fives. Continued self-criticism creates a very dark environment making it almost impossible to live a full and rich life. I’m still trying to accept those thoughts as my new reality. Some days are harder than others.
Loving yourself involves accepting reality and then making your own path.
In an act of love, accept three small things about yourself. Forgive yourself for three different things. High five yourself for yet 3 more. This human condition didn’t come with a play book. Thank goodness. Individuality makes life beautiful. When we find inner appreciation for who we are, we can find out appreciation for others in our world.
Reality is reality. Don’t stay stuck in the mud. Sometimes you just need to stand in the cold for two hours to realize you need to get moving again.
This weekend is the perfect time for reflection and fun. Oliver is going to get pampered at the spa. Without any real plans, the weekend is an open canvas on which I plan to make a splash. Please come back on Monday to read all about it.
Be Kind. Be Kind. Be Kind. Repeat for two hours in the freezing cold. That’s what I’ll be doing today.
Our community does such amazing things in the time of need. Right now, winter is knocking at the door. The days are short. The nights are in the 30’s. Gas is over $4.50 a gallon. The shelves in the stores are either empty or stocked with overpriced goods. The holiday season is upon us and there are people that need kindness and help. Small town people take care of their own. That’s just what we do.
When the sign-up sheets were passed around at church asking for help with the food drive, I was one of the first to sign up. Yes. I remember Thanksgiving 2020, when I was a brand new widow facing the holidays. It was “then-strangers-now-friends” that greeted me with their smiles and hugs. I bought everything on their dinner list and brought it out to some very cold but also very happy volunteers.
That memory that took little money and an even smaller amount of time to make stuck with me. In July, on a day when I needed friends the most, it was the memory of that cold November day and the warmth from those community members that steered me to my new church friends. That day, Jesus did take the wheel, taking me to a Bible study that was two minutes from starting. The Lord works in mysterious ways. He sure does.
Yes.
You bet I’ll be there. Today. In the cold. Smiling in front of the grocery store with free hugs for anyone that needs one.
Being kind doesn’t cost anything. It isn’t something you wrap up with a bow or take hours to plan. You need to practice it once in awhile or else you might sour. Our world is home to people with many problems. Everyone needs kindness on a daily basis.
There’s another word that we could all practice being a bit more.
Of course, that is the definition when used as an adjective. After dealing with the un-kind among us, we all might need the noun version.
Today, for two hours, I’ll find all the kindness I can give which will warm my heart against the biting cold of Nevada’s high desert. Having lived in this environment for over 8 1/2 years now, I have plenty of extra warm clothes to fight the wind. If it rains, I have a large umbrella. Grumps will walk on by. Bags of needed holiday food will magically appear. The two hours will go by in a flash.
Today, whatever you do, be kind at least once. It costs nothing. It takes no time. Kindness is a mindset. You need to practice it until it becomes second nature. Smile when you don’t feel like it. Say “Hello” to someone that looks like they need a “Hello”. Remember to have a grateful heart. Grateful hearts are the burning ember that keeps us going and doing. So, get out there and fan your own flames.
Time. Such a strange thing. It can race by in the blink of an eye, or take an eternity for just one hour to pass. But, pass it does. It’s hard to believe that 31 months ago, VST and I were in a struggle with time. Wishing like heck there was more time for doctors to discover a cure for the cancer that cut his life short. Longing for just a few minutes to catch our breath and bearings while precious seconds together stopped at the end of his life.
When I lost VST in the middle of Covid, there was no one around. If you haven’t ever experienced days or weeks totally alone, I can tell you a few things I learned.
You are stronger than you think.
You will remember to care for your basic needs.
Although your shirt may be on backwards, you’ll still remember to put one on before you walk to the post office.
You will learn to talk and listen to yourself, hopefully becoming your own very best friend.
In the end, when your friends do come to your rescue, you will understand the true value and meaning of the word “Friend”. One of the nicest things you can have. One of the best things you can be.
In those days and weeks in which I moved to a town in which I knew only two people, I needed grief support. There were no groups. No preachers making rounds to see lonely widows. No long time neighbors that had watched our kids grow into adults. Quite frankly, there was no one familiar except a random woman I happened to meet at Walmart. Pretty dismal.
It was during that time I found a wonderful service offered by the Chapel of the Light in Fresno, California. Offered under the heading “Grief and Healing” was the service called “Daily Email Affirmations”. I’m on my 3rd year of emails, enjoying them in different ways now. Taking away wisdom and truths that I missed the first 2 times.
Each day, an short email arrives which focuses on an appropriate aspect of grief. Grief is such a strange thing. In the beginning, I viewed it as a very long trip through a very dark forest. Those first days, the foliage and trees were so thick it was all I could do to watch one foot fall in front of the other. But slowly, the forest thinned. The first time my grief lifted a bit, my life became was meadow-like. The the peace felt was beyond understanding. Sure enough, there are still plenty of forests I’ll need to pass through. It’s the passing through that can be tough.
If you are in the middle of the forest, try signing up for these emails. If you are in a meadow right now, use the light to sign up for the emails. They have helped me in so many ways, being another silent friend I can count on morning after morning. Somedays we just say a brief “Hi”, while other days, we sit together for a bit. It’s nice just to have another layer of support.
Grief never really goes away. We get stronger and better able to handle it. It’s the price we all pay for loving someone deeply. Pretty fair trade off. Besides, we get to keep the memories.
Whatever you do today, take time to be grateful for at least three things that happen in 15 minutes. Then repeat. You’ll be surprised how many wonderful things continue to happen every hour, even when we turn our thoughts towards our grief.
Time. Such a strange thing. It can race by in the blink of an eye, or take an eternity for just one hour to pass. But, pass it does. Use it wisely.
A November 1st Welcome to you!!! Hard to believe that Christmas is in 54 days according to the internet. And we all know the internet is never wrong……
Years ago, I decided that Christmas decorations need to be displayed for longer than a few weeks in December. Red and green are my favorite colors. Not really sure why I don’t just use them for my accent colors. At any rate, November 1st is the day I start decorating. Now that I’m the chief box mover, it takes a bit more time to move Christmas from the barn to the house.
Having a birthday in December, along with having the name “Joy”, the number of my Christmas boxes increase each year. The cutest “Joy” decorations find their way to Winterpast. Coffee cups, wall hangings, and other decorations that are all personalized just for me. Such a lucky gal.
Almost finished with Fall Cleaning, it’s on to rearranging and sprucing up. I plant to start with a slow introduction of red and green, not adding true Christmas decorations until the week before Thanksgiving.
My favorite decorations have always come from my Godmother, Auntie TJ. Through the years, she has given me the most beautiful and special things. We’re both Sagittarians, our birthdays falling just days part. Knowing me so well, her gifts are always perfect, while arriving right on time.
Fellow Sagittarian’s, you can probably relate to my feelings about a December birthday. By the time it rolls around each year, I’m not in the mood for a cake with candles. I prefer Christmas goodies only served once a year. For me, a December birthday is the biggest bother of all. One more thing that needs to be squished into a list of celebrations, parties, and gatherings. I’d much rather celebrate the reason for the season. In comparison to that, my birthday in quite insignificant and an unwanted bother.
Off to the barn I go to start the process. Whatever you do today, enjoy the beauty of Autumn. It’s never to early to start planning your Thanksgiving menu. In this the day of unexplainable and unpredictable shortages, early planning may help insure you have everything you will need only 23 days from now. 0y vey.
Happy Monday! October 2022 is coming to a close. All of a sudden the daylight is gone by 6, leaving the nights high desert dark and cold. Halloween is upon us. Yesterday, the last of the pumpkins were being snatched up at the grocery store. Winterpast will be without a pumpkin or decorations for another year, as this Trick or Treat-er will be elsewhere on this the spookiest of nights.
There is something that makes Halloween even a little creepier when you live in a rural setting. With no streetlights, Coyotes howl at the moon. Owls swoop out of nowhere while hunting in the dark. The white mustang with the red eyes loves to saunter across the road in the dark of night, looking even more sinister than usual. With no fear of cars, mustangs in the night are lethal roadblocks. Drivers always lose. Yes. Halloween and any high desert town are a perfect match.
As far as I can tell, the kids are making a haul this year. Our town started the “Trunk or Treating” last Friday with a Halloween-Pet-and-Master-Dress-Up-Competition near the local 7-11. Lots of masters and their dogs were lined up as the judges carefully inspected the teams. It’s times like these our little town needs a newspaper (which we don’t have) to cover the fun.
Saturday, Flowers on Main was the place to be after hours. The owner, Miss Sunflower, decided to host a private spider-filled and spooktacular flower arranging event. The first of it’s kind in town, seats were limited and at a premium. With snacks on the side, we each cut the top off a small pumpkin and got to work scooping out the seeds and goop.
When the pumpkins were empty, we put a small cup of water and oasis in the center and started arranging. First we inserted leathery fern until the hole was totally covered, appearing that a live plant was growing inside.
Selecting flowers from the buckets in the walk-in cooler, Miss Sunflower made a working bucket from which to choose our stems. There is nothing more fun than going into the cooler of a flower shop. There were mums, roses, irises, and lilies. Baby’s breath. Purple filler. Gerber daisies looked like they were the product of a crazy science experiment. After the initial decision that we wanted one of everything, Miss Sunflower guided us towards some good combinations and we were off to the arranging table.
Friendships are deepened over wine or coffee, but they are solidified over oo-ey goo-ey pumpkin guts and flowers. Stripping, snipping, and snapping, our arrangements came to life in the most beautiful way. With one anchor flower and a little of this and that, after one hour, we had arrangements to take home! Miss Sunflower finished them off with a sparkly spider and webs magically made from hot glue.
Of course, there are Sip and Paint classes in which people follow the teacher and make a painting. There are other types of get togethers. Floral arranging was the most fun thing I’ve done in awhile. Miss Sunflower was so sweet to open her shop to us on a perfect fall afternoon.
Tonight, Mysterious Marine and I are going to share Philly Cheesesteak sandwiches and fries while watching the third game of the World Series and answering the door to Trick or Treaters. This is an activity that is always more fun when with a friend. Oliver and his girlfriend will use lots of energy barking and carrying on as the door bell rings and pint sized ghouls and goblins come for their treats. There’ll be fun for everyone on this Halloween night.
Whatever you do, try something new. Buy some oasis and bunch of flowers at the local Walmart and try your hand at floral design. Remember this. There are no mistakes. Only happy accidents.
One of the very best things about living in Nevada is NEVADA DAY!!! It’s a real state holiday. No school. No work. Only play.
Although Nevada’s real date of admission to the union is October 31st, this was in conflict with Halloween. The observed date has been moved to the last Friday in October to keep our Trick or Treat-er’s safe. A big thanks to Kelsey Penrose for this complete and helpful Nevada Day 2022 schedule of events for Friday, Oct. 28 through Sunday Oct. 30. Saturday’s parade begins at 10 a.m.
HISTORICAL EAST-SIDE TOUR Join Bernie Allen on Fri., Oct. 28, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. as he guides you on a two mile walking tour of the historical east side. This free tour begins at the Capitol steps and continues to the location of the former children’s home, which was also the site of the 1897 Corbett Fitzsimmons heavyweight title fight. The tour also includes a visit to the site of the former V&T Railroad shops as well as many other historic locations. For more info, call Bernie at 775-315-7616.
Friday & Saturday October 28 & 29, 2022
NEVADA STATE RAILROAD MUSEUM Located at South Carson Street & Fairview Drive, the museum is open Thursday through Monday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. In honor of Nevada Day, FREE admission all day Friday, October 28 and Saturday, October 29, 2022! The museum also offers McKeen Motor Car rides October 28-29, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.. Ride tickets: $8 for ages 12+; $4 for ages 4-11 yrs; free for ages 3 and younger. Purchase ride tickets at the Wabuska Depot at the Museum. For more info, call 775-687-6953 or visit carsonrailroadmuseum.org. Friday – Sunday, October 28 -30, 2022
NEVADA DAY POW WOW The Nevada Day Powwow will run from Oct. 28, 29, and 30 with a Friday family culture night at 7 p.m., Grand Entry at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday and 12 p.m. on Sunday at the MAC center in Carson City, NV.
GREAT BASIN NATIVE ARTISTS GALLERY The exhibition, Dancing for the People: Pow Wow Regalia and Art of the Great Basin, will be on display at the Great Basin Native Artists Gallery, inside the Stewart Indian School Cultural Center & Museum in Carson City. The display will include contemporary pow wow dance regalia, photography, mixed media sculpture, Great Basin beadwork, digital graphic design and more. This exhibition is curated by Melissa Melero-Moose (Fallon Paiute/Modoc), founder of Great Basin Native Artists Collective. It opened on Wednesday, Oct. 12 and will continue until May, 2023.
Saturday, October 29, 2022
PANCAKE BREAKFAST AT THE GOVERNOR’S MANSION A Nevada Day tradition, the pancake breakfast at the Governor’s Mansion (606 N. Mountain St.) is hosted by the Carson City Republican Women’s Club and takes place from 7:00-9:30 a.m. on parade day. Cost is $7 for Adults and $4 for Kids 10 and younger. Proceeds go towards a scholarship of $2,000 to a deserving senior from Carson or Dayton High School. Breakfast includes: pancakes, eggs, ham, orange juice and coffee. The Governor is often available for photos. You might even spot surprise celebrities and famous political guests at this annual Carson City tradition! For more info visit www.ccrwclub.com.
NEVADA BUILDERS FOUNDATION HOSTS BREAKFAST BUFFET AT RED’S OLD 395 GRILL 22nd Annual Nevada Builders Foundation Nevada Day Breakfast Buffet at Red’s Old 395 Grill. Saturday, October 29, 2022 6:00 am – 9:30 am Red’s Old 395 Grill is located at 1055 S. Carson St. Enjoy a full breakfast buffet of pancakes and scrambled eggs, bacon, sausages and potatoes and much more. Be sure to treat yourself to Red’s famous Bloody Mary’s and Mimosas. They are available at the bar. Early Bird Special tickets are $8 purchased in advance and $10.00 at the door. Hurry and get your tickets now at www.NevadaBuilders.org/Nevada-day-breakfast-buffet/
JOIN NEVADA BUILDERS FOUNDATION FOR A “BEER BY THE BANK” Beer specials during the parade! Stop by for a drink from the beer trailer next to Bank Saloon located at, 418 S. Carson St. Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022. All proceeds from beer sales will support the Foundation’s mission to help local youth seeking a fulfilling career in the construction industry.
33RD ANNUAL NEVADA DAY CLASSIC RUN/WALK This is a classic road course through the streets of west Carson City beginning at 8 a.m. Costumes are HIGHLY encouraged! An annual event since 1989, the Nevada Day Classic – presented by the Tahoe Mountain Milers – is an 8K run and a 2-mile run/walk through the beautiful, historic west side of Carson City, Nevada. The races precede the Nevada Day Parade with a course finish down the main drag of Carson City with spectators lining the way. All runners of all distances will receive a custom wooden medal! The first 200 runners that register are guaranteed a t-shirt!
The Nevada Day Classic is organized in partnership with Guide Dogs for the Blind, Kaia Fit, Delta Gamma and Lynn Mentzer Timing. All net proceeds will go to Guide Dogs For The Blind. The email for general public inquiries is: tahoemtnmilers@gmail.com
RE/MAX NEVADA DAY BALLOON LAUNCH Watch the majesty of hot air balloons launching right on Carson Street near the Carson Mall beginning at 8:00 a.m. on parade day (weather permitting). The balloons fly for about an hour and are usually down before the parade starts. The launch operates under the assistance of the Great Reno Balloon Race. Team RE/MAX flies their signature hot air balloon, along with many other balloons. Sponsors can ride in a balloon and hang their banner from the balloon’s basket.
NEVADA DAY PARADE The parade begins at 10 a.m. The military fly-over will signal the start of the parade, which begins at William Street and N. Carson Street, and ends 4 hours later at the intersection of Stewart Street and S. Carson Street. The parade features marching bands, floats, equestrian groups, political candidates, historical displays, Burning Man art cars, and much more.
NEVADA DAY BUSINESS DECORATING CONTEST Decorate your business for Nevada Day to fit the theme “Carnivál on the Comstock” and you may win a $100 gift certificate from the Nevada Gift Shop, bragging rights and a big blue ribbon to display at your business. Mayor Lori Bagwell will be the judge and will take place sometime before the parade.
NEVADA DAY BEARD CONTEST Hosted by Cipriani’s Downtown Barber Shop and Paradise Salon Spa Wellness. Held immediately following the parade around 2:30 p.m., the Beard Contest takes place on the main stage at McFadden Plaza (3rd St.) There is no entry fee, the contest is open to anyone with a beard. Award categories include: best overall winner, longest, fullest, reddest, whitest, blackest, best salt and pepper, best groomed, scruffiest, and most bearded community.
49TH ANNUAL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP SINGLE JACK DRILLING CONTEST The World Championship Single Jack Rock Drilling Contest takes place on Sat., Oct. 29, 2022 at the Carson Mall Parking lot on Carson St. The competition begins around 11:00 a.m. Men and Women contestants use 4 1/2 pound hammers and a 3/4” bit of steel to drill as deep and as fast as they can in a 4,320 pound piece of Sierra White Granite from the Yosemite area (the hardest known granite in the region). Contestants have 10 minutes to pound the drills into the solid stone, their only help is from an assistant who runs water into the hole so the loose stone chips are splashed out with every stroke of the hammer. The deepest hole wins. The contest goes back to the Comstock mining skills of earlier times, when blast holes for dynamite were punched into ore bodies by hand. Contestants vie for a chance at a World Champion title. To learn more visit www.NevadaDay.com.
USAF MOBILITY BAND PERFORMANCE Carson City Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the 7-member USAF Mobility Band that will begin their show on Saturday, 10/29, at 5 p.m. on the McFadden Plaza Stage. They are a part of the U.S. Air Force Band of the Golden West stationed at Travis Air Force Base and a high energy rock band that have become very popular in Carson City. This is their second appearance to help celebrate Nevada’s most popular holiday tradition. They also will be on the VFW Float to play during the parade.
FALL FEST AT ARLINGTON SQUARE Join us Saturday 10/29, for the 7th annual Northern Nevada Fall Fest. Shop local crafters, reps, and businesses. Food Trucks, food booths, Kettle Corn, Raffles, candy and more! In Arlington Square (507 N. Carson St), across from the Carson Nugget, from 8 am- 3 pm.
CARSON MALL ACTIVITIES Carson Mall will host a Craft Show, a “Best In The West” Bloody Mary Contest with a cash prize, and a Corn Hole Tournament. Vendors will be set up in the Carson Mall parking lot at 1223 S. Carson St from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. displaying and selling unique gifts. Find your next treasure and enjoy browsing through all the booths. -“Best Bloody Mary In The West” contest Cash prizes for top three starting at $50. Crafters will pay at the time of the event! Crafters must supply all the ingredients and the Carson Mall will supply the glasses. -Cornhole Tournament TIME: Register, sign-in & practice: 1 pm & Bags Fly: 2 pm $40/team, pay at sign-in This is a BYOP/B (Partner/Bags). Several round robins will be played to establish seating in a double elimination bracket. Sierra Nevada Cornhole will be running the event: regulation boards, bags & rules. Please pre-register on the free Scoreholio app. Check out our Facebooks @shopcarsonmall or @sierranevadacornhole.
38TH ANNUAL CHILI FEED The annual Chili Feed in the Carson Nugget’s upstairs Banquet Center (507 North Carson St.) on parade day from Noon – 2 p.m. Admission is free, so arrive early for the popular event! Enjoy free chili with all the fixings. It’s a great opportunity to meet old and new friends, plus chat with federal, state, and local leaders.
TELEGRAPH SQUARE BLOCK PARTY Join old and new friends and dance to the music of “Ev and the Electric Soup” from 3 – 6 p.m. in Telegraph Square (at Telegraph & Curry Streets), sponsored by Nevada Day. Enjoy free live music, plus visit food and drink vendors and nearby businesses.
NEVADA DAY FREE CONCERT The Capital City Community Band opens its 45th concert season with a free concert of patriotic and Halloween favorites on Sat., Oct. 29th, at 2 p.m. at the Amphitheater in the Legislative Mall in Carson City, NV (weather permitting.) The concert is FREE to the public. Parents are encouraged to bring their children. Bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on.
TOURS AT THE GOVERNOR’S MANSION The Governor’s mansion will again be hosting tours this year on Nevada Day (which includes upstairs!) from 2:00 to 4:00. This is a unique opportunity to see the upstairs of the mansion and meet the Governor and first lady. Docents will do the tours in period clothing and they usually have a little treat to hand out as well.
Sunday, October 30, 2022
POST NEVADA DAY TRASH MOB Meet at the parking lot at 3rd Street and Curry Street by 8 a.m. to help us clean up downtown the day after the parade. For more details, visit our website at nevadaday.com or give us a call at (775) 882-2600.
Monday, October 31, 2022
TRICK-OR-TREATING IN CARSON CITY & THE GOVERNOR’S MANSION The Official night for trick-or-treating in Carson City this year is Monday, October 31st. Stop by the Governor’s Mansion at 606 N. Mountain St. where Governor Sisolak and the first lady will hand out candy from 5-8 p.m. There will be entertainment for all ages.
Whatever you do, celebrate fall. We only have a little bit left until the clocks fall back. Fellow Nevadans, lets celebrate!!!!!
Somewhere out there in this big old world of ours sits a little wooden cabin by the lake. It’s not the biggest cabin you’ve ever seen. Not the prettiest and certainly not decorated in Coastal Grandmother Chic. Nope. Just a little fishing cabin that can get pretty darn cold this time of year. The back door sticks in the winter and lets in the mosquitos in the summer. The roof leaks, but only a little when it rains. It belonged to an old couple that lived out their golden years together. It now sits empty, just waiting to be found by a new couple excitedly awaiting their turn. It seems it’s a little lonely as it waits for them.
Cabins are funny like that. They hold dreams and heal wounds. Just the thought of sitting outside by that little rock fire pit warms the hearts of many. Cabin people dream big dreams and live life to the fullest. The best day fishing on a lake beats all others. Writing to the sounds of the wind traveling through the leaves conjures up all sorts of stories in the creative mind.
This particular cabin sits on the shore of a lake teaming with whatever kind of fish you’d like to fry up for dinner. Walleye, trout, striped bass, or catfish. At different places and times of day, you might even find a sailfish or two, or so I’ve been told. It’s a magical place where bears are always across the lake for proper viewing. Coyotes howl in the distance and never menace the neighbors. Ants, termites, and other bothersome sorts never interfere with day to day life.
The waters of the lake are perfect for an afternoon swim. With temperatures never exceeding 80, an afternoon dip provides a refreshing break summer’s heat. In the winter, the fish can be found just below the ice. With a cup of hot cocoa and a winter parka, a fisherman can have a stringer full in no time.
The cabin is fully stocked with everything a person would need. Endless supplies of flour and oil in which to bread a trout or bake a biscuit. Jars of homemade jam and fresh honey from the meadow. Plenty of cut and stacked wood for the little fireplace that burns on its own from 8 – 8. A thick down comforter on the softest bed, providing the perfect nest for anyone needing a good night’s sleep.
Far from cell service and news of the crazy world, this little place clears the mind of clutter that has no place in a sane person’s thoughts. Wild summer berries are just up the lane, but one shouldn’t take them all. Good neighbors share.
On a day dressed in rainbows, the new owners will blow in on the four winds. Of course, the locals know the exact location Wild Bee Meadow, but they won’t be quick to give directions. It’s kind of nice to have an empty cabin next door. Barking dogs and laughter, although nice, do spoil the quiet. The fish don’t like it much, either. Besides, the ghosts of the past residents want to take the boat out just once more. No, this new couple will need to take a few wrong turns to find the little gem on the lake.
Cabins are the perfect spot for a writer who is looking for the next great adventure in life. Having owned a little cabin in the woods once upon a time, I would warn the new owners that cabins in the mind are the very best of all. No pine needles to rake. No roof to repair. No falling trees or wild fires to fear. Just the peace and quiet of the mind and all the fish you can eat delivered right to the pages of your first novel. Any kind of fish you would like, even sailfish, or so I’ve been told.
This little cabin is out there. Somewhere in this big old world it’s waiting for those that are persistent enough to find it. They need to take their time, finding the bend in the road that veers to the right at the red barn and left at the grey one. Watching out for potholes, (the roads aren’t in the best repair), there are miles to travel, with the rainbow’s end changing the location every few miles. When they find it, they’ll know, as sure as the sun sets to the west on the little lake in the woods near Wild Bee Meadow.
Planning dinner here at Winterpast is often as tricky as picking something to write about on a frosty autumn day. In honor of Tuesday, tacos will be served tonight along with Mexican Rice, Refried Beans, and all the trimmings. Sounds yummy to me.
As a child growing up in a very German farming household, ethnic meals were limited. My mother was an excellent cook who never repeated meals or relied on leftovers. With five daughters and a hungry husband, there was never anything left anyway. Her mental cookbook held a variety of meals that covered one month’s time and almost all were amazing, (minus the Hot Tuna Casserole With Peas). She never forced us to eat liver, but tried to serve a variety of foods to keep everyone happy, healthy, and trim.
It wasn’t until I was in high school that she learned how to make tacos. Perhaps my Dad asked her to try to make them, having been introduced to them by his employees. I can assure you, she didn’t learn how to make them from her mom. In those days, there were no cooking shows, and besides, she was too busy to watch them if there were. Before the age of the computer, recipes were passed around by word of mouth or on hand written pages. Someone, somewhere showed her a thing or two about making tacos and enchiladas.
Once every ten days, we’d have Mexican Night, which we all learned to love. A hard sell at first, but once we tried them, we were all hooked. Not hooked to the point we would ever venture out to have dinner at a Mexican restaurant. The closest town was a 30 minute drive. Eating out was something a farming family just didn’t do unless someone had died or was in the hospital dying. No. There were no favorite restaurants for farming kids.
About that time, Taco Bell was opening franchises around California. My town, being a farming town between Los Angeles and San Francisco, was always last to get anything great like a new fast food restaurant. My mother’s tacos were the only ones I’d ever eaten.
Visiting my older sister in Sacramento was always enlightening. She knew all the best places to eat and the most outrageous things to do. Already married with two small children under her wing, I think she enjoyed the outings with me as much as I enjoyed going to visit her. I was about 13 when she asked if I would like to try a taco at a place called “Taco Bell”.
What????
A taco from a restaurant???
Not from Mom’s kitchen????
So ethnic.
So risky.
So wrong on every level to a 13 year old who had zero experience eating out at ANY restaurant let alone an ETHNIC one serving TACOS that were not prepared by my MOTHER!!!!
This was just a step too far.
Just what was this sister of mine thinking?????
It took her some pleading and persuading to change my mind on this. At this point, she was hooked on Taco Bell, serving it to her little family many times every month. My little nephew was elated when he learned we might having Taco Bell for dinner. With every bit of bravery I had, I agreed to go and try a bite of their version of a taco. My sister seemed to be correct about many new experiences. I’d need to trust her on this one.
One bit and I was hooked. Mom’s tacos now took a back seat to Taco Bell. The best thing I had eaten in my entire life.
That day is the best example I can come up with to explain the sheltered existence in which I grew up. Surrounded by a miles and miles of vineyards in any direction for as far as the eye could see, there weren’t a lot of opportunities for mayhem or devilment. Just never ending work that changed from season to season. It was easy to get great grades when homework was the most exciting distraction there was. Even the phone was tethered to the wall and well within earshot of a mother preparing to cook, cooking, or cleaning up after cooking. Constance surveillance of the German variety in a 1900’s farm house in the middle of Nowhere-Ville.
One taco in a town far away from the vineyard opened a window to new tastes, experiences, and best of all, TACOS.
I still make my mother’s recipe, although I think mine is better.
German-Girl Tacos
Fry 1 large onions until translucent.
Fry 1 lb. ground beef until well done.
Smother in a secret tomato-y sauce.
Fry corn tortillas until they are the perfect crunch.
Top with cheese, tomatoes, lettuce and a little sour cream.
Serve with homemade Mexican Rice and Refried Beans.
The perfect meal to serve to one hungry Mysterious Marine who will join me for dinner this evening.
Whatever you do today, keep in mind Taco Tuesday is a real thing. Do some research in your town and find out where you can get your own piping hot street tacos at a reduced price. Taco Tuesday. It doesn’t get better than that, unless they’re tacos enjoyed with a friend.
Last week, temperatures were still reaching 80 degrees by late afternoon, but as I write this, my outdoor thermometer registers 23. Winter is just around the counter here in the high desert. Oliver is tucked by my feet as he snuggles under his blanket and my steaming coffee tastes wonderful.
I love weekends, frosty or not. This one was especially great. On Friday, the Mysterious Marine and I went to watch women’s basketball at the university in the middle of the biggest little city to the West. My eldest granddaughter plays for the team that visited. It was amazing to see her play in a professional sports arena complete with a four sided jumbotron. Men’s sports are big in our area. Women’s sports will never catch on. Looking around, it seems there were a lot of family members there to cheer on the team, while most of the seats remained empty.
Regardless of the lack of crowds or empty seats, watching a granddaughter play under the big lights of an event center of that size was pretty exciting. After an illustrious high school career, she earned a four year scholarship to a private college in California. I remember her as a toddler, using a basketball to get her balance. Over the year as she watched her dad’s moves, she developed a few of her own. I’m glad I got to see her play as a young woman. With a front row seat in heaven, VST must’ve been full of pride!
Saturday was full of chores in preparation for the big freeze. In these parts, one must be sure to disconnect all sprinkler systems before freezing nights are here to stay. If not, a homeowner will face broken pipes and costly repairs.
I’ve been unable to complete this task myself, as the valve to turn the water on and off is a beast. Thank goodness the Mysterious Marine helped me out with that problem. The gardens of Winterpast are officially beginning their deep sleep. Let the autumn winds carry my leaves off to parts unknown. If not, my gardener will help tidy things up for the winter.
Playoff games, Pan Seared scallops and home-made Fettuccini Alfredo, visits with family members, home-made chicken soup with Amish noodles, breakfast out and breakfast in. All in all, this weekend was action packed and gone way too soon.
This week fall cleaning here at Winterpast is in full swing. Working full time has it’s draw backs. In retirement, I wonder how I did everything while working. It’s quite obvious. I didn’t. This week, I need to play catch up and get things shining. It’s almost time to start decorating for the holidays and Winterpast needs to shine.
A few weeks have passed since I turned in my letter of resignation and I’ve had lots of time to thing about my decision. The peace that surrounds me tells me I made exactly the right one. Although I don’t know God’s master plans and why I was asked to teach for such a short time, I’m sure it was his intervention that landed me the job.
In talking to others still working there, it seems conditions are improving. My kiddos are doing well. Problems are being resolved. Things are better than when I started there.
Not only did I improve my skills of patience and tolerance, I also practiced making boundaries for myself. Protecting myself, it became clear this wasn’t the environment I’d envisioned for one final year in the classroom. The best ending of all happened. I walked away with no malice or hard feelings. It just wasn’t a fit for me. In that decision, I feel total and complete peace without a single regret. What a blessing!
Whatever you do today, enjoy the crisp autumn days and take a moment to look for signs of the changing season. I plan to visit Virginia City, this the week before Halloween. With a lunch of Gospel Fried Chicken, I plan to go sit awhile at VST’s resting spot while I watch the leaves blow by. This my favorite season of all and I don’t plan to miss a minute.
