Category: 2023

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

More tomorrow.

Oy.

Vey.

Me, oh My, a stick in eye!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

More tomorrow.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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