Category: 2023

Change is never easy, or in the case of our dusty little wide spot in the road off the instate, or quick. No. Change can take years. Sometimes, change can be a wrecking ball to a quiet little way of life. As people salivate for the new business coming to town, three old businesses are struggling.

On our community website, the talk is all about the location of the latest restaurant and when construction will begin. There will be more construction that will cause significant traffic constipation around our little streets. In the end, we will be a step closer to looking like every other little town in the United States.

Our hardware store, pharmacy, and grocery store are all national companies. You need to drive a little further east to find the Mom and Pop establishments that are becoming fewer each year.

In a town of 20,000+, there’s an imbalance of restaurant choices. We have three “coffee shops” pandering to those of us that enjoy comfort through food. There were four Mexican restaurants until one of them burned down on Saturday. (Not to the ground, but certainly, through the attic). It’ll be awhile under they are up and running again. And then, there are the Chinese restaurants.

Covid hit our restaurants in the worst ways possible. First, they were all closed down for months. Through the closure, it seems that people decided work wasn’t all that much fun. With Tesla’s giga-factory providing transportation to and from work, restaurant work has become a last resort as a source of income. Our restaurants are struggling to find help, resulting in long wait times for customers.

How my town ended up with three Chinese restaurants is a mystery. Of course, there are many mysteries in my little town. Like, how did an artichoke made entirely of bottlecaps or a pile of rocks known as “The Turtle” end up in “Next-to-Main-Street Park”? Can a gravel piece of land with some weird structures really be classified as a park, anyway? “Out-Of-Town Park” and “In-Town Park” are real parks with grass, swings, and ball diamonds. “In-Town-Park” even has a skate park feature. “Out-of-Town Park” is home to the rodeo arena. But a pile of rocks known as “The Turtle”? Strange.

Our three Chinese-American restaurants all have their own faithful customers. In a town the size of ours, we should be lucky to have one. Now, Panda Express is moving in. That will be the fourth. We sure could’ve used a “Chick Filet” or even the “Sonic Burger” that has been rumored to be coming for the three years I’ve lived here. But, no. Another Chinese-American restaurant.

The other night, MM and I were driving back home from a wonderful night visiting with family around the fire pit. Having the opportunity to enjoy brothers is a new experience for me, having grown up in a house full of five girls and zero boys. These brothers share true love for each other, enjoying time spent together. What a blessing to spend time with such a beautiful family.

On the way home, driving down Farm District Road, the night sky twinkled above. That stretch of road isn’t lined with street lights, but majestic cottonwood trees that have been there for over a century. The new housing developments line the street on both sides. MM couldn’t help but comment on the change since he was a boy in the mid-1900’s. The town isn’t the same, being urbanized one new house at a time. City folks are moving East, along with Panda Express.

I hope the local restaurants are taking note while paying their employees a good wage. Patrons need to tip generously. Panda Express isn’t the only new business coming to town. Changes are just around the corner. We need to enjoy our little town today, because tomorrow, things will be different. That’s guaranteed.

Whatever you do today, eat local. Find a family run restaurant and go enjoy a great dinner. Get to know the owners on a first name basis. Leave a generous tip. Community restaurants give our towns personality and flair. We need to be sure they know how much we appreciate their great food.

More tomorrow.

Funny how a store can bring back a lifetime of memories. I got my first membership in the late 1900’s. One of the very first Costco’s opened in the heart of the Central Valley. My father was their biggest fan. He’d call from time to make sure the mastiff’s had enough kibble. He just wanted a reason to visit Costco again. I understand that more now, being retired myself.

Throughout Winterpast, so much of what I own came from Costco. Furniture. Kitchen utensils. Dishes. Glassware. Medications. Heck, even the toilet paper around here. Costco was my main source of survival and entertainment. I’ve bought carpet and blinds from their custom departments. I’ve bought new cars from their automotive department. About the only thing I haven’t experienced with them is travel, usually booking my own adventures.

While teaching and ranching, it was a store in which you could replenish the paper towels and bring home a ready-to-eat chicken dinner. VST could always find tools he was looking for and, of course, there were the unexpected items that flew into the basket while one or the other of us wasn’t looking, causing laughter at checkout. There was never a sour face when walking the aisles of Costco way back then.

These days, I usually shop Costco Online. Yes. Every single item is at least $2 more, BUT, the true savings is that I’m not in the store finding things I didn’t know I even needed. If you haven’t tried their online services, you might want to. In my experience, it saves time and money.

Yesterday was a day to fill my freezer, which I’ve been working on emptying for some time. I went to purchase steaks, ground beef, and chicken. Well, if you’ve been to Costco, you probably guessed I left the store with a lot more that just meat.

Driving west, into the first little town 36 miles away, I traveled through heavy road construction. Nevada Department of Transportation is retrofitting two overpass bridges that carry thousands of cars and trucks past our little town, 24/7. I live some distance from the interstate, but there isn’t a time of day that I don’t hear the traffic rumbling by. Some nights it’s louder than others.

Sunday morning at around 1:30 AM, things were really loud. A wrong way driver slammed into an oncoming semi driven by a husband and wife team. Well, the outcome was totally obvious. One dead wrong-way driver. One big rig team shaken up, but okay. As I drove by the scarred road at the site of the accident, it gave me chills. It’s impossible to go the wrong way on the interstate, unless you choose to do so with some sort of crazy death wish.

After a quiet 36 mile drive, I arrived to the usual parking lot craziness outside Costco. There we were. The early-bird Boomers, all waiting for the doors to open. It’s the beginning of the gardening season here and plants of all kinds were shelved and waiting for excited customers. Strawberries, hydrangeas, and lavender. Funny. Two of the three wouldn’t have a chance in the desert without lots of extra loving care. Unless, of course, one has a greenhouse.

Online shopping isn’t just for Costco. It works at Lowe’s, too.

On Thursday, I take ownership of one 10′ x 14′ greenhouse. Ready to assemble. I’ll tell you more about that tomorrow.

Whatever you do today, it’s a great time of year to inventory the contents of your freezer. Toss things that have been in there too long. Plan some meals to use up the things you have on hand. Out with the old, in with the new. Forget the snows of last week. It’s spring!! Barbeque weather!

More tomorrow.

Sometimes dreams do come true. I’ve longed for a greenhouse of my own for a very long time. With the help of one very Mysterious and Marvelous Marine, the reality will begin sometime tomorrow, when one greenhouse arrives on my doorstep. It’s hard to envision the dimensions. In my mind, it will go on for days with sections for every kind of plant I want to grow. In reality, space will be tight. Especially when the benches are installed.

When you live in a severe climate, the garden growing season isn’t always long enough. Thinking back to days in California, how I took those warm February days for granted. With the help of hot caps over the tiniest tomato plants, the veggies would take off. The first frosts of the year might not come until December and crops grew all year.

But, I’m in the unpredictable desert now. As I write, the outside temperature is 37 F and rain is pouring down. Shoot, a little dip in the temps and we’ll have more snow. This doesn’t make for the garden that I remember as a girl. For the next 10 days, the weather here will be on the cool side. Then, with the flip of a switch, it will be over 100.

I’m not sure how the heat in the summer will affect the plants inside. It may be too hot for anything to grow for awhile. It’ll be a learning experience throughout this first year.

The greenhouse will need its very own name. You’re all welcome to send me emails with your suggestions. My MMM will be running the construction crew of 2, (His brother and me), while supervising the job. First, the concrete foundation will need to be poured. After curing for a week, the greenhouse will be bolted down. With the Zephyr winds around here, it wouldn’t be good to find my greenhouse two houses away.

The little structure will need water and power. The power may include solar lighting. I need to investigate what will work best out there. The sickly little house plants will go to spend a few weeks in paradise where they will be pampered with humidity and Miracle Grow. Every inch of the greenhouse will be occupied. When I need a touch of the islands or a little humidity in my lungs, I’ll only need to walk a few feet through the desert. This little house in the back will be a game changer.

As for the gardens here at Winterpast, the color of the season is green. There are plants appearing that I didn’t even know I had. The Iris’s and Peony’s are growing by the day. The bulbs I planted in the fall are struggling to grow with the cool weather. A few have bloomed, but the others are taking their sweet time.

Mr. Lincoln, Peace, and Tahitian Sunset roses are finally starting to perk up. Arriving with totally bare roots from a very nice Rose company, they have struggled to leaf out. This cool weather is just what is needed to help them get established. Spring here in the desert is certainly unpredictable.

Today will be a great day to stay indoors and tackle the studio closet. I’ve been finding such treasures from the past. VST’s scripts from our days as thespians at the Golden Chain Theater in Oakhurst California. Old family pictures provide a window into my own days with family back at the ranch. Rather like a magical portal, the tiniest details of what life was like as a young mom, wife, and farming teacher come back in memories. Those sweet days were the best.

Whatever you do today, enjoy springtime. It’s a time for renewing faith in the beautiful life we enjoy here on earth. Turn off the TV and open the windows. Listen to the bird’s songs on the breeze. In the blink of an eye, it’ll be summer!

More tomorrow.

Today I’m not doing much of anything.

I’m going to work outside in the beautiful spring breezes and clear my head.

Whatever you do over the next few days, remember that sometimes the hardest thing to do is nothing at all. Relaxation is an art form. Being lazy takes practice. It’s good for what ails us all. So, have at it. Relax.

Have a wonderful weekend. I’ll be back Monday.

This Grieving Gardener must admit that although the days pass, the healing process continues. It’s hard to believe that it’s been over three years since VST left us. Over 1,000 days, I’ve gotten up out of bed and handled business of one kind or another. Life truly does go on for each of us, with a grief that is as unique as our love.

During the first months as a widow, my intention was to write a book about personal experiences as a new widow. This blog was meant to be a warm up while helping me through the first year. Three years later, the blog continues while I consider the possibilities of becoming a REAL writer.

Last year, I decided it was quite an arrogant notion that I’d have anything of value to say about being a widow. Grief is so very personal. How brazen of me to think my situation was unique or in some way more unusual than that of any other spouse. Was there any benefit to sharing my experience with others?

Lately, I’m rethinking that one. Once in a blue moon, someone will approach me and tell me that a certain blog really touched them, helping them get through a hard spot. For me, that’s worth more than anything that could come from being a REAL writer. In fact, that confirms that I am a REAL writer with stories to share, whether they be about my life or my very real grief.

Reading about grief has helped me through sad times. After losing my first few students at the Children’s Hospital in which I worked from 2010 – 1015, I found a very helpful service. Through Chapelofthelight.com, I clicked on Daily Email Affirmations. After signing up, a daily email will arrive to comfort and help you through one year of grief. In my case, I’ve been signed up since 2011, still enjoying the daily emails which help me through each day.

With grief, it’s important that we find people with whom we can share memories. Through those memories, we honor our loved ones. While sharing memories, we are there for each other in a way some might not understand. Listening to the memories of someone experiencing grief is a true act of patience, kindness, respect, and love. Just the act of simply listening.

Don’t forget to celebrate the happy anniversaries as well as the sad ones. During the first year of widowhood, a vivid memory of the daily activities made 365 days before would appear. Because VST died so suddenly, 43 weeks were happy ones full of RVing and traveling the country. It was only the last nine weeks that were pretty tough to remember clearly. Those weeks in which we battled liver cancer and lost.

Find local resources that can help. For a time, grief support groups were on hold due to the pandemic. Now that life is returning to normal for us all, I’d like to unpack some sadness that was put away during such a rough time in life. There is nothing worse than losing a loved one.

This morning, while studying Psalm 49, I was reminded that a shroud has no pockets. When we leave this earth, we will take nothing with us. No greenhouse. No new car. No beautiful home with an exotic name. Nothing. We’ll just go. Until then, it’s important that we take care of our soul, grieving when we need to, while letting those that love us help us along the way. It’s the relationships that will help us heal.

As written in Grief Connections Daily Affirmation day #184, “Although countless people have experienced grief before you, each person’s response to grief is different. Your path of grief may be uniquely your own, but you owe it to those around you to share your experiences. See yourself as an educator, a teacher; a guide.” I would add, a friend.

So, whatever you do today, don’t remain shut in and closed off. Open up and share a great story about the person you miss so much. You are the only one who can tell the story and get it right! Enjoy the memories. We are truly blessed to have loved so deeply.

More tomorrow.

I found this piece quite by accident, never having known a thing about Karl Jenkins. I found out in a cruel way, not unlike the bullying that goes on with children across our country and the world.

Okay. I’ll fess up. I’m a royal junky. My favorite royals to watch are William and Kate’s children. Not having access to littles in my family anymore, it’s always fun to watch these three children. Hard to believe that they will grow up to be real Princes and a true Princess. Someday, one will be king. But, for now, they are cute kiddos.

Saturday, MM and I watched with the world as Charles became the king he waited his entire life to become. I couldn’t help think of lovely Diana and the Queen she would have been. The present “Queen”, as she has now become, has quite the past to overcome. I hope their love story is as real as the tabloids would like us to believe. It didn’t have the best start.

Harry reminded us all that even when royal, a family is a family. He breezed in for the main ceremony and then rushed back across the pond to his own life. How awkward for him, even though, the worst of it came from his own poisonous pen. My mother always said, “Be careful of the words you write. They may come back to haunt you.” But then, Harry doesn’t have his mom to argue reason. Just an entitled American actress wife that never fit in.

Yes. Grief made itself known in the absense of Charles mom, Queen Elizabeth,and his Dad, Prince Phillip. Without her death, the entire process couldn’t continue. And so life goes on.

At one point, Charles was clutching his little golden orb, almost like a child with a new ball. I read about the orb. Commissioned in the 1660s for King Charles II, the Sovereign’s Orb is presented during the coronation ceremony to, according to the Tower of London, remind the monarch “their power is derived from God.” Who knows how much that orb is worth, but he was clutching it with both hands. Fitting that it’s hollow inside. Probably a lot like the life of a King-In-Waiting. Hollow.

Through all the hype about Katy Perry not being able to find her seat, to the Who’s Who on the party list, there was one little lost story. There was a gentleman at the coronation who looked a bit out of place. His hair wasn’t combed just right. His mustache hadn’t been trimmed in awhile. Ahhh, the worlds of Twitter and Social Media were ablaze. Just who was this imposter in disguise???? It became a thing.

This poor guy was just sitting in his seat, an invited guest like everyone else. Thanks to plenty of cameras producing video and still shots, a on-line guessing game began. Was it Elvis, come back from the dead? Who was this man in a disguise?

Sometimes the world is just too cruel. This man, who was a distinguished and invited guest was no other than the Welch composer of the beautiful song, Benedictus. Karl Jenkins. I’d never heard of his music, so immediately found the song, listened, and was in awe. Such a brilliant composer was treated so badly by those around the world that want to judge and ridicule someone that rocked a look all his own. They should all send their apologies to such a man.

And, by the way, he was wearing a medal of some sort. Must make him a pretty important guy. He rocks his locks.

In my lifetime, there’s a good chance that I’ll never see another coronation. It seems longevity is a family trait of the royals. I would imagine that today, things will start to return to normal. The kids will go back to school. Everyone will send their finery to the museum for safe keeping. The jewels and that orb will again be safely under lock and key. Life will return to whatever it looks like in their family.

It’s important that we all remember one thing. We come into the world and leave it in the same way, each of us. No matter that we might hold the “Golden Orb” for a few seconds of our lives, it’s a sure thing those moments are fleeting. We would all be wise to hold onto to things that are solid, not just studded with precious jewels while actually being hollow and empty inside.

Whatever you do today, enjoy your privacy. Enjoy the fact that you aren’t someone glittering for a moment while being splashed across social media. Rock your own unique look. Above everything else, remember to be kind. It’s the only way to fly.

More tomorrow.

IF by Rudyard Kipling

This poem was shared by my friend, Carlene, who is going through some rough stuff right now. She’s actually a great human example of this poem, having done some fantastic things with her life while still remaining “Carlene”. She is one of a kind, living her best life in her mid-80’s. If you’re reading, Carlene, don’t let the turkeys get you down.

Treating triumph and disaster the same important in life. In reality, the highest highs and the lowest lows have a lot in common. We all need to hold on holding on long after there is nothing left in us. And we need to remember sage wisdom from another poet, “Somedays we’re the windshield, and some days we’re the bug.” Hmmmm. Describes “cancer” and “widowhood” for me.

I’m sure this poem isn’t “WOKE” enough for the youngers of the day. Perhaps, for them, it’s time for them to quiet the noise in their brains a little bit. Learn to “Suck it up, Buttercups”, and be quiet for a time Perhaps if they did, they could listen to wisdom from their elders. I wish more people were courageous enough to embody this poem. Our world needs Bold Greatness right now.

Turning the noise off at Winterpast is something from which I find inner peace. Just hitting the off button on the television, or telling “Alexa” to go visit friends in England, (or wherever the heck she’s from), lets the real sounds of nature come through. Birds. Wind. The howl of a coyote. The nay of a mustang. The sound of a distant train whistle.

There is so much noise in the world today, it’s hard to catch our breath and just “Be” for a bit. Commune with your soul while being your own best friend. Now, that’s a game-changer.

Whatever you do today, try silence for 15 minutes. This includes silencing the clickity-clack of the computer keyboard. Just 15 minutes of nothing. Try sitting outside while you try this. Listen to “nothing” and see what you can hear. You might be surprised how loud “silence” can be. While you’re at it, listen to your heart. It has plenty to say.

More tomorrow.

At least for today, time is on my side. In four more days I’ll be will be hosting a Mother’s Day celebration for 40 guests. Just a little get together for lunch. Nothing big. Just a beef brisket prepared by MM on the new barbeque. Guests are to bringing the side dishes while we’re planning to have the best Mother’s Day ever!

Let me tell you this. No matter how much you think everything around the house look great, there are always ten more things to do. Up until this morning, there have been days full of pulling weeds and cleaning up the RV barn. Tables are in position, there’ve been numerous trips to the store for tablecloths and cutlery. Even the house plants got their semi-annual spa day complete with a shower and Miracle-Grow treatment.

By the way, the 40 people include immediate family only. One sweet Mom. Five great sons and their wives. Kids. Grandkids. Great Grandkids. And me. I came from a huge farm family like this, so it doesn’t seem strange at all.

The great thing about MM’s family is that they’ll add the FUN to the day! There’ll be littles running around Winterpast. How great will that be? We’re preparing games and activities for them. The adults always have lots to talk about, with the brothers keeping everyone in laughter with their stories and brotherly bantering. Time will fly by all too quickly and by next week, the quiet of the neighborhood will return. Mother’s Day 2023 will be one of the best in the history of Mother’s Days.

I will say that there have been a few shocks on my shopping trips. Since when did soda cost $4.99 a six-pack? I think we’ll offer cucumber water and herbal tea. A trip to the grocery store equals my first house payment back in 1977.

For the next few days, Winterpast will continue to get a good scrubbing. I’ll alert the neighbors if I happen to see them out. We just might be a little loud in the afternoon. Could be problematic if people are napping. They’ll probably want to close the windows. Or, better yet, just come over and get in line. There’ll be plenty.

Mother’s Day will be all the sweeter because MM’s mom, Miss B, will be over with friends. It wouldn’t be a party without her. MM is blessed. She’s the coolest mom who raised her 5 boys to grow up to be friends as adults. Men who have made great lives living with integrity, they are all unique. Time FIVE. That speaks volumes to her motherly qualities.

She called on Tuesday to find out what she should bring. Just like that, I’m one of the gang. One of the many miracles that has happened over the last year. When I moved in to Winterpast three years ago, I knew Miss Firecracker and her husband, Bailey’s and Cream. Covid was still raging so we didn’t get to visit in person. Time wasn’t on our side then, and Bailey’s and Cream died that summer without ever getting to come over for a cup of coffee. And then, there were just Miss Firecracker and Me. Two widows.

Miss Firecracker moved West, leaving the Sierra Nevada’s between us.

And then, there was just me.

Over the months, my garden of friends has blossomed to the best group of girlfriends sprouting all over town. It’s a given that when I go shopping in town, I’ll meet at least one person I know well. Now, with the addition of a huge family to share, my dusty little town at the wide spot off the interstate is my true home.

My children will be celebrating with their own families. From Michigan to Nebraska, from California to Mexico, they’ve scattered with the wind to places they call home. Kids do that once they aren’t kids anymore. I guess VST and I were the first to blow away on a Zephyr Wind to Nevada. We always were the feral parents.

Whatever you do today, it’s not to late to honor your mother or special woman in your life with recognition of some kind. A call. A card. Some flowers. A gift. The mothers of this earth are very special people. Make their day a day to remember. Time is on our side, Yes It Is.

More tomorrow.

My Mother kept a garden,

A garden of the heart.

She planted all the good things

That gave my life its start.

She turned me to the sunshine

And encouraged me to dream.

Fostering and nurturing

The seeds of self-esteem.

And when the winds and rain came,

She protected me enough.

But not too much because she knew

I’d need to stand up strong and tough.

Her constant good example

Always taught me right from wrong.

Markers for my pathway

That will last a lifetime long.

I am my Mother’s garden.

I am her legacy.

And I hope today she feels the love

Reflected back from me.

—Unknown

Thank you, Mom, for putting a lifetime of your own dreams on hold while raising your five daughters to become lovely women. Thank you for being a beautiful example of womanhood to us all. Enjoy Heaven! You earned your wings on earth!

Too all the mothers of the world, have a beautiful weekend. Take a few minutes to put your feet up and think of the happy times you’ve shared with your children. There is nothing as precious as a Mom’s love.

Have a wonderful weekend. I’ll be back on Monday with details about Mother’s Day 2023!!!!

Belonging

• 1. An affinity for a place or situation.

I belong here in the high desert plains of northwestern Nevada. I belong on my side of the mountain among the mustangs and sage. I belong here with the hundreds of new friends I have made over the past three years. I definitely belong in the garden of friends and family that’s quietly grown and bloomed in this, the spring of my life Quiet simply, I belong here. Home means Nevada.

The snow and rain have finally stopped for just a little while. Thank goodness. Although it rained during the party yesterday, Mother’s Day morning shaped up to be a beautiful day. With the food prepared, a clean house, and groomed gardens here at Winterpast, it was as good as this seasoned old croon could do.

The 2023 bumper crops of apricots, plums, cherries, and blueberries continued ripening. Iris, tulips, daffodils and peonies were on the verge of blooming. The spring days have joined together like pearls, not in any hurry for the summer heat to arrive. The high’s have remained around 70-ish, which is just about perfect when you add beautiful spring breezes.

As the 30 guests began to arrive, I had thoughts of the last time I held a large gathering here at Winterpast. It was for a much more somber and serious event. The memorial for VST, held on July 15th, 2020, in the middle of Covid. People were heartbroken to call with regrets, but at the time, Covid remained a mystery. 40 very brave souls came to celebrate VST’s life without masks or gloves. It was not only a beautiful celebration, but it was so wonderful to see family and friends through tears and laughter. It had been quite some time since I had really gotten to enjoy the faces of others. No one wore masks that day and no one got Covid.

Yesterday’s atmosphere is so different. It was Mother’s Day, and the guest of honor was MM’s mom! The rest of the guests were his immediate family. 30 in all, guests ranged in age from a one year old to two octogenarians. I’m not used to throwing such an easy party. I furnished the venue, plates, napkins, cutlery, and soft drinks. Everything else was provided by MM and his family.

I will say that after a week of continuous cleaning and yardwork, it either made me that much stronger, or moved me closer to “The Home”. One-half acre of weeding is a lot. I sure wish I’d known about the pre-emergent spray last winter when it was the appropriate time to apply it. This summer will be a bit rough, but next winter, I’ll be on the list for spraying.

The corn hole game, which MM insisted on, was set up in the driveway. Approved by the American Cornhole Association, it provided a place to play after lunch. The littles were fascinated by the fountain, getting their little hands in the dirt and then practicing hand washing in the fountain. I’m getting old, because it was about the cutest thing I’ve ever seen.

At one point, one of the littles in her spring dress took my hand to take me across the “bridge” to see someone. With her little “Cindy-Lou-Who” haircut, she just decided she and I needed to take a walk. Enchanting.

The brisket was wonderful. It cooked for 16 hours rested for two. Melt in your mouth goodness. The first guest arrived at 1:45 and the last left at 7:30. A great time was enjoyed by everyone. I won’t be the last family blowout we enjoy here at Winterpast.

After Mother’s Day is over, there are many projects to tackle. The biggest and most exciting is the assembly of an honest to goodness greenhouse for the garden. I’m excited to send my houseplants there for some R&R. They could all use a spa date with humidity and extra tender loving care.

Yesterday was a wonderful day for us Mom types to remember all the love and joy our children have given us over the years. Life would be very different without the people that lived under our hearts for a time. No matter the distance, the bonds between Mom’s and kiddos are the most special in this world.

Whatever you do today, take some time to enjoy Spring. For me, the clean-up awaits. There are tables to fold up and chairs to place back in the garden. There’s that fountain to rinse, and birds to watch. What memories we made yesterday. I hope you have some mighty fine ones yourself.

More tomorrow.