Category: 2024

What a difference a month of rest and relaxation can make!!! Throughout the holiday season, Hubba-Hubba-Husband and I were constantly reminded of the miracles in this great world. Although the broadcast news would make us all believe we’re surrounded by grinchy jackals and thieves, we found our little town on the high dessert plains of Northwest Nevada to be a bit like Who-Ville. Small town sweet and kind.

The holiday season can be full of ghosts that lurk in boxes of Christmas past. There were some decorations that didn’t make it to the 2023 display. After playing for 33 years, my set of electrified brass musical bells decided they had played their last song. The little Christmas village lost all power due to old and shoddy wiring. Other smaller decorations lost their luster over the long hot summer. And so, our Christmas decorations were pared down.

As for the exterior lighting, HHH went overboard to win our neighborhood lighting award. From a family of deer to exact lighted replicas of Oliver and Wookie, our house sparkled under at least 50,000 lights. And, during our first Christmas season, we sparkled just as brightly as Winterpast took on a festive glow.

When I moved to Winterpast in 2020, I was a new widow of just 17 days. A week before Christmas, I managed to trip over Oliver’s bed and sprain my ankle. The first year without a husband is pretty rough. Although VST and I shared not one real holiday tradition for 33 years, the lack of tradition was a tradition in itself. I didn’t know any different. We made Christmas Eve our shopping day, and spent more than one enjoying an empty mall while choosing our own gifts. It was just the way we rolled and there is something to be said for simplicity.

So, when my first widowed Christmas arrived in 2020, lights weren’t even in my thoughts. Of course, Winterpast would remain dark, with Oliver and I cocooned on the couch, nursing my bruises.

I did enjoy 9 presents, each one representing a month alone. During that first year, I had chosen a word a month that represented our relationship over the years. Friendship. Love. Adventure. Faith. Etc. With each new month, the word was my life-line when the hours became overwhelming. When about to lose it, I would simply think of the word of the month and all the reasons that word was so appropriate. Pretty soon, I’d be smiling and the crisis would be washed away in a sea of beautiful memories.

That first Christmas, I’d also included a note to my grieving self. Those words, written over the previous 9 months, spoke to the healing and birth of a new woman. And, those words, as words always do, helped heal my soul as days turned into months, and then years. Without actual lights, the soft glow from inside the house intensified. There was life inside, even if battered and bruise. That life would need time to heal until at some point, lights would be appropriate.

Over four years later, there is no doubt two very happy newlyweds live here now. Any light display wouldn’t be complete without a cross. Christ IS the reason for the season and it WAS represented in a huge white cross a blaze with twinkling lights.

This year, HHH and I shared many traditions, new to me. From hurrying to the door to hide presents, to putting up our beautiful tree, HHH was right there enjoying every minute with me. Just two lovely senior citizens enjoying their second month as a married couple. We finished our lovely holiday season by hosting a dinner for friends that were alone. Twelve new friends visited over ham, scalloped potatoes and homemade carrot cake. A wonderful meal was enjoyed by all.

As promised, through the month of December, we spent lots of time talking about the new blog site. Hubba-Hubba-Husband and I finally decided on a name. With a special nod to our love for gardening, it will focus on the surprises of marrying later in life. We plan to share our adventures with you, and yes, you will hear from HHH, as he has a lot to say. Stay tuned for upcoming information on the new blog. It is within days of blooming.

Throughout the years, Grievinggardener.com has helped me through very dark times as I healed through grief. It helped me to find the woman that was there all along. As you all took time to read, I could feel your prayers and love. And slowly, through words, I healed.

Now, it’s time to share our new life. Just Two Romantic Roses enjoying life to the fullest. I promise you laughter and plenty of good gardening tips. I hope you come along for the ride with HHH and me, making happy memories of us.

More tomorrow.

The past month was filled with so many different types of JOY, it’s hard to pick a topic from the choices. From celebrating our new marriage to enjoying small town traditions, this Christmas season held it all and this year, it’s hard to move on. Just a few weeks back, we were unpacking our Christmas boxes. In the blink of an eye, it’s time to repack the holidays for next year.

As our Christmas lights glow for the last few nights, I’m reminded of a new experience I encountered during this very new marriage to HHH.

HHH had been itching to do SOMETHING with the front yard. ANYTHING AT ALL. When I moved into Winterpast in 2020, the plants and bushes were so high, the house was hidden. It’s a beautiful place that shines all on her own, however, the juniper bushes weren’t doing her any favors. Everything but the trees were removed in 2021.

Since then, xeriscaping has produced a fine look for me, with plans for zero scaping in the future. With wild mustangs eating everything in sight, there’s no reason to plant anything until a fence is installed. That’s the big plan for Winterpast this year. A front yard fence! But, for now, the barren landscape has been sprayed for weeds and sits awaiting spring.

Each evening until December 1st, HHH would sit on the front porch pondering just what he would do with lights. And then, it was time to begin. It started with white ice cycle lights around the front of the house. Pristine and emitting a soft glow, the look was just right for Winterpast. That would have been an amazing improvement, but he wasn’t stopping there.

Every day was filled with the search for more lights. More extension cords. The location of the GFI breaker when it was tripped. More decorations. A family of deer. Two trees. nets of colored lights. It went on and on. All the while, the Marine-Across-The-Street was observing and putting up a fine display of his own.

The dueling Marines encouraged each other with every new strand of lighting they installed. Lighted candy canes appeared in one yard. Trees came alive with lighting in another. Slowly, our street became a sea of beautiful lights probably visible from space.

My Ninja Neighbor joined in the fun, making her yard into a wonderland of white lighting. Everyone on our street became involved in this endeavor. The mystery neighbor got with it and decorated his porch with lights. The people-on-the-move took time to light up their front door. Little by little the unexpected joy of Christmas lights took over. More than once, I noticed cars driving slowly down our street enjoying the results of our holiday spirit.

H-H-H Marine is already planning for next year. A forest of trees to the north of the drive. A decorated door on the RV barn. Animated figures. Maybe a manger scene with real animals. The possibilities are endless. With 2,000 new white lights, he’s planning to fancy up the back yard for those summer barbeques we’re planning. And the twinkly fun goes on and on.

I must report on one unexpected event that took us by surprise. It involves The Wookie, our girl-fur-baby. Wookie is an Aussie-Doodle who is very, very smart. She is also agile, learning that my dining room table was a fun place on which to jump for a better view out the window. Never have I ever!!!

Monday night, HHH was going to work his magic with two lovely pork chops. Not thin porkchops. No. These were the thick, delicious, delicious, gourmet type. He’d been working on the recipe all day while the chops thawed on the kitchen counter.

Late in the day, I was watering poinsettias, when I noticed there was only one porkchop on the plate. I thought HHH had probably put the second one in the microwave to thaw it a bit.

At about that time, I noticed our Wookie outside on the lawn. In a strange stance, she looked like she was in the middle of something. Perhaps choking. Perhaps relieving herself. Or perhaps……….

You guessed it.

She had STOLEN one beautiful chop from the counter!!!!

We now have a counter-surfing kitchen thief extraordinaire on our hands. What a character!!!

HHH was not amused. He and the Wookie had a very serious meeting outside in which, after much protest, 1/2 a chop was retrieved. An Unexpected Joy for the Wookie. I guess everyone needs to enjoy a holiday moment now and then.

Whatever you do today, don’t underestimate the lengths wo which your pets will go when a beautiful porkchop is involved. They are much smarter and more resourceful than we think. Gee, it must have been her who emptied the box of See’s candy……Yes. We’ll stick with that story.

More tomorrow.

I know an angel. A real one. Someone that has done amazing things in her life. She puts tiny bits in the ground and produces pounds of onions and garlics. She’s an artist creating original masterpieces, of which I own four. Once, long ago, she produced an entire human being. In her earlier life, she’s spent time protecting our country. She appeared on a sad day a few years back when I prayed to God for friends. Because of those things, some time ago, I chose her blog name to be Angel of the Aluminum Cloud. That will become important a little later in this story.

I’m lucky enough that she trusts me as a good wingman (or wing-person, if you must) for important trips to the Biggest Little City to the West. With a 30 minute drive, coming and going, Angel and I have shared our views on a variety of topics. Each time, our bond strengthens.

Last week, she invited me to visit another type of angel who was to share information about mindfulness. Please look at the picture above depicting the difference between a full mind and mindfulness. The visual explains a lot. When mindful, one takes time to get lost in the present moment. I’d taken my i-Pad and planned to wait until the appointment was over, but instead, was invited to come along for the ride. What a lovely experience it was.

For one hour, in the presence of two angels, I listened, while quietly reflecting, on how many ways mindfulness is a lovely place to rest. While listening, my mind floated back to 1972, when I was 16 and a junior in high school. My lovely teacher, Mrs. Rene Durbahn, knew how I detested PE. She was always trying new ways to help me find enjoyment.

Through her kindness, she led me through the best eight weeks of my year in her PE class. Yoga, Guided Imagery, Stress Release, and Mindfulness. In a tiny little country high school in the central valley of California, this beautiful teacher shared strategies that’ve helped me throughout my life. In present time, these angels were discussing the very topics that’ve helped me survive and thrive through grief. All this while beautiful Zen music played softly in the background.

I must admit, I was enjoying my own present moment when I was startled back to the present by new information. It turns out Angel of the Aluminum Cloud shared something I hadn’t known when I chose her name early on in this very blog. I had chosen her name because one of her amazing skills involved working on military aircraft. I searched for nick-names for such people and “Angel of the Aluminum Cloud” came up. It seemed to fit, so I chose it.

As it turns out, a portion of her training involved metallurgy focused on aluminum. That certainly got my attention. Out of the blue, I chose a name that was more appropriate than I could’ve known at the time.

Once, she did ask me how I came to that name.

Just a happy accident!

Mindfulness just might be something you’d enjoy. Here are some tips to try it.

Smile and feel the cause in your soul.

Pay attention to your breathing for five full minutes.

Spend time in the garden.

Enjoy a nature walk, unplugged.

Practice laziness (one of my personal favorites — in PJ’s)

Feed your soul with positive thoughts.

Walk barefoot to the mailbox while its snowing.

Turn your mind off and….

Just be.

Repeat, repeat, repeat.

That day was an unexpected joy on many levels. Although perhaps not so mindful to zoom back to gym class 1972, the memories reinforced practices that help me today to stay grounded in the present.

Whatever you choose to do today, take a moment to be in the moment. Think of three positive things in your life. Don’t take “No” for an answer, even if your brain is insisting there isn’t one positive thing, let alone three. (And, we all have those days). Give yourself a hug and practice some laziness while your at it.

Mindfulness. A great place to spend a little time.

More tomorrow.

And the seasons, they go round and round. Under a bright sunny sky, we used the last days of warmish weather to box the outdoor lights. Finally, winter has come to stay awhile with fall temperatures a thing of the past. Snow is coming soon. This morning it’s chilly at 33 degrees.

Wednesday, it was time to take care of Oliver’s grooming needs. On the long drive across the desert, HHH and I discussed the best doggie-do’s for this time of year. Both of us agreed that the Wookie and Oliver should hang onto their fur. But, there are some places fur is just in the way.

Never was it my desire to become a little old lady with a white dog needing fanny grooming. I’ve watched those sweet ladies over the years. Usually holding curly little poodles of the shivering type, they’d have the grooming appointments made weeks in advance. Now, with my own little white dog to care for, I can no longer judge.

The truth can’t be ignored. I’m now the owner of a little white dog that needs a butt shave.

Sam has been Ollie’s groomer since the very beginning. They’ve got a thing going on. I only need to mention her name and Ollie runs to the car door.

In the beginning, there were some haircuts that were indicative of the struggle they shared. Sam used to call him her “bucking bronco”. I can only envision their early grooming sessions. Finally, she resorted to using a sling to hold his wiggling body for foot care. Slowly, his haircuts have improved.

When we finally arrived, she asked what services Oliver would be needing.

“Just the minimum, Sam.”

“Face, Fanny, and Feet?”

I never thought of it in that way. Yes. Exactly.

After two hours, we returned to the shop to retrieve him. Although I hadn’t received a text, I assumed that he’d soon be ready. As I quietly entered, there stood Sir Oliver of Ashworth Hall on the top of the stainless grooming table. It was a thing of beauty. A perfectly relaxed fluffy, cream, piebald, wire-haired standard dachshund. His soft green eyes were relaxed as he waited patiently for his foot care.

Whose dog is that??????

This can’t be the same crazy little dog that races the fence barking his head off. The same one that chases the Wookie around the house nipping at her heals. The same one that stole my heart five Christmas’s ago. Except, all grown up.

In a split second he saw me and nearly jumped off the table. The old Oliver returned as I went back to the car to wait a little more. Best haircut in his 5.5 years on this earth.

Yesterday, was my turn for feet and hands at the nail salon. How quickly one can get spoiled to manicures and pedicures. HHH convinced me to spruce up a bit for the wedding, and since then, I’m hooked. It was time for a bit of pampering as the new year roars toward the end of the first week.

I’m always amazed at how many colors are shelved on the walls of my nail shop. From simple black to a bright neon yellow, I always choose the same one. Sparkling Angel Pink Gel. It’s HHH’s favorite color, being rather “girly”. I can’t disappoint.

A month ago, I went rogue and chose a sparkly blue green blue-green. I wanted to try something different, not realizing there are some colors choices better than others.

Racing home, I was quick to show HHH my new nails….. “I got my nails done.”

“Hhhhhhmmmm. You certainly did.”

With that telling response, my nail artist redid them the next morning.

Somethings are just a step too far.

Today, with fingers, toes, face, feet, and fanny, ready for the weekend, our pack has plans to hunker down for the upcoming snowstorm. The first of the season, the Sierra’s should get their fair share of moisture.

Although not covered on the news, the Central Coastline of California has been hit pretty hard. Prayers and love go out to the Goddess of the Central Coast, who experienced waves that broke OVER her house. That’s not the way anyone wants the new year to begin, least of all, the Goddess of the Central Coast. Hang in there, the storms will pass soon.

Whatever you are doing today, pamper yourself just a little. Even taking time for a quiet cup of tea is a lovely treat. Call a friend. Write a letter. All while taking a little time for yourself.

Happy Friday!!! I’ll be back with more stories on Monday.

What an interesting place I live. One minute, in the middle of winter, we can enjoy a 50 degree day of sunshine. On that very afternoon, the temperature can drop 20 degrees, as the winds howl. It is in that situation we found ourselves on Saturday, the first big storm of winter.

It all started out so nice. No wind and beautiful sunshine. My Hubba-Hubba-Husband and I were out of a few groceries and decided to get everything we needed before the upcoming storm. In our town, there are three choices.

1. Walmart
2. Grocery Outlet
3. Raley’s

Just three. You can find good in all three, but on this particular day, we found ourselves shopping the aisles of Walmart. It’s always fun to go shopping with HHH, as he has lived in our town his entire life. From 1st grade on, he’s been here. In those days, there was no Walmart, Grocery Outlet, or Raley’s. Come to think of it, I’ve never asked him the name of the market.

At any rate, this day wasn’t any different. We ran into a school chum of his who was the wife of another school chum. This beautiful and random meeting wouldn’t have happened if I’d run to the store alone. Bring HHH along, and there is always someone that needs to say Hi!

When we began our shopping trip, the wind hadn’t yet started. But upon leaving the store, the temperature had dropped due to the wind chill. A high desert wind carrying along a snow storm can cut right through the thickest hoodie. We both scurried to the car and raced home.

The first damage seen was a portion of the fence which had blown right over, exposing the back yard. What a find predicament that was. The winds were now 30 – 35 mph. If you’ve never tried to stand up a portion of fence as the winds are upon you, you haven’t lived.

But, there was more heartbreaking damage. The greenhouse. As of yet, we have not grown one thing in this greenhouse with a secure foundation and the coolest pea gravel floor. It is complete with two nice potting benches and lots of pots just waiting for spring. Nope, nothing has grown in their as of yet.

Now, you might remember than many of my “Old timer” house plants gasped their last bit of CO2 as they burned to death in early fall. Many others lived to tell the tale but haven’t fully recovered.

This fabulous greenhouse with cement foundation has had its share of troubles. In the last severe wind storms, we lost the roof vents and seven panels. Once they were re-secured, we silicon-ed the roof. Saturday, the sides (still un-siliconed, blew out again). Inside, one strawberry plant and an asparagus fern were just trying to stay out of the weather. Good luck with that.

It took both HHH and I to hold down the flapping panels and temporarily secure them with wide tape until the storm passes. The process of siliconing the sides is first on our list, right after fixing the front fence to prevent Oliver and the Wookie from escaping. And so, it goes when living in wild country.

When the snow finally started to fall, the wind stopped. I’m always amazed at the quiet that falls over Winterpast in the middle of a snowstorm. In a very short time, every dormant plant in the back yard was dressed up in soft white. Until, of course, Oliver and the Wookie ran out to play like two children. Wookie racing this way and that with Ollie right on her heels, littering the backyard with doggie footprints.

The first storm of the year left about an inch of the white stuff, which already turned to ice by morning, as snow has a tendency to do. Winter is here. Although we’re expecting 50 degrees again on Tuesday, that heat wave is short-lived, followed by the rest of winter.

There is nothing more beautiful than the bright blue skies hanging over the snow-covered high plains desert of Northwestern Nevada, Just looking outside make me feel grateful to be alive.

Growing up in the central valley of California, the skies were one of two colors. Winter-grey, or grey-blue. One or the other, unless it was November -February, when you couldn’t see the sky because of the fog. Smog and fog. No puffy white clouds or sparkling snow. Nope. Just smog and fog. I cannot explain enough how I don’t miss either of those.

This week, HHH and I need to fix the fence and silicone the greenhouse walls. I’m sure we’ll make the best of both of those chores. Married life continues to be blissful and full of happiness, the way it should be. There is so much in life for which to be truly grateful.

Whatever you do today, stay warm and dry, if possible. In case of a windstorm, carry heavy tape and something to block the hole in case your fence goes over. It can happen when you least expect it.

More tomorrow.

Monday’s are always interesting. You see, each week, I join four of the loveliest ladies I know to enjoy a morning of Bible Study. Since HHH and I tied the knot, on most Monday’s I’ve had to excuse myself after class, missing the fun with my best-est girlfriends.

Now, these women know how to live. They travel to the city in the east to enjoy lunch on a slanted porch before shopping at the sparkling new TJ Max. There is talk of an upcoming trip to the biggest little city to the west. They’ve even been known to take in a random movie from time to time.

If you’ve ever been curious about the what’s in the Greatest Book Ever Written, Bible study is a great way to learn. It’s a window into another world. I used to get stuck on all the hard names of people and places, but when there are girlfriends to help you along, it becomes a wonderful journey. Each woman in my group brings her own knowledge, and what we don’t understand, we simply GOOGLE.

Bible study is never dull. We’ve learned so much while studying the old testament. Already half way through the chapter of Deuteronomy, we’ve gained insight into the beautiful yet very violent world of long ago. Week after week, we gather together to uncover more. While we listen, Max MClean of Biblegateway.org reads the chapters to us one at a time. Each one of us comes up with questions that need some researching, and slowly, we are making our way through the Bible.

Yesterday, it was suggested that we all lunch at the newly re-opened Mexican restaurant, La Fiesta. Months and months ago, a devastating kitchen fire closed their doors. The place just opened last month and the parking lot has been full ever since.

Our town doesn’t have a big variety restaurants. Just recently one of them decided to host a salad bar, closed since Covid in the spring of 2020. The option of a salad bar nearly threw our town into a feeding frenzy. As it stands, we have six Casinos offering a variety of Casino food. McDonalds, KFC, Burger King, Taco Bell, Wendy’s, Arby’s, Jack in the Box, Port of Subs, Subway, and Dairy Queen complete our fast food fare. There are three Mexican and three Chinese food restaurants, and a handful of food trucks. Round Table, Dominos, Pizza Factory, Pizza Hut, and Papa Murphy’s Pizza provide our Italian fare. If I’ve forgotten anything, please forgive me. The choices remain underwhelming in a town of 20,000+, but we’re promised more are on the way.

With the restaurant selected, I called HHH to let him know my plans had changed. Yesterday was pruning day and I’d offered to help. I’d be a little late to that party. HHH was his gracious self, telling me to take my time and have a wonderful lunch with my friends.

After knowing how lonely life can be, I will NEVER again take friends and family for granted. There is NOTHING more beautiful than sitting with a group of the most lovely of lovelies while learning about their lives and loved ones. I hit the jackpot when I met these women, each one intelligent and interesting. Although there are years between our ages, you’d never know it. Yesterday was no different.

It was decided at the beginning of the meal that we’d save the waiter the trouble of writing four tickets. We all ordered the same exact thing, down to the drinks. It would be easy to split the tab at the end of the meal. No Problema.

Our food was delivered, we shared wonderful food and conversations. And then…..there was Mucho Problema.

With the passing of the next thirty minutes, we all became more confused. Looney lunching ladies that’d each enjoyed a glass of water with her $12 enchilada plate were troubled with the math. Somedays, you just need to sit with ladies you love and laugh. We finally DID figure out the math while deciding that next time, we’ll ask for separate checks. I can’t wait for our next adventure.

The pruning at the rental house is almost done. With one more afternoon of snipping and raking, the house will be ready for a new family. All in all, yesterday was a pretty great day.

Whatever you do today, think about joining a new group. Perhaps it’s at the senior center in your town. Possibly your church. Try bowling or golf. A training class for your new puppy. Just get out of the house and meet some new friends.

Friendship. One of life’s greatest treasures!!

More tomorrow.

Wedding gifts come in all forms. Last October, my Hubba-Hubba-Hubby and I were blessed with beautiful gifts from our guests. But, one of the most precious we received didn’t come in a pretty box all tied up with ribbon. It came through a song sung to us by our dearest and sweetest Ninja Neighbor.

Now, Ninja Neighbor is absolutely as real as the day is long. She loves laughter and gardening and became a dear friend the day I moved into Winterpast, in April 2020. She was there for VST’s memorial, helping my to get through that very tough day. She’s been there ever since, always happy to be helpful.

Think of the most gorgeous blonde you can, and Ninja Neighbor has her beat. From her beautiful eyes to her long blonde hair and killer smile, she is a knock-out. But, her real beauty comes from deep within, for her heart is pure and sweet. And did I mention? That girl can SING!!!!

She’s often told me that she’d be happy to sing for me at any time, but I never took her up on the offer. And so, for our wedding, she surprised us and dedicated a song to us that I’d never heard. How did she know the lyrics would reflect experiences I had during my four summers as a widow? With each of life’s disappointments, I’d pray, dream, do, build, and write again, always knowing God is great. She knew all this and chose to sing Martina McBride’s song “Anyway”.

Jaws dropped throughout the reception hall because it was a show stopper. Heartfelt, she belted out every note. It was if we’d been transported to a concert by Martina McBride herself, only a million times later. This was a most precious gift meant especially for HHH and me. She will forever be referred to as “The Singer At the Wedding” by family and friends that are still thinking about her performance.

Please take a little time to think about these lyrics and the message they hold. No matter what, Never, Ever, Ever Give Up, because the life, dream, and love are right there for you to snatch, especially when the going gets rough.

Anyway — _{inspired by the original by Martina McBride}

You can spend your whole life building something from nothing.

Life’s storms come take it all away.

Build anyway

You can chase a dream that seems so out of reach.

You know it might never come your way.

Dream it anyway.

God is great.

But sometimes life ain’t good.

When WE pray, it doesn’t always turn out like WE think it should.

Pray anyway.

This world’s gone crazy and it’s hard to believe that tomorrow will be better than today.

Believe anyway.

You can love someone with all your heart and in a second, illness takes them away.

Love anyway.

God is great.

But sometimes life ain’t good.

When WE pray, it doesn’t always turn out like WE think it should.

Pray anyway

You can pour your soul out writing a story you believe in.

Tomorrow, they’ll forget you wrote a word.

Write anyway.

Yeah, write it anyway.

Remember.

Build.

Dream.

Love.

Write.

Pray.

Anyway.

More tomorrow.

Winter arrived today, with all the

Two days ago, Angel of the Aluminum Cloud and I had a nice long visited. For many years, she actually lived in the wide open spaces of Wyoming, which elevates her to an even higher position in my eyes. In Wyoming, you might live only 10 miles from town, but those 10 miles might as well be 100. We both agreed, it takes a special kind of soul to live and thrive in harsh environments.

People living in the desert, ocean, or mountains need to learn to tolerate Mother Nature, knowing that we are at her mercy. At any time the air-conditioning can go out, and it never goes out when the weather is 70 degrees. Nope. It quits when outside temperatures are 110. It’s the same with heat. It never goes out when it’s 70 degrees.

Last night, when the snow started here on the high desert plains of Northwestern Nevada, the temperature was 29. In a few hours, we received an amazing dump of very wet snow. At first glance, everything looks gorgeous. Now comes the back-breaking work of snow removal.

Imagine the excitement I’m feeling when thinking about using my brand new snow blower!!!! I’m so excited I can hardly wait. But, it needs to warm up a bit. Now, those of you that live in Florida might have a little trouble imagining the need for one’s very own snow blower. Mine is battery operated and ready to go this morning. In reality, HHH will probably steal all my fun and clear the sidewalk and driveway.

On the sad side of things, yesterday, at least one young man died in an avalanche in Palisades Tahoe, a local ski resort. Several people were injured, as well. There were serious warnings before this storm. Avalanches are a real and deadly danger. Prayers go out to the families of those lost or injured.

Many schools in the higher elevations are closed for the day, as schools do when the snowfall is very heavy. Virginia City Schools are closed, taking me back to my winter days as their science teacher at the middle school. Things get nasty on Mt. Davidson during extremely wicked storms. Sitting on the side of the mountain at 6,200 feet, one year we got 12′ of snow. Again, it takes a certain kind of strong to survive winter there.

Snow is a strange thing. In VC, I’d laugh at the snow, which seemed to be made of styrofoam. With very little water content during some storms, it was easy to brush it off the deck with a broom. Last night’s snow is heavy with water, which will make it more difficult to deal with. It took a bit to brush it off the top of the hot tub. My town received 17″.

I’m so glad we stocked up before the storm today. I’m even more glad that HHH and I have food stored for a real winter storm. We’ll simply put on our warmest jammies, stay in, and watch old movies together. No better way to enjoy our snow day!!!

While honeymooning in our late 60’s, I guess we do look pretty silly sometimes. Yesterday, as we shopped for last minute things, Janet Jackson’s “Miss You Much” was playing in the grocery store. This is one of my favorites, so I started being silly while quietly singing HHH the chorus. An awestruck young woman walked by and said, “I want to shop with you two.” It’s true. We have fun with whatever we’re doing, wherever we are. Very blessed Newlyweds. I mean, when was the last time you sang to someone in the grocery store?

Last night, we watched a special on Yellowstone National Park, which is special to us. It was there we spent our first week of married life.

“In October, lets honeymoon there again!” HHH announced. We decided continue to enjoy our honeymoon for the rest of our lives.

Whatever you do today, listen to the weather report. With all these crazy changes in our normal weather patterns, be mindful that the weather can change in minutes. Stay safe, warm, and dry! As for me, I’m off for a date with Joe in the snow. Happy Winter!!

More tomorrow.

Our pastor and his wife are great examples for the community. Helpful in every way, they are always on the move, finding ways to spread goodness wherever they go. Never asking for anything in return, they watch over our small congregation. They are very, very special to each and to every one of us.

So, a few Sundays back, it was no surprise they had placed a variety of free books on the “Please Help Yourself” table. More reading leads to better writing. Not in a plagiaristic way, but in a more creative way. Through words, each writer helps me consider new situations through their unique style.

In May, 2020, I hadn’t read a book for over a year. As a matter of fact, I’d written very few words over 32 years. Such a special gift I’d abandoned. With life’s demands for time and energy, the struggle to keep that flame alive was too difficult and I lost my voice and words. Thankfully, a tiny ember remained in my gut, waiting for a time that I’d be free to express myself.

In 2007, I’d purchased a set of books by Jan Karon. An entire series of orange and cream, the books were all about a town in Mitford, North Carolina. When I couldn’t sleep in those first evenings as a widow, I’d just teleport into the little town while I learned about Father Timothy Kavanaugh and his parishioners. During long and lonely Covid isolation, reading brought me words of comfort and new friends that jumped right off the pages and into my heart.

It was there she told the love story about an old widow, her long-a-go love Williard, and the name “Winterpast” carved into the beams of the most beautiful mansion in her town.

As the story went, the young woman and her mother traveled to France on holiday. There she met young Williard, who was working in pharmaceuticals. They became fast friends and took that friendship back home to Mitford.

She had no way of knowing this particular gent was the one person her father would never allow her to marry, even though his intentions were pure and his love for her deep and unwavering. As the years went by, her father’s hatred only grew, as did the wealth of young Willard. His new chemical compounds were sold making him a very rich man.

Years before, he’s promised he would build her the mansion of her dreams. Over the years, her father’s hatred grew even more, until the two shared a secret that rocked the town. The bad thing was, her father lied and Willard paid the price.

As the for mansion, he did build it and it was magnificent. An artist even spent months painting the walls of the ballroom. He’d told her that there was a special word inscribed on the beam of the home and she’d wondered throughout her entire life if he had, and more importantly, what was the word. Bedridden in old age, being more tired than sick, there was nothing else to do but ask Father Timothy to go to that very home and find the inscription.

He did.

There it was.

Winterpast.

At the time of my first reading, I hadn’t found a church, baptism, and my new life as a Christian. I owned several Bibles, but hadn’t opened them to find the treasures within. The word Winterpast had no real meaning, and so, I had to do some research. As it turned out, the word was plucked out of two words written in Song of Solomon Chapter 2: 10-13 (winter passed).

It took no more than a second and I knew a truth. My new home would be named Winterpast. My Winter WOULD pass with time and this would be the home in which that would happen.

Now, back to Sunday at the “Please Help Yourself” table.

There were books written by all kinds of Christians. There were some written by sports figures. There were study Bibles. But in the middle of the table, there was one book that caught my eye.

Oh. My. Goodness.

Jan Karon.

Snatching the book with lightning quick reflexes, I read the cover. A Continual Feast — Words of Comfort and celebration collected by Father Tim. My Father Tim from Mitford, North Carolina, where there sits a mansion built for the one true love of the scientist with the word “Winterpast” carved in the sixth rafter from the northwest wall on the third floor attic.

I think I was cradling this book when the Pastor’s wife came up to me and said, “Joy, that book might need a little explanation. It’s not just an ordinary book. It is tied to a very special series.”

With a smile, I nodded. “I know. I already know. A book from Father Timothy just for me.”

There are small little connections and miracles that surround us every day. It would have been easy enough to go right to our seats in church and never look at the table. I could have overlooked the cover, missing a complete book of Father Timothy’s favorite inspirational quotes. I’m so glad I didn’t.

To close this week, I want to share a quote that Father Timothy inscribed in the book. If you’ve been reading carefully, you’ll find a strange similarity to a musicians lyrics on which I commented earlier in the week. Has she been to Mitford, too?

Paradoxical Commandments

People are illogical, unreasonable, and self-centered.
   Love them anyway.
If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives.
   Do good anyway.
If you are successful, you will win false friends and true enemies.
   Succeed anyway.
The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow.
   Do good anyway.
Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable.
   Be honest and frank anyway.
The biggest men and women with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest men and women with the smallest minds.
   Think big anyway.
People favor underdogs but follow only top dogs.
   Fight for a few underdogs anyway.
What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight.
   Build anyway.
People really need help but may attack you if you do help them.
   Help people anyway.
Give the world the best you have and you’ll get kicked in the teeth.
   Give the world the best you have anyway. _{Kent M. Keith. “The Paradoxical Commandments.”}

Whatever today brings, live your best life. Keep on loving, doing good, being honest, thinking big, fighting for underdogs, building, helping, and giving your best. There just isn’t anything more rewarding than that.

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

Just when you think you’re all caught up, the seasons change and its time to prune. This chore is especially important because the past residence of HHH has RENTED!!! Yes! Yes! Yes! Our dream on this MLK Day has come true and today, the new occupants take possession.

Just a week ago, knowing the five-hour, 17″ snow storm was on its way, we headed over to prune the peach, nectarine, and plum trees for the new year. In 2022, it seems a certain new lady in HHH’s life got in the way of his seasonal pruning. Although we talked about it many times, we never found the time to prune. This lead to broken limbs during a bumper crop of peaches. There was no escaping it this year. Pruning became a priority.

The first thing one must have when heading out to prune is the proper equipment. Long-handled loppers, a long hand saw, short clippers, gloves, a borrowed trailer, and two workers. Last Monday, two able-bodied worker-bees headed out to complete the job.

It’s less than exciting when pruning trees that will produce fruit for others during the next season. There’s something so wonderful about caring for trees that will produce the very fruit you’ll enjoy over the next year. Here at Winterpast, we’ll wait a bit to tackle our pear, apple, plum, and apricot trees.

In a matter of hours, we had a trailer full of branches, carefully moved from the back yard to the front. Remembering back to the summer beauty of HHH’s back yard, this task was bittersweet for the both of us. His life certainly changed over the seven years he lived there, going from a married man, to a care-giver, to a grieving widower, to a bachelor, a boyfriend, fiancé, and finally husband.

For me, this special place was where we got to know each other, fell in love, and planned the rest of our lives together. Our wedding cake was decorated right inside the beautiful kitchen, where HHH crafted so many beautiful meals just for us. As we worked, memories danced through my head.

It was there I first learned about the abundant crop that can be produced from a single potato plant in the fall of 2022. As I helped harvest his Yukon Gold and Purple potatoes, I was astonished at the yield. We used all of them that fall, amazed at the flavor.

The 2023 crop included Russets, Yukon Gold, and New Potatoes. The harvest was even more bountiful and delicious. We enjoyed many baked potatoes (more delicious than a potato should be) topped with fresh chives from our garden.

Fresh pasta sauce simmered from our tomato harvest. Tomato worm eradication took us both back to our childhoods when our grandparents hated them as much as us. My grandmother would hurl hers at the side of the huge red barn while saying some things I didn’t understand in German. Billy hurled his over the fence into the hot desert while saying some things in English that I did.

It was at HHH’s house that I would pick him up for church on Sunday mornings. There, we put up our first shared purchase of 2022, our Christmas tree. We decided we’d put it up at Winterpast for the 2023 holidays, not knowing we’d be married by then.

At HHH’s bachelor pad, we gazed at the stars while enjoying his hot tub. I learned a Traeger Grill is the only way to prepare meat. I ate my first meals of wild tuna and elk, discovering that not all fish tastes fishy.

During that year, I learned it’s exactly six miles between our two front doors. I also found it’s much nicer to park in a garage than on the street in the wintertime. Oliver and the Wookie created a raceway to zip around the house, zooming through the living room to the hallway, around the corner and back to the living room, even jumping over us and the couch as if in a steeplechase.

On Billy’s bed, we helped bring seven squirming little wooklets into the world at midnight on a cold January night almost one year ago.

Most importantly, it was there I fell head-over-heels in love with my Mysterious Marine. Over 12 months, he became pretty smitten with me, as well. Isn’t that how most really great love stories begin?

With the keys to HHH’s house in the hands of another family, our full attention will now turn to Winterpast. Let the nesting begin. Now that 2023 is a wrap, it’s time for the fun begin.

Whatever you do today, be kind to yourself and others. Think of some healthy habits you’d like to incorporate into your life and begin a new path. Life is short!!!! There’s no time to waste.

More tomorrow.