Category: 2024

Due to the extreme winds we are experiencing this very moment, I intend to make this short. I need to move away from the windows and watch the greenhouse from the safety of the house. But, let me begin from the beginning.

Growing up in the Central Valley of California, I never experienced extreme weather. No yearly tornadoes or snow storms that left towns paralyzed. The schools DID call Foggy days, when the Tule fog was so thick you couldn’t see the end of your shoe. That’s about it.

Along with no weather, we also missed out on cool clouds and one of my favorite forces of nature… The Wind. I must be crazy, but since my beginnings, I have loved wind. Slow breezes that kiss your cheek on a summer morning. And June winds that blow the mortar board right off a graduates head. I just love wind.

Until about 1:00 pm yesterday.

I had gone to the Pretty Beautiful Nail Salon to get pretty toes and catch up on neighborhood news. One nice thing about small towns is that everyone knows everyone. You can find out the time for the latest funeral or which fruits and vegetables will be on sale in the upcoming days. If you need something, just let your nail gal know. She probably knows a guy that knows a guy.

When returning home, I’d planned to plant the new seeds Hubba-Hubba-Hubby and I purchased early in the morning. Passion Flowers. Chamomile. Blue Tansy. Sunflowers. Siberian Wall Flowers. Jalapeno Peppers. The first five were for the bees and the last for HHH.

I was enjoying a spoonful of THE BEST HONEY I’ve ever eaten in my life from the Naked Bee Honey Company in Fallon, Nevada. Honey, but so much better. This product is a unique and fulfilling candy bar in a spoonful. Just the right consistency, it’s flavors remind me that summer will soon be here to provide everything remembered in this wonderful food.

Well, I was enjoying this honey and getting out the soil and pots when I happened to look up. Our Manly Marine, across the street, was atop his storage shed. With the winds now howling (gusts to 30 mph), his roof shingles were blowing past him. HHH flew out the door to help, but some men just want to handle things alone and HHH’s offer was declined.

HHH returned to find our greenhouse was again coming apart at the seams. The winds were now in the 30-40 MPH range. With two short whistles, he caught my attention and I flew to his side.

“Here, Hold this panel. I need to get some painter’s tape.”

For what seemed like hours, I star-fished onto the side of the greenhouse, while listening to the door bang. I unlatched it and the door flew open, breaking a hinge. Great, now I did a sideways hug to hold the doors and the side, while the entire greenhouse felt like it would surely take flight. Thank goodness the foundation bolts held it down, or the neighbor across the street might have received a new greenhouse, airmail.

Painters tape and a prayer. We’ll see how we fare. Somehow this darn greenhouse is beginning to seem like a very bad, “Californific” idea. It would have been a great thing to have at the ranch. On the high desert plains of Northwestern Nevada, maybe not so much. We are not about to give in, we just need to get through the storm, which has now been extended to early next week.

Thank goodness the bees haven’t arrived yet. They’re weathering their own storms in California.

Through the rest of the afternoon, with dinner in the crockpot, the internet kept going in and out. The winds hit the house with such force, we checked on our own roof several times. Everything seems to have held. I promise I will try to write something tomorrow. If you don’t hear from HHH and I, please look under the greenhouse. By the way, please don’t forget to water the seedlings!

At this writing, these are damages of which we know.

Seven missing greenhouse panels at Winterpast.

16′ of downed fence at Brother’s house.

One light fixture blown off garage wall at rental.

Two missing greenhouse panels at Ninja Neighbor’s house.

Downed fence across the street at neighbors.

Roof again blown off neighbor’s shed.

Huge waves at Lake Tahoe.

I’ll return on Monday to give you updates on the storm. It’s just getting started now, with 12′ of snow expected in the high Sierra’s, along with blizzard conditions. As for us, we have our Snow Joe batteries charging. We’re expecting quite a bit of snow.

Whatever you do this weekend, if you are not in the eye of a major storm, be grateful. That’s enough!!!

More on Monday.

Such a beautiful city call home! Last Wednesday evening, we had the rare opportunity to watch The Mayor in action. Like many cities and states in our great country, our leader gives an annual address to the local citizens. Ours was The State of the City Address — 2024.

Dead tired after a full day of yard and house work, HHH and I wouldn’t have missed it for the world. After early burgers at the local Denny’s, we took a detour around the ongoing underpass construction to arrive in time.

There are several things you should know about our city. Our population is growing. When HHH and his brothers arrived so many years ago, there were about 700 people that called this town home. Without anything more than a couple markets and a few bars, life was quiet and sweet.

In 2024, things are a little different. With a population of 25,669 (and growing), HHH and I have made an interesting observation. There are three places in town that handle U-Haul trucks. The number of trucks on these lots keeps increasing. Each week, trucks arrive, but they don’t leave. More and more people are discovering the beauty of small town life, and deciding to move here.

Upon arriving at the meeting, we found the parking lot at the Senior Citizen Center was, once again, overflowing. Parking on one of the last asphalt spaces, we hurried inside to find two seats of honor reserved for us at the Mayor’s table. Sharing this table with his newest little great-granddaughter was a treat. Not often you get to observe a little person that’s only two weeks old.

If only we’d been a little earlier, we could have munched on the most beautiful array of fruit, bread, and cheese. As soon as we sat down, it was time. The Mayor was ON.

Our little town requires a budget of $48 million to keep things rolling. Over the last year, the water department, alone, delivered 1,379,524,900 gallons of treated water from the Truckee River to residents all over the city. On the other end of things, the waste water department treats about that much. Pretty amazing for such a little town.

Our city has a brand new street sweeper. Ground is breaking on a new Community Response and Resource Center which will be a place for residents to meet, work, and play.

After 45 minutes of exciting news about all departments in our city, The Mayor encouraged everyone to become involved with something that interests them. In our small town there’s a job for everyone, from July 4th committee members to 4-H Leaders. Advisory committees. Citizen Volunteers. From the annual rodeo to the sheriff department, the ways to help are endless.

During the meeting, (standing room only), there wasn’t one heckler. Not one environmental whacko. Not one disruptive person throwing paint or yelling obscenities. Just a respectful group of people very interested in the state of our beloved city. It showed how much we all care about the place we call home.

Watching Our Mayor in action, his lifelong love for our town was obvious. There’s no better person to guide the growth of our little town. As my desert roots grow deeper, this little oasis is becoming the gem she was always meant to be. HHH and I are blessed to live on the high desert plains of Northwestern Nevada.

Whatever you do today, discover some facts about your town that you didn’t already know. Check into committees that need members. Find upcoming events that might need volunteers. In some little way, get involved. For, we can all make the world a better place if we become the change we wish to see in the world.

More tomorrow.

In the next few weeks, life is going to get pretty crazy! Along with a huge birthday, HHH and I have some living to do. Wookie is going to be swelling with her new batch of wooklets. The seedlings will be turning into vegetable plants and flowers. Our hive will begin to buzz and spring will finally arrive.

But for now, the reality is that it’s cold around here. No need to think about the greenhouse, which has morphed into an extra freezer. The crop of seedlings has moved to the studio, with three more grow lights arriving today.

One new group of seeds ready to sprout are Passion Flowers. If you’ve never seen them, please investigate. This variety of plant is truly like something from the mind of Dr. Seuss. They come in amazing colors and have parts I’ve never seen on a flower. Truly something to behold, I was disappointed to read that they are very difficult to grow from seeds.

Maybe they haven’t met two gardeners with four grow lights and a lot of time?

As for the snow over the pass, it IS as bad as it’s been reported. The pass was closed for over 65 hours and is now clogged with long lines of big rigs. One main problem is that people don’t know how to drive in winter. Everyone goes way to fast, until they spin out, soil themselves, and then begin to understand. Speed on ice kills.

HHH will be traveling over the pass with the Wookie to California for a much needed appointment. With love in the air, never have I ever experienced such behavior between dogs. There is no way Oliver can assist Wookie in any way, but, that hasn’t stopped him from trying. Wookie has enjoyed tormenting him in every way possible to the point of exhaustion.

In the house. Out the door. Back in. Not interested in eat. Eating like crazy. Rolling in the snow. Wookie blocking the doggie door for Ollie to come back in. One sitting on one side of the door while the other is on the other side, both whining. The list of insane behavior is quite long, actually. Thank goodness Wookie is traveling to Cali to end the madness. It can’t happen soon enough. She has a hot date with a chocolate Aussie-doodle that will melt her heart.

As for Ollie, he has a weight problem. On a diet until he drops at least five pounds, there can be no diabetic coma for him. Somehow, he’s been enjoying a few too many treats along with Wookie’s uneaten food. With spring’s arrival, it’s time for him to slim down now. At almost six years old, there is no end to the ways he continues to get in trouble. Keeping one step ahead of him keeps both HHH and me on our toes.

While all this is happening around us, I need to take a break. Sometime during the next month, two lovebirds will be sailing away on the bright blue Pacific to enjoy a much needed vacation alone on The Love Boat. Life as newlyweds is the very sweetest journey HHH and I could’ve hoped for. No matter the age, newlyweds need some private time away to make memories of us.

Whatever you do this month, enjoy the longer evenings doing a little something outside. Fresh air and sunshine are the best medicines on earth. Plant a seed. Grow something. Enjoy the here and now with a grateful heart!

Returning on April 15th, we’ll have lots to share about the new blog. Please stay safe and warm. It’s a pleasure to share our adventures with you. I wish you the nicest month of rest and happiness. Au Revoir and Bon Voyage!

To say the last few weeks have been jammed packed with fun and frivolity is truly an understatement. When I wrote last, hundreds of seedlings were to be left in the loving care of the Angel of the Aluminum Cloud. (Again, thank you with all our hearts) My new husband was leaving one decade of life to enter the next. We were ready to sail away on The Love Boat and then return home to receive our new family of bees. All of the above happened and have brought us to today. (And don’t forget to add 2023 Taxes to the mix).

This week, I plan to cover all those topics, filling you in on the details. But, first, you must know that as I write, I’m recovering from a bit of a bug. Sometimes, life throws a virus in the way. It caught up to my Hubba-Hubba-Hubby and me after we’d safely returned back home. We’re still not 100%, but improving daily.

In early March, HHH and I were busily preparing for our upcoming vacation. HHH was sad to leave his sexagenarian years, even when reminded he’d be a brand new septuagenarian. He wasn’t having it and felt a little down about the entire situation..

Months before, we’d decided that a cruise on The Love Boat would be an appropriate gift. Unfortunately, the cruise sailing the week of his birthday was sold out. Knowing his celebration would start a week AFTER his birthday, he never suspected there were other plans in the making. One week before the big day, Miss Wookie gave me the gift of time by demanding a trip to California for a big date with her Puppy-Daddy. With snowy weather complicating the trip, HHH would travel over Donner Pass and leave me with time alone to plan his Surprise 70th Birthday Party.

Now, a man with four brothers that text daily is a man from which secrets are hard to keep. I must hand it to our family. Everyone did their part to keep his party a big surprise. While making two trips to drop Wookie off and pick her up a few days later, there’d be time to drop off invitations, order food, and plan how I’d get him out of the house. Even our minister and church family were in on the surprise.

One of my more Lucille Ball moments involved the dining room. With hundreds of seedlings under four bright grow lights, I knew I needed to change things up. Plants growing on the dining room table for weeks would be moved to make room for guests.

Explaining the move would be easy enough. Wives change their minds and move things all the time. The big problem would be putting in an extra leaf by myself. The table is extremely heavy and it takes two people to pull it apart. With hours ticking until HHH would be back home from Cali, I came up with a brilliant plan.

With the seedlings moved, I went into action. Laying under the table, I deployed my leg muscles to push the table apart, while holding it steady with my arms. Hilarious, but effective. The leaf was in. Now, would he notice the table was expanded for a party?

Rotation! A great method of camouflage.

The most hilarious thing is that it worked. With a different tablecloth, in a different location, he never noticed. I said things had looked messy so I moved the seedlings. He accepted that and turned on the TV. End of worry.

As the birthday came closer, things became a little more gloomy. With the cruise more than two weeks away, it seemed his true birthday would come and go without even a candle. No one seemed to have time to celebrate, while being very, very quiet. Everyone had other plans on that day. I assured him that I had a special surprise for his big day.

That special day came and I announced that I’d be driving him to the town just to the west for…..lunch. Not even a special SPA day. Just LUNCH. I could sense his disappointment. All the while, Ninja Neighbor and her pal were waiting for us to drive away so they could decorate. HHH’s daughter was busy in her kitchen creating his custom birthday cake. Other family members were making potato and macaroni salad and picking food up from the caterer. Everyone had cleared schedules to be at Winterpast at 4 PM for the big party. The minister spread the word to our church family and everyone was ready.

In fact, I did treat HHH to a most wonderful lunch at his favorite seafood restaurant at our favorite hotel. The gambling gods smiled at him while we were killing time, giving him a nice jackpot on a Buffalo slot machine. All in all, it would have been the perfect birthday if that’s all I’d planned. But there was so much more to come.

Driving up to Winterpast, HHH was so surprised he was almost speechless. Cars lined the street and drive. A big banner waved in the breeze. The late afternoon party was complete with family, friends, our minister, and plenty of love for HHH. Everything couldn’t have gone better.

The guests enjoyed visiting. Everyone was amazed at our grow room complete with the seedlings. One guest was worried that we had a problem with mold, as hundreds of little seedlings give off an earthy odor. Once they saw the source of the smell, they understood. A few people took free seedlings. It was a party HHH and I will never forget.

As for Wookie and her date with her Cali-Love, it appears things went well. Her appetite and growing tummy tell us that soon, Wooklets will be adding to the fun here at Winterpast.

It takes a lot more than a silly virus to keep happiness away. Every married couple has shared chicken soup, orange juice, and a large blankie while battling the common cold. As the spring days unfold, we’ll soon be back outside putting our little seedlings into the ground.

Whatever you do today, take time to be thankful for the health that you enjoy. If your coughing, you can be grateful you don’t have shingles. It’s the small things in life that we sometimes overlook. Remember to celebrate the good things in life.

More tomorrow.

Although it seems to have taken years to get here, the day of the Bee-Keeping-Honeymooners has arrived. Our bees have arrived, settled in, and are now in their forever home. In a few short months, we’ll harvest our first honey, while having our first season of experience under our belts.

This adventure started with a simple Christmas gift. For days before Christmas, HHH’s large mysterious gift made muffled woody noises if moved. At that point, we hadn’t discussed the possibility of owning a bee hive, but certainly shared a love for our fruit trees and gardening. Once Christmas morning came and the surprise discovered, we discovered the bees were the one thing we’d been missing in our lives.

On a January morning, we headed out with friends to a New Bee Keeper’s class. To our surprise, the room was full of people just like us. Those ready to try something new in the yard. Through the class, a most beautiful lady has come into our lives. She speaks BEE and it’s obvious they love her. She will remain our life-line connection to bee-husbandry.

During the class, we researched flowers the bees would love us to plant. With a few trips to the seed department of our local hardware store, we began selecting residents for our bee garden.

Mammoth Sunflowers. Black-Eyed Susan’s. Giant Zinnias. Thumbelina Zinnias. Pumpkins. Watermelons. Zucchini. Tomatoes. Strawberries. Chamomile. African Daisy’s. Peas. Beans. Carrots. Onions. Garlic. Cucumbers. The seeds jumped into our basket as quick as we could find them. Soon, a simple gift had turned into soil producing hundreds of seedlings.

This does bring me to another point. The price of plants at the local nursery has sky rocketed. Just last week, the cheapest plants started at $3.50 and went up from there. In a very short time, one can spend hundreds of dollars on very few plants. Growing our own seedlings was a cost effective way to get the number of plants we’ll need to keep the bees happy.

Someone questioned the large amount we’d planted for Winterpast. Be assured, one-half acre of land is quite an area to keep in bloom. 50,000 bees will need plenty of nectar, pollen, and sap to keep up with the hatching brood of their productive queen. It’s just all so exciting.

We returned from the cruise ready to accept ownership of one nucleus of bees. This consists of a queen, and about 10,000 worker bees all living together on five frames in a box. In this form, they are referred to as a NUC (pronounced NUKE). On April 6th, ours was delivered by two people without bee suits. They simply placed the box in the back yard, opened the tiny front door, and left them in our care.

We had prepared a bit. We had two fountains of fresh water for them to drink. Each fountain had been fitted with extra rocks for soft landings. Bees can’t swim, so one needs to remember that when planning as a bowl of water could be lethal.

HHH built a beautiful fence around the bee area, keeping the dogs away from the bees. It also from fence barking with the neighbor’s dogs. There, they have been while we’ve battled our colds inside. Just hanging out doing what bees do.

Yesterday, the lovely and talented Miss Bee came to check on them. Every bee keeper uses smoke to calm bees. Miss Bee happens to prefer dried donkey manure. With donkeys of her own, she had plenty to share! Indeed, the bees calmed down as we disassembled their home to check out the health of the hive. After quite a search, Miss Bee pointed our our queen, a sassy beauty at that. She’s been busy laying eggs. So many has she laid that it was time to move everyone to the Christmas hive to carry on with their business.

After a clean bill of health, Miss Bee went on her way, leaving us to breathe easy knowing everything is right as rain. Of course, there is a need to order pollen patties to give them an extra boost. Next week, we’ll open the hive to refill the internal feeder with a 1:1 simple syrup solution. And, on it goes.

Learning something new in the garden is such fun. There are always new tips and tricks to try. At this writing, HHH is looking for new weed sprays that are bee and pet friendly. Because one thing is for sure. Weeds never stop finding ways to be annoying.

Whatever you do today, try something new. Maybe a new recipe. Or something new in the garden. There’s no time like the present to find a new hobby. At the very least, if you happen to be attracting bees in your garden, grab a cup of coffee and watch the show. Remember to enjoy yourself a little while you do.

More Tomorrow.

How often does one little trip to Walmart turn into an unnoticed testimony to kindness and faith? It happened today. How often are we racing from here to there doing this and that, when something so special might go missed? The following story happened yesterday and I’m still smiling. Read on.

There is a man that attends our church that doesn’t quite look like the rest of us. He doesn’t have a car, so his legs take him everywhere he wants to go. He doesn’t have new clothes, and would probably like the use of a washing machine once in awhile. He makes his bed under the stars in the high desert plains of Northwestern Nevada. He is homeless.

Each Sunday, he comes to worship with us and has for about six months now. He brings his best friend who is the tiniest and cutest little scraggly dog I’ve met in some time. Weighing less than a can of soup, this little dog is adorable, well cared for, and friendly. The two are a good team.

For weeks now, I’ve been meaning to learn his name, but am embarrassed to admit that I don’t yet know it. I know all the names of my Harvest Sisters. I know the names of the minister and his wife. I know the names of past police and highway patrol men. I even know the name of the oldest woman in the church, but, I don’t know his. Of this, fact, I’m ashamed.

Anyway, on the first day of complete health for HHH and I since coming home from our cruise HHH and I were feeling happy adventurous. We decided to run around town to take care of errands. Needing 10 bags of dirt at the hardware store and a few bags of groceries at Walmart we dashed out with list in hand.

At any small town Walmart, it’s impossible to go enter the parking lot without seeing people you know. Our town isn’t any different. As we were parking, there was a young, adorable, shapely, belly-button pierced woman that could have done with a little more clothing. I quietly commented on the situation to HHH.

“Could she just dress before shopping?”

Unhelpful, unnecessary, simple minded, and down-right rude , I admit.

Anyway, we parked and were just ready to enter the store when we saw the young man I mentioned earlier. He and his little dog were waiting by the door, so HHH called out to him and we walked over to say “Hi”. By that time, the young woman had made her way to him and was questioning him about his adorable dog. Then the most beautiful thing happened.

“Hey, I’m on the verge of homelessness myself, but an angel just changed my situation. I have a little I can share,” she said. “Is there anything you need? I mean ANYTHING at all. A friend just helped me out of a real jam, and there’s a little extra to share. Can I help you in any way? Need dog food?”

“Thank you but we’re really good. I have a couple bags of food for him at our camp. But, what I really need is some shoes for a friend under the bridge. His feet are in a bad way. He needs a pair of shoes, either 8 1/2 or 9. That’s what I could really use.”

After we visited with him a little while, we followed the young lady inside. She turned to smile and ask again.

“Really, is there anything I could do for him? I’m so fortunate. I was looking at homelessness just like him in a few days. My situation has changed in a most wonderful way. I’d like to share my good fortune.”

“Well, he needs shoes for his friend. He said that’s what he really needs.”

Now, here is a man that, to most, would need a lot more than a pair of shoes for his friend. He sleeps under the stars on the high desert plains on very cold nights with his little furry friend. He has no permanent home. No family. No cushy neighborhood. His meals come as they may. And yet, his worry of the day was helping someone that had less than he. Less than almost nothing.

Later, walking past the shoe section, we ran into the pair at the shoe section. I overheard this angel telling him, “I bet he could also use some new socks, right? Come on, they’re over here.” They had just finished talking to two older gentlemen who were also commenting on the adorable pooch.

Just like that, this sweet woman was sharing her good fortune with someone else before doing her own shopping. This sweet young man was helping a soul under the bridge that needed it. Goodness swirling around an odd couple while everyone else in the store missed the beauty of the moment.

It made me stop and think about how the whole thing started. With a snarky comment from a wealthy old woman without really knowing the facts surrounding this beautiful young woman’s situation. My world would’ve much happier if I’d just considered that her situation might be a little different than mine. I might have gotten a little better feeling if I’d made a comment about the gorgeous sunshine-y smile on her face. She was bubbling with happiness on her happy Tuesday morning.

Whatever you do today, be mindful. Open your eyes to really see the very moment in which you find yourself. If something isn’t quite to your standard, bend your opinion to fit the situation. Say “Hello” to a stranger. Ask if there’s something you can do to help when things are tough for someone else. Stop a minute and look around. Not just look, see with new eyes. There IS something you could do to help someone somewhere. Even if it’s just a smile and nice comment about their silly little dog.

Love and Kindness are beautiful gifts. Be sure to give them away every day.

More tomorrow.

So much to catch up on!!! Where to begin???? Well, at the beginning of our adventure. At the end of March, HHH and I began packing for a most wonderful adventure. Without wasting much time, we planned a trip to the Mexican Riviera. Translated, we planned to float under the Golden Gate Bridge, travel the Pacific Ocean as far south as we could before turning around to return back under the Golden Gate Bridge.

After deciding on the itinerary, the first problem was deciding which items would make the cut , ending up in my packed, 50 pound suitcase. The last time I flew on a trip “to the beach”, the year was 2013. Having traveled some many times to Hawaii, it soon became easier to tell co-workers we were vacationing at the beach. No need for everyone to know the beach we were referring to was on the other side of the Pacific Ocean.

I’ve always loved flying, waiting for every bit of the experience. When I was 11, my mom took me on my first flight to visit my oldest sister in Alameda. What an exciting flight! I remember the family coming to see us off. At that time, people could walk with the passenger to an outdoor gate, feet away from the airplane. There, after the pilot presented all littles with wings, the left-behinds would wait until take-off and wave until they could no longer see the plane.

After that first flight, there were many more to come. To Hawaii on a family trip in 1972. Whether taking my first international flight to Switzerland in 1973 or a 1977 escape from communism in Russia in 1977, flying has always been something I’ve eagerly awaited with delight!

However, the news about flying these days has been a bit distressing.

Parts falling off planes. Passengers losing their minds while going berserk. People trying to smuggle things on and off planes. Pet passengers that shouldn’t be. The list of ways flying has changed is endless. Long ago, people dressed up nicely to fly. Well, these days, we just hope flying patrons ARE dressed. Enough said about that.

Keeping luggage weight below 50 pounds has always been challenging. This trip was no exception. Now, HHH had no problems staying below 40 pounds. I think his suitcase came in at 39 lbs. Mine hit the airport scale at 49.2 pounds. Thankfully, I’d moved a few things my husband’s luggage.

With an early morning flight, The Mayor came to pick us up at 4:30 AM and our vacation began. The boldness of that statement strikes me. Such a native that I received shuttle service from our beloved mayor! (Who happens to be my brother-in-law).

The biggest surprise of all was that there we experienced no surprises or unpleasantries. Not one. Everything at our airport was efficient and easy, like clockwork. Before I knew it we were in the air and on our way through turbulence towards San Francisco Bay! It was pretty rough over the Sierra’s, as snow fell thousands of feet below.

One of the strangest innovations was the stewardess jacket designed with an elbow cup holder. She walked down the aisle in this jacket with cups at the elbow and a bottle of water in her other hand. No heavy cart. No peanuts in the pocket. Nope. Just a fabric cup sleeve sewn onto the inside of her elbow freeing her to carry a bottle of water. Demeaning, the woman had been turned into a walking, talking beverage cart.

Once in San Francisco International, we dreaded seeing evidence of things we’d been watching on the news. To our relief there was no bad behavior anywhere. Things were absolutely beautiful. People were kind and efficient in their squeaky clean airport. What a wonderful surprise!

All we needed to do was grab our luggage and sit at Baggage Claim Area #1 while waiting to be picked up by Princess Cruise Lines. Again, everything was perfect in an airport kind of way. Nothing threatening or out of order while we gathered together with experienced cruise employees.

During these hours, I had time to think about all the crazy events we watch on television. What IS true and what is a simple sound bite about the most absurd things that happen in our country? If you are worried about stepping out and trying a little travel, don’t be. In our experience and observations, even the weakest and most elderly are traveling and having a most marvelous time. I met many elders enjoying the time of their lives while traveling alone. Life is to be lived to the fullest.

Soon, it was time for us to board a fancy charter bus. We were on our way to a new adventure that neither of us had experienced before. Honeymooning while enjoying HHH’s 70th Birthday in a balcony suite on a 19-story cruise ship, there was no way our trip would disappoint. And believe me, it didn’t.

More tomorrow.

Although there were few disappointments on our trip, there was one sad bit of news. No confetti allowed while sailing away. Confetti is not allowed by extremely grumpy, stiff-necked, environmental party poopers. On a glorious day on the bay, we were about to “Sail Away” on the Crown Princess, aka The Love Boat.

Of course, my personalized and essential technological medallion was defective. Didn’t matter!! Luggage would arrive hours after we did. Who cared?? Not us. Vacationing commenced. On the top deck, we sat front-row, pool-side, entertained by the professional dancers of Princess Cruise Lines.

It was surreal to be in the middle of a travel brochure moment after months of planning and waiting. It was all there, just as promised. The Salty Dog Grill was pumping out hamburgers and fries, the buffet was serving lunch, the bars were open, and everyone aboard was ready to sail away from trials and troubles.

Before our departure, there were a few housekeeping details to complete. The main safety requirement involved locating our Muster Station and watching the safety video in our stateroom. Done and done, we were ready to pull away from The Port of San Francisco, while cruising by Alcatraz and under the Bridge.

Watching a 19 story ship go under the bridge did seem a bit risky. The clearance between bridge and ship didn’t seem like very much as we sailed into late afternoon on the Pacific Ocean.

From there, we just settled into four days on the high seas. The first morning we awoke, there was a faint outline of land. I just know the Goddess of the Central Coast was having her bran muffin and coffee, while reading, “A Country Year– Living the Questions.” Or, perhaps she was already onto “A Book of Bees”. Both written by Sue Hubbell, on her recommendation, they are now on my bookshelf. We waved, hoping Auntie TJ and the Goddess knew it was us sailing by on a bright blue sea.

Day after glorious day, we did things we never thought possible. HHH zip-lined his way through the jungles of Puerto Vallarta, while bungie jumping when zip-lining wasn’t possible. Professional photographers got shots from every angle, allowing us to bring home adorable memories.

We had two formal nights for which we cleaned up really nice. We enjoyed gourmet meals and even watched “Top Gun” with the stars on top of the ship under warm comfy blankets as we steamed along. Although we needed continual directions on this 19 story ship, there was always someone in a uniform to help.

One of the best parts of the entire trip involved daily Bible Study with some of the nicest people on the ship. Cruising during Easter week, for eleven mornings we studied the Gospel of John. So beautiful to study the words of Jesus before he left this world to return to his father. Lifetime friendships formed during our time of study. As John so beautifully wrote in the last verse of his book, “Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.”

The Bible is my favorite book, featuring such gifted authors and subject matter.

Cruising is for any and all types and ages of people. There were very young kids ripping up the pool and hot tub, and then there were older, more reserved honeymooners quietly enjoying the sunshine around the pool and hot tub. There was even an older gentleman cruising with his Medically Approved Service Dog. Every necessary adaptation was made so that all could enjoy a wonderful vacation.

One very special thing we learned is that at sunset over the Pacific, when the sun is just hitting the horizon, something amazing happens. A green flash. I haven’t researched the science, but HHH and I did see the green flash. So quick, if you blinked it would’ve been gone. This is something that must be seen once while standing hand in hand with your true love on a tenth balcony on The Love Boat.

It was all so great, we’re going again in November. And yes, we’ll return to The Love Boat.

Whatever you do this weekend, think of a place you’d like to visit and research a trip. If it’s not possible, take a virtual vacation on your computer, enjoying the highlights of your favorite spot. When a little land-locked here at Winterpast, I just hum the theme from “The Love Boat” and it all comes back! Have a wonderful vacation and I’ll meet you back here Monday Morning.

Vacationing and illness have robbed me of an accurate sense of time. Hard to believe that in the dark days of January, I was tending little seedlings. Delighted, we watched how differently they emerged from tiny seed pods as the days slowly lengthened. Each variety possessed unique and beautiful characteristics all their own. Checking them at least three times a day, they thrived under four spidery Grow Lights. Other than adding the “Super Thrive” that came with the “Jiffy” Seedling systems, we did nothing but give them water and time to grow.

Before we left on our cruise, HHH brought out his magical “Wall of Waters”. These things turn weak little plants into the Greatest of All Time!!!!! We stuck our scrawny tomatoes and zucchini in the middle of the watery walled greenhouses atop new garden boxes. Then, we left on vacation. Returning to the garden eleven days later, we were astonished. Inside the watery walls grew beautiful vegetable plants on the verge of blooming.

Past the threat of frost, zucchini blossoms have turned into tiny vegetables, while tomato blossoms are right behind them. Out of 72 tomato seeds, we’ve grown ten amazing plants that are thriving in HHH’s garden boxes. We’re expecting a good canning season for our secret spaghetti sauce.

The beans, peas, carrots and onions are awaiting their time in the sun. Russets and red potatoes are happy as can be. The radishes thrive in the herb box where I can almost hear them say “Thank You” when I water.

The apricot trees have bloomed and are now supporting another bumper crop. Even though there was heavy frost after a wonderful pollination by the neighbor’s bees, the fruit remained unharmed. Plums are right behind them.

Our Wedding Apple from HHH’s mom is in full bloom. Being such a young tree, we’ll pick off all but three apples. One for each one of us. We want our tree to grow her roots deep, producing Granny Smith apples for decades to come.

The cherries are in full bloom, with lots of bee activity. I’ve never seen one cherry on any of these trees, so this year will be the test. Perhaps we’ve never experienced proper pollination.

As for all the seedlings so lovingly cared for, they are slowly going into the ground. The 4-O’Clocks are tucked between the 2023 Hosta plants which are returning for year two. The Black-Eyed Susan’s grow bigger by each day. Even the Siberian Wall Flowers are giving it their best. Jaguar Marigolds are starting to bloom.

Watching all of this, there is a certain couple that doesn’t miss a day being so very thankful for life as healthy gardening newlyweds.

Last night, HHH insisted that I brave the mosquitos and sit a bit to look at Winterpast in her solar-lit glory. Already PJ’d, I didn’t really want to return outside, having just spent most of the weekend working out there. But, if you are lucky enough to have someone that loves you so much he asks YOU to PLEASE join him in the garden at twilight, you are exceptionally lucky and better hop to it.

There, two of us sat watching the doves, robins and first hummingbird of the season. Marveling at the beauty God has given us, we enjoyed a conversation about gratefulness and the beauty of nature.

There in the twilight, I couldn’t help but remember the faith it took to name my home “Winterpast” when I was in the depths of despair as a new widow. I remembered the courage it took to believe that I could keep her gardens alive and the faith it took to remember that angels surrounded me while I grieved such complete and private loss. Across town, HHH found comfort in the same unwavering faith in God and angels.

Just like the seasons of this amazing world, for now our winter has passed. And so, I close with this beautiful passage from my favorite book.

My lover spoke and said to me,

“Arise my darling,

my beautiful one, and come with me.

See! The winter is past:

The rains are over and gone.

Flowers appear on the earth;

The season of singing has come.

The cooing of doves is heard in our land.

The fig tree forms its early fruit:

the blossoming vines spread their fragrance,

Arise, come, my darling;

My beautiful one come with me.”

Song of Solomon 2: 10-13

More tomorrow.