Category: 2025

As November settles softly over the high-desert plains, I find myself looking back on a year stitched together with quiet blessings. Not the big fireworks moments, although we had a few of those, but the soft, everyday goodness that fills the spaces of life here at Winterpast.

The start of 2025 was a bit rocky as I battled Influenza A. Hoping not to have a repeat performance of that this year, I was so lucky to have HHH by my side during three weeks of fevers, incessant coughing, and mounds of cold medicine. I’ve always said January was one of the two months that could be scrapped, but, in 2026, I hope to enjoy every minute, taking nothing for granted.

February and March were months for tending to seedlings that would become squirrel salad in April. This winter, our selection of garden plants will be limited to less tasty varieties.

I think of the crab-apple tree and her stunning performance in May, her pink tulle dress catching every breeze like she was flirting with the whole neighborhood. The apricot blossoms promised a fruitful summer as the bees hummed happily until their sad farewell later in the season.

With trips to California, Mexico, Alaska, and Yellowstone, our minds were blown with the beauty of our world. From Hearst Castle on that enchanted hill to 75 mph winds off the coast of Alaska, we shared adventure at every turn as we made more memories of us.

There were days we searched for the missing mustangs, wondering if they’d been captured and sold at auction, and then on to those that we wished they’d find another neighborhood in which to feed. There were notes made about plants that survived their destructive ways and trials with Wild Hog Deterrent made from Mountain Lion Urine. All things we plan to continue investigating after a restful winter.

There were early morning sunrises that prompted us to get moving and those glorious breathtaking, stop-what-you’re-doing sunsets when God decides to repaint the sky just to remind us He can. Most evenings, I stood at the window, coffee cup cooling in my hand, feeling grateful for a place that still makes me pause.

Then, there is the blessing of our wonderful groomers that keep Oliver and Tanner safe. Last week, Tanner’s groom discovered a lump in her breast. Today, we’ll make the long trip to our vet to investigate the cause. All prayers are welcome for a good outcome.

Looking back, this year was as close to perfect as it gets. Full of laughter with HHH, projects were either completed or abandoned. Spring winds tried to rearrange the property while Oliver and Tanner’s daily routines kept us grounded.

As Thanksgiving approaches, I’m reminded once again that blessings don’t always arrive loudly. Sometimes they whisper. And if we’re quiet enough, we’ll hear them.

There’s one thing that HHH and I agree on. Long miles across the North American continent have nourished our souls and marriage. In 2025, we’ve enjoyed adventures through life by land, sea, and air.

Travel season begins each year with a traditional visit to the Central Coast of California. Of all the trips, traveling by car through California requires the most stamina due to heavy traffic and the sheer number of miles covered in one day. A 10-hour ordeal each way, twice we travel the same path as the Donner Party took in 1846. Thank goodness for heated seats and a turbo engine.

Once there, it’s been our pleasure to spend time with the best Godmother in the entire world, as well as a true Coastal Goddess. There must be magic in the ocean air that keeps these two women in tip-top shape. With trips to one of the only TRUE castles in the United States, as well as time at the beach, late winter is the best time to enjoy California sunshine.

In March, we chose the high seas, switching to a voyage on the Discovery Princess. Our favorite so far, we were both impressed by what a grand ship she is. If one doesn’t have a good time aboard this ship, one doesn’t know how to have fun. Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta will never be the same after HHH’s birthday celebration.

After a long summer, including caring for lawns and gardens, we hopped on the Discovery Princess again, this time heading north to Alaska. Drama on the high seas changed the itinerary, but it didn’t matter. Nothing is as special as dreaming at sea while serenaded by the waves. Alaska didn’t disappoint.

Autumn clean-up was followed by the wedding of the Love Birds, and then, we were off by land to celebrate our own anniversary. Dressed in autumn colors, Yellowstone greeted us with her grand skies, sometimes moody, sometimes glorious. The buffalo couldn’t care less about our schedule, while the waterfalls put on their dance just for us. Little towns along the way gifted us with memories we didn’t plan but now cherish.

Travel felt different this year. Softer. More appreciated. Maybe because the world is still shaking off old worries, or maybe because sitting beside HHH on those long highways and cruises feels like being wrapped in safety and hope at the same time.

Before the close of 2025, there’s one more adventure that will consume most of December. For the latest news on that, you’ll need to tune in next year.

We’ve laughed, enjoyed great food, and seen wonders that reminded us how big and beautiful this earth is. Every evening, we agree that adventures are best when taken with the person you love the most. When you’re lucky enough to have that person by your side, you are lucky enough! More tomorrow.

So many beautiful people have come together to create tapestry of friendships in 2025. Some old friends and some new, came together through service and the gentle rhythms of community life. Our church has blessed us with treasured friends as each one of us share our own special gifts.

Last spring, while bringing the church gardens and lawn back to life, we met a lovely gentleman who lives across the street. Born in an island country across the Pacific, life brought him to our desert town. With the biggest smile, through broken English, we’ve shared a few minutes under the warm spring sunshine. Friendships start with a “Hello” and sometimes continue with broken English and a smile.

We found a home for “Lucky Duck” later in the year. When we found her lost and alone, baking in the summer sun, something had to be done. HHH brought relief with the hose, giving her a place to cool off. A stylist from the cute little Salon across the street came later in the day to retrieve her. “LD” is enjoying her spot with the flock to this day, while I now enjoy great haircuts from the salon.

During breakfast fests on mornings before church, we’ve gotten to know more about each person that comes to share a bite before worship. From Sweet Bernie (90+), who bakes for us every week, to the youngest of us who is just “FOE” (translated — 4), we’re family throughout the week, not just on Sunday.

Thursday Bible Study, with its popcorn and cookies, continues to be one of my favorite gatherings. The seasoned scholars with their well-loved Bibles sitting next to the newcomer Bibles with their crisp, unmarked pages. The questions lead us on many adventures through the land Jesus walked with his apostles. Laughter fills the room like sunshine while friendships deepen with each verse. It’s a weekly reminder that faith grows best in circles.

Grief Share brought healing to those of us who needed space to breathe and speak. The meditation garden, with its roses, chimes, and sacred quiet , is a refuge for more people than we ever expected. The simple act of maintaining it while pulling weeds, rearranging stones, and trimming back stubborn branches feels holy in its own way.

Then, there are the neighbors of Winterpast, always providing a wave and a smile. We have plenty of time to visit and a yard of leaves to chase. All this as we wait for the great reveal of the neighbor’s 2025 Christmas light display, which will be grand.

During our travels on the high seas, we learned that travelers bring their Bibles as well as their formal wear. How lucky to find out that each voyage includes daily Bible studies held in the chapel.

This year has shown us we’re not meant to walk alone. When we give our time, hands, and listening ears, we gain more than we give. For all of these things, we give Thanks!!!

In the hush before sunrise, with the house still and deep,
HHH slips into the kitchen from a night’s gentle sleep.
The coffee pot hums, like a drowsy drum—
The morning whispers, “Thanksgiving’s finally come.”

The rhythm starts with footsteps soft, a shuffle on the floor,
A cupboard’s creak, pots and pans, the spatula encore.
The oven warms like sunshine, glowing gold behind glass,
And the chef starts his dance as minutes slowly pass.

The turkey waits, majestic, chilled, and grand,
While the pie smells of spices from a far-off autumn land.
The mixing bowl whirls at a clink-clink-clink beat,
The counters host a festival of flavors rich and sweet.

Outside, the high desert morning lifts its frosty, pearly veil,
A whisper of the season riding on a cooling tail.
Inside, the day is warming as the scents begin to rise—
A rhythm built of gratitude beneath the waking skies.

Soon laughter will be heard over steamy coffee brewed,
But now it’s peace and promise, just a moment made for two.
For in these early quiet hours, with every swirl and stir,
Thanksgiving plays its opening song with God as our conductor.

This morning is the beginning of a lovely day! HHH and I discovered on our very first date that we prepared our holiday turkeys exactly the same. It’s got to be in the oven bag. Along with the same preference for stuffing, not dressing, and all the sides, today, we’ll create a perfect dinner for two.

However you celebrate today, remember to be thankful for all the beauty in the world. Call friends you haven’t heard from in a while. Eat too much and laugh even more! This is the most beautiful time of year. Enjoy!!!!!

I’ll be back tomorrow.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

The calendar is winding down again, marking not just the end of another year but the gentle end to my sixth decade on this earth. Sixty-something years of laughter, loss, joy, grit, adventure, and the kind of wonder that sneaks up on you when you least expect it. As I sit here on the high-desert plains of Northwestern Nevada, watching Winterpast settle into the winter hush, I can’t help but smile at how fast 60 years have flown.

This year was stitched together with big adventures that will fill scrapbooks and memory boxes. Road trips across wide-open Western skies. Moments of belly-laugh humor with HHH that reminded me why this chapter of life is so sweet. Days spent in gardens, at church, with family, with dogs who think they’re human, and in places where peace hangs in the air like morning mist.

It was a year of long drives, quiet mornings, bright sunsets, and the surprising delight of finding blessings in unexpected corners, sometimes even under the washing machine. A year of celebrating anniversaries, tending to the land we love, and being part of a community.

But now, as December is about to wrap around us like a wool blanket, something in me feels different. Closing this year, I’m moving into the unexplored territory of a new decade of life.

I’m not sure if it’s bravery or simply the gift of aging gracefully, but there’s a tug inside whispering the next decade will be the grandest adventure yet. Not in a loud, dramatic sense, but in the quiet confidence of knowing who I am, where I belong, and what really matters.

It’s impossible to map out every journey (heaven knows the detours are the best parts anyway), but I’m stepping into this next season with an open heart. With HHH by my side, Oliver and Tanner always ready to create mischief, and the big, blue Nevada sky above me, I’m ready to face whatever comes. So here’s to closing my sixth decade with gratitude.

Here’s to the unexplored.
Here’s to the adventures still out there waiting.
Here’s to trusting that the best chapters aren’t behind us, but the ones still being written.

I’m taking the last month of the year for our own private celebration. I’ll be back January 5th with stories about our amazing adventure. From Winterpast to you, may your next steps be bold, your blessings abundant, and your heart wide open.

Happy Holidays — Joy