Grieving Gardener

It’s amazing just to be alive and breathe. If I’ve learned nothing else in the last 16 months, it’s that lesson. With such a full life of doing, VST and I seldom stopped to enjoy our accomplishments. There were always goals looming. Deadlines. Unfinished projects. The last brick.

VST enjoyed long walks every day. Along the way, he always met new and interesting people, reporting back to me on their stories. Mike was one such person.

Mike and his wife moved to C Street, Virginia City from the Bay Area of California. Their home wasn’t a mansion like DunMovin, but rather a conservative little house with good bones. Mike, being a retired brick layer, began his magic. Each day, VST would talk to him about his progress, brick laying being another skill VST knew a thing or two about. When going to town, we’d drive by Mike’s to see how far he’d progressed, as the scaffolding moved from this wall to that.

Mike built a brick garage, and his progress went on, month after month. Soon, he was working on the side not visible to the road. Each time they visited, VST was more impressed with this man that kept going, one brick at a time. Bricking an entire house perfectly showed who Mike was as a craftsman. VST was in awe of the brick layer’s mad skills.

Long ago, newlyweds still, VST shared his trademark secret with me. Living at the ranch, he’d remodeled a bathroom, laying tile flooring one piece at a time. With such perfection and attention to detail , it was finally complete, except for a small missing piece of tile behind the toilet. Proud of his work, he asked me for my seal of approval, and so, I pointed out the missing tile. A project isn’t done until it is. This wasn’t.

“No, Darlin’. Every project has one last piece left unfinished. Finish that? You’re done.” His reference to “Done” meant DONE. Finished. Time expired. “Put down the trowel and die” kind of done.

This superstition became tiring over the year. I finally broke him of this habit during our renovations in VC. Every project was 100% complete. No missing wood or tile. No unpainted surfaces. Not a crack uncaulked. Every improvement was up to his perfectionist standards, even when he was within three months of dying.

One bright and sunny morning, VST saw Mike for the last time. The scaffolding was empty of brick. The house stood as a tribute to the professional brick layer.

“Yup. Just laid the last brick yesterday. Think I might go fishing today.”

Mike died at week’s end. Dropped over of a heart attack. It was swift and final, leaving Mrs. Mike stunned and in disbelief. A man younger than VST, he didn’t know the secret. Always, leave the job one brick shy of complete. VST would have shared that if he could have seen what was coming. The entire community mourned Mike’s passing.

Reflecting on this, I struggle each day to write a chapter just so, or uncluttered a closet while the real beauty of life sits right outside my door. The garden. The birds. Friends. Mountains. The breezes. Oliver and his antics. Projects will never be completed. Mine are all far from the final brick.

Books are the same way. Each day, I move towards completion of “Widow”. Chapter 1-3 sit printed on my desk, as I trudge on. The last word? Ha. That’ll come with my last breath. There are hundreds of stories to live and then write. Great stories aren’t created while cleaning a closet.

Peace hugs Winterpast these days. While he heat broils on, mask mandates foul my mood. Nothing is as it used to be, but the important things remain the same. Stop to remember the important things. Health. Love. Life. Nature. Smiles. Happiness. A quiet soul. Contentment.

Have a peaceful day today. Fergettabout the last brick. There’s always tomorrow.

Miss Firecracker and I understand each other. Strange, because we aren’t chronological contemporaries. Our thoughts and beliefs intersect at key points bringing us laughter or tears. She’s a great sounding board for so many of life’s deep questions, knowing when to answer or just give a knowing glance. A friend in need is a friend, indeed. She’s my BESTIE.

After sharing the stars and the moon in Zero Gravity, we moved on to lunch. Like royalty, our own wait staff took orders and invited us to the terrace for Mimosa’s, while lunch was prepared. Sunning ourselves, we never ran out of topics for discussion.

The terrace was filled women of different ages. Groups congregated in the private pool, or sat on terrace lounges. Everyone was enjoying sunshine and the normalcy of a spa day. Nothing normal about this spa, it had been closed for almost a year. Special it was to enjoy something that hadn’t been available for so long. After purchasing a service, the facilities were available to us until 9PM. I didn’t realize we could have returned even if we left the spa. But, then, Miss Firecracker had a full day planned for us.

Lunch arrived, healthy and delicious. After a few hours of pampered bliss, we decided to find the rest of our group. Downstairs, her daughter, Miss Firecracker’s Mini Me, was tanning her beautifully skinny self by the main pool. She’d saved lounge chairs poolside. Making our way through the children was refreshing. Kids. They’ve paid the ultimate price through Covid and the ways of this crazy world. These kids were having fun. Not a few kids. Lots and lots of sweet children.

As a retired teacher, I noticed one very important point for second time in as many weeks. Covid and home schooling has helped parents become parents again. Although the pool could’ve been a watery sea of chaos and unruly children, it wasn’t. The sweetest kids played nicely with each other. Mindful that parents were watching, they behaved. And, yes, I noticed parents that WERE watching. My Movie in the Park experience last week was similar. Parents being parents, but allowing children to be children. Refreshing.

Mini Me is equally as delightful as Miss Firecracker. A bold, fierce, and smart executive, this woman is a witty, funny and beautiful life force. Miss Firecracker, you taught her well, my dear.

Sunning by the pool, the question on my mind was, “Why Have I Not Enjoyed This Resort On A Routine Basis?” Laying in the sun while listening to the guests, I realized a 5-Star experience exists less than an hour away from Winterpast. This will join the list of my monthly activities.

Visiting with Mini Me, time passed and the blazing sun finally got the best of us. Our strength would be needed for the last of Miss Firecracker’s plans. A dinner at the best restaurant in town, with reservations made months before.

Dinner was one I’ll never forget. Served by two waiters, not one, we were pampered and treated to epicurean delights. Of course, Miss Firecracker stole the show, especially when I clued in the waiters that she was, indeed, THE Miss Firecracker. Delicious food. Excellent service. Friendship extraordinaire. In a flash, we were enjoying Baily’s and Coffee topped with fresh whipped cream. A beautiful evening in an exquisite restaurant with my Bestie. It doesn’t get better than that.

VST was always curious about girl weekends, ask, “What did you do?” It’s hard to describe to a man the value of conversing with a girlfriend. Men sit together, often not exchanging a word. But, women. We’re different. We gab, gasp, groan, laugh, cry, commiserate, and gossip. That could all occur in the first fifteen minutes. We nourish our souls with words from a woman friend that just knows. Supports. Cares. Loves. There is nothing better than that in the world.

Our vacation ended too soon. There are the secret stories we’ll take to the grave. We did need to pay for some damages that occurred on our night out. And, there was the issue with security. Glad Miss Firecracker talks a good story. She saved us more than once that night. Memories will make us laugh for years to come. What happens at the resort, stays at the resort. Rest up, Girlfriend. Until the next time, Thanks for the wonderful weekend. You know. I love you.

There’s nothing like a few days away to improve an attitude, especially if time spent involves one Miss Firecracker!! Normally isolated, it was refreshing to enjoy a normal vacation, in which all vacationers behaved normally. Bustling and crowded, the resort made me feel I was back in pre-pandemic days, except for the masks. Nevadans must wear them inside, AGAIN.

Miss Firecracker, with her wit and wisdom, is a one-of-a-kind BESTIE of the BEST KIND. There are some people in life that you need, like oxygen. She is mine. Getting caught up on the OOHHH’s and AAHHH”s of life, there were plenty of smiles and lots of laughs. Rooming together, our antics went late into the night, well past my normal bedtime.

Together, we could almost conjure up our late husbands through shared memories. Members of the same service organization, we spent time getting to know each other well. We camped together, for goodness sakes. After a successful camping trip, people become family. Campfires do that, melting the group into one gooey S’more of stories. The four of us shared many camping trips. VST and Baily’s were surely observing from on high this weekend, laughing at our antics, while wishing they could be on the other side of the room, their deep voices booming like thunder.

Miss Firecracker and I are Alpha Females. We draw attention with our stunning beauty and strong attitudes. Controlling our own lives, we’re what you’d consider, A CATCH. Women of Means. Ladies. Seasoned Queens of our own destiny. Quite frankly, we’re lovely. We don’t settle for anything less than lives we’ve planned for ourselves. Independent and fierce, weak men are intimidated. Just as well, because, quite frankly, we’re used to lives with our Alpha Males. Each having been half of a power couple, anything less would bore us to tears.

Visiting with such a friend, I remembered the woman I was when I met her. A “+1”. Arm candy for the member of a prestigious Men’s Service Organization, I was somebody’s Lady. At the time, that was a nice person to be. Today, it’d never be enough. Traveling through widowhood for the last 16 months, I’m so much more than a pretty face. VST always knew and appreciated that. It was ME that lost touch with my strength and courage. Complacent, I became the “Little Woman”. I smile at the ME I was, and some days, cringe at the ME I’ve become. All part of assembling a new and improved self as I pick up the pieces and move on, finding what works and what doesn’t.

On Saturday, Miss Firecracker had planned a wonderful day for us. At 9 AM, we presented ourselves at the Spa for Swedish relaxation. If you haven’t been to a 5-STAR spa at least once in your lifetime, you must. There are spas in every town. At least technicians that give a satisfying massage. But, a 5-STAR spa has all the bells and whistles. Things you didn’t even know you needed, but will need after experiencing them.

Only the finest spas can afford the finest amenities such as a vibrating massage table, set to music. Truly heaven made. In a dimly lit room, like candlelight, the fifty minutes of bliss commenced. My massuer, Lawrence, (no, I could never consider him “Larry”, he was definitely Lawrence), was skillful and respectful, applying capable and masterful techniques. As the music played, the table would vibrate with notes at different frequencies. The vibrations were so subtle they could easily have been missed. Warm vibrating table. Warm lotions. Warm neck pillow. Warm knee support. Soothing fountain’s soothing splish-ity splashes. All wrapped up in 50 blissful minutes.

Lumps of warmed butter, both, we met back in the Salt-Therapy room. White leather chairs with large ottomans lined the dimly lit room. A large cascade of salt water cascaded down one glass wall. Attendants brought iced water for our parched lips. All that was missing were tall hunky guys to fan us. Our spa day was just beginning.

Invited to use the facilities for the rest of the day, we took the elevator to the 4th floor, a step closer to heaven. There, private pools, Jacuzzi’s, waitresses, and an outdoor lounging deck awaited us. Everything clean and beautiful. Private for those of us that had purchased a treatment. Like kids in a candy shop, we tried everything. We were inside. Then outside. Going back inside to explore more, we found a metal door resembling a utility closet. On the door were the words, “Quiet Room”.

Entering, we found peace. Extremely dark, the space was lined with white leather Zero Gravity lounge chairs. Each chair, with the push of a button (and a little effort and giggling), went into position. Yes. Zero Gravity is a real thing, placing feet much higher than head. Positioned this way, we then focused on the stunning video display of the heavens. Crystal clear, the enhanced video showcased the big Nevada night skies. Star lit and stunning. Everything in this room comforted the spirit, all behind an uninviting door marked, “Quiet Room”.

In peace, I leave you for now. Enjoy the soft tones of music. The perfect temperature. Your feet suspended higher than your head in Zero Gravity. Quietly, I slip out of the room. Enjoy your rest, because, tomorrow, I’ll share the rest of the story.

Good morning, DearReaders,

Miss Firecracker and I are having the time of our lives. So much music, only so much time to dance. And, well, there was the small issue of the broken table….It looked sturdy…..

We’re off to a day at the spa today to refresh and rejuvenate.

I’ll be back on Tuesday to discuss Swamp Creatures, The Used Car Lot of Life, and so much more.

Joy

Defined by these three powerful words, they swirl around my head each day. In so many ways, my identification has been bound by them for decades. Intertwined with Should-s, Shouldn’t-s, Why-Not’s, and Maybe’s, they govern my actions like judgmental sentries as I’m try to decide which one defines the real WOMAN in me. It’s for this reason, the Sisterhood books in my first trilogy will hold bare the titles WIFE, WOMAN, WIDOW, with Widow the first to be published .

Presently, WOMAN is the biggest challenge, giving me a run for my money. Discovering I’ve no idea how to WOMAN, I’d much prefer to Gal, Tom Boy, or trot along with my own version of life. To successfully WOMAN is a tough job, indeed. At 65.5, I’m confused about the requirements and societal expectations of the role for the YOLD (Young Old) female in 2021.

At my age, health is the key to success in any endeavor. Keenly aware of the functions and complaints of the body I’ve been given, I must say, it’s performing well for a high mileage chassis. Grateful for this, I’m aware that at any time, I could spring a leak or blow a tire. Heck, I could drop a headlight. I try to avoid roads that are too pitted or dangerous for an old goat like me. But, in this day and age, road signs are difficult to read or missing all together. I think some might be in Chinese. GPS directions can run a girl astray and stranded on a one way street towards disaster.

In some ways, I might be considered a barn find. Hidden away for decades, I’ve been kept out of the ravages of the elements. Protected and valued by the best husband and family, I know what it’s like to be cherished and truly loved. Truly blessed, I marveled at every dream come true as life unfolded. I value my rare qualities. They won’t be shared with someone that doesn’t fear God and truth, even when inconvenient. I find the Swamp Creatures of the Senior Citizen dating world avoid inconvenience at any cost. It’s their kryptonite. Swamp Creatures. We’ll touch on that subject in an upcoming post. For now, avoid them at all costs.

This is Vintage Vixen is goal driven, again attempting to update the exterior with one new outfit that screams 2021 rather than the late 1900’s. Sporting my zippy new hair cut, I’ve promised myself that I’ll spent at least one hour perusing store manikins, choosing to buy a complete look. There must be at least one headless example of trendiness that would look compliment my plump-ish frame.

Next, a new pair of flats is on the list, as my “Go-Toes” are adorable and comfy for a woman a bit older than myself. I can do better, not needing Red Bottoms to pull off a look. Just some cute flats in which to line dance, with best intentions to learn how and go often. Flats, because I’m finding that at 5’5″, I’m considered tall in the dating world.

A new piece of jewelry, as much as I hate it. Jewelry. I don’t understand sparkly baubles. I overheard two women at Bible study as they discussed diamonds and the women that say they don’t like them. (I’m one.)

“What kind of woman doesn’t love Diiiiiiiiiiiiiaaaaaammmmmmoooooonnnnnnddddsss? (Hello? Me?)

“THEY can’t AFFORD them.” (Not true, in my case.)

“They go with EVERYTHING.” (Not potting soil, or star gazing on a moonless desert night.)

Not intending to buy diamonds, I can at least buy something trendy to complete the look. It can’t involve earrings, though. I’ve no need to punch holes through perfectly good earlobes. Besides, earrings would distract from my eyes. No need. Sophisticated, flowing, and luxurious, my naturally highlighted grey hair hides my ears, anyway. A wasted effort in my case.

Today. One look. That’s the plan. One new sassy look that screams 2021. One head turning look that turns heads as I turn the corner on WOMAN’s WAY. That’s the mission for today.

Autumn is such a better season for me. The bat wings can be captured in long sleeves. The knee droopage concealed under flattering jeans. Turtlenecks do cover up my perfect and flawless décolletage, (the dermatologist raved about mine) but, in life there are trade offs. With the temps still hovering at triple digit level, the Great Cover UP will need to wait a little longer. Shop to Pop!!!!! Stay tuned.

Official Song Of The State Of Nevada

_{Lyrics and Music by Bertha Raffetto}

Way out in the land of the setting sun,

Where the wind blows wild and free,

There’s a lovely spot, just the only one

That means Home, Sweet Home to me.

If you follow the old Kit Carson trail,

Until desert meets the hills,

Oh you certainly will agree with me,

It’s the place of a thousand thrills.

Home means Nevada, Home means the hills,

Home means the sage and the pine.

Out by the Truckee, silvery rills,

Out where the sun always shines,

Here is the land which I love the best,

Fairer than all I can see.

Deep in the heart of the gold west

Home means Nevada to me.

Whenever the sun at the close of the day,

Colors all the western sky,

Oh my heart returns to the desert grey

And the mountains tow’ring high.

Where the moon beams play in the shadowed glen,

With the spotted fawn and doe,

All the live long night until morning light,

Is the loveliest place I know.

Home means Nevada, Home means the hills,

Home means the sage and the pines,

Out by the Truckee’s Silvery rills,

Out where the sun always shines,

There is the land that I love the best,

Fairer than all I can see.

Right in the heart of the golden west,

Home means Nevada to me.

******California has a state song, too.

Pales in comparison, IMHO.

Home Means Nevada. For me, a truth.

After so many months in isolation wondering if I’d ever meet friends, my relationship garden as suddenly bloomed anew. I’m truly blessed. Finding my little country church has not only helped me grow spiritually, but also to grow as a valued community member and friend. This week, it’s evident. I belong in this sweet little town. Home Means Nevada. Winterpast is mine.

It all started when a church girlfriend invited me to play cards with her group at the Senior Center. Filled with eager anticipation, I looked forward to meeting a group of chatty women anxious to size up someone new to the community. A “Newbie” is always of interest with women in the know. I’m no different in that respect. I’d be honored to be their “Newbie”. Besides, they’d clue me in to important survival tactics. Always trust a card-player to know things.

Intimidated, I joined them at the game table. Four women examined their cards as seriously IRS auditors. This wasn’t just any old card game, but an intense coterie of four playing a game called “Hand and Foot”. They explained, in as few words as possible, the game was a form of Canasta. That’s when my heart fell. NOT CANASTA!!!!! I’d failed before I began.

Challenge me to a rip roaring game of “War” or “Go Fish”? I’m your partner! A lightning fast game of Bunco, I’m in. But, Canasta???? One needs to think. You need to remember who holds what and cards already played while using 13 decks at once. Helmet-ed by silver hair, my subdermal blonde roots, originating deep into my brain, were misfiring. These women took turns explaining all THEIR rules, which differed from hundreds of versions of the game. Drat. I couldn’t even study for weeks to understand this. Tailor-made rules.

Watching for an hour, I tried to understand the purpose of the “Foot” and in what order the “Hand” was played. Never mind the rule that you got an extra 100 points if you picked up exactly 22 cards to begin the game. And yes, one of the ladies did get the bonus. Never have I ever, and I probably won’t ever again. These women are way above my mental ability. After an hour, I thanked them for letting me watch. I’m happy to report I have three new friends, along with the friend that invited me.

When leaving, I found the August activity flier on display near the door. Yoga. Line dancing. Exercise. Bingo. Scrapbooking. Art Journaling. Choir. Cooking. Knitting. Quilting. All long with lunch for $2.00. Such a deal. An autumn writing class is needed. I just happen to know a pretty good author that would love to offer her services.

At the Tee Pee Bar and Grill, it was fun to visit Waitress Diane. Getting to know people is an art. Finding my way as a real desert gal, I’m meeting other women that are similarly content. Not a lot of high fashion skirts and stilettos in these parts. Nope. Just casual clothing that breathes as the temperature soars.

The lunch tab arrived way to soon. There’s always much to learn when lunching with a new friend. After 15 months, it’s refreshing to realize I’m not the newest kid on the block anymore.

Women are unique and powerful individuals bringing intelligence, intuition, and grace into their worlds. Distinctive gifts we have to share. How refreshing it is to acknowledge the differences between each other, appreciating the innate beauty and purpose found in each.

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. . For by it the men of old gain approval. (Hebrews 11:1 NASB). My faith has been tested lately in ways for which I’m sorely ill-prepared. Curve balls can catch a girl off guard, especially when they keep coming, one after the other.

My Mother-In-Love, Joann, was one of a kind. She taught me so much about life. She was a MOM in every since of the world. Not overbearing, but wise. She wouldn’t advise unless advice was requested. Secrets shared with her were honored and kept safe. Over the years, she became MY Joann. I had a Mom, but MY Joann was someone all together different. She had a wonderful sense of humor, but more than that, a strong direction in life. She walked in Faith like no other person I’ve every known. Joann was the embodiment of Faith.

When Cancer came knocking for the second time after decades of silence, she wasn’t shaken a bit. She began a walking program. A deteriorating spine caused her continuous pain, but, on she walked. While chemo made her weak, walk through it she did. Every morning, even in dense Tule fog, she took slow and steady steps up and down the empty country road bordering our ranch. Cane in hand, with hat on her little bald head, she walked until she couldn’t walk anymore.

VST and I adored her. She had not a need or wish that remained unfulfilled. We made a home for Jack and Joann across the drive from ours, and spent long hours visiting on the porch VST build for that very purpose. Porch therapy, we called it. After a day of work and dinner, we’d see them take their seats in the evening breeze, and we’d join them. A beautiful and unspoken devotion between the four of us blossomed as the years flew by.

One day, Joann needed to go to town for supplies. If you’re a country person, you’re familiar with the term, “going to town”. In our case, town was about 25 minutes away. Everything a normal family needs is IN TOWN. In the 1900’s, with no internet shopping, you actually went to the store. Such a concept. Farming gave cause for many trips to town purchasing everything from dog food to oil for the tractor. “Going to town” might involve the funeral of a dear farmer friend, or a trip to the dentist. But, every week, multiple trips to “town” were necessary.

On that Saturday, we all jumped in the car to lunch at Castillo’s, a favorite Mexican restaurant of ours. Needing a few things, Walmart, was our next stop. After a trip around the store, we paid and got back to the car. With her back sore, getting settled in the car took a bit of effort. We’d all belted up when she realized something.

“Uh-Oh. I left my purse in the basket.”

VST was the best son. He never lost his cool or patience. He just unclipped his seat belt and got out to retrieve her purse. Except, he couldn’t. It was already stolen.

The drive back to the ranch was quiet. Joann DID make one statement that caused VST and I to wince.

“No worries. My purse will come back to me. Jesus will make this right.”

In her purse she carried life’s identification. California Identification, Medicare, Insurance, Pharmacy, and Social Security cards, and other documents related to her cancer treatments. Everything she needed to continue receiving medical care was in her purse along with credit cards and $40. She smiled on the way home while humming an old time Gospel hymn. She never cried or fretted. Joann hummed in faith, while the rest of us catastrophized in our brains, with good reason.

Each day, for about a week, VST became less patient, as he made call after call. First, she would need to prove her identity. Difficult to do, as she was born in a little cabin by a lake in Oklahoma. She would need her Social Security number, which she didn’t remember. She would need to wait two weeks for a replacement credit card, her only one. The list went on and on. While VST did the leg work, Joann had one reply.

“My wallet will come back to me. Jesus will send it back.”

After a day or two of this, VST and I weren’t feeling much faith in the matter. However, Joann NEVER waivered in her statement. It was as if her documents had already been returned.

Living in the country, everyone has their own mail box. Mail delivery is at the same time every day, often the highpoint. In the days of snail mail, people would anticipate receiving hand written letters from a relative or the newest picture of a grandchild living far away. Mail was special.

One week after the loss, Joann was returning from her walk. She checked their mail box, even though mail delivery wasn’t for some time yet. I heard a muffled cry from the road, and hurried outside, fearing she had fallen, or worse.

“Thank you, Jesus! Thank you, Jesus!” she cried, her arms stretched toward the sky.

Standing next to the road was My Joann. Hands held heavenward, she had the biggest smile. When she saw me, she started waving. She was holding something. Not too big. Not too small. It appeared to be a regular envelope.

That evening, the kitchen table held the contents, as she sat in faith.

“I told you. Jesus would make this right.”

One empty and unmarked envelope. One driver’s license. One Medicare card. Insurance cards. Original Social Security card. One Credit Card. Appointment documentation with dates and times for continued treatment. Everything lost, except the $40, in one unaddressed unsealed white envelope. Her life had been returned to her anonymously, just as in her unwavering faith, she knew it would be. If I hadn’t been a witness to this, I would’ve found it impossible to believe.

Joann didn’t BELIEVE it or WISH it to be true. She ENVISIONED and KNEW it would be returned through her profound faith. In doing so, she never broke a sweat, while the rest of us tried every earthly way to right the wrong that had occurred. She just waited on God’s time.

I hope someday my faith is even a little of what I witnessed with Joann. I miss her every day, always being thankful to her for the gift of VST, the most precious gift she could’ve ever shared with me. She is loved fiercely by her family to this day. VST and I were the lucky ones that enjoyed nightly porch therapy and her embodiment of Faith. Jesus made things right, Joann. He surely did.

Everyone has one. The neighbor that just won’t let up, even a little. You know they’re very interested in the private antics occurring just over the property line. They have opinions that drift over the fence, one after the other, until you realize their opinions are toxic to a healthy gardening experience. One exists in my utopian world of Winterpast. He lurks just past the sturdy white plastic fencing, cursing my trees and the never ending rain of debris from my 30 foot junk tree.

Being OOLD (old-old), his expansive RV barn stands empty. Age and health robbed him of the ability to hit the roads across America. That’s a bitter pill to swallow, for sure. His building, like mine, is now used for other purposes. He keeps his yard in tip top shape, scurrying out to snip unwanted weeds growing here and there. Being an original owner, his first round of trees died long ago, quickly replaced with youngsters. Scanning the world for dangers that could harm his canine companion, he spotted the immense and dreaded owl that has taken up residence in the very messy and hated junk tree keeping Fido from exercising on the back yard. Thoughts fester in his gut, as he peers out his window, clutching Fido and thinking dark thoughts about THE TREE.

He hates this tree of mine with a passion. To tell you the truth, except that it is the biggest wild Russian Olive tree I’ve ever seen, I’m getting tired of the mess, too. But, not to the point of removal. This 30 foot tree is a desert gem. It glowed for me in the winter sunrise. It’s home to my bird families and the owl. Messy or not, it stays until its death. As one landscaper told me, you don’t remove large trees in the desert. It’s taken them a lot to survive to maturity.

Last year, I was out enjoying the back yard. The apricot tree had finished dropping fruit and stood as stately as a banyan. In the premier position, right of center in the gardens, I was studying which limbs would be removed next, to accentuate its protective shape and shade qualities. The lowest branches are now forehead level over the path. Hazardous to a distracted gardener.

“Hey,” the short word drifted past me on the breeze.

How nice that neighbors were out on such a pretty day! Normally, the only sounds heard were the wind and birds. Wishing I knew the fence neighbors better, I continued puttering around the yard.

“Psst.”

“Hello???? Are you out there.”

After the third attempt, I realized a set of eyeballs were peering at me over the back fence. Never having seen the entire neighbor to this day, if we were in Walmart, I wouldn’t know him. But his eyes, I met that morning.

Being a new widow homeowner of a house I didn’t yet know or trust, nervousness about the unknown would take over at times. So many things could be breaking while I looked on unknowingly. VST would always be on guard for those sorts of things. He was on the hunt for sagging doors or appliances that weren’t humming just right. His knowledge and awareness had saved us thousands in costly repairs. Now, it was all on me. Mr. Bright and Chipper over the Fence had a few worries to add to the pile.

“Hi there! A nice day for gardening, eh?” With pleasantries, I soon understood he was on a mission to test my faith.

Had it been disclosed that the water pipes in my house were Pex Tubing and involved in a class action suit? Was I aware they could burst wide open at any time, raining on my little world? Blah, dee, blah, dee, blah-dee-blah-blah.

Yes. I knew. Disclosed before purchase, that little fact is sitting in the back of my brain. Just as easily as it could fail, the system could continue delivering water for the next 50 years. Part of the great unknown of homeowning. The website for reimbursement forms from the Class Action Settlement ,should failure occur, is bookmarked and ready.

That little fact shared, he went on, being the helpful guy that he is.

“That apricot tree’s a big one, there. Had one just like it. Grew that big and died.”

A stab to my heart without knowing, I tried to nod and smile just a little

“Well, mine is certainly doing well. Has a small crop this year.”

He wasn’t done yet. The REAL reason for contact was next.

“This tree right here? It’s a junker. Watched it grow from a twig. Sure drops a lot of stuff. It’d be great to …. (pregnant pause)…. CUT. IT. DOWN.

Okay, Eyeball Guy. Hold the phone right there.

Trees in my yard, as in all 35 of them, are like children to me. They give homes to my birds and the garden fairies that’ve certainly helped them grow so big and strong over the years.

NO. ONE. WOULD. EVER. CONVINCE. ME. TO. REMOVE. MY. LIVING. TREES. Junk Volunteers or otherwise, Black Olive was safe with me.

PERIOD.

Of course, I didn’t respond to Mr. Fussy Pants in that way. Being neighborly, I thanked him for all his words of happy encouragement, and then promptly returned to my house and proclaimed, “Over my cold, dead body.”

In the last 15 months, I’ve loved trimming my junk tree. Watering it lovingly. I haven’t minded cleaning up the nasty little debris that falls from it’s beautiful yet junk tree limbs. It has thorns I ignore. True, it’s a messy one, but, it’ll live on until it decides to die.

Yesterday, the little man was sneaking around cutting off limbs on the backside of my tree from his yard. Trimming a little much, there is a nice round spy hole from through which we will both choose to observe a stand off. I hope he finds peace in his little world, needing to control the uncontrollable. He obviously doesn’t understand the “Her-ricane” that lives just beyond his fence. I’ll wave as I get into the hot tub, while praying he finds peace and happiness in his own beautiful yard.

A concerned and nosey neighbor. Everyone has one. Now you’ve met mine.

Yesterday was desert hot. The kind of heat that makes you close the windows AND curtains to keep cool. Summer days are the worst. I wilt. I’m not sure of the daytime high, but by 7:00 PM, the outside temp was still 93 degrees. Coupled with choking smoke from the Tamarack Fire, it was miserable. My beloved big blue sky was a hazy mass of soot and smoke.

One great thing about the desert is fluctuations in temperature over a 24 hour period. Take yesterday, for example. Between the high and low, there was a 50 degree spread. Add a nice breeze and early mornings or late evenings become a pleasant time to be outside.

Considering changing my evening plans to an Olympic binge in my living room, I waffled for a moment. However. I DID make chocolate chip cookies. I DID wash and blow dry my hair. It WOULD eventually cool off. Sometimes a girl just needs to buck up and brave the elements. With cookies, chilled waters, a chair and a picnic blanket, I was out the door just before sunset.

Arriving at dusk, activities were in full swing. Businesses in my little town had outdone themselves providing a variety of activities for the littles. A bounce house. Face Painting. A frozen snack vendor. BBQ. And, a raffle.

The local Jeep dealership lent a brand new Jeep pickup complete with lawn chairs for use as a viewing platform during the movie. Along with the truck came a big bucket of popcorn, a tub full of snacks, and a cooler of soft drinks. Raffle tickets, costing $1 each, allowed children a chance to win this premier spot for their evening of fun. Local businesses also prepared a few child friendly baskets to complete the raffle.

Littles had been encouraged to dress as their favorite Toy Story characters. With a patchwork of families snacking on blankets in the dark, the movie began. The desert rests in absolute darkness. One hasn’t experienced night fully until sitting in the desert on a moonless night. Nevada just became the first state in the nation to create Night Sky Preservation Zones. You can’t enjoy the beauty of true big sky starlight if surrounded by artificial light pollution. Until you SEE the difference, you don’t KNOW the difference.

The movie took me right back to the wonderful times I spent with children on Third Grade Movie Days. As periodic rewards for hard work, movies in the classroom bonded my students and me through laughter, good snacks, and fun. Moving the desks and sitting on the floor, we’d focus on the drama or hilarity of the moment, while gasping or laughing in unison. Last night was a similar experience.

It helped that I hadn’t seen the movie. One day on a lunch time pizza run, I’d seen advertisements for both the local Junior Rodeo and Family Movie Night at the Park. Noting both dates, I vowed to myself that I would attend. Independently alone and on my own, to find a few hours of entertainment in the presence of others, even if they were strangers.

Examples of superb parenting and well behaved children gave me hope for the future. Looking around, I smiled at the adorable cherubs behaving themselves while having fun. There is nothing more enjoyable than that. Throughout the night, not once did I reach for my whistle, retired to my jewelry box so long ago. All eyes were on the movie.

If you haven’t seen Toy Story 4, it gets rave reviews. As a 65 year old adult woman, I found it totally entertaining.

When the last of the credits finished, the park was quickly returned to its resting state, cleared of any sign that people had enjoyed an event there. Not a cup or can was left. People cleaned up and cleared out with some of the youngest attendees sleeping soundly as they were carried to their cars.

Driving at night isn’t something I do very often, always being mindful of horses. In the desert darkness I mentioned before, they are in front of you before you can brake. Sure enough, coming around the corner on my way home, three neighborhood marauders plodded along the center divide. With no urgency to scurry off the road, they took their sweet time to clip clop along. A very good thing the speed limit is 25 mph in town. Even better is the fact that I’m a cautious driver.

I’ll be scanning the local bulletin boards for more small town events. With school back in session, I plan to follow our high school football team and attend some home games. For now, Bible Study and Church await. Have a great day. Take a few minutes today to watch some of our finest athletes do their best to bring home the gold. Go Team USA.