Grieving Gardener

If you’re a fan of quirky gardening tips or just looking for something sweet to grow this season, you’re in for a treat. One of the most incredible gardening secrets of all time is how to grow your Marshmallow Plant. No, this isn’t some elaborate prank or a sticky situation; it’s 100% true.

I know what you’re thinking—marshmallows come from a bag at the grocery store, not from a garden! It’s really sad that so many people don’t understand where their food comes from or the trouble it takes to grow. After reading this guide, you’ll be on your way to harvesting your very own batch of fluffy, sugary goodness straight from the soil. No factory required! HHH and I love fresh Marshmallows right from the garden. There’s nothing quite like it.

First things first, let’s talk soil. Marshmallow plants thrive in sugar-rich soil, so make sure your garden is well-stocked with the sweetest compost around. A 2:1 blend of powdered sugar and cotton candy with 2 T. of honey will work wonders. This should be carefully mixed into the soil to reach a homogeneous mix. If you can’t find those ingredients, regular garden soil will do—but it might take a few extra years for your marshmallows to reach peak fluffiness.

Once you’ve prepared the soil, you’re ready for the fun part: planting! Marshmallow plants are incredibly sensitive to climate, so it’s crucial that you plant them on April 1st. If you wait any longer, they’ll wither. Plant directly into the ground. Marshmallow plants don’t transplant due to their long tap root.

Once you’ve located the perfect spot in your garden, dig a small hole (about 2 inches deep) and drop a miniature marshmallow in each hole. Cover them with a light dusting of powdered sugar (not too much, or fruit might get too sweet), and water them with a 2:1 solution of Light Karo-Syrup and water. Not too much—just a gentle spray when dry.

Now, the real magic happens! Marshmallow plants require constant attention to ensure they grow properly. They love being sung to, so start every morning by humming a light, airy tune like “Sugar, Sugar” by the Archies. If you don’t sing, the plants young sprouts won’t thrive.

After about 6-8 weeks, your marshmallows will be ready to harvest. You’ll know they’re ripe when they start to turn that perfect shade of white, and a sweet scent fills the air.

To harvest, simply pluck the marshmallows GENTLY from the plant. Due to their delicate nature, it’s important to wear white cotton gloves when harvesting. If you pull too hard, you could end up with a sticky mess—your marshmallows might collapse into an unsalvageable blob. “Gentle plucking technique” is necessary for the optimal marshmallow retrieval.

Finally, the best part: enjoying your homegrown marshmallows! After curing them in a dark room at 72.5 degrees for exactly 27 hours and 3 minutes, they will be ready. Store in Zip-Lock bags for maximum freshness. Roast them over a campfire for a perfect snack, or use them to make a batch of homemade s’mores. You could even toss them into hot cocoa for a fluffy kick.

Whatever you do, don’t forget to share the love with your neighbors! They’ll be so amazed at your garden that they’ll probably try to plant marshmallow trees of their own. Just be sure to remind them that this is a very special kind of plant, and it requires a good sense of humor and a healthy dose of whimsy.

P.S. Before running to the store for miniature marshmallows, you might want to check your calendar first. 😉

Happy April Fools’ Day!

More tomorrow.

Approaching my eleventh year as a Nevadan, the weather on the high desert plains is something I’ll never figure out. Here it is, the last day of March. March should come in like a lion and out like a lamb. Hmm. It seems the Weather Gods of Nevada didn’t get the memo, for the weather has taken a turn for the worse. This week, there are no gorgeous spring days in the forecast. Rather, the weather will be winter-like until further notice.

As the world begins to shake off the winter chill and the first signs of spring start to emerge, those of us living in the high desert plains of Northwestern Nevada know that early spring can be a tricky season to navigate. With its unique combination of harsh conditions and stunning beauty, we face a special set of challenges around here.

Today, high winds will return to the area, wreaking havoc on fences and trees. These are the kinds of winds that approach like freight trains with sustained speeds of 30 – 50 miles per hour. Two friends were discussing roof repairs at church yesterday. It’s the price we all pay to live in the desert.

Today’s gusts might well turn this pleasant Monday afternoon into a battle with blowing sand and dust. Not only does this make outdoor activities uncomfortable, but the wind also makes the air feel much colder than it actually is, adding an extra chill to the day. HHH’s golf date may need to be put on hold until next week.

One of the defining characteristics of early spring in the high desert is its unpredictable nature. You may start the day with bright sunshine, but by the afternoon, a gusty windstorm could sweep in, followed by a cold snap that makes you wish you had packed a jacket. Temperatures can fluctuate wildly during this time of year, with mornings often dipping below freezing and afternoons warming up to the 50s or 60s.

Thank goodness the Iris and Daffodils aren’t bothered by these crazy temps. Last year, HHH and I moved many of the Iris’s to a more central location. This year, they’re sprouting as if they’ve never been moved!

I wish the fruit trees were more agreeable. With the long stretch of freezing temps, we’ll be lucky to get any fruit at all this year. This is all a bit worrisome as we wait for the new bees. Arriving in a little more than two weeks, there isn’t a lot of food around here for them to eat. Last year, 60% of the hives in the United States died. We’re all praying for a better year.

While the temperatures are swinging back and forth, our seedlings will continue to be safe and sound on the dining room table. As they continue to grow, some have graduated to 4″ peat pots, while others are just breaking the surface. One thing is for certain, Winterpast will be ablaze with color this year.

With all of this uncertainty, one thing is clear. This gives me an entire week to work on spring cleaning. The dust bunnies have been multiplying in preparation for Easter. I need to get with the program, because there isn’t any gardener that wants to be inside when the weather finally turns to spring.

Whatever you do today, choose an activity that fits your weather. If you are lucky enough to enjoy some spring days, get outside and enjoy the sunshine. Plant something. Enjoy the birds and their antics. Spring is a gorgeous time of year.

We came back from sunshine, the skies so bright,
A vacation of warmth, of pure delight.
But now we’re at home, with tissues galore,
Two cold’s caught us fast, we can’t ignore!

The sunburn has faded, the tan is too,
But the nose is red, and we’re sniffling too.
Our vacation’s memories, sweet and divine,
Now mix with coughs and a fevered sign.

Oh, how we long for that tropical air,
Instead of these blankets and colds that we wear.
We miss the buffet, where the food never stopped,
Endless plates of dessert, we just couldn’t opt out!

And the spa, so soothing, with oils and warm steam,
Massages that felt like the world’s sweetest dream.
Now I’m here in bed, with no joy to unwrap,
Just a box of tissues and a cold on my lap.

But before we departed, the thrill was so near,
The countdown began, and the excitement was clear!
We planned every detail, each shore to explore,
Daydreamed of lounging and what was in store.

What excursions to take? What sights would we see?
The joy of decision, so wild and so free!
Packing our bags with swimsuits and sun,
It was all so exciting, the journey begun!

But soon we’ll recover, and maybe in time,
We’ll remember and laugh at these colds in a rhythm.
For vacations are fleeting, the cold won’t last,
Our memories of warmth will surely outlast!

So here we sit, with tea, side by side,
Dreaming of buffets and spas, as we fight this cold tide.

Thing are a bit slow as we end this week. With any luck at all, our shared viruses will be gone by Monday. Just as our memories of Spring Break fade, colder weather is returning. Very soon, spring will be here to stay.

Whatever you do this weekend, try to avoid the nasty viruses that are out and about. They are particularly nasty this year. Stay well. I’ll be back Monday.

OY. VEY.

OY. VEY.

OY. VEY.

Ending our beautiful vacation, we’ve returned to a sea of Mucinex and Kleenex. According to Cruising Facebook pals, we’re not the only ones who brought home a little something extra from our beautiful time in Mexico. It seems that lots of people went home sick. Looking back, we regret nothing. As the days go by, we’re both feeling better.

During these days of sneezing and wheezing, the last thing I needed was to wake up to seven emails from our TV/Phone/Television carrier. Sometime between 4pm and midnight on Sunday night, I requested a change to my phone passwords, SIM card, and everything to do with my account.

Now, I know cold medicine can do crazy things to the mind, but I’m quite sure I was either suffering or sleeping during that time. I’m quite certain changing my phone passwords wasn’t on my To-Do List.

When I checked my emails the next morning while in a medically induced fog, I might have let out a few nasty words. Then, I needed to get to work. I first talked with the computer-generated router. Can they make these devices any more unpleasant??????? It routed me to a wonderful woman in New York named Rosie.

And so it began.

“Oh, this is terrible. Yes, I can see the changes were made yesterday. Oh, your phone doesn’t work anymore? Oh, I can see that. Hmm. I need to transfer you to the Cellular department, as my speciality is Television service.”

“Bye, Bye Rosie.”

A friendly “Hello” to Brad in Florida.

“How is the weather in Nevada? Yes, I can see you are having some trouble. Started about 4pm yesterday? Yes, I see that. Well, I work with new accounts. I need to route you to the fraud department. Can I put you on a short hold?”

“Bye, Bye Brad. “

On to Ike in South Carolina.

‘How’s your day going? Oh no….. I see you’ve been hacked. Hmmmm. this is a bit more technical than I can handle. I need to route you to our technician that works in that department. Can I put you on a short hold?”

So long, Ike. Nice talking to you.

Can you please help me, John in Wisconsin?

“Let’s get to the bottom of this. I’ll need some information to get you up and running.”

John was the man, after quite the journey around the country.

Indeed, I was hacked. How this happened, I have no idea. If not for my daily inspections for signs of fraud, I never would have known why my phone suddenly stopped working. Along with the fraud situation, I found that I had two charges that had been added to my account in error. Wisconsin John ended up saving me $80 a month in charges, while fixing my phone.

Fraud is no joke. As we become more dependent on technology in our daily lives, the chances of being hacked increases. It’s just the way it is these days. If only all that energy could be used for good instead of thievery, the world would be a much better place.

All things are on the mend. Our colds are slowly leaving us. The hack is a thing of the past. Now, the biggest problem is where we’ll take our next cruise. Very Lucky Hubba-Hubba-Hubbie won us a cruise for two! Any length, any destination. It’s all up to us.

When one vacation ends, another is planned!! Stay tuned. More adventures are on the way!

Suffering from the hacking of my phone AND a head-cold, I am out for today. I’ll be back with the entire story tomorrow.

How quickly the weather changes when living on the high desert plains of Northwestern Nevada! The day before we left, the skies threatened the first real rain in many weeks. Today, we are going to enjoy a high of 73 degrees. Lovely in every way.

With warmer weather comes the need for water, and so the cycle begins again. Yesterday, HHH turned the water back on. For those of you living in warmer climates, that must sound strange. Turning the sprinklers on and off is part of the deal when living in snow country.

As we walked around the gardens of Winterpast yesterday, it was fun to see everything coming to life. Bulbs are beginning to sprout and will soon flower. Garlic and onions are hiding for now, but will soon emerge. The roses are beginning to push new leaves and the gardens are waking up.

HHH had decided it was time to resume feeding our bird population. With several feeding stations around the yard, it’s fun to watch the dove, quail, finches, and others return. Soon, there will be new nests and expanded families.

Unfortunately, bird seed has invited the return of the pesky ground squirrel, and so, our fight will resume. It seems we may need to deploy the “tried and true” gopher trap. Where poison fails, mechanical extermination should work. If nothing is done, the backyard may turn into one giant sinkhole from extensive tunneling.

Sadly, Oliver has forgotten the purpose for which is ancestors were bred. Badger eradication. He talks big talk about these invaders, but when it comes to chasing them away, he’s useless. Give him a toad or fledgling robin and he’ll eliminate them. The squirrel is another story altogether.

This week, it’s time to place our seedlings in 4″ pots. We are going to have outrageous flowers this year. Carnations, Lupine, Zinnias, and Hoary Stock are all inches tall. Luckily, with the cooler temps, they all survived the week without loving care. 300 little plants are just itching to get outside and begin to bloom. I must say, it’ll be hard to wait until mid April.

The plants that overwintered in the greenhouse are screaming to get out. Even though it is the end of March, indoor temperatures can reach 90 degrees. It’ll be fun to see which of the perennials will come back for another year in our growing zone. Each year, the gardens of Winterpast have more to teach.

As for our beautiful apricot tree, time will tell what kind of crop we’ll have this year. While we were bobbing about in the Pacific Ocean, there were some heavy frosts. Unfortunately, the early blooms remain on the tree, brittle and brown. If there is a second bloom, we may get lucky.

Whatever you do today, take a walk outside and see what’s new. Spring is such a wonderful time of year for new beginnings. Sunshine is good for the mind and body! Get going! The day’s a-wasting.

Even in retirement, everyone needs a little time away. Hubba-Hubba-Hubbie (HHH) and I have fallen in love with cruising after returning from a fantastic week aboard the Discovery Princess! With just over 5,000 crew and passengers, it’s hard to believe so many people can be in one place and enjoy themselves. This Spring Break Party on the High Seas is one to be remembered.

We never knew how much we needed cruising until we found ourselves aboard a floating city, surrounded by people in flip-flops, pina coladas in hand, and the sound of the ocean whispering sweet nothings to our stateroom. Here’s the tale of how we went from skeptical landlubbers to die-hard cruisers while falling in love… with a ship.

Just a year ago, HHH and I booked our first cruise. Everyone told us we’d love it, but we were a bit unsure. Being stuck on a giant boat with nothing but sea and sky for miles seemed… well…… claustrophobic.

“Too boring?” “Do we love the ocean that much?” “What if we get seasick?” “Norovirus?” So many questions about things that might or might not happen.

Our sail-away date arrived, and we boarded with the skepticism of a person about to try kale for the first time. After flying, we bused to the Port of San Francisco to board the Crown Princess. Stepping onto the ship, we were immediately overwhelmed by unbelievable luxury. The smells of endless buffets wafted through the air, and the soft, melodious music greeted us like a tropical serenade. We’d soon be on our way to the Mexican Riviera.

I didn’t realize it yet, but the ship had me at “Hello”.

Some people aren’t cruisers, like those who don’t like being pampered every moment of the day. The sounds of waves in the night might keep some awake. The moon-kissed promenade deck might be too romantic.

WE are not in that group. HHH loved having someone else do the cooking for a week. I loved the room service, ordering fruit and cheese as often as I wanted. The onboard spa was luxurious and the restaurants were Five Star.

And oh, the drinks. All-inclusive, you say? Yes, please! I never once had to pause my sunbathing to check the bank account before getting a drink. It was an endless parade of margaritas, and Diet Coke. Every time the bartender handed me a drink, I swore I saw a twinkle in their eye that said, “We know you’re hooked now”.

By the fourth day, I realized something shocking: I didn’t want to get off the ship. Not for excursions. Not for the chance to explore new cities. I wanted to stay on the boat forever. Is that normal? To love the ship more than the places it takes you?

It wasn’t the exotic ports of call that stole my heart but that, at any time, we could retreat to our cozy luxury apartment in the middle of the ocean. We could watch movies under the stars while waves crashed beneath us, or simply nap our lives away, all while the world kept spinning. The ship was our sanctuary—a floating cocoon of relaxation, with room service and pillow chocolates. What’s not to love?

The evening entertainment was amazing. There were comedy shows, Broadway-style performances. It felt like every night was date night—no matter how many days we’d been at sea. A good show and a fancy dinner were things we never wanted to let go.

In fact, I started to believe that the ship itself was wooing me. “Oh, look at me,” the ship seemed to say. “I have a jacuzzi. I have a casino. I have Five-Star restaurants. Where are you going to find that on dry land?” And to be honest, the ship had a point.

By the time the cruise neared its end, I had realized something profound: I was in love. But not just with the boat—I’d fallen for the whole lifestyle. The sense of freedom, the joy of being pampered, the thrill of discovering new places, and—most importantly—the beauty of doing absolutely nothing at all. Thank goodness HHH feels the same.

The Discovery Princess was just as intoxicating. On the last night of the cruise, HHH discovered he’d won a free cruise to be booked within the next six months. We’ll book that one as soon as the suitcases are put away and the laundry folded. Just where will the next adventure take us?? I’ll let you know.

We disembarked with a heavy heart and souvenirs that will remind us of where we’ve been. More than ever, we love cruising.

If you haven’t yet considered cruising, give it a chance. Exciting and relaxing, once hooked, you may never want to return to landlocked vacations again. The sea is calling, and our hearts are ready for more.

Although it seemed like Spring Break would never come, it’s here! That magical time of year when the world collectively shrugs off winter blues, crams into airports, and attempts to tan without burning to a crisp. The best thing about retirement is that we make our own schedules for any reason we choose. So, we’ve chosen a two-week spring break.

Spring break starts with the eternal optimism of packing. I’ve picked out swimsuits, cute outfits, and sandals all in an effort to look fabulous. I’ll probably wear the same sundress five days in a row while half my suitcase will remain untouched. This time, I’m packing more sunscreen while ditching a big assortment of shoes and clothing I’ll never wear.

Nothing beats that first glorious sail-away day! Lathered in SPF 50, we’ll find out place poolside on Deck 16 and wait for the party to begin. It’ll be fun to watch those newbies as they try to figure out what to do, while experienced cruisers head to the endless buffet to begin non-stop eating.

Calories don’t count on vacation, right? That’s the only logical explanation for how an innocent spring break turns into a week-long food festival. Ice cream before lunch? Yes. Fried food at every meal? Absolutely. An entire bucket of popcorn at the movies under the stars? Necessary. All in all, it’ll be a wonderful vacation on which we’ll eat and drink way too much.

We’re planning to enjoy every inch of the new ship. With daily visits to the spa and evening visits to our favorite steak house, we’ll fill in the rest of the time with well planned activities. One of the nicest parts of the day on the high seas is Bible Study, held every day at 8:30. A great place to meet new friends and learn more about the word of God.

Wookie and Oliver, will be excited to head off to puppy camp. We haven’t mentioned the plans yet, because they get too excited. Thank goodness they love their time in the little town to the east. Don’t know what we would do without Michelle and her wonderful staff.

Soon enough, we’ll return home, sun-kissed (hopefully not sunburned), exhausted, and suddenly more aware that there is no place like home. Once the suitcase is unpacked, we’ll spend the next few days questioning all your life choices— especially the ones surrounding the destination for the next cruise.

Yes! Spring Break is always worth it. Because let’s be honest—what else are you supposed to do in March?

Garden? Nah.

I’ll be back on March 24th. Until then, enjoy the archives! I’ll miss you!!

I never meant to fall in love.

It just… happened.

Like all great romances, mine began innocently enough. My grandmother introduced us way back in the mid-1900’s. “Try just one,” she said. Foolish and dangerous words. But I was young, impressionable, and hungry. I took a bite. In that moment I knew my life would never be the same. I found my favorite cookie.

At first, I was a casual admirer. A single Oreo when visiting Grammie, maybe two after dinner. “I can quit anytime,” I told myself, brushing off the crumbs from my lap. But can one simply have one Oreo? No. That’s like saying you’ll watch just one episode of a favorite show before bed. It’s a lie I’ve certainly told myself a time or two.

Years later, we now celebrate America’s #1 cookie each year on March 6 with National Oreo Day. This is one timeless classic.  With crisp chocolate sides and creamy filling, these little cookies have captured our hearts and stomachs. First introduced in 1912, it has been the best-selling cookie in America ever since.

I love to dunk them, twist them, and straight up take a bite. The crisp snap of the chocolate wafer and smooth, creamy filling. It’s an experience unlike any other. I should’ve walked away long ago, but no—Oreo has me in its perfectly round grip.

And so, I embrace my love. I no longer fight it. Oreo and I are in this for the long haul. the best I can do is strive for moderation. HHH “savors” his treats. His Girl Scout Thin Mints last in the pantry for weeks. But what’s life without the simple joy of biting into a cookie that feels like an old friend? Really, what’s the point of a perfectly good cookie sitting in the dark? None that I can see.

If you’re trying to think something to do with friends this weekend, have an Oreo Tasting. Find as many varieties of these tasty cookies as you can, and compare flavors. Cool Mint? Golden? Birthday Cake? Original?  Do minis taste different than regular? Ask the hard questions, and enjoy!

You could always throw an Oreo Dessert Party where everyone has to bring a homemade dessert created with Oreos! Pie with Oreo crust, ice cream with Oreo mix-ins, cake with Oreos incorporated in the batter. Go crazy while enjoying the versatility of this cookie.

Or just keep it simple and eat some of these classic cookies on National Oreo Cookie Day. Buy a pack on your way home from work or bring a package into the office for everyone to enjoy. Whether you keep them all to yourself or share the love, there’s really nothing better than fresh Oreos.

So if you see me with cookie crumbs on my shirt and eyes dreamy with chocolate-fueled bliss, just smile and let me enjoy the moment.

Love is love. Even if it comes in a blue package.

There are moments in life when divine intervention saves the day. It’s happened to us all at least once. In 1973 at just 17 years old, I emerged uninjured from my totaled car. A tree blocking one exit and a large truck blocking the other, I cocooned inside my crumbled car until the fire department came. To this day, I believe God saved me to live a long and fruitful life. A major miracle in my life.

But quiet miracles surround us in unexpected ways every day. Most days, we pass right by the small miracles in life, never even noticing them.

I once heard someone say that angels have a full-time job keeping us from disaster. If that’s the case, mine deserves a raise. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve absentmindedly misplaced my glasses or faced unexpected challenges. And yet, despite daily chaos, things tend to work out. That’s grace, if you ask me.

Miracles aren’t always wrapped in lightning bolts and burning bushes. Sometimes, it’s in the way the morning sunlight catches the dust motes just so, turning them into floating gold. Or how a song you haven’t heard in years plays at just the right moment, bringing back a memory you needed to remember

On a pleasant afternoon, I was fretting over a big decision. Pacing the yard while praying for answers, something caught my eye. A nervous dove had made her nest on the top rung of my ladder. Nervously adjusting herself, little bits of her nest fell away. She knew she’d been discovered. This simple sign reminded me none of us have it all together. Not even a little dove sitting on her eggs.

Nature never disappoints as stars twinkle on clear nights. Trees continue to grow toward the sun despite storms, bad soil, and occasional overly ambitious squirrels. Bulbs remember to wake up after weeks under the snow. So many little miracles that happen every minute of every day as reminders we’re a small part of something vast and beautiful.

Think about all the tiny, unnoticed ways life arranges itself.

• The stranger who smiles at you on a hard day, unknowingly lifting your spirits.
• The dog who senses your sadness and nudges your hand at just the right time.
• The moment you narrowly avoid disaster without realizing it until later.

Coincidence?

Could be. But I like to think it’s something more.

Daily miracles don’t always arrive with fanfare. More often, they’re found in the quiet—between the lines of our daily stories, with the laughter of a friend, the warmth of a cup of tea, or even the absurdity of a bird nesting on a ladder.

The next time life has got you down, stop. Sit down. Pick up a pen and paper and write #1, #2, and #3. Pause for a second. Think of three beautiful people in your life for which you are deeply grateful. Write down their names. Then, write #4, #5, and #6. Stretch your brain. Think of 3 things for which you are grateful. Then, keep going until you reach #20.

God. Sunsets. A warm home. Food in the frig. A faithful dog. A best friend. Hope. Faith. Love. Spring. Flowers. A spring breeze. The rain. Apricot blossoms. Honey bees. Love. Love. Love. and more love.

Blessings and life’s little miracles. They’re waiting for you to find them. Even on the grayest day, life is beautiful. It’s up to us celebrate that.