Grieving Gardener

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.

Consider this. You wake up in the morning ready for some coffee. After pouring a morning cup of coffee, you check our your seedlings growing on the dining room table. After turning on grow lights, you open the window only to find these guys eating your trees and plants. Welcome to the real world of the high desert plains of Northwestern Nevada.

The mustangs have a tough life. Walking miles each day, they are always on the search for fresh food and water. These guys aren’t used to hay and grain. They eat tumbleweeds and sage. How they eat these thorny plants without complaining is mind-boggling. They spend their spring days in the high elevations and then come lower when the water and food dry up. There is a natural spring not far from Winterpast. They love hanging out there, which is an appropriate spot for them to be.

We love “our” horses. They have miles and miles of BLM land (the real BLM-Bureau of Land Management) on which to graze, run, and poop. These empty lands surround our town. Usually by this time of year, we start to see more of our friends walking the streets while looking for tasty morsels. They know each house and the snacks contained in the front yards.

The horses have no natural predators except man. Their biggest threat comes from government round-ups. Planned quite often, they are chased by helicopters, captured, and then trucked to Palomino Valley Adoption Center holding pens. As far as I can tell, few people are in a position to adopt a wild horse. Don’t be fooled, these are wild animals that have just been chased by helicopters and cut from their herds.

They need to adjust to a new diet and fencings. After a time, they disappear and are replaced with new captives. Where are they taken? I don’t like to think about their final destination.

When we see mustangs in our neighborhood, it’s exciting. I mean, how many people get the chance? It comes with the knowledge that with our town’s growth, their days are numbered. Soon, a day will come when they last one will be removed.

Until then, we have a bit of a problem.

Many neighbors deal with them by putting up light ropes with reflecting strips. Many neighbors need to fix those ropes often, as the 1500-pound eating machines don’t care about a little bit of twine and twinkles.

Last week, we made the first step toward a goal we’ve had for some time here at Winterpast. We called the fencing company for an estimate.

First thing to remember when retired. When making an early morning appointment, be sure to write this down in your daily planner. Then, read the daily planner the night before. Both steps are important.

Early Friday morning, we received a knock at the door. It was our fence estimator who found us still in jammies at 9 a.m. Really! What retirement has done to our early morning hours is crazy. After scurrying around to get presentable, we were ready to measure the yard for a beautiful three-foot fence—just high enough to send our equine friends to the next house on another street.

There are many things to consider when installing fencing. One of the biggest is the grade of the yard. Around the corner, one person’s fence follows existing grade, giving the top line of the fence a wavy effect. Add some professional grading to the price of our project. The top line of our fence will be straight.

After measuring carefully, we found we need over 250 feet of Aristocrat fences. We’ll accept responsibility for anyone who gets impaled on the tiny spikes. Hoping for the best, we’ll sign on the dotted line if the price is right.

Once the fence and gate are installed, we’ll create plans for a low-maintenance yard. There’ll be no water-sucking plants, but another bed of roses and some desert-loving plants. HHH and I have yet to agree on the final look. With an outrageous water bill at this point, less will be more. The biggest things excluded from our plans are the 1500 lb. hay burners who’d better not impale themselves on our fence.

Live and let live. I hope our friends walk by once in awhile. We love them, but…… we can’t keep them.

More tomorrow.

What can happen when you don’t drive around town for 4 years? Well, it seems quite a bit! Our little town, (once referred to as a dusty wide spot along the interstate) is experiencing unprecedented growth. And so, it was high time HHH and I too a drive to see just what all the buzz was about.

On the east side of town, a beautiful vision has become reality. Victory Logistics District– Phase One. Quietly announced in 2021, the building began. Sure, there were a few articles about the project, but this was all east of the major stores this regular homeowner would visit. Walmart and Lowes are as far east as I venture, unless I’m ordering rock at Gopher Construction and so, I never noticed.

We’d been to the State of the City meeting on Thursday evening. That was a happening all on its own. Thirty minutes before the speech began, we snatched the last parking spot in front of the Senior Center. Everyone from the Sheriff to the City Manager was there.

It’s so cool to be related to the mayor. A good portion of his speech was about things we already knew, but some of it was brand new. There’d be a ribbon-cutting ceremony the next day for Phase 2 of Victory Logistics District, with brand new industrial buildings.

Phase 2????? Heck, we’d totally missed Phase 1.

The mayor’s huge family made up many of the guests, but there were also regular citizens wanting to know what’s new in our town.

The mayor spoke of road projects. New housing developments and apartment complexes are bringing more people to our town. Later this year, The Community Response and Resource Center will open. Water and sewage projects are on schedule. Best of all, our city has a balanced budget. The state of the community is amazing!!!

A popular topic was about something unique. Grandpa’s Pond is planned between the canal and a major roadway in our town. On twenty acres, the community will enjoy a 10-acre fishing pond. Trout will thrive in fresh mountain water from the Truckee Canal. Citizens will enjoy jogging trails around the pond. Old-growth cottonwood trees living here for decades will complement the project.

Saturday morning, it was time to see what Victory Logistics District was all about. How is it even possible that 4300 acres is being developed in our sleepy little town? Not sure how we never noticed, but, until now, we never knew.

To our shock, many huge industrial buildings are ready for occupancy. There are new roads and even new semi-trucks to haul goods. New railway spurs are already in the planning. Landscaped and groomed, the grounds are nothing short of spectacular. The buildings have dark blue windows while the walls are patterned in white and grey. Class and sass waiting for new tenants.

All of this sits within feet of the major interstate that runs through our town. Everything is ready to go. All that’s needed are new companies and plenty of employees.

Northwestern Nevada is one of the fastest-growing places in the US. With no state tax, it’s an attractive alternative to the state on the other side of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. With outdoor activities under the bluest of skies, there’s something for everyone.

Now, our town needs new houses and businesses to support the residents who are surely coming. We need more schools and fire stations, along with grocery stores and shopping malls. As a small town, we’re sure to face some growing pains. That remains to be seen.

After our tour, we drove past the new site for Panda Express, which broke ground last week. Good things come to those that wait. It’s our turn now!

Welcome, Victory Logistics! We look forward to being neighbors. Thrive in the future!

Things around Winterpast have been buzzing this week. Along with new seedlings, the time has come for pruning and primping. So excited to use the knowledge learned in the Master Gardener classes last fall, we also have new tools to try out. Battery-operated toys for gardeners!

The new battery-operated lopper works on the end of a long pole or as a handheld device. It trims limbs up to 1/2″ in diameter like they were made of butter. When we started yesterday, HHH had the loppers extended. Quickly, we switched to the handheld mode and went to town. Twigs here. Branches there. Trimming is a breeze with this handy tool.

Then, there’s the battery-operated mini-chainsaw for bigger limbs. Also on the end of a long extension, it can be converted to hand-held. That might be a little dangerous considering it’s a REAL chainsaw.

The apple trees were easy. A Chinese variety that causes a big mess, the only reason they remain is that they’re 20-year-old trees. The apples produced aren’t for cooking. No matter how long they’re boiled on the stove, they never turn to yummy applesauce or pie filling but remain hard. So disappointing, I which we could just chop then down and start over again, but…they are 20 years old. At least severe pruning made them look more respectable.

Someone should really come up with a battery-operated robotic rake to clean up old leaves. As that hasn’t happened yet, that robot would be me. Most of last years leaves blew away over windy winter days, but the ones that remain are like snow drifts along the fence line. With a little work, the yard is looking more like it’s ready for spring.

The apiary (the place where our bees are kept) is shaping up. All the bushes planted to provide a little privacy are now pruned back. The leaves are raked and soon, it will be time to put the brand-new hive in place.

Why would we need a new hive, you might ask?

Never, ever, ever consider buying a new hive from Amazon. Now, Amazon sells many things. I know it’s possible to be a tiny home online. Heck, I bet they sell ponies somewhere on their website. But, again, never, ever, ever consider buying a beehive from Amazon.

When HHH opened his present on Christmas morning 2023, he was so excited. His very own bee hive. By the next day, the entire hive and super were assembled and ready to go. Everything was done according to the Chinese directions provided. All we needed to do was add bees.

Once the hive was loaded with 40 pounds of honey and bees, the lack of quality became apparent. Heavy frames full of bees and honey began to fall apart. The final problems arrived when the entire outer box began to separate. A terrible purchase. One honey super can weigh between 40 – 50 pounds. If it fails to hold together, the results will be disastrous and dangerous.

Our new hive was purchased from Mann Lake Bee Supplies. The old hive will be reinforced with corner brackets and be a great back-up in case we need one. Good equipment is essential to happy and healthy beekeepers.

Gardening and beekeeping will keep us busy from now until the first frost of Winter 2025. After the cleanup is done and before the bees arrive, it’ll be time for us to slip away for another vacation. After all, if not now, when?

I’ll be back on Monday.

Although I know this beautiful weather won’t last, it sure is a great teaser. Each day, the sky gets bluer and the temperature warmer. Spring is just around the corner. On March 9th, the time will change as we continue the annual march toward the desert heat.

The warm days have convinced the apricot tree to bud out much too early. Without having a normal winter, everything is a bit confused, including the resident gardeners. Yesterday, HHH hooked up the hose to do some watering. Spring requires an assessment of garden tools. Alas, hose sprayer was broken.

These attachments don’t last long here in the desert. Between the intense desert sun and the our corrosive water, hoses and attachments are lucky to make it through one summer. HHH offered to go to Lowe’s and find a replacement.

Oliver and I took the time to work on the blog, while HHH and Wookie headed off into the beautiful summer day. Thoughts were coming as the words formed on the screen when the phone interrupted the flow.

It was HHH. Did I think it was too early to buy potato, onion, and garlic sets? The store had a good variety, although the russets were already sold out.

Sold out? At the end of February? A sign to me that an immediate purchase was necessary.

“YES!!!!! Throw in some asparagus while you’re at it!”

A little while later, the twosome returned with their purchase. Red and yellow onions, red potatoes, garlic, and asparagus. All ready to plant as soon as we have the time and energy. And so, the 2025 garden season begins.

Meanwhile, the dining room table is turning green with new life. The first set of seeds sprouted as soon as they hit the moist soil. Just a week since planting, they are springing forth. It’s exciting to see the variety of tiny little plants. The Amaranth plants are sprouting in red!

Today, we’re tackling pruning. We’ve gone around each tree several times deciding which limbs and branches need to go. Having made a plan for each tree, the hard part is done. All that’s left is sawing, trimming, and haul-away.

For the next week, the weather will remain in the 60’s. Heck, we’ll probably turn the water back on until……

Winter comes back for her last gasp. It’s bound to happen. So for now, we’ll play outside.

Whatever you do today, catch some sunshine. It’s healthy to be outside and breathe the fresh air. Take a walk around the block. Get out and get going. It will be good for what ails you.

Grief is a lonely road, even when surrounded by well-meaning family and friends. The loss of a spouse shatters life, leaving one to search for anything that might bring stability. In 2020, HHH and I lost our better halves. Throughout the quarantine, funeral homes and support groups shuttered their doors while grief was put on hold. Those were hard days. This is one reason we feel strongly about helping others with our new Griefshare group.

There’s something unique about sitting in a room with people sharing the pain of loss. No explanations are needed. In everyday life, grief often makes others uncomfortable. They don’t know what to say, or worse, they say something unhelpful, even if well-intended. In a GriefShare group, no one tells you to “move on” or “be strong.” Instead, there’s an understanding as we each reflect the same sorrow. Plenty of hugs can be found right next to the Kleenex boxes. Tears are welcome.

Isolation through grief can make us feel like no one else could understand the depth of our pain. Listening to stories told with raw honesty, tears, and breakthroughs—it becomes apparent that grief is different for everyone even though the emotions are strikingly similar. No matter the loss, healing from grief follows a similar path.

Our little group doesn’t just focus on venting emotions; it’s a faith-centered journey that gently guides us toward healing. Each week, a lesson based on biblical principles provides reassurance that mourning is not a sign of weakness, but part of the process God designed for healing. Scriptures that once felt distant are suddenly becoming personal lifelines.

Monday, the lesson focused on Hope and Resilience. For years, hope and a wish were the same in my mind. Through the class, I learned hope is really a confidence in God’s plans for the future. Now, that’s something that I can use in my life. Real Hope, not just a bunch of wishes.

Prayer isn’t a ritual but a source of strength and comfort. Not memorized words, real conversations with God. The friendships formed within our group are becoming a lifeline. We lean on each other in ways no one else could understand—asking about difficult days, celebrating small victories, and reminding each other that grief doesn’t require us to stop living.

Monday, one of the members of our group told us they’ll be heading out on their very first adventure since becoming a widower over two years ago. With a granddaughter’s wedding brightening life, it’s great to see one of our own striking out to enjoy some happiness with friends and family. And, life goes on.

One of the most beautiful things about GriefShare is that it offers a space free of judgment. Whether you’re angry at God, feeling numb, or overwhelmed with regret, there’s no “right” way to grieve. Come as you are while healing progresses at the right speed.

The meetings have become a refuge for HHH and me. There, we speak freely about personal experiences with renewed resilience and hope.

Grief never fully disappears but evolves. What once felt like an unbearable weight has slowly become something we’ve learned to carry. GriefShare has shown us that healing doesn’t mean forgetting; it means finding ways to move forward toward new life.

If you’re grieving and feeling lost, I encourage you to seek out a support group. Whether it’s GriefShare or another grief ministry, know that you don’t have to do this alone. Comfort comes when walking together while bearing each other’s burdens. Even in the darkest valley, hope and resilience will guide you through.

Ver·min — noun

• 1.wild animals believed to be harmful to crops, farm animals, or game, or that carry disease, e.g., rodents.

Oh. No.

EWWWWWWW!

Oy. Vey.

Living in the wilderness of the high desert plains of Nevada can be trying at times. Especially when we happen to be in the space between winter and spring with comfy spaces that entice littles to sneak in the door. We’re suffering the invasion of the creepy critters.

Mice.

In my adult life, I’ve been plagued by rodents one other time. In the winter of 2002, VST and I were living the farm life on 40 acres. For reasons unknown, we were overcome by rats. So many rats that they left nasty trails as only large Norwegian Roof Rats could do. Even our resident owls couldn’t keep up. Finally, a professional exterminator took them out in a final battle.

Our current problems started last summer when a ground squirrel started tunneling under the gardens of winterpast. Perhaps the intensive watering made the tunneling easier, but in a short time, mounds were appearing all over the yard. The dogs were unaware, or we’d have found the problem earlier.

We tried smoke bombs neatly pushed back out of the hole. We tried burying the holes with fresh dirt. He tunneled right back up. Flooding the hole with gallons of precious water did no good. He always returned. Finally, we resorted to farm-grade gopher poison. For a time the squirrel problem went away.

And so, fall turned into winter. It was then, I discovered mice had eaten into a new bag of dog food, stored where it had been the last 5 years. Upon more investigation, we found they’d been eating frames of honey and wax removed from the dead bee hive. Now, we had a infestation of the worst kind. Again….

EWWWWWW.

HHH sprung to action. Retrieving our supply of new mouse traps, he went to work. At first, they were quite crafty, tripping the trap and stealing the bait. At one point, they actually licked the peanut butter off the trap while it remained set.

Ever since, HHH has battled on.

One food source has been identified as bird seed. HHH loves feeding the birds especially when there is little food left in the desert at this time of year. Personally, I’ve never thought about feeding wild animals, but then, his heart is softer than mine.

Well, the new squirrel LOVES the birdseed kicked to the ground by hungry birds. And so, we have a yummy food source for the furry intruder. Why Oliver and Wookie have not taken care of the problem is beyond me. Oliver has taken out toads. He’s dismembered fledglings. Why he isn’t all over this squirrel is beyond me.

More mice found the sack of bird seed stored in HHH’s man cave. And so, we now have a new infestation under attack by the traps. With persistence, we’ll be mouse free.

Last week, Oliver did deposit a dead mouse under the dining room table. He’s claimed this place as his lair, bringing fruit and other disgusting things he finds outside. This gives me hope that his hunting days aren’t quite over just yet.

Early yesterday, HHH came in from checking traps in the man cave.

“Honey, there’s a skunk in the area. Just smelled it.”

Oy. Vey.

Spring is here. Stay tuned for more adventures tomorrow.