Grieving Gardener

Late winter is a great time to shower our homes with a little TLC. This year, seedlings need to wait another month while HHH and I suffer with gardening fever. For Christmas, I received the best gift of all. Two shelving systems complete with grow lights and designed for houseplants. I can’t think of anything I could love more except for the houseplants that now live there!

It didn’t take a complete remodel (or an HGTV-sized budget) to inject some life, light, and a bit of trendy aesthetic into Winterpast. All we needed was plants, shelves, and lights. While I was still under the weather, HHH visited Lowes and came back with 10 beautiful plants. After putting the shelves together, Winterpast has a whole new look!

Just like the 70’s, house plants are back!!! To fill your house with a tropical jungle that looks like it belongs in a botanical garden, select a few plants that make you feel like an eco-friendly, oxygen-producing god and goddess. HHH’s choices have given our home a new and exotic feeling.

If you are new to houseplants, start small. Don’t go from “zero plants” to “I now live in a rainforest” overnight. Aim for a couple of low-maintenance plants like snake plant or pothos. They thrive on neglect. You’re busy, and your plants understand that.

Here is the second secret about anyone who owns nursery-perfect plants. It’s okay to replace struggling plants with new ones. Plan a corner in which to nurse plants back to health, should they begin to wither. Keep your prime spots for those that thrive. Just do your best to avoid silk plants. No matter how life-like they look, they miss the mark. Besides, they do nothing to clean the air in your home.

Once your plants are in place, Invest in some ambient lighting—think string lights, floor lamps, or pendant lights that hang down like they’re straight out of a trendy Pinterest board. Lighting sets the mood, and what better mood than “I’m an adult, but I’m fun and creative at the same time?” Our plants love their grow lights and Amazon sells a variety to meet your every need.

Now you’ve now got plants that won’t die in the next five minutes, shelves that could double as art installations, and lighting that makes you look like you’re hosting a chic dinner party, even though you’re just watching Netflix and eating takeout. Take a moment to stand back and bask in your newly revamped home. You didn’t just redecorate; you transformed your space into a sanctuary. Throw a few Instagram-worthy photos to let everyone know you’ve arrived.

Whether you’re a plant hoarder in training, an aspiring shelf decorator, or someone who desires to make their living room look like it came straight out of an influencer’s home tour, these tips are guaranteed to help. Remember this: The only thing standing between you and the perfect space is a little creativity and a trip to your favorite plant store. Happy revamping!

Winter has finally arrived. Yesterday, the desert looked serene, covered by 1/2 inch of fresh snow. During these short days and long nights, motivation has packed its bags and left for a tropical vacation. The combination of snow, cold, and endless dark hours has made two ambitious people want to hibernate like bears. But fear not! With creativity and humor, we’re powering through these dreary winter months without losing our minds!

Here at Winterpast, we’ve been indulging in that warm, fluffy feeling for a few extra minutes. While recovering from the dreaded virus attack, five extra minutes give me enough time to think about the day ahead. It’s a personal pre-morning pep talk.

If your workspace is dark or messy, now is the time to bring in some cheer! Decorate your space with cozy winter vibes: think candles, blankets, or even a small potted plant that screams, “I can thrive in winter.” A well-lit space that smells like a coffee shop might trick your brain into a new phase of productivity. Scents like cinnamon, vanilla, or pine can trick your brain into feeling more energized and less “stuck under a pile of blankets” mode.

Tackling a big task when it’s dark outside is as appealing as stepping barefoot on a cold tile floor. Instead of dreading an overwhelming winter week, break it down into five “mini winters.” It’s like telling your brain, “You’re not dealing with the entire winter right now, just one day at a time.” You’ll be surprised at how quickly things get done once you make winter feel like a series of short sprints. The brilliant blue skies of the desert make it easy to forget that although it looks like 70 degrees outside it’s really 32 degrees.

Don’t face winter alone! HHH and I do our errands together. Both vehicles are getting their scheduled check-ups this week. We search for recipes and plan delicious meals. Of course, there are those days when we divide and conquer, enjoying coffee dates with girlfriends and golf dates with brothers. Not only does caffeine help (because winter fatigue is REAL), but the social interaction has given us that much-needed boost to stay focused. Although there are days we spend some time complaining about the weather, two can be much more positive than one. So, find someone with whom to team up.

Let’s talk about the magic of cozy mode. During the winter, “full cozy” is totally acceptable. Slip into that favorite oversized sweater, light a candle that smells like grandma’s kitchen, and sit in a blanket fort if necessary. The more cozy you feel, the less likely you are to succumb to the temptation of just “watching one more episode” of that Netflix show (although there is nothing wrong with that either). Get things done while enjoying a touch of warmth and comfort.

Winter does have its ups and downs (mostly downs, but let’s stay positive here). Instead of dragging yourself through mundane tasks like shoveling snow or dealing with your “winter wardrobe”, try to find the joy in it. Go ahead, just make it fun. For example, can you turn shoveling snow into a timed competition?

Surviving the short winter days proves you are a warrior, so fight back! Try spending some time near a window where the faint daylight can reach you. The fact that you’re surviving another gray day should earn you a medal.

While winter is cold, long, and dark, it’s also a time for introspection and growth. It’s not about pretending that everything is sunshine and rainbows. It’s about making peace with the season, embracing the small moments of warmth and joy while finding creative ways to keep your focus and motivation high. When spring rolls around, you’ll look back and wonder how you managed to conquer those dark days with nothing more than a cup of hot cocoa, a sense of humor, and a few strategic naps. Stay warm, stay cozy, and remember: Winter is a season, not a sentence. You’ve got this!

Alright, folks, let’s talk about putting our finances in order. I’m not talking about the “look-at-my-crypto-wallet” kind of way, but in the “please-someone-help-me-organize-this-mess” way. Let’s be real, financial lives can be more chaotic than a toddler on a sugar high. Don’t fret because the NOK Box (Next-of-Kin Box) can change your life from a bag of receipts into a thing of beauty just like it did for me.

What is the NOK Box, you ask? Well, it’s not some fancy gadget that promises overnight fame and riches. It’s a simple tool designed to organize your financial paperwork in a drawer larger than the one where receipts and unopened bills are currently stuffed. (We all have one of those, right?)

Have you ever spent hours looking for one lost password or opened your bank account app to see a bunch of numbers resembling a secret code only aliens understand? Yeah, that’s the “financial clutter” I’m talking about. The NOK Box doesn’t allow you to throw all your receipts, bills, and random paper clips into a bag and forget about them. Oh no, it’s a finely tuned system where each document has a place. In one file drawer, everything from vehicle registration to final wishes is stored to wait for the day they’ll be needed by a NOK (Next Of Kin).

There is a critical companion piece is critical. HHH and I have created an alphabetized collection of personal passwords updated with every new account. Containing Usernames and Passwords, these journals are priceless navigational tools. Dog-eared and scuffed, I use this journal often when forgetting the hundreds of codes we all need to remember. We found our journals on Amazon under the title “#%#& I Can’t Remember”. (Alphabetized version is critical.)

When I ordered my NOK box, I chose the cheapest option. It included tabs for file folders and step-by-step instructions on how to complete the project. Important keys were identified with small tabs while old, unknown keys were discarded. By the time the box was complete, I’d found many areas needing attention. From updating insurance, to ordering a copy of a deed from our county, I now have complete files at my fingertips.

Now, there’s an orderly place to record account passwords, account numbers, and balances. There are spaces to record the names and numbers of financial advisors and attorneys. In the normal life of humans, we spend way too much time hunting for elusive papers. By using this system, there is no more searching. A true thing of beauty.

Everyone knows organization is important, but how much time did this take? The original flurry took one week of intermittent searching and filing. The file is a living system, so it’s advisable to keep it close. Each section is a complete questionnaire so no detail is overlooked. To keep things interesting, the NOK Box lets you color-code everything. Because, let’s face it, nothing says “I’m an organized person” like a beautifully color-coordinated set of files.

Once you’ve mastered the NOK Box and your financial life is finally organized, it’s time to set some financial goals. Whether it’s saving for a vacation or paying down some hefty Christmas bills, when you’re organized it’s easier to see a bigger picture. If you make a wrong turn, the NOK Box helps to keep you on track with gentle reminders like, “Are you sure this was necessary?”

When finished, sit back, relax, and enjoy a newfound sense of control. You’ll start to feel like a financial guru who has it all figured out—when in reality, you’re just a person who decided to organize their files into a usable system. What better time to tackle this than the months before the TAX MAN cometh!

There you have it, folks: a way to organize your financial life without losing your sanity—or your smile. The NOK Box might not magically turn you into a billionaire, but it’ll definitely turn you into someone who knows where to find important documents. And let’s be honest, that’s half the battle, right?

Ah, the joys of winter’s slow retreat. While the world around us starts to warm, many are faced with a daunting challenge — the yard. This year, Winterpast has been left on its own for most of the colder months, slowly transforming into a tangle of branches, dead leaves, and perhaps a few misplaced lawn chairs. Now, it’s time to face the music (and the 35 trees).

Pruning and yard clean-up, often touted as a peaceful, zen-like activity, are more like the horticultural equivalent of a rock ‘n roll concert — chaotic, occasionally painful and involving things that not in the schedule, like cuts and scrapes. But don’t worry, friends. With a little humor and many YouTube videos, we can do this!

Let’s start with pruning. You know, trimming back all those overgrown plants that look like they’re trying to reenact Jumanji in your backyard. Pruning is an art form. It’s not just hacking away at anything that’s in your way (though that’s easy to do). No, no. Good pruning is the intentional reduction of limbs with a vision for the future.

The first step is assessing your plant situation. “Are these branches dead or just aggressively confused?” you ask yourself. They might be both. And let’s not even get started on the thorns. One minute, you’re calmly trimming the rose bush, and the next, you’re playing a game of “How many thorns can get stuck in my thumb before I lose all feeling?”

Bad pruning is similar to a bad haircut. You start out wanting to shorten your bangs, and before long, they are much too short. Yes, after a few seasons, your trees may come back, but think of the time you’ve lost. Much better to start with a solid understanding and a plan.

Each plant requires a different approach to thinning and shaping. With so much information online, it’s easy to do a bit of studying the night before you begin. Pruning an apple tree is quite different than pruning an apricot tree. It’s important to understand which limbs will bear fruit, or you may end up with none.

You can’t prune without the right tools. Every spring, it seems like my shears have mysteriously vanished into the black hole that is the backyard shed. Before beginning, find the tools you need, making sure they are clean, oiled, and sharpened.

As the years roll by, there are always new innovations. Last year, we invested in battery operated nippers and a chainsaw. We’re excited to use them as we shape our fruit trees. Before beginning, always have safety plans in place and remember to always wear gloves.

After finishing with leaf clean up and pruning, there are some phases you might go through if you don’t have a solid plan..

1. The Denial Pile: This is where you dump everything in a massive pile and pretend like you’ll deal with it later. We’ve always wanted to compost, why not now?

2. The Optimism Phase: You start bagging things, telling yourself, “Oh, this won’t take long!” But then you realize you’ve bagged only about a tenth of the pile, and your back feels like you just lifted an elephant.

3.The Desperation Stage: At some point, the sheer magnitude of the mess starts to overwhelm you. You contemplate calling in a professional. But then you remember… you’re a DIY enthusiast, and there’s no way you’re admitting defeat to a pile of leaves.

4. The Zen Moment: In the final stages of yard clean-up, you reach a sort of meditative state, where the rhythmic raking and bagging becomes almost hypnotic. You are one with the yard. Or maybe you’re just delirious. Either way, you’re almost done, and the end is in sight.

Finally, after hours of hard work, sweat, and a few choice words, the yard is clean. It’s pristine. It’s perfect. For about 24 hours. That’s right, my friends. Nature has an uncanny way of reminding you that it is, in fact, in charge. Within a few days, you’ll notice a stray leaf here, a branch there, and you’ll sigh. But that’s okay because you’ve triumphed. You’ve conquered the yard — for today.

We live in a world where every tweet, selfie, and motivational quote is a step toward fame (or at least a few likes on Instagram). It’s tempting, isn’t it? The sweet sound of applause. The virtual high-fives and the “You’re amazing!” floating through the air like confetti. But consider this: how much of it is real approval, and how much is just a sugar-coated distraction? Should we seek man’s applause or God’s approval?

Long ago, in another land, I was an actress at a small theater in the California foothills. How I remember being on stage under the lights while enjoying the laughter and applause of the diverse crowd. Newspaper reviews were favorable while family and friends loved the performances. Being an actress during those days at the Golden Chain Theater, the sweet sound of validation felt like a warm hug from the universe.

But here’s the plot twist: All the applause, no matter how loud, was fleeting. Like fireworks lighting up the night sky, fans evaporated leaving nothing but smoke and a faint echo of “whoa.” We burned bright for a nanosecond and then returned to our normal lives.

It was easy to get caught up in the applause. Everyone wants to feel seen and know our existence matters. The real danger lies in relying on applause as a primary source of validation. In the long run, it’s a bit like eating candy for dinner. Sure, it’s sweet, but you’ll soon be looking for something a little more sustaining.

These days, I contrast that with God’s approval which is a steady, unshakable force. God’s approval isn’t based on how many people clamor for more blogs or how many ‘followers’ read from afar. Nope, it’s not about the outer fluff; it’s about integrity, heart, and purpose behind intentions and actions.

While it feels great to wear the latest outfit or enjoy lots of zeros in a paycheck, God’s approval comes in quieter forms. It’s that sense of peace when doing something you know is right, especially when no one is watching. Or perhaps it’s the little moments of grace where you connect to something greater than yourself. No applause or confetti, but a deep satisfaction while following a personal calling.

Although there might not be a trending hashtag for “God’s Approval” any time soon, deep down, it’s a level of contentment that the loudest applause can never give you.

Here’s the thing: we’re all human. There’s nothing wrong with wanting man’s applause now and then. It’s nice to feel appreciated and to have someone say, “You did good!” But if one builds a life solely around those external cheers, they’re essentially chasing shadows. It’s like trying to fill a bucket with a hole in it—no matter how much is added, it’s never enough.

On the other hand, God’s approval? That’s the foundation. It’s like planting seeds in rich soil that grow over time, providing lasting fruit, even if it doesn’t show up in neon lights or viral tweets. The real victory comes in the form of internal peace, not just applause for good deeds from others. It’s been God’s approval that sustains us through the ups and downs.

Seeking man’s applause is like chasing after glitter in the wind. Shiny glitter is fun for a moment, but God’s approval? That’s solid gold. You might not get instant fame, but the satisfaction that comes from knowing you’re walking in truth and purpose? Now that’s the applause that will echo in your heart for a lifetime.

The next time you’re about to do or say something for “likes” or “claps,” take a moment and ask: Is this for me? Or is it for Him? Either way, make sure the applause comes from the right place.

So, I’ve survived the dreaded flu. Not the “Oh, I’ve got a cold, but I’ll soldier through” type of flu. No, this was the full-fledged, three-week, body-aching, brain-fog, fever-sweat extravaganza that made me question life choices. And let’s face it: when it dragged on that long, I embraced flexibility in every aspect of life. I’m not talking about yoga poses here. I’m talking about a flexibility that involved adjusting my expectations, schedule, and even personality (for the sake of the HHH, Oliver and Wookie).

Week 1: Denial and the “I’ll be Fine” Stage

Looking back, the first few days were a blur of fevers and chills, while I told myself, “Oh, it’s just a little virus. I’m tough. I’ll power through. It’s just a cold, right?” All the while, my body was trying to convince me that it was an unwilling participant in some sort of medieval torture while I soldiered on. I think, “I’ll keep blogging. I’ll eat meals in bed. I’ll watch the entire season of High Seas on Netflix—I can multitask, right?”

But then I realized my body had other plans. With a brain that turned to mush, the only thing I “worked” on was perfecting the art of napping. Every time I tried to do something remotely productive, I was struck with a wave of fatigue so intense, I consider changing my name to “Nap Queen.” Suddenly, blogging, church, and our Grief Share Group became a distant blur while I started focusing all my energy on convincing my body to

Just.

Keep.

Breathing.

By Day 4, HHH took me to the ER, unable to watch the suffering any longer. After enduring five long hours in the waiting room, I was diagnosed with Influenza A. I could expect up to two more weeks of sickness and then a lengthy recovery. It was a very cold and long ride home, facing the reality that this was only the beginning.

Week 2: The Flexibility Crisis

By Week 2, I’d , entered a whole new phase: The “What Is Even Happening Anymore?” phase. The first week I tried to maintain some semblance of normalcy. By the second week, I was humbled. Flexibility was no longer a nice-to-have; it became a survival tactic. Blogging? Ha! The only deadline I became concerned with was whether I’d make it out of the bathroom before my fever spiked again.

So, I got creative. I rearrange my day to accommodate my fluctuating energy levels. Did I have energy to respond to an email? Absolutely not. But I did manage send a texts to our prayer group asking for them to add my name to their growing list. I told myself, “I’ll clean the kitchen once I feel better.” But let’s be real. That kitchen didn’t get cleaned for another two weeks—and quite frankly, I was too tired to feel guilty about it.

Meanwhile, flexibility with food choices became critical. I never felt more liberated than eating nothing but Subway, soup, crackers, and popsicles for days on end. Nutrition? Who needs it when you’re in survival mode? I started to understand why people in the Old Testament just ate manna and called it a day. Simple. Uncomplicated. Flexibility is key here.

On Day 11, HHH again took me to the ER. After another chest x-ray, we were told the same information. Influenza A is a tough one. Stay hydrated. Keep flexible. Soldier on.

Week 3: Total Surrender

By the third week, I’d fully embraced the art of flexibility. My body made it clear it doesn’t answer to willpower. I could no longer pretend that I was just “a little sick.” No, I was deeply sick, like “I’ve been to the edge and back” sick. By then, I’d accepted my fate. Mastering the art of flexibility, I could stretch my willpower as thin as possible without actually doing anything productive.

I started binge-watching Netflix to the point where I could write a dissertation on obscure true crime documentaries. I got up occasionally, only to promptly lie back down in exhaustion because standing for more than five minutes was clearly overrated. Besides, it was unachievable.

By this point, I became an expert in rest. Who knew? I learned to appreciate the small victories of life: surviving the day without needing to take 3 naps, brushing my teeth without feeling like I’d run a marathon, or the joy of making it to the fridge without collapsing. Flexibility wasn’t just about physical flexibility anymore—it became about bending my expectations to accommodate the new, flu-ravaged reality.

The Final Lesson

So what’s the moral of the story, my healthy friends? It’s simple: when the flu shows up uninvited and overstays its welcome, the key to survival is flexibility. Flexibility with time, flexibility with energy levels, flexibility with expectations. It may be inconvenient, frustrating, and downright miserable at times, but flexibility is the only thing that will help you survive the three-week flu apocalypse.

HHH has my undying love and appreciation. He has his own story regarding the other side of this fiasco. Suffering through a lesser version of the same bug, he never wavered, bringing me all the Subway, tacos, and popsicles requested.

And hey, emerging from the depths of sickness, I have newfound respect for the simple pleasures of life, like breathing freely and being able to stand up without my knees buckling. Whatever you do today, stay flexible, folks. You never know what’s around the bend.

I am so happy to be back on this beautiful winter day!!! The weather here on the high desert plains of Northwestern Nevada has been crisp, clear, and brilliantly bright. With highs in the upper 50’s, it’s been downright spring-like, which shouldn’t be embraced. We have yet to have our share of winter but it’s surely on the way.

Today, we celebrate the beginning of new leadership. HHH and I will be celebrating many things tonight with home-cooked steak and lobster, finally enjoying the New Year’s dinner that didn’t happen. Influenza A took over as the weeks flew by. Happily, that’s in the past and it’s time to celebrate health and a bright new future.

2025 will be a year to remember. For one thing, it’s the year I’ll usher away the 6th decade of my life and welcome the 7th. My 70’s will be the most brilliant time in life because I will make it so, but not before celebrating every single day of 2025 with a marvelous sendoff.

To start the year off right (now that I’m finally well), I’ve been sorting the heirloom seeds HHH gifted me for Christmas. When sorting seeds, there are important things to remember. Some seeds need stratification in the freezer. Some seeds need darkness to germinate, while others thrive under grow lights. All seeds have specific lengths of time for germination, so it’s wise to map out your plan on a calendar. Our growing season will begin in a couple of weeks.

If starting seedlings for your garden, start with fresh, viable seeds, resisting the temptation to pull out old packets from the garage. As I learned last year, your plants are only as good as the seeds. Growing plants from seeds can be disappointing if you start with old seeds.

Along with getting my strength back, the last few days have been a wonderful time to rid the house of dust bunnies and dog hair. Nothing feels better than being healthy enough to vacuum and dust the house. For that, I would like to hire a marching band to celebrate.

Yesterday, I talked with a dear friend who is very troubled about the personality of our new president. After talking a bit, I finally had to make her laugh a little bit with the following truths.

1. You don’t need to ask the man to dinner.
2. Forget his noise. Watch for his signal (actions). That will speak volumes to a man’s ability and character. In other words, step away from the circus that follows him. Watch his cabinet get to work. Judge the results after things happen. Period.
3. Results follow actions. Only then, can we judge the presidency.

For this great country, I’m so thankful. Having lived in a communist country in 1977, I learned first-hand the horrors of communism. My ancestors fled from the nightmare of socialism. How terrifying that we came so close to losing something as precious as our customs and way of life. It’s up to us to keep our magnificent country safe, free, and great again.

Whatever you do today, celebrate dreams. Celebrate health. Celebrate happiness. Heck, just celebrate!!!!!! There is so much in life for which to be thankful. Skip the noise. Watch for the signals.

More tomorrow.

Unfortunately, I need one more week to recover.

I’ll be back next Monday.

I’ll return next Monday (1/13).

What a way to start the year!! HHH came home with a injured back. At the same moment, I developed a chest cold. We are a matched set today.

Needing a few days to regroup, I’ll plan to be back on Monday.

Happy New Year! I think……