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Back-Pack Angel

Last week, it was time for an eastward drive to do bit of shopping. Lately, the clothing found at Amazon hasn’t worked. Either the sizing isn’t true or the fabric is wrong. With four purchases I found four returns and decided the old fashioned way works the best.

Just 30 minutes away, a new store opened last fall. TJ Max! In a normal sized town, this would be one of many options from which to shop. When living in the high desert plains of Northwestern Nevada, this might as well be Neiman Marcus. Having lived far from city life throughout my entire life, I’m used to “going to town” to shop, so off I went.

Indeed, I found exactly what I was looking for. Along with the clothing, there were some adorable baby items for an upcoming shower. The only downside to this little store is the lengthy wait in the check-out line. Of course, the store has this figured out, placing lots of small items on the shelves leading up to checkout.

A gentleman stood just ahead of me. He was explaining his purchase to the customer between us. Appearing to be an older, single man, he’d already purchased 80 backpacks for the children in his town. In his arms, he cuddled another twelve. Nearly 100 children would benefit from his generosity. A true Random Act of Kindness.

Listening to him talk, I remembered my time in the classroom. It was important to me that children in my classroom were provided for everything they needed. One would think this would come from the school. Think again.

Each year, teachers all over our country head out to Walmart to buy all the things missing in their school’s supply cabinet. In my last school, there weren’t even pencils available the week before school. Of course, being a veteran teacher, this came as no surprise. Administration sent out a lengthy supply list for young parents to purchase for their children.

Add to that list clothing, shoes, fresh haircuts, lunch materials, and the parents already have enough on their plates. The supplies would always be last on that list. Many times, the kids come with nothing. If you teach, you already know that. Just part of the job.

As it turned out, this gentleman had already been to Walmart, buying supplies for each of the twelve backpacks. The best part of the entire situation was that he was enjoying himself as much as the kids would when opening his gift.

This year is tough for everyone. If you happen to be thinking about something kind to do, consider donating to your local school. Yes, we already do with school taxes. That much is true. However, all over the country, there are supply closets that are empty. There are new teachers wondering where they’ll find the pencils they need. Parents deciding on groceries or school supplies.

If you aren’t sure of specific needs, call your school secretary. She will know exactly how you can help.

More tomorrow.

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Spay or Neuter Your Pet

Today is the day! With a lot on our minds, I hope you will excuse us as we get ready to race out the door. The days of worrying about upcoming Wooklets will now be a thing of the past. Wookie is getting spayed!

Wookie was part of a breeding agreement with family members. We got all the love, giggles, and wiggles, while she gave life to three litters. Now, her life will be her own. Although she may not feel like it for a few days, she’ll be much, much happier.

While waiting for our Wookie, HHH and I are going to take a picnic lunch and travel to Berlin, NV to see the Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park.

“Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park contains a town built in the 1890s that is preserved in a state of arrested decay. A true Nevada ghost town, many of Berlin’s original buildings remain and some of its original residents are interred in the town’s cemetery. Trails throughout the town site tell the story of Berlin and its mine. The park is also home to the most abundant concentration, and largest known remains, of Ichthyosaurs, an ancient marine reptile that swam in a warm ocean that covered central Nevada 225 million years ago. The fossils are protected and displayed at the park’s Fossil House.”https://parks.nv.gov/parks/berlin-ichthyosaur

A full day of site seeing will help HHH and I keep our mind occupied until our girlie is ready to go home. Especially exciting for me, visiting this site has been on my bucket list for years! Stay tuned for a report on the experience.

During Wookie’s recuperation, Oliver will continue enjoying his time at puppy camp. With stitches and post-surgical discomfort, the last thing she needs is a pesky boy bothering her. She’ll be happy to see him on Thursday when she’s well on the road to recovery.

If you have a dog or cat that isn’t spayed or neutered, please consider doing them a favor and get it done.

All prayers and well wishes for Wookie are greatly appreciated.

More tomorrow.

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The Box

It’s delightful when something in life comes so full circle it provides a story for a boring Monday morning.

Many months ago, before the 1st Annual Winterpast Garden Party, CC and I were shopping in a garden and home store. Not really a shopper, I usually just browse. On rare occasions, something adorable I must have and so it was on that day.

Along with bee napkins for the party, I found an irresistible coffee mug decorated with a magnificent queen bee surrounded by flowers. It would be the perfect cup from which to sip morning coffee at the computer. Aside from being beautiful, it came in a matching gift box which would keep it safe on my long journey back to Nevada. Also finding a secret gift for CC, I paid and we left.

Once back home, HHH was busy preparing for his annual golf trip. He’d be out of town for the garden party and was interested in all the plans. I showed him the napkins and new cup.

“Oh, that cup is great. You know who need that cup?”

In that moment, my inner voice was saying, “Me. I need the cup. I love the cup. I bought this cup. It will inspire wonderful stories.”

My outer voice replied, “Who would that be?”

Whooo?

“Well, our friend and mentor, Miss Bee.”

Immediately, I knew he was absolutely right. Miss Bee has been with us every step of the way. She has mentored us in the most gentle way, helping us to be the best bee parents we can be. HHH was right. There was no other person that should have this cup. Certainly not me. It already belonged to Miss Bee so at the garden party, I gave it to her. It was meant to be her cup and that was that.

About a week later, a strange package arrived in the mail from CC. We don’t often exchange gifts, so I was puzzled as to what it could be. Once I opened the box, I almost cried. There, nestled in tissue was the same adorable bee cup in its cute-as-bee’s-wings box. Secretly, she’d gotten it for me, not knowing I bought one already! She certainly didn’t know I’d given mine away without even using it once.

The cup is perfect in every way and definitely my favorite. Every morning I’m reminded of the fabulous time we spent together.

And, for a time the box would wait for a job. It might take time, but I’d find just the right treasure to secret into the box as a gift.

Well, weeks passed. We gardened. HHH got stung almost a dozen times in less than 30 minutes. He broke his Maui Jim sunglasses in the process and I sent them away with a note about the way in which the glasses became cracked. After all, if I repaired broken glasses, I might be curious how the break occurred.

Two weeks ago, we got the nicest note from the repair department. You see, we’d twice used their repair services in the spring. In this note, the sweetest associate send her best wishes after such a terrible accident and wished HHH well. She’d only charge us 50% of the normal repair cost as we’d had a little run of bad luck. In this crazy world, it takes Maui Jim -Peoria, Illinois nice to do something so sweet. We’d need to share a little Nevada high desert plains nice in return.

Out came the box. Inside went 4 oz. of our 2024 crop of Winterpast honey with a note of thanks. After careful wrapping, off it went. Last week, I got a reply.

“Thank you for the delicious honey. By the way, this is the cutest little box. I plan to find a special use for it……”

Sometimes even an empty box can spread friendship and happiness.

Remember, whatever you do today, BEE KIND.

More tomorrow.

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Wedding Bells!!!!

For many years, I lived in a world without wedding bells. I guess families go through periods like that. During decades of life, there are periods of weddings, baby showers, graduations, retirements, and funerals. Then, there are dry spells. Being one of the youngest in a very old family, I was out of step with many of those family milestones, except for the funerals.

Auntie TJ made a decision when she was my age that she’d no longer attend weddings, showers of any kind, or funerals. So, for the last twenty years, she’s avoid those observances. At the time, I was in awe of her decision, as I felt the same way. But, slowly, when there were none of the happy occasions to celebrate, I started to missed them.

Growing up in a family of five girls, sixteen years from the oldest to the youngest, wedding and baby showers were a common occurrence. Each daughter chose unique themes, decorations, food, and games for their special celebration. (Big difference between wedding showers of 1964 and 1978.) Then, the Aunties and cousins arrived loaded with giggles and gifts. Such fun memories full of laughter and good wishes.

Now, I’m receiving invitations again, and choosing differently. Bring on every party , game, and pink and blue cupcake. I’ll attend each gender reveal with a happy heart. I’ll cry at the right parts of the upcoming weddings, trying not to complain too much while shopping for the proper clothing for each event.

This weekend, we’re again on the road, traveling over Donner Pass to celebrate at a reception in California. The adorable newlyweds eloped on a destination wedding to Italy. How do you top a proposal under the Eifel Tower? With a wedding across the plaza from the Colosseum! Romance to the max for the adorable couple.

The party will be full of family and friends that will dance the night away under the stars after enjoying a magnificent meal. Weddings are a joyful time for the couple and all those who love them. This reception will be a time for the newlyweds to kick up their heals. After all, they’re already married!! Now it’s time to party.

Although Wookie knows California well, and two remaining wooklets would love to see her again, she will be hanging out at puppy camp with Oliver. There they’ll enjoy swimming, playing with others, and games of fetch. Enjoying lots of food and love, their weekend will disappear as quickly as ours.

Whatever you do this weekend, think about your own family milestones. If you’ve been invited to a baby shower or wedding, dust off your dancing shoes and go. Celebrating with family and friends is one of the happiest times in your life!! Go for it!

More on Monday.

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Happiness Happens

Smile today to share in “National Happiness Happens” Day. This is one national day that has merit. Although, it reminds me of those in Japan taking lessons to practice smiling. With all the stress in the world, we need a day to remind Americans that Happiness Happens when nurtured.

The Secret Society of Happy People (SOHP) was founded in August of 1998 to celebrate the expression of happiness. The society encourages members to recognize happy moments and be grateful for happiness in their daily life.  They have two motto’s which include “Happiness Happens” and “Don’t Even Think of Raining on My Parade.”  Their main purpose is to stimulate the right of everyone to express their happiness.

In 1999, the Secret Society of Happy People created “Admit You’re Happy Day” which eventually evolved into “Happiness Happens Day” created to celebrate the expression of happiness. August 8th was chosen because it’s the anniversary of the first membership in 1998.

Today, recognize every moment of glee, joy, delight, and pleasure. Don’t let it pass. Most importantly, giggles should be encouraged and allowed to blossom into full-blown laughter. Happeniness happens!

Today, more than on any other, please don’t rain on anyone’s parade. Somedays the happiness of others might be a bit irritating. Excessive giggling might try our patience, especially when the day’s been a bit rotten. However, personal trials don’t give anyone the right to squash another person’s joy. Instead, recognize the day’s delights. Just maybe, the smiles of others will part the storm clouds and allow a little sun to shine on your heart.

Whatever you do today, look for ways to share the blessing of happiness with others.

Minions courtesy of” “Despicable Me”. Try not to smile during THIS movie…… Just saying.

More tomorrow!

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Disappearing Act

In heaven, when blogging, it won’t be necessary to depend on a computer. In perfection, there’ll exist an endless stream of fascinating words, with no need to type them on a keyboard. While envisioning a blog site, it will appear complete with lots of music and pictures. What bliss for a creative writer.

There’ll be no frantic morning search for a topic, silly errors, or mistyped words. Just perfect grammar and delightful blogs on a variety of topics, all enchanting and informative.

Real life is far from that dream. In fact, some mornings, the computer turns the day upside down. This isn’t a unique problem, but common to many approaching 70. The problems have changed over the years, but the newest is something unexplainable.

Early on in my writing adventure, it was suggested that pictures be added to each daily post. At the time, adding pictures was a step too far for a new widow deep in her own fog. Someday, when I’m bed ridden and on deaths doorstep, those posts may get some attention. With almost four years of material, it’ll be a sizeable job to go back and populate everything with stock images.

Images glue the story together, and choosing the correct ones is almost as much fun as writing. Even better if the perfect song comes to mind. But, there is a fly in this ointment.

Writing is magical at any time, day or night, but comes easiest at 1:00 pm. With house and garden work finished, there is always a little window of quiet in the early afternoon. After finishing the written work, stock images from Googles are inserted into the piece. There are pictures of everything, even Bread and Butter pickles and bierocks.

Would personal pictures work? Sure. However, this increases the frustration of transferring them from phone to this site. Not good. A Google search works much better.

In the last few weeks, the pictures will remain visible from 10 minutes to 10 hours and then, POOF, they disappear. If I haven’t returned to the blog, I have no idea of the change. There’ll be a cryptic message instead of the intended pic.

Wonderful readers, if this happens, you can do one of two things. You can email me with this information, or just let it go, knowing a beautiful picture was erased by the Gods of the Cyber Clouds.

Whatever you do today, check on gardens and projects once in awhile. Cucumber plants can be decimated by a hungry little dog. Carefully selected pictures can disappear in the blink of an eye. Life. If it’s not one thing is another. Just the way it is traveling west.

More tomorrow.

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The Stories Farm Wives Share

A few weeks ago, HHH and I shared the most beautiful evening with friends. Our beloved Bee Lady and her friend invited us for an enchanting evening at her farm. Think of a lovely farm setting overlooking a field of alfalfa. The side yard dotted with more than ten lovely bee hives. The corral filled with three amazing donkeys, as cute as they could be. Luscious lawn, beautiful flowers, and gorgeous shade trees. Tranquil beauty at its best.

As I said before, her home is as lovely as they come. It makes me think back to my time at the ranch. I know how much work it takes to make a ranch look picture-book lovely. I’ve been there and done that. It’s time consuming, back braking, and never ending.

It’s magical when Miss Bee Lady and I share stories. Having both been farmer’s widows, we understand the shared stories, even though they happened in two different states. Any farm wife shudders at the word “irrigation” and all that encompasses. At one time or another, every farm wife has had the irrigation story to end all.

Stories of long rides in open-windowed pickup trucks when the smell of mowed alfalfa is intoxicating. Spring evenings when the whole world is one big sprout. Harvest abundance so great it drowns you in zucchinis. Quiet evenings on the farm when you listen to hear the faint hoot of an owl calling her littles to come out for flight school. Crickets. Doves. The wail of coyotes. So many memories known only to those that are lucky enough to have farmed.

Looking around her lovely ranch made me remember funny things that happened on my own. One of the best that comes to mind is when I was put in charge of buying phone line.

This was in the early 1990’s when there was still a need for something called a “Land Line” or phone wired into the house walls. For the first few years on the ranch, we had to pay a hefty charge because our drive way was the boundary for two separate phone companies. If our house had been on the east side of the drive, it would have saved us $70 a month. But, because it was on the west side, we were charged the fee on the 1st of every month on top of the regular bill of $17.92/ month.

After learning we needed a POTS line (Plain Old Telephone Service), a phone representative suggested installing a pole and phone line on the East side and then running an overhead line overhead to the West side of the drive and into our house.

Easy Peazy. After paying a hefty amount for the purchase and installation of a real, honest to goodness power pole, we were ready for the line.

I went to the best hardware store in town. The kind that has everything Lowe’s or Home Depot are lacking. Upon explaining that I needed to buy wire for the phone system, he explained that they were all out.

However, I could buy 300 feet of six strand Gopher-Proof sprinkler wire that would do the trick.

Now, at the time, I was still blonde and cute. But, even at that time, I knew that 300 feet of Gopher-Proof sprinkler wire was going to do nothing but irritate my husband to the max. The associate assured me that it would work perfectly, so I made my non-returnable purchase.

When my husband got home, he was absolutely pleased that I was so innovative. To my total amazement, it would absolutely work. Maybe even better than real phone line.

And so, for 15 years, all phone calls originated in the middle of our 40 acre vineyard, stretching 300 feet to the ranch house roof where our phone would ring. That line carried messages of graduations, harvests, job offers, incoming weather, births, deaths, and everything in between. As far as I know, the line is still in use today.

Whatever you do today, think about funny stories in your own life and jot them down. Life was so different in the 1900’s. Simpler. Cleaner. More honest. Something hard to describe unless you were there. How blessed I am to have experienced such a life.

More tomorrow.

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Gifts From the Garden

We are now the Produce Pals at church. Each Sunday, we’ve come with our buckets full of fresh food, and each Sunday, everything disappears. Next year, there’ll be only one zucchini plant. Never have I ever seen vegetables grow so fast!!! You can Monday morning and by the Tuesday, you have a mega squash at your feet.

Oliver is living up to his reputation as the trouble maker here at Winterpast. It’s partly my fault, I’ll admit. At the beginning of the growing season, I gave Tanner and Ollie a taste of an Armenian Cucumber. Just a little taste. They both LOVED their snack, gobbling up every single bit. They now not only love cucumber, but also yellow squash and bell peppers.

It’s the one thing in the garden that takes me back to my childhood. Each year, I was Oliver. After school, I’d run to the garden and steal green peppers, cherry tomatoes, and Armenian cucumbers. With such a clean, delicious taste, the cucumbers were my favorite.

These not only taste delicious, but they look beautiful when sliced. They have appeared to have been hand scalloped with a dainty little knife.

Each year, I’d help my mother with the canning. I always enjoyed this time of year because she truly needed our help. We’d harvest the cucumbers and cut them in thin, even slices. She’d bring the brine solution to a boil and “raw pack” the cucumbers, turning them into Bread and Butter Pickles. These were a family favorite over the winter holidays when our garden was empty.

This year, I struggled to get the cucumber seedlings to sprout. They took forever and then suffered with a bit of fungus. After applying NEEM oil, they slowly came back to life. They’d be healthy now if Oliver hadn’t trampled all the vines looking for cucumbers to steal.

Oy. Vey.

Dog for sale. Dog for sale.

Well, never mind. You’d bring him right back. We’re stuck for the long haul with Ollie. No one else would understand him like we do.

I finally collected four cups of sliced cucumbers and found Bread and Butter Pickle seasoning mix at a local hardware store. Adding water, sugar, and white vinegar, the cucumbers magically turned into pickles. I hope my vines have enough strength to grow a few more. I’d love to make another batch.

The simplest smells or tastes can transport me back to my childhood. German Sausage. Bread and Butter Pickles. Bierocks (a German version of a hot pocket). Homemade egg noodles. Unbelievably ripe and juicy fruit of any kind you can name. Simpler times so many years ago.

Whatever you do today, think about a food from your childhood and try a new recipe. There are recipes for every type of food imaginable on the internet. You only need to look. Remember to add, “World’s Best” and look for recipes that have five starts. Happy cooking!

More tomorrow.

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Back to School!!!!

One hundred eighty eager gardening students packed the classroom yesterday to begin a nine week course to earn our Home Horticulture Certificate. Things are so different than when I enter California State University, Fresno in September, 1977. The biggest change is that college is online now. All 180 students fit nicely on the face of our iPads in one ZOOM session.

I’ll never get used to ZOOM classes. Yesterday, most of the students chose to turn off the video, leaving their image square black. Scrolling down, square after square was empty. Then, there were those who thought it cute to put a stuffed animal in their place. I’m not sure exactly what the other gardeners looked like, if they were even watching the presentation.

Our course will focus on many aspects of expert gardening knowledge. In the first week, we’ll be learning about soil, plant nutrients, and composting. I’ve never been too keen on the thought of composting, but after this investment of time and energy, I suppose we’ll develop a compost pile. It will be a good use of the leaves that should start dropping next week. With 35 mature deciduous trees, it’s probably best we recycle the leaves.

During today’s reading assignment, I absorbed details about soil texture, structure, and pH. Getting a garden to grow in the desert is an art. Although HHH and I have created a small miracle in the gardens of Winterpast, there are many more things we need to learn to fine tune our art. We’ll now better understand our successes and failures.

After soils and composting, we’ll be covering plant propagation, plants varieties, container gardening and pest management. All this in nine weeks, through an impressive curriculum created by real gardeners in our area.

The first Master Gardener Program began in 1972 in Washington. Now there are programs in all 50 states. The goal of the program is to train gardeners to educate community members of all ages about the art of gardening. Lovely!! Throughout the United States, there are thousands of people just like HHH and me that will donate their time to help others grow things. It’s quite amazing, actually.

After Part 1 of the course is completed, we’ll move into Part 2. During this part, we’ll need to apply to become a Master Gardener, after passing a background check and another exam. All this should be finished by the end of December, 2024. Followed with hours of volunteer work throughout 2025.

One point not lost on HHH and I was that our county isn’t represented by an Master Gardener Extension Office. We’ll just need to see about that! With the population growth we’re experiencing, our community will need expertise to help all the new home owners moving our way.

I’m sad to say there’s no need for a new back pack or lunch box. We’ll interact with instructors and classmates right from our kitchen counter while learning. Our books are online and all quizzes and tests will be taken on a screen. No late nights cradling a hard cover school book while juggling multiple cups of coffee. Just lots of screen time.

It’s sad that HHH and I won’t have the opportunity to stroll through the UNR campus while holding hands on the way to class. No stolen kisses between the library stacks during hours of research. Not in this day and age. So far, modern campus life is overrated.

HHH and I are already dreaming of the opportunities our Master Gardener Certificates will bring us. All this stemming from something we love dearly. Our favorite pastime.
Spending time in the garden.

Please enjoy something fun this weekend. Spend time with family and friends. Go for a walk. Watch a good movie. Do something that makes you smile. Life is short!! Enjoy the moments we have!

More on Monday!!

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Confucius Says……

Fortune cookies are one of my favorite parts of any Chinese meal. In our little town, there is no shortage of Asian food. We have three existing restaurants and a Panda Express on the way. Our favorite is owned by a young man who bought the establishment from his dad. The food is always fresh, hot, and delicious.

At the end of our last meal, we carefully selected a fortune cookie for our own. Mine said, “Don’t pursue happiness — create it.” Truer words haven’t been spoken. The more you chase a butterfly, the quicker it will fly away. But, stand still and it just might settle on your shoulder. Happiness can elude those that run after it.

While chasing happiness, the focus is on things missing in life rather than true blessings resulting in frustration and unhappiness. This results in a spiral towards UN-happiness. Not productive. Be grateful for all life’s blessings because there are thousands plus one.

By doing enjoyable things that have personal meaning while staying connected with others your life will move in a positive direction. Of course, there are some days things don’t all come together. It just means you get up the next day and try again. Live gives us many opportunities for re-do’s.

HHH and I have found happiness while enjoying our first year of marriage. I’m not sure when the honeymoon phase may end, but we’re expecting it won’t. Slowly, we’re finding schedules and hobbies that work for each of us, while protecting time for each other.

The most rewarding hobby we share in common is gardening. Both of us can’t wait for the sun to rise so we can get outside and tend to the plants. What one of us hasn’t observed in the garden, the other will.

“Have you seen….?”

“Why, yes I have! Isn’t it wonderful!”

As we “OOOhhhh” and “AAAhhhhh” throughout our garden, I wonder what the surrounding neighbors are thinking. I’m sure it sounds as if we’re finding gold in the garden. Perhaps we are!

Yesterday, we decided our very first “Hearts of Gold” cantaloupe was ready to pick. Nervously, we cut into it to find beautiful orange flesh of perfect sweetness and texture. Our first. These bring $10 a piece at the upcoming cantaloupe festival. Well, maybe we are growing gold!

The zucchinis, squash, eggplant, bell peppers, and tomatoes are in full production. We’re done with all the fruit except pears, which are always last. The strawberry bush is enjoying the cooler weather while roses and flowers continue to put on a show.

With our love for gardening, it was a no brainer that we’re both attending University to take a Master Gardeners Course. University of Nevada, Reno is offering the class which begins with a zoom conference today at noon. How fun to meet other gardeners in the area who love plants as much as we do.

Whatever you do today, think about growing something before winter comes. Herbs are a nice place to start. We plan to dehydrate basil, oregano, thyme, and chives for use in our Thanksgiving dinner. As a matter of fact, we’ll be enjoy our homegrown potatoes and bread butter pickles then, as well. Give it some thought. It might become your new hobby.

More tomorrow.