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The blossoms are everywhere here on the high plains of the deserts of Northwestern Nevada. Where there’s water, there’s life. Believe me when I tell you we’ve had more than our share of water this year. Just Sunday, in the middle of the Mother’s Day party here at Winterpast, the heaven’s let loose again. Everything here is green, including the barren hills. Not quite Switzerland-esque, but not desert brown either.
The day after our party was a lovely time to enjoy a party for one. After putting up ten tables and forty chairs, three garbage cans, and a few dishes, Winterpast is ready to host another party. Yesterday was my day to do nothing but enjoy the clean house and weed free yard. It’ll remain that way a short time before I’ll need to do it all again.
In May, it’s customary for Zephyr winds to come up from no where bringing thunderstorms with them. After attending our many graduation ceremonies throughout the years, my mother would refer to “Graduation Weather” in May and June. The kind that would rip a mortarboard right off a Valedictorian’s beehive hairdo. (That will make my younger readers scratch their heads wondering what I’m talking about. Check out hairstyles of the mid 1900’s).
One thing is for sure. The heat will follow these winds. Even though summer won’t officially begin until June 21, high temps are on the way. By Friday the mercury should hover around 90, and that will feel cool compared to the summer afternoons to follow.
Around town, the mustang foals are popping up. Pretty amazing little creatures, they are ready to roam just a few hours after birth. They are as shy as they are cute, staying near their mom’s side. With a birth control program, along with the frequent round-ups, it’s lucky to see a foal these days.
Feeling like a spring dessert in the desert, I tried a new recipe for Lemon Blueberry Pound Cake. Of course, there is the word pound in the name. Just do a few more hours of weeding in the garden and fergetaboutit. Loaded with blueberries and bright flavor, this cake is absolutely delicious and easy to make, as well. I used fresh blueberries and lemon. I think it would also be delicious with raspberries.
Lemon Blueberry Pound Cake
By Jennifer Segal
Loaded with blueberries and bright flavor, this lemon blueberry pound cake makes a wonderful brunch (or anytime) cake.
Servings: One 9×5-inch loaf cake (8 to 10 servings)
INGREDIENTS
FOR THE CAKE
½ cup milk
1 tablespoon grated lemon zest, packed (see note)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 cups + 1 teaspoon all-purpose flour, spooned into measuring cup and leveled-off with a knife
¼ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup blueberries (if using frozen blueberries, do not defrost)
1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened
1¼ cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
FOR THE GLAZE
¾ cup confectioners’ sugar
¼ teaspoon lemon zest, packed
1½ tablespoons fresh lemon juice
INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat the oven to 350°F and set an oven rack in the middle position. Spray a 9×5-inch metal loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray. Line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper, then spray the pan again.
In a small bowl, whisk together the milk, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Let sit for at least 10 minutes while you proceed with the recipe. (It will curdle; that’s okay.)
In a medium bowl, whisk together the 2 cups flour, baking soda, and salt. In a small bowl, toss the blueberries with the remaining teaspoon of flour. Set both aside.
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or beaters), cream the butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl, then beat in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl again. With the mixer on low speed, beat in a third of the flour mixture, then half of the milk mixture. Beat in another third of the flour mixture, then the remaining milk mixture, followed by the remaining flour mixture, scraping the bowl as necessary. Add the flour-dusted blueberries to the batter and, using a spatula, fold until evenly combined.
Transfer the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, until the cake is golden brown and a tester comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then turn out onto a rack to cool completely.
When the cake is cool, transfer it to a serving platter.
Make the glaze: In a small bowl, mix together the confectioners’ sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Add more confectioners’ sugar or lemon juice as necessary to make a thick but pourable glaze (it should be a little thicker than you’d think, about the consistency of molasses or honey). Spoon the glaze over the top of the cake, letting it drip down the sides. Let the glaze set for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. Slice with a serrated knife. The cake will keep on the countertop for up to 3 days; store in a covered container or wrap in plastic wrap.
Freezer-Friendly Instructions: The cake can be frozen (without the glaze) for up to 3 months. After it is completely cooled, double-wrap it securely with aluminum foil or plastic freezer wrap, or place it in heavy-duty freezer bag. Thaw overnight on the countertop before serving. (Add the glaze after the cake is thawed.)
Note: You’ll need 2 large lemons for the entire recipe. Be sure to zest them before you juice them.
Whatever you do today, enjoy the beauty of spring. Get out in the fresh air. Take a walk. Smell the blooms. Watch for the first of many farmer’s markets. Eat some fruit. Be grateful to be alive. The world is such a beautiful place!
I belong here in the high desert plains of northwestern Nevada. I belong on my side of the mountain among the mustangs and sage. I belong here with the hundreds of new friends I have made over the past three years. I definitely belong in the garden of friends and family that’s quietly grown and bloomed in this, the spring of my life Quiet simply, I belong here. Home means Nevada.
The snow and rain have finally stopped for just a little while. Thank goodness. Although it rained during the party yesterday, Mother’s Day morning shaped up to be a beautiful day. With the food prepared, a clean house, and groomed gardens here at Winterpast, it was as good as this seasoned old croon could do.
The 2023 bumper crops of apricots, plums, cherries, and blueberries continued ripening. Iris, tulips, daffodils and peonies were on the verge of blooming. The spring days have joined together like pearls, not in any hurry for the summer heat to arrive. The high’s have remained around 70-ish, which is just about perfect when you add beautiful spring breezes.
As the 30 guests began to arrive, I had thoughts of the last time I held a large gathering here at Winterpast. It was for a much more somber and serious event. The memorial for VST, held on July 15th, 2020, in the middle of Covid. People were heartbroken to call with regrets, but at the time, Covid remained a mystery. 40 very brave souls came to celebrate VST’s life without masks or gloves. It was not only a beautiful celebration, but it was so wonderful to see family and friends through tears and laughter. It had been quite some time since I had really gotten to enjoy the faces of others. No one wore masks that day and no one got Covid.
Yesterday’s atmosphere is so different. It was Mother’s Day, and the guest of honor was MM’s mom! The rest of the guests were his immediate family. 30 in all, guests ranged in age from a one year old to two octogenarians. I’m not used to throwing such an easy party. I furnished the venue, plates, napkins, cutlery, and soft drinks. Everything else was provided by MM and his family.
I will say that after a week of continuous cleaning and yardwork, it either made me that much stronger, or moved me closer to “The Home”. One-half acre of weeding is a lot. I sure wish I’d known about the pre-emergent spray last winter when it was the appropriate time to apply it. This summer will be a bit rough, but next winter, I’ll be on the list for spraying.
The corn hole game, which MM insisted on, was set up in the driveway. Approved by the American Cornhole Association, it provided a place to play after lunch. The littles were fascinated by the fountain, getting their little hands in the dirt and then practicing hand washing in the fountain. I’m getting old, because it was about the cutest thing I’ve ever seen.
At one point, one of the littles in her spring dress took my hand to take me across the “bridge” to see someone. With her little “Cindy-Lou-Who” haircut, she just decided she and I needed to take a walk. Enchanting.
The brisket was wonderful. It cooked for 16 hours rested for two. Melt in your mouth goodness. The first guest arrived at 1:45 and the last left at 7:30. A great time was enjoyed by everyone. I won’t be the last family blowout we enjoy here at Winterpast.
After Mother’s Day is over, there are many projects to tackle. The biggest and most exciting is the assembly of an honest to goodness greenhouse for the garden. I’m excited to send my houseplants there for some R&R. They could all use a spa date with humidity and extra tender loving care.
Yesterday was a wonderful day for us Mom types to remember all the love and joy our children have given us over the years. Life would be very different without the people that lived under our hearts for a time. No matter the distance, the bonds between Mom’s and kiddos are the most special in this world.
Whatever you do today, take some time to enjoy Spring. For me, the clean-up awaits. There are tables to fold up and chairs to place back in the garden. There’s that fountain to rinse, and birds to watch. What memories we made yesterday. I hope you have some mighty fine ones yourself.
Thank you, Mom, for putting a lifetime of your own dreams on hold while raising your five daughters to become lovely women. Thank you for being a beautiful example of womanhood to us all. Enjoy Heaven! You earned your wings on earth!
Too all the mothers of the world, have a beautiful weekend. Take a few minutes to put your feet up and think of the happy times you’ve shared with your children. There is nothing as precious as a Mom’s love.
Have a wonderful weekend. I’ll be back on Monday with details about Mother’s Day 2023!!!!
At least for today, time is on my side. In four more days I’ll be will be hosting a Mother’s Day celebration for 40 guests. Just a little get together for lunch. Nothing big. Just a beef brisket prepared by MM on the new barbeque. Guests are to bringing the side dishes while we’re planning to have the best Mother’s Day ever!
Let me tell you this. No matter how much you think everything around the house look great, there are always ten more things to do. Up until this morning, there have been days full of pulling weeds and cleaning up the RV barn. Tables are in position, there’ve been numerous trips to the store for tablecloths and cutlery. Even the house plants got their semi-annual spa day complete with a shower and Miracle-Grow treatment.
By the way, the 40 people include immediate family only. One sweet Mom. Five great sons and their wives. Kids. Grandkids. Great Grandkids. And me. I came from a huge farm family like this, so it doesn’t seem strange at all.
The great thing about MM’s family is that they’ll add the FUN to the day! There’ll be littles running around Winterpast. How great will that be? We’re preparing games and activities for them. The adults always have lots to talk about, with the brothers keeping everyone in laughter with their stories and brotherly bantering. Time will fly by all too quickly and by next week, the quiet of the neighborhood will return. Mother’s Day 2023 will be one of the best in the history of Mother’s Days.
I will say that there have been a few shocks on my shopping trips. Since when did soda cost $4.99 a six-pack? I think we’ll offer cucumber water and herbal tea. A trip to the grocery store equals my first house payment back in 1977.
For the next few days, Winterpast will continue to get a good scrubbing. I’ll alert the neighbors if I happen to see them out. We just might be a little loud in the afternoon. Could be problematic if people are napping. They’ll probably want to close the windows. Or, better yet, just come over and get in line. There’ll be plenty.
Mother’s Day will be all the sweeter because MM’s mom, Miss B, will be over with friends. It wouldn’t be a party without her. MM is blessed. She’s the coolest mom who raised her 5 boys to grow up to be friends as adults. Men who have made great lives living with integrity, they are all unique. Time FIVE. That speaks volumes to her motherly qualities.
She called on Tuesday to find out what she should bring. Just like that, I’m one of the gang. One of the many miracles that has happened over the last year. When I moved in to Winterpast three years ago, I knew Miss Firecracker and her husband, Bailey’s and Cream. Covid was still raging so we didn’t get to visit in person. Time wasn’t on our side then, and Bailey’s and Cream died that summer without ever getting to come over for a cup of coffee. And then, there were just Miss Firecracker and Me. Two widows.
Miss Firecracker moved West, leaving the Sierra Nevada’s between us.
And then, there was just me.
Over the months, my garden of friends has blossomed to the best group of girlfriends sprouting all over town. It’s a given that when I go shopping in town, I’ll meet at least one person I know well. Now, with the addition of a huge family to share, my dusty little town at the wide spot off the interstate is my true home.
My children will be celebrating with their own families. From Michigan to Nebraska, from California to Mexico, they’ve scattered with the wind to places they call home. Kids do that once they aren’t kids anymore. I guess VST and I were the first to blow away on a Zephyr Wind to Nevada. We always were the feral parents.
Whatever you do today, it’s not to late to honor your mother or special woman in your life with recognition of some kind. A call. A card. Some flowers. A gift. The mothers of this earth are very special people. Make their day a day to remember. Time is on our side, Yes It Is.
This poem was shared by my friend, Carlene, who is going through some rough stuff right now. She’s actually a great human example of this poem, having done some fantastic things with her life while still remaining “Carlene”. She is one of a kind, living her best life in her mid-80’s. If you’re reading, Carlene, don’t let the turkeys get you down.
Treating triumph and disaster the same important in life. In reality, the highest highs and the lowest lows have a lot in common. We all need to hold on holding on long after there is nothing left in us. And we need to remember sage wisdom from another poet, “Somedays we’re the windshield, and some days we’re the bug.” Hmmmm. Describes “cancer” and “widowhood” for me.
I’m sure this poem isn’t “WOKE” enough for the youngers of the day. Perhaps, for them, it’s time for them to quiet the noise in their brains a little bit. Learn to “Suck it up, Buttercups”, and be quiet for a time Perhaps if they did, they could listen to wisdom from their elders. I wish more people were courageous enough to embody this poem. Our world needs Bold Greatness right now.
Turning the noise off at Winterpast is something from which I find inner peace. Just hitting the off button on the television, or telling “Alexa” to go visit friends in England, (or wherever the heck she’s from), lets the real sounds of nature come through. Birds. Wind. The howl of a coyote. The nay of a mustang. The sound of a distant train whistle.
There is so much noise in the world today, it’s hard to catch our breath and just “Be” for a bit. Commune with your soul while being your own best friend. Now, that’s a game-changer.
Whatever you do today, try silence for 15 minutes. This includes silencing the clickity-clack of the computer keyboard. Just 15 minutes of nothing. Try sitting outside while you try this. Listen to “nothing” and see what you can hear. You might be surprised how loud “silence” can be. While you’re at it, listen to your heart. It has plenty to say.
Benedictus by Karl Jenkins –(Please click on space above. A video takes a little time to load.)
I found this piece quite by accident, never having known a thing about Karl Jenkins. I found out in a cruel way, not unlike the bullying that goes on with children across our country and the world.
Okay. I’ll fess up. I’m a royal junky. My favorite royals to watch are William and Kate’s children. Not having access to littles in my family anymore, it’s always fun to watch these three children. Hard to believe that they will grow up to be real Princes and a true Princess. Someday, one will be king. But, for now, they are cute kiddos.
Saturday, MM and I watched with the world as Charles became the king he waited his entire life to become. I couldn’t help think of lovely Diana and the Queen she would have been. The present “Queen”, as she has now become, has quite the past to overcome. I hope their love story is as real as the tabloids would like us to believe. It didn’t have the best start.
Harry reminded us all that even when royal, a family is a family. He breezed in for the main ceremony and then rushed back across the pond to his own life. How awkward for him, even though, the worst of it came from his own poisonous pen. My mother always said, “Be careful of the words you write. They may come back to haunt you.” But then, Harry doesn’t have his mom to argue reason. Just an entitled American actress wife that never fit in.
Yes. Grief made itself known in the absense of Charles mom, Queen Elizabeth,and his Dad, Prince Phillip. Without her death, the entire process couldn’t continue. And so life goes on.
At one point, Charles was clutching his little golden orb, almost like a child with a new ball. I read about the orb. Commissioned in the 1660s for King Charles II, the Sovereign’s Orb is presented during the coronation ceremony to, according to the Tower of London, remind the monarch “their power is derived from God.” Who knows how much that orb is worth, but he was clutching it with both hands. Fitting that it’s hollow inside. Probably a lot like the life of a King-In-Waiting. Hollow.
Through all the hype about Katy Perry not being able to find her seat, to the Who’s Who on the party list, there was one little lost story. There was a gentleman at the coronation who looked a bit out of place. His hair wasn’t combed just right. His mustache hadn’t been trimmed in awhile. Ahhh, the worlds of Twitter and Social Media were ablaze. Just who was this imposter in disguise???? It became a thing.
This gentleman is even wearing a medal.
This poor guy was just sitting in his seat, an invited guest like everyone else. Thanks to plenty of cameras producing video and still shots, a on-line guessing game began. Was it Elvis, come back from the dead? Who was this man in a disguise?
Sometimes the world is just too cruel. This man, who was a distinguished and invited guest was no other than the Welch composer of the beautiful song, Benedictus. Karl Jenkins. I’d never heard of his music, so immediately found the song, listened, and was in awe. Such a brilliant composer was treated so badly by those around the world that want to judge and ridicule someone that rocked a look all his own. They should all send their apologies to such a man.
And, by the way, he was wearing a medal of some sort. Must make him a pretty important guy. He rocks his locks.
In my lifetime, there’s a good chance that I’ll never see another coronation. It seems longevity is a family trait of the royals. I would imagine that today, things will start to return to normal. The kids will go back to school. Everyone will send their finery to the museum for safe keeping. The jewels and that orb will again be safely under lock and key. Life will return to whatever it looks like in their family.
It’s important that we all remember one thing. We come into the world and leave it in the same way, each of us. No matter that we might hold the “Golden Orb” for a few seconds of our lives, it’s a sure thing those moments are fleeting. We would all be wise to hold onto to things that are solid, not just studded with precious jewels while actually being hollow and empty inside.
Whatever you do today, enjoy your privacy. Enjoy the fact that you aren’t someone glittering for a moment while being splashed across social media. Rock your own unique look. Above everything else, remember to be kind. It’s the only way to fly.
This Grieving Gardener must admit that although the days pass, the healing process continues. It’s hard to believe that it’s been over three years since VST left us. Over 1,000 days, I’ve gotten up out of bed and handled business of one kind or another. Life truly does go on for each of us, with a grief that is as unique as our love.
During the first months as a widow, my intention was to write a book about personal experiences as a new widow. This blog was meant to be a warm up while helping me through the first year. Three years later, the blog continues while I consider the possibilities of becoming a REAL writer.
Last year, I decided it was quite an arrogant notion that I’d have anything of value to say about being a widow. Grief is so very personal. How brazen of me to think my situation was unique or in some way more unusual than that of any other spouse. Was there any benefit to sharing my experience with others?
Lately, I’m rethinking that one. Once in a blue moon, someone will approach me and tell me that a certain blog really touched them, helping them get through a hard spot. For me, that’s worth more than anything that could come from being a REAL writer. In fact, that confirms that I am a REAL writer with stories to share, whether they be about my life or my very real grief.
Reading about grief has helped me through sad times. After losing my first few students at the Children’s Hospital in which I worked from 2010 – 1015, I found a very helpful service. Through Chapelofthelight.com, I clicked on Daily Email Affirmations. After signing up, a daily email will arrive to comfort and help you through one year of grief. In my case, I’ve been signed up since 2011, still enjoying the daily emails which help me through each day.
With grief, it’s important that we find people with whom we can share memories. Through those memories, we honor our loved ones. While sharing memories, we are there for each other in a way some might not understand. Listening to the memories of someone experiencing grief is a true act of patience, kindness, respect, and love. Just the act of simply listening.
Don’t forget to celebrate the happy anniversaries as well as the sad ones. During the first year of widowhood, a vivid memory of the daily activities made 365 days before would appear. Because VST died so suddenly, 43 weeks were happy ones full of RVing and traveling the country. It was only the last nine weeks that were pretty tough to remember clearly. Those weeks in which we battled liver cancer and lost.
Find local resources that can help. For a time, grief support groups were on hold due to the pandemic. Now that life is returning to normal for us all, I’d like to unpack some sadness that was put away during such a rough time in life. There is nothing worse than losing a loved one.
This morning, while studying Psalm 49, I was reminded that a shroud has no pockets. When we leave this earth, we will take nothing with us. No greenhouse. No new car. No beautiful home with an exotic name. Nothing. We’ll just go. Until then, it’s important that we take care of our soul, grieving when we need to, while letting those that love us help us along the way. It’s the relationships that will help us heal.
As written in Grief Connections Daily Affirmation day #184, “Although countless people have experienced grief before you, each person’s response to grief is different. Your path of grief may be uniquely your own, but you owe it to those around you to share your experiences. See yourself as an educator, a teacher; a guide.” I would add, a friend.
So, whatever you do today, don’t remain shut in and closed off. Open up and share a great story about the person you miss so much. You are the only one who can tell the story and get it right! Enjoy the memories. We are truly blessed to have loved so deeply.
I’m going to work outside in the beautiful spring breezes and clear my head.
Whatever you do over the next few days, remember that sometimes the hardest thing to do is nothing at all. Relaxation is an art form. Being lazy takes practice. It’s good for what ails us all. So, have at it. Relax.
Sometimes dreams do come true. I’ve longed for a greenhouse of my own for a very long time. With the help of one very Mysterious and Marvelous Marine, the reality will begin sometime tomorrow, when one greenhouse arrives on my doorstep. It’s hard to envision the dimensions. In my mind, it will go on for days with sections for every kind of plant I want to grow. In reality, space will be tight. Especially when the benches are installed.
When you live in a severe climate, the garden growing season isn’t always long enough. Thinking back to days in California, how I took those warm February days for granted. With the help of hot caps over the tiniest tomato plants, the veggies would take off. The first frosts of the year might not come until December and crops grew all year.
But, I’m in the unpredictable desert now. As I write, the outside temperature is 37 F and rain is pouring down. Shoot, a little dip in the temps and we’ll have more snow. This doesn’t make for the garden that I remember as a girl. For the next 10 days, the weather here will be on the cool side. Then, with the flip of a switch, it will be over 100.
I’m not sure how the heat in the summer will affect the plants inside. It may be too hot for anything to grow for awhile. It’ll be a learning experience throughout this first year.
The greenhouse will need its very own name. You’re all welcome to send me emails with your suggestions. My MMM will be running the construction crew of 2, (His brother and me), while supervising the job. First, the concrete foundation will need to be poured. After curing for a week, the greenhouse will be bolted down. With the Zephyr winds around here, it wouldn’t be good to find my greenhouse two houses away.
The little structure will need water and power. The power may include solar lighting. I need to investigate what will work best out there. The sickly little house plants will go to spend a few weeks in paradise where they will be pampered with humidity and Miracle Grow. Every inch of the greenhouse will be occupied. When I need a touch of the islands or a little humidity in my lungs, I’ll only need to walk a few feet through the desert. This little house in the back will be a game changer.
As for the gardens here at Winterpast, the color of the season is green. There are plants appearing that I didn’t even know I had. The Iris’s and Peony’s are growing by the day. The bulbs I planted in the fall are struggling to grow with the cool weather. A few have bloomed, but the others are taking their sweet time.
Rosa Mr. LincolnPeace RoseTahitian Sunset
Mr. Lincoln, Peace, and Tahitian Sunset roses are finally starting to perk up. Arriving with totally bare roots from a very nice Rose company, they have struggled to leaf out. This cool weather is just what is needed to help them get established. Spring here in the desert is certainly unpredictable.
Today will be a great day to stay indoors and tackle the studio closet. I’ve been finding such treasures from the past. VST’s scripts from our days as thespians at the Golden Chain Theater in Oakhurst California. Old family pictures provide a window into my own days with family back at the ranch. Rather like a magical portal, the tiniest details of what life was like as a young mom, wife, and farming teacher come back in memories. Those sweet days were the best.
Whatever you do today, enjoy springtime. It’s a time for renewing faith in the beautiful life we enjoy here on earth. Turn off the TV and open the windows. Listen to the bird’s songs on the breeze. In the blink of an eye, it’ll be summer!
