This is my feeble attempt to write a blog....... I don't know where the time goes, I really don't. The older I get time seems to flit by faster than a rat in a drainpipe and somebody just flushed twice. Then again so much has gone on since August 2nd, it's been hard to keep track of everything.
Even after "Critter Siege 2024" the tomatoes and peppers rolled in. The tops of the carrots were gone but underground carrots remained. What is it about digging carrots out of the ground after a good snow and freezing temps. All those carbs converting to sugar making them candy sweet. We have had oven baked carrots every week since the snow and vowed to plant more next year, they are that good. For the first time I did not need to buy tomatoes from the guy up the road; there were enough to fill the basement and then some. Heirloom varieties took a hit in the heat and drought of 2024 and I learned not to ever just plant one variety of anything. There were so many garden lessons learned in 2024; I am grateful to still be learning.
The storms rolled through about once a month, or we would have had no rain at all....
Maybe this winter I can catch up on all the garden chaos of 2024, maybe not (I have projects planned).
As storms intensified we got serious about taking the giant spruce down that threatened to topple each storm. I cried and my heart hurt as it protected the house from harsh winds in the winter and cooled us in the summer. It hosted so many families of birds and raccoons. It was our very first Christmas Tree when we moved into this place over 40 years ago. I planted a new tree, a serviceberry for the birds.
Then the Miller reunion..... our album cover for 2024.
After another Miller whirlwind visit, it was back to work
and now it's the holiday season........
I just landed back home from a quick trip out to the grocery store. I am NOT in the holiday spirit this year. I've not baked and have no intention of baking. I have not done one show this year and not missed it. There are no decorations tossed about the house. It's just different this year. Am I blaming it on global warming, democracy going down in flames, the food supply in peril; all the above? Retail is so depressing this year.
BUT I thought I'd stop at a retail establishment that is usually decked out to the doors and beyond to get my jingle going. Parking lots were filled, I parked across the street and walked across a four lane street to get there..... the first grumble begins. Made it to the store in a stiff wind and it was absolutely packed but the explosion and sense assaulting atmosphere called Christmas was present in its full glory. The check out line snaked to the back of the store and not one smile was to be seen. Two women working the registers scanned like mad and never looked up; stick a fork in them, they're done. After my 180 degree scan, I moonwalked out the door and scurried back across the four lane highway, it was too much. Waving the happy Fuck you to the guy who blew his horn as I stayed in the crosswalk. He should be grateful I didn't launch myself onto the hood of his car like the rabid raccoon I am deep down inside. I could easily peel those wipers right off his car! Phew, back to my van and take a deep breath. Rummaging through the grocery bag as I wait to vault into brake lights, horn blowing and cursing, my hand found the giant bar of dark chocolate at the bottom of the bag; intended for cookies in my dreams. I ripped the wrapper off with my teeth and cracked off a square and another and another. I had two squares left by the time I hit the driveway and I am not going back out. But I have greens in the hoop house, and bourbon in the cupboard. That will fill those Christmas stockings. Or remember getting an orange and you were thrilled?
Am I getting old or just over capitalism? I am so happy to be watching birds at the feeder and walking to the hoop house. I put twinkle lights on the hoop house and may just slap a bow on that for the holidays; it makes me happier than anything you could stick in my stocking!
So Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and do whatever it is you need to celebrate.
Peace and well being to all🎄
