The Burrow

I was due on the 29th of February.  G'ma tried to reason with me, but her body betrayed us and I came two days early.  I've always regretted that. Eighteen was a wonderful age.   Perhaps I can incorporate that feeling into my intention to live this year with lighthearted energy.  They do seem to go together.

I didn't realize that construction skills would be necessary when I began Grandma's Garden.   Today I struggled with the waterproof, 100 gallon, storage chest with cushion.  They sent me eight screws; I could only find use for six of them.  This might have concerned me, but they were the last parts in the instructions and after arguing with the clip in plastic sides for about an hour I wasn't interested in continuing the conversation. I was dealing with attaching the hinge when kindergarten arrived.  I wasn't my usual welcoming self, so most of them stayed on the playground.  There were a lot of first and second graders who tried to help me solve the problem, which was resolved when the third graders entered the picture. I was sitting on the old bench, admiring my work.   What's that? Hmmmmm, thought I.   What does it look like? Silence.  Bewildered looks. I started to laugh.  It wasn't disguised.  It was obvbiously a box....

72. Little Cuter says I am not elderly, not in my 70's.  Mid-eighties might be another story..... but why go there right now?   John Steinbeck, Elizabeth Taylor, a favorite cousin, and I all share this birthdate.  It comes at a lull in the holiday calendar and right in the middle of the snowbirds' season.  Many friends come to town; I consider them all birthday gifts. We'll go to dinner with the usual suspects at a 40 year old Italian restaurant none of us have ever tried.  It has unlimited garlic bread.  Elastic waist pants will be in order. I've had ecards and physical cards and pre-birthday texts.  I'll go to Prince tomorrow and get some birthday hugs (these things have a way of becomng known, it seems) after a birthday breakfast with Taos Bubbe.   72 is starting out quite well.

JannyLou came for a visit this weekend.  Fast Eddie had a cold (not COVID; he kept testing just to be sure) so he stayed home.  It was old home week without one quarter of us; somehow, we made do. She had plans with her sorority sisters on Friday night, so she breezed in and out, taking a garage door clicker so she could return at her leisure.  It was fun saying Don't be late  and Drive carefully  and, my favorite reminder of Little Cuter's time at home during college, TBG wondering Do you have cash? The kid went back to college with a roll of twenties, because Dad kept offering them to me. We stayed up to be sure she got home okay.... well, we stayed out in the living room after 10pm..... and she came home with the smile you get after spending time with people who've known you since college. She spent the next morning with a bestie, dining out for lunch and bringing home Costco steaks and country bread for dinner.  I wouldn't let her help with dinner prepa...

I usually like going to Whole Foods.  That wasn't how I felt today. I managed to find a cart without a napkin or a crumpled wax paper wrap or a tissue wedged in the corner.   The produce section is under construction and nothing was where it was supposed to be.   There was a mass of humanity blocking every aisle.  No one was touching the fruits or veggies.  They were just standing there, talking, making it impossible for me to reach the tarragon and the shallots.  When I finally got to them, the shallots were buried beneath discarded skins.   There was no broccolini. There was a poodle, on a leash, without any indication that he was a service animal.  Just a dog, out for a walk in my grocery store.  His human had him on a long leash.  This was not conducive to the smooth locomotion of carts. The fresh pizza was congealed, frightening, and suspicious looking.  I turned toward the newly displayed pre-sliced packs of tur...

Here, once again, is my somewhat annual rant about President's Day.  Just like last year, I didn't realize it was President's Day.  I was too wrapped up in the terrifying notion that the former guy might be the next guy to pay attention.  Here in Arizona, we have Rodeo Weekend this Thursday and Friday so schools remained open.  It may have been a Legal Holiday, but my trash was picked up right on schedule. I'm not the only sentient being who is struck by the strangeness of it all.  NPR told me that February 22nd had been a Federal Holiday from 1879 all the way through until 1968 when Congress standardized almost  all the Federal Holidays and George ended up with the 3rd Monday in February.... which will always be before his actual date of birth... and, as long as I'm ranting, will always be after Abe's on the 12th. I'm all for celebrating your Birthday Month, but that's just plain ridiculous.   Here's the rest of the rant, reprinted and slightly e...

It is true that there are those who've drunk the MAGA kool aid and are just waiting for the poison to seep into the rest of us.  There are those who will not listen, and that is sad.  But for those who might have a small chink in their armor, maybe because they love you, and who might be willing to listen and think about what you're saying,  you might try this: The State of New York found that your guy is unqualified to do conduct business unless two, separate monitors sign off on the deal.  He cannot write a check unless it is cleared by different entities, each of whom is endowed with total oversight of the man's affairs. If the State of New York thinks he's not to be trusted with his own business affairs,  why would you trust him with the country's spending, budgeting, forecasting?  These are your tax dollars he's spending.... or grifting. That's the kind and loving way of saying what I heard in a cascading series of talking heads following the lead....

Do you play Spelling Bee in the NYTimes Games app? It's six letters surrounding a seventh in the center. The idea is to make as many words (4 letters or more) using the outer letters as many times as you want, but always including the center layer. The game gives you mottivation along the way, letting you move from Good Start to Moving Up, Nice, Good, Great, Amazing, and Genius. SIR and I share our scores when we hit Genius, which is more often than not. It's a lovely way to occupy my brain while washing dishes or folding laundry. I move the letters around in my head, surprising myself when a word pops up. As we've commented more than once, this is sometimes an all day game. The Times gives you hints in The Spelling Bee Forum . It also heads that column every day with a different picture of bees, sent in by readers. Today, while deep watering my Meyer Lemon tree, the one that decided to set blooms after every other lemon tree in the land has produced its entire cro...

James Patterson books are easy ways to pass a lazy day.  I found myself re-reading  Cross Down  today, realizing a few short chapters in that I remembered the basic outline of the plot but that I didn't mind spending time with those characters again. It's a plot revolving around a coup.  Hate groups on all sides are encouraged and supported.  Martial law and loss of basic freedoms are the plan.  It felt remarkably real. Television seems to be revolving around a coup, too.  With the majority of prospective Republican voters telling pollsters they are committed to returning him to jail, the Lying Liar turned his minions onto Fani Willis.  Not satisfied with attempting to steal the choice made by Georgia voters, not satisfied with defaming election workers and sticking his friends with the bill (cf Rudy Guiliani owing $148 million to satisfy the judgment), he decided to take a big bite out of the whole enchilada - he went after Fani Willis. I was nev...

If you haven't seen My Man Godfrey , now would be a good time take it out of the library or Google how to watch it for free.  It's one of our favorite movies; our Top Ten list has about twenty entries so don't ask me to be more specific. But for a put a smile on your face experience, there are few films that match it. Really.  Just look at these two: the criterion collection He's delighted with her.  She's seeing through the grime.  They're surprised with what's there. Carol Lombard pouts better than anyone in movies. William Powell does superior and disdainful and kind just as well.   He and Carole Lombard, the charmingly ditzy rich girl who hires him as her family's butler, were recently divorced after a two year marriage when he insisted that she be cast opposite him in the film.  Knowing that, I paid special attention to how they looked at one another. imdb.com That's an iconic  irreconcilable differences but yes, I know you are adorable ...

We were randomly flipping channels.  ESPN was wrapping up coverage of the Chiefs' Super Bowl parade and celebration. It was perfect background noise to the far more interesting conversation we were having. Then the picture changed.  The reporting changed.  The venue was different but the words were the same.  People were running.  Sirens were blaring.  Stretchers.  Police.  Sobbing survivors.   Bright sunshine and ambulances.  After a while I couldn't take any more.   What's on ESPN? This is ESPN. That was how we came to listen to  Marcus Spears wondering if this is who we are  as a people, and concluding that it is. No place is safe  was a constant refrain, as if that were a new concept. Hug those you love.  Tomorrow is not promised.

I spent the last few months watching mothers with their daughters and missing my own Mommy.  Finding this old post was like finding a hug.  Happy Valentines Day from my heart to yours.   ***** This happened on Valentines weekend 12 years ago.   I remember it as if it were today.  Shockingly, G'ma was willing to forgo her post-prandial nap and accompany me to Target.  I hustled her into the car before she could change her mind.  We admired the clouds and she told me I was driving too fast and not stopping for the yellow lights and following too closely and she was my mother again, except for the clacking dentures.  Be careful what you wish for,  I guess. There was an electric cart in the unloading area next to the handicapped parking space and it was calling her name.  She's still got left and right implanted in her memory bank, so directionality wasn't an issue.  She took a turn or two too closely, but the t-shirts didn't ...

The Kansas City Chiefs may not have as deep a bench as the 49'ers' but they do have Patrick Mahomes. San Francisco kicked a field goal.  KC scored a touchdown.  The last man drafted took is team into overtime, but lost to a once in a generation talent. It's hard to feel too sad. ***** Queen T went all out in the decor for their first Super Bowl Party.  There were babies and sports fans and many, many balloons.  And there was this: . I'd say she wins for creative presentation. ***** The sun was shining and the air was crisp and clean after some night time  rain.  There's still snow on the Pusch Ridge, even on the west facing slopes.  Long sleeves keep me warm enough, though sometimes a long cotton scarf needs to wrap around my neck for perfect comfort. Tomorrow morning, Taos Bubbe and I will be doing yoga outside at Tohono Chul Botanical Garden . Yes, I'm reveling in being outdoors in February without special equipment. ***** Grandma's Garden is fecund....

I watched the Super Bowl so you didn't have to.  These are my thoughts as they unfold. ***** Yes, Taylor Swift is there.  She's wearing a black top with spaghetti straps.   ***** Did you see that?  It was really funny.    That was my reminder that the commercials are going to be the best part of the evening.   ***** There was, as always, the Adoration of America.  It being the Super Bowl and all, there were not one, not two, but three songs. I should know more about Lift Every Voice and Sing . America the Beautiful is a wonderful song.  Unfortunately, I couldn't watch or listen.  The singer was unkempt, which would have been bad enough, but his face was covered with tattoos.  Who decided to normalize that during the Super Bowl. (Yes, I'm being judgemental) By the time they got around to Reba McIntyre and The Star Spangled Banner all I could feel was relief. ***** He gets us  runs ads that I'm glad to watch. The websit...

It's been a long time coming.   The hard frost in early January killed our just ready to ripen tomatoes.  I've been pointing out the frozen remains to everyone who wonders where the snacks are hiding.  Frozen too were our basil, both the purple and the sweet; the lemon grass we were used to sucking on; and the bell pepper which was slowly moving from flower to fruit. But today, after what seemed like forever, all of this happened. This scholar was very precise in her planting, adhering to the depth and distance recommendations. That is a serious carrot.  That radish is not misshapen.  She was rightfully proud. Those who were less persnickety about seed placement created this messy root system and laughably unhappy carrots. Intertwined was not the only physical difference which was (quite excitedly) brought to my attention.  These three carrots,  from three different hanging buckets, led to inquiries about location, access to sunlight, competition ...

She tested positive after FlapJilly's test turned red immediately.  They were both under quarantine and the boys were left to fend for themselves.  SIR kept his girls supplied with food and beverage, while they turned the shower into a spa experience with essential oils in the steamy air.   My girl likes her alone time, but she thrives in the bosom of her family.  Going a full day without snuggles from Giblet is painful; anticipating and then living through day after day of that separation wass heartbreaking.  She was tired and she was bored and she was sick.  Not desperately sick, but day after day not getting better sick. And her mommy was 2000 miles away. This is the time when GRANDMA should spring to action.  Deliveries of chicken soup with matzoh balls......with just the right amount of spring when you bite into them.  Cooking them dinner so the boys can focus on one another and not the missing half of their family.  Cleaning and la...

An entirely new set of boys were in the garden today.  They found an empy 5 gallon pot that, apparently, required an immediate infusion of soil from the digging bed.  No one was quite sure what they were going to do once it was full.  They were purposeful and polite.  I let them be.  We decided to fill the new raised gardens with the remains of last summer's soil delivery.  It was a dirty job ( Oh no! You're dirty and you're working in the garden.  What a surprise!) so the boys in the back kept their hands clean for eating garden grown lettuce.   These three were relentless.  Discovering the most efficient method of transferring the soil from the pallet on the ground to the bed above, breaking the clods in the bed so the roots could move unimpeded, needing no adult presence except when the compliments became too infrequent.   This scholar was determined to have the surface present an even face to its public. She approached it f...

91 criminal and civil indictments have been handed down against the man.   Jurors have watched him up close and personal and have spanked him to the tune of $83.7 million dollars.   The Senate took up the MAGA fold's challenge and came together on a bipartisan bill funding our various proxy wars and addressing the border issue in a way sure to anger the left.  Progress on immigration under the current administration is anathema to the presumptive Republican nominee so the Speaker of the House declared that the legislation is DOA in the House. The fact that our economy is doing quite well thank you very much is, apparently, due to the fact that he's predicted to win in 2024.   There's so much to unpack there.  Steve Bannon had a plan to break the government and he found a willing stooge to front for him.  A man with no moral center, with a toddler's sense of entitlement, someone who does not understand the concept of respect, a fountain of wor...

There's only one football game left.  The sports channels (and there are many of them, in case you live a blissful life and are unaware of the nonsense television provides) have been playing old Super Bowls and biographies of current and past players on the 49ers and the Chiefs. They are analyzing why Dak Prescott (Dallas QB) is this that and the other, even though he led his team to a loss in the run up to the big game.  Thankfully, no one is that concerned about Taylor Swift. They seem to be leaving that outrage to Fox News, which has decided that that she is a Democratic plant, designed to sway people to love the Chiefs and vote for Biden.   I, too, am missing the connections there, but that's the MAGA crowd for you - seeking controversy where there is none.  I guess a fairy tale love story is more than their listeners can handle.  Personally, I am enchanted by the young Prince scholars who are cheering for Tay-Tay's boyfriend's team, even if ...

 February did, that is.   I've been operating in a first month of the new year mode.  I began the year with all my usual good intentions.  I was going to clean this out and move those inside and finally give all that away.  It was January, a good time to sweep out the old and make room for the new. Well, none of that happened.   Logistics played a big part. It's hard to reorganize when five are occupying space normally used by two.  But that excuse has been lame for a long time.  Those blankets are still piled up on the bed. I wasn't worried.  It was still January.  I had plenty of time.  And then it wasn't and I didn't.   Not that it matters.  It will get done when it gets done.  The pressing problems have been addressed - the cardboard boxes have been recycled;  the holiday decorations are boxed and on shelves; our inventory has been restocked.  Why I feel the need to have spent the last fou...

The pretty etched plastic lamps have the plugs on the wrong side.  I sit them in the window, not on a counter.  The cords intrude on my view and I can't turn them around. ***** Our torchiers are from the last century.  They've always been temperamental, refusing to turn on or off, flickering for no reason at all.  But they are beautiful and when they work their light is exactly what and where we want it to be.  So we unplug it because it won't turnoff otherwise, and gently tap it because turning the on off switch makes it tremble. ***** The old fashioned bubbler lights I bought for TBG's Xmas this year were lovingly packed away in the original, well-engineered box by Queen T.  She was meticulous, gently winding the wires, careful not to bend the cardboard inserts.  I watched, imagining HoneyBunny in my place, watching her doing the same thing, twenty, thirty, forty years from now. *****  Big Cuter found an attractive, rechargeable, well priced, li...