Garden 2026: The Year of the Varmints

This year's gardening experience has been challenging in ways I have never experienced before. I knew going into the season that water would be scarce, given the historic drought conditions in our state, and I was prepared for that.

What I wasn't prepared for were the numerous rodents that would show up to make my raised bed a critter buffet. It started with this asshole...

...who then invited his whole damn family to move into the backyard. Before we realized we were hosting an indigent family of furry freeloaders, they had managed to claim squatter's rights and had burrowed under my raised beds and under the pavers in Hugh's man gazebo, ruining the foundation underneath. They also ate several of my seedlings down to bare stubs, which seriously delayed my progress in the garden. 

Thankfully, Hugh has a friend well known locally as THE GUY for trapping all forms of wildlife, and he was able to trap and relocate the entire family of five. So, I replanted, only to have a transient marmot pass through several weeks later, using my raised beds as a bed and breakfast; once again, several of my seedlings were eaten down to nubbins.

To say I was frustrated is a vast understatement of my wrath and rage.

Anyhoodle, the rest of the summer has gone slightly better, and I did manage to salvage enough to make myself feel better. 

Currently, I am harvesting peppers, tomatoes, arugula (so much arugula), Swiss chard, and curly endive. I also planted baby pumpkins and cantaloupe for the first time, and it looks like I'll harvest at least a few of each, which is exciting. Why cantaloupe and pumpkins, you ask? Because, by the time I needed to replace the plants that had been eaten by furry assholes, the pickins' were slim at the nursery, and I figured, what the hell, might as well experiment, since the garden had gone to Hell in a handbasket, anyway.

I'm not mad about it.

So. Much. Arugula. This was the first of what would become five cuttings, so far, and it has shown no sign of stopping.

In addition to the raised bed, I am also growing several things in my new greenhouse, which deserves a post of its own. 

Until then, I am off to water the above mentioned garden and, to check for any new rodent activity. I live in constant fear of the little bastards now, in case you coudn't tell.

The trauma is real.

We Apologize For the Delay

Cough

Cough

Sorry, I just choked on the cloud of dust that flew off my keyboard. 

All better, now.

So... it's been several months since I dropped my last post, and I'm sure the two or so people who read this blog probably thought I up and died. Actually, that's not accurate, since they know me off the internet and are aware that I am, indeed, alive and kicking, if not lazy and unmotivated (hi, Mom! Hi, Ann!)

So, where have I been? What have I been up to?

Life. Just...life. 

Why have I not written?

I've been experiencing an unrelenting case of writer's block, the likes of which I haven't encountered in all the years I have been putting thoughts to paper (or keyboard).  And, since I have literally been writing since I was old enough to hold a pen, this has been a strange season for me.

I'm not saying I've broken through the blockage, but I have started to feel motivated to write again, so...baby steps.

And, speaking of babies, Shanti and the Man-Cub are just about through the pregnancy that I wrote about in my last post! It has been an exciting time for all of us, and we are crazy excited for our Goose to arrive next month. 

Hugh and I have chosen our grandparent names, or, more accurately, Queen B chose our names, as she has been calling us by these names since we became grandparents to her cat, and they have stuck. So, we will be known as Grumps and Lovey. When we tell people this, they tend to laugh and say, "Yeah, that tracks."

So, while I believe Goose will ultimately decide what the heck to call everyone, this is what we are going with.

Why Goose? Well, while we know the gender of our tiny blessing, we don't know the name. Shanti and the Man-Cub are keeping their options to themselves until they meet the baby and decide for sure, which I think is both practical and smart. Plus, I love having a little mystery left in this process.

So, are we having a boy or a girl?

She's a girl!

The kids did the cutest gender reveal video, which you can view here if you like cute gender reveal videos.

Will she forever be my silly little Goose, no matter what her parents name her?

Indeed, she will.

Will she become a frequent guest star on this blog?

Ummmm...have we met?

Here is her debut photo, just in case you're still undecided.

I guess that's all I have for today. I am cautiously optimistic that there will be frequent posts to follow; I have missed this space and this creative outlet. I've missed myself without it, truth be told.

And we can't have that.

Friday Favorites, the Best Edition Ever

 This is my most favorite Friday Favorites post, ever! And, I'm sure you'll understand why.

Shanti and the Man-Cub are going to have a little cub of their own!

The kids broke the news to us almost three weeks ago, and it was so, so hard to keep the secret until they were ready to go public, but I did it.

Hugh and I are so thrilled for the kids and look forward to watching them navigate parenthood. I know they will be the best parents, and I am so excited to be the doting grandmother, or, as Queen B insists, Lovey.

Shanti's mom got first dibs on the grandma name, which is only right, and she chose Grand Jan, which is precious and perfect. Queen B has long insisted that, when we became grandparents, Hugh and I be called Lovey and Grumps, which cracks me up but is also perfect. I know the baby will ultimately decide which moniker sticks for each of us, but I'll be content with whatever comes; I'm just anxious to hold that little bundle in my arms! 

So, Tiny Cub, coming September 2026!

Let the spoiling begin!

What's Up Wednesday, February 2026 Edition

 

Am I the only one who blinked and missed all of February? How did that happen? I know it's the shortest month, but come on.

Anyhoodle, thanks to Sheaffer and Shay, here's what was up this month, captured in the only post I'll write all month. My continuing suckage is becoming legendary.

What I've Been Eating

I enjoyed several restaurant meals this month, a couple of which I actually managed to immortalize in all their digital glory. Oh! And a truly delicious hard-egg sandwich that satisfied a weird, random craving one fine weekend morning.

What I'm Loving

Well, I was having a momentary love affair with ChatGPT, until I educated myself on the waste that is produced by data centers across the US, then I quit. Still love this caricature rendering of my personality on full display, however.

Loving big time is the fact that Queen B was able to be with us on her birthday; it was a big one and I'm glad she chose to celebrate it with her family.

Speaking of family, I also love, love, love the painting the Man-Cub commissioned for Shanti.

 

What I'm Reminiscing About

Obviously, with Queen B turning the big 3-0, I've been reminiscing about her birth. I wrote a whole post about it once upon a time, so I won't go into the details now. 

What I've Been Up To

Well, I traveled to Las Vegas with Queen B and eight of her friends to celebrate the weekend before her birthday. We had a great time! I failed to hang with the youngins at the clubs, but I made up for it during the day. You know, when they were tired and easier to keep up with.

I even managed to break my lifelong losing streak to win $18! The thrill was real!

What I'm Working On

I'm working on motivating myself to get back in shape. So far, this consists of purchasing a walking pad and trying to convince myself to walk every day. Baby steps. Like, literally.

What I'm Excited About

Shanti and the Man-Cub are getting a puppy! A male black lab, whom the Cub hopes to train for shed hunting (antlers, for those of you who are confused). I can't wait to meet the little guy!

What I'm Dreading

I'm not dreading anything new. Still have some lingering concerns about the site visit I need to prepare for in April, but I'm doing a fantastic job of procrastinating on that worry. I mean, why buy trouble? Right?

What I'm Reading

I recently discovered Jennifer Hartmann's work and have powered through several of her books. I started with Still Beating, which was hauntingly beautiful, dark, and gritty, and ultimately hopeful. 

 

The second book, Lotus,  was equally heart-wrenching yet ultimately satisfying.

The third book, The Stars Are on Our Side, did not disappoint, which is impressive because, in my experience, third books often lose the allure of a series for me. Although, to be clear, this isn't a series, per se, but a collection of interconnected stories that share characters.

I am currently reading the fourth book, The Thorns Remain, which is slightly less closely connected to the first three but still features crossover characters. So far, I am loving the premise.

What I'm Watching

Still not tuning in to the television much these days, but I did watch The Housemaid with Queen B the other night. Queen B had already read the book and was curious to see how well the movie was adapted. She wasn't terribly disappointed. I have the book on my TBR list, and I still plan to read it even though I've watched the movies.

What I'm Listening To

I'm actually in need of podcast suggestions, if anyone has anything they'd like to recommend!

What I'm Wearing

Still nothing of note for this particular question. I'm hoping that changes someday.

What I'm Doing This Weekend

I really need to get caught up on housework, which is about as exciting as my life gets these days.

What I'm Looking Forward to Next Month

I am looking forward to longer days, more sunshine, and the flowering of the bulbs that are starting to poke their heads up from the barren earth.

Favorite Purchase this Month

I recently discovered an affinity for White Buffalo turquoise, which surprised me. I'm not hugely drawn to traditional turquoise (unlike Queen B, who owns a ton of pieces), but the black-and-white color scheme of the Whit Buffalo calls to me. Too bad it's a little harder to find than traditional stones and more expensive.

What's Up Wednesday, January 2026 Edition

 

Another year, another What's Up Wednesday! This one will be short and sweet because my life is both boring and chaotic. Perhaps you can relate.

What I've Been Eating

Nothing of note on this front; the Let's Lower Chelle's Cholesterol Before She's Shackled To Medication Diet is in full swing. I'm not a huge fan. On the bright side, I cheated on said diet with a chicken parm recently, so I'm not suffering completely.

What I'm Loving

Shanti and the Man-Cub bought a house this month, and I am loving how excited they are to feather their little nest. I especially enjoyed listening to Hugh talk the Man-Cub through the wiring on his new (to him) water heater over FaceTime; trying to explain the difference between the red and green wires to a colorblind kid is always so entertaining.

What I'm Reminiscing About

Nothing at the moment.

What I've Been Up To

Guinness has been under the weather, so I have spent some time at the vet clinic, as well as trying to get medication down his throat without traumatizing him or making him hate me. Always a good time, over here.

What I'm Working On 

Half of my staff at Not So New Job are currently hospitalized. One, because she just delivered a precious baby girl (yay!), and one because her colon tried to kill her (boo!). So, I am working on staying sane. If this job doesn't eventually kill me, it will most definitely be a surprise. Three cheers for financial solvency!

What I'm Excited About 

I'm getting a walking pad for my bedroom. I don't know why this excites me, but there you have it.

What I'm Dreading

Nope. Nope. Ain't no way I am manifesting additional stress with that nonsense.

What I'm Reading

I read all four books in the Pacific Shores Series and loved them all.

Then I read the first three books in the Ravenhood Series, because why not add emotional damage caused by fictional characters to my already emotionally fragile psyche?

What I'm Watching

Still not tuning into the television, like, at all. Still don't miss it.

Did take Mom to see the local community theater's production of Clue on Stage. Loved it!

What I'm Listening To

Smutty books on Audible. That is all.

What I'm Wearing

Half the time, I'm wearing a blush on my cheeks, thanks to all the smutty books on Audible.

What I'm Doing This Weekend

Hopefully, walking on my new walking pad, while either reading a good book or listening to, you guessed it, a smutty book on Audible.

What I'm Looking Forward to Next Month

Ooh! One I can actually drum up some excitement for! I'm joining Queen B and a group of her friends in Las Vegas to celebrate her Dirty 30! Will I be the oldest person in attendance? Yes. Do I care? Nope! It may be her 30th birthday, but it is also the 30th anniversary of the day I started the job I was meant for. Celebration all the way around!

Favorite Purchase This Month

I honestly hope it's going to be that damn walking pad. Fingers crossed!