Seams Like a Story

December 11, 2023December 11, 2023

Farewell Spike

an ending and a beginning

If you’ve been following me for a while you know the story of Spike, the agave that Ed brought home from the high school greenhouse when we lived in Indiana. I documented the tale of this baby agave that outgrew its life as midwestern houseplant and moved with us to Arizona, in my first published story (January 2021 issue of the Desert Leaf magazine) and also included it in my first book, Out of the Crayon Box. At the end of the story I wrote:

“Spike is thriving in his new environment. The warm sunshine and blue skies agree with him. I hope he lives long enough to produce a magnificent flower stalk and dies of natural caused like his great-great grand plant before him.”

Ten years passed and Spike continued to grow, but showed no signs of “stalking”…until last January. It was amazing to watch the progress from a tiny nub in the center of the plant to a giant stalk, often growing several inches a day. Spike developed a following as I posted weekly updates on my Facebook page There was no way for us to measure it exactly, but it’s final height was several stories tall. We waited anxiously for the buds to bloom, but an unusually cold spell last winter froze the growth tips.

In the spring, we brought in professional landscapers to cut the dead stalk down. The main portion of the plant continued to stay green for several months, but by summer we knew it was time. Still, we couldn’t bear to part with this silly agave that had symbolized our move to the Southwest, and launched my career as an author.

By December, Spike’s once glorious leaves were brown and droopy. We had to face the fact that Spike had completed his life cycle. This week we called the landscapers back to remove what was left of our agave. From my studio window, I heard saws buzzing as they cut through the tough outer leaves, carefully avoiding the still-sharp points on the leaf tips. The points that got Spike in trouble as a houseplant and gave him his name were still treacherous. It took three men and several shovels to remove the remaining bulb of the plant. I peeked out the window, but in the end, couldn’t bear to watch. Ed saw them put the remains into the trailer to be taken to compost.

Yet, the cycle of life goes on. As a parting gift, Spike had produced a “pup”, a strong and healthy baby plant. Knowing this little plant’s potential, we moved it to a corner, away from the path. Here it can grow as wild as it wants without fearing I will snip off its points. (Your have to read the story to find out how this once got me in big trouble with Spike…and Ed)

A new beginning. This little thing isn’t named yet, but I know in my heart it will be the centerpiece of our desert garden. And if it takes after its parent plant Spike, the stories are sure to continue.

Cue the Charlie Brown Singers….Lu, lu lu….lu,lu.lu.lu.lu.

Threads of Thought

To help us name our new agave, list suggestions in the comments below!

(Know that to maintain the integrity of this site, all comments are moderated. There will be a slight delay before your reply appears).

A bright blue book with a border of crayons across the bottom and the title OUt of the Crayon Box: Thoughts on Teaching, Retirement, and Life

Besides the story of Spike, Out of the Crayon Box: Thoughts on Teaching, Retirement and Life is the story of my transition out of teaching and into a new life as a writer.

Get your copy here http://amazon.com/author/debravandeventer

November 20, 2023November 19, 2023

Tall Candle Dinners

You’re invited…are the candles tall?

tall white candles in crystal holders on a table set with roses and two classes of wine — Ready for a tall candle dinner

In her 1922 book on Etiquette, Emily Post says when setting the proper table “candlesticks or candelabra must be high and the candles as long as the proportion can stand. There are candles on all dinner tables always! “

Well, that was then, this is now, I hear you saying. Emily was no doubt referring to high- society entertaining, not our everyday grab-and-go dinners of today. I get it, but let me introduce you to my thoughts on candle etiquette.

Tall Candle Dinners

My husband and I enjoy having people over for dinner. He does the cooking and right before the guests arrive I set the table, making sure to include a small centerpiece of fresh flowers and candles. We have found that candlelight and dimmed overhead lighting along with a wonderful meal and a glass or two of good wine contributes to engaging conversations around the table. Often our guest remain at the table for hours, staying until the candles are stubs of melted wax in the candleholders.

Family dinners

The candle tradition extends to our family dinners as well. We live a distance from our grown children and granddaughters, so mealtimes together are cherished occasions. When we get a chance to gather for a meal at our house, we always light candles and start with a toast. We clink our wine, or iced tea, or water glasses together and let each other know how happy we are to be together.

Table for Two

Of course, Valentine’s Day, birthdays and anniversaries warrant a candlelight dinner, but I’ve noticed that lately, when it’s just Ed and I, we often light candles for ordinary everyday dinners. Even when it’s leftovers or we think we don’t have much to talk about, the ritual of lighting the candles seems to say “This time together is important.”

A lot of candles

So, yes. This takes a lot of candles. I’m picky, but through trial and error, I’ve found the perfect ones. I kind of don’t want to tell you about them because I’m afraid you’ll get to Trader Joe and buy out their limited stock.

OK, here goes, but don’t tell anybody else: My favorite off-white, non drip inexpensive candles are only available seasonally between Thanksgiving and Christmas and during that time we buy enough to get us through the year. I only buy a couple of boxes at once though because I don’t want the cashiers to think I’m in a weird cult or something. But the other day I took inventory and think maybe I am a borderline candle hoarder. (I currently have 15 boxes x 8 candles per box…you do the math) On the bright side, If the electricity goes out, I’m prepared.

short candles in crystal candleholders on a table with roses — Uh oh, The short candle dinner…

The short candle dinner

My children and close friends have a theory that if you come to my house for dinner and you see the candles in the holders are short it means we’d rather you not stay too long. No comment except to say ” There are candles on all dinner tables always! ” (according to Emily Post) and for you, my dear readers, the candles will always be long.

Threads of Thought

Take some time this holiday season to gather around the table with friends and loved ones. Go ahead, light some tall candles and stay until they melt into tiny stubs!

out of the crayon box book and wine glass — Perfect for starting conversations around the dinner table! Get your copy here: http://amazon.com/author/debravandeventer

November 6, 2023November 5, 2023

When Autumn Comes to Arizona

a fake pumpkin in a coffee mug — A little to much pumpkin in the latte?

When Ed and I moved to Arizona, we were drawn to the turquoise blue skies, the mild winters, beautiful sunsets, and the way you can see a million stars in the clear night sky. But, I’ll have to admit, I miss fall. Don’t get me wrong, we have seasons here in the desert southwest, winters differ greatly from summers, but the changes are subtle. You have to be on the lookout or they will pass you by. Here’s how I do Autumn in Arizona:

Forget about Daylight Savings Time

It doesn’t exist in Arizona. We are one of the two states that do not save daylight. (The other being Hawaii, where they don’t worry about time anyway.) There’s no adjustment period when the clock suddenly “falls back” or “springs forward.” The only slight adjustment I make is keeping track of what time my friends and family in Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, and Georgia are on when it comes time to make a phone call.

It is rather nice. Being retired, I have the luxury of waking with the sun each morning, meaning I sleep in longer in the winter. My biological clock is in sync with the seasons. (That’s not to say I go to bed at dusk, mind you, thanks to the invention of indoor lighting and Netflix.)

Add Some Fall Decor

There are few deciduous trees here unless you go up to the mountains or have a pomegranate tree, so forget about leaves (nothing to rake, however.) Here in Arizona, you have to make your own autumn ambience. Hang a fake leaf wreath, light a pumpkin spice candle. It’s a feeble attempt, I know, but it helps.

Wardrobe Changes

It took me years to figure out how to dress for the seasons in Arizona. A friend of mine who’s been here longer than I have says “It’s all about layering.” I still don’t have it right. The other day I met some friends for coffee. It was 50 degrees when I left home. I put on a long- sleeved tee and jeans. We sat outside, and by the time our lattes arrived, I was too hot. Back home, I changed into shorts and sleeveless top. Once the sun went down, the temperature took a nose dive and I put on a sweatshirt and yoga pants. We do a lot of laundry at our house this time of year.

Seasonal Food

Cool, crisp salads are making way for soups, Ed’s homemade bread, and yes, I’ll admit it: Pumpkin Spice Latte. My new favorite comes from Trader Joe and I mix it in with my chai tea. Perfect for sipping by the fire pit in the evening while making s’mores.

Yeah, I know, it’s not the same. Those of you who live in other parts of the country will have your beautiful leaves, the first snowfall, White Christmas. I miss it, and in fact, I’ve just returned from a trip to the Midwest where I experienced a week of Real Fall. But come January, February, and March, you’ll be calling me for reservations. Our guest room books up fast.

Author’s note: a version of this story originally appeared in the November 2022 issue of the Oro Valley Style Magazine

Threads of Thought

What do you like most about Fall?

Favorite Fall beverage or food?

Time to cozy up with a good read http://amazon.com/author/debravandeventer

October 23, 2023October 23, 2023

Ghosts of Halloween Past

Reflections of a former teacher

(Originally published in October 2021, this post has been updated and republished for your enjoyment)

It’s that time of year again. Pumpkin carving, trick-or-treaters, classroom parties. Being retired, I no longer have to plan and take part in classroom Halloween activities. But I’ve experienced my share of them during my 37 year career as a kindergarten, first-grade, and fourth-grade teacher. Here are my Ghosts of Halloween past:

The Kindergarten Years

One of my first Halloweens as a teacher…Jeans, straw hat, hubby’s flannel shirt…A Scarecrow? Spooky owls with egg carton eyes hang from the ceiling.

I started my teaching career as a kindergarten teacher in 1975. During that time kindergarten was a half-day program in public schools, if they even offered it at all. In one sense, the half-day time frame was a great setup for Halloween. The students came to school dressed in costume and we played some games (Guess who’s under the mask, Halloween Bingo, maybe a simple art activity.) A school-wide parade would follow. Kindergarteners always led the way, and we picked up the other-grade classes as we wound our way around the school. By the end of the morning, we had a snack–homemade and extra sugary–brought in by parents. If you were lucky enough to reserve one of the school’s video projectors, you could end the session with Charlie Brown’s Great Pumpkin. By then, it was time to send the little goblins home on a sugar high for the parents to deal with.

Half-day Kindergarten teachers had one disadvantage, however. After a quick lunch break, during which I cleaned the classroom and reset my activities, I had to get ready to party all over again with the afternoon session, pretending that I was equally enthused the second time around.

First Grade

Sometime during my years as a first grade teacher, things began to change. The first wave of social consciousness and health awareness hit the school scene and altered our holiday celebrations. Some parents objected to Halloween on religious grounds and did not want their children to dress up in objectionable costumes such as witches or devils. In some years, we banned the word “Halloween” and called the celebration at the end of October “Harvest Festival”. Students could dress in costume if they came as a book character. (“But Mrs. VanDeventer…. Spiderman is in a book!”)

…who arrived to tame Miss Nelson’s unruly class in this James Marshall book

During this era, school officials wanted to focus on health. Sugary treats were banned in favor of “healthy snacks” and teachers scrambled to come up with ways to make carrot sticks and cheese look like fun. (I remember making spiders out of Ritz Cracker-and-peanut butter bodies with pretzel-stick legs and raisin eyes. Yum..)

Fourth Grade

During my last three years of teaching (2015-2018) I was a fourth-grade teacher. Halloween was back and costumes were allowed. However, you had many, many state standards to cover and couldn’t afford to “take a day off” to party. Movies were not allowed unless there was a specific ‘tie-in” with the curriculum. Sorry Charlie (Brown.) Students rotated through Halloween themed math, science, and language arts activities throughout the day, keeping everyone engaged until the end-of-the-day snack. Unhealthy treats were allowed in moderation… except now everyone has allergies. No peanuts, gluten, dairy, tree nuts…..

Retired

It’s fun to think about those days and sometimes, I really do miss the kids, the excitement, the fun. But now I’m happy to say that I celebrate Halloween with pictures of my grandchildren in their costumes and by sitting in my driveway on a warm Arizona night handing out candy to the neighborhood kids.

And when the candy runs out I turn off the lights and retreat to the quiet of my living room where I put the Great Pumpkin DVD in the player (yes, I still have one…my adult children make fun of me) and savor the handful of Snickers I’ve held back for the occasion.

Threads of Thought

What are some of your ghosts of Halloween Past?

How will you celebrate this year?

Favorite candy?( you know, the ones you sneak before the trick-or-treaters come?)

Out of the Crayon Box: Thoughts on Teaching, Retirement, and Life http://amazon.com/author/debravandeventer

October 13, 2023October 13, 2023

Wine Snobs

“Embrace your inner wine snob…go ahead and say ‘this Tempranillo tastes faintly of leather saddle,’ but don’t expects anyone else to know what you’re talking about…after all, they didn’t go saddle licking with you last weekend.” -from the website of Wine Snob winery in Glen Ellen, California.

Who would go on a road trip to California without a stop in wine country? Not us! But would we fit in with the wine snobs? We worried about this because we are not wine snobs. (At least I’m pretty sure we are not based on the fact that, though we appreciate a good glass of wine, we buy most of our bottles at Trader Joe’s) We quickly learned we had nothing to fear!

Ed and I , along with good friends and travel buddies D & L booked a lovely Airbnb in Kenwood, right in the heart of Sonoma Wine Country. The “Sonoma Valley Getaway” exceeded our expectations. The hosts left a bottle of wine and a personal note to welcome us. Not snobby at all! Best of all, the home was within walking distance of several wineries, so no need worry about who would be the designated driver. As long as we all remained in walkable condition, we were good!

Expect to pay between $25-40 a person for wine tastings in Sonoma Valley, but don’t despair! We found it perfectly acceptable to skip the tasting, buy a glass of wine, and go out to the patio under the trees and enjoy!

A glass of red win with a vineyard in the background — A lovely glass of zinfandel at St. Anne’s Crossing Winery (mostly gone before I remembered to take a picture)

We met several sommeliers ( a wine snob term for one who pours your wine-whoo hoo, listen to me now!) and found them to be knowledgeable and very friendly. One of our favorites poured herself a small sample of each wine we wanted to try before filling our glasses, then she announced “Oh, this one is good today!” Later she confessed “I’m a retired high school teacher. This is the best job I’ve ever had. “

It was 10:30 in the morning. I’m a former kindergarten teacher. I could relate.

The Wine Snob Winery (featured at the beginning of this post) advertises $15 tastings. Wine Snob is owned and operated by a fascinating young couple who are following their dream. They work with several vineyards to gather grapes, then make and bottle their own wine, design the labels, market their business, and run the showroom. Their motto is “you don’t have to be a wine snob to enjoy wine. You don’t need to use words like “velvety tannins” and “hint of lychee on the nose” to describe a wine. Your taste buds. Your rules. So don’t let the wine snobs get you down!”

My sentiments exactly! Cheers!

PS: If you happen to be a wine snob, no worries. You will be welcomed too.

A glass of white wine — A beautiful Chardonnay and a doggie friend at VJB Cellars

Threads of Thought

Have you been to California Wine country? What was your experience?

Do you have a favorite wine?

For the record: each wine we tasted in Sonoma Valley was excellent. Definitely a step above our Trader Joe bargains. This region of California is excellent for growing grapes and the winemakers here know what they are doing. Still not a snob, but I’ve been enlightened.

To find out how Debra (former teacher) became an author, blogger, traveler, and not a wine snob, get a copy of Out of the Crayon Box: Thoughts on Teaching, Retirement, and Life http://amazon.com/author/debravandeventer

(Pairs well with a bold red.)