Spring has officially arrived—or so my allergies keep reminding me. The world is waking up, flowers are blooming, and the battle between me and my overgrown flower beds has resumed. But this week, something strange happened in the garden, and I found myself wrapped up in an unexpected mystery: the case of the disappearing tulips.

It all started when I noticed my tulips—planted with great care and optimism—were suspiciously absent. One day, they were there, sprouting and ready to brighten up the yard. The next? Gone. Vanished. Not a single petal in sight. At first, I thought it was the work of a rogue deer, but after some investigation, I realized the true culprits might be a little closer to home. But more on that in a minute…

Before we get to the garden heist, let’s talk about what else has been happening this week.

This Week in the wilderness

Between the unpredictable weather and my ongoing efforts to be a “put-together adult,” this week has been an adventure. Here’s what’s been keeping me busy:

• Spring Cleaning (Kind Of): I started with good intentions, but somehow, I ended up deep-cleaning one closet and ignoring everything else. Apparently, I believe in seasonal procrastination.
• Outdoor Projects: I convinced myself that this would be the year I stay on top of my flower beds. So far, the flower beds are winning.
• Trying to Read More: I picked up a book and got through two whole chapters before getting distracted and forgetting it on the kitchen counter. Progress is progress!
• Easter Leftovers: I have eaten more deviled eggs than any one person should in a single week, but I have no regrets.

All in all, it’s been a busy but entertaining week, which leads us to…

Life at Shady Pines free range seniors

Now, back to the case of the missing tulips.

After much investigation (and by that, I mean looking around the yard in confusion), I caught the prime suspect in the act: Uncle R.

I walked outside just in time to see him digging up my tulips with a small garden spade. When I demanded an explanation, he just looked up at me, completely unfazed, and said, “I thought these would look better over by the mailbox.”

Apparently, he had been secretly relocating my tulips to what he deemed a “better spot”—without mentioning it to me, of course. This explained why they kept disappearing and reappearing in other parts of the yard.

Meanwhile, Ma has been at war with the squirrels. She caught one running across the porch with a piece of bread (which she claims was stolen from her plate). Instead of letting it go, she now refers to it as “that little thief” and has taken to banging on the window anytime she sees a squirrel near the house.

• So, to summarize:
• Uncle R is the unofficial landscaper of the household.
• Ma is on high alert for all things rodent-related.
• My tulips may never truly be safe.

Honestly, it’s never boring around here.

Hot Flashes & More the joys of midlife

Midlife is an adventure, and by adventure, I mean a series of tiny betrayals by my own body.

This week’s midlife moments include:

🔥 Forgetting why I walked into a room… multiple times. I’m convinced I’m living in a sitcom where I’m the forgetful side character.
🔥 Buying a new pillow and feeling like I won the lottery. Sleep is sacred, and a good pillow is life-changing.
🔥 Suddenly needing reading glasses… maybe. I’m still in denial, but I caught myself squinting at a menu, so we all know where this is heading.
🔥 Deciding to stretch “for fun.” This was a mistake. Everything popped. Everything.

I may not be getting any younger, but at least I’m learning to laugh at the chaos.

What’s Cooking for dinner tonight

I started meal planning to help me in the grocery store a little more. We shop monthly and well lets be honest sometimes I don’t buy enough of something or I buy too much of something else. So, I thought I would share what our dinner plans are for next week and see what you think.

1. Monday: Creamy Tomato Basil Soup with Grilled Cheese
2. Tuesday: BBQ Pulled Pork with Baked Beans and Cornbread
3. Wednesday: Roasted Vegetable Lasagna with Garlic Bread
4. Thursday: Chicken Piccata with Angel Hair Pasta and Steamed Broccoli
5. Friday: Garlic Butter Shrimp with Wild Rice and Steamed Asparagus
6. Saturday: Turkey Club Sandwiches with Chips
7. Sunday: Pot Roast with Carrots and Potatoes, and Apple Crisp

A Moment of peace and quiet

After a week filled with tulip theft and squirrel stakeouts, I knew I needed to find a little peace.

So, one afternoon, I made a cup of tea, sat outside in the sunshine, and just listened. No phone, no distractions—just the sound of the birds, a light breeze, and the occasional rustling of Ma sneaking a look out the window for more squirrel activity.

It was a small moment, but it was enough. Sometimes, peace isn’t about escaping reality—it’s about finding a little stillness in the middle of it.

Storied Conversation a little book chat

Did you know I write more than one blog? Well I do and here are a few highlights from Storied Conversation. Please note that clicking any of the links below will take you away from Rita Reviews. I just wanted to let you know but please click away and give these blogs some love as well. You never know what you may find.

Final Thoughts: Tulips, Chaos, and the Simple Joys of Life

This week has taught me a few things:

🌷 If you plant flowers, don’t be surprised if they relocate themselves.
🐿 Squirrels are living rent-free in Ma’s mind.
🔥 Midlife is full of surprises, and not all of them are fun.
☀ Peace is a cup of tea and a quiet moment, even if chaos is happening all around you.

As for my tulips? They may never stay where I plant them, but at least they’re getting a lot of love (and unsolicited landscaping advice) from Uncle R.

Until next time, friends.

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