Month: January 2026

For anyone new to this nonsense, TYJ means Thank You Jesus.

In this case, however, it means thank you Jesús, as in our friend, and adopted son, Jesús Garcia. If you’ve been here for a while, you’ll know that Jesús was our concierge/maintenance man/Jack of all trades. Unfortunately for me, he, and his family moved out of the building so he could take a new job.

Fortunately for me, however, he can come help me after a text SOS, and a bit of time, as he works nights, every night, and sleeps in stages during the day.

The other day I had to SOS him in total desperation. My gas hot water heater stopped igniting, sending me nothing but cold water to my shower. I tried reading the manual, no help there. I tried searching online, again, no help.

Hence the SOS. Jesús came over a few hours later, with Liz, and Brandón, their 3 year old son in tow. He took off the outer panel, removed the 2 C batteries, and went to the Plaza to buy 2 new ones. After reinserting the new batteries, he found a loose wire, and tightened it up. I had to keep “running” back to the bathroom, turn on the water in the shower, run back to the pantry, then back to the bathroom to turn off the water. After 5, or 6 times of this “running”, we determined he had made the appropriate fixes needed, TYJ.

I neglected to tell you that I had stopped having hot water about 2 weeks ago, thinking that somehow God would fix it for me, and I wouldn’t need to bother Jesús. He didn’t miraculously fix it. What he did do was insist that I ask for the help I needed, and get over myself.

So I did.

Now I have hot water with which to shower whenever I want.

TYJ.

Until next time, stay happy, and healthy in the Lord.

This was quite the week, let me start with that.

Today is Saturday. My larger bottle, (20 oz), of water kefir soda exploded on the counter. I should have put it in the fridge yesterday.

However, yesterday, the bread dough exploded in its plastic container on the other counter.

Needless to say my fermentation efforts appear to be going quite well.

Until next time, stay happy, and healthy in the Lord.

And keep an eye on your ferments.
The bread turned out great.

My goodness but they’ve grown.

Yesterday I repotted all of the seedlings into smaller, more manageable containers. They’re mostly small terra cotta pots, and, for the moment, are sitting in the small tub that came as part of the seed starting set. I was able to move the lights as I needed, and, as of this morning, they look “happier”.

What does a happier looking plant look like you ask?
Each of them has a tiny smile on its face.

I had to do it. Even if you didn’t need the chuckle, I did.

Let me show you how they’ve grown in however many weeks it’s been. (I can’t remember when I started all of this, and don’t really care. I’m just so proud that I haven’t drowned any of them).

That tiny little beauty in the middle of the front row is my only sage seedling that actually sprouted. I have enough basil for an entire Italian neighborhood! And am anxious to get to using some. If the cilantro survives it will be the biggest miracle to date. For some reason, it’s difficult for me to grow cilantro, well, herbs in general. That’s why I buy it from the grocery stores, from those who know what they’re doing.

As you can see, basil, oh and 1 tiny thyme plant. So, sage, and thyme will have to be babied until they are well established. Or, I can try starting more of each.

That’s all I have to impart for today. I got up at 5:30 this morning, and my cup of coffee is lulling me to sleep. What’s up with that?

Until next time my lovelies, stay happy, and healthy in the Lord, and have a safe, and happy new year.

Post script: a very happy birthday to my brother in law Larry. Praying you have a great year!