Several projects have been lifting off at The Lazy E Ranch.  We had dying trees cut down from the back yard; planning to replace them with something shorter and fruit-bearing!  

Assuming I can get an automatic door working, some of this space will become a chicken run and composting area.  Now that the view has changed, I imagine our vision will, too.  The consideration to move and rearrange the garden entirely has been a dangling thought for both CJ & I.

After a few months of dealing with unresponsive contractors, we are also toying with the idea of constructing our own greenhouse back here, too - though weather and schedules have  prevented this from materializing in any form whatsoever.  May be booted until next spring.

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On Mars, Vital Lacerda's 2020 Golden Geek Heavy Game of the Year Nominee (beat out by Gloomhaven's 'Jaws of the Lion') has been circling the table for a few weeks now as I try to learn how to play the darn thing.  Which, I think I have finally have done. 

Considered Lacerda's heaviest game yet, it has been a rare treat to poke around the mechanics and design before muscling through the meat of play.  On deck is a play-through of the collection we have amassed. 

If you are the sort of person who enjoys tabletop games, industry history, and board game evolution, check out:  The Ascent of Board Games podcast.  I binged the first 36 episodes over two weeks and do not regret a minute of it.  Though it will not be kind to your game wishlist, fair warning.
  
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Most Days I Want to Live
Gabrielle Calvocoressi


Not all days. But most days
I do. Most days the garden’s
almost enough: little pink flowers
on the sage, even though
the man said we couldn’t eat
it. Not this kind. And I said,
Then, gosh. What’s the point?
The flowers themselves,
I suppose. The rain came
and then the hail came and my love
brought them in. Even tipped
over they look optimistic.
I know it’s too late to envy
the flowers. That century’s
over and done. And hope?
That’s a jinx. But I did set them
right. I patted them a little.
And prayed for myself, which
is embarrassing to admit
in this day and age. But I did it.
Because no one was looking
or listening anyway.