Worship at our home church,visited the Nursing Home and grilled out with grand parents

Well today was another hot, wet, humid , windy and overcast day but I'm thankful that all there is to it. Our prayer and thoughts go out to those in harms way of Hurricane Gustav. After our quiet time this AM we attend Seminole First Baptist Church(our home church in Florida). Nancy and I were greeted warmly by several folks and it was good to see so many. Many asked about our son, Bobby's church Element and of course how long we were to be in town and when would we be back to cook the Wednesday night fellowship meal. Nancy has been doing the cooking for the past 8-10 years now with me being the dishwasher.

After a light lunch we met with friends to do the nursing home devotions carried out by the youth of the church and led by Dan and Carol our neighbors and friends. We pushed several of the elderly in their wheelchairs to a common area and usually have about a 30 minute devotion time.

After our nursing home trip we chilled until G-grandma and grandpa and the Great Aunt Betsy(better know as the GAB)came by for dinner. Cousin Braden showed up later and had dinner with us as well. Actually we watched the Ray's beat up on the Orioles again to sweep the series. All contributed to a great meal of marinated flank steaks on the grille, Greek potato salad on salad , along with fresh brussel sprouts and fresh fresh bread. YUMMMM!!!

After dinner we played a 2 card games of golf and setback. Everybody left by 9:30. Later missing Ava and Annsley and the rest of our family.

Trip to Annsley's in Brandon, Lunch at the Brandon Mall, Checked out some New Condo's and Chocolate Cake

Well it was a cloudy rainy day here in central Florida near the Gulf of Mexico. We slept in this morning to nearly 8 AM. After my hot green tea and coffee for Nancy we did our quiet time.We were to meet Annsley and her parents(our son Bobby and wife Jill) at their residence in Riverview. We made it there around 11:30 and visited before heading out to the Brandon Mall. Brandon on the east side of Tampa is a fast growing suburb with mainly young new families. Wow what well kept neighborhoods. The housing bust in all of Florida have left many beautiful homes and condo's at reasonable prices.

After lunch at Ciniquals, an upscale contemporary Mexican Eatery and a visit to a few stores in the mall we visited 2 large condo complexes. These were condo's and townhouses that were just being built. The nicest ones(brand new) were 1800 +square feet for 170K and downward to the 150K. They are in gated community's. We were getting an idea for when and if Amy and Tyler move toward the Tampa area and buy a house. We would put our house up for sale and move to be closer to the kids and grand kids. As much as we love our home in Seminole there is just nothing comparable for Amy and Tyler in the area as new homes go for so much less in the Riverview area. Everything is our area is out of their price range or an old home that is not worth the asking price, plus the taxes and insurance is out of sight in Pinellas County(we are a peninsular surrounded by water and flood insurance is out of control because of the threat of hurricane).

After getting back to Bob's we cut the chocolate cake Nancy made. It was yummy but we must stop eating all these desserts. We sat around as little Annsley crashed after taking in so much excitement at lunch, in the mall and condo shopping. I enjoyed checking out the new places and hopefully one day start out with a brand new dwelling. It looks like fun and to be just down the road from our kids would be neat. It was a real coincidence at the Pulte Condo's the sales lady, Theresa Price helped Bob and Jill when they bought their new Pulte Home 5 years ago and also helped Jill's parents when they bought their new Pulte Home. It certainly is a small world out there.

Well we left Bob and Jill's after having hard rain showers all afternoon and made it back to Seminole around 5:30. We got to watch the Ray's once again beat the Baltimore Oriole's by a run in the bottom of the 9th. Well its back for a visit to our home church and then a visit to the nursing home tomorrow afternoon. Missing our family, N.C. friends, church family and of course always our grand girls. We will get to see them both again in October. Later.

Ava and her Parents made it Safely to Kansas, Pickleball,Cleaned Carpets and Dinner at G-Grandma's

Well it is another Hot and Humid morning(Friday) and a sad one as we(I) took the Ava and her mommy and daddy to TIA(Tampa International Airport) for their flight to first Texas and then onto Kansas.Amy called a little after 4 PM to let us know Robb and Cindy had picked them up at the airport and little Ava did just fine.(that was her second time flying for such a young age, reminds me of the over 5000 flying hours I spent in a jet during the Vietnam War). Oh well that's another story and some day I will share a few, just ask me!!

After dropping them off I headed on back to the Rec. Center and got in a good hour of fast paced pickle ball.There were 8 players once again(with me there) and the play was fast and furious. You will become addicted to this game once you play it. The game is best played in an air conditioned gym(especially in Florida) with no outside elements affecting play. I love this game and the people you play with are great as well. We have some players who are younger than 40 and some who are over 65, both men and women.

After pickle ball, Nancy took her mom with her to Toys R Us to purchase birthday gifts for our youngest grand daughter, Annsley who by the way will be 1 year of age on the 11th of October. We are going to stay as long as possible in N.C. so we will leave there on the the 9th and have enough time to celebrate her special day with all the families on both sides. While Nancy was gone I vacuumed and shampooed all the carpets in the house.

Well we ended up going to Nancy's folks for dinner which was excellent with fried grouper, parsley red potatoes, corn on the cob and fresh garden salad. YUMMMM!!! We stayed and visited and played 2 games of Oh Hell. Its a card game that you bid and every one try's to keep you from making your bid(easier played than explained-and where the name comes from I'm not sure). Will won the first and I the second(same game I won twice the night before with Amy and Tyler-I'm on a roll Jodi).

After washing the dishes(keeping in practice for when we return to the mountains) we headed for home to catch the ending of the Ray's(MLB) game as they slaughtered the Baltimore Orioles 14-3(sorry Paw Paw who is a fan of the Birds and the Nat's- Washington Nationals). If we keep up with kind of play we may see the World Series here in Tampa Bay, what a hoot that would be. Go Ray's. Well will close for now and update all later tonight with pics of our visit to Brandon as we love up on Annsley and her family. Later, Ava give hugs to grand parents in Kansas for us.

Pickleball,Playing with Ava and Family Dinner

Well once again a Hot and Humid morning, however we are thankful we can be near our children and grand kids. The morning went well after our quiet time and the pickle ball court was a busy place. We had 8 players this AM and we each paired up with different players all morning for nearly 2 hours. Great Fun and a good workout.

After the great work out Amy and Ava came over for lunch and playtime. We will surely miss them as they fly to Kansas this AM for a visit with Tyler's folks. Yea for Rob and Cindy as they get to love on them. We feel so blessed to have them as much as we do.

After lunch we played with Ava(she now loves Tupperware) until it was time for a nap. She is becoming much like her mother when it comes to nap time. We use to put her to bed and that was a wake up call for Amy, Ava is becoming like her. I think Ava is afraid she will miss something. But what a delight she is and so smart for her age.

The evening once again brought most of the family together for a meal except Annsley and her parents. We wish they lived closer but we will see them Saturday for lunch,YEA. Great-grandparents Will and Lib came over(with mac and cheese) to go along with a meatloaf, green beans and a salad with hand picked wild blackberry cobbler for dessert. We ate so much we were to full to even play cards as we switched back between the Rays and Bucs(both won) on TV. Amy and Ty needed to pack so they took off around 8 PM. I'm getting ready to leave to take them to the airport as I write this short note. Keep them in your prayers as they fly to first Texas then onto Kansas. Later missing our grand babies, family and friends.

Pickleball and beer in the rear Chicken for Dinner

Well it was another Hot and Humid morning. After our quiet time we both got ready to work out at the rec. center. I played pickle ball with Jim, Bill and Lesley(a female). We had great play with many nice rallies and we all had wet shirts from such a good work out. Tomorrow will probably be my last day to play as we leave next Tuesday and the rec. is closed on Labor Day. Nancy jumped on the treadmill and did nearly 45 minutes with much of it in an elevated position.

I got the smoker ready and soaked a bunch of oak wood. Nancy coated the whole chicken with olive oil, garlic powder and filled the cavity with fresh rosemary. I then took about a 1/2 of a can of beer and stuck the can in the cavity with the chicken standing upright straddling the can. Actually I did 2 chickens the same way. The heat in the smoker causes the beer to evaporate into the meat. The meat is so moist and favorable its the best tasting chicken I've ever eaten. The alcohol in the beer evaporates with the heat thus leaving an indescribable smokey flavor.

We had Amy, Tyler, Grandma, PapPap and Ava for dinner. Wow we nearly consumed 2 whole chickens it was that good. I cook or smoke the chickens for at least 4 hours and they turn a deep golden brown. YUMMMM!!! They are that good. Nancy fixed fresh brocolli and oven spuds with a fresh salad. That was a finger lickin' good meal!!!

After dinner we took Ava for wagon ride then gave her a bath as she was getting sleepy. We then played 2 games of cards with me winning both games on the last hand. The great grandparents took off about 10 PM for home. Nancy, Amy and Tyler sat around discussing names for the unborn baby due next year. They are leaving for Kansas for a week on Friday to vacation with Tyler's parents, Rob and Cindy. We will hopefully see them on the 9th of October when we are due back in Florida for Annsley's first birthdy. Well will close for now, missing Annsley and her parents.

Spaded the East Garden,Oil Change and Recall on the Truck Taken Care of an Stir fry with Fresh Squash and Shrimp

Well I took the morning off from pickle ball mainly because all were busy with some other activity. After my quiet time and breakfast I tackled the east garden with a shovel. I had mowed and weed whacked the waist high grass on Friday so now it was time to get the soil ready for a fall planting when we get back in October. I was soaking wet with sweat in no time and after finishing the job I stood under the hose to wash off. It took me about an hour and a half but now I will be ready when its time to plant in October.

Nancy had gone to the rec. center to walk on the treadmill and when she returned I had finished the spading and had hung a load of clothes. It was time to head for Wal-Mart and get my truck serviced(oil change and tire rotation). After leaving Wal-Mart I had a 1 PM appointment to have a recall item on the truck corrected at Scarritt Lincoln Motors in Seminole. That took about an hour and half to complete as the truck catalytic converter had to be cooled down before they could change the part(a hose).

After leaving Scarritt I made it home in time to hug and kiss Ava before she left for a nap at her house. I spent the rest of the afternoon catching up on some reading before dinner. Nancy took fresh yellow squash(from my garden), green pepper, onion and garlic and sauteed these in olive oil. We then mixed in shrimp and put this over a bed of rice. YUMMM and very light. After dinner we took a nice mile plus walk(no hiking here as it flat). Not a whole lot exciting day just caught up on some must errands before we head back to the mountains next Tuesday. Later missing all.

Pickleball, Spaded my Garden and Family Dinner

Wow is it HOT and HUMID here in sunny Florida. I'm ready for some N.C.morning's once again. After our quiet time this morning I jumped on the old bicycle and headed for the rec. center where we had great pickle ball play. Afterwards got in 3 games of ping pong then headed for home. The shade was still on the west side garden so I grabbed a shovel and turned it over. It's probably 25 ft. x 15 ft. however there are no rocks so it was except for the knee high weeds pretty easy to spade up. My shirt was so wet with sweat I could wring it out. My I would like to see a 60 degree morning again.

After lunch I took it easy as it was 90+ outside and just plain hot. So I read a little and took a nap along with Ava for about an hour. The rest of the afternoon I stayed in the a/c and played with Ava. I then helped Nancy get ready for company as Bob, Jill and Annsley were coming as well as G-grandma Lib and G-grandpa Will. Aunt Betsy, Braden and Tyler would come after work. Amy and Ava hung out for the day at our place. Well Nancy fixed a huge pork roast, 1/2 runner beans, smashed potatoes w/ gravy, and a huge salad. G-grandma Lib brought a carrot cake and french bread. Well Nancy and I have to stop eating like this. The grand girls were lots of fun and played well together and eventually wore down around 8:30 then took a bath together in the tub before getting ready to leave for home. I'm sure they are both asleep as they travel home.

Well it was a fun day with much too much too eat, but oh it was sooo good. Our grand daughters are the delight of our lives and we will miss Ava as she travels Friday to Kansas to see her paternal grand parents, Rob and Cindy. Will close for now, missing family and friends in N.C. and Va.

Great Worship at Element,Lunch at Smokey Bones and Dinner Again at Grandma Everett's

Wow is all I can say regarding the first Sunday at Element Church in Brandon. This was a "bring your own lawn chair" Sunday and the first gathering(service) not open to the public,and I must say the initial support was overwhelming. The group of people who showed up were very friendly and you could tell by their willingness to go out of their to make all welcome they were proud of what they were doing. The owner of the complex Jerry and his wife Becky was there as well and were almost like family. You could tell they had a genuine desire to be a part of this mission of making and being a difference in their city with this Element Church. I would say there was between 150-200 folks there and we had 13 who travelled from the Seminole area to support Bobby as well. Bobby and his group of supporters converted this large warehouse into an appealing venue for worship and once again reiterated the church is not a building but the church is the believers who gather in Christ's name to make a difference in peoples lives.

After worship the 13 0f us plus Jill's family met at Smokey Bones in Brandon for lunch and we got to hold and love up on Annsley before she crashed for her nap. Annsley and Ava were so cute together sitting beside each other in their high chairs. Nancy and I are so blessed to have 2 beautiful and unique little grand girls and we thank God daily for that blessing as well as our son Bobby and Jill and our daughter Amy and Tyler and we just found out Amy and Tyler are expecting again.

After leaving the restaurant which was in its self a feat of selflessness as the cloud burst or "frog swallower"(country for a downpour) with lightning was bouncing around in the flooded parking lot. We took turns driving each other to our cars so we wouldn't get swamped. Thanks to Bobby and John for shuttling drivers.

When we got back to Seminole, Nancy and I took Ava for the rest of the afternoon(Tyler and Amy took in a ball game) and later to Great Grandma Everett house for a roast chicken dinner. Yummm!!! especially with mashed spuds and gravy, dressing and cooked carrots. Thanks Grandma and PapPap. Ava was in full mode while we all loved on her and not once became cranky as she had only a small nap on the way back from Brandon. Tomorrow the whole family will come for a roast pork dinner and all the trimmings at our house. YUMMM! Wow I'll hate to see the scales when we get back to N.C. Later, will go for now. It is always a great day when you give thanks, worship and love God and both of your children and their families under the same roof.

Sams Club, Pool and Dan and Carol for Dinner

Well what looked liked a normal sunshine day was anything but; with rain, lightning and thunder at anytime. After our morning quiet time with the Creator and some thoughts from Ron Hutchcraft Ministries(that's a great web sight for life) we decided to head for Sam's after that fabulous breakfast.

Sam's was a jungle of people especially on a rainy Saturday morning. We saw more people there(at one time) than we ever see in the whole town of Sparta on a Saturday. Nancy and I figured out our dinners(with family and friends) for the next few days as we are planning on heading back to N.C. the day after Labor Day. We noticed that prices at Sam's have gone up considerably.

On our return from Pinellas Park(Sam's) we had a snack and got ready for neighbors Dan and Carol for dinner at 5:30 meanwhile Amy called and wanted to know if we were interested in going to the Seminole Rec. Pool with them. Of course I was delighted to go and we rode bikes with Ava in her new cart pulled behind Tyler's bike. What a cutie she is and we had a great fun sliding down the slides in the kiddie pool and watching her playing. She kicks her feet and really does well even after a couple of accidental dunking as well as a few planned ones in the big pool. Our visit was cut short once again by a fast moving storm with all the works. After about a 15 minute wait for the storm to move out we headed back from the pool. It not far from their house to the center or to our house.

The swimming and hot sun bushwhacked me and I was mellowed out the rest of the evening especially after a sumptuous meal of barbecue ribs, baked potato, salad and we shared a bottle of my now famous(read the posts in May) first making of the fruit of the vine. Nancy thinks its getting more potent as we have taken it from the cool cellar in the mountains to this warm kitchen. To top off the dinner Carol made a new Paula Dean dessert of blueberries, pineapple and nuts in a casserole dish. It was unusually delicious and topped with a little vanilla ice cream made it even more delightful.

After dinner, Dan and I retired to the couch to watch the old Buc's get manhandled by the Jaguars and to check on Nascar at Bristol while the girls jabbered about what ever they jabber about. The evening was fun and it was good to entertain great neighbors and friends. Their newest grandson, Nick visited with his parents along with their daughter Amber and her friend as well as their Anaconda snake(3-4 feet long). Yuck those things will eat you when they are full grown.

Well after dozing at times(both Dan and I) from the boring Buc's game, the good food or maybe the pool workout we decided to turn in early as tomorrow(today) would be spirit filled and exciting while visiting Bobby's first service at ELEMENT in Brandon. I know several couples from our home church who will be traveling there for this momentous occasion.

Well better go, missing all of you. The next posts will have pics from today, Sunday. Later, we get to see Annsley for the first time since July,YEA.

Pickleball and an Overnight Guest

Friday was a take it easy day after our morning quiet time and rigorous 1 1/2 hours of pickle ball. It was great to play hard with all of the old gang. The weather still showed bands of light rain and wind and of course the humidity is like walking through a sheet of water.

I heard from Ken and Lynn, via the blog, a couple we met last year at Seminole Rec. Center who are pickle ball players. It was great to know they will be back for a week in May to play the game.

Ava and Amy came for lunch and then the girls took off for Target. Nancy had been having withdrawal from not going to Publix and Target as we only have Mal-Mart in the mountains. We had Ava for an overnighter and she did fine. She slept in to 7:30(Amy couldn't believe it) and then grandma Nancy made her famous buckwheat pancakes(banana in the batter, Dranielle you should have been here) even Phoenix like them.

Well the sun is shining this morning and it looks like its going to be a beautiful day. T.S.Fay is moving slowly westward and dumping lots of rain. It would be a nice if it moved northward into the Carolina's. Tomorrow will be a big day as we will get to see Bobby,Jill and Annsley. Later.

Hot Humid Morning,Pickleball,Mowed Yard, Ava and Amy came for Lunch

Well, Nancy and I are still getting use to being back in Florida with the hot humid air. T.S.Fay is causing all kinds of havoc with the extra moisture in the air. I wish she would head north to the Carolina's as she would be a welcomed guest there. Melbourne(on east coast) had 25 inches of rain at one time over 2 days. Needless to say there is severe flooding and that storm is now headed back across the state to the Gulf of Mexico dumping more rain.

After our quiet time this AM I got ready to head to the gym(rec center) 8:30 AM. I met with several of my old pickleball players and we had a good workout for about an hour and a half. It was good to see; Rick, Doug, Jim, Lesley, Nancy(not my Nancy) and Mary Ann. We will play again tomorrow. After getting back to the house on my bike in a light rain I decided to work on the yard. The garden had a great crop of weeds and grass about waist high and the shrubs had really grown with all the rain this summer. I mowed, weed whacked, edged and trimmed. I was soaked with sweat and the sun never came out. I did scare up 2 black snakes in the high grass.

Amy and Ava came over about 11:30 for a visit and stayed for lunch and to play until about 4 PM when it was Ava's nap time. Nancy's mom and dad came for a visit and I shared some of the great tomato's grown in Sparta with them. We later visit with neighbor's Jim, Laurie and Kayla and shared some tomato's as well. Jim is a fireman, Laurie a dental hygienist and daughter Kayla is in middle school who shared some of her great chocolate chip cookie's she baked with flax seed. YUMM !!!!

Nancy fixed a great zuchinni pie(casserole) for dinner with a fresh salad again thanks Carroll for those great home grown tomato's. Well I love it here and the people but its nothing like looking out the window and seeing the beautiful flowers and trees. The quietness of the mountains compared to cars going up the road in front of your house, sirens all night long are something we must adjust too, again. Oh well we feel blessed to be able to get away to the mountains.

Well the air conditioner hasn't stopped since we got home and of course you wouldn't dare open the windows as the humidity is so thick you can cut it with a knife. We certainly had a fun day with being busy and seeing all our family and friends and loving little Ava. Later, missing little Annsley and the rest of our family and friends.

We Had a Safe Trip Despite T.S.Fay and Got a Lotof Kisses from Ava

Wow what a difference 700 miles make in the temperature. Its 84 degrees out at 9 PM and so humid you can cut the air with a knife, but we're so thankful we made it back safely and without any trouble from T.S.Fay. We had a lot of rain in Georgia but I don't believe that was from Fay, because the closer we got to Jacksonville the better the weather became. We spoke with Nancy's mother and she relayed the storm was sitting still around Cape Canaveral. So we made a decision to head west and go down 301 through Starke and Ocala instead of Jacksonville and Orlando. I'm so glad we did as the storm started to wobble again and was bringing rain and wind gusts once again on the east coast near I-95.

We left at 7 AM with a cool morning in the mountains and had beautiful weather until Savannah when we ran into heavy rain. That area of Georgia also needed rain as the pasture lands were brown. Florida for a change was lush and green especially in the Ocala area where the large horse farms were just beautiful in their green graze. We hit really bad traffic leaving Tampa but that was customary at rush hour. We still made it back in just a little over 11 hours, of course we only stopped twice for bathroom and gas fill ups.

We stopped and visited with Amy and Tyler and of course Ava May. It took her only a moment to recognize us and and from then on she entertained us along with Phoenix(Jon and Melinda's son). They were having pizza so we stayed and ate dinner with before heading home around 8:30. Everything was in good order and it didn't take long for Nancy to put the house back in shape and unpack everything.

Well I will close for now and will keep all informed on whats happening down here in hot, wet and sunny Florida. Later missing our mountain family and friends and of course Annsley who we will see in a couple of days.

Warm Morning and Dry, Hair Cuts and Long Hike after Supper

Well it sure is dry here and was quite warm this morning. There was some dew dripping off the roof onto the flower beds below so they are still healthy as we speak, but I'm afraid if we don't soon get some rain they will dry up and die. After a check for deer damage(none) we did our quiet time. We are so thankful the storm did not become a full hurricane as we are traveling back to Florida tomorrow for about 2 weeks. We need a grand baby fix and our son, Bobby is having the first service at his new church, ELEMENT on Sunday.

Nancy had a hair appointment at 10:30 this morning so I made a trip to Kermit's in Sparta for a cut as well. I waited nearly 2 hours as he had 1 in the chair and 4 waiting when I arrived. Such a busy place and he is slow but does do a good job.

After lunch we caught up on getting ready to pull out of here around 7 AM. I don't want to leave to early as I will get in the morning traffic jam in Charlotte. We hope to be home before Ava goes down for the night.

Nancy made a superb pasta dinner with fresh basil, oregano, onion , garlic and fresh tomatoes with a spicy Italian sausage (with fennel) on top. YUMMM!!!

Well, we finally got in another long hike and stopped to visit with Ray on the way back to the cabin and give him our due date back here.Ray looks after our place while we are gone. Well tomorrow this time hopefully we will be in Florida then we will be missing all of you here in N.C. This laptop will be silent for awhile but hope to keep all informed of our Florida visit.

Getting Ready to Head to Florida, Digging Dirt, 2 Hikes and Picking Beans

Monday morning was another beautiful cool start which turned out to be hot in the afternoon. Boy is it DRY. We had about 10 drops of rain this afternoon, no kidding I could actually count them. Oh well after our quiet time and leftover buckwheat pancakes(microwaved)with a fresh pear on top for breakfast, we did a check for deer damage(none).

I worked out in the top soil pile, digging and hauling 6 loads of dirt to and area that washes a little. Seeing as how we are getting no rain this dirt will top dress an already sparse side yard. Afterwards, Nancy and I took the first of 2 hikes today, walking to the top of the mountain. When we came back we had lunch, a perennial favorite for both; sardines on crackers with mustard and onion as well as a fresh cucumber and tomato.

After lunch we took a golf cart ride out to the mailbox and picked fresh wild blackberries to take back to Florida for a cobbler. Our son- in- law, Tyler loves this dessert. On the way back we stopped and talked with neighbor's Carl and Dan.

We did some packing for our trip and getting the cabin ready to leave it for nearly 2 weeks. Nancy made a great dinner of pork riblets, mashed potatoes, peas with mushrooms and a fresh salad. YUMMM!!!

After dinner I hand watered until it was time to take our second hike of the day, once again it was a long haul up the side road, across the back and then down by Ray's and up our steep driveway. Nancy really impressed me with her desire to gain strength on these upgrades. Well we did a bat check as I continued to hand water right up until dark, but saw none leave our roof line. YEA!!!

Will close for now hoping that Storm Fay blows herself out before entering the mainland of Florida and that she will be just a big wet occasion. Maybe some will head up this way. Missing our family(and Ava and Annsley) and praying they will not be in harms way.

Nursery at Cornerstone, Hike, Picked Blackberries and Watered the Gardens

The morning was once again a cool one with temp's in the low 50's(felt like winter in Florida). We did a check for deer damage and once again they ate elsewhere last night. We did our quiet time knowing we were working in the nursery this morning at Cornerstone. We had 4 babies and 1 youngster,Noah whose family was visiting for the first time. We had 2 of them asleep when their parents came to pick them up. We also want to thank Allie and Bailey 2 pre -teens who were a big help when all 4 of the little ones were wide awake.

After a meeting with regards to the Angel Food Ministry we made it home around 12:30 and a lunch of hamburgers. We lazed around and watched the Olympics before taking a long hike to the top. The air was really cool especially in the tree shaded back roads. We came back and then took a long golf cart ride and picked about 1/2 gallon of blackberries. We are planning on taking them back to Florida on Wednesday for cobblers; that is if we can get into our home area on the west coast around Tampa Bay. There is a tropical storm in the Caribbean near Cuba at this time that looks as if it will become Hurricane Fay. Several computer models have it striking the Bay Area Tuesday. So we are waiting to see what the intensity level of Fay will become. We may have to stay here and have our family evacuate Florida and come here for safety.

We were on our way back to the cabin with our blackberries when we stopped and visited with Ray and Audiene. They had taken an overnight trip to Maggie Valley and Pigeon Ford. They ran into a hard rain in Maggie Valley. It is very dry here in the Alleghany County area of North Carolina. We could use some of the rain from Fay in this area without the wind damage. I once again hand watered the gardens just before dark.

Well Nancy and I are planning on a grand daughter visit on Wednesday so we are anxiously awaiting what the weather has in store for us. Until Later missing all of our family and especially those that may be in harms way.

Cool morning,Buckwheat Pancakes,Great Hike and Dominos

This morning felt like a fall morning with temps down in the 50's but something in the air made you feel like you could feel that fall was close by. After a quick check for deer damage(no new damage) and our quiet time Nancy once again made those golden brown delicious buckwheat(banana in the batter) pancakes.YUMMMM!!!!

We decided to take a long hike to the top of the mountain where we visited with Nancy and Mike and then a little further we stopped and talked with Tommy and Carole. Both couples live else where.

When we got back Gerald came by and helped me put the topper back on the truck(I removed it for hauling lime) and then I took several pictures of his new cabin that's being built, an about finished.

Nancy and I took a golf cart ride and visited with Grant to invite them up for games this evening when he informed us Shirley had been up all night with some stomach bug. Needless to say we knew what she was enduring(last Christmas we had that bug) so we stayed far away. On the way back we stopped at the mailbox and got our property tax bill for the year, YUCK!!!!!

We did a snack lunch because Nancy was making her great Mexican Rice dish for dinner. That a meal in one dish and very good. We then caught up on some reading and Internet e-mails.

Today was kind of a laid back day with nothing pressing. I made a birdhouse(refurbished an old one) and made a handle for an old hoe out of a piece of oak branch. I love making do with what's on hand instead of always buying new, besides it what pioneers would have had to do on the wagon trains going west.(That's my standard for Nancy.)

Domino's was a success for Nancy as she wiped the floor with us after Eddie got off to a great start. She just broke a 100 and Kimberly was nearly 500 with myself and Eddie in between.

Well, will close for now as tomorrow is nursery day at Cornerstone. It's our turn to love on those little ones and do our part so others can be in the worship service. It's such a joy to be able to serve others.

Later, missing our babies and grand babies Ava and Annsley.

Cool Morning, Great Hike,Battled the Bats, Spread a Ton of Lime and Ate Great Catfish for Dinner

The morning was a cool one with temp's in the 50's. After our morning quiet time I did a deer damage check and found where a large deer munched on my tomato's ate Nancy's Hydrangeas and a few other flowers. Oh well its to be expected when you live in the woods.

After breakfast I ventured onto the roof to plug a few more holes and hopefully keep these bats at bay. They really don't bother me as I would never know they are in the roof but Nancy has a fit. So now that has become my priority as for now.

After lunch I went over to a farm supply in Virginia and purchased a scoop of bulk lime for my garden and yard. The bad thing is you have to spread the lime by hand with a shovel. Needless to say it was hard work and a job getting the truck bed clean. Well with a wash job for the truck it took Nancy and myself all afternoon.

Gerald(neighbor from Raleigh) came by and sampled some of my recently made Merlot. I must admit its not bad and sister Dee loved it. Well after Gerald left I fried some great catfish(Andy and Caleb caught) and it was delicious along with some home grown beans and rice. Wow was that a superb dinner. Thanks Andy for the fish and Nancy for being a great cook.

Well I'm bushed this evening so I will not stay up until 1:30 AM to watch the Olympics as Nancy did last night. Later missing all our family and grand daughters, Ava and Annsley.

A Cool Morning, Great Hike,Went to Cornerstone and once again Trying to Outsmart Bats

Well it was a beautiful morning with cool(almost cold)temp, Nancy had sweats and a flannel. After our quiet time and once again no deer damage we settled down to a good breakfast of buckwheat pancakes(with a banana in the batter). YUMM!!!!We got a load of clothes in the washer and I got ready to stuff some steel wool into the edge of our tin roof.



Its amazing how such a large looking creature(bat in flight) can get its body into such a small space. Bats can squeeze into a space between a 1/4" to 1/2" width crack. I first held a bug fogger in the crack hoping to flush them out but to no avail so I plugged the crack line. Well tonight after the sun went down I could hear the bats crawing around inside the roof and they crawled completely across the roof and exited the roof cap. I got the ladder out and Nancy held the flashlight while I plugged the roof cap hoping they won't be able to re-enter the crack in the morning. Last year I plugged all the seams in the roof with canned foam. Rat and Audiene are also having trouble with bats in their roof.



We had a great hike and on our way ran into John and Shirley with their grandaughter and a friend. We also met an older couple Leo and Wanda Hardy from Elkin who were out looking for their property located above our's. They had managed to get their car up the washed out and grown over road leading to the top. I told him to blow his horn 3 times if he was unable to get it back down. He wanted no help at all even those they both were very elderly.



We had to go to Cornerstone to take orders for the Angelfood Ministry at 3PM so we decided to eat our large meal at 1:30PM and just have a snack when we got home at 6:30. Nancy fixed oven spuds, brocolli, salad and leftover brats. We had a home grown tomato(Eddie and Kimberly grew)sandwich for supper. Thank guys it was delicious.

Well after supper we worked in the yard, Nancy pulled more grass from around the fire circle and I watered and weeded in the garden and kept a lookout for those bats. Finally we spotted them exiting the roof at dark. Later missing our family and grand kids, Ava and Annsley.

Slept in,Hiked, a few boring chores, a visit to Eddie and Kimberly and pulled weeds.

Well it was a cool overcast morning in the 50's and a good morning to catch up on some lost sleep. After our quiet time we did a garden check for deer damage and found no new hoof prints. After breakfast we took a long hike to the top and came back and decided to visit Eddie and Kimberly. We took our garbage cans and filled them with good horse manure for my compost pile.

We ate a small snack for lunch about 2 PM and decided to eat an early dinner. Nancy sauteed fresh squash, peppers and onions with garlic. YUMM!!!We also had some brat's and a fresh garden salad.

After dinner we pulled grass which grows everywhere(in the driveway) but where its supposed too. We decided to walk over and visit Ray and Audine. On the way we met Gary who needed help carrying Jodi and Gerald's cast iron bath tub up their stairs. Well it took 4 of us to get that baby in the upstairs bathroom.

Well Nancy spotted some bats (I had shut out last year from the roof line) flying out from under the upstairs dormer and the top edge of the tin roof. Either they never left last year or the ones Ray is trying to get rid of from his roof had moved over to my place. Any how, I now have a new project.

Well it looked like rain all day and temps stayed in the low 70's. It was a great day to be outdoors. Will close for now missing our families, friends and especially Ava and Annsley.

Back on the Web after Short Vacation

Well we made it back to the cool mountains of the Carolina's after a 4 day trip to Winchester and Woodstock,Va. Actually it was very nice with temp's in the 70's for the daytime and down in the 50's at night while in Va. Nancy and I visited several family members and attended the Gravel Springs picnic which was celebrating its 135 anniversary. WOW what a feast and the Blue Grass Music was superb. I managed to clog a little with older sister, Josie(Sharon Borden).

We had 22 members of our family for a dinner on Friday night at Cracker Barrel. That was also a superb meal. We had the youngest cousin, Finn Logan Tharpe at 2 months of age present as well as the oldest member, Paw Paw(Dad) Triplett at 80 + years of age. Afterwards we met back at Paw Paw's for birthday cake and ice cream. Thanks Josie for setting up this surprise treat.

Sunday morning several of us, Paw Paw and his lady friend Adaline, Dee and daughter Kelly, myself and wife Nancy met at St. Johns Church in Mt.Williams for worship. Many family members are buried in the old cemetery that dates back to the 1700's. After worship we gathered together for a dinner(lunch) of turkey & dressing at the Hayfield Restaurant near Gore ,Va. We visited some old family friends, Johnny and Wanda Whitacre at their residence near Gore. We observed the most unusual flower called "snow on the mountain" that was growing and blooming out of the asphalt in their parking lot.

Sunday night found us heading south to Woodstock to stay the night with youngest sister Dee and daughter Kelly. Husband Mike and oldest daughter Halley Jo are in ROTC and were fulfilling an obligation in Washington State and Texas. Sorry we missed you guys. We had a raucous game of domino's while watching the Olympics. I believe if my memory serves me right I won both nights of domino's. Monday, Dee took us to downtown Woodstock where we observed some beautiful old homes and the oldest active court house west of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This court house was built during George Washington's presidency. After a sumptuous lunch in a small cafe we took a nice ride outside of town, crossing a one lane bridge that spans a fork of the Shenandoah River. The setting was marvelous with deer present everywhere in the hay fields. Speaking of deer those nasty buggers had a great time eating in my garden while we were away.

We left this morning headed back to our cabin with a new addition in the bed of the truck. Dee and Mike gave us their old(rather like new) riding lawn mower as they purchased a new wide cut John Deere. Their 3 acre lot was to much for the little guy but its just right for our wooded property. Thanks Much, Guys!!!

We traveled the BRP both ways to and from the Roanoke Area before finishing up the trip on I-81 to Winchester. The parkway drive is very nice, refreshing and calm compared to the truck traffic on I-81. Nancy definitely played a role in choosing this route.

Well we missed all of you and will have to get back in the know after letting dust cover these keys for for the past 4 days. Later missing our Florida and N.C.families and especially Ava and Annsley.

Rain, 2 Hikes, Banana Buckwheat pancakes and 2 loaves Zucchini Bread

Well it was a wet morning with rain most of the night. I don't believe the sun was out more than 30 minutes all day long. After our quiet time this morning and a check for deer damage(none)I caught up on last night's blog(no Internet service).

We took a nice long hike to the top and down through the devastated area. By the time we got back I had worked up a good sweat and it was nearly noon. Nancy had made banana buckwheat pancakes for breakfast and believe me they stick to your ribs, so we weren't hungry until after 2 PM, at which time we ate a fresh garden salad.

Nancy made 2 fresh loves of Zucchini bread to take with us to Virginia tomorrow. We will be away from these hills as we travel up the Shenandoah Valley to Winchester to visit with my family. We are going to travel the Blue Ridge Parkway to the Roanoke Area before cutting over to I-81. Well I'm sure I will have plenty to share with all of you when we return on Tuesday. Take Care, missing our family, friends and especially Ava and Annsley.

Birthday, Day Trip to Mathews Farm, Hillsville and Harmons Museum

Well, Wednesday August 6 th was a special day as I'm officially a senior citizen with discounts galore. I'm writing this blog on Thursday morning(usually write it when it's fresh in my mind the same day,now that I'm older) after being unable to access the Internet last evening. Anyhow I'm back on the air waves with an exciting fun filled day.

First the morning was warm with a near 70 degree morning and our outside inspection of the gardens turned out with no deer damage; yet once again needing rain. I hand watered the evening before but that really doesn't compare to a good gentle tin roof sound soaking. After our quiet time with the Creator we began to get ready for a busy day as we were meeting with our mountain buddy's Helen and Joe at 9:30.

We exchanged some veggies, books, canned beets and jam with them before venturing out to Galax and the Mathews Farm. Now this farm is a working farm which means the farm is going back to the early era of the 1800's and trying to recreate the methods of farming for those days. They are trying to farm with horse draw equipment as well as using some old methods of refrigeration by using a spring house which has water running through and into a building from a fresh spring. The water is very cool and would suffice to keep things from spoiling for several days. We also saw their chickens, a fat hog and several sheep which has recently been sheared for their wool. Their garden was magnificent however there was evidence of deer, racoon and ground hog damage. This can be expected as the farm is without a caretaker at present. We observed a lot of old, old tools, appliances and what knots that were used to make a farmers family life easier, however ladies you never had it so good as you do now.

After leaving Mathews we were a bit hungry from climbing in old barns, an old log cabin, dodging "meadow muffins" that is sheep , horse and cow droppings. So it was time for a visit McAdoo's Restaurant downtown Galax. We ate too much as their sandwiches are huge which caused us to change our plans for dinner at Appleby's later in the day. After lunch we headed to Hillsville, Va.

Well this little sleepy community is nestled in some very rolling hills(hence the name Hillsville)with surrounding farm land, Christmas tree farms and apple orchards. The old court house is guarded by a huge statue of a Confederate Soldier that's indicative of the feeling's that once surrounded this area 140 years ago. Whats most interesting is the court house shooting that took place there in 1912. A tragic shooting that once dominated the headlines of newspapers through out the nation only to be out done by a greater tragedy, 3 days later; the sinking of the Titantic. There is a museum with a mock up of how and who were involved in the shooting as well as; lots of Indian artifacts, tools of the era, WWI and WWII memorabilia from local residents who served their nation proud as well as the first local women KIA in the Gulf War. Kudos to this community for their attempt to honor their residents and local hero's.

When we first got to the court house we had the privilege to meet a lady who was very excited about our interest in this area and who was originally from Hillsville but had moved away yet returned to her roots. Her great grandfather Marshall had been an influence in the writing of the book THE MAN WHO MOVED A MOUNTAIN. He is pictured on page 111. Thanks to Janet Hylton Tate for her enthusiasm and willingness to be a fountain of information. She is definitely a "bubbling" fountain.

We left the court house and observed possibly the largest house in the area and was definitely the finest house in the area at that time. The Carter House (which sits next to the court house)is being refurbished and there is no admittance into this extravagant house. We did learn much about this mining baron who was very prominent in this area at another museum in Woodlawn. Before leaving town we drove by the Signa Allen house outside of town This house also was very magnificent with his architecture design and appearance of wealth. He was a major figure in the court house shooting and eventually was captured and tried. I don't have enough space to go into the particulars but these were well to do folks and the talk is that politics played a major role for what happened there in 1912.

Well on our way back to Galax we first stopped at Yoder's (Amish or Mennonite) grocery store in Woodlawn. After perusing their huge stock of bulk dry goods and home baked desserts we headed for Harmon's museum(just down the road in Woodlawn). When you first arrive you would never know there was such a collection of; Indian, civil war, local history, revolutionary war, a stuffed 2 headed calf with 6 legs, photos and artifacts. This museum is truly a week worth of time to read all of the original documents that date back to the 1500's. This is a small Smithsonian in miniature. If ever you have the chance to visit this place you will be amazed at its contents. On a personal note I found a document(the will of James Wood) that my high school alma mater in Winchester,Va is named after.

Well we could not have a day trip that did not end with a stop at Wal-Mart for some goodies. We also stopped at Hortens Grocery outside of Galax for some of Joe's favorite boneless,skinless chicken breasts. At last we were on our way back to the cabin just a head of a big black cloud. Not long after getting home we had a nice rain and then again during the night we had a down pour several times. Thank You Lord.

Well will close for now as today will be a wind down day after yesterday. We just got word that Dean(accident victim) is now sitting up in a chair and conversing freely with all around him. Thank You Lord for answered prayers. Missing our family, friends and grand babies Ava and Annsley.