Friday is even nicer than Thursday

The morning was a bit cool as I rode to the Rec. on my bike after my quiet time and a lite breakfast. After a couple hours of pickle ball and a stop off at the library I made it home to have a lite lunch. Nancy was at her Bible study and then off to the mall. I knocked down a load of dried dead tree branches for my neighbor who is a widow, broke them up and filled up 4 large garbage cans.

Nancy got back around 1 Pm so after she had lunch we took off for Home Depot. We bought a flat of red petunias, vegetable seeds and more potting soil as well as a roll of screen to replace some screens that holes in them. Now that the temp has cooled off enough to have the windows open it is marvelous to have the fresh air instead of the a/c running constantly. Hope this weather stays until next May.

We worked in the garden and yard until she took off to get her daily workout in at the REC. I sat out back and caught up on some much needed reading until it was time for supper. Baked talapia, rice and carrots was the cuisine; definitely not her most exciting meal; but eatable. Ava came by and we got to see her Halloween outfit. The shirt lit up with a flashing red light. They were off to a party at Danielle and Neil's house.

Well the little candy beggars are knocking on the door as its starting to get dark. So better go. Later, missing all our mountain buddies but not the cold.

What a Beautiful Florida Day

It's hard to describe the beauty of this day in terms of weather. This morning was cool in the high 40's with bright sunshine and deep blue skies. After my quiet time and a piece of homemade apple pie with milk for breakfast I ventured out to water my garden. I had to wear a warm flannel shirt as I rode my bike to the REC. My eyes teared up a little with the rush of cool air while pedaling, but I could tell this was going to be a magnificent day.

After a couple hours of team play I finished up with 3 other players; Jersey Jim, Judy and Mitsco in a hard played 3 sets of pickle ball. Near the end of play my pardner Judy dislocated her left knee. I reflected back to an old college course in "Care of Athletic Injuries" and promptly relocated her knee joint to its proper alignment and Judy finished the set. It was great to see her back on her feet and without any ill effects. That's how hard we play this game and to top things off I had a wet shirt.

After a great lunch of a fresh salad Ava and myself played out in the back yard. Ava wanted to see our neighbors(Jim, Laurie and Kayla) Halloween display of; skeletons, goblins and ghosts and their blow up haunted house on their front lawn. Ava is so cute and wants to touch all of these creatures. If you clap your hands one of the tombstones make a talking noise and moves its mouth, now Ava is a little afraid of that one and is always telling it bye bye, but at the same time is clapping her hands trying to activate it again. So Cute!!!

The temperature reached 7o with bright sunshine and was just great for being outside. We spent the entire afternoon out side playing and just enjoying Ava. After she left for her afternoon nap Nancy started cleaning windows and screens so I helped as well. We don't get much done after our workout except play with Ava and visit with Amy until they leave for Ava's nap usually after 3 or so. I managed to finish a book about an AFT agent who captured a wanted felon in California back in the 80's and did a little hand watering in the front yard before dinner.

Nancy made oven spuds from the last of my home grown 'taters and fresh yellow squash while I grilled a couple of nice rib eye's, medium rare. YUMMM!!!!

Will close for now and of course all have heard the Ray's lost last night so the World Series is gone for this year but I caution all others teams in MLB to be vigilant for the Ray's in the future. They will be back and most of the guys are in their early 20's. Later missing our cold mountain friends.

A Cold Morning with a Nice Warm up

WOW it was 43 degrees this morning and that is winter time for Florid. It's supposed to be cool again tomorrow but will be back in the 80's on Saturday with a low in the 60's, now that's Florida weather. I read where there was snow in the mountains of North Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia. Yikes!!! What happen to global warming???

After my quiet time and a lite breakfast I hand watered the garden and jumped on the bike for a cold ride to the Rec. We had 3 nets up for pickle ball with at least 5-6 teams. The play was fast and furious and while never getting the wet shirt completely it was a good continuous work out. Afterwards I hit the weight room for some work on the upper body, mainly the abs(flabby gut syndrome) along with some tendon exercised for the tendinitis I suffered a couple years ago.

I came back and helped Nancy with dusting all the ceiling fans, lamp shades and curtains with the vacuum cleaner attachments. I noticed my neighbor Jon had done some trimming on his huge camphor tree so I lent a hand with his chain saw and loading his trailer for a load to the dump. It was a great day for working outside.

After lunch Amy and Ava came by for a visit then took off for Target. I mowed the yard and did a little garden work. We had left over pasta fazoule for dinner along with corn bread. YUMMM!! Well we are getting ready for the completion of game 5 in the World Series hoping the Rays can bring the series back to St.Pete. Later missing all our mountain friends.

Tuesday Morning was a Record Setter for October in Florida

Wow was it a cool brisk clear morning. It was down into the low 50's and supposed to go down into the 40's tomorrow morning. That's unreal for this time of the year, but we love it. After my quiet time and a lite breakfast I actually had to put a flannel shirt on as I hand watered the garden before heading out to the REC.

There were only 2 of us for pickle ball, Doug and myself but we managed to work up a wet shirt in about an hour of hitting. I'm not sure the love of the game is still there as golf seems to take at least 2 morning a week from the group. When I get older I may take that game up but for now I love the exhilaration of chasing down a wiffle ball, while getting the blood flowing in a work out that leaves me with a wet shirt.

Riding the bike back to the house required pedaling into a strong northerly head wind. Nancy managed to get a good work out on the treadmill as well and she even walked to the REC. as well, Go Nancy!!! Amy and Ava came for lunch and we played outside until it was time for Ava to take her afternoon nap. Nancy made a great bean soup(pasta fazoule) for dinner and a fresh apple pie(from the last of Helen's apples) along with cornbread and a salad, YUMMM!!!! Amy, Tyler and Ava came for dinner as Tyler had a meeting regarding his mission trip to Costa Rica this January for a week.

Nancy has Ava in the bath as I write. She is such a cutie and is talking more every day. Well will close for now. Later

What a drop in Temperature for Sunday and Monday

Well we had a busy weekend that ended with another delicious pork roast dinner at Grandma Everett's. Sunday started out with a nice change outside with drier and cooler temps. But Monday morning was the absolute best. After our quiet time on Sunday we headed to church in Seminole. Nancy sang with the choir then came back to the nursery where I was doing duty. It was a tough one as we only had Ava. So we really enjoyed the morning.

fter lunch Nancy, Dan and I headed to the nursing home at Freedom Square. We pushed several in their wheel chairs for a church service at 2 PM. There were about 25 persons in attendance. I led the devotions on Galatians 6:7. We sang several songs and then we helped them back to their rooms.

Around 3 PM we headed to over to Nancy's mom for a dinner at 4 PM. Arrianne(Amys age) our niece had to leave for Miami and then we had Tyler's deacon ordination service at church at 6 PM, so we all had a busy Sunday. Finally headed back to the house around 7:30 just in time to get ready for game 4 of the Series. Sunday was not a real good day for; Buc's, Ray's, Bull's, and Lightening fans as they all lost this week end. Hopefully the Rays win tonight or its all over for the "boys of summer".

This morning I had a great workout at pickle ball as there were 4 teams of players. Another wet shirt morning. The rest of the day was spent outside with Ava and working in the garden. About 4 PM I sat outside and started a John Grisham book called"Playing for Pizza." Its a good read about a washed up NFL quarterback who goes to Italy to play ball with the Italians.

Nancy did potato pancakes, green beans , salad and I grilled marinated chicken breasts with fresh rosemary for dinner. Afterwards we got in a couple blocks of walking with neighbors Dan and Carol just before dark. Both girls wore light jackets. Later, missing all!!!

Friday on Saturday

Friday started out as a wet day with heavy rain during most of the night and into the morning hours. I drove the truck to the REC instead of pedaling my bike. After my quiet time and a lite breakfast I got in a couple hours of hard play on the pickle ball and badminton courts. Friday is the only day we split the gym so we can have 2 different games at the same time. Either game is a good work out.

Nancy was at her weekly Bible study. Amy and Ava came for lunch and it cleared off enough so we could play outside for a couple hours. Amy took off for home so that Ava could get her daily nap in before coming back for dinner. Tyler had to work late(his boss was in town from Reston,Va) and eventually got home around 2 AM and then left again around 9 AM on Saturday to go back to Tampa.

Dan and Carol brought down a sack of stone crab claws and Nancy fixed oven baked chicken, basil pasta and a fresh salad for dinner. Amy and Ava came back for dinner and stayed until after 8 PM. After eating we ventured outside so Ava could play with Phoenix until it was time for their baths.

This morning(Sat.) Nancy, Dan,Carol and myself had to be at Calvary Chapel in Pinellas Park at 8 AM to help with the Angel Food distribution where we served over 600 people. This church is huge with over 2000 members but I must say their volunteers did not equal or match up to the number of volunteers at little Cornerstone in Sparta, N.C.. Their program did not run nearly as efficient or smoothly. Nancy and I gave them some pointers as to how Cornerstone distributed their orders. Bigger is not always better. Any how this ministry is so worthwhile and a blessing to all.

Well we are waiting for Arriane(Nancy's niece) who drove up from Miami for the weekend along with G/Grandma and Grandpa Everett as well as Amy, Ava and Tyler for dinner. I think the GAB(Great Aunt Besty) and Braden are also coming for dinner as well.

Hopefully the rain will let up in Philly so the 3rd game of the World Series can be played tonight. Well will close for now missing Bob and his family as they had a prior engagement. The turkey is our next door neighbor. Ava just loves him and Nancy talks to him daily.

Great News For Nancy

Well as I mentioned in my earlier blog I had Nancy at the Imaging Center by 8:30 AM for a cat-scan. We were told it would be Monday before we heard anything; but the phone rang just after 4 PM and it was the nurse from the doctors office. Initially we were stunned thinking only the worse because of the quick response. The nurse informed Nancy there were no problems except she had evident of sigmoid diverticulosis(pockets in the colon that can become inflamed)at this time there was no inflamation. This disease can be treated or maintained with proper diet, plenty of fluids and exercise. There was no explanation for the burning during urination however his procedure of flushing the bladder took care of the problem or it was an answer to prayer. Thanks to all who remembered her in their prayers. Nancy hasn't had a problem since.

Amy and Ava came by and Grandma Nancy made her famous chocolate chip cookies with walnuts. Enclosed are a few pics of them sharing that special moment. Later!!!

Wednesday on Thursday

Well the humidity is back for Wednesday as we had to shut the windows once again. Wow those couple of days last weekend were delicious; fresh dry air and clear blue skies. It almost made up for the lack of fresh mountain air we had been use to since last May. Anyhow, I reminisce often and visual the cabin with its beautiful surroundings, however it was below freezing there this morning(Thursday).

After our quiet time and hand watering the garden I took off for the REC. and to meet with my pickle ball buddies. We got a good 1 1/2 hours of play in and of course a "wet shirt"(means a good workout). After our workout Nancy and I took off for Clearwater Sam's Club. They had a great buy on a wagon for little ones so we bought Annsley Christmas present early.

Amy and Ava came by later in the afternoon as she and Ava meet Tyler for lunch in Tampa. This is a regular weekly meeting for them. Nancy fixed some of my home grown spuds for dinner, salad and I grilled pork chops with fresh rosemary. After dinner we settled in to watch the Rays lose the first game of the World Series.I almost find it unbelievable to see the Rays playing in the Series. Oh well it was a good game except for the 1 run loss. They sure had lots of opportunities to win.

This morning Nancy had to be in Clearwater at the Carlisle Imaging Center for her cat scan. We won't know the results until next Monday but Nancy hasn't suffered any more with the symptoms that caused her to seek help from an urologist. She seems to be back to normal once again but this scan should answer the questions one may have in the back of their mind as to what caused the symptoms in the first place.

We got back to the house a little after 9 AM so I headed to the REC. and sure enough there where 7 players there so I managed to get into the mix until 10:30. I finally ended with a wet shirt. After my workout I did a little garden work while Nancy went to the veggie stand for tomato's and a fresh veggie for dinner. Amy and Ava came for lunch then Ava and myself played outside until now. Grandma is making cookies for Ava while she watches a Veggie Tales movie.

Will close for now and will update tomorrow as we will be up late watching game 2 of the Series tonight. Later!!

Tuesday on Wednesday

Tuesday morning was another nice morning with the humidity on the rise. There was a nice breeze but the temps climbed back into the low 80's. Needless to say the a/c was back on again but what a nice change over the weekend. After my quiet time and a lite breakfast I checked for squirrel damage then hand watered until it was time to head to the rec. I got in about 2 hours of hard fought pickle ball with 2 other guys.

After pickle ball Nancy and I went to Sam's Club to stock up on some much needed items then waited for Amy and Ava to come by for lunch. After a cheese pizza from Sam's I worked out in the side garden as the shade from the big oak tree finally began to cover that part of the garden. I transplanted marigolds, radishes and cuke's. Ava helped me water and played around in the back yard. She is definitely an outside girl. I then staked my 1/2 runner beans and pulled more weeds. I then took about 6 wheel barrow loads of dirt and spread it around the big oak tree in the front yard.

Ava left to go home for a nap so I took it easy the rest of the day. Nancy fried up some grouper boiled up some spinach and had rice with fresh mushrooms, YUMMM!!! We took a long walk after dinner with our neighbors, Ava and Amy. I hand watered the front yard and the grass I planted around the big oak tree until nearly 8 PM. We then headed in to watch Bill O'Reilly.

I couldn't get in the mood to write last night so today will be it until after the first World Series game tonight between the Phillies and the Rays. Later!!!

Tampa Bay Ray's going to the World Series

Wow what a night last night as our team went from the worst team in the majors last year to at least one of the two best teams in baseball. The Ray's took out the defending world champs Boston Red Sox's. Also the Bucs took out the Seahawks and are tied with the N.C. Panthers in their division for first place. Well that's exciting for a small town like the bay area.

Once again the air is dry with temps reaching the low 80's today so we still have the A/C off and windows open. Wow is the fresh air great. We even decided to fry some walleye pike for dinner now that the windows are open and the fish smell leaves the kitchen. YUMM was that great and we must say thank you to Andy Dalton for sharing a nice one he caught this summer. Wow was that GREAT EATING!!!! That is Nancy's all time favorite eating fish.

After our quiet time this morning I got in 2 hours of pickle ball and definitely a wet shirt. Wow is that fun exercise. After my workout I once again pulled this stubborn grass and its roots from my garden for an hour and finished turning over the other half before setting out 10 collard plants. Tomorrow I will plant some pole beans that Tyler bought by mistake. He has no room to grow pole beans so I will grow them for him.

Ava and Amy came for lunch and then we played out in the back yard until it was time for them to head home and a nap for Ava. Nancy and I headed to Clearwater for a doctor's appointment. Keep Nancy in your prayers as she must have a cat scan on Thursday. Will fill all in later.

I want to share an advertisement in a locale paper about Bob's church, Element. I thought it was neat and the response has been significant. Will close for now missing all our family and mountain friends.

Saturday and Sunday

Saturday started out with bright sunshine and not quite as humid. After my quiet time and a lite breakfast I hand watered the garden then headed out to the rec.center to work out on the treadmill and weights. Nancy had choir practice for a musical the church is doing in November so I decided to try and work off some of this belt line fat or at least tighten up the abs. I got a good hour in on treadmill at 3 mph and 12 degree climb, burning up 400 calories or more. I rode my bike there and back.

I did a little yard work then waited for Nancy to have a lite lunch. We were having her Mom, Dad, Amy, Tyler, Ava and Aunt Betsy for a dinner of chicken enchiladas, Mexican rice, pinto beans and home made guacamole and salsa. Wow what a feed as we were celebrating grandma Everett(Nancy's mom) on her 80th birthday that occurred on the 1 st. I also open a bottle of home made wild blackberry wine I made this past summer. The meal was superb and the chocolate cream pie was a great end to a delicious meal. Amy, Tyler, Ava and myself took a walk after dinner to get ready for the Ray's vs the Red Sox. Well the Ray's let another one get away and tonight is the last game to decide who plays the Phillies in the World Series. Go Rays!!!

Sunday was an exception to the humid and hot days. It was 62 degrees this morning and very dry. It felt like a typical winter day in Florida. We turned off the A/C and open the windows and they are still open as I write this. My it would be so nice to leave them open until next April. Nancy and I went to Element Church in Brandon(suburb of Tampa) which is our son, Bobby's church. Bobby planted this church and Sunday was his 5th service. There were about 150 adults and 10-15 children there. Last Sunday Bobby baptized 6 new believers. Praise the Lord!!! It seems as though there were lots more people this Sunday over the age of 30 than we had previously seen before.

After church we met back at his house in Riverview for lunch and some special time with Annsley who was 1 year of age last Saturday. We don't get to see her as often as we would like to but enjoy those few precious hours when we do. Annsley was having so fun with her new kitchen and kept us entertained with smiles, chatter and being busy. We took a long walk around the neighbor as both she and Ava love to be outside. We headed back to Seminole around 4:30. After a lite dinner and hand watering of the garden Nancy and I are getting for the final game of this league championship. Go Rays and Bucs as they are playing tonight as well. Later.

Pickleball,Garden Chores and Watching Ava Tonight

Well it was another nice morning with the humidity low and lots of sunshine. After my quiet time and an apple for breakfast I hand watered the garden before heading out to the rec. center. On Friday's we divide the gym in half between pickle ball and badminton. I managed several games of both before heading out for home(I had a wet shirt).

When I got back home I got a load of clothes on the line then pulled weeds out of the garden. I had to replant several hills of beans as the squirrels have a field day digging in the garden. In the mountains I had deer damage here in Florida I have squirrel damage, oh well. I transplanted some tomato's and cuke's in to larger pots. Nancy was at her weekly bible study class. Amy and Ava came over about noon and we started on lunch. The girls after lunch took a trip up to Target and the grocery store on the way home.

Ava came for dinner and stayed until about 10 PM.Nancy and I took her for a long walk(she was in the stroller)after dinner then gave her a bath and put her down for bed. Amyand Tyler went out for dinner. We hooked up with our neighbor and good friends Dan and Carol as they walked with us. Ava just loves being out doors. I spoke with our son Bobby and finalized plans for Sunday as we will visit him and his church, Element in Brandon. After church we will spend the afternoon with his family and love up on Annsley. Will close for now as I was hoping the Rays would have closed the Red Sox's out last night but they let this one get away after leading 7-0 in the 7 th inning.

Beautiful Morning, Pickleball and a Surprise Dinner for a Returning Iraq Warrior

Well I have to admit this Florida morning was the nicest temp wise we have seen in many a moon(speaking of the moon isn't it just beautiful). The humidity took a hike even though it was in the high 80's but the on shore breeze made it very pleasant. After my quiet time and a lite breakfast I hand watered the new seeds and seedlings breaking ground before heading out to the rec. center. I got 2 good hours of play in with several different players. Our numbers have increased over the summer and the play has really been elevated.

After leaving the rec. I did a little garden work and got ready for Amy and Ava to visit for lunch. After lunch Nancy and I played with Ava as Amy ran a few errands. Ava is such a delight and is talking up a storm. We feel so blessed to have 2 beautiful grand daughters and just wish we could be with Annsley more often. But we will visit her this Sunday at her daddy's church and then afterwards at her house.

Well we were given some very sad news about a dear friend in Sparta, N.C. Sherry Edwards the wife of our friend and sheriff "Squeak"Edwards was diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer. Sherry is a strong follower of CHRIST and a strong lady but she will need all of our prayers to help her fight this dreadful disease. Please remember her daily in your quiet time with the Creator.

Well we held a surprise get together with food for a young man we have had the privilege to know since he was just a youngster. Micah a Captain in the Army just got back from a year long tour in Iraq. He has a little girl, Madeline who is the same age as our Ava. Micah, Melody and Madeline will be leaving this month to move to Ft. Benning in Georgia. Please keep them in your prayers as well as we will surely miss them and they will be away from their families. We are so thankful for his safe tour of duty and return to his loved ones.

Well, the Rays are putting it on the Red Sox with a 5-0 lead in the 5th inning as I write this. Hopefully they will win and be in their first World Series later this week.Go Rays!!!

Hot but not as Humid, Pickleball and Ava came for a visit

Well it was another bright sunny day with temps in the 80's but it was a lot less humid. After my quiet time and a lite breakfast I hand watered the garden then headed out to rec. center for pickle ball. Initially it was just 3 of us(Jim, Leslie and myself) so we played Canadian(2 on 1) for a couple of sets then Mitso(Japanese lady) came and we had 3 games of spirited play until 10AM.

After pickleball I worked in the garden until it was time to eat lunch. Nancy had gone to the doctor at 8:30 then had to take her mother and go to a funeral. Betsy, Nancy's sister lost her mother-in-law who was very elderly and had been suffering severely the past couple of years. Nancy got back around 1 PM and had a bite of lunch.

I worked out in the garden planting more seeds and doing a little more weeding. Amy and Ava came by around 2 PM and stayed until after 4 PM. Nancy and I had a great time outside in the back yard under the big oak tree playing with Ava.

Let me fill you in on the progress of the 1/2 runner beans I planted 5 days ago, they are up!!! I noticed this evening as I hand watered several hills were poking through the ground, also I found a couple of hills of cuke's were also poking through the ground.

After a dinner of beef -a- roni and salad Nancy got ready to head up to church for choir practice. I got ready and answered some e-mails and got ready for the debate tonight and the NLCS playoffs. Will close for now missing our mountain friends.

Another Hot Day, Pickleball, Ava for Lunch and the Rays blast the Red Sox

Wow was it another hot and humid morning. After our quiet time and a lite breakfast of Cheerios I headed off to the gym for pickle ball. There were 4 of us and we had 2 hours of continuous play and a solid wet t-shirt(sign of a good workout). I got back home around 11:00 Am so Nancy and I headed over to Home Depot for some new shower handles, some collard seedlings, an eggplant and a parsley plant.I also picked up some more lettuce seeds, sugar peas and marigold seeds.

When we got back we had a lite lunch of leftover salmon and a fresh salad. Ava and Amy came for lunch as well. After lunch I changed out the new shower handles and then moved all my seedlings up to a larger pot in a good potting soil mixture.

I can't wait for a little drier air and lower temperatures so I can get the rest of the garden planted. Its so hot I have to hand water 3-4 times a day.While I was waiting for lunch I turned off the deep freezer and moved all the frozen things out so I could defrost it. It had been a year since I had done that chore.

Nancy made chicken fajitas for dinner and where they tasty especially since the green peppers came from Joe's garden. After dinner it cooled off enough to catch up a few outside chores so I worked out in the yard until dark and it was time to catch the Ray's on T.V. Wow what a game as I write this the score is 13-2 for the Rays in the 8th inning. Go Rays!! Well will close for now. Please keep our friend Kimberley in your prayers as she will be in the hospital in Statesville.N.C. under going a spinal tap or block to help with the nerves in her foot and ankle. Remember she is the one who was thrown from a horse back in June. The ankle has never healed correctly because of some nerve damage. Later, missing all our friends in the mountains.

Pickleball, Garden Planting and Ava for Lunch

Wow was it another hot and humid morning. After our quiet time and a lite breakfast I hand watered the garden before climbing on my old trusty bike and pedaling to the Rec. Center. Its about 1/2 mile away so its a nice way to warm up. There were 9 pickleball players this morning and we had several good matches. I managed a nice wet t-shirt(thats my standard for a good work out) while playing for nearly 2 hours continuous. Nancy came by for her treadmill workout around 10 AM.

After leaving the rec. I got a load of clothes on the line and started pulling weeds again in my gardens. I moved several plants into larger pots and fed all of them with miracle grow. By now I'm soaked once again with sweat as the sun was bearing down and the temps were in the high 80's so I took the garden hose and with well water cooled off.

Ava and Amy came by for lunch so I took a few minutes to eat lunch(left over ham salad sandwiches). After lunch I was back in the garden and yard for another couple hours. I then turned over byhandwith a shovel the small garden patch between our house and a neighbor. I usually put about 25 broccoli plants in there but this year I need to rotate and plant tomato's and cuke's in there.

Well Nancy took some pictures of Ava and Phoenix, our across the street neighbor who will be 2 years of age this month. He and Ava are buddies and play rather well together. Ava went home bout 3:30 to take her nap and I once again washed off with the hose as it was still blazing outside. I then watched the pre-game for the Rays versus the Red Sox. Well what a game as the Rays won 9-1. GO RAYS!!!! In between innings Nancy fixed black beans and rice with ham. YUMMM!!!! Well will close for now missing all and especially that cool dry weather. We hope to visit with Annsley and her family next week end.

Worship, NFL and Ava for dinner

It was nice to see all at our Florida Church this morning. Nancy got to watch Ava in the nursery and I made it to the service. Wow do we miss our Cornerstone folks and music. Oh well we will check out Bobby's Element Church next Sunday in Brandon. Sorry to hear hear long time friend and mountain buddy Ralph Payne was in the hospital over night. We sure hope he gets well soon as we brought him a sack of buckwheat pancake mix from Galax, Va.

Saturday was a great day at our son's house in Riverview. The big day was Annsley First birthday party. All of her family on Jill's side where there as well as all family on Bob's side was there for this celebration. Family and friends brought lots of food and gifts. We celebrated, took lots of pics and ate way too much until after 9 PM.

Ava was such a delight at dinner tonight as she now says yes and no when you ask her questions and lets you know what she wants. She especially likes to eat with a "big" fork now that she is a "big" girl. Nancy made fresh salmon with new potato's, green beans(I grew)and a salad. She made a fresh apple pie from Helens apples and I must admit they are the best cooking apple I have ever eaten.

Well the Bucs,our Florida team beat our N.C. team the Panthers and the Rays won last night over the Red Sox. We had a great 10 minute downpour this evening. The humidity is just horrendous with the temp's in the low 90's. Wow this is October where is the cool dry air. I will enclose a few pics from Annsley 1 year birthday yesterday. Take Care all our family and friends in the mountains. Boy do we miss all of you and that clean fresh mountain air.

Much has happened the past 2 Days since we've been off line.

Wednesday(our last morning before heading back to Florida until next May) morning was a damp, drizzly, overcast and cool morning. Nancy and I had promised to be a stand in model for some friends who is marketing some very nice condos in Sparta,N.C. After our morning quiet time and a lite breakfast of cereal we headed to town. This will be first time I have ever gone out in public with Nancy with no make up in place. The condo owners, Larry and Pat had hired a production crew; that did make up and hair, figured out what clothing you were to wear, assigned all the props, lighting and hired 2 camera persons to make pictures for a brochure featuring their properties. By the way the condos are very nice and upscale. We had an absolutely fantastic time and only wish we could do this more often. Nancy feels Hollywood calling as she was the"attraction" second only to the property.(Thanks guys its tough living with her now) Everyone had a super time and we only hope we were a positive influence for a prospective buyer.

After leaving the "shoot" we turned in our DSL modem then headed back to put the cabin in a "winterized" mode and to pack up. I loaded a bushel of apples I picked from Helen's tree, bags of green and jalapeno peppers from Joe' garden and a bushel plus of home grown potatoes from my garden and friend Odell.There were 2 large hand picked pumpkins from a neighbors field and lots of homemade jelly, canned vegetables and homemade wine(Merlot and wild blackberry) I made this year. Wow what a year for farmers and gardeners. I also want to thank Andy and Caleb for the mountain trout(frozen in water) stuffed in our coolers. Many thanks to all who loaded us down with "fruits of their sweat." I also had several boxes of seedlings and flowers for my gardens and beds in Florida. We were packed and ready to go but sleep did not come that night.

Finally it was time for us to get up as we lay there most of the night waiting for the 5 AM alarm. We packed the refrigerator's and last minute things and made ready to leave at 7 AM. We used to cry all the way down the mountain; but at the same time we were excited about seeing and loving up on our family here in Florida. We were so ready to get a grand daughter fix Thursday night; however that was not to be.

We prayed and gave thanks for our cabin and all the great people we have come to know in this part of GOD'S Creation and for safe travel on our trip. Well let me say we were just a few minutes behind a major fatal crash on I-75 just about 1 1/2 hours from home. We were stopped on the interstate for 2 hours waiting when finally we were detoured through a small town 9 miles off the interstate. To make a long story short we never made it home in time to see Ava or anyone as it was after 9 PM, but we were safe and home. What an answer to prayer!!

While we were stopped on the interstate we began talking to another motorist(Chris and Bonnie Rollins) also stopped beside us. They had been on vacation to the Upper Peninsular of Michigan and were returning to Punta Gorda, Fl. Small talk began and they showed us their family pet "chunky' a bull dog. They are also retired and seemed interested in the mountains of N.C. Who knows they made be a neighbor some day. After leaving the interstate and winding through this small town for hours we met once again at the rest area some 3 hours later, small world.

Well this Friday morning found me wide awake at 6 AM and by 7 AM (after my quiet time) I was planting the seedlings in my garden after pulling weeds. At 8:15 AM I was at the Seminole Rec. Center where I met several pickleball players and got a good workout for about 2 hours. Nancy went to Publix and loaded up on groceries. I came back with a wet shirt(from the workout) and got back into the garden until Amy brought little Ava by for a visit. Ava is so cute and has grown so much. Tomorrow Annsley will be 1 years of age so we are looking forward to her big day including a party at her house in Riverview, Fl.

Well I have tried to catch all up on the "going on's" with the Triplett's the past 2 days. Life is so exciting and Nancy and I are just so thankful for all the many family members, friends and blessings. Later, missing all our mountain friends.

Cool Morning, A Hike,Getting Ready to The Mountains and an Apple Pie

Well it was in the high 40's this AM. Kind of overcast and cool with a breeze, what a contrast from the past weekend. After our quiet time and a lite breakfast I tackled more of the mundane jobs associated with leaving on Thursday. Nancy did a lot of cleaning out the refrigerator, cupboards and pantries.

We heard Ray down below the cabin and several large trucks coming and going so I walked down to see Ben Bottomley with his tractor and box blade scraping and leveling Gerald's driveway. They were getting it ready for gravel and finishing the driveway. I think 3 large loads of gravel came in today and more are expected tomorrow. Hopefully it will be delivered before the rain that is expected tomorrow evening.

Well we got a nice long hike to the top of the mountain and stopped off for a visit with Audiene who was going in for her first physical therapy session. After lunch we once again continued packing and sorting out what needed to go back to Florida and then I spent about 2 hours on the phone changing addresses for our billers. Tomorrow we go to Sparta to participate in an advertisement layout for a friend who is marketing new condo's. We will be along with another couple, models for this pictorial shoot. Wow are we getting popular or could it be no one else was available. I think it was the latter. The bad thing is we have to be there at 8 AM sharpe.

Nancy made a great apple pie using Helen's apples. We went for our good-bye's and shared this pie with Helen and left a piece for Joe.

This will be our last entry until we get back to Florida as we have to return the modem tomorrow while we are in town. Will close for now missing family, friends and grand daughters Ava and Annsley who will be 1 year old on Saturday.

Another Beautiful Morning, Great Hike, Yard Work and Veggie Soup for Dinner

The morning was a tad bit cool at 48 but the temp would rise to a very pleasant 65 in no time at all. After a lite breakfast and our quiet time I worked outside until it was time to get our one and only hike in.

Nancy and I took a long hike to the top stopping to visit with the Fuller's and take a couple pics of them and their nearly completed house. They are moving in this week and are excited as they are closing on their present cabin next door on Friday. We walked by Roddy and Carol new house as well and its looks as if they are already moved in. They will not live here full time as Fred and Brenda will but will commute from the Charlotte area on week ends. We noticed several trees were showing off their colors and I will enclose a few picture's of them.

After our hike and a left over lunch of sauerkraut and mashed potatoes I began to tackle removing and storing all of the fire circle benches, porch furniture and flower stools. The golf cart has been a wonderful help with carrying all of this to the shed and basement. I need to pack up tools and get the plants ready for transporting back to Florida and making them ready to plant in the ground once we get there. I will wrap them in wet newspaper as I remove them from the ground. So maybe the plants will be out of the 24 hours at most.

We made a short trip to Sparta in the afternoon. Nancy came back and a made a pot of vegetable soup. I got zeroed in on the Ray's playing the Sox's in the final game of their series as the Ray's won 6-2. So the next series will be for the pennant in the American League. Go Ray's!!!

Will close for now missing family and grand daughters, Ava and Annsley.

Worship at Cornerstone,A Hikeand our Small Group Meeting

It was cool once again this morning, however the sun was shining brightly and the Carolina blue skies were awesome. Each day we notice more color in the surrounding trees. After our quiet time and a lite breakfast we headed out to Cornerstone for the last time in '08. We are so going to miss our church family and the great worshipful experiences there. We have grown so accustomed to them and their love for Christ and the way they love each other.

Well it was a little misty eyed for each of us as we drove away knowing it will be next May before we see them again. After a lite lunch and a little NFL we took a nice hike to the top of the mountain. The color in the maples and gum trees are so vibrant in their deep yellow's, red's and orange's. The temp once again reached the high 70' s and was just magnificent. What an absolutely delicious day.

About 4:30 we headed out for The Dalton's for our small group meeting. Again this will be out last time to meet until next May. Clara brought a scrumptious pot of vegetable soup and Mechelle made grilled cheese sandwiches.Tricia and Stacy brought cakes. YUMMM!! Needless to say we know how to put the feedbag on and we all had a great time. Nancy and I stayed to see if the boys could rectify the last loss in domino's with girls vs the boys. Well I know you have heard the saying an "ole' fashion whupping." Well that is just what happened as the boys put in on the girls with the final score 1200 to 900.That even 's it up to one a piece so we'll have to settle the score next May. Can't way to erase the "slam dunk" from the first game. All had a great time and we will surely miss The Dalton Family.

Tonight the temp's have stayed up in the 50's so morning shouldn't be nearly as cool as the past 4-5 morning. On the way home we saw several deer along the road eating in the ditches and shoulder's. The half moon was so clear along with the many stars.

Well will close for tonight. Sorry to hear the Rays and Bucs both lost their games today. Nancy and I are very thankful for a great summer but are just so surprised how fast it flew by. Later missing our family and friends and especially grand daughters Ava and Annsley

Another Cool Morning with Bright Sunshine and a Yard Party

Well it was definitely a fall morning with beautiful warm sunshine in the afternoon. After a lite breakfast of fruit and our quiet time I worked outside until it was time for a hike. We took off for the top of the mountain around 11AM. It was still cool in the shaded areas, yet very nice in the sunshine. It stayed around 70 for a couple of hours.

After a quick lite lunch I started hauling rocks to fill in an area of the yard that has a tendency to wash out with a heavy rain. I also replaced much of the rocks around the front flower beds. I worked at this chore until 2:30 when it was time to get ready to head down to neighbors Grant and Shirley's for their annual wienie roast. I also headed over to Gerald's to help unload some furniture into their new cabin.This is the first week end they have stayed overnight as their electric and water were hooked up this past week.

We arrived at the Yard Party around 3:30 and stayed until 7:30. When we arrived I was wearing a t-shirt with jeans when we left 4 hours later I had a flannel shirt with another denim shirt much like a light jacket and a cap on my head. The temperature dropped 25 degrees in 4 hours as well as the dew was heavy in the air.

The crowd was about 75-85 folks with a large amount of children. There was tons of hot dogs(we ate none) barbecue pork, red slaw, potato salad, baked beans, chili, chips and Gerald made a fish soup that absolutely delicious. There was tons of desserts. The best I sampled was persimmon custard brownies, YUMMM! Nancy made potato salad which was all eaten and brownies all eaten but a couple. There were several gospel blue grass music makers and singers. This was a great family gathering. It was great to see so many people we have come to know over the years who live in this area as well as lots of folks who live down off the mountain. Thanks again to Grant and Shirley for hosting this annual get together.

Well tomorrow is church Sunday so will close for now missing family , friends, Ava and Annsley.

Frost in the Morning, Warmed up Beautifully, 1 hike and Left overs for Dinner

Brrr it was nippy this morning with a little frost on the pumpkin. We slept in especially with flannel sheets on the bed. Yikes, do they make for a warm cozy sleep. It was after 8 AM before we turned the oven on to take the chill out of the cabin. After our cups of HOT coffee and green tea we did our quiet time and had left over buckwheat pancakes and eggs. Yummm, they were as good as the day Nancy made them.

After breakfast I ventured out and the temperature had already begun to warm up. It got all the way to the high 60's with brilliant sunshine and Carolina blue skies. I started out with a sweater and quickly took it off for a short sleeve shirt, while Nancy had a jacket on most of the day over a sweat shirt.

We got a hike in before lunch which turned out to be around 1 PM, so by the time we got home it was nearly 2 PM for lunch. We ate out on the front porch but it was a little cool in the shade. After lunch we took a ride up on the back road to dig some pine trees and to watch David Todd dig out Gerald and Jodie's driveway. WOW, did that change the looks around their cabin.

I did a little yard work and Nancy worked in her flower gardens. We took a ride out to the mailbox and stopped to visit with Grant and Shirley. Tomorrow is their big annual wiener roast for lots of the neighbors and their friends off the mountain. They usually have around a 100 + people for this event. Lots of food, games and music. We missed it last year as we headed home for the impending birth of Annsley.

I headed for the T.V. to watch our Tampa Bay Rays play the Chicago White Sox at 6 PM. Nancy fixed the left over Mexican dinner and we ate in front of the game. RAYS WIN!!! 6-2. Well today was one of the most beautiful days of the year thus far.

Well will close for now missing family and especially Ava and Annsley.

Cool Morning with Bright Sunshine, Odd Jobs for Helen and Joe and Helen for the Last Dinner until Next Year

Well it was another cool morning in the 40's but with a stiff breeze which made it feel in the 30's. Nancy once again had the oven on to take off the chill, BRRRR. After our quiet time Nancy once again made a super breakfast of bacon and buckwheat pancakes. YUMMM!!!

I made it over to Helen's about 10 AM and it was still rather cool or cold as we both were wearing heavy jackets. Helen had a leak in her roof last weekend when we had nearly 6 inches of continuous rain fall. The area below her rock chimney was the suspect area which led one to believe maybe the rock and concrete mortar was the problem. I noticed several cracks in the mortar as I painted a concrete sealer on the stone and used a flashing putty to fill in several areas. Hopefully this with correct the problem; if not she is making arrangements to have estimates for new metal and shingle roofs.

I also put together a new computer desk, helped winterize her garage and picked apples. Whew!!! Boy did we get a lot done. Nancy stayed back at the cabin and hung 2 loads of wash and fixed a pork roast with sauerkraut, mashed potatoes and cooked apples with a fresh salad and yeast rolls. Yumm!! The pumpkin pie was as good as tonight as last night.

After dinner we watched the Rays beat the White Sox in the first play off game ever for the Rays and they won 6-4. GO RAYS!!! We won't see Joe again until next May so here's wishing him a warm winter and to say we can hardly wait to resume our day trips next summer. We've had a great time traveling and sight seeing in this area of the mountains. Its been fun Joe and Helen.

Well Andy just came out of the woods with his bow and arrows. We were certainly hoping he would reduce a few of the 4 legged garden and veggie eaters(deer). Oh well maybe another time.

Will close for now as we are warned of a possible frost tonight so I moved all of my seedlings and plants ready to go back to Florida up and underneath the back porch.Missing all our family and especially grand daughters Ava and the now walking Annsley.

Cool Morning, 1 Hike, Mulched all the Flower Gardens and Cooked Dinner for Ray and Audiene

Well it's beginning to feel a lot like winter(at least by Florida standards). The skies were partly cloudy with an occasional burst of sunshine. The temp's in the low 50's with a breeze, Brrrr!! After our quiet time Nancy made fried bacon, egg, onion and green pepper sandwiches for breakfast.YUMMM!!!

I hung out a load sheets on the clothesline then began to work on the flower gardens. I gathered several trash cans of pine needles and then mulched all the plants left in the gardens. It took me most of the day as I had to rake all these needles from several wooded areas around the yard. We took a break about 12:30 to take our only hike of the day. We encountered no one else on the trail as the breeze on top made it quite chilly. We got back a little before 2 PM and had a quick lunch of left over spaghetti. After lunch I continued with the mulching process and caught up on getting some vegetables ready to take back to Florida for my winter garden. I then fixed the handle in a broken hoe and continued to take down stakes from my old veggie plants in the lower garden.

The temperature began to drop from the 60's to the low 50's about 5 PM. Nancy had the cabin snuggle warm from all the food preparation she was doing for tonight's dinner. We were going to take a Mexican dinner over to Ray and Audiene. Auiene is still recuperating from her broken ankle. Nancy made hand rolled chicken filled enchiladas with a creamy white sauce and Mexican rice along with a pot of pinto beans. For dessert she made 2 pumpkin pies. (The other pie we will eat tomorrow night as we are having Joe and Helen for dinner). Well, needless to say this dinner is one of my favorites and Ray and Audiene seemed to enjoy it as well. We left them each with another plate for tomorrow as well as the rest of the pie. Carson(their 8 year old grandson) ate with us as well. By the time we left just before dark the temp had dropped to 48 degrees and with the strong breeze it felt even cooler.

Well tomorrow should be another busy day as I committed to helping with some odd jobs for Helen. It's hard to believe how quickly this summer has gone and with the return of cold weather the time is near for us to head back to the south and warmer weather. I will certainly miss all of our mountain friends, the many chores and little jobs and the great getting together with our friends and neighbors and eating. Some how the food just tastes better here with the great well water as well as the ambiance.

Will sign off for this day missing our family and especially Ava and Annsley.