Friday on Saturday

Hey all, is not this Florida weather superb??? Wow what a day yesterday and today is supposed to be even better yet. We opened the windows after a cool start and aired the house out while we put the Christmas tree up. After our breakfast and quiet time I went into the attic and began to hand down boxes of Christmas ornaments, etc. We decided it was time to have our neighbors and good friends, The Botbyl's over for dinner and some domino's.
We got an afternoon walk in, about 2 miles then came back to get the house ready for guests plus a little garden work.

Nancy put some New York strips into a marinate. We needed some red meat as its been several days with chicken, turkey and then turkey again tonight at G/Grandmas's house. We had a good dinner with a couple steaks getting a little crispy along the edges(I was bumping my guns) but they were still pink in the middle. The oven tater's and broccoli along with a fresh garden salad made for good eatin'. We played a round of double 12 domino's alternating each round with Mexican train and chickenfoot. What a contrast in play. Nancy and I like chickenfoot and Carol and Dan like Mexican train. It was fun!!! Dan won on the last hand. Then we got in a game of Oh Hell and Carol won that!!! It was going on 10PM so we (we are getting older) decided to call it a night.

Will close for now. I will try to get a few pics of the Christmas tree and beach. Later!!

What a Full Tummy

Hope all of you had a Great Thanksgiving Day(so original). Ours started out with being at church early to prepare breakfast for about 75+ folks. It was the usual fare; cheese scrambled eggs, tater tots, sausage patties, biscuit, juice and muffins. It seemed to taste a little better this year for some reason.(I think because we had no long winded speaker, John) Anyhow we were out of there after clean up by 9:20 at the latest.

Nancy and I spent the rest of the day chillin'(that means she made dishes and I watched football and read) until it was time to pick up The Ross's around 1:30 and head for son, Bob's place in Riverview. We got there around 2:30 and had a delightful time. Later G/G and Pap along with the GAB and Braden came as well. Ava was so excited about seeing Annsley that she woke her up from her nap. Eventually Jill's family arrived and the eating began.Here was the fare; of course roast turkey with a gourmet filling(Bob's creation), baked yams and dry stuffing(G/G recipe), spinach casserole, pumpkin pie,(Nancy's fixin's), frozen cranberry salad(Amy's doing's), pumpkin pie (GAB doing's), smashedspuds, apple pie, green bean casserole(Brian and Susan's doin's).

We were naturally stuffed and our belly's were pooched. YUMMM what great eating and fun time we had watching the girls play. Before you knew it the day had slipped away and it was around 9 PM or after when we finally headed out. What a magnificent day especially with the coolness in the air and the bright sunshine.

We slept in this morning until 8 Am when the phone rang. Dad(Paw Paw) called to talk. We didn't tell him we were still under the covers but had a delightful conversation about their day yesterday and all the plans for today. It sounded like they(he and Adeline) had a fun, filling day as well.

Well Nancy and I are truly blessed and are so thankfull to the LORD for such a great family, kids and grand kids. Here are a few pics. LATER!!

Another Florida Typical Winter Day

It's difficult to imagine this time last year we had the a/c cranked on. It's been on only for couple days this month of November and we've even had the heat on for a couple of morning's to take the chill off. Last year it was so hot and muggy on Thanksgiving Day and to think tomorrow the counties north of us may have some patchy frost. WOW!!!

After my quiet time and Cheerios and banana for breakfast I headed to the Rec. for another good 2+ hours of pickle ball. Once again we had a full house with several new players. There was no time to sit around as we interchanged on the 3 courts playing with different players and at various levels of skill. It's hard to believe we are through until next Monday when the Rec. opens again. Nancy got her work out in after 3 PM.

Ava and Amy came for lunch and then the girls took off to visit G/Grandma Everett. I got a little gardening in; picked radishes and transplanted some new radish seedlings, planted some unknown flowers I brought back from the mountains thinking they were Zinnia seedlings. I picked a few spinach leaves as well as some mustard green leaves to add to the fresh salad for lunch. Wow was that ever a great salad especially after adding fresh basil to all the other fresh homegrown ingredients.

Nancy sauteed some fresh yellow squash with onion and we spooned that over white rice along with some fried talapia for dinner. YUMMM was that ever good. She forgot to add the fresh garlic but it was still a great dish. I added a little fresh rosemary to the fish and was it ever tasty.
Well tomorrow will be a big day with breakfast at church the first thing in the morning and then a trip over to Riverview to Bob's for a turkey dinner with all of our family and Jill's folks. LATER. Wow I almost forgot to mentioned I got a package in the mail from Virginia. I'm a lover of black walnuts and there in the mail was at least a pound or more of fresh shelled black walnut kernels. YUMMM and they are the best when added to applesauce cakes.Paw PAw(Dad) and his friend Adeline crackled them by hand and sent them to me. What a labor of love!!!

A Beautiful Morning, A Little Rain then Turned Brisk

Tuesday morning was a little warmer to begin but dark clouds moved in quickly. After my quiet time and a lite breakfast of Cheerios and a banana I jumped on the 10-speed and headed out to the Rec. I got in 2 + hours of pickle ball with 7 other players and ended with a wet shirt. We had some great play. Hopefully we will have enough players tomorrow as the Rec. will be closed Thur. and Friday for Turkey Day. WOW, one get's addicted to that hard daily play.

Nancy skipped her workout today to go Christmas shopping with her sister and mother to Citrus Park Mall in Tampa. Amy and Ava came by after lunch and visited a couple hours. I loaded her up with fresh herbs for her spaghetti and meat balls dinner tonight. The oregano, basil and parsley are doing quite well. I pulled about 25 collard leaves and along with a little fresh kale made a nice pot of greens for supper. YUMMM!!! I added a spoon of ham base concentrate and that gave it the flavor of cooking all day with a ham bone. Nancy and I ate almost the whole pot of greens, we saved enough for Amy to have a bowl for lunch tomorrow.

Nancy got back around 5:30 and we had dinner(eating the greens and left over pork roast from Sunday). The air has cooled off once again and they are calling for down in the 40's here Thanksgiving morning. Wow is that a change from the past years. Tyler(son in law) will pick me up early on Thursday and we head off to church to help cook our annual Thanksgiving Day breakfast then we will head over to Bob's in Riverview for a turkey dinner around 4 PM.

So if I miss a little "keeping everybody informed"after tomorrow you will know I'm busy cooking, washing dishes, playing with both grand daughters and watching a little" are you ready for some football."

Hopefully all will have a fun time with family and to remember to be thankful for the men and women in uniform who are away from home and their families this holiday. Please keep the welfare of our nation in your prayers. GOD BLESS ALL. Later.

WOW !!! What a Florida Day

Today was a day that makes it worth while to live in Florida during the winter months. The morning started out a little cool but the blue skies and warm sunshine soon changes into a t-shirt day with short pants. After my quiet time and a lite breakfast I headed out to the Rec. for a good 2+ hours of pickle ball. We had 14 players. Wow is this game becoming popular. I even managed a wet shirt.

Back to Sunday afternoon I was a little disheartened as the Bucs were losing when we headed off to the nursing home by 17 points to an 0-10 team. I was ready to throw Coach Gruden to the dogs(I'm still not convinced he is the best play caller), but anyhow they came from behind to win for the second week in a row. GO BUCS!! We had about 20 people for our Sunday afternoon devotions with the infirmed and seniors with health issues.

After getting back and watching the Bucs win; Nancy put a pork tenderloin in the roaster, peeled up a big pot of spuds for smashed potato's and gravy, peeled carrots and green beans and put a fresh garden together for Amy and her family and Nancy's folks. The eating was fine and we surely missed Bob and his girls. We are looking forward in getting together on Thursday for Turkey Day at his home in Riverview. All of our family plus Jill's family will celebrate together and eat too much as usual. We are looking forward to seeing Ava and Annsley interact with one another.

Enclosed are a few pics from the past day or so. Missing all especially our cold mountain friends. LATER.

Friday and Saturday on Sunday

Friday was another cool morning here with temp's down in the low 40's and a breeze out of the north. It actually felt like in the 30's with all the humidity in the air. My garden and plants fared well, they act as if this coolness invigorates them into a growing spurt. After my quiet time and lite breakfast I headed out to the Rec. on my bike and got in 2 + hours of pickle ball. Nancy was at her weekly Bible Study and would later in the day get her work out in.

The afternoon brought Amy and Ava by for lunch. Amy had picked up fresh lunch meat and bread from the deli at Publix so we had sumptuous sandwiches. Thanks Amy. Ava and I played outside for awhile before they headed out to do some shopping.

Ava came back in the evening to eat dinner with us while her mommy and daddy went out for dinner, to a movie and to do some Christmas shopping for Ava. Nancy baked chicken in the oven and made some macaroni for Ava. Ava also loves beans so we open a jar of canned 1/2 runner beans our friend Theia Hampton gave to us before leaving the mountains. Ava was delighted to say the least. She is a good eater when it comes to things she likes.

After dinner we played hard with her and by 7:30 she was starting to show signs of sleepiness so into the tub for her bath. By the time we finished with her bath, the reading of a couple books, brushing her teeth and prayers she was ready for bed. She is so sweet and goes right to sleep. Her folks picked her up around 10:30 and took her home. What a great time we had with her and the ending for a great day.

Saturday morning found Nancy and I getting ready to head out to Calvary Chapel in Pinellas Park for the Angel Food Distribution Day. WOW what a ministry to serve others and its so worth while. We have enlisted our friends and neighbor's the Botbyl's and now neighbor Jon Perry. We are going to do this as a service project for Element Church as a part of our house church in Pinellas County for Element Church in Tampa.. The relationships to be made are unlimited and the opportunity to share Christ with unbelievers is magnified. I think we feel blessed more than those who are blessed with this food distribution. Just being a light of kindness, thoughtfulness and sharing kind words and actions says more than all the liturgy, tracts and preaching for folks who have never felt the joy and hope of believing in Christ.

After leaving Calvary Chapel we headed , yelp you guessed it to Wal-Mart for a litle shopping. This Wal-Mart is so much closer than any we visit in the mountains of N.C. but we only go there when we are down that way for the food distribution day. The scenery on the way is nothing compared to N.C. but the savings are just the same. I know why they are one of the few bright spots in our economy and their employees go out of their way to assist you. We had a first hand experience Sat. while trying to find 2 learning toys for Ava and Annslely. They actually went out into a parked trailer filled with toys and found a matching toy. I know it took them at least 30 minutes but they did it. The store was filled with shoppers and they could have stocked this item later in the day. Kudos to Wal-Mart!!!

After leaving Wal-Mart we once again stopped by the Christian Book Store, Grandma and Pap Pap then headed home for a pizza for lunch. It was 1 PM by now and time for a little college football. The air was still a bit nippy but slowing warming up to a high in the 60's.

We had made a commitment to attend a fund raiser for Stopthetraffic.org. It is unknown to most of us how young children are kidnapped to be used in the harvesting of the cocoa crop in different areas of the world but most notably in West Africa where 40% of the cocoa crop is grown and then chocolate is produced from the cocoa. So, when you buy chocolate make sure it say's Fair Trade, 100% Slavery Free on the product. The least we can do as consumers is to not purchase chocolate from those who exploit children in the manufacturing of this product. We attended this gathering where we met new people; many who have the same ideals as we, many who are believers and Christ followers and many who just love children no matter where they live. Thanks to our friend, Carol Botbyl for spearheading and to all the young mothers and women married without children who get together weekly for making us aware of this abuse against children.The work abuse and kidnapping is just a small atrocity to these kids compared to the other degrading acts these little ones are subjected too. So go to their website and learn as we did, to what you can do to help.

The day was a full one and we had such a great time interacting with so many people from different walks of life. We are attending a milestone at Element Church this morning as they are starting a tradition in the birth of this new church. For all the particulars click on Bobby's link from this blog. When we get back from Tampa this afternoon Nancy and I are leading the devotions at the nursing home at Freedom Square at 2 PM. She will lead the singing and I will give a short devotion on Thanksgiving Hero's. Take care and I will try to post some pics tomorrow. Nancy is fixing a roast pork dinner tonight for our family. LATER.

Another Cool Morning

The day started out with cool morning temp's, however the sun was shinning brightly and the wind had died down to a whisper. After my quiet time and a breakfast of cereal and a banana I pedaled to the Rec. There were at one time 7 of us to play pickle ball as some came late and some left early. We had 2 1/2 good hours of continuous play. Many of us had wet shirts(sign of a good workout). After the Rec. I stopped off and picked up a book I had on hold at the library.

Amy and Ava came for lunch about the time Nancy got home from her hair appointment(cut and color). Wow I'm living with a blonde again. We had a salad for lunch then went outside to play in the yard. The temp's warmed up to the high 60's. I managed to transplant some broccoli and onions I had grown from seeds. I have several tomato's set, they are about the size of a nickel. The radishes are ready to eat as well as the collards and mustard greens. About time!!!

After Ava left for her nap I caught up on some reading and Nancy took off for the Rec. for her work out. Nancy made salmon cakes for dinner along with fried spuds and mixed veggie(broccoli and cauliflower). Well if the market stays this bad we may all have to plant gardens in our back yard. I do it for the fun of it but its amazing what you can grown in your yard in Florida in the winter. At least I know everything is grown organically.

Well will close for now missing family and mountain friends.LATER!!

ACool 46 here this Morning!!!

Yea I know that's a spring morning in the mountains but here in the deep south that's down right cool especially with about a 10-12 mph wind. It did warm up into the low 60's which made it pleasant in the sunshine but you needed something on your arms in the shade. After my quiet time and cereal for breakfast I jumped on the 10 speed and pedaled to the Rec.

There were 13 players today so we had constant play for a good 2 hours. I even managed a wet shirt. Afterward I stopped off at the library and picked up a couple of books. After lunch I read most of the day as Nancy was cooking and Amy and Ava went to Tampa to have lunch with Tyler then stopped off at g/grandma's before picking me up at 4 PM.
Nancy's supper at church was delicious and we fed more than 50 people. Hopefully tonight won't be as cool. My plants all fared well with no cold damage. Missing our family and our cold mountain buddies. LATER.

Tuesday is a Bit Nippy to Start

Well the cool dry air is back and its such a delight. Last week when the hot muggy air from the south enveloped us I thought there is no way I want to see this for the next 6 months. Any how that has passed and now we are looking at record breaking cool temp's for the rest of the week. Any how the temps surrounding our N.C. cabin is down right cold with snow in the forecast.

This morning after my quiet time and cereal for breakfast I climbed on the bike and headed for the Rec. There were 3 regulars and a new guy, Mike and we played 2 straight hours of hard pickle ball. Wow what a work out and a wet shirt. Hopefully we will have a good turnout tomorrow.


Amy and Ava came for lunch and we played outside in the warm sunshine until it was near time for Ava's nap. Amy and Ava came back for dinner(Tyler is instructing with ESL at church) and Nancy fried up an eggplant. Ymmm!! If you have never tried that appetizer your missing a real treat. I have a white eggplant growing and it's starting to set blooms. Any how, take the eggplant and with a potato peeler, peel it. Then slice across the body to a thickness of about an 1/8 inch, dip the slices in egg and cracker meal and place in a skillet with some Smart Balance oil. Make sure the oil is hot and then fry on both sides. Remove after its a golden brown onto a paper plate with paper towels(to absorb the excess oil) and sprinkle with a little ground red pepper, salt and pepper and some fresh oregano(can use dried) and then eat. Wow is that a great treat. Nancy then made a pasta(penne) dish(meatless) with fresh asparagus, fresh mushrooms sauteed in a fresh garlic butter sauce with fresh basil and oregano. Sprinkle a little parmesan cheese on top and eat.There is no better dish and even Ava loved it.

Tomorrow is dinner at church where Nancy once again will get to play chef. Her dinner will be Salisbury steak, rice and gravy with green beans and a roll with a fresh salad and homemade egg custard and lemon merange pie for dessert plus a drink. Wow can you believe all of that for 5 bucks. Of course I will wash dishes and help with the set up and break down. That takes me back to my basic training days when I had to pull K.P.(kitchen police) in the Air Force.

Well will close for now and will enclose a couple pics of my garden and its progression as well as a couple pics of Ava eating some warm homemade chocolate chip cookies that Grandma made. Later, missing all our family and mountain friends.

Sunday on Monday

The front that came through on Saturday with a little rain and breezy conditions also dropped the temperature. YEA!! It's sure nice to once again turned the a/c off and actually close windows because of the coolness in the air. The musical at church was good considering every thing was can(dvd) music. Sure miss those days where everything was live.

A group of us met at Carmelitas Restaurant for lunch. It use to be one would have to wait to get a seat there but with the economy as it is;the place was nearly empty. They are a bit pricey for beans and rice(Mexican cuisine) but we all had a good time and Ava entertained us with her eating habits. We got back to watch the Bucs come from behind again to beat the Vikings. GO BUCS!!! At 6 PM we went to our first house church for Element at our neighbor and good friends house, The Perry's. There were 6 of us but with many prospects identified. So this will an every other week occurrence and a weekly meeting at the Gathering in Tampa. Hopefully we will be able to reach our neighborhoods by doing some service projects; thus creating relationships and maybe help to change some lives for Christ. WOW!!! What a thought to think you maybe your responsible for helping to change a life. AWESOME!!!

This morning was cold by some standards but we call it a N.C. Carolina Morning. At 7 AM it was 54 degrees with bright skies. I rode my bike to the REC. after my quiet time and a breakfast bar for breakfast. No squirell damage overnight.There were 12 players today. Of course some of us got in a good 1/2 hour play play before the majority arrived , but the play was hard and a wet shirt was evident for a few of us die hards. This game is addicting!!!

Amy and Ava came for lunch and we had the left over Zuppa with bread. It was wonderful. I actually believe I could eat that soup a couple time a week, its that good. The girls took off for Target and I climbed aboard the bike and found a barber to lower my ears. This barber takes 10 minutes and does a lousy job compared to Kermit my N.C. barber who takes at least 30-45 minutes; Nancy loves his work(me).

I'm reading a very interesting non-fiction book called "The Man who Killed Shakespeare" by Ken Hodgson. Shakespeare is a mining town back in the depression days in New Mexico. Its a very good read.

The air is cool in the shade.I picked a few mustard green leaves to be added to the salad for dinner. Nancy is making meat loaf, yellow squash casserole and salad. I must watch my weight so there will be no starches tonight.

Our son Bobby, wife Jill and daughter Annsley will be celebrating 5 years together of marital bliss on the 22nd. Wow does time fly!!! Will close for now and I know I need to take some photos. Love to all; missing family and friends. LATER!!

Saturday Began as Another Hot and Muggy Day

Summer is back as I wondered outside this morning after nearly 2 weeks of beautiful fall like weather. Fortunately there were rainclouds on the horizon and wow did it ever rain for about a 1/2 hour. After our quiet time Nancy mixed up a batch of buckwheat pancakes and were they ever yummy. With a couple of over easy eggs on top of them with a scoop of homemade blackberry jam on the side I had a feast.

After the rain I checked the garden for squirrel damage and found no major holes. I then pulled the suckers off the tomato plants that have begun setting green fruit. I hoed a little and then fed all the plants I'm growing in black plastic pots. This something I'm trying different so as to keep the nematodes(root knot) from sucking the life from the plants. My radishes will be ready to eat in a week as well as the collards and mustard greens.

I spent a couple hours on the computer as I now have a Facebook page; transferring some pics, writing and reading whats been written on my wall. A friend of ours says, Facebook is addicting and I can see why, yet it is a way to find and keep up with acquaintances. After a lite lunch I watched a little football, read and just laid around as it was very hot and muggy. It sure is lonely around here in the afternoon without Amy and Ava.

We had to be at the church for rehearsal for a musical at 5 PM. Nancy made a cheesecake with a raspberry topping. Jerry and Stacy made pulled barbecue pork sandwiches and several others made homemade dishes. We finally got out about 7 PM after cleaning up the kitchen.It was a fun time for all and Ava was once again the center of attention as she smiled and waved to all. Tomorrow will be a church day in Seminole. We began to notice the air is starting to become drier and the temps have dropped as the sun began setting. Missing all our family and especially Annsley as its been over a week since we've seen her. LATER!

Another Warm and Muggy Day

Friday started out warm and the feel of rain in the air.After my quiet time and a lite breakfast I pedaled to the Rec.for 2 good hours of pickle ball and badminton. Yeow what a work out and a wet shirt. I managed a few crunches and a little upper body workout with weights but I was really whupped by the time I pedaled home after a brief stop at the library for a couple of books.

Amy and Ava came by and they brought fresh bakery bread and lunch meat for lunch. Ava and I played outside for an hour or so after lunch before it got too sticky from the humidity. The girls then watched a video while I napped and read until was time for Ava to head home for her nap.

Nancy invited her folks for dinner as she made a pot of zuppa dis conta(fresh potato soup with kale and Italian sausage) YUMMM. The Olive Garden makes this soup and its almost as good as Nancy's. They brought a dozen stone crab claws and we ate those with melted butter first. Yeow are they delicious. After dinner we played a couple games of cards and Nancy's was the big winner.

Well will close for now as tomorrow will be another big pot luck dinner at church with pork barbecue as the choir will be having a family dinner before rehearsal. Missing all our mountain friends and family, LATER.

Wednesday on Thursday

The morning air was a little warmer than had been the past week with a gentle breeze. After my quiet time, a lite breakfast of cereal and fruit and a check for squirrel damage I headed to the REC.on the 10-speed. I met up with 9 of our pickle ball players and we had a lively 2 hours of continuous play which resulted in a wet shirt. WOW our group of players are getting soooo much better with the play fast and furious.

I stopped at the library on the way home and picked up a couple of true crime(non-fiction) books and finished one called ERASED yesterday afternoon. I'm a speed reader and sometimes I do 2 books a day if I'm not interrupted with "honey-do" chores. After a lite lunch I gave our kitchen table(oak) a third coat of polyurethane then settled down outside in the back yard to read for about 4 1/2 hours. The air appeared to be getting warmer as the wind began to shift from a eastern to a southern flow, however I was under the big oak tree so I stayed cooled.

Amy and Ava picked me up at 4 PM and we headed to the church to help Nancy with getting the church dinner out by 5 PM. We served about 60 + people and had the place cleaned up by 6:30. When we came out of the fellowship hall the humidity hit us hard as the temp had risen to 82 and had stayed that way even as the sun had gone down. Needless to say the a/c went back on for the first time in about 2 weeks and its still on, probably until this week end went another cold front will head our way. I knew the cool dry temps were to good to last until next spring but oh well it was great for awhile.

This morning(Thursday) was pretty much the same, except for the hot and muggy temps. After our quiet time and a lite breakfast I headed to the Rec. on the bike and once again enjoyed 2+ good hours of pickle ball. Nancy walked to the Rec. and did her 30 minutes on the treadmill then walked home. Yea, I'm proud of her for walking and adding to her workout time as well.

Amy and Ava came for lunch then off they went to pick up G/Grandma Libby to go shopping. I will get a little garden work in as soon as the sun shifts over onto west garden and the east side is shaded. My son Bobby wrote me the funniest e-mail or at least I cried laughing went he noted I didn't know how to copy and paste but now have a face book page. I'm not sure how I got that face book account but lots of people want to be my friend so what the heck I love it. Missing my family and mountain friends, LATER.

Another Beautiful Florida Day and a Thanks to all our Veterans.

The morning came early as I stayed up late to watch the end of an exciting Monday Night Football game. Kudos's to Curt Warner of the Cardinals for bringing the team back to win after trailing most of the night. Warner is a great guy and a Christ follower. I read his autobiography a few years ago after leading the Rams to a Super Bowl in St.Louis.

After my quiet time and a lite breakfast I checked on the squirrel damage in yard and garden. Those pesky critters are having a fine time digging up my new seedlings and holes in the grass. Why they dig in my garden when the oak tree they climb in is loaded with acorns. Oh well!!!

I didn't get to the Rec. today as it was closed in honor of Veterans Day. I too want to say thank you too all the men and women I served alongside of in the Air Force. I was 20 years old when I headed to Vietnam. I was part of an air crew that flew into 'Nam weekly. We brought troops and material in country and the wounded on Medi Evacs as well as the dead back to the States. I have over 5000 hours in the air as an air crew member on the C-141 A Starlifter jet aircraft. I served from 1966 to 1973. I loss several friends as they served their country proud during that war. Hopefully those who serve now will be respected and honored and not left hung out to dry by the politicians who cut and ran in Vietnam.

Amy and Ava came for lunch after Nancy and I got back from Sam's.We were there before 10 AM to shop for the Wednesday night fellowship meal which Nancy cooks weekly. This week its BBQ chicken, baked potato's, baked beans and garlic bread with a fresh salad and ice cream pie for dessert. All that for $5. What a deal!!! We delivered the food to the church and I scrubbed 30 pounds of spuds and Nancy made fresh tea and lemonade. Tomorrow she cooks all day for about 60+ people, then I will join her at 4 PM to get ready to serve at 5PM then clean up and wash dishes.

Phoenix came over for a visit with Ava and I took both of them on a long wagon ride. They are so cute together but are starting to get into that mode where they both want what the other has in their hands. Its cute to see how they trick each other into giving up what is in the others hands.

Well we once again picked up a flame broiled rotisserie chicken at Sam's for dinner along with fried spuds and green beans. YUMMM!!! Well will close for now missing our mountains friends. LATER.

Another beautiful 2 Days

Sunday dinner at grandma's was one of the best tasting and prepared roasts we had in quite a while. The top sirloin was medium rare with such tenderness you could cut it with a butter knife. The gravy from the dripping of the roast ladled over the smashed spuds was superb along with the baked spinach casserole and garden fresh salad. YEOW!!! What a feast! The dinner was prepared to celebrate the GAB(great aunt Betsy's) 54th birthday with coconut cake for dessert.
Ava entertained us all before and after the meal with her little antics and startling new vocabulary. She is learning so fast and is so cute.

We had a nice phone talk with Helen(our mountain adoptive mother) Sunday afternoon who indicated it was cold, damp and overcast in the mountains and didn't want to hear how warm, sunny and nice it was in Florida. I keep telling her to come down for a spell but she has decided to become a native once again to N.C. her birth state. She and Joe are doing well and manage to get off the mountain once a week to eat out. Brrr it's hard to believe its that cold already and its not even Thanksgiving yet.

Monday brought a cool morning here as well as it was down in the low 50'; but with bright sunny skies and a warm up to the high 70's in the afternoon. After my quiet time and a fresh navel orange from the Botbyl's tree I headed to the REC. for some much needed exercise after all the rich chow we put away this week end. I got in 2 good hours of pickle ball and a few minutes of crunches for the abs before riding home on the bike. WOW was it beautiful with no humidity and a slight breeze. I then transplanted some broccoli, lettuce and cosmo flower seedlings. Amy and Ava came for lunch and then took off to Kohl's and Target for some Christmas shopping. Nancy and Amy are fixing 2 shoe boxes each filled with toys for needy kids around the world. This is a yearly occasion for our church and a worthwhile endeavor for kids who are in need.

While the girls were shopping I picked a few navel oranges from the top of the Botbyl tree with my fruit picker for them and me and then found out why my dill herb isn't doing well. Toooo much water!! Never would I have guessed that but the Internet says to back off on watering to a couple times a week whereas I was watering twice a day.

Nancy made a superb dinner(meatless) of penne pasta, fresh broccoli and fresh herbs(basil, oregano,parsley) from my garden with butter and garlic. YEOW was it ever delicious. I feel energized already. This morning I felt sluggish after all that red meat at dinner last night. Maybe there is something to cutting back a little on the red meat!! Well will close for now. LATER!!

Saturday was another Super Day

The morning air was cool at 4:41 AM when we first heard little Ava Mae let out a "holler." She had spent the night with us as her mommy and daddy had an evening out and then could sleep in on Saturday morning. We finally put Ava in bed with us but from that time on we never really fell back to sleep as she was restless and kept wanting to lay on both of us while trying to get back to sleep. We were up for the day at 6:30 as she wanted to eat and play with toys. She is so cute but determined in what she wants and wants to do.

Nancy had set 8 AM for breakfast; buckwheat cakes, eggs and turkey sausage. Amy and Tyler came around then and we had a delightful meal. After eating we played out in the back yard as Ava loves to be outside especially while I water my garden.They took off around 9:30 and Nancy and I got really to go to the beach.

What a beautiful day at the beach. We met our neighbors and good friends, Carol and Dan. The water had cooled off to about 68 degrees but I found it refreshing as I took a nice 15-20 minute swim. We walked in the surf for about an hour then laid around talking and planning on what to do in the evening. First we decided to go out in eat as Nancy was past preparing a big meal as she had done that on Wed. and Thur. Carol mentioned she had some chicken thawed out and it needed to be used so she suggested King Ranch casserole with some rice and a salad. They did the whole dinner, and was it ever good. Thanks Carol and Dan.

After dinner we got in 3 games of cards which was new to them and it goes very fast. Nancy's folks call it "oh hell"so that's what we will call it. It's very fast and there is lots of bidding on how many tricks you will take. FUN!! FUN!!!. We were back home by 9:30 and time to catch up on those couple hours we missed Friday night.

Well will close for now as it time to get ready for church here in Seminole. Dan and Carol are taking some friends to Element Church(Bob's church)in Tampa. Bummer, we would like to go as well, but Nancy and I have the nursery today plus she has to sing in the choir. Will fill all in on the big roast beef dinner this evening at grandma Everett's. LATER!!!

Friday was Another Beautiful Day

The morning started out with a coolness in the air but with clear skies. Now I know why we live in Florida in the winter time. After my quiet time and a lite breakfast(a ripe pear) I pedal to the Rec. and played hard for 2 hours.On Friday we split the gym in half for pickle ball and half for badminton. I got in an hour of each and honestly I think badminton is a more strenuous game. But either way it was a great workout, wet shirt and all. Afterwards I headed for the weight room and got a few crunches and lifts in for the arms and chest area's as well as the abs. I love being retired.

I stopped by the library(same complex as the Rec. and college) and picked up a little reading material for this week end as we plan on working on our tans at the beach tomorrow.Supposed to hit 80 before a cool front moves through and drops the temps back to the low 70's. Wow I love these cool fronts.

I got a little yard and garden work before Amy and Ava came for lunch. After lunch Ava and I worked outside in the backyard. She just loves being outside and keeps her self thoroughly entertained with picking my flower heads and tearing them to shreds. Phoenix(neighbor's little 2 year old) came over to play with Ava again today. I took them both on about a 3/4 mile wagon ride and they loved it.

Amy and Tyler left Ava at our place for dinner and the night as they took off for a night out. Ava loves bread with butter on it and that's about all she would eat for dinner. She likes to snack with fresh fruit and chips. She does drink her milk real good. Enclosed are a few pics from today. Later.

A Beautiful Day with a Great Dinner

Well Thursday morning started out with a little of the same overcast we had the past 2 days. But by mid morning the skies cleared and with a light breeze the day turned out to be one of the very best. No humidity and the temps got to the middle 70's. It was an absolutely beautiful day. After my quiet time and fruit for breakfast I headed to the REC. to play pickle ball. There were 5 of us and we had a great 2 hours of continuous play and I ended with a wet shirt.

After the REC. I helped Nancy get ready for our family dinner. I got the smoker ready for the ribs and got them on around 11:30. After lunch I managed a little garden work before taking Ava and Phoneix on a long wagon ride.Amy and Ava left around 3 PM so Ava would get her nap in before Annsley came to play.

I took the ribs off of the smoker around 5 PM then cut them up and then cleaned my smoker. Wow did they look pretty and we smoked 2 full racks. Every body started arriving around 6 PM so we let the girls play for about 1/2 hour before setting down to smoked ribs, parsley potato's, salad and brocolli. YUMMM what a feast and I believe we will eat leftovers tomorrow night for dinner. Nancy also made a pumpkin pie for dessert.

Ava and Annsley played very good together and now Ava call's Annsley, A's. How cute is that??? We all sat around and a few of us danced with girls to the Nutcracker. Wow that warmed several bodies up to the near boiling point; but the girls loved it and continued asking for more. The girl bathed together and then got their pajamas on. Every one left around 9 PM. It was a great day that was made even better when your children and grand children were there to enjoy it with you. Later.

Tuesday on Wednesday

Well Tuesday turned out to be one of those days that you seldom get in sunny Florida. After my quiet time and a lite breakfast I rode my bike to the REC. I got in 2 good hours of pickle ball before Nancy and I decided to go vote together then go Sam's Club for the goodies for Thursday nights dinner. We picked up all the shopping necessary for Wednesday fellowship meal at church as this will be her first week back since we left for the mountains in May and for our family dinner of smoked ribs.

Amy and Ava came by and we had lunch together but the sun never came out at all during the day and it was cool(60's) with almost a little mist at times. We stayed inside and played with Ava until it was time for her nap. I piddled around in the garden for a little while and read for an hour or so but by 5:30 it was starting to get dark so we had dinner and then just watched the news.

Today Wednesday we awakened to find the democrats had swept the board so hopefully they will quit blaming everyone but themselves for a"do nothing congress" of the past 2 years. We will just have to wait and see what happens. Anyhow there's not much we can do except PRAY for our nation.

I got in 2 hours of pickle ball this morning after my quiet time and lite breakfast. Nancy was cooking at church so I made a lite lunch then sanded the kitchen table and applied 2 coats of polyurethane. Then I staked my tomato's which are blooming, transplanted some marigolds and got my sugar pea area ready for transplanting the new seedlings that are up. I will leave here at 4 PM and head to the church where we will serve about 50 people for dinner(that's small as we sometimes serve up to 80). I'm the chief dish washer and gopher!!! We usually get out by 6:30 or so. Well will talk at you on Thursday. Looking forward to our big dinner tomorrow and a visit from Nancy's folks, Bob's family as well as Amy's family. So it will be great as both grand girls will be here. LATER!!!

Sunday and Monday

Wow was Sunday a great day of worship and family get together with Bob, Jill and Annsley. We ventured out Sunday morning to Tampa to worship with our son at Element. There was a good crowd once again and it seems he is attracting a few older than 50 in the mix. The majority is still in their 20's but with lots of young marrieds and 10 or more kids.

We met Bob and Jill at their house after stopping at Publix's to get a few last minute items for lunch. Bob grilled some amazing burgers with all of his spices. Lunch was a good one and to make the afternoon even better was a come from behind victory for the Bucs. Bob and I had some great father/son time as well as loving up on little Annsley Elizabeth. She has become very independent in her 1 year period of maturation, but such a delight.

Sunday brought lots of rain on the Tampa side of the bay as it rained hard at times and was drizzling when we left Bob's about 4:30. The Pinellas side got a little much needed rain. We spent the evening watching football and eating popcorn.

Monday morning brought clear skies with temp's in the 60's and a nice off shore breeze in the afternoon that reached the middle 70's. Perfect weather!!! My garden is doing fantastic as we are starting to harvest a little lettuce plus lots of herbs; basil, dill, oregano and rosemary. My tomato's are blooming and 1/2 runners are running. This is just great weather for a garden.

Ava and Amy came for lunch and spent the afternoon. Ava is such a delight and starting to talk more so every day. She understands all you are telling her. I find it so hard to imagine a government who would allow and even promote by running on a campaign promise the killing of unborn babies. GOD forgive us as nation who promotes and even makes laws to promote this unmerciful act.

All is well with us. I got in 2 hours of good pickle ball play(a wet shirt) this morning as there were 10 of us player's. The interest has grown and our players are getting so much better. The bad thing about this game is that it is addicting. Well I need to go and fire up the grille as we are having chicken on the barbee', brussel sprouts and something else. Take care, missing all. LATER . I left my camera at Bob's so no pics until he come on Thursday for smoked barbeq ribs.

Saturday on Sunday

Well Saturday morning was another beautiful sunny with just a touch of dryness in the air. After our quiet time Nancy made her famous buckwheat pancakes with blueberries and a banana in the batter. After feasting on those pancakes with an egg on top I headed outside to put down some weed and feed on the yard.

We got ready to head to Sam's club for some last minutes things for our trip to Element Church on Sunday. Then after worship we will spend the afternoon with Bob, Jill and Annsley grilling some burgers and watching a little football. We try to get over for worship with him at Element every other week.

After getting back from Sam's we took a little trip to the beach which is about 15 minutes away. The air temp was in the 70's but with bright sunshine. There was hardly anyone at the beach which made for good walking in the edge of the lite surf. We walked, took pics of the many different birds, crabbers checking their stone crab pots(the season just came in a couple weeks ago and they are delicious) and layed around catching up on some reading and of course our tans. After about 2 hours (our first trip back since last May) we headed home.

Amy and Tyler invited us to dinner; Amy was making grilled grouper coated with a bread coating of herbs and spices, rice pilaf with pine nuts and fresh broccoli. Nancy and I brought a fresh garden salad. We stayed late playing a couple games of cards and the boys won both. Oh well!!! Ava was such a delight and kept us entertained the whole evening.

We headed back home and got ready for bed and hour earlier than usual as we loss and hour last night; which had us waking up and hour early due to our internal alarm clocks. Oh well the things we do mess up our habits.

Will close for now missing all our family, friends and mountain buddies. Later, will catch all up on our visit to Tampa probably on Monday as we will get back late Sunday evening.