Well another morning in this heat and humidity. Sure will be nice to wake up to 50's again and the high in the 70's. After our quiet times and a lite breakfast Nancy headed off to the rec. for her workout and I just piddled around waiting to meet with my pickle ball buddies at 11. I jumped on the bike and headed to the rec. while Nancy once again visited Publix after her workout. I got in 2 good hours of play with 10 other players.
After pickle ball I headed home to grab a quick bite of lunch. It was so darn hot I couldn't work outside so I read for most of the afternoon after Amy and Ava left for Ava's nap around 2:30. Nancy took off for Target to do a little shopping for the grand girls, actually she liked the talking cars she bought for Ava yesterday so she wanted a couple to take to the cabin for when Annsley comes next week. I just took it easy and read until it was time to help with dinner.
Amy,Tyler and Ava came for a pot roast dinner with home made biscuits and a salad. Yumm!! The kids stayed until it was time for Ava's bath. It looked like a big thunder storm was on the way but it seemed to have passed us by. Well there isn't much going on here, LATER
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Wednesday
Well the day started out the usual with a cup of hot green tea and my quiet time. Afterwards I had a lite breakfast and Nancy and I headed for the rec. for a workout. Once again the elliptical for 30 minutes had me with a wet shirt and Nancy did as much on the treadmill. This workout can't compare to the back trail that runs up to the top of the mountain. I'm just glad the heat and humidity stays down here in Florida. I understand from our mountain friends there has been some substantial rainfall in the last 24 hours. Now if only the deer haven't eaten everything in the garden.
After the workout our elderly neighbor, Carol came by for a visit and stayed and had lunch with us. She filled us in on all of our elderly friends at SFBC. After lunch Amy and Ava came by for a visit on their way home from having lunch with Tyler in Tampa. The girls stayed until it was time for Ava's nap which was around 2 PM. Nancy and I changed into our bathing suits and headed to the pool at the rec. The pool is Olympic size and great for doing laps. I did about 20 laps while Nancy sun bathed until about 3:30. The outside temp was 94 so the wet water felt good; however when you came out of the water you literally cooked. So we headed home to get really for an early dinner with just the 2 of us.
Nancy's sister Betsy lost her father-in-law and the viewing was this evening so Nancy drove her parents. I stayed home. Well I'm still waiting on her return as I write. Tomorrow will be pickle ball at 11AM. LATER
After the workout our elderly neighbor, Carol came by for a visit and stayed and had lunch with us. She filled us in on all of our elderly friends at SFBC. After lunch Amy and Ava came by for a visit on their way home from having lunch with Tyler in Tampa. The girls stayed until it was time for Ava's nap which was around 2 PM. Nancy and I changed into our bathing suits and headed to the pool at the rec. The pool is Olympic size and great for doing laps. I did about 20 laps while Nancy sun bathed until about 3:30. The outside temp was 94 so the wet water felt good; however when you came out of the water you literally cooked. So we headed home to get really for an early dinner with just the 2 of us.
Nancy's sister Betsy lost her father-in-law and the viewing was this evening so Nancy drove her parents. I stayed home. Well I'm still waiting on her return as I write. Tomorrow will be pickle ball at 11AM. LATER
Tuesday
Well I stated Tuesday post last night and finished this morning but somehow I lost it and its floating around out there in cyberspace. Where does all that "space junk"go? Tuesday was kind of different as we slept in finally, somehow I for a moment thought someone had captured Tom the turkey next door as he didn't gobble until after 7:30. I had vision's of a carving of a thick slab of white breast meal with a little gravy, YUMM!!! Oh well!!
After our quiet times and a lite breakfast we headed to the rec. but found after 5 minutes of workout they were going to close the workout room for its monthly cleaning and repairs, so we changed clothes and headed to Sam's Club. There we gassed up and picked up some paper articles for the cabin as well a Boston Butt for smoking next week when Bob and family come. Speaking of Bob's visit those dates have changed from heading up on Sunday night to a later day in the week so we will spend an extra 2 days in Florida and return on Tuesday of next week. We came back to find Amy and Ava at our house so we had lunch together then the girls took off for Target to do some shopping. After the girls got home it was time for Ava's nap some Nancy and I headed back to the rec. for a workout. She did 30 minutes on the treadmill; I did 30 on the elliptical and then a few on the heavy weights. I had a wet shirt in no time.
After the workout I putzed around in the gardens pulling a few weeds etc. before we got ready for company. Nancy was making a Zucchini Pie for dinner with mountain grown squash I brought with us. Dinner was yumm as Carol brought a fresh salad. After eating we just sat around visiting and watching the Ray's versus the Yankee's. The Ray's won, finally after losing big the night before. It was nearly 10 PM when Dan and Carol left so we got ready to call it a day. LATER
After our quiet times and a lite breakfast we headed to the rec. but found after 5 minutes of workout they were going to close the workout room for its monthly cleaning and repairs, so we changed clothes and headed to Sam's Club. There we gassed up and picked up some paper articles for the cabin as well a Boston Butt for smoking next week when Bob and family come. Speaking of Bob's visit those dates have changed from heading up on Sunday night to a later day in the week so we will spend an extra 2 days in Florida and return on Tuesday of next week. We came back to find Amy and Ava at our house so we had lunch together then the girls took off for Target to do some shopping. After the girls got home it was time for Ava's nap some Nancy and I headed back to the rec. for a workout. She did 30 minutes on the treadmill; I did 30 on the elliptical and then a few on the heavy weights. I had a wet shirt in no time.
After the workout I putzed around in the gardens pulling a few weeds etc. before we got ready for company. Nancy was making a Zucchini Pie for dinner with mountain grown squash I brought with us. Dinner was yumm as Carol brought a fresh salad. After eating we just sat around visiting and watching the Ray's versus the Yankee's. The Ray's won, finally after losing big the night before. It was nearly 10 PM when Dan and Carol left so we got ready to call it a day. LATER
Monday, July 27, 2009
Monday
Well the day started with trying to sleep in past 7 AM but to no avail as Tom the turkey next door started gobbling around 6:30. After my quiet time and a lite breakfast of fruit I jumped on the bike and headed out to the barber shop. I was the first customer of the day and I was back home before 9. I then pulled the weeds in the garden, took down my beans poles from this past spring and trimmed a couple shrubs before getting ready to head to the rec. for pickle ball at 11. I pedaled to the rec. and it was good to see all my PB friends that I hadn't seen for the past couple of months. The play was fast and furious and several of the player's especially Mary Ann had improved dramatically. I got in 2 good hours of play and hope to return for Thursday session as well.
After PB I headed home in a blazing sun with clear skies and air so thick you could cut it with a knife. I cranked up the mower and did the back yard and finished tidying up the patio area while Nancy picked up all the dead sticks in the front yard. Our neighbor Jim had the yard and shrubs looking good.
Nancy was having the family over for ribs on the grill as well as parsley spuds, cauliflower an Caesar salad. Yumm what a good meal!!! After dinner we sat around watching the Yankees beat up the Rays while Ava entertained us. Everyone took off by 9. Well it turn out to be a dry day here after the morning showed rain clouds. LATER
After PB I headed home in a blazing sun with clear skies and air so thick you could cut it with a knife. I cranked up the mower and did the back yard and finished tidying up the patio area while Nancy picked up all the dead sticks in the front yard. Our neighbor Jim had the yard and shrubs looking good.
Nancy was having the family over for ribs on the grill as well as parsley spuds, cauliflower an Caesar salad. Yumm what a good meal!!! After dinner we sat around watching the Yankees beat up the Rays while Ava entertained us. Everyone took off by 9. Well it turn out to be a dry day here after the morning showed rain clouds. LATER
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Sunday
The day started out with being awake too early around 6 ish but I turned over and tried to go back to sleep but had a difficult time with all the outside noise; sirens, turkey gobbling next door, motorcycle's and loud cars and the inside noise of the A/C running. Wow have we got accustom to the quietness of the mountains. We headed out to Element around 9:15 AM and ran into a rain storm so strong and heavy there were cars stopped all along the interstate. The service at Element was awesome and it was so good to see all of our old friends once again.
After the service we headed over to Bobby's for lunch and along the way picked up a pizza and a Greek salad. After lunch we played with Annsley until it was time for her nap. Annsley is becoming so "book smart" with her knowledge of the Abc's and her numbers as well as certain word recognition. She is a cutie as well. We watched the Rays lose to the Jays and while doing so once again another severe rain storm hit with lightning and thunder. We headed out around 5 for home and ran into another rain storm on the way and when we got home it rained so hard there was a river running down the street in front of our house. We could use a little of this rain in N.C.
Ava and Amy came by for a visit until it was time for her bath and bedtime. Ava's ability to carry on a conversation at her age is astounding. We are so blessed to have 2 beautiful and smart grand girls. Well not much else going on, I'm hoping to play pickle ball in the morning, get a haircut then have family over for dinner. LATER
After the service we headed over to Bobby's for lunch and along the way picked up a pizza and a Greek salad. After lunch we played with Annsley until it was time for her nap. Annsley is becoming so "book smart" with her knowledge of the Abc's and her numbers as well as certain word recognition. She is a cutie as well. We watched the Rays lose to the Jays and while doing so once again another severe rain storm hit with lightning and thunder. We headed out around 5 for home and ran into another rain storm on the way and when we got home it rained so hard there was a river running down the street in front of our house. We could use a little of this rain in N.C.
Ava and Amy came by for a visit until it was time for her bath and bedtime. Ava's ability to carry on a conversation at her age is astounding. We are so blessed to have 2 beautiful and smart grand girls. Well not much else going on, I'm hoping to play pickle ball in the morning, get a haircut then have family over for dinner. LATER
Saturday
Well the day started out at 4:30 AM as the alarm went off but I'm such a kid when it comes to doing something different that I always lay awake the night before, especially for hunting, fishing and now traveling trips. Anyhow we left the cool mountain air(60) around 5:45 and headed down the mountain. We had to stop for a potty break at the foot of the mountain in Jonesville and gased up as well(no pun intended). The sun was breaking day and it was beautiful as it shown forth in the East. (what book did I read that line in) Anyhow the trip was uneventful which is what we loved until we reached southern Georgia where 3 lanes going at 70 + mph funneled into 2 lanes(construction area). What a back up!! It took us 1 hour or more to go 30 miles at a crawl and stop& go. Well afterwards when we were about 30 mile or so from the Florida line we decided surely there would be food and gas available. There was both but every fast food restaurants and gas station was 10 + deep on people just to get inside to the door and the pumps. So we headed on south. We thought we would be home around 4:30 but now was pushing a 6PM dinner deadline with the family. We just made it before 6 and enjoyed seeing everyone.
Ava was so cute and happy to see us that she cried when we left for the evening thinking we were going back to the cabin. We had to reassure we would see her tomorrow. Tyler had smoked 3 chickens and Amy had made a sumptuous salad as well as pinto beans(one of my fav's), G/G made mac and cheese as well as 2 pies. The chicken was so moist and good. That has to be one of my all time favorite meals.
We finally got to bed around 11 PM and at first crashed but hearing the A/C kick on and off during the night was a distraction. It's so quiet and dark at the cabin its almost a distraction when we first get there as well. Oh well!!!
We were sorry to hear that Nancy's older sister Betsy lost her 90+ years old father in law yesterday. Our thoughts and prayers are with Bet's, Gus, Braden and Garret.
This morning we are heading over to worship with Bobby at Element Church then take them out to lunch and spend the afternoon visiting with Annsley before heading home. It will be a short week before heading back to the cabin and now we understand Bobby and family are driving all night, next Sunday so Annsley can sleep while traveling. We will have to be ready!! It's raining with thunder in the distance as I write. Hope the mountains get a little rain for the gardens while we are gone. LATER
Ava was so cute and happy to see us that she cried when we left for the evening thinking we were going back to the cabin. We had to reassure we would see her tomorrow. Tyler had smoked 3 chickens and Amy had made a sumptuous salad as well as pinto beans(one of my fav's), G/G made mac and cheese as well as 2 pies. The chicken was so moist and good. That has to be one of my all time favorite meals.
We finally got to bed around 11 PM and at first crashed but hearing the A/C kick on and off during the night was a distraction. It's so quiet and dark at the cabin its almost a distraction when we first get there as well. Oh well!!!
We were sorry to hear that Nancy's older sister Betsy lost her 90+ years old father in law yesterday. Our thoughts and prayers are with Bet's, Gus, Braden and Garret.
This morning we are heading over to worship with Bobby at Element Church then take them out to lunch and spend the afternoon visiting with Annsley before heading home. It will be a short week before heading back to the cabin and now we understand Bobby and family are driving all night, next Sunday so Annsley can sleep while traveling. We will have to be ready!! It's raining with thunder in the distance as I write. Hope the mountains get a little rain for the gardens while we are gone. LATER
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Thursday
The day started out with lots of sunshine and cool temps in the low 60's. After our quiet times and a lite breakfast with wine berries and Cheerios I did a check of the gardens for deer damage. So far so good however; we are getting ready to leave the cabin for the next 8 days so they should have a field day with all the new growth. I weed eated the yard and got a load of laundry going while Nancy got ready to take our morning hike. After hanging the laundry we headed out and all of a sudden the clouds moved in. There were rain clouds all around. We got a little sprinkle as we sat down to lunch so I hurried and pulled the clothes off the line and popped them in the dryer.
After lunch we took a golf cart ride out to get the mail and watched the guys who are cutting timber out near the hard top. They had a tree hung up and when they finally sawed it down three more almost fell simultaneously. That is a dangerous situation. Anyhow, we headed on back and I did a little garden work; tying up tomato plants, pulling weeds and planting my garlic seeds for next year.
Jodi, Gerald and Gabriel came up after dinner and we played 2 rounds of Spades and 1 round of Hearts, well the girls were victorious in all 3 rounds. Its nearly 10 PM so we are going to call it a day. Gerald wants to go play pickle ball in the morning at the high school tennis courts so we will pack for Saturday after that. Daisy wants to come by with her family tomorrow evening as they get into down for the next week. We will be away for a few days as we travel back to Florida on Saturday. Hope to post again over the week end.LATER
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Wednesday
At 7 AM the sound of rain on the tin roof woke me so I rolled over and went back to sleep for about 5 minutes. That's how long the rain lasted, bummer!! The fog rolled in so that promised to give us a little moisture but that to lasted about an hour. The sun came out but the temps stayed down into the high 60's and low 70's all day. It was a great day for being outside once I finished my quiet time. Nancy fried up a couple cackleberries(eggs) and I heated grits in the microwave. Yumm what a great tasting breakfast especially with the homemade black raspberry jam on toast.
After breakfast(its still foggy) I really thought it was going to be an inside morning with the early rain and now fog so I thought I would put together 2 batches of must(fixin's to make homemade wine). I first blended about a 1/2 gallon of home grown wine berries and started that concoction in a gallon glass jar with yeast and sugar water. I then fixed a large balloon to the top of the jug. Next I blended about a gallon and a half of hand picked wild black berries. After blending, adding yeast and sugar water I started that in a 5 gallon plastic bucket(fermenter). I had about 2 gallons of must. I left the seeds in both batches. That was a mistake for the batch I placed in the gallon jug with the balloon, after about 2 hours the co2 blew the balloon off and must went everywhere in the basement. I finally strained all the seeds, pulp and replaced the balloon. The must seems to be cooking(fermenting) O.K. now. The must in the plastic bucket has plenty of room so there is no fear of it exploding. This is only the second time I've attempted to make homemade wine from scratch(without a kit from a winery). Very interesting and who knows what it will taste like, but a great conversation topic!!!
After getting a load of laundry on the line we took off for our morning hike. Wow was it ever another great day for a hike. We made the top in only one rest stop. There was lots of fog down off the top but beautiful sunshine after the foggy morning on top. We came back and had the last of the meat loaf on a sandwich. Great sandwich with mayo, onion and tomato( I had mustard on mine, calorie counting). Yumm!! After lunch I decided I had better mow the yard as some of the weeds were over a foot tall and since we are leaving Saturday it would be another 10 days or so before I get the chance to mow again. Its been so dry the last couple of weeks that the only thing growing are weeds. Oh well!!
We took off for a visit to Eddie and Kimberly's farm around 3 PM after mowing. They recently acquired 2 new Heinz 57 female puppies. They are liter mates but have different fathers, but are sooo cute. We played and visited for a couple hours. I also collected lots of Tommy T--ds from their beautiful black quarter horse stallion for my compost pile. The fishin' worms love his droppings.
After getting back we both worked on supper; I made a garden fresh salad with my lettuce which has finally gotten big enough to eat. 5 different lettuces, beet greens, kale, green onion, basil, and oregano from my garden, cukes, red onion and green peppers from Joe's garden. Nancy made parsley spuds with new Kennebec's, Salmon patties and canned peas. Man is that good ole' country cookin' and eatin'.
After supper I headed over to neighbor Ray's place to mow his yard as his mower is still broke down. I did my good deed for the day and I know they really appreciate the help. They look after my place all winter so it feels great to be able to return some appreciation. Well I mowed just in time as we got a nice 30 minute shower at dusk so maybe it will do some good overnight to the plants and grass.
It's been a great day doing lots of different things and eatin' real good.LATER
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Tuesday
After a fantastic 8 hours of sleep I started the day off around 7:30. The 1 1/2 hours of pickle ball yesterday morning made for tired muscles and the same thing happened again this AM. After my quiet time and a lite breakfast I headed out with neighbor Gerald to meet up with Ted at the pickle ball court in Roaring Gap at 10 AM. There was a coolness in the air and mostly cloudy which made it all that much better for playing. Once again we played hard for about an hour and a half on this beautiful outside court.
Nancy had a hair appointment in Sparta so she got to drive for the first time since May. After a quick lunch I headed to the back yard to once again dig up topsoil for the bare spots. I worked at this until 4:30 when I just got tired of digging and spreading dirt. Mean while Nancy spotted a bat on the back porch that must have come from Ray Todds. He has been fighting them from the roof area of his cabin for months. It's unusual to see them out in the day light hours, anyhow I took care of it. Nancy to a hike to the top of the mountain by herself as I had a ton of exercise this morning.
Nancy warmed up the leftovers from last nights supper plus 4 ears of corn on the cob. Supper tasted as good tonight as it did last night. After eating and the dished washed and dried we headed over to Helen's to pick wild black berries. We picked about a gallon and a half plus Helen's gave us a quart she had picked earlier. We sat out on her front porch eating the last of the apple pie watching the beautiful sunset.
Well its been a day with lots of activity and I'm starting to feel it in my muscles. Shouldn't have any trouble sleeping tonight as well. The 2 pics are of the outside pickle ball court. The 2 players are on the right neighbor, Gerald and on the left Deputy Ted Smith.LATER
Monday, July 20, 2009
Monday
Well I awakened about 4 AM to rain on the roof and to lightning and thunder. I jumped out of bed to unplug; the computer, t.v. and the camera. Needless to say when I tried to get on the Internet around 7:30 there was no connection. They took a couple hours but by noon we were back on line. The rain was a welcome relief and while it was not a whole lot it sure seemed to bring the plants back to life. After my quiet time and a lite breakfast of fruit I did a garden check for deer damage. So far so good!!!
I was scheduled to give a pickle ball demonstration with Ted Smith at 10 AM but there were no takers so we played about 6 sets of singles with the last set in a light rain. The court is aluminum with a non-skid surface; the ball is plastic and the paddles are treated wood so a light rain has no effect on play. Tomorrow we will try again but this time neighbor, Gerald will play with us. Hopefully we can get a fourth player for doubles. Both Ted and Gerald have been bitten by the pickle ball bug. Believe me when I say this game is not only fun but addicting.
After a quick lunch I started to dig some top soil and spread it on some much needed areas in the back yard under the trees. I wanted to get this top dressing on the areas where the grass seed I sowed last week was starting to sprout and show a little green. I managed to work at this until around 3 PM before a rain shower shut me down. We were expecting Helen and Joe for supper at 4:30 so I needed a little time to clean up and help Nancy. She made a marvelous supper of; meat loaf, Lima beans, mashed spuds, garden salad, yeast rolls and a Granny Smith apple pie for dessert. YUMM!!!
After supper and our guests left, we did the dishes and then took our daily hike out to the mailbox. There was just a touch of fall in the air. We came back and Nancy went on-line to read a new blog called Pioneer Woman. It's a must read!!!! I pulled a few weeds and puttered around in the garden. Enclosed are a few area shots from last evening and her apple pie. LATER
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Sunday
Brr this Am as it was nearly in the 40's. It was partly cloudy as well so it seemed like a fall morning. After our quiet time and a lite breakfast we headed out to Cornerstone for worship. We were saddened to learn the husband of a lady(berry patch owner) we just met last week had passed away on Thursday(he had been seriously ill for some time), but other than that, we had a wonderful time of worship.
After the service we headed back home to eat the leftovers from last nights dinner, and they were as good if not better than last night. After lunch I picked a few wineberries, messed around in the gardens transplanting some lettuce and did a little hand watering. By now it was getting close to 2 PM so it was time to take our daily hike. The day was perfect with 68 degrees and just a slight breeze. We took off for the top and just ventured to wherever we felt the need to wander.We were gone for nearly 2 hours and as Nancy puts it "climbed a million hills." We ran into our neighbors through the woods who are elderly and just visit from the coast of South Carolina occasionally. They will be here all of this coming week so we invited them over for a visit to see our flowers and cabin. They are remodeling a run down cabin set in the woods with virtually no yard or any area to have a garden. Jim and Edith Hucks are their names and they seemed very pleased to meet us.
Well after our hike I continued to hand water the new grass and veggie's and Nancy fried up a couple yellow squash that Kay Luffman had given us Friday night. Wow is that ever good eatin.' We had a large lunch so we decided to have some pop corn later and let the squash be our dinner. Well I started a camp fire and burned some trash while Nancy took the golf cart to the top of the mountain for some evening pics; she then stopped off to visit with Audine, Angel and the grand sons. Well better go for now. I'm looking forward to giving a pickle ball demonstration tomorrow at Roaring Gap Club along with Deputy Ted Smith. I finally found some one who is hooked on this game after only playing it twice; however our neighbor Gerald is close to be hooked as well, after only playing the game once. LATER
After the service we headed back home to eat the leftovers from last nights dinner, and they were as good if not better than last night. After lunch I picked a few wineberries, messed around in the gardens transplanting some lettuce and did a little hand watering. By now it was getting close to 2 PM so it was time to take our daily hike. The day was perfect with 68 degrees and just a slight breeze. We took off for the top and just ventured to wherever we felt the need to wander.We were gone for nearly 2 hours and as Nancy puts it "climbed a million hills." We ran into our neighbors through the woods who are elderly and just visit from the coast of South Carolina occasionally. They will be here all of this coming week so we invited them over for a visit to see our flowers and cabin. They are remodeling a run down cabin set in the woods with virtually no yard or any area to have a garden. Jim and Edith Hucks are their names and they seemed very pleased to meet us.
Well after our hike I continued to hand water the new grass and veggie's and Nancy fried up a couple yellow squash that Kay Luffman had given us Friday night. Wow is that ever good eatin.' We had a large lunch so we decided to have some pop corn later and let the squash be our dinner. Well I started a camp fire and burned some trash while Nancy took the golf cart to the top of the mountain for some evening pics; she then stopped off to visit with Audine, Angel and the grand sons. Well better go for now. I'm looking forward to giving a pickle ball demonstration tomorrow at Roaring Gap Club along with Deputy Ted Smith. I finally found some one who is hooked on this game after only playing it twice; however our neighbor Gerald is close to be hooked as well, after only playing the game once. LATER
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Saturday
Well it was an unusual day weather wise. It started out in the 50's and finally reached the low 70's and tonight it's supposed to get down in the 40's and no rain. The skies were a bright blue with lots of sunshine and a moderate breeze. After our quiet time and a lite breakfast this morning we headed out to Cornerstone for Angel Food distribution. There were about 20+ to help with this ministry and what a joy it is to serve with these loving people. Afterwards we headed by the grocery for a few last minute things as we were having guests for dinner and games tonight. We got home in time to fix a frozen pizza for lunch.
After lunch I hand watered the wilting garden plants as the bright sunshine and strong breeze really dried out the garden. It was time to get our hike in for the day so we took off for the mountain top. We hiked for an hour and a half with a real good walk up the steep back trail. Only one stop. We got back and I got a couple loads of laundry on the line and Nancy made broccoli casserole. I then hand watered the back yard under the shade trees as the new grass really needed a drink. We were expecting our guests for dinner around 6 PM so we were ready as Nancy parboiled the brats and I put them on the grill to brown.
Dinner was delicious with corn on the cob, potato salad, broccoli casserole, brats and chocolate cake for dessert(I passed on this). Well it seems the boys are on a winning roll as they barely edged out the girls tonight in Sequence with a 5-4 win, but a win is a win, not like last night when we gave the girls a real whupping 6-2. Well will close as tomorrow is worship morning at Cornerstone. LATER
After lunch I hand watered the wilting garden plants as the bright sunshine and strong breeze really dried out the garden. It was time to get our hike in for the day so we took off for the mountain top. We hiked for an hour and a half with a real good walk up the steep back trail. Only one stop. We got back and I got a couple loads of laundry on the line and Nancy made broccoli casserole. I then hand watered the back yard under the shade trees as the new grass really needed a drink. We were expecting our guests for dinner around 6 PM so we were ready as Nancy parboiled the brats and I put them on the grill to brown.
Dinner was delicious with corn on the cob, potato salad, broccoli casserole, brats and chocolate cake for dessert(I passed on this). Well it seems the boys are on a winning roll as they barely edged out the girls tonight in Sequence with a 5-4 win, but a win is a win, not like last night when we gave the girls a real whupping 6-2. Well will close as tomorrow is worship morning at Cornerstone. LATER
Friday
Well the day started out with a great promising look of rain and lots of it, but it sure did take a turn and head elsewhere after about a 15 minute shower. I decided after my quiet time and a lite breakfast to get some lime and fertilizer on the back yard before the rain started but in the middle of spreading a rain shower hit us. I was under the trees spreading and even though it rained hard for a few minutes I felt it was worth getting wet to get nutrients to the grass. All of a sudden it stopped the skies turned blue and the sun came out. So that was the end of our severe weather warnings with heavy down pours and hail forecasted. Don't take me wrong about the severe weather we just wanted a little rain.
I had to clean up the wet and limey spreader and golf cart before the sun baked it on. Needless to say it was now time to once again hand water the gardens. The grass with have to wait for another day. By now its time for our morning hike and the day was another beautiful day with bright sunshine and the temps did drop a little after the shower. Once again we made 'lemonade out of lemons"(NOT ORIGINAL) and enjoyed the beauty of the mountains, trees and various paths to hike on. We got back and it was nearly time for lunch so we decided to eat 'mater sandwiches. My lettuce is starting to come in enough to where I picked 8 leaves, a couple scallions and fresh basil & oregano to add to the taste. Wow setting out on the front porch listening to the birds sing (and the occasional barking of our neighbors dogs) is just delightful.
After lunch I worked along the edge of the woods in the back yard creating a new flower garden but really wanting the dirt to spread over my sparse grass in the area. When I cleared the land a couple years ago I failed to remove all of the sub layer of galax growth, roots and debris down to the bare earth so grass has a tough time penetrating this sub layer.I stuck with that for about 3 hours, wet shirt and all before calling it a day. I knew we were heading out to the Luffman's for a sumptuous dinner later in the evening so I had built up a good appetite.
Gerald and Kay set a great table with grilled steaks, spuds, fresh green beans out of the garden, salad, garlic bread and to top that off with homemade strawberry ice cream. Wow, now you know why Nancy say's I'm getting a "Santa Claus belly."We had good eatin' and better yet answering the challenge of "puttin' a whupping" on our game day activites. Needless to say the guys(including Harvey-you know when an imaginary guy whupps ya, you been whupped) whupped up on them in both areas of; Imagine-if and Sequence(I won't mention the score as we don't like to rub it in-HAHA). Draw Kay!!!(inside joke). We played until late in the evening; ate too much, laughed hard and had a marvelous time. Thanks Again Guys!!! LATER
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Thursday
At 4 in the morning I was awakened to rain drops on the tin roof but it lasted for all of about 5 minutes, Yikes we need rain. The skies were cloudy most of the day which made it a good day for working, hiking and initially for playing pickle ball outside. After our quiet times and a lite breakfast of fruit I fed and watered all of the flowers on the porches and deck. I then fed most of my garden plants, weeded and hoed them while Nancy got ready to head out for our morning hike. Wow was it ever beautiful walking in the woods and on top of the mountain. We took an extended hike down thru "devastation"(a clear cut logged area" and back up our steep drive. I did a check on black berries down below the cabin and none of them are turning as of yet.
We came back just at lunch time so we finished the left overs of mac&cheese, green beans and then sliced a couple tomato's. We just love to eat out on the front porch for lunch and on the side deck for dinner when we think of it. Deputy sheriff Ted Smith called so I picked up my neighbor Gerald and we headed out to play pickle ball. The day was just beautiful but when the clouds cleared and the sun came out it got down right hot. We played for an hour and a half and all of us had wet shirts. Next week we are going to play at night as this outside court has lights. Its a beautiful setting and a super court with high fences. It was a first for Gerald and he had some tennis background so he played well for his first time. Ted improved as well as it was only his second time to play the game. Some how I think they will play this game again and maybe teach others as it a fun cardio game. Its played inside as well as outside. The only drawback to pickle ball is it's addicting.
When I came home from playing Nancy had been reading "same kind of different as me"and she was crying. This is a powerful story of how God can match you up with the most unlikely people and use you. It's powerful!!! A must read!!!
Nancy sauteed fresh yellow squash with onions in olive oil, fried up some ham, microwaved 2 sweet potato's and fixed corn on the cob dropped off yesterday by one our neighbors. Fine eating!!! It's sure a good thing I'm on my feet most of the day or I would gain 5 lbs a week.The food at this elevation tastes so good. After washing the dishes(keeps my fingernails clean) we took off on the golf cart for an evening ride while the sprinkler was set. We came back and I noticed the robins were in my wine berry bushes eating my berries so I painted up 2 more black roots to look like black snakes I will place them in the bushes tomorrow to help keep them out of my berries.
Well its been a great day and tomorrow we are going to some friends for dinner. LATER
We came back just at lunch time so we finished the left overs of mac&cheese, green beans and then sliced a couple tomato's. We just love to eat out on the front porch for lunch and on the side deck for dinner when we think of it. Deputy sheriff Ted Smith called so I picked up my neighbor Gerald and we headed out to play pickle ball. The day was just beautiful but when the clouds cleared and the sun came out it got down right hot. We played for an hour and a half and all of us had wet shirts. Next week we are going to play at night as this outside court has lights. Its a beautiful setting and a super court with high fences. It was a first for Gerald and he had some tennis background so he played well for his first time. Ted improved as well as it was only his second time to play the game. Some how I think they will play this game again and maybe teach others as it a fun cardio game. Its played inside as well as outside. The only drawback to pickle ball is it's addicting.
When I came home from playing Nancy had been reading "same kind of different as me"and she was crying. This is a powerful story of how God can match you up with the most unlikely people and use you. It's powerful!!! A must read!!!
Nancy sauteed fresh yellow squash with onions in olive oil, fried up some ham, microwaved 2 sweet potato's and fixed corn on the cob dropped off yesterday by one our neighbors. Fine eating!!! It's sure a good thing I'm on my feet most of the day or I would gain 5 lbs a week.The food at this elevation tastes so good. After washing the dishes(keeps my fingernails clean) we took off on the golf cart for an evening ride while the sprinkler was set. We came back and I noticed the robins were in my wine berry bushes eating my berries so I painted up 2 more black roots to look like black snakes I will place them in the bushes tomorrow to help keep them out of my berries.
Well its been a great day and tomorrow we are going to some friends for dinner. LATER
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Wednesday
The alarm went off at 7 AM as we wanted to be ready when Joe and Helen came at 9:30 for our first trip this summer. After a lite breakfast and our quiet times we got ready to leave. The skies were a bit cloudy as we were hoping for some rain showers. The outside temp's were very comfortable with a 68 degree reading when we left for Boone. We took the Blue Ridge Parkway all the way except for an area on the Parkway that had a detour for about 10 miles. The drive was about an hour and a half with deer standing in an on the shoulder of the Parkway in several places both going and coming. Motorcycles where out in force both going and coming. We encountered some delays due to construction as we approached Valle Crucis enroute to the Mast General Store.
At the Mast; the girls found some candy they liked, Joe and Helen found a cutter for shredding cabbage, Nancy found a couple purses for Ava and Annsley and some books, pie crust guards(tin foil always worked before) and I found a comfortable rocking chair on the back porch where I sat and enjoyed the lots of people coming and going. I spoke with a guy wearing a Tampa Bay Buccaneer shirt who was from Sarasota, Florida. Needless to say there wasn't one thing I found on my "I must have list". We took the back way out to avoid the traffic backup and wound up downtown in old Boone near ASU. We saw lots of old hippies, guitar pickers playing for money and some interesting "arts and croissants" type folks on the street.
We were looking for a restaurant called Bandana's that Nancy and I had eaten at with her family a couple years ago. The specialty was pork barbecue and that's what we all had. Very good and reasonable. Its a nice clean modern eatery. After eating we stopped at a place called Tuesday Morning as both Helen and Nancy were interested in what type merchandise they sold. To me it reminded me of a yard sale inside with some surplus junk.
We headed out of town back towards West Jefferson where we decided to pick up more jelly jars as the wild black berries should be in later this week or the first part of next week. I also want to make a batch of wild blackberry wine before we head to Florida later this month. After our stop at WalMart we headed over to Glendale Springs and once again picked up the Parkway. Its about 30 miles from there to our turn off. The weather was cloudy but no rain. We got back to the cabin around 4 PM. It was a fun day and we saw lots of beautiful mountain cabins, houses and chalet's on the Parkway. The scenery is just breathtaking as we looked down off the mountain. The day was filled with laughter and lots of interesting sights. Initially we were going to Blowing Rock to eat at the Story Street Grille as they had a wonderful meat loaf on their lunch menu, but after checking their lunch menu online before leaving we discovered they no longer serve it so we saved ourselves another hour out of the way.
We managed to get a hike in to the the top before eating any dinner which turned out to be a salad. After eating we both hand watered the flowers, veggie's and the grass until nearly 8:30. LATER
At the Mast; the girls found some candy they liked, Joe and Helen found a cutter for shredding cabbage, Nancy found a couple purses for Ava and Annsley and some books, pie crust guards(tin foil always worked before) and I found a comfortable rocking chair on the back porch where I sat and enjoyed the lots of people coming and going. I spoke with a guy wearing a Tampa Bay Buccaneer shirt who was from Sarasota, Florida. Needless to say there wasn't one thing I found on my "I must have list". We took the back way out to avoid the traffic backup and wound up downtown in old Boone near ASU. We saw lots of old hippies, guitar pickers playing for money and some interesting "arts and croissants" type folks on the street.
We were looking for a restaurant called Bandana's that Nancy and I had eaten at with her family a couple years ago. The specialty was pork barbecue and that's what we all had. Very good and reasonable. Its a nice clean modern eatery. After eating we stopped at a place called Tuesday Morning as both Helen and Nancy were interested in what type merchandise they sold. To me it reminded me of a yard sale inside with some surplus junk.
We headed out of town back towards West Jefferson where we decided to pick up more jelly jars as the wild black berries should be in later this week or the first part of next week. I also want to make a batch of wild blackberry wine before we head to Florida later this month. After our stop at WalMart we headed over to Glendale Springs and once again picked up the Parkway. Its about 30 miles from there to our turn off. The weather was cloudy but no rain. We got back to the cabin around 4 PM. It was a fun day and we saw lots of beautiful mountain cabins, houses and chalet's on the Parkway. The scenery is just breathtaking as we looked down off the mountain. The day was filled with laughter and lots of interesting sights. Initially we were going to Blowing Rock to eat at the Story Street Grille as they had a wonderful meat loaf on their lunch menu, but after checking their lunch menu online before leaving we discovered they no longer serve it so we saved ourselves another hour out of the way.
We managed to get a hike in to the the top before eating any dinner which turned out to be a salad. After eating we both hand watered the flowers, veggie's and the grass until nearly 8:30. LATER
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Tuesday
It was 52 this morning, brrr but bright blue skies. Wow can you believe this weather in July? We could use a little rain as I'm back to hand watering the gardens a couple times a day. This morning after our quiet times Nancy and I did a couple loads of laundry I worked in the garden then we took off for our mid morning hike and was it ever nice. The temps had finally reached the mid 60's and there was a slight breeze.
We got back about lunch time and after a lite lunch of left overs I decided it was time to mulch the upper garden with oak leaves. So I loaded up 2 large trash cans and headed out on the golf cart to the back woods to gather leaves. After 3 trips and 6 cans of dried oak leaves I took the lawn mower and broke the leaves up by mowing over them. It acts like a shredder and I reduced 6 large cans down to about 2 cans. The earth worms love oak leaves and once they are ground up it makes it easier for the worms to reduce them to compost. Not only do the worms keep the soil loose but they add the very best fertilizer as plant food. I added these mulched leaves around my tomato, pepper, sugar peas and kale plants.
After the mulching process was complete I headed to the back woods yard to once again dig up areas that have no grass. When I cleared the land a couple years ago I failed to completely remove the top layer of galax, roots and debris that lays just below the surface so grass has a difficult time to take root. By digging up these areas and planting grass seed I'm gradually getting the lawn to take hold. It's sure tough work digging these areas with a hand tool.I worked at this project until it was near dinner time.
We decided to invite neighbor Gerald for dinner as his wife went to upstate New York to visit her sisters for a week. Nancy fried up some smoked ham and made some mac and cheese along with fresh green beans and a salad with garlic bread. YUMM!!
After dinner and the dishes were done we took off for a walk over to visit with Ray. He was there with his 2 grandsons, Carson and Carter. Both boys are just as cute as can be but they are country boys to the bone. After our visit we headed up the hill and across the back of our property and came down the back trail into our yard. Wow is it easier coming down than going up that back trail. I stayed out and watered the gardens and the grass in the back yard until 9 PM.
Tomorrow we are taking a trip down to Boone to the Mast General Store and then to Blowing Rock for lunch at the Storey Street Station with Joe and Helen. We need a fun day and new scenery for a change. LATER.
We got back about lunch time and after a lite lunch of left overs I decided it was time to mulch the upper garden with oak leaves. So I loaded up 2 large trash cans and headed out on the golf cart to the back woods to gather leaves. After 3 trips and 6 cans of dried oak leaves I took the lawn mower and broke the leaves up by mowing over them. It acts like a shredder and I reduced 6 large cans down to about 2 cans. The earth worms love oak leaves and once they are ground up it makes it easier for the worms to reduce them to compost. Not only do the worms keep the soil loose but they add the very best fertilizer as plant food. I added these mulched leaves around my tomato, pepper, sugar peas and kale plants.
After the mulching process was complete I headed to the back woods yard to once again dig up areas that have no grass. When I cleared the land a couple years ago I failed to completely remove the top layer of galax, roots and debris that lays just below the surface so grass has a difficult time to take root. By digging up these areas and planting grass seed I'm gradually getting the lawn to take hold. It's sure tough work digging these areas with a hand tool.I worked at this project until it was near dinner time.
We decided to invite neighbor Gerald for dinner as his wife went to upstate New York to visit her sisters for a week. Nancy fried up some smoked ham and made some mac and cheese along with fresh green beans and a salad with garlic bread. YUMM!!
After dinner and the dishes were done we took off for a walk over to visit with Ray. He was there with his 2 grandsons, Carson and Carter. Both boys are just as cute as can be but they are country boys to the bone. After our visit we headed up the hill and across the back of our property and came down the back trail into our yard. Wow is it easier coming down than going up that back trail. I stayed out and watered the gardens and the grass in the back yard until 9 PM.
Tomorrow we are taking a trip down to Boone to the Mast General Store and then to Blowing Rock for lunch at the Storey Street Station with Joe and Helen. We need a fun day and new scenery for a change. LATER.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Monday
We awakened to a light drizzle this AM but just barely enough rain to settle the dust. After our quiet times we got ready to head over to Virginia to pick raspberries. Ms. Helen came about 9:30 and we headed out. The drive over is very pretty and the place we picked at is just beautiful. The landscape is gorgeous and their gardens are just laid out perfectly. We picked 7 quarts and it seems this may be the end of the black berries for this season. The red berries are still in but they just don't have the taste the black ones do. After leaving the berry farm we headed to Galax and WalMart.
We ate lunch at Subway which is located inside WalMart. After lunch we picked up jelly making stuff, a few groceries and some lime. We stopped for gas before heading back to the cabin. It was close to 2 PM before we got home but we decided to go ahead and make the jelly, actually we made 2 batches which turned out to be 20 jars. We have become so good at this messy job that we were finished in about 2 hours including the cleanup.
I pulled a couple green onions and picked a little fresh basil as Nancy started to get dinner ready. Salmon cakes with baked potato, creamed fresh off the cob corn and salad. YUMMM!!! What good eatin'. Neighbor Ray Todd came by for a visit just as we were finishing so he sat a spell. After he left I washed the dishes and Nancy dried then we got ready for our hike of the day. We took a jar of jelly for Ann and Sandy and headed up the mountain. There was a great breeze which actually chilled Nancy so we didn't sit too long especially after heating up on the walk up. We cut the hike short as she was chilled and the sun was starting to go down behind the mountains although it stayed light out until after 9 PM. I hand watered the veggie gardens.
Well not much else to report, LATER
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Sunday
It was warmer than normal this AM,nearly 70 degrees. It looked as if it might rain at times but so far none. The birds were happy and their songs were loud and clear on such a quiet morning. We slept in until nearly 8 and then started to get ready to leave at 9:30 for worship at Cornerstone.
Had a great service and saw lots of new faces as well and missed seeing many who weren't there for whatever. We have been made to feel a part of their family even though we are only here about 5 months of the year. After worship we stopped by the produce stand and loaded up on fresh fruits and veggie's. We came home and heated up the boiled dinner from Thursday and it tasted as good as the night we fixed it. We both just took it easy; I watched a little tennis and Nancy was on the Internet. Around 3ish Ann and Sandy Kline came by on their golf cart and brought of several ears of corn just picked from their garden as well as a couple peppers, cukes and 2 home grown tomato's. Ahh there is nothing like the taste of home grown 'maters. We fixed 5 ears of corn, a plate of sliced cukes with onions and 'maters for dinner. WOW was that ever good eatin' and good for us. The Klines live about an hour away down off the mountain. Thanks Guys!!!
Well we got a good hike in just before dinner and I did a little hand watering of the gardens and yard until nearly 9 PM. Tomorrow we are going to pick raspberries again and make 2 more batches of jam. LATER
Had a great service and saw lots of new faces as well and missed seeing many who weren't there for whatever. We have been made to feel a part of their family even though we are only here about 5 months of the year. After worship we stopped by the produce stand and loaded up on fresh fruits and veggie's. We came home and heated up the boiled dinner from Thursday and it tasted as good as the night we fixed it. We both just took it easy; I watched a little tennis and Nancy was on the Internet. Around 3ish Ann and Sandy Kline came by on their golf cart and brought of several ears of corn just picked from their garden as well as a couple peppers, cukes and 2 home grown tomato's. Ahh there is nothing like the taste of home grown 'maters. We fixed 5 ears of corn, a plate of sliced cukes with onions and 'maters for dinner. WOW was that ever good eatin' and good for us. The Klines live about an hour away down off the mountain. Thanks Guys!!!
Well we got a good hike in just before dinner and I did a little hand watering of the gardens and yard until nearly 9 PM. Tomorrow we are going to pick raspberries again and make 2 more batches of jam. LATER
Saturdy
We did something last we hadn't done in quite awhile and that was watch a movie, The Bourne Identity. Good flick!!! That's probably the main reason I didn't blog last night of course it was after 11 PM before the show was over and I had to shower, yet. The started out with the usual; sleeping in, quiet times, and eating breakfast going on 10 AM with eggs, grits and bacon. I have to start cutting down as Nancy reminded me last night I could play Santa Claus this Christmas. Her cooking is made for eating and man can I do that, no more second helping's.
After breakfast and checking all the gardens and hanging a load of laundry we took off on a long hike to the top. On the way we met 2 other unknown hikers(which is very uncommon)both females who are staying at the Cahoon's. They were wanting to know if they were lost so we sent them up the Rich Hill Road, past snake rock and then past Fred and Brenda's place. We never saw them again as they must have found their way. We were going past their destination but in the opposite direction. We ran into John and Shirley Cottle on the back road and walked with them to their house. We stayed for nearly an hour catching up on them and us, grand kids they have 2 girls as well and just life and health issues. They travel to California and Norfolk, Va quite a bit as their children and grand girls live there. It sure was great to seem and like Nancy and I we are in love with our kids and grand girls.
We got back around 1 PM and had a lite lunch of tomato sandwiches before I headed out to do some yard work. Originally I was going to mow but its still a little dry and the rain was nice but just not enough. I postponed the mowing to next week as we aren't entertaining this weekend. I did weed eat around everything so the yard looked trimmed and neat. I headed down below the garden where I took a 10 pound sledge hammer and knocked out a bunch of stumps; raked limbs, rocks and other debris down into the gully to be burned on a wet day. My shirt was soaked in no time and swinging that sledge gave me a new appreciation for those old timers laying train tracks by hand.
Well we had taken out some rib-eyes for dinner so I fired up the grill and Nancy put a fresh salad together using fresh grown kale and herbs from my garden as well as some rice and peas. What a feast as we sat out on the deck in the shade and watched the hummers vying for their chance at the feeder.After dinner Nancy made some fresh chocolate chip cookies to take over to Ms. Helen's. We st on her front porch that overlooks bullhead mountain and the surrounding pastures. It was a beautiful evening with a nice breeze and it was all I good do to stay awake. We talked and shared for nearly an hour before headed back to the cabin. It was after 8 PM before got home. Nancy flipped(channel surfing) until after 9 when she decided there was nothing on some we put the movie on. Talk at ya LATER.
After breakfast and checking all the gardens and hanging a load of laundry we took off on a long hike to the top. On the way we met 2 other unknown hikers(which is very uncommon)both females who are staying at the Cahoon's. They were wanting to know if they were lost so we sent them up the Rich Hill Road, past snake rock and then past Fred and Brenda's place. We never saw them again as they must have found their way. We were going past their destination but in the opposite direction. We ran into John and Shirley Cottle on the back road and walked with them to their house. We stayed for nearly an hour catching up on them and us, grand kids they have 2 girls as well and just life and health issues. They travel to California and Norfolk, Va quite a bit as their children and grand girls live there. It sure was great to seem and like Nancy and I we are in love with our kids and grand girls.
We got back around 1 PM and had a lite lunch of tomato sandwiches before I headed out to do some yard work. Originally I was going to mow but its still a little dry and the rain was nice but just not enough. I postponed the mowing to next week as we aren't entertaining this weekend. I did weed eat around everything so the yard looked trimmed and neat. I headed down below the garden where I took a 10 pound sledge hammer and knocked out a bunch of stumps; raked limbs, rocks and other debris down into the gully to be burned on a wet day. My shirt was soaked in no time and swinging that sledge gave me a new appreciation for those old timers laying train tracks by hand.
Well we had taken out some rib-eyes for dinner so I fired up the grill and Nancy put a fresh salad together using fresh grown kale and herbs from my garden as well as some rice and peas. What a feast as we sat out on the deck in the shade and watched the hummers vying for their chance at the feeder.After dinner Nancy made some fresh chocolate chip cookies to take over to Ms. Helen's. We st on her front porch that overlooks bullhead mountain and the surrounding pastures. It was a beautiful evening with a nice breeze and it was all I good do to stay awake. We talked and shared for nearly an hour before headed back to the cabin. It was after 8 PM before got home. Nancy flipped(channel surfing) until after 9 when she decided there was nothing on some we put the movie on. Talk at ya LATER.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Friday
Well woke this morning and there was fog and cool temp's all around. After our quiet times we had a lite breakfast of fruit and a homemade biscuit with black raspberry jam. I headed out to check on the gardens when I heard our neighbor's stirrin' so I headed on down to catch them before they left for Raleigh. We wanted to sing Happy Birthday to Jodi and give her a card before they left as next week she's flying up to New York for a weeks visit with a sister.
After telling them good-bye we took a long hike to the top of the mountain and the day was once again perfect for hiking. Cool temp's with little or no sunshine. We got back around 11:30 so I started to weed eat the yard(edge) so tomorrow all I have to do is ride the mower. Man its so nice ride up and down these hills. After lunch I did a little gardening and just piddled around burning the trash. I didn't want to start any projects as we had to be at church round 4:30 to help set up for a memorial service and a dinner.
Wow was the service special as we had met the 91 year old veteran several times in the past couple years but the home cooked dishes was out of sight gooood. There were over a hundred folks in the service and about 2/3 of them stayed for the meal. It's such a pleasure to serve with these folks at Cornerstone and we have truly grown to love them and in their service to the community. Its just great fun to build relationships in the name of JESUS.
Well we just got home so its time to unwind and kick back. LATER
After telling them good-bye we took a long hike to the top of the mountain and the day was once again perfect for hiking. Cool temp's with little or no sunshine. We got back around 11:30 so I started to weed eat the yard(edge) so tomorrow all I have to do is ride the mower. Man its so nice ride up and down these hills. After lunch I did a little gardening and just piddled around burning the trash. I didn't want to start any projects as we had to be at church round 4:30 to help set up for a memorial service and a dinner.
Wow was the service special as we had met the 91 year old veteran several times in the past couple years but the home cooked dishes was out of sight gooood. There were over a hundred folks in the service and about 2/3 of them stayed for the meal. It's such a pleasure to serve with these folks at Cornerstone and we have truly grown to love them and in their service to the community. Its just great fun to build relationships in the name of JESUS.
Well we just got home so its time to unwind and kick back. LATER
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Thursday
This morning was just a bit different as the skies were overcast and stayed that way most of the day. We did see a little sun in the early afternoon but not for long as the temp's didn't get much warmer than the low 70's. WOW what a gorgeous day and it did feel like a fall afternoon at times. Right around supper time a light gentle rain began to fall and has increased to steady rain at times to what is referred as a soaking rain. It's still raining as I write this post as well as the temp's have dropped dramatically.
After our quiet times, a light breakfast and a load of laundry hung outside on the line we headed out for a long hike. The morning was super for hiking and Nancy and I made it all the way to the top of the mountain from our cabin without taking any rest stops. Wow that was a first for Nancy. After our hike we came back and had a lunch of leftover chicken pot pie. Yeow that was as good as when we first ate it last night for supper.
Nancy took several flower pictures and a scarecrow picture for Ava. This scarecrow is very special as we learned last week a small wren had built her nest with 5 eggs inside the shirt just below the head. Well today I checked it and there were 5 little hairless chicks(baby birds) inside the nest. We feel like new parents.
We decided it was time to make jelly from the raspberries we picked yesterday in Galax. We are a team when it comes to this fun but messy adventure. First I rinse all the berry's and put them in a blender to make it easy to extract the juice. I next pour the blended berry's into a strainer that separates the seeds from the blended pulp and juice. While I'm doing this messy procedure Nancy is boiling water to soak the lids, rings and jars. She also is measuring out the sugar and getting ready to mix the extracted juice with Sur-Gel and sugar into a pot and bring it to a boil. Next we must fill the jars with this boiling mixture then tighten a lid with a ring to the jar then place it in another pot of boiling water for 10 minutes. We did 2 batches which made 19 normal size jars and 3 smaller ones. The second batch was mostly a red raspberry mixture but added a little of the black juice to make a full batch. We had the 3 small jars to not seal so Nancy make homemade biscuits with our dinner and we topped them with this just made jelly. Ummmm is all I can say.
Speaking of dinner Nancy made one of our favorite "comfort food" meals. She took some smoked ham and boiled it with new potato's, carrots and fresh green beans and of course the biscuits with the just made jelly made for not only a beautiful dinner but a very tasty one as well. We were going to share this dinner with our next door neighbors as tomorrow is Jodie's birthday; but they must have been out celebrating. What a perfect meal for a cool rainy evening. Oh well another time. LATER
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Wednesday
Well the day started out with the usual; dew dripping, hummers humming, sunlight in the tree tops and 4 buckwheat pancakes(sounds like a song I've heard before) after our quiet times. The temps once again in the 50's. We had the big breakfast minus the eggs before heading out to pick red and black raspberries. This farm we picked at was Clara Crouse' sister place near Galax. What a beautiful place and the berry patch was in rows neatly manicured. We picked 7 quarts in about 45 minutes; enough to make to 2 batches of jelly so that's what we will be doing tomorrow.
After the berry farm we headed to Wal-Mart as I had ordered 4 new tires for the truck plus we had to pick up jelly making stuff like sure-gel, sugar and lids. I think its cheaper to buy store bought jelly than it's to make it now a days. Oh well its the fun that goes in picking the berries that makes it worth while. We had lunch in Wal-Mart as there is a Subway inside the store in Galax. We headed out of town around 2:30.
We got back and Jodi came up for a visit and to check her e-mail so I got a little garden work in before it was time to start dinner. Nancy made a fabulous chicken pot pie and we finish off the salad from last night. After dinner and the clean up we did some watering by hand as the garden's have begun to dry out once again. Around 7: 30 we headed down to Jodi and Gerald's cabin for games. Tonight was the night for the boys to win as Gerald and myself won the first 2 games of spades before I won(first time this year) the game of domino's. Wow the boys only have to win the next several times to catch up. We headed(walked) back up the drive for home around 10:45. Later
After the berry farm we headed to Wal-Mart as I had ordered 4 new tires for the truck plus we had to pick up jelly making stuff like sure-gel, sugar and lids. I think its cheaper to buy store bought jelly than it's to make it now a days. Oh well its the fun that goes in picking the berries that makes it worth while. We had lunch in Wal-Mart as there is a Subway inside the store in Galax. We headed out of town around 2:30.
We got back and Jodi came up for a visit and to check her e-mail so I got a little garden work in before it was time to start dinner. Nancy made a fabulous chicken pot pie and we finish off the salad from last night. After dinner and the clean up we did some watering by hand as the garden's have begun to dry out once again. Around 7: 30 we headed down to Jodi and Gerald's cabin for games. Tonight was the night for the boys to win as Gerald and myself won the first 2 games of spades before I won(first time this year) the game of domino's. Wow the boys only have to win the next several times to catch up. We headed(walked) back up the drive for home around 10:45. Later
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Tuesday
Wow it was after 8 when we finally got out of bed this morning. It felt good to sleep in and the temps were in the 50's once again. By the time we finished our quiet time it was going on 10 AM so I threw a load of laundry in the washer checked all the the gardens and woofed down a left over buckwheat pancake with a ripe banana on top with some honey I was set for the morning. I know that sounds bad but try it. Its really good.
Amy called and said it was close to 9:30 when they finally got home. Ava fell asleep in her car seat and slept until 6 this morning. She did good for being on such a long trip. Won't be long until we will get to love up on both Annsley and Ava as we will head to Florida on the 25 th. After a good long hike to the top of the mountain we came back and got another load of laundry out on the line. It was such a nice day for drying clothes. I did a few garden chores and then got ready to take out a tree I had cut off last year. I decided to dig down around the roots and saw it off below the ground level. Meanwhile Nancy, had lunch ready and I finish off the spaghetti from over the weekend.
After the tree was taken out I headed down to help our neighbor, Jodi with some weed wacking. I worked there for an hour or more then headed back to do some basement chores as it was starting to warm up and I had a good sweat. The basement stays about 60 degrees or cooler and feels down right refreshing on a hot day or when you just need to cool down.
It was getting to be close to dinner time so I took a break and picked some fresh herbs for a salad Nancy as preparing for dinner. The salad was topped with the last 2 left over grilled chicken breasts. The Greek dressing topped off a delicious salad along with garlic bread. Nancy carved up a small seedless watermelon for dessert. Yikes did we eat good in the hood tonight and healthy, too.
After dinner I did a little raking in the back yard under the trees and worked up a good sweat before we took off on a hike down to the creek so Nancy could swing. The evening was just beautiful with no humidity and temps in the low 70's. Well will close for now as its a big shopping day to Galax, Va in the morning. LATER
Amy called and said it was close to 9:30 when they finally got home. Ava fell asleep in her car seat and slept until 6 this morning. She did good for being on such a long trip. Won't be long until we will get to love up on both Annsley and Ava as we will head to Florida on the 25 th. After a good long hike to the top of the mountain we came back and got another load of laundry out on the line. It was such a nice day for drying clothes. I did a few garden chores and then got ready to take out a tree I had cut off last year. I decided to dig down around the roots and saw it off below the ground level. Meanwhile Nancy, had lunch ready and I finish off the spaghetti from over the weekend.
After the tree was taken out I headed down to help our neighbor, Jodi with some weed wacking. I worked there for an hour or more then headed back to do some basement chores as it was starting to warm up and I had a good sweat. The basement stays about 60 degrees or cooler and feels down right refreshing on a hot day or when you just need to cool down.
It was getting to be close to dinner time so I took a break and picked some fresh herbs for a salad Nancy as preparing for dinner. The salad was topped with the last 2 left over grilled chicken breasts. The Greek dressing topped off a delicious salad along with garlic bread. Nancy carved up a small seedless watermelon for dessert. Yikes did we eat good in the hood tonight and healthy, too.
After dinner I did a little raking in the back yard under the trees and worked up a good sweat before we took off on a hike down to the creek so Nancy could swing. The evening was just beautiful with no humidity and temps in the low 70's. Well will close for now as its a big shopping day to Galax, Va in the morning. LATER
Monday, July 6, 2009
Monday
Well it sure was an emotional morning as the kids got ready to head back to Florida. Ava was so cute knowing she had to leave the cabin. First she wanted Nancy to read a "big book" and then wanted us to go with them. Of course we were teary eyed and stayed that way every time we found an article she had used or played with or her hair pony. We finally dried up around noon after a good long hike, ride out to the mailbox and visiting with neighbors Jodie and Gabriel. Amy called us several times with their progress which was a bit slow as the last stop count was at 10 stops. I believe they got in around nine or so after leaving from here at 8 AM.
It cleared up as the day wore on and by 3 PM the sun was out after some light rain during the night and some light mist in the early morning. The grass and gardens seem to have been rejuvenated after the last 2 weeks with out an moisture. I checked my 1/2 runner beans and I believe the seed was bad and none came up after the last planting. I think I have 9 hills but about 20 hills of pole beans so I will have some beans but not the good eatin' ones. I will replant as soon as I can find new seeds.
After supper tonight which was mainly left over; green beans, potato's, broccoli casserole and some pintos Jodie shared from her pot from yesterday I found a wanna be pickle ball player and we headed to Roaring Gap Club to play. We played on the paddle ball court which is just a little smaller than a PB court but the floor was a rough aluminum. It was a nice court outside with a great high fence. Ted Smith will become a very good player with a little practice. We sure ran each other for about an hour and a half. The setting was very nice with woods all around. This court is lighted so we can play at night.
After getting back around 8 PM Jodie, Gabriel and Carson came up for domino's. The girls won again with Jodie coming from behind to win on the last 2 rounds. Its not a good year thus far for the boys. Well will close for now, LATER
It cleared up as the day wore on and by 3 PM the sun was out after some light rain during the night and some light mist in the early morning. The grass and gardens seem to have been rejuvenated after the last 2 weeks with out an moisture. I checked my 1/2 runner beans and I believe the seed was bad and none came up after the last planting. I think I have 9 hills but about 20 hills of pole beans so I will have some beans but not the good eatin' ones. I will replant as soon as I can find new seeds.
After supper tonight which was mainly left over; green beans, potato's, broccoli casserole and some pintos Jodie shared from her pot from yesterday I found a wanna be pickle ball player and we headed to Roaring Gap Club to play. We played on the paddle ball court which is just a little smaller than a PB court but the floor was a rough aluminum. It was a nice court outside with a great high fence. Ted Smith will become a very good player with a little practice. We sure ran each other for about an hour and a half. The setting was very nice with woods all around. This court is lighted so we can play at night.
After getting back around 8 PM Jodie, Gabriel and Carson came up for domino's. The girls won again with Jodie coming from behind to win on the last 2 rounds. Its not a good year thus far for the boys. Well will close for now, LATER
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Sunday
Well I was awakened around 5 AM to the sound of a soft rain beating on the tin roof of the cabin. Wow was that ever a much needed rain as the gardens and yard was beginning to dry up. It wasn't a lot of rain but the sun never shined all day long and there was dampness with fog in the air. Ava was awake early so Nancy and I enjoyed her until Amy and Tyler got up around 7:30. After a lite breakfast of blue berries, Cheerios, toast and fruit we all got ready to head out to Cornerstone was worship.
Ava fell asleep during the worship service and slept the entire time in my arms. She really needed that nap after getting up so early. After church we headed back home as there was a cold rain falling so we just heated up leftovers; spaghetti, brisket, hot dogs. After eating we all took off for a visit to Ms. Helen's house. There we checked out her yard, gardens and Ava checked out the jelly beans bowl. Ava was so cute as she kept saying she wanted to see'um and hold'em and of course Ms. Helen encouraged her to choose different colored beans to eat.
We got home and it stopped misting long enough to take a golf cart ride to the top of the mountains. Ty, Ava and myself took a long ride and stopped off to visit with Joe and Yvonne and then on the way back we stopped and visited another couple, Bertie and Barry. We came back with Ava having her hood on her sweat jacket on as the temps really dropped due to the lack of sunshine.
Eddie and Kimberly came by for a short visit bringing Ava a horse night lite. Ava played with Little John their small dog and of course was generous with her hugs and kisses. Well we are getting ready to eat a frozen pizza as we had a late lunch. LATER
Saturday-4th of July
Well the morning started out with Ava ready to celebrate at 6 AM. The outside temps were in the 50's, birds were singing and dew was dripping from the roof. Ava was ready to go outside and rescue the "scarecrows." She had determined all 5 were her favorites and wanted to "hold'em"and give them kisses. I think so far her fascination of the scarecrows is a bit surprising as some of them are quite ugly. Ava watched Toy Story the "funny movie" while we all lounged around and made plans for the day.
Around 11 we decided we would go to Sparta and see the Blue Grass Music Show at Crouse Park. We saw our little buddy Caleb Dalton win the dance contest in his age division. Caleb is quite the dancer and showman. We later saw him with his mom Mechelle in the parade with older sister Kathryn"Kallie."The parade was a good home town parade with lots of local folks, leaders and kid groups of boy and girl scouts, little league players and fire trucks and fireman. Several churches had floats as well. Lots of old cars, trucks and old veterans from prior service to their country. What an honor to witness such patriotic loyalty and enthusiasm.
While waiting for the parade to start we visited with a long time friend Walt and Theia Hampton at their residence. It was great to see them again especially after Walt suffered a debilitating fall through the roof of his shop last winter. He has slowed down considerable.
We headed back to the cabin around 4 PM and decided since we had skipped lunch after such a large breakfast of buckwheat pancakes, eggs and bacon that we would have an early dinner. Nancy put together a broccoli casserole, baked beans, freedom fries and I grilled hamburger and dogs. It was a sumptuous feast and afterwards we took a golf cart ride to the the top of the mountain. On the way home Ava fell asleep as she missed her afternoon nap. We woke her up to put her in the bathtub and she regenerated to stay awake until 8 PM. After putting Ava to bed Jodie and Gerald came up and we played Imagineiff and domino's. The boys finally came through with a win over the girls as Tyler won.
Well we are getting for worship at Cornerstone, for those of you who don't read our Face Book posts I have to recommend a read that will cause you to stop and pause about life. Its titled "same kind of different as me". The title is real catchy. Youngest sister Dee brought it for me last week on her visit with us. Thank You Dee.What a true story read and very inspiring. Its written by Ron Hall and Denver Moore with pictures at the end. LATER
Around 11 we decided we would go to Sparta and see the Blue Grass Music Show at Crouse Park. We saw our little buddy Caleb Dalton win the dance contest in his age division. Caleb is quite the dancer and showman. We later saw him with his mom Mechelle in the parade with older sister Kathryn"Kallie."The parade was a good home town parade with lots of local folks, leaders and kid groups of boy and girl scouts, little league players and fire trucks and fireman. Several churches had floats as well. Lots of old cars, trucks and old veterans from prior service to their country. What an honor to witness such patriotic loyalty and enthusiasm.
While waiting for the parade to start we visited with a long time friend Walt and Theia Hampton at their residence. It was great to see them again especially after Walt suffered a debilitating fall through the roof of his shop last winter. He has slowed down considerable.
We headed back to the cabin around 4 PM and decided since we had skipped lunch after such a large breakfast of buckwheat pancakes, eggs and bacon that we would have an early dinner. Nancy put together a broccoli casserole, baked beans, freedom fries and I grilled hamburger and dogs. It was a sumptuous feast and afterwards we took a golf cart ride to the the top of the mountain. On the way home Ava fell asleep as she missed her afternoon nap. We woke her up to put her in the bathtub and she regenerated to stay awake until 8 PM. After putting Ava to bed Jodie and Gerald came up and we played Imagineiff and domino's. The boys finally came through with a win over the girls as Tyler won.
Well we are getting for worship at Cornerstone, for those of you who don't read our Face Book posts I have to recommend a read that will cause you to stop and pause about life. Its titled "same kind of different as me". The title is real catchy. Youngest sister Dee brought it for me last week on her visit with us. Thank You Dee.What a true story read and very inspiring. Its written by Ron Hall and Denver Moore with pictures at the end. LATER
Friday, July 3, 2009
Thursday and Friday
Thursday was a kind of sleep in, take it easy day after the kids drive of 700 miles the day before. Ava wasn't about to get back into a car seat so we just chilled the day away. I put a 7 pound beef brisket on the smoker and let it smoke for about 7 hours. It was good but not as nice as the one Tyler did for Ava's birthday back in April. I think we forgot the garlic powder in the rub. We took a nice hike carrying Ava much of the way but we were able to get some good exercise and the weather was the best ever for hiking with temps in the low 70's. After a big breakfast of smoked turkey bacon, buckwheat pancakes with cackle berries on top we started the day after our quiet times.
The golf cart rides were many through out the day and we took a trip down to the small creek in our lane where Ava played with her hands in the cold water, chased me and Tyler around and swung on the swing over the creek. All had our turns and Ava just loved the swing. We just chilled in the afternoon reading and playing toys with Ava.
After dinner Jodie, Gerald and Gabriel came up for a fire and smores. Jodie and Gabriel stayed and we played the best of 6 games of Sequence. The girls once again beat the boys 4-1 so we quit at 10:15. After showers we fell quickly asleep. Ava was up at 6:15 and raring to go. Wow is it different with having a 2 yr. old with tons of energy around but we love it.
We took the morning and went to Rhonda, N.C. and took some beautiful pics at the Raffaldini Winery. What a picturesque setting surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains. We took several roads we weren't familiar with(in other words exploring or lost) but saw lots of different lifestyles. We stopped off at Subway for a late lunch after one of our forays. Ava fell asleep on the way back and took a 3 hour nap. After getting back from Rhonda we marinated some chix breasts and put them on the grill while Nancy made mac and cheese, fresh broccoli and salad. Yumm once again. Tyler and I brushed up our shooting skills with the BB Gun while the breasts were cooking.
Well the shadows are falling and Ava is watching along with everyone else Lady and the Tramp and Toy Story.I think we will just chill as we have a big day planned tomorrow. I don't believe the temps got much out of 70 degrees today. The girls are all running around with sweat shirts and pants on with the windows closed. Well will close for now, LATER
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Wednesday
Wow it was 53 this morning and during the morning we had a small rain shower. After my quiet time I had a lite breakfast of cantaloupe before heading out to check on the gardens. Every thing looked good and the tomato's must have grown 6 inches during the night. I worked on my peach must as I started a gallon of homemade wine yesterday. When I added the yeast to it today it immediately began to cook so much so the mixture went up into the balloon so I changed back to the plastic bucket with the airlock to cook the must.
Nancy and I were so excited to start the day as Amy, Tyler and Ava would be arriving around supper time. Nancy got a load of clothes on the line before we took off for our daily hike and it was a great hike mainly because of the cool temp's with the beautiful breeze. After we got back I finished up with the weed eating and then had a sandwich for lunch. After lunch I took out the riding mower and mowed all but the back yard in the trees. After mowing I headed down the driveway to weed eat. I then did a little garden work when Nancy yelled the kids were less than an hour away. So we both cleaned up a little and changed clothes.
The kids arrived around 5 PM and we were so surprised to see the change in Ava. She has matured so much and talks as if she is 4 yrs of age instead of 2. It was fun to see her trying to walk down a hill for the first time. She was hilarious as she was having trouble stopping and then watching her walk sideways along the hill. These were all new things to her and difficult to explain to her why she walked different than on flat land. This gave them a chance to stretch their legs after being in the car for almost 12 hours even though they made 5 stops for Ava to potty, eat and run around. Nancy had a huge pot of spaghetti and a fresh salad with garlic bread. Yeow, that was fine eating and after we made a couple of golf cart trips with Ava we came back and polished off 2/3's of a chocolate pie with whipped cream on top. Ava was loving that whipped cream.
After dessert we watched Ava play with puzzles and Nancy read her a couple of books before her bath time. She went right to bed and fell asleep after her prayers. She is so sweet and smart. Well the kids just headed off to bed as they were up at 3:30 this AM and we aren't far behind. We had to close the windows for Amy and Ava as they were cold. It should be a good night for sleeping,especially knowing the kids are safely here. LATER
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