Friday

Well it was one of those days that started around 4 Am when Nancy woke up in pain from another UTI. Wow was she ever hurting. It seems last week she was treated for a UTI and the antibiotic she was on lasted for a week and the last one she took was Tuesday night. Well apparently that was not the right medicine and it only masked the problem until early this morning. We were at the doctors office at 8 AM and the doctor sent her to the hospital for another culture and then gave her a shot. She has to go back to the hospital the next 2 days for another shot each day. At least she has some relief as of now and hopefully will finally find out what is causing all these bladder infections and receive the proper medication to cure her.

The morning found us driving to Sparta in a heavy fog with cool temp's down in the 40's. We never saw the sunshine at all today. After getting back from the doctors office Nancy laid down for a nap and felt much better. We were unsure if we could handle family coming on Saturday but as of now it seems she is progressively getting better each hour. We made a big pot of vegetable beef barley soup for lunch tomorrow and decided to eat a bowl for supper tonight. Wow did that ever hit the spot with this cool damp weather.

Nancy stayed inside and baked a couple banana nut breads for breakfast on Saturday and got a big salad ready for dinner tomorrow night as well. I ventured out as the fog lifted and the mist cleared up so I finished turning over my gardens with a shovel and then I raked the outback yard for the third time. Leaves were everywhere. There aren't many trees left with any leaves on so this will probably be the last time I have to rake this year.

Well I will close for now. We were glad to hear that brother-in-law Keith is doing well after his chest surgery this morning. Please keep him and his family in your thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery.LATER

Thursday

Well the morning started out with 45 degree temp's with a heavy dew; but the sun was shining through the tree tops and there was lots of birds singing, I thought they all went south. Oh well!! After a lite breakfast of oatmeal and a banana I got a load of laundry on the line and checked on all my new seedlings I'm taken to Florida next week. Looks like I will have a few 'mater plants and a few others ready to put in the ground once I get back south to warmer temp's.

We headed out to Galax, Va around 10:30 to do little shopping. This will probably be our last time to visit this city until next May. We love Galax. After stopping to get my ears lowered we headed to the famous WalMart for groceries and lunch at Subway inside WalMart. We then filled up with gas which is about 15 cents a gallon cheaper than Sparta, N.C. We then stopped and picked up buckwheat pancake mix and finally another tank of propane to heat the cabin. It could get a little nippy this week end.

We got back around 1:30 and the day was beautiful with temps nearly 62 degrees. We headed off to the top of the mountain for a hike. We ran into our dear friends John and Shirley and visited with them. Afterwards we stopped by Norman's and picked up a dozen of brown free range chicken eggs before Nancy got cold. We decided to head on back down the mountain. There were high clouds which kind of caused the warm sunshine to suddenly turn cold especially with the breeze. I headed on down to the lower garden and began to turn the earth over with a shovel. I shoveled about 2/3 of the garden in a couple hours and lack just a little to being complete. Man did that ever feel good. I quit about 5 PM and got ready to grill some frozen burgers. Nancy made a super salad and put some tater tots in the oven. While the burgers were cooking I managed to get a short message on the phone to my ole' friend Walt. Seems we both have been to busy for another get together.

Well we are getting ready for a visit from my Dad, younger sister Dee an husband this week end. Actually they will be here just one night and leave after church on Sunday to have lunch with their daughter, Kelly at Radford College in Virginia. I will be good to see them as its been a couple years since we last saw Uncle Mike and nearly a year since we've seen Dad and his friend Adeline.

Well will close for now, LATER

Wednesday

Well the morning started out with bright blue skies and temps in the 50's. There was lots of dampness in the air and a heavy dew. We had 1 and a 1/4 inches of rain in the last 24 hours. Our house guests/new friends left about 9 AM on their way back to Tampa, Florida. This was their first trip to Alleghany County and were they ever impressed with the town of Sparta and all of the friendliness extended to them by the local real estate folks, merchants and restaurant folks i.e. Brown's Eatery. They are seriously looking for a couple acres to purchase and eventually retire to this area as they love this pace of life. Yipee!!! Great folks but Becky needs to sharpen up her game playing skills, HAHA!!!

Nancy and I got in a good hike to the top and visited with Fred and Brenda for awhile. They showed us their new camper top and wow is it ever nice and just loaded with tons of amenities. What a way to travel and see the country. After our hike we settled down for a lunch of salad. I transplanted some tomato seedlings. I then took off to the top on the golf cart to trim a few limbs from a hickory tree that was extending into the road on top. I brought these limbs home and sawed them into small sizes for use in my smoker. I'll bring a box of hickory chips back to Florida for family and friends. Nancy took off to the mailbox on the golf cart while I turned over the upper garden.

I took off for Roaring Gap to play pickle ball with friend John about 4:30. We played about 7 games and each of us had a good workout with wet shirts. The weather was just perfect. Nancy had spaghetti waiting when I got home a little after 6. It turned out to be a day that will be hard to forget and will be close to a 10 day. Just a fun all around day. Later.

Tuesday Evening on Wednesday

The afternoon brought lots of rain and cool temperatures so after leaving Sparta and making a stop to look over some land that was for sale we headed on back to the cabin. Even though it was raining and cool the area was beautiful with a few colors left on the ridges and of course the fog covering the mountain tops. We came back and chilled before eating the leftover soup, salad and chicken breasts for supper. Well after cleaning up the dishes which Jerry and Becky insisted on doing, we got ready for some "chickenfoot domino's."

A steady rain continued through out the evening and night and finally stopped this morning with sunshine streaming through the tree tops. Wouldn't you know it just as Jerry and Becky have to leave for Florida the skies cleared off. We sat around the table enjoying the last of the delicious coffee cake Becky made an reflected on the past couple of days. We had such a great time sharing our "cabin in the woods" and look forward to a lasting friendship with these CHRIST loving folks. Their dream is to have a place someday as well in this area. We checked out some undeveloped land and a couple cabins already built. Isn't the computer great for house hunting??

The gals beat out the guys in domino's by a 11 point differential and we then challenged them(gals) once again to the best of a 5 game match in Sequence. Well, we smoked them 4 straight games and we could see the disbelief in their faces so we offered them the same chance to redeem their play as they did us the night before when we were losing. So we decided the winner of the next game had bragging rights for the night much like the night before when we were losing all night and the winner of the last game won the whole thing, kind of like double or nothing. They won the last game in a very close game and were winners. It seems we will have to play the rubber match in Florida this winter.

Well the time just flew by, we ate entirely too much with too many desserts but oh did it taste good. We shared about our pasts, presents, dreams, grand children and of course lots of pics. We had such a wonderful time and are anxious to meet with them again. Jerry and Becky are our son's landlord and friends in Tampa where Element Church is housed. It amazes me how GOD can bring people to gather for the purpose of bringing lost souls to HIM and to think it all started when Element needed a place to gather for worship. Jerry and Becky made that possible by opening their warehouse to Element where others had refused.

Enclosed are a couple pics of Jerry, Becky and of course us. LATER

Monday on Tuesday Afternoon

Well the day started out with partly cloudy skies and a cold temperature of 40 degrees. After our quiet time and a breakfast of oatmeal and a banana I ventured out to do some raking of leaves. Yelp, once again I started in the "outback" yard as this was my second raking in this area in less than a week. Nancy eventually came out to help the last hour or so before our house guests arrived. It was a little after noon when we heard the gravel on the driveway and by then it had warmed up to nearly 55 degrees. Nancy had a made a beef barley vegetable soup on Sunday and did that ever taste good on this cool day for lunch. She also had bought ham and turkey lunch meat, along with the soup it made for a sumptuous lunch. It was so good and filling we didn't eat supper until nearly 7 PM.

We let our lunch settle before heading out on a long hike to the top. Our guests,Jerry and Becky fell in love with this area right away. We hiked all the way to the top and the sunshine made for great picture taking.They were enthralled with the leaves that were left on the trees and the view from the top of the mountain. Once again downtown Winston-Salem was visible from the top. They so enjoyed the crunching of the leaves as we walked along the woodland trails.We got back around 4 PM and I built a huge bonfire. We sat around and enjoyed its warmth until nearly dark when Nancy decided maybe it was time to start supper. She put some potatoes in the oven and I put some marinated chicken breasts on the grill. Along with a great salad we sat down to eat around 7 PM. The left over cheesecake came later during the Sequence match.

After supper Jerry and Becky insisted on washing the dishes before we got ready to play Sequence.Well I must say the first 7 games belonged to the gals at 5-2 however they were gracious enough to stop with that match and agreed to play a single game to decide a winner of one game takes all. They went along with that idea and the guys won that game; so we were at one match all. We then offered to play them in a rubber match game of a single game but they insisted the best of 5 games and we won 3-1. So even though they won 13 games to our 12 games we guys won the match. GUYS WIN!!!!

It was after 11 PM before we suspended play as they headed off to bed and we had to take our showers. I finished up on the MNF game and the Redskins looked about as bad as the Buc's in their loss to the Eagles.

This morning found us getting up around 7:30. We had some really great coffee cake for breakfast Becky made and brought with them. YUMMM! We headed out around 10 AM and stopped at Mountain Dreams Realty and met with the owner Paula Pressnell. She has at one time or another listed most of the real estate on our mountain and is quite knowledgeable of the area and the different type of lifestyle "mountain living" presents to those who are seeking to adjust here even if only seasonable. We did a grand tour of downtown Sparta visiting several shoppes, stores and eventually winding up at Brown's Restaurant for lunch. The food was excellent and very filling. Thanks Jerry and Becky for lunch.

It was starting to rain as we headed out of town. We showed them the only Catholic Church in town as well as our Cornerstone Church building before heading back o Glade Valley. We learned just this morning that Mt.Mom's brother Joe had listed about half of his property with a real estate agent. We stopped and drove to the top of his property as they(Jerry and Becky) are dreaming some day to live here in the mountains. The rain is steady on the tin roof causing Jerry to get sleepy and we can hear him snoring from upstairs. I can barely keep my eyes open as I write this post at 4:15 in the afternoon. LATER

Sunday Evening on Sunday

Did I mention this morning it was cold at 36 degrees and just a slight breeze.The skies were a deep blue with lots of sunshine. We headed off to Cornerstone for worship and Pastor Brian spoke about the Beattitudes. Afterwards we stopped by Lowe's grocery and picked up goodies for this next couple days as we are having house guests until Wednesday. Jerry and Becky are visiting family in Raleigh and want to see the mountains and of course where we spend the summers. We mentioned if ever they were in this area to come by for a visit. He is our sons landlord for the warehouse where Element Church is located in Tampa. This will be only the second time we have met them, but hopefully a new friendship will be developed.

After a lite lunch of soup and salad I tried to set up a pickle ball match but it just wasn't the right time for many, oh well there will be other times. I just settled in on the couch and vegetated with football games. The Bucs, Panthers and Falcons all lost and it looked as if the Saints; the only other team in our division was going to lose as well. So much for anything to cheer about as far as the NFL went today.

Bob called and it seemed he had a productive weekend as Jill and Annsley were out of town visiting family in Pittsburg, Pa. His weekend football wasn't good either as Clemson beat his Hurricanes. Well at least Florida showed up with Tebow playing a rough and tough game against Miss. State. We did get in a good hike to the top and the color has just about gone except for a few ridges. One ridge not only loss its colors but all of its leaves as well due to all the wind we've had the past couple of days. There are lots of just plain bare trees and the look of winter is everywhere. I don't think it got above 60 today. It was pretty outside but rather cool especially in the shaded areas.

Well Nancy is in her glory with guests arriving tomorrow. She made a large pot of vegetable beef barley soup for lunches; put a salad together minus the 'maters, made a cherry topping from frozen cherries we picked earlier this year for the left over cheesecake from yesterday. There goes my diet. Well will talk at ya' LATER

Saturday on Sunday Morning

Well the start of the day looked like a wash out but the skies cleared off and the temps were pleasant at the start of the morning at 62, Wow it was closer to 3o degrees warmer than this morning. Anyhow the wind was blowing 15-20 mph with leaves falling like rain. After our quiet time and a lite breakfast( I broke 4 days of oatmeal with a piece of leftover apple pie with milk on it) we started the day. Actually it was about 10:30 when we headed to the top of the mountain for our daily hike. Missing a day hiking seems to make the hills grow steeper but we made it without taking a rest stop but we had to force ourselves. I like it better when it just comes naturally without telling ourselves we are getting to fat to make the climb. You know the old saying "the truth hurts."

After our hike we had a great lunch of fresh salad. Some how salad tastes so much better when my garden has quit producing all the great home grown veggies and you have to buy them from a store and GOD only knows who has picked or handled them plus the cost of a tomato is a buck each. Oh well!!! Nancy wasn't feeling he greatest after our hike so she chilled on the bed reading. I flipped on a little college football but the warm temp's and bright sunshine was calling my raking muscles. I raked the front yard of the pine needles and cones and mulched the front flower beds. I used the rake to flip the cones over the fence(instead of bending down) and into the woods with a little wrist action thus making a game of it; sorta like kicking footballs for field goals. By the end of the raking period I was flipping them 20 feet in the air an over the fence. Man am I creative and I know how to make work fun; the only thing that was missing was the roar of the crowds.

We headed out to the Daltons around 5 for supper and Sequence. I must say Kay made one of the best lasagnas I've eaten in awhile. Her special salad dressing for the fresh salad was good as well. I believe she made from a secret recipe from a lady who was close to a century in age.Supper was fabulous and Nancy's cheesecake with blueberries and whip cream sent us over the top. So much for any weight loss yesterday after all that and garlic bread as well. Why can't we just eat oatmeal three times a day, YUCK!!!

Well I must comment on our Sequence play; started out with a complete shutout in game one, the girls never got a sequence and we were playing with Caleb filling for Andy. Andy we hope is feeling better. Now that I think about it we were winning or tied most of the evening playing with Caleb until someone started picking on him causing him to tire out, Nancy. Anyhow after Caleb (who is 8 years old) retired to playing cars and trucks with cousin Dylan, things went down hill fast. Eric, Mechelle's brother played a Harvey Hand in Caleb's place. Once again the gals harangued him constantly until finally they had an insurmountable lead and we just called it;"no mas, no mas" much like a prize fighter we once knew.

It's off to worship at Cornerstone. LATER

Friday

Well the day started with overcast skies and 55 degrees. It looked as if it was raining leaves. The yards I raked a couple days ago are now covered once again. That should give me a little activity next week as I'm starved for work. The rain today kept us from our hike. After our quiet times we got ready to head out to Galax to do a little shopping at WalMart and got back around 1 PM. We had a lite lunch of soup and crackers as we knew we were eating a barbecue supper around 5:30. We have been doing good with our eating habits the past couple of morning and staying away from; pancakes, eggs, bacon, potatoes and grits. Its been oatmeal with a banana, yuck but good for us and I hope to drop a couple pounds before heading back next month.

We headed out to the local high school for supper and meet up with our friends Clara and Clarence. There were several of our church friends there as well and even a couple I introduced pickle ball to. Kay our good friend was helping to serve the benefit supper and she came out to say hi. We are eating with her and her family the Dalton Gang tomorrow night and playing Sequence with them as well. Nancy and I are so blessed to know so may super nice folks in this small mountain town of North Carolina.

Well not much else is going on except for the weather. Its a constant rain but the temp has stayed around 60 most of the day. We have the gas heater on to help keep the dampness out. LATER

Thursday

Well it was 50 degrees this AM. with overcast skies but eventually cleared off by mid morning. We had a lite breakfast of oatmeal and banana after our quiet times. I got a load of laundry out before we took off on our morning hike. We visited with several of our neighbors on top before heading back to the cabin and a light lunch of leftover salad. We had to be in Sparta at 3 PM for Nancy's hair appointment so there wasn't much we could do before heading out at 2:30. I sat around and read then visited with neighbor Gerald who is up from Raleigh for the week end to do a little hunting.

After Nancy's finished with her hair appointment we headed to Lowes's to pick up some whipped cream for her chocolate pie which we were taking to the Crouse's for supper. Everything was delicious as usual with steak burgers on the grill, cole slaw, sweet potato casserole, chips and all the trimmings. We got in several games of chickenfoot dominos and the guys were victorious for a change. That will probably be our last time to play John, Sandy, Clara and Clarence this year and its good for the gals to remember who won last; the guys.

Well not much else going on as we head to Galax tomorrow for some shopping and then back to Sparta for a barbecue dinner to support a charity then back to the Luffmans Saturday night for lasagna and sequence with the Dalton gang. LATER

Wednesday

The morning started out with a temperature of 45 degrees, no wind and bright sunshine streaming through the trees. After our quiet times we had a lite breakfast of oatmeal with a banana. I guess its back oatmeal and cereal for awhile as we both have put on a couple pounds with all these great eats; pancakes, bacon, eggs, real Amish butter and fried 'taters for breakfast. Man do they ever taste good, though.

I spent the first early morning hour waterproofing the side deck which is exposed to the elements year round. I used a bean sprayer and soaked the deck. Afterwards I got the weed whacker gassed up and then edged around the trees, driveway and yards. By then I was also warmed as the morning was starting to heat up and by the afternoon we had nearly reached 75. Wow,what a beautiful day. I stopped long enough to eat a bowl of leftover bean soup. Nancy was getting ready to head to Sparta as she had an appointment at 1:45. I got out the riding mower for probably the last mowing for this year. The grass had grown plenty in the past couple days with all the rain from last week and the warm temperatures the past couple days. It really looks good with all the leaves gone, mowed, and edged; hopefully it will continue to look good for the house guests which are coming next week.

Nancy got home around 3 so we headed up the mountain for a good long hike. We visited with Fred and Brenda, Norman, Joe and Jetta as we completed the circle before heading back down to the cabin. It was nearly 5 PM. I pulled 4 nice beets from the garden to go along with a salmon fillet I grilled and a fresh garden salad. Notice there was no rice, bread or potatoes eaten today. Tomorrow that will change as we have been invited out for a cookout with our friends the Crouse's. I'm sure we will eat bread, potatoes plus dessert. Oh well I did good for one day.

Well not much else going on for now, LATER.

Tuesday

Gosh it was just beautiful today after a chilly start. We slept in until after 8:30 so we missed the frost and chilly 27 degree temp at 5:30 according to our neighbor. When we first went outside it was after 9 AM so it was 42 by then. After our quiet times and a breakfast of fried spuds with a couple over easy eggs on top and a chopped up jalapeno I was ready to battle with leaves once again.

I raked for a couple hours packing several extra large trash cans with leaves. I then took my push mower and mowed over the leaves which helped to break them down so decay would occur more quickly. I then removed all of my bean poles and stored them in a dry place for next springs planting. Nancy, meanwhile hung a load of laundry before setting out on a morning hike to the top of the mountain by herself. I was busy with garden and yard work and I knew I was getting plenty of physical activity so I passed today on the hike.

I sprayed the deck with bleach to remove any mildew as tomorrow I want to waterproof it for winter. The next 2 days are supposed be dry with no rain so that sounds like a good day for that job. We headed over to Mt. mom's for supper along with brother Joe. That was some good eatin' as she fixed a beef roast, mashed potatoes, mustard greens, pinto beans and cornbread and to top that off with a coconut custard pie. Excellent!! I'm really getting a tummy on me and now you know why.

We headed home just at dusk and the deer were already on the prowl. Well we just got a call from Bobby's land lord at the warehouse and he and his wife will be in the Raleigh area the first of next week and want to visit the Sparta area on Monday and Tuesday. So we will be having house guests the first of next week. I sure hope the weather holds for their visit. Enclosed are a few pictures Nancy took on her hike and while playing in the leaves. LATER.

Monday

Yikes it was bloody cold this morning with temps down in the 20's, ice on the windshield of the truck, ice on the roof top of the cabin and the rain barrel was frozen over. I was seriously contemplating this morning a move back to warmer climates i.e. Florida. Anyhow after checking Ray's Weather.com I learned the forecast is for a warming up to nearly 70 on Wednesday. Now I can handle that. Seems the locals are very surprised and upset about the cold weather for this time of the year as well. So we will suck it up for now, but ice one more time and I'm heading south for the winter. Even the birds have figured this out.

After our quiet times and breakfast of buckwheat cakes I ventured out to check on the damage from the hard freeze. Seems all the deck flowering plants were wilted as well as the garden plants; basil, peppers and green bean plants. The kale, beets, parsley and oregano plants survived. Luckily I put the volunteer tomato seedling I transplanted from the compost pile into the basement last night. The sunshine was bright with clear blue skies and the temp's finally hit 55 by late afternoon. Actually turned out to be a super day with just a chill in the shaded areas.

Around noon we took off and picked up Helen(Mt.mom) and Joe for an adventure trip to the west side of the county. We eventually entered Virginia looking at some mountain property we were familiar with from a couple years ago when sister Dee and daughters came down thinking they may move down here after retiring from the Army. The property is still undeveloped and pristine. We checked out some property near the New River and drove by where our pastor has built a new house near Bald Knob. It seemed to us the property in the northwestern part of the county is much steeper and we wondered how the farmers managed to make it there years ago. It was sad to see the beautiful leaf colors are just about gone and most everything has turned a dull brown as well as many trees are bare from all the rain and wind this past week.

We had a fun time taking new and different winding roads; many roads went from hard surface to gravel to dirt and back to hard surface. A couple were dead ends at some hardscrabble farms or trailers. We wondered how people were able to drive around these steep roads when it snowed or when the roads iced. There were drop offs with no guardrails or shoulders that were straight down into ravines and creek bottoms. Yeow, I can't imagine how you would recover a vehicle up these steeps embankments. Maybe that's why we see so many old abandon vehicles in fields.

We got back to the cabin around 3 PM so we had a small bowl of bean soup before heading out on an extended hike. It really started warming up by then and was just a pleasure to walk in all the fallen leaves. It was cool enough to keep the flies and mosquitoes from annoying you as you walked. I know the wild animals must love this time of the year, especially the deer that attract pesky deer flies. They are such suck blood suckers that really bite. Speaking of deer while we were eating supper 2 large does(females) came out into the outback yard and ate what appeared to be acorns for 1/2 an hour. They could see movement in the cabin as we moved to the windows to watch and they would stand still and stare at us for minutes at a time. Eventually they meandered off into the woods toward the top of the back trail just as darkness fell. Their colors are really starting to change to a darker color causing them to blend in with all the fallen leaves.

Well I got to see the Angels beat the Yankees in extra innings. That was a great comeback. Well will close for now. Enclosed are a couple freeze damage plant pics and an ice picture from my rain barrel. Did you notice where I carved Nancy's name on the iced windshield on an earlier post? LATER

Sunday on a Cold Monday Morning

Well Sunday started out at 32 degrees and the wind blowing 10-15 mph which makes it feel like 23, Yeow!!! We thawed out and headed over to Sparta for worship at Cornerstone. The service was strictly Praise and Worship music with a couple skits by the youth. After service we headed out to pick up a few groceries and veggies for our evening get together at the Dalton's with our small group.

The afternoon was spent watching the Buc's and Panthers which ended up as usual with a loss for the Buc's. Wow did you see that Patriot game with all the snow in October,Yikes!!! After eating we introduced Don and Stacy to Sequence. Well the result of that game was a total win for the guys 3-0; however we later loss in a heated match when Gerald and Kay arrived. The girls have the bragging right so far this year. The evening was lots of fun with super eating as chef Andy did beer-in-the-rear chickens on the grill. Everyone else brought casseroles,salads, dessert and rolls. I will need a wheel barrow to get around if I don't get out and do some physical activity. There is something about cold weather that makes you want to eat and stay inside where its cozy.

This morning we lazied around in bed until 8:30 in those warm flannel sheets, Ahhh! The outside temp's were 28 with a heavy frost and freeze, yet there is sunshine breaking through the tree tops. It looks like an outside day once it gets above freezing. I just read in the St.Pete Times where the Tampa Area set a cold record at 58 degrees this A.M. held since 1927. What's happening to all the global warming theorists?

Well better go as Nancy has buckwheat cakes cooking on the griddle. LATER

Cool Saturday on a Cold Sunday Morning

Well Saturday was an overcast, grey skies morning but no rain except for an occasional snow shower. Actually it was more like a light sleet, just little balls of frozen white water. There was a slight breeze which made it feel colder than the 36 degrees. The once beautiful leaves were fast losing their appeal and falling to the ground where I spent 5 hours through out the day raking.

After a delicious breakfast of buckwheat cakes and bacon and of course a few minutes with the Creator during my quiet time; I bundled up and ventured out with the rake. I was starved for activity after being cooped up in the cabin due to all the wet weather the past few days. The leaves were plastered to the new grass in the out back yard(newly cleared) so I wanted to help with giving it some breathing room as well as get my gardens ready for next years Spring planting. Leaves are an excellent mulch or compost and my fishin' worms love them as they decay. Nancy finally ventured from the cabin long enough to go for a hike. Well we decided since we hadn't been to the mailbox in 2 days that would be a good 2 mile walk. She was bundled up including a head wrap that would have made the Eskimos proud.

We received a sweet Thank You note from grand daughter Annsley(of course Jill did the writing as she is just 2) with cute photos included from her second birthday bash in Tampa. Wow was that ever a fun time. We could use a little of that HOT weather here and to think that was just a week ago. Anyhow the cabin stayed warm and snug as Nancy prepared for this evening get together with the original Sequence players; Kimberly, Audine, Ray and Eddie. There was once again to much good eatin's as usual and as usual once again the gals whupped us. I can't figure out how they get all the Jack's all the time. I went 4 games before I saw the first Jack in my hand. Oh well somehow I sense there is a little skulduggery going on; just haven't as of yet been able to put my finger on it. Kimberly was hurting from just getting out of the hospital for a nerve block this very morning so she was ready to call it an evening by 9:30.

The temperature had dropped down in the high 30's by the time they headed out for home and the wind was starting to really kick up. We closed all the blinds to help hold the heat in during the night and after our showers I watched a little sports while Nancy surfed Face Book. All that raking left me with tired muscles and a slight wind burn to the face. During the night I could hear branches, leaves and chairs rocking on the porch and deck from the high wind. This morning Sunday I checked the back porch and it was right on 32. With the wind it felt like 23 according to Ray's Weather.com. YIKES it's never this cold in Florida. Maybe we should re-think how long we want to stay here if its going to be this cold this early.

Well we are getting ready to head out for worship at Cornerstone and I think we have our house church(small group) meeting later this evening at Mechelle and Andy's hacienda. She will probably want to play Sequence afterwards and beat up on us guys, again. My ole' saying is"as long as she is beating on me she's leaving someone else alone." Oh well so much for pain and suffering. I write this with numb fingers, LATER

Friday

Well the heavy rain has let up with just a bit of a drizzle. It was in the 40's this AM but with overcast skies. There wasn't much we could do outside after our quiet times and breakfast so we just hung out on the computer and I started a new book. Finally the drizzle lighten up enough to head up the mountain for a good hike. We ran into Joe and Jetta Browning on top and stopped for a visit, she shared a couple new recipes with Nancy. After getting back from the hike Nancy wanted to get an apple pie baked before lunch. I peeled the Granny Smith Apples while she got the crust ready. After getting the pie in the oven we finished the last of the vegetable soup. Wow was that ever good on this cold wet day.

After lunch I vacuumed while Nancy got the pork roast ready to put in the oven. We were entertaining Helen and Joe for supper around 4:30. I read until it was time to peel the spuds for the smashed potatoes as the rain continued off and on most of the afternoon keeping us indoors. Well not much else happened except for the delicious pork roast with sauerkraut, mashed potatoes and rolls. The warm apple pie topped off the meal. They left and Ray stopped by for a visit just as we finished the dishes. He stayed and visited for about an hour or so. One of his dogs, Rascal who had been gone a week or more just showed back up at his house on Sunday. He decided if the dog wanted to be at his place that bad he would just keep it. It had to have come all the way from the other side of Sparta 8 plus miles or more. Unbelievable!!

Well not much else is happening just hoping for some sunshine so we can at least get outside and do some work. LATER

Thursday

The rain falling on the tin roof once again awaken us around 7 AM. I rolled over and tried to go back to sleep in those warm flannel sheets; however I had been once again trained last week in Florida to get up for pickle ball and be at the gym by 8. The cold rain and fog had once again dominated any outside activities so it would be an inside morning. Around noon we noticed the skies lighten enough to where we could see the outline of the sun and temps had warmed up to near 50 so we headed up the mountain for a hike. We stopped by and visited with Norm and Betty for a moment plus we wanted to pay for the dozen of brown eggs he gave us on Tuesday. We also noticed a for sale sign on Mike and Nancy's beautiful cabin on top with the fantastic view, Wow were we ever surprised to see that.

On the way heading back to the cabin the drizzle started once again so we felt lucky to get in an hour hike. We got ready to head out to West Jefferson which is about 45 miles from our cabin around 2 PM. On the way we made a couple stops; to get a map of that area from the Chamber of Commerce, pickup some corks at Thistle Meadow Winery for the Scuppernong wine I'm about ready to bottle, Walmart, CVS and finally Smokey Mountain Barbecue. We had been waiting in the parking lot for about 5 minutes when our dear friends and former pastor arrived.

Craig and Beverly now live in Richmond, Virginia. They just learned in recent days they are to be grandparents for the first time and it will be a grandson. We are excited for them and today we also learned we will be grandparents again for the third time and it will be our first grandson. Ava Mae will be a big sister to Samuel who is due to arrive the second of March about the same time as Jenny is due. We had a super 2 hour meal and visit with each of talking constantly. The time just flew by and we shared so much. Craig baptized both Nancy and I as well as Bobby. Nancy and Beverly were pregnant together with Amy and Susan and we have been close friends for the past 26 years. Alan is a year older than Bobby but both were buddy's growing up and each are now pastors. Alan is in the Hell's Kitchen area in New York City and of course Bobby is in the Tampa Bay area. We are setting the standard for grand parenting now that we will have our third grand child in March. Susan just married this year so it maybe awhile.

Well the rain just about stopped on this side of the mountain but in West Jefferson it was still drizzling. The temperature here was 48 when we got home around 9 PM. Well will close for now. LATER

Wednesday

The morning started out with rain drops falling on the tin roof sometime after midnight as well as falling temperatures. Actually last evening the temp's were still in the low 60's when we headed to bed;but this morning it was 42 and it hasn't changed more than 5-6 degrees all day. The drizzle and fog has been with us all day and it raining harder as I write. I just came in from the porch and it's a heat wave at 40 degrees up 4 degrees from earlier in the day. This is a day we won't forget for awhile, especially after such a beautiful day as yesterday.

We pretty much spent the day inside except for a brief lull in the rain after lunch when I was able to pick enough green beans for dinner. I also picked about 5 small green peppers, kale and some parsley all except the peppers went into a pot of vegetable beef soup. Wow was that ever a good meal on such a cold, dreary day. We spent most of the day watching T.V. and reading except for a brief time when we cleaned the cabin; I vacuumed and Nancy dusted. She also did a load of laundry and the steam from the dryer vent looked like smoke as it drifted from out under the back porch. I would never have guessed we would go from heat records one week to cold records the next. This week end they are forecasting low 30's with snow showers, believe me we have such mixed feelings about this total wipe out of a day. It's only going to get colder here in the mountains and eventually it has to cool down some what in Florida. The rain and fog are such limiting factors for happy outdoor memories. Oh well!!

Tomorrow we are meeting long time friends and former pastor Craig and his wife Beverly in West Jefferson for dinner around 5:30. We will leave early in the day and hopefully do a little shopping. We are looking forward to their visit catching up on our families as its been a year and lots have happened. They just found out their son, Allan and wife Jenny are expecting their first child which happens to be a boy. They are so excited to finally become grandparents and of course we are excited for them as well. Jenny is due within a day of our Amy's due date. We haven't learned the sex of this grandchild but will know in a day or so. Well the only excitement around here has been that our "mountain mom" Helen proposed a question to Pioneer Woman on Face Book and she, Ree answered her. LATER.

Tuesday

What a difference 24 hours makes in the weather. Monday afternoon was cold, wet and a just plain day to stay in the warm cabin. This morning we awakened to partly cloudy skies which eventually turned sky blue with bright sunshine. Temp's moved up to the high 60's and by early afternoon we had 70 on the back porch. I just checked outside and its still in the low 60's at 8 PM with clear skies; but all of that is forecasted to change by morning. I even cut the heater off when we left the cabin this morning for a fun day on the parkway.

After our quiet times and a lite breakfast we got ready to head out to see the colors south of us and at a higher elevation on the parkway at Doughton Park. We made several stops enroute there and met 2 other couples from Florida who were also checking out the colors. We were a little disappointed in that lots of the trees were without leaves due to the windy weather that came through last week and yesterday. There are a few oaks that haven't turned yet but the majority of maples have loss most of their leaves out on our mountain as well as the populars and gum trees. I think its peak where we are, however with this next front coming through tomorrow I think we have seen the last of the vibrant colors for this year here on the mountain.

We stopped off at the Bluffs Restaurant on the parkway and had a lite lunch. The place was packed with tourists checking out the colors and most were in agreement this is probably the peak for leaf colors this week. After lunch we headed over to visit with Helen and leave off some books for her and Joe to read. I brought several library books from home of some of our favorite authors. We constantly shared and traded books all summer. After leaving Helen's we came back over to pick up Cora Sue as her brother own's several pumpkin fields in the area. We managed to rescue about a dozen pumpkins from being plowed under as the field had been picked over. There were several hundred just lying there waiting to be adopted.

We came back and got our mountain hike in to the top and what a gorgeous day for a hike. Once again we could see downtown Winston-Salem. It actually was a little warm on the west side of the mountain as the afternoon sun made us sweat. We unloaded the pumpkins and began to place them around on the porches and yard. We carried 3 down to the circle drive to build our pumpkin man. Well, while I went to get a stake to hold the 3 in place 2 of them rolled down the driveway and into the brier patch at the foot of the drive. Nancy was able to recover one but the other one is safely tucked away out of reach in the brier's at Jodi's and Gerald's.

Well Nancy fried up a couple of pork tenderloin chops for supper and we finished the salad from last night as well as the leftover Mexican rice we brought from home. Tomorrow is supposed to be a lousy weather day so we will spend the day around the cabin. Enclosed are a few pics from today for those of you who aren't on Face Book. LATER.

Monday

Yikes it's cold out with temp's in the 40's, damp, overcast and rain. After sleeping in the morning until about 8 AM I did a quick look around outside and was quickly disappointed with the overcast skies. It was initially 54 but after lunch the weather when quickly down hill. At least we got our hike in to the top of the mountain after a breakfast of buckwheat pancakes with eggs on top, of course it was nearly 10 AM before sat down to eat. On our way back down from the top it began to sprinkle and the temperature began to drop. Nancy managed to take a few shots of the trees in the backyard showing their colors. I'm afraid with this rain and a little wind the leaves will be gone before peak is reached. The yard is covered with leaves just since it rained this afternoon. I will enclose a few pics but with the overcast skies the colors are subdued.

While waiting for Nancy to get ready for the hike I managed to remove all the picnic tables and benches from the side deck and store them under the porch out of the rain. A prolonged rain and fog cause a lot of mildew and mold on them even though they are painted. I have several volunteer tomato plants that came up in my compost pile and will transplant them before the real cold weather this weekend. There is a chance for some snow in the higher elevations. The flowering plants we left under the roof line while in Florida prospered from the dripping morning dew. WOW the possibility of snow this weekend and we are only 700 miles from our Florida home.

I started this book a couple days ago and finished COLD MOUNTAIN this afternoon; once the rain and cold made us stay indoors. I find it a good read. I saw the movie years ago but as is the case there was no resemblance between the two. The time setting is during the Civil War.The book leaves you with a few questions but a worth while read and I recommend it.

Nancy made an absolutely delicious potato soup for supper with a fresh salad. The only veggies from the garden were some fresh beet greens, basil and oregano for the salad. The pole beans are still there but the leaves are slowly turning yellow. I have a couple green pepper plants with some fruit and a little bit of kale, but other than that the garden is finished here in the mountains for another year. The soup was made from the last of my spuds.

Well I had to cancel my PB match this evening due to this weather. Hopefully we can get a match in sometime this week but the forecast doesn't look promising. Well will close for now, all my Florida friends stay cool and we will try to stay warm. LATER

Saturday and Sunday

Where did this past week go?? Saturday started out as another unbelievably HOT day. At least I got to sleep in until 8 AM for a change, after all the pickle ball this week with play which began at 8 AM everyday had me looking forward to a morning off. Nancy and I knew we wouldn't be home until late Saturday night so we basically had to get ready to leave on Saturday for our planned 6 AM departure on Sunday. We had a lite breakfast after our quiet times as we knew later in the evening Bobby was planning a family dinner at his house after the birthday party for Annsley at the park.

The party was a success with several kiddies and their parents. The party was held outside at the park where Annsley and her dad go every Friday. Luckily the playground is totally shaded with monster oak trees that helped to keep us from sun stroke. I have never in all my years of Florida living seen the temp's this hot in October. At least it didn't rain and the little ones didn't seem to be bothered by the extreme humidity. Annsley and her friends had a grand time finger painting as well as playing on all the playground equipment.

We headed back to Bob's house to a meal of smoked Boston Butt, a unique and specially made cole slaw by the chef himself, potato casserole and chocolate cake with white icing. Nancy made a spinach dip which worked up our appetites. The dinner was excellent and we stayed and played until nearly 9 PM. Ava and Annsley played, bathed and just had a wonderful time together, especially with all of Annsley new birthday toys. We were pretty much packed on Saturday so we could enjoy the lateness of the evening with the family.

Nancy and I headed out around 6 AM this morning after getting up at 5 AM. It was so hot and humid at that hour with the temperature near 90. Unbelievable!!! Our trip was uneventful and we made excellent time. When we reached the top of the mountain after a grocery and gas stop in Elkin the temp had dropped to 58. After unloading the truck we headed to the top of the mountain for a hike. The sun was shinning brightly with blue skies. Wow did it ever feel good to stretch our legs after being in the truck for nearly 11 hours. We were amazed at the amount of fallen leaves that littered the ground. The trees were really starting to show their colors especially the gums, maples and oaks.

Well will close for now. We went from air conditioning in Florida to gas heat here in the cabin. Enclosed are a few pics from Saturday at the the park and later at Annsley's house as the girls entertained us.LATER

Thursday and Friday Morning

Well first let me say its "really HOT and HUMID here." I'm really looking forward to next weeks cooler weather like in the 30's in the mountain. I know I will complain that's its to darn cold but hey, who is really ever completely satisfied with the weather. Anyhow I mean we are setting heat records here in Florida and its nearly the middle of the month in October.

After pickle ball yesterday Ava and Amy came for lunch and to spend the afternoon. Ava and I built tents with blankets and she watched the movie "Ratatouille" while playing with wonder pets. Wow is she a little busy body with a vocabulary that just amazes me. Her retention level is shocking. We mentioned a friends name who she hasn't seen since July in the mountains and she remembered her dog was playing with a toy monkey. Oh well she must get that from my side of the family.

Nancy's folks; G/G and Pap came for her birthday dinner of Mexican enchiladas, rice and beans as well as salsa and chips. Amy made a super delicious carrot cake for dessert. That has to be one of my many favorite meals. We sat around after eating and watched the Dodgers come from behind to beat the Cardinals in the bottom of the 9th inninng.

This morning(Friday) found me with a flat tire on my bike so I took the truck and Nancy walked to the rec. then I walked home so she could drive home. I had 2 solid hours of play with 11 players. Lots of wet t-shirts. When I got home I worked in the garden pulling weeds and when I finished my shirt was completely soaking wet. I took the flat tire off my bike and found that my tire patch kit was out of glue. Oh well. I hung a couple loads of clothes on the line. Well I had a lite lunch of leftover salsa and Mexican rice. Yummm!!!

I will enclose a few pic's from our house church on Wednesday night and of G/G's birthday dinner. I had a great week of PB play with all my friends in Seminole. With all the new players we should have great winter play this year. Nancy and I will be heading back to the mountains on Sunday for exactly one month or if the weather gets to cold maybe we will return sooner. Tonight we are babysitting as Amy and Tyler will have a night out. Tomorrow we travel to Tampa to celebrate our youngest grand daughter, Annsley's second birthday with a party in the park then a family dinner at Bob's place.LATER.