Well, where did the week go?? It's been run here and there with lots of doctor visits, grocery shopping and visits to the gym. I'm keeping somewhat limber and trying to hold down the "spare tire" with daily workouts on the elliptical. We are only allowed to use the gym for pickle ball 2 days a week as the kids have summer camp there until school starts then we can get back to playing 5 days a week. After my quiet time and a bowl of fruit for breakfast I headed out on the bike to the rec for a workout. Afterwards I pulled the rest of the weeds in the garden as I'm keeping it free and clean for my fall garden, of course that won't happen until the last of October.
I took out the smoker and got it ready to put 2 whole chickens in around 1 PM for"Bud in the butt"chicken at supper tonight. We were having Nancy's brother Eric and his 2 boy's Evan and Pat along with a family friend John who drove them down from Michigan as well as Pap, GG and Bobby, Jill and Annsley and Amy, Tyler, Ava and Samuel. What a house full but the food was excellent and the chatter was endless. Pap(Nancy's dad) seemed to really enjoy himself and looked well except for the swellings. All stayed until after the ball game where the Ray's beat the Yankee's 3-2. Evan and Pat stayed the night at our house.
Well not much else is happenings except I'm sure we will be getting together again this evening for dinner at our place. Its been non stop fixing meals just hope I can get to the rec each day to work it off. LATER
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Thursday
Well not much has changed here with the hot temps and humidity except for rain showers. There were plenty of them for the day which at times kept the heat away and made it so you could stand to be outside for a little while, that's when I mowed the backyard. The morning was much the same with us actually sleeping in until 7 o'clock. After our quiet times and a bowl of oatmeal with a 'nana, peach and a few black berries in it I decided to get ready and head out to the rec to get an extra hour of workout before I played 2 hours of pickle ball. Yikes am I ever bushed tonight as I can barely keep my eyes open and its not yet 9 o'clock. There were 12 players and we had some really good play with long rallies. Amy and the kids are here now and Sam is asleep and Ava is in the bathtub as Tyler is having his men's Bible study group at his house tonight.
I got back from the rec around 1:15 then read for awhile as the sun dried out the grass so I could mow. It wasn't too bad in the shaded back yard but after about an hour my shirt was wringing wet. Nancy took off to the rec to get her 30 minute workout on the (d)treadmill. She had taken her mother shopping this morning while her brother stayed with her father. He appears to be about the same with still a lot of fluid buildup in his legs and feet. He is scheduled for another doctors appointment on Tuesday and then again on Thursday. Seems Nancy will be driving him now as well as her mother to do their shopping runs.
Well not much else except the Ray's swept the Tigers in a 4 game series and now the Yank's come to town this week end for a series. Lets hope the Ray's can continue to play good ball and get back to their first place position the Yank's now hold. Well better get out of here as it will be a full house tomorrow night with another family dinner. Bob, Jill and Annsley are coming as well along with Nancy's folks and brother and Amy, Tyler and Ava. Should be a fun time with lots of good food. LATER
I got back from the rec around 1:15 then read for awhile as the sun dried out the grass so I could mow. It wasn't too bad in the shaded back yard but after about an hour my shirt was wringing wet. Nancy took off to the rec to get her 30 minute workout on the (d)treadmill. She had taken her mother shopping this morning while her brother stayed with her father. He appears to be about the same with still a lot of fluid buildup in his legs and feet. He is scheduled for another doctors appointment on Tuesday and then again on Thursday. Seems Nancy will be driving him now as well as her mother to do their shopping runs.
Well not much else except the Ray's swept the Tigers in a 4 game series and now the Yank's come to town this week end for a series. Lets hope the Ray's can continue to play good ball and get back to their first place position the Yank's now hold. Well better get out of here as it will be a full house tomorrow night with another family dinner. Bob, Jill and Annsley are coming as well along with Nancy's folks and brother and Amy, Tyler and Ava. Should be a fun time with lots of good food. LATER
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Wednesday
Well, wow it is like an oven here with suffocating humidity. There was rain on and off most of the morning and early afternoon. Thank goodness for that. After a good sleep last night I awaken around 6 this morning while Nancy was cutting some Zzzz's. After a light breakfast I headed out to check on what's left of my summer garden which still has 2 things growing; rosemary and oregano.
Nancy and I headed out to Sam's and Publix to stock up and to get ready for tonight's family dinner. We had grilled pork chops(bone-in), new spuds from my garden as well as 1/2 runner beans and a large garden salad most of which we brought home from the cabin garden. She also fixed a black berry cobbler which was fantastic with vanilla ice cream. Good Eatin.' After getting back from shopping we headed out to the rec for a workout on the d(t)readmill, eliptical and the bowflex. I did about 50 crunches as well and had a wet shirt after about 40 minutes.
Nancy's folks and brother as well as Tyler, Amy and the kids came for dinner and we had a pleasant visit with her dad doing quite well except for the swelling in his legs and feet. He has another doctors visit on Friday. Well tomorrow is pickle ball day so I'm looking forward to some good play and a great workout. LATER
Nancy and I headed out to Sam's and Publix to stock up and to get ready for tonight's family dinner. We had grilled pork chops(bone-in), new spuds from my garden as well as 1/2 runner beans and a large garden salad most of which we brought home from the cabin garden. She also fixed a black berry cobbler which was fantastic with vanilla ice cream. Good Eatin.' After getting back from shopping we headed out to the rec for a workout on the d(t)readmill, eliptical and the bowflex. I did about 50 crunches as well and had a wet shirt after about 40 minutes.
Nancy's folks and brother as well as Tyler, Amy and the kids came for dinner and we had a pleasant visit with her dad doing quite well except for the swelling in his legs and feet. He has another doctors visit on Friday. Well tomorrow is pickle ball day so I'm looking forward to some good play and a great workout. LATER
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Tuesday
Well we pulled out from the cabin around 5 AM after a sleepless night for me and we started the night off with one big storm with high winds and blowing rain. The morning had me awake at 3:45 with the outside temps having cooled down into the 60's and there was such a big full moon and stars galore. I really love the early mornings but not when I have to drive 700 plus miles the rest of the day.
The trip down was uneventful with lite traffic most of the way until we reached Tampa then it was almost like a parking lot with 6 lanes just slowly moving as we ran up on a bad motorcycle wreck going the opposite direction. The victim was just eaten up with severe road rash but looked conscious from what I could tell. We reached home around 3:30 PM to 95 degrees with lots of humidity. The Seminole house and yard was in good shape thanks to neighbor Jim who keeps the yard mowed and edged.
After unpacking we headed over to Nancy's folks place to visit and eventually ate supper with them and older brother Eric who had flown in from Detroit, Michigan earlier in the day. Pap had a better report from the renal physician as his indicators went up from a 16 to 31 in just a couple days. His legs and ankles are still very swollen and he still has some congestion in his throat and chest. He still has an appetite and his demeanor is much better than I anticipated.
Well we had a good visit with them and Amy and Tyler brought Ava and Samuel by for a visit as well and we got to love up on them also. It was a good evening.I can barely keep my eyes open so will close for now. LATER
The trip down was uneventful with lite traffic most of the way until we reached Tampa then it was almost like a parking lot with 6 lanes just slowly moving as we ran up on a bad motorcycle wreck going the opposite direction. The victim was just eaten up with severe road rash but looked conscious from what I could tell. We reached home around 3:30 PM to 95 degrees with lots of humidity. The Seminole house and yard was in good shape thanks to neighbor Jim who keeps the yard mowed and edged.
After unpacking we headed over to Nancy's folks place to visit and eventually ate supper with them and older brother Eric who had flown in from Detroit, Michigan earlier in the day. Pap had a better report from the renal physician as his indicators went up from a 16 to 31 in just a couple days. His legs and ankles are still very swollen and he still has some congestion in his throat and chest. He still has an appetite and his demeanor is much better than I anticipated.
Well we had a good visit with them and Amy and Tyler brought Ava and Samuel by for a visit as well and we got to love up on them also. It was a good evening.I can barely keep my eyes open so will close for now. LATER
Monday, July 26, 2010
Monday
Well its been a hectic couple of days with Nancy's dad's health being the topic of discussion so we decided that when we awaken Monday morning an learned he had to go to the doctors for a shot because of the fluid buildup in his lungs maybe we should just forget about the mountains and head for Florida. We had originally planned on heading down today but after speaking with her parents on Saturday they both insisted there was no need to hurry back and even head back at all, but we felt the need to be there in case he deteriorated more rapidly than they thought could happen. So we picked Wednesday the day after his doctor visit to the kidney specialist. He has been having some minor chest pains as well as some shortness of breath for a couple months and really we felt lucky to be able to visit the mountains for as long as we did. He still drives but now that he has so much fluid build up maybe that should stop as well.
The morning found us with tolerable temps in the high 60's and lots of clouds which helped to keep the temps down most of the day. We still saw some upper 80's which is abnormal for this part of the country at least no 90's today. We decided to head home on Tuesday morning so as to be there if the need arises. We started packing and putting the cabin at rest for at least until the middle of October as we will have to come back and winterize the place before freezing weather sets in. That sounds like such a good thing right now as its been so above normal in hot temps this whole summer.
Well I picked lots of green tomatoes, green beans, cukes, squash and onions as well as jalapenos peppers to bring back along with a few hills of potatoes. The garden is just now starting to produce despite the lack of rainfall. I've been hand watering twice daily.
Well its time to sign off for now and if all goes well, we should be in Seminole by early Tuesday evening. Keep Pap(Nancy's dad) in your thoughts and prayers. He is a tough ole' bird and not a believer but a good guy at heart. Maybe he will find relief and some calm in his final days. One can only hope and pray. LATER
The morning found us with tolerable temps in the high 60's and lots of clouds which helped to keep the temps down most of the day. We still saw some upper 80's which is abnormal for this part of the country at least no 90's today. We decided to head home on Tuesday morning so as to be there if the need arises. We started packing and putting the cabin at rest for at least until the middle of October as we will have to come back and winterize the place before freezing weather sets in. That sounds like such a good thing right now as its been so above normal in hot temps this whole summer.
Well I picked lots of green tomatoes, green beans, cukes, squash and onions as well as jalapenos peppers to bring back along with a few hills of potatoes. The garden is just now starting to produce despite the lack of rainfall. I've been hand watering twice daily.
Well its time to sign off for now and if all goes well, we should be in Seminole by early Tuesday evening. Keep Pap(Nancy's dad) in your thoughts and prayers. He is a tough ole' bird and not a believer but a good guy at heart. Maybe he will find relief and some calm in his final days. One can only hope and pray. LATER
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Sunday
Well it was another HOT day and night with temps well over 90 degrees. After our quiet times and a lite breakfast I headed out to hand water the gardens. The ground is just parched from the lack of rain and the hot breeze which dried out the ground. After watering we got ready for our last worship for awhile at Cornerstone. It was a tearful so long for now as we made it know we were leaving to go back to Florida because of Nancy's dad health.
After church we headed home and I picked lots of beet greens, kale, onions, cukes and fresh herbs for a garden salad. It was once again 90 plus degrees on the back porch in the shade. I spent the next hour or so after lunch catching up on some baseball before getting ready to head out to Roaring Gap for some pickle ball with 3 other guys. We had an hour and a half play in the hot temp's and needless to say there were lots of wet shirts with lots of good play.
After pickle ball we got ready and headed over to The Dalton's for supper and sequence. Andy had smoked a beer in the butt chicken and some pork ribs which were just excellent as well as a squash casserole, Nancy's oven 'taters and Kallie's homemade bread. Kay also made 2 Zucchini breads for dessert. The boys put it on the girls with a 4-2 win for the second time in a row. The evening was good food and fun and we are sadden leave such good friends. Hope fully we can get back to these mountains before winter. LATER
After church we headed home and I picked lots of beet greens, kale, onions, cukes and fresh herbs for a garden salad. It was once again 90 plus degrees on the back porch in the shade. I spent the next hour or so after lunch catching up on some baseball before getting ready to head out to Roaring Gap for some pickle ball with 3 other guys. We had an hour and a half play in the hot temp's and needless to say there were lots of wet shirts with lots of good play.
After pickle ball we got ready and headed over to The Dalton's for supper and sequence. Andy had smoked a beer in the butt chicken and some pork ribs which were just excellent as well as a squash casserole, Nancy's oven 'taters and Kallie's homemade bread. Kay also made 2 Zucchini breads for dessert. The boys put it on the girls with a 4-2 win for the second time in a row. The evening was good food and fun and we are sadden leave such good friends. Hope fully we can get back to these mountains before winter. LATER
Saturday
Well yesterday(Sat.) was the hottest day we have ever had at our place, 93 in the shade on the back porch at 5 o'clock. The humidity was just a bit high as well but by evening it had cooled down to the 80's. The morning started out with 70's and we mananged to get a few chores done before heading up the mountain for a hike, we stayed on the back road so as to stay away from the sun side where there is no shade.
We were contemplating what we must do with regards to her dad's deteriating health and decided to pack up and head to Florida. After a call to him he begged us not to come home until after his doctor's appointment on Tuesday as he said he felt fine and was eating good but was getting some fluid build up in his legs and lungs. So we decided to wait out the weekend per his request and see what if anything the kidney doctor can do to relieve some of this fluid. Regardless of what happens we have decided it may be best to travel back to Florida probably this next week because of his age and circumstances.
Saturday afternoon found us staying in out of the heat mainly reading and watching TV. Eddie came by on his motor and visited then Nancy and I got ready to head out to a fish fry down at the Woodie's river house on the Little River. What a beautiful setting and the temps were noticeably cooler the nearer we got to the river. Larry has a gorgeous place with a super place for get togethers. I would estimate 75 or more folks with tons of food as well as tremedeous catfish fillets prepared in fish cookers. There were lots of kids as well and many folks from years past we had met before. Our only regret is we forgot to bring the camera. Many folks were from Cornerstone Church and one especially was from Winchester(my hometown) who is a teaching physican at Duke University. Her dad was our team doctor at James Wood High and just recently passed away at the age of 94. Martha(daughter) graduated 2 years behind me from Handley High and use to accompany her dad to the games at JWHS, its a small world.
We left around 8:30 then stopped off at neighbor's Gerald and Jodi's house to meet his son's family as well as his daughter and her significant other. We stayed around and played a couple games of Sequence and let the gals be victorious again. Carter, Gerald's 2 year old grandson is a towhead cutie.
Well today is probably our last Sunday at Cornerstone for awhile and it will be sad too leave so many fine folks. Better go will keep all informed on our decisions for this week. LATER
We were contemplating what we must do with regards to her dad's deteriating health and decided to pack up and head to Florida. After a call to him he begged us not to come home until after his doctor's appointment on Tuesday as he said he felt fine and was eating good but was getting some fluid build up in his legs and lungs. So we decided to wait out the weekend per his request and see what if anything the kidney doctor can do to relieve some of this fluid. Regardless of what happens we have decided it may be best to travel back to Florida probably this next week because of his age and circumstances.
Saturday afternoon found us staying in out of the heat mainly reading and watching TV. Eddie came by on his motor and visited then Nancy and I got ready to head out to a fish fry down at the Woodie's river house on the Little River. What a beautiful setting and the temps were noticeably cooler the nearer we got to the river. Larry has a gorgeous place with a super place for get togethers. I would estimate 75 or more folks with tons of food as well as tremedeous catfish fillets prepared in fish cookers. There were lots of kids as well and many folks from years past we had met before. Our only regret is we forgot to bring the camera. Many folks were from Cornerstone Church and one especially was from Winchester(my hometown) who is a teaching physican at Duke University. Her dad was our team doctor at James Wood High and just recently passed away at the age of 94. Martha(daughter) graduated 2 years behind me from Handley High and use to accompany her dad to the games at JWHS, its a small world.
We left around 8:30 then stopped off at neighbor's Gerald and Jodi's house to meet his son's family as well as his daughter and her significant other. We stayed around and played a couple games of Sequence and let the gals be victorious again. Carter, Gerald's 2 year old grandson is a towhead cutie.
Well today is probably our last Sunday at Cornerstone for awhile and it will be sad too leave so many fine folks. Better go will keep all informed on our decisions for this week. LATER
Friday, July 23, 2010
Friday
Well it was a warm morning and turned out to be a HOT day with just a slight breeze and almost no clouds. When we left Galax after doing 10 miles on the New River Trail it was 93. Speaking of the trail it's a really very scenic ride on a bike but we saw evidence of horse back riding as well. We headed over to Galax around 9 AM after our quiet times and a big breakfast of buckwheat cakes, eggs and leftover deer sausage. Last time we did this ride we were out of energy and learned to not only eat big but bring water to drink as well with some snacks. The train track bed is made of small gravel and cinders so it requires pedaling even though its relatively level. The trail follows the Brush Creek that empties into the New River.
We got home around 1:30 and had a lite lunch before catching up on some reading as it was too hot outside to do anything until after sundown. Today was supposed to be one of the hottest days so far this summer and tomorrow looks like the same. At least it cools off at night to make it pleasant enough for sleeping without A/C.
After a lite supper of left over pintos with salsa and green beans we took a golf cart ride to visit neighbors on top of the mountain. We stopped and talked with Norman for nearly 1/2 an hour then stopped by the Ray and Audien's garage and visited with them until nearly dark. It was after 9 when we got back to the cabin. It was still pretty warm so I closed all the windows and opened the basement window and turned the attic fan on and it was like a/c in the cabin with cool air being drawn up the steps and exiting out the attic. Wow who ever talked me into installing this fan knew what they were talking about. It certainly made it nice in the cabin as the basement stays in the 60's even on hot days.
Well not much else is going on except Nancy's dad isn't doing well. He is going to a kidney doctor on Tuesday as he is really retaining fluids and is now having difficulty in sleeping because of the fluid retention. Keep him in your thoughts and prayers. It seems we will be traveling back to Florida sooner than expected. LATER
We got home around 1:30 and had a lite lunch before catching up on some reading as it was too hot outside to do anything until after sundown. Today was supposed to be one of the hottest days so far this summer and tomorrow looks like the same. At least it cools off at night to make it pleasant enough for sleeping without A/C.
After a lite supper of left over pintos with salsa and green beans we took a golf cart ride to visit neighbors on top of the mountain. We stopped and talked with Norman for nearly 1/2 an hour then stopped by the Ray and Audien's garage and visited with them until nearly dark. It was after 9 when we got back to the cabin. It was still pretty warm so I closed all the windows and opened the basement window and turned the attic fan on and it was like a/c in the cabin with cool air being drawn up the steps and exiting out the attic. Wow who ever talked me into installing this fan knew what they were talking about. It certainly made it nice in the cabin as the basement stays in the 60's even on hot days.
Well not much else is going on except Nancy's dad isn't doing well. He is going to a kidney doctor on Tuesday as he is really retaining fluids and is now having difficulty in sleeping because of the fluid retention. Keep him in your thoughts and prayers. It seems we will be traveling back to Florida sooner than expected. LATER
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Thursday
Well it was another warm morning with bright sunshine and a slight breeze made it comfortable however by afternoon it had reached 85 on the back porch. Luckily we finally got some clouds to move in and take away some of the heat. After our quiet times I hung a couple loads of laundry and hand watered all the flower and veggie gardens. While watering the front beds neighbor Gerald spotted me outside and came up with a pound or so of deer sausage. I mixed a little sage, garlic powder and black pepper in it and Nancy made sausage patties so I cooked them on the grille. Wow were they ever tasty, so that's what we had for breakfast. Thanks Gerald, I think that meat was from one of the deer that ate away my garden last summer; no wonder it was so tasty.
We got our hike in after breakfast and stopped to visit with Ann and Sandy Cline for awhile before heading back down. They came by the cabin around 3 and visited so we loaded them up with some cukes, Zucchini, jalapenos and a jar of wine berry jelly. I had just finished edging and mowing and we were getting ready for our "mountain mom" and brother Joe to come for supper. Speaking of supper Nancy and I put on a feast of fresh caught pan fried bass from her pond, pinto beans over rice with salsa as a garnish, cold slaw, cornbread muffins and blackberry cobbler with vanilla ice cream. We could hardly move after eating so we sat on the front porch until nearly 7 PM. After they left we cleaned up the dishes and headed out to get the mail on the golf cart then brought the rest of the cobbler to Jodi and Gerald's were we played a game of Oh W(h)ell which Jodi won and 2 games of spades which the guys won both. Wow do we we have bragging rights for a day at least.
Well its been a busy working and eating day with lots of different foods; deer for breakfast and fish for supper, we skipped lunch as we ate late in the morning and early in the evening. Tomorrow we are getting up with the Jodi and Gerald's and their boys and doing the New River Trail in Galax on bikes, should be another work off some of that fat day. LATER
We got our hike in after breakfast and stopped to visit with Ann and Sandy Cline for awhile before heading back down. They came by the cabin around 3 and visited so we loaded them up with some cukes, Zucchini, jalapenos and a jar of wine berry jelly. I had just finished edging and mowing and we were getting ready for our "mountain mom" and brother Joe to come for supper. Speaking of supper Nancy and I put on a feast of fresh caught pan fried bass from her pond, pinto beans over rice with salsa as a garnish, cold slaw, cornbread muffins and blackberry cobbler with vanilla ice cream. We could hardly move after eating so we sat on the front porch until nearly 7 PM. After they left we cleaned up the dishes and headed out to get the mail on the golf cart then brought the rest of the cobbler to Jodi and Gerald's were we played a game of Oh W(h)ell which Jodi won and 2 games of spades which the guys won both. Wow do we we have bragging rights for a day at least.
Well its been a busy working and eating day with lots of different foods; deer for breakfast and fish for supper, we skipped lunch as we ate late in the morning and early in the evening. Tomorrow we are getting up with the Jodi and Gerald's and their boys and doing the New River Trail in Galax on bikes, should be another work off some of that fat day. LATER
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Wednesday
Well it was another beautiful morning with temp's in the low 70's but no rain of which we are starting to become desperately in need for. After our quiet times we both had a lite breakfast of oatmeal and cereal with fruit. I headed out to check on the gardens and hand watered the veggie gardens. I picked several cukes and picked another nice mess of beans as well as a couple small tomato's.
Nancy and I headed out about 10:30 for Galax, Va to do some shopping at Walmart and we were back home a little after 1 PM. Boy was it ever hot there with temps near 90 degrees. At least on our back porch there was a nice breeze all day so it was bearable. After a quick lunch of leftover Zucchini pie we headed over to Helen's and picked a couple quarts of black berries as we are having a cobbler tomorrow night for dessert. We got back around 4:30 so we headed up the mountain for our first and only hike of the day.
We saw Jodi and Gerald as they had arrived from Raleigh so we made plans to play cards around 7 with them so we just had cukes, carrots and sliced tomato's with a ranch dressing dip along with a tomato and onion sandwich for supper. Nancy baked a pan of brownies we took with us to play cards. While on our hike we saw a red fox and learned tonight that neighbor Ray Todd had a black bear visit him at his residence this morning, Yikes!!!
Well I cleaned up tonight with 2 wins at "OH W(h)ell and a win in Hearts however the boys loss the only spades game to the gals. It was a fun time and by the time we got home at 11 PM we were tired and ready for the showers. LATER
Nancy and I headed out about 10:30 for Galax, Va to do some shopping at Walmart and we were back home a little after 1 PM. Boy was it ever hot there with temps near 90 degrees. At least on our back porch there was a nice breeze all day so it was bearable. After a quick lunch of leftover Zucchini pie we headed over to Helen's and picked a couple quarts of black berries as we are having a cobbler tomorrow night for dessert. We got back around 4:30 so we headed up the mountain for our first and only hike of the day.
We saw Jodi and Gerald as they had arrived from Raleigh so we made plans to play cards around 7 with them so we just had cukes, carrots and sliced tomato's with a ranch dressing dip along with a tomato and onion sandwich for supper. Nancy baked a pan of brownies we took with us to play cards. While on our hike we saw a red fox and learned tonight that neighbor Ray Todd had a black bear visit him at his residence this morning, Yikes!!!
Well I cleaned up tonight with 2 wins at "OH W(h)ell and a win in Hearts however the boys loss the only spades game to the gals. It was a fun time and by the time we got home at 11 PM we were tired and ready for the showers. LATER
Tuesday
Well here it is Wednesday morning as it was late when we got home last night for an all afternoon and evening get together with friend's Clarence, John, Clara and Sandy. I'll get to what we did later but first the morning started out the usual with a few moments to reflect, give thanks for and lift up those who are heavy on our hearts. Nancy's dad is having some kidney trouble in addition to his heart problems as well, so he is much need of our thoughts and prayers. We maybe heading back to Florida in the very near future.
After a lite breakfast of oatmeal and fruit we headed out to the top of the mountain for a good steady hike. We ran into Norm our 82 year old philosopher and his wit just encourages us daily plus he really is a swell guy. He looks after his younger wife,Betty who is in need of constant attention and care plus he is quite the worker at his age. He and I are always planning on things that need to be done. After the hike I came back and picked a handful of cherry tomato's and then tied them up again as the plants are over 6 feet tall. I'm picking 3-5 cuke's a day as well as a hand full of sugar peas. The squash and beans are making their debut as well.
Nancy had a hair appointment in Sparta at 2:30 so we headed out after a lunch of salad and just lazying around reading until it was time to head out. While she was at the beauty parlor I headed to the library for an hour and a half to read. I picked her up at 4 PM so we headed to the Dollar General to browse while killing a half hour until we met up at Sandy and Johns house at 4:30. We headed over to Independence, Virginia to a great pizza parlor called Cyrros for some really good pies and what a deal for a large with 2 toppings at 6.99. It was New York style and very tasty and the place was jumping with customers. Good deal and I definitely would go back even if its 20 miles away from our cabin.
We came back and I taught them a new card game of "Oh Well" and they really enjoyed it so much we played 2 games even though they are real chickenfoot domino's players. Well we got down to domino's and after 2 games the guys vs the gals in scoring tied with the last game being identical in points so we had to do a play off round and the guys won by just the skin of their teeth. So we will have to play again to determine or settle this match. It was a fun night and we really enjoyed seeing this gang and playing since last fall. LATER
After a lite breakfast of oatmeal and fruit we headed out to the top of the mountain for a good steady hike. We ran into Norm our 82 year old philosopher and his wit just encourages us daily plus he really is a swell guy. He looks after his younger wife,Betty who is in need of constant attention and care plus he is quite the worker at his age. He and I are always planning on things that need to be done. After the hike I came back and picked a handful of cherry tomato's and then tied them up again as the plants are over 6 feet tall. I'm picking 3-5 cuke's a day as well as a hand full of sugar peas. The squash and beans are making their debut as well.
Nancy had a hair appointment in Sparta at 2:30 so we headed out after a lunch of salad and just lazying around reading until it was time to head out. While she was at the beauty parlor I headed to the library for an hour and a half to read. I picked her up at 4 PM so we headed to the Dollar General to browse while killing a half hour until we met up at Sandy and Johns house at 4:30. We headed over to Independence, Virginia to a great pizza parlor called Cyrros for some really good pies and what a deal for a large with 2 toppings at 6.99. It was New York style and very tasty and the place was jumping with customers. Good deal and I definitely would go back even if its 20 miles away from our cabin.
We came back and I taught them a new card game of "Oh Well" and they really enjoyed it so much we played 2 games even though they are real chickenfoot domino's players. Well we got down to domino's and after 2 games the guys vs the gals in scoring tied with the last game being identical in points so we had to do a play off round and the guys won by just the skin of their teeth. So we will have to play again to determine or settle this match. It was a fun night and we really enjoyed seeing this gang and playing since last fall. LATER
Monday, July 19, 2010
Monday
Well it was another morning in the high 60's with lots of clouds and the threat of rain. Actually around 9 it started to rain and we had a nice soft shower for about an hour. After the usual quiet time Nancy made a mountain breakfast of eggs, grits, smoked turkey bacon and toast. After breakfast I strained my bucket of blackberry must and added sugar then carried it back upstairs where its warm for it to cook another 10 days.
The rain stopped so Nancy and I took off on a reverse hike to the top of the mountain where we stopped and talked awhile with Roddy and Kathy before heading back down. It was close to 1:30 so we decided to skip lunch except for some fruit because we were eating early because I had a 6 PM pickle ball match. We just framed around catching up on some little things and reading until it was time to put a couple pork chops on the grille. I snapped our first mess of 1/2 runner green beans and were they ever awesome, their the best bean you have ever put in your mouth and the only bean my grandmother would ever plant and can for the winter.
Pickle ball found us 1 guy short but the 3 of us had a super workout with totally wet shirts after 2 hours of play. Starting at 6 PM was a lot cooler than last weeks 5 PM start. We are hoping to play after church this Sunday afternoon. Well not much else is going today but we have a busy week planned. We got an invite this morning for a Saturday evening cook out on the Little River with some old friends. Well will close for now. LATER
The rain stopped so Nancy and I took off on a reverse hike to the top of the mountain where we stopped and talked awhile with Roddy and Kathy before heading back down. It was close to 1:30 so we decided to skip lunch except for some fruit because we were eating early because I had a 6 PM pickle ball match. We just framed around catching up on some little things and reading until it was time to put a couple pork chops on the grille. I snapped our first mess of 1/2 runner green beans and were they ever awesome, their the best bean you have ever put in your mouth and the only bean my grandmother would ever plant and can for the winter.
Pickle ball found us 1 guy short but the 3 of us had a super workout with totally wet shirts after 2 hours of play. Starting at 6 PM was a lot cooler than last weeks 5 PM start. We are hoping to play after church this Sunday afternoon. Well not much else is going today but we have a busy week planned. We got an invite this morning for a Saturday evening cook out on the Little River with some old friends. Well will close for now. LATER
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Sunday
Well the day started out with 60's and a slight overcast which quickly turned to bright blue skies for the morning hours. After our quiet time and a lite breakfast I ventured out to water the garden as the rain stayed away yet another day. We got ready and headed out to worship at Cornerstone. After church we made a local stop at the produce stand.
We headed home and had a lite lunch of bean burritos as we had leftover salsa from last nights get together. Nancy's salsa is the best yet. The skies clouded up and there was some thunder and we got a down pour for about 5 minutes then the sun came out and it sprinkled off and on all afternoon but no where nearly enough rain. Just this evening I transplanted a large marigold into the garden as it was becoming root bound. The ground was so dry I could barely dig the hole deep enough to plant it where I watered this morning around my 'mater plants, so I really gave them a soaking tonight. There is still thunder and clouds in the area but the rain for the most part is passing us by.
I found a couple tomato's that were finally starting to turn. Nancy made a zucchini(out of the garden) pie for supper and was that ever tasty. Well it was a good day all except for our Tampa Bay Ray's as the Yanks took 2 of 3 games this weekend. LATER
We headed home and had a lite lunch of bean burritos as we had leftover salsa from last nights get together. Nancy's salsa is the best yet. The skies clouded up and there was some thunder and we got a down pour for about 5 minutes then the sun came out and it sprinkled off and on all afternoon but no where nearly enough rain. Just this evening I transplanted a large marigold into the garden as it was becoming root bound. The ground was so dry I could barely dig the hole deep enough to plant it where I watered this morning around my 'mater plants, so I really gave them a soaking tonight. There is still thunder and clouds in the area but the rain for the most part is passing us by.
I found a couple tomato's that were finally starting to turn. Nancy made a zucchini(out of the garden) pie for supper and was that ever tasty. Well it was a good day all except for our Tampa Bay Ray's as the Yanks took 2 of 3 games this weekend. LATER
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Pictures from Friday day and night
Friday morning found me sawing up 2 large oak trees that I had sawed down last week. I was very warm and humid as you can tell by the sweaty shirt. Notice in the pics from the auction; peacock, turley, quinea, hens and roosters as well as billy goats, plus all of those crates are full of chickens.
Saturday
Well this morning brought us warm temp's and cloudy skies but no real rain. There were a couple sun showers a couple times during the day but only enough to briefly settle the dust. After our quiet times and a lite breakfast I headed out to check on the gardens and pick wine berries.
Nancy had a late night Friday night as she went down to Wilkesboro with friend Mechelle to the red neck chicken auction, actually they sold goats, turkeys, duck, peacocks, bunnies and chickens plus whatever you couldn't sell at a garage sale. There were hundreds of chickens for sale and she was amazed at how many people came for such a sale. It was close to midnight when she got home and wired after the ride back up the mountain. I think she enjoyed seeing another side of the country life of "mountain folk."
Around mid morning we took off on our hike but got to the top of the back trail and a sun shower ran us back to the cabin just as we got down the mountain it stopped and the sun brightened up so we took the golf cart and went visiting. We stopped and talked with Shirley for awhile as she was up with grand daughter Josie and one of her friends for just 2 nights. After leaving her place we drove up the back road to the top of our road then left the golf cart and hiked the rest of the way for our normal hike and picked the cart up on the way back down before heading home for lunch.
After lunch I got out the wild black berries and wine berries and we made 2 batches of jelly. It took us just a couple hours to do both even with the cleanup, we are getting good at this as this was our fifth batch of jelly this summer. I think we are jellied out and I had enough black berries to freeze 2 bags for cobbler for a later date. We just chilled until it was time to head over to the Luffman's for supper and Sequence. Kay had lots of fresh veggies out of the garden as well as hamburgers and warm fresh peach cobbler with ice cream for dessert. YUMM!! good eatin!!!
Well the guys finally broke the gals string of victories this summer with a convincing win of 5-3 and tons of laughter. It was a great evening of food and fellowship and to top it off the Ray's beat the Yankees as well. LATER
Nancy had a late night Friday night as she went down to Wilkesboro with friend Mechelle to the red neck chicken auction, actually they sold goats, turkeys, duck, peacocks, bunnies and chickens plus whatever you couldn't sell at a garage sale. There were hundreds of chickens for sale and she was amazed at how many people came for such a sale. It was close to midnight when she got home and wired after the ride back up the mountain. I think she enjoyed seeing another side of the country life of "mountain folk."
Around mid morning we took off on our hike but got to the top of the back trail and a sun shower ran us back to the cabin just as we got down the mountain it stopped and the sun brightened up so we took the golf cart and went visiting. We stopped and talked with Shirley for awhile as she was up with grand daughter Josie and one of her friends for just 2 nights. After leaving her place we drove up the back road to the top of our road then left the golf cart and hiked the rest of the way for our normal hike and picked the cart up on the way back down before heading home for lunch.
After lunch I got out the wild black berries and wine berries and we made 2 batches of jelly. It took us just a couple hours to do both even with the cleanup, we are getting good at this as this was our fifth batch of jelly this summer. I think we are jellied out and I had enough black berries to freeze 2 bags for cobbler for a later date. We just chilled until it was time to head over to the Luffman's for supper and Sequence. Kay had lots of fresh veggies out of the garden as well as hamburgers and warm fresh peach cobbler with ice cream for dessert. YUMM!! good eatin!!!
Well the guys finally broke the gals string of victories this summer with a convincing win of 5-3 and tons of laughter. It was a great evening of food and fellowship and to top it off the Ray's beat the Yankees as well. LATER
Friday, July 16, 2010
Friday
Well what a busy day with the temps once again getting into the middle 80's. After our quiet time Nancy fixed a plate of buckwheat cakes with a couple homegrown brown eggs thanks to Jodi for the cackleberry's. I headed out to workup the 2 oak trees I had cut down while Tyler was here last week. Did I ever work up a sweat as well, at least they are now stove length and all I have to do is split them. Around 11 Am Nancy was ready for her morning hike so I had to change clothes and get ready to walk. Was it ever hot on top of the mountain.
After the hike I finished sawing the oak trees and got ready for a nice fresh garden salad as well as finishing up the tuna noodle casserole from last night. I knew I needed to eat big as I wouldn't be eating again until after 9 PM tonight. After lunch I did a little maintenance on the chainsaw when neighbors George and Gail came by for a visit. They stayed for about an hour just before Mechelle came to pick up Nancy for their trip to Wilkesboro and the chicken auction. They left around 3:30 so I read a little and then looked for bait as I was going to go fishing after picking blackberries.
I headed over to Helen's around 5 and picked berries until around 7 PM. I picked at least a gallon or more before heading to the pond. I caught 3 really nice bass and a couple a little ones. Should be enough when we have Helen and Joe over next week for supper. I got home around 8:30 and then filleted the fish and put a couple frozen burgers on for supper. It was 9:30 before I ate and Nancy still wasn't home. Well its been a fun busy day. LATER
After the hike I finished sawing the oak trees and got ready for a nice fresh garden salad as well as finishing up the tuna noodle casserole from last night. I knew I needed to eat big as I wouldn't be eating again until after 9 PM tonight. After lunch I did a little maintenance on the chainsaw when neighbors George and Gail came by for a visit. They stayed for about an hour just before Mechelle came to pick up Nancy for their trip to Wilkesboro and the chicken auction. They left around 3:30 so I read a little and then looked for bait as I was going to go fishing after picking blackberries.
I headed over to Helen's around 5 and picked berries until around 7 PM. I picked at least a gallon or more before heading to the pond. I caught 3 really nice bass and a couple a little ones. Should be enough when we have Helen and Joe over next week for supper. I got home around 8:30 and then filleted the fish and put a couple frozen burgers on for supper. It was 9:30 before I ate and Nancy still wasn't home. Well its been a fun busy day. LATER
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Thursday
Well it was a beautiful morning with temps in the 60's and just slightly cloudy with a breeze. After our quiet times I did a garden check while waiting for Nancy to make an old fashion country breakfast of fried eggs, hash browns, bacon and toast. Wow was that ever good eatin' and it held me until 1 PM when I ate a couple peanut butter crackers and finish off the remains of a liter of opened coke. I don't usually drink any sodas but hate to see anything go to waste.
After breakfast I hung a couple loads of laundry and worked in the garden pulling weeds, picking beans and wine berries. Nancy was taking off with Jodi to Sparta so I weed whacked the yard then separated a couple geraniums, repotted a couple marigolds and then transplanted about 50 radish seedlings that were about and inch tall. She got back around 3 then got ready to head out with a hike to the top with Jodi and her 2 boys. I rested until it was time to pick up Gerald and head out to Roaring Gap to meet up with Ted and Craig for some pickle ball. It was a little warm but the play was fast and furious and we had some great points. We each played the best of 3 games with each pardner twice and had some super points. We played for nearly 2 hours before Gerald and I decided we'd had enough and head out with Ted and Craig still playing.
Nancy had made one of her favorite dishes of tuna noodle casserole for diner which fit the situation perfect as I got home long after she had eaten. After eating we worked out in the yard until nearly 9 PM as temp's had dropped back to real comfortable. Well it was a fun busy day for me as well as Nancy got to buddy around with Jodi. They did downtown Sparta and had lunch at the local hospital lunchroom which is open to the public.
Well tomorrow will be a fun day after lunch as I intend on doing some chainsaw work with the 2 large oak trees I cut down last week in the morning. After lunch I'm heading over to pick black berries for jelly and cobblers then do a little fishing while Nancy heads out with friend Mechelle to the red neck chicken auction in Wilkesboro. Should be a real experience for her, hope she doesn't take up dipping while there. LATER
After breakfast I hung a couple loads of laundry and worked in the garden pulling weeds, picking beans and wine berries. Nancy was taking off with Jodi to Sparta so I weed whacked the yard then separated a couple geraniums, repotted a couple marigolds and then transplanted about 50 radish seedlings that were about and inch tall. She got back around 3 then got ready to head out with a hike to the top with Jodi and her 2 boys. I rested until it was time to pick up Gerald and head out to Roaring Gap to meet up with Ted and Craig for some pickle ball. It was a little warm but the play was fast and furious and we had some great points. We each played the best of 3 games with each pardner twice and had some super points. We played for nearly 2 hours before Gerald and I decided we'd had enough and head out with Ted and Craig still playing.
Nancy had made one of her favorite dishes of tuna noodle casserole for diner which fit the situation perfect as I got home long after she had eaten. After eating we worked out in the yard until nearly 9 PM as temp's had dropped back to real comfortable. Well it was a fun busy day for me as well as Nancy got to buddy around with Jodi. They did downtown Sparta and had lunch at the local hospital lunchroom which is open to the public.
Well tomorrow will be a fun day after lunch as I intend on doing some chainsaw work with the 2 large oak trees I cut down last week in the morning. After lunch I'm heading over to pick black berries for jelly and cobblers then do a little fishing while Nancy heads out with friend Mechelle to the red neck chicken auction in Wilkesboro. Should be a real experience for her, hope she doesn't take up dipping while there. LATER
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Wednesday
Wow would you believe I'm posting before 6 PM as we are heading down to Jodi and Gerald's for games after a lite supper. The morning found us with nice temp's and partly cloudy skies which eventually turned to bright shinny skies with temps in the low 80's and no humidity. After our quiet times I did a check on the gardens and found just a few slugs and a good stomp on the ground took care of them.
We or I got a couple loads of laundry on the lines before we headed out to Galax to meet up with friends from Seminole, Fl. We had lunch with the Paynes's and another couple who live in Woodlawn and also visit Seminole in the winter. After lunch we visited for an hour before heading over to Walmart to get a few supplies for jelly making and some yeast for my black berry wine makings. We were back at the cabin around 3 PM.
I put together the must and set it upstairs where it stays warm then we took off on a good long hike with Jodi and Gabriel and had a good workout. We stopped and visited with the Cline's for awhile before heading down off the top. We agreed to get together at 6:30 for cards and domino's and Nancy made a fresh wine berry cobbler from berries I picked first thing this morning. Yumm was that ever good coated with whipped cream. We headed for home around 10 PM. Tomorrow I've scheduled a pickle ball match at 5 with 3 other guys. Should be a good workout. I checked the seeds I planted on Monday and have new radishes up as well as the onion sets are sprouting green. LATER
We or I got a couple loads of laundry on the lines before we headed out to Galax to meet up with friends from Seminole, Fl. We had lunch with the Paynes's and another couple who live in Woodlawn and also visit Seminole in the winter. After lunch we visited for an hour before heading over to Walmart to get a few supplies for jelly making and some yeast for my black berry wine makings. We were back at the cabin around 3 PM.
I put together the must and set it upstairs where it stays warm then we took off on a good long hike with Jodi and Gabriel and had a good workout. We stopped and visited with the Cline's for awhile before heading down off the top. We agreed to get together at 6:30 for cards and domino's and Nancy made a fresh wine berry cobbler from berries I picked first thing this morning. Yumm was that ever good coated with whipped cream. We headed for home around 10 PM. Tomorrow I've scheduled a pickle ball match at 5 with 3 other guys. Should be a good workout. I checked the seeds I planted on Monday and have new radishes up as well as the onion sets are sprouting green. LATER
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Tuesday
Well it was another cloudy, rainy at times day with temps in the 70's. After our quiet times and some fresh fruit and nut bread for breakfast I headed out to check on the gardens. No damage last night and the rain gauge showed we had about a 1/2 inch yesterday. We got ready to head over to our "mountain mom" to pick wild black berries. On the way in to her house a red tail hawk was on the ground beside the driveway when we noticed he was setting on what looked like a fresh killed rabbit. He tried to fly off with the bunny a couple times but it was too heavy. What great pictures if only we had brought our camera with us. The hawk flew off into a tree near his kill and waited until we passed by.
We picked about 2 1/2 gallons of berries in about 2 hours, enough to start a 5 gallon bucket of must for some blackberry wine. I will add the sugar and yeast tomorrow. The field where we picked was just loaded with ripe berries and tons of red berries waiting to ripen. There should be plenty for jelly and cobblers. After lunch we headed out for a long hike and ran into our old friends and neighbors, Ann and Sandy Cline. They have been traveling around the country in their motor home and today was the first we have seen them this year. We visited and caught up on all that's been happening since we last saw them last November.
Nancy sauteed some onion, garlic and Zucchini squash in olive oil which we spooned over white rice. I fried up some Balsa fish on the grille and Nancy cooked some fresh apples in cinnamon and butter. Yikes was that ever a good tasting supper. After cleaning up we headed down to Jodi and Geralds for games. We started a game of Spades of which the guys were ahead when Ray and Audine came by so we switched to Sequence and once again the gals handed it to us guys with a win by a 6-4 margin. I can't believe they are that good or lucky. We played until nearly 11 PM. Tomorrow we are off to Galax, VA. for some shopping and to meet with dear friends from Florida for lunch at Flossie's. LATER
We picked about 2 1/2 gallons of berries in about 2 hours, enough to start a 5 gallon bucket of must for some blackberry wine. I will add the sugar and yeast tomorrow. The field where we picked was just loaded with ripe berries and tons of red berries waiting to ripen. There should be plenty for jelly and cobblers. After lunch we headed out for a long hike and ran into our old friends and neighbors, Ann and Sandy Cline. They have been traveling around the country in their motor home and today was the first we have seen them this year. We visited and caught up on all that's been happening since we last saw them last November.
Nancy sauteed some onion, garlic and Zucchini squash in olive oil which we spooned over white rice. I fried up some Balsa fish on the grille and Nancy cooked some fresh apples in cinnamon and butter. Yikes was that ever a good tasting supper. After cleaning up we headed down to Jodi and Geralds for games. We started a game of Spades of which the guys were ahead when Ray and Audine came by so we switched to Sequence and once again the gals handed it to us guys with a win by a 6-4 margin. I can't believe they are that good or lucky. We played until nearly 11 PM. Tomorrow we are off to Galax, VA. for some shopping and to meet with dear friends from Florida for lunch at Flossie's. LATER
Monday, July 12, 2010
Monday
Wow was it a different day weather wise from last week, I don't believe it got over 70 all day long especially with rain and fog throughout the day. After our quiet times and lite breakfast I did a check around for deer damage and pulled a few zuchinni squash as well as some cukes. The garden is starting to produce a little especially since we've had rain.
We got in a morning hike and I decided to help an elderly friend on top of the mountain to get his wood in for the winter but once I got there the rain became so heavy I had to quit. I'll try another day as it rained about .6 tenths of an inch throughout the day. After a lunch of a fresh salad we made 10 jars of wineberry jelly that we picked from the bushes in our yards. After that clean up I read for a couple hours before picking some fresh Swiss Chard for supper. That along with new spuds and smoked chicken made for a tasty supper.
Afterwards we headed down to Jodi and Gerald's to play cards and the girls once again beat us guys in 2 games of spades and 1 game of hearts. It was the girls night once again to win. Well its late and we are supposed to pick wild black berries tomorrow over at our "mountain moms" field. LATER
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Sunday
Quiet day with church in the morning at Cornerstone and leftovers for lunch then the Dalton Family came by for Sequence. I've got a head cold nothing to serious so will cut this short for tonight. Later
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Saturday
Well it was a cool overcast morning which only saddened us that much more as we were helping Amy and Tyler get ready to leave for Florida and of course taking Ava and Samuel with them. We had a great visit marred only by the high heat temps in the middle of the week. Nancy and I shed a few tears as they drove off around 7:30 and we learned they made it home about 12 hours later with an uneventful trip, thankfully!!!
We spent the rest of the morning keeping busy to minimize the lack of noise and activity; we did 3 loads of laundry, changed all the sheets, vaccummed and I did some garden work as well as sawed up one of the big oak trees I cut down yesterday. Afterwards we took our first hike to the top and came back to a hardy lunch of potato salad, chicken breast on a bed of lettuce with Greek dressing.
We headed over to a friends house to pick summer apples from a tree that was just loaded with apples. We picked several dozen and were they ever good eatin'. After a couple stops on the way home we stopped and gave a bag of them to our "mountain mom" then distributed about a dozen and a half to 5 other families in our neighborhood. Speaking of the 'hood, our neck of the woods literally we have been invaded we know at least by one black bear as the neighbor has a picture and this bear is a cub so we feel sure momma bear is around as well. Seems another neighbor had something(according to the tracks in the gravel) it was a bear, charge a friends dog who happened to be visiting her place after dark last night.
Well we made it back before dark after delivering apples and visiting with 5 different families. The temps have cooled off considerably so we have closed the windows. Tomorrow is worship Sunday at Cornerstone in Sparta. Its been 3 weeks since we've seen our church family there and we are looking forward to re-connecting. LATER
We spent the rest of the morning keeping busy to minimize the lack of noise and activity; we did 3 loads of laundry, changed all the sheets, vaccummed and I did some garden work as well as sawed up one of the big oak trees I cut down yesterday. Afterwards we took our first hike to the top and came back to a hardy lunch of potato salad, chicken breast on a bed of lettuce with Greek dressing.
We headed over to a friends house to pick summer apples from a tree that was just loaded with apples. We picked several dozen and were they ever good eatin'. After a couple stops on the way home we stopped and gave a bag of them to our "mountain mom" then distributed about a dozen and a half to 5 other families in our neighborhood. Speaking of the 'hood, our neck of the woods literally we have been invaded we know at least by one black bear as the neighbor has a picture and this bear is a cub so we feel sure momma bear is around as well. Seems another neighbor had something(according to the tracks in the gravel) it was a bear, charge a friends dog who happened to be visiting her place after dark last night.
Well we made it back before dark after delivering apples and visiting with 5 different families. The temps have cooled off considerably so we have closed the windows. Tomorrow is worship Sunday at Cornerstone in Sparta. Its been 3 weeks since we've seen our church family there and we are looking forward to re-connecting. LATER
Thursday and Friday
Well once again it was another above normal HOT day and no rain with bright blue skies and sunshine. The kids were having such a great time with all of the grand parent attention and of course we were loving it as well. We decided after the run down the mountain on Wednesday afternoon we would stay close to the cabin and maybe get in another hike, wash clothes, do a little more creeking with just Ava, Tyler and myself and then after supper go over and visit the Daltons and all their critters. So after a great supper of burgers on the grill, homemade 'tater salad on regular salad with a splash of Greek dressing we headed out.
After a stop at Lowes grocery for a couple whole chickens so we could do beer-in-the-rear on Friday we made it to the Daltons. Ava was just enamored with the chickens, new born calf and horses as well as their 2 dogs and cats. That was the first we had seen the gang since before we headed to Florida for Fathers Day. Just as we got ready to leave it started to rain and what a welcomed sight that was as we had been dry for several days which required me watering the gardens by hand. Anyhow the closer we got to the cabin there was less evidence of any falling rain and we never got a drop that evening although heat lightening was everywhere. Finally on Friday evening about dark the skies clouded up and we received a total of about 1/2 inch of the beautiful thirst quenching rain. The temps dropped from the upper 80's to the upper 60's in just a few minutes.
Friday found us visiting with Ms. Helen so she could see the babies one more time as they were leaving this morning(Sat) around 7 AM. We had a good visit and of course she fixed Ava up with a bag of jelly beans. We headed back home to a lunch of leftover burgers and I put 2 whole chickens in the smoker with Bud's-in-the-bottoms with lots of fresh herbs stuffed in there as well. Yumm was that ever good an juicy and brown to boot. Amy thought that was the best chicken she had ever eaten. We had some home canned bird egg beans(October beans)my oldest sister, Josie presented to me while we were in Va. on our Winchester Trip. Tyler had never eaten them and was pleasantly surprised with their flavor especially when you ladle them over white rice. What a super supper and it looks as if Nancy and I will have enough leftovers for a couple meals.
We took lots of golf cart rides to the top of the mountain with Ava and Samuel after supper while the kids cleaned up the dishes then they took off for their ride. It was a fun time and we were anticipating their leaving in the morning as they packed and got ready. Ava cried she didn't want to leave the cabin but was later pacified when she got to stay up a little late as we played a couple card games. Amy won Hearts and Tyler won Golf. We played games every night and never watched TV.
Well its sure quiet around here this morning after the kids left for Florida. When they arrived a week ago Friday it was cool almost cold in the morning and as they left this morning it had cooled off a little but they sure saw some very hot days in between while here. I think some heat records were set and I know that is the hottest I've ever experienced here since we've becoming in 1992. The welcomed rain was a relief. I will post some pics for those who aren't on Face Book of their visit the past couple days. LATER
After a stop at Lowes grocery for a couple whole chickens so we could do beer-in-the-rear on Friday we made it to the Daltons. Ava was just enamored with the chickens, new born calf and horses as well as their 2 dogs and cats. That was the first we had seen the gang since before we headed to Florida for Fathers Day. Just as we got ready to leave it started to rain and what a welcomed sight that was as we had been dry for several days which required me watering the gardens by hand. Anyhow the closer we got to the cabin there was less evidence of any falling rain and we never got a drop that evening although heat lightening was everywhere. Finally on Friday evening about dark the skies clouded up and we received a total of about 1/2 inch of the beautiful thirst quenching rain. The temps dropped from the upper 80's to the upper 60's in just a few minutes.
Friday found us visiting with Ms. Helen so she could see the babies one more time as they were leaving this morning(Sat) around 7 AM. We had a good visit and of course she fixed Ava up with a bag of jelly beans. We headed back home to a lunch of leftover burgers and I put 2 whole chickens in the smoker with Bud's-in-the-bottoms with lots of fresh herbs stuffed in there as well. Yumm was that ever good an juicy and brown to boot. Amy thought that was the best chicken she had ever eaten. We had some home canned bird egg beans(October beans)my oldest sister, Josie presented to me while we were in Va. on our Winchester Trip. Tyler had never eaten them and was pleasantly surprised with their flavor especially when you ladle them over white rice. What a super supper and it looks as if Nancy and I will have enough leftovers for a couple meals.
We took lots of golf cart rides to the top of the mountain with Ava and Samuel after supper while the kids cleaned up the dishes then they took off for their ride. It was a fun time and we were anticipating their leaving in the morning as they packed and got ready. Ava cried she didn't want to leave the cabin but was later pacified when she got to stay up a little late as we played a couple card games. Amy won Hearts and Tyler won Golf. We played games every night and never watched TV.
Well its sure quiet around here this morning after the kids left for Florida. When they arrived a week ago Friday it was cool almost cold in the morning and as they left this morning it had cooled off a little but they sure saw some very hot days in between while here. I think some heat records were set and I know that is the hottest I've ever experienced here since we've becoming in 1992. The welcomed rain was a relief. I will post some pics for those who aren't on Face Book of their visit the past couple days. LATER
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Tuesday and Wednesday
Well its been a whirl wind visit but on Tuesday we just let the kids relax and stay out of their car seats plus its was down right hot, but thankfully the humidity was low so it was tolerable. It nearly reached 90 degrees in the shade but the basement was a relief with temps in the cool 60's. After the usual routine of course by usual I mean with Ava awake at anywhere from 6:30 to 7:00 and her wanting her "kids shows" and a snack Nancy fixed a big breakfast of cakes, eggs and ham. We decided since it was so hot we would do some "creeking" in the middle of the afternoon, well that was a hoot and Ava just had a ball. We found salamanders, water bugs and little craw daddy's plus the water was down right refreshing. The springs that feed this little stream of water was cold and about 3-4 inches deep.
We just chilled the rest of the day and Nancy marinated some chicken breasts for supper along with a super garden salad most of which came from my garden as well as some baked sweet 'taters. After we got the kids down we played some cards until nearly 11:30.
Wednesday found us once again with forecast of really high temps for the mountains so we did a hike on the back road which kept us in the trees and shade. I carried Samuel and Tyler carried Ava and she soon became tired. It was a good hike and afterwards we got really to have lunch and get ready to head down off the mountain to the Ragapple Lassie Winery. The temps rose steadily as we headed down the mountain to Boonville. It was 97 when we arrived and once again we were thankful for the a/c. We tried several and settled for a Merlot, Cabernet and a Chardonnay. The wines are estate wines(grown on the premises) and they have a neat Holstein cow facade, actually the winery is named after the owners prize cow.
We stopped off and did a little shopping at Walmart on the way home and Nancy made a superb pasta dish with fresh basil, oregano, dill and Roma 'maters as well as another super fresh salad. After it cooled off a little the kids took golf carts rides and I got a nice campfire going for smores. After the smores I burned tons of trash of which little Samuel contributed greatly. After the kids were in bed we played cards, ate pop corn and sunflower seeds until after 11. Well its been a fun day with Ava and Samuel entertaining us with his smiles and cooing and Ava with her finding and playing with bugs and worms. LATER
We just chilled the rest of the day and Nancy marinated some chicken breasts for supper along with a super garden salad most of which came from my garden as well as some baked sweet 'taters. After we got the kids down we played some cards until nearly 11:30.
Wednesday found us once again with forecast of really high temps for the mountains so we did a hike on the back road which kept us in the trees and shade. I carried Samuel and Tyler carried Ava and she soon became tired. It was a good hike and afterwards we got really to have lunch and get ready to head down off the mountain to the Ragapple Lassie Winery. The temps rose steadily as we headed down the mountain to Boonville. It was 97 when we arrived and once again we were thankful for the a/c. We tried several and settled for a Merlot, Cabernet and a Chardonnay. The wines are estate wines(grown on the premises) and they have a neat Holstein cow facade, actually the winery is named after the owners prize cow.
We stopped off and did a little shopping at Walmart on the way home and Nancy made a superb pasta dish with fresh basil, oregano, dill and Roma 'maters as well as another super fresh salad. After it cooled off a little the kids took golf carts rides and I got a nice campfire going for smores. After the smores I burned tons of trash of which little Samuel contributed greatly. After the kids were in bed we played cards, ate pop corn and sunflower seeds until after 11. Well its been a fun day with Ava and Samuel entertaining us with his smiles and cooing and Ava with her finding and playing with bugs and worms. LATER
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Saturday, Sunday and Monday
Well we are busy with loving up on grand babies and of course Amy and Tyler. Its been cool both Friday, Saturday and Sunday morning of course all of that is about to change starting with Tuesday morning and for the rest of the week as high hot temps will possibly break records for the area. We got a hike in on Friday and got to watch the downtown parade in Sparta Saturday afternoon. Ava loved the parade as she was given lots of candy that was passed out. We had some great suppers along with a fresh black raspberry cobbler for dessert. We had neighbors Gerald, Jodi and Gabe up for games after supper and had much fun until late.
Sunday we headed out to Winchester, that's the area where I grew up, actually I grew up in a small community of Mountain Falls with a small store that had a post office and a gas pump. The store has long closed but is being refurbished. We visited with friend Adeline(Paw Paw's widow female friend) for just a few minutes as she was under the weather, then we headed to Mountain Falls. I showed the kids where I lived with my grand mother before being being taken in by Paw Paw. He and Joanne gave me a stable home life along with 3 sister's Josie, Pat and Dee. My grand mother's house is in shambles and in need of repair even though its occupied. It was sad to see its present condition. Afterwards we headed over to the home place where I lived until after graduating from high school. The place had lots of changes but the land was the pretty much the same except for a huge power line that transected the middle of the property. The people who live ther now were really cordial to me when they found out that I grew up there in the 50's and 60's. They invited me in to see the insides which were unrecognizable except for the stair bannister and the stain glass in the front door which was part of the original house. There had been 3 previous owners of the place prior to the existing owners and were they ever interested in what the original house looked like. All of the original out building were gone as well as most of the landscaping. We spent about an hour there before heading out to make an impromptu stop at my Aunt Nancy's.
I hadn't visited with her for many years and she remembered me instantly although she is suffering from the usual age related health issues. Her husband passed several years ago and while she has a daughter that lives close by she is alone. It was great to see her and introduce her to Ava and Samuel. After leaving her place we traveled down the road which I rode a school bus for years before getting my license. My old high school is still an architectural masterpiece for a county high school and has now been turned into a middle school. We then headed in to the town of Winchester to meet up with Paw Paw at his house.
We visited for about an hour before we headed to Cracker Barrel to meet up with oldest sister Josie and her son BJ, middle sister Pat made a quick appearance but did not eat and youngest sister Dee. We had a sumptuous meal as we had skipped lunch. After eating we visited in the parking lot and took a few pics before heading out to Dee's house. I must comment about the high temps and heat as we saw the near 100 degree mark. It was really hard on the Ava and Samuel and thankfully Dee's house was fully air conditioned.
We had a good restful night there and awakened to a beautiful sunrise in the Shenandoah Valley. Dee prepared a beautiful and very tasty breakfast casserole as well as a tasty fresh fruit salad. Ava and Bonnie( Dee's dog) has a good time playing outside until Pat and her gang showed up. After viusiting with them we packed up and headed over to Pizza Hut for lunch. After a tasty lunch, lots of laughter and visiting we headed out for the cabin with the temps close to the triple digits. It was a busy highway south on I-81 and we finally made the Walmart in Galax around 5 PM. After a quick stop for supplies and gas we headed home. Everything looked fine as we saw both the flower and veggie gardens had survived any deer damage. I must mention we saw at a dozen deer carcasses along I-81 on our way up and back.
Well last night after a fresh garden salad for supper be put the kids to bed and cranked up the attic fan and opened a couple windows in the cool basement which drew the cool air up an into the upstairs bedroom. I think today we are talking about installing a window a/c unit in the upstairs to make it a little more comfortable for sleeping up there. Samuel and Tyler has a restless night, while downstairs was comfortable as we slept with a sheet and blanket. This morning (Tuesday) it was 60 degrees when we rolled out at 7:30. Later
Sunday we headed out to Winchester, that's the area where I grew up, actually I grew up in a small community of Mountain Falls with a small store that had a post office and a gas pump. The store has long closed but is being refurbished. We visited with friend Adeline(Paw Paw's widow female friend) for just a few minutes as she was under the weather, then we headed to Mountain Falls. I showed the kids where I lived with my grand mother before being being taken in by Paw Paw. He and Joanne gave me a stable home life along with 3 sister's Josie, Pat and Dee. My grand mother's house is in shambles and in need of repair even though its occupied. It was sad to see its present condition. Afterwards we headed over to the home place where I lived until after graduating from high school. The place had lots of changes but the land was the pretty much the same except for a huge power line that transected the middle of the property. The people who live ther now were really cordial to me when they found out that I grew up there in the 50's and 60's. They invited me in to see the insides which were unrecognizable except for the stair bannister and the stain glass in the front door which was part of the original house. There had been 3 previous owners of the place prior to the existing owners and were they ever interested in what the original house looked like. All of the original out building were gone as well as most of the landscaping. We spent about an hour there before heading out to make an impromptu stop at my Aunt Nancy's.
I hadn't visited with her for many years and she remembered me instantly although she is suffering from the usual age related health issues. Her husband passed several years ago and while she has a daughter that lives close by she is alone. It was great to see her and introduce her to Ava and Samuel. After leaving her place we traveled down the road which I rode a school bus for years before getting my license. My old high school is still an architectural masterpiece for a county high school and has now been turned into a middle school. We then headed in to the town of Winchester to meet up with Paw Paw at his house.
We visited for about an hour before we headed to Cracker Barrel to meet up with oldest sister Josie and her son BJ, middle sister Pat made a quick appearance but did not eat and youngest sister Dee. We had a sumptuous meal as we had skipped lunch. After eating we visited in the parking lot and took a few pics before heading out to Dee's house. I must comment about the high temps and heat as we saw the near 100 degree mark. It was really hard on the Ava and Samuel and thankfully Dee's house was fully air conditioned.
We had a good restful night there and awakened to a beautiful sunrise in the Shenandoah Valley. Dee prepared a beautiful and very tasty breakfast casserole as well as a tasty fresh fruit salad. Ava and Bonnie( Dee's dog) has a good time playing outside until Pat and her gang showed up. After viusiting with them we packed up and headed over to Pizza Hut for lunch. After a tasty lunch, lots of laughter and visiting we headed out for the cabin with the temps close to the triple digits. It was a busy highway south on I-81 and we finally made the Walmart in Galax around 5 PM. After a quick stop for supplies and gas we headed home. Everything looked fine as we saw both the flower and veggie gardens had survived any deer damage. I must mention we saw at a dozen deer carcasses along I-81 on our way up and back.
Well last night after a fresh garden salad for supper be put the kids to bed and cranked up the attic fan and opened a couple windows in the cool basement which drew the cool air up an into the upstairs bedroom. I think today we are talking about installing a window a/c unit in the upstairs to make it a little more comfortable for sleeping up there. Samuel and Tyler has a restless night, while downstairs was comfortable as we slept with a sheet and blanket. This morning (Tuesday) it was 60 degrees when we rolled out at 7:30. Later
Friday, July 2, 2010
Thursday and Friday
Well what a busy last couple of days as we were getting ready for Amy and Tyler with Ava and Samuel coming for the next week or so. Lots of yard work on Thursday after the usual morning routine of quiet time, oatmeal with fruit for breakfast and of course a check for deer and slug damage. All is well with the gardens except for the beetles and lack of rain. Thursday after a couple of hikes we headed down to Jodi and Geralds for some sequence with the old gang and once more the gals stole the last game from us and even tonight(Friday) they(Nancy, Jodi and Amy) beat us guys(Tyler, Gabriel and me) again. What's happening to our winning ways??
Friday morning at 5:30 AM the kids arrived from Florida and we had a full and busy day with; golf cart rides, running up and down the hills, relaxing on the porch in 70 degree weather(it was close to 50 this AM in some areas) reading, wagon rides and then fishing. Ava caught her first fish and then several more before she had fished enough. Tyler caught a nice couple pound er and I was skunked with no take homes. The weather was ideal and no too hot.
Tomorrow is another busy one as we will take off to visit friends farm, ride horses for the babies and then to town for the parade. I can barely keep my eyes open, LATER
Friday morning at 5:30 AM the kids arrived from Florida and we had a full and busy day with; golf cart rides, running up and down the hills, relaxing on the porch in 70 degree weather(it was close to 50 this AM in some areas) reading, wagon rides and then fishing. Ava caught her first fish and then several more before she had fished enough. Tyler caught a nice couple pound er and I was skunked with no take homes. The weather was ideal and no too hot.
Tomorrow is another busy one as we will take off to visit friends farm, ride horses for the babies and then to town for the parade. I can barely keep my eyes open, LATER
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