Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Monday-Memorial Day

Well after a really good nights sleep(we change pillows) we actually slept in for the first time until nearly 7 AM. After our quiet time Nancy started on our first full mountain breakfast; fried ham, eggs and buckwheat cakes with a banana in the batter. She made enough cakes for the next couple mornings as I like them leftover. The dew was dripping from the tin roof and the birds were singing and other than a crow cawing in the distance is was very still with temp's in the 60's.Just another beautiful morning with the air so fresh and never breathed before.

I headed out to check on the gardens and now that the rain has held off for a couple days the gardens are starting to dry up so I can get in there and work the ground. I lost several seedlings but that is to be expected but several are thriving and I expect will make it to bear fruit. The flowers we bought are doing well and the petunias are beautiful with their multi-colors. I still have seeds breaking ground such as; okra, zinnias, lettuce(black seeded Simpson)and cukes. The potato's are really starting to get big as well as the tomato's that made it. I have radishes and beets up as well as the green onions are about 4-6 inches in height over night. The warm nights really bring on the growth. The grass is getting high once again but will try to hold off closer to the week-end before mowing.

I headed out to rake and pick up rocks from the road that leads into the cabin off the main road as its been scraped a couple times since the rain. I picked up 2 golf cart loads and brought them back to the lower yard as I continue to build that area. Nancy and I said our good-bye's to Jodi, Gabe and Gerald as they were heading back to the Raleigh area. Sure was good to see them and we had some fun time, eating, visiting and playing games. We really appreciate their looking out for our place throughout the time we are away.

Nancy and I headed out on a late morning hike and it had started to really warm by then. We visited with Mike and Nancy on top for awhile before heading back down as it was nearly 1:30 and the mountain breakfast was wearing thin, so it was leftovers for me and salad for Nancy. After lunch I headed out to spread fertilizer on the backwoods yard and did that ever work up a sweat as it back and forth and up and down the hill, yikes I should be a stick with all this walking. I did some more roto-tilling(thanks to Gerald for showing how to put the belt back on the machine)in the lower garden as the heavy rains had it packed down. I then set out my "saved dozen cabbage plants" I bought for a buck and the kale seedlings. The herb bed seedlings were really starting to wilt so I filled up the bean sprayer and gave them a little drink even though the ground was still somewhat damp, that seemed to bring them back to life.

Well after cleaning up we got ready to head over to the Dalton Farm for a Memorial Day cookout with them and Mechelle's folk, Gerald and Kay. Both Andy and I served in the military, he in Dessert Storm and I in Viet Nam. Andy had rib eyes on the grill and Nancy made oven spuds and we had salad out of the garden, bread and Kay had made a cobbler(Andy and I passed on dessert) and later we cut into the chilled watermelon. We played a little "corn hole" and Caleb has enlisted me to pardner with him this Saturday in a tournament in Sparta. He is a tough little competitor but we will probably have to play against his P-Pa(Gerald) and his dad who are really good. Anyhow should be fun and I'm honored to be asked to play especially as a rookie.

Well we got into a sequence game after supper and the boys won the first game convincingly but after that it was all down hill except for a draw game, once again the boys were sleeping with winners. It was loud and boisterous!! We finally headed out after dark and we were bushed after such a busy day. The neighbors dogs barked late and the coyotes woke me during the middle of the night, yipping. What happened to serenity? LATER

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Sunday

Well once again I was awake at 6 AM as we started to get really for church and get a ham ready for baking along with a squash casserole for the dinner after the concert at Cornerstone. We were entertained and ministered to by a Bluegrass gospel quartet titled Priority Blue who are a homegrown group. After the concert we had about 125 folks who stayed and ate lunch(dinner). We had tons of delicious food and plenty to go around.

After getting home from church I worked outside with my seedlings loosening up the packed soil. I was ready for a nap but decided to watch a little of the French Open tennis before we had to get ready to head over to our small group at Clara and Clarence's house. We had a super time and the food was excellent, afterwards we played cornhole. This is game where you throw bean bags filled with corn through a small opening in a box spaced 27 feet apart.

Well we just got home after a full day so I will sign off for now, LATER

Saturday

Well it was a busy day with lots of company, but first the morning was ideal with such quietness the dew dripping from the roof was the only sound and finally a crow cawing in the distance. All of this started for me around 5:30 before I rolled out of bed at 6 AM. After my quiet time and a cup of green tea I poached a couple eggs on top of some instant grits and then finished the left over grilled steak from a couple nights ago. Steak and eggs for breakfast, Yummm!!!! We received a call about 7:30 from my youngest sister and niece Kelly, they were coming down for a short visit after all and would be here for lunch. Great!!! We had a super visit along with some KFC for lunch but would have liked it better if they could have spent the night and shared some smoked ribs I had on the cooker. The weather was perfect for their visit and Bonnie, their Jack Russell was a mess as she explored, dug for moles and had the run of the place. We were sad to see them go and are hoping to get together again during the Fiddlers Convention in August.

After Dee and Kelly left we got busy once again to prepare for our evening guests of Jodi, Gerald and Gabriel, Kimberly & Eddie and Ray & Audean. This is the old gang that have been having suppers and games(sequence)together for years. The ribs were plentiful as well as the mac and cheese, potato salad, green beans and strawberry shortcake(I once again was strong and stayed away from the delicious looking dessert). After we chowed down the game began with pretty much a tie through 4 games then they(gals) took control and blasted us the next 4 straight games. They were wallowing in the victory so much so that by 9:30 it was over. They even brought in a 12 yr old(Gabriel) to sit in and play a gal's hand and he was magnificent. Wasn't a good night for the guys.

Well we have another big day tomorrow as Priority Blue , a bluegrass gospel quartet will bring the message in song at Cornerstone then a sit down lunch for those in attendance. Nancy is making a large ham and a yellow squash casserole to contribute. Well better get out of here and its time to get ready for church, LATER!!!

Saturday, May 28, 2011

Friday

Well we awakened to a light rain sprinkle after a deluge on Thursday night that gave us over 2 inches of rain and what sounded like hail mixed it. We saw very little of the sun until late afternoon when it showed itself occasionally. After the usual morning start with 6 AM wake up(no alarm) for me, my quiet time and a bowl of oatmeal with fruit I headed out to check on the gardens. Nancy wanted to sleep a little but I was ready to roll. I remember a couple summers ago when we would sleep in until 9 AM or longer but for some reason those days have passed, anyhow I put together trash that couldn't be burned for the dumpster drop off and gathered a gas can as we were heading to the big city of Galax, Va.

We made several stops for flowers, fencing, groceries, gas and finally Subway for lunch. Wow was that ever tasty as its been awhile since we shared a foot long. After lunch we headed back to the cabin to transplanted petunias, cone flowers, snap dragons and cabbages plants. I found a real steal on a dozen plants that had been neglected for a buck, so I fed them and transplanted them into separate pots with good soil and I could tell the difference in just a couple hours. I don't think its too late to plant as its been so wet here for the locals. Anyhow we spent the afternoon working the flower beds, digging up rocks and I killed 3 moles that were tunneling underground through the yard as well as caught a pregnant mouse in the outhouse(tool shed).

After a supper of Zuppa soup we had frozen and brought with us from Florida along with a couple biscuits. It was in the 50's most of the day here with clouds and rain off and on, so the soup was dewisheous(Annsley's pronunciation). We were anxiously awaiting seeing neighbor and old friend Jodi and Gabriel as they were spending the weekend at their cabin located just below us. It had been 7-8 months since we last saw her and Gabe. Gerald her husband is here frequently and looks after our place and keeps the road scraped and in good shape and we are deeply appreciative of that as well. Anyhow around 8 PM Jodi called and had arrived so we walked down in the light drizzle and played 2 games of Spades which we the boys or men or whatever the gals call us(especially when they are losing) thoroughly trounced them in both games. Anyhow great start for the men this season but I thought we started the same way last year but was quickly informed that was not the way it was, anyhow it was fun to banter and renew old relationships.

We got back in time to watch our Tampa Bay Lightning lose to The Boston Bruins in a 1-0 game with the winners advancing onto the Stanley Cup finals next week. Heck of a game and we played hard, sure was a turn around with this new coach and several new players. We went to sleep with a soft rain beating on the tin roof around 11PM(wow can't believe I lasted that long). LATER

Friday, May 27, 2011

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Thursday

Well once again it was so quiet here this morning that I had trouble sleeping in after 6 AM so I rolled out and did my quiet time before Nancy got out of bed. We were scheduled to head up to the top and help with our old friend Norm to get his garden ready to plant. After a breakfast of poached eggs over grits and a left over roll I loaded the roto-tiller and did some garden hoeing while waiting for Nancy to get ready. We headed out a little before 9 and what a beautiful morning with temps in the 60's and a nice breeze.

I turned his garden over and removed some large rocks so big all I could was roll them out of the garden. I wonder how this patch of ground produced veggies on top of some of these rocks as they were that large, anyhow after turning the ground and Nancy picking up the smaller rocks I dug 5 post holes so Norm could fix the fence where the posts had broken off and needed replaced. I had worked up a good sweat and my shirt was soaken. We finished up around 11:30 and headed home. Norm had about a dozen tomato wire cages he was getting rid of so I brought them home and staked my dozen plus plants.

After a lite lunch we headed down below to restore, redress and paint new faces on our 4 scare crows. We had a funtime remembering when Ava was here last summer and how she loved the scare crows but was somewhat frightened by them as well. We had a couple chicken breasts along with some home canned green beans and a baked potato for supper. My how great the food tastes here. It was a day of little jobs except for the morning garden work. Norm was most appreciative. The roto-tiller threw the belt just as we finished Norm garden and it took my neighbor Gerald to show me what I was doing wrong in trying to get it back on track, some times I wonder about my mechanical abilities.

Well I just had my shower and its so relaxing afterwards I can hardly keep my eyes open so I will close for now as a rain shower just came through and the noise on the tin roof is very soothing and is downright making me sleepy. Its supposed to rain most of the day tomorrow so we will head to Galax to stock up on groceries, flowering annuals and other goodies. LATER

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Wednesday

Well what a busy day but a day that ended with a Scotty and the Lightning winning. A thrilling way to end the season of American Idol and there will be a game 7 in the Stanley Cup playoffs. What a game.

I did some yard work before heading down to the driveway where I raked away some of the gullies created by the 1 3/4 inches of rain we had in about an hour last night. When the dirt is wet its so much easier to work with especially in the roadway.I weed whacked the driveway then cut back the trees that border the driveway. I then loaded all of the cut limbs onto the golf cart and brought them back to my fire pit which I burned after supper. I had a quite a pile. After finishing up that project Nancy and I took off for our hike of the day. We took the long way around and up by Ray's cabin(actually it no longer belongs to him) and met him coming down off the top in his pickup truck. We visited with him for awhile before taking off to the top. We saw Jetta and visited with her then decided we were getting hungry so we cut the rest of the hike short and headed down through the back woods. It was nearly 1 PM and we were hungry.

After a light lunch I did some garden work down below as the rain last night washed gullies through my Swiss chard and green beans. I dug a trench around the garden to divert the heavy rains away from the planted areas. I then cleaned out 2 large trash cans of leaves from the fence then took the push mower and mulched them. After cleaning up that project I started on repairing scarecrows as our four are in pretty bad shape, some even without heads as the high winds blew them somewhere into the woods. We decided to take a break so we rode out to the mailbox to check the mail and ran into to Tim who lives at the foot of our drive. We visited with him for awhile then headed home for a light supper. Meanwhile Carson(Ray's grandson) came by on the golf cart for a short visit so we postponed supper for awhile. After he left we made roll ups with left over steak, cheese, sour cream and hot peppers along with a salad.

After supper I staked my beans and burned the trash with the limbs I cut today before taking a ride(golf cart) ride to the top. We saw Norm and made arrangements to meet him in the morning to help him plant his garden. I will put the roto-tiller on the golf cart and hopefully get it up to the top. After leaving Norm we saw Ann and Sandy Cline for the first this year so we stopped and visited with them for a few. It was nearly 8 PM so we wanted to get back to see the grand finale of American Idol. It was great to see Scotty win as he is really a nice person and very talented. I watched the Lightning get the series to even 3 games so the final game with them vs Boston is Friday night. Go Lightning!!! Well its been a non-stop day with getting of chores completed but I find myself enjoying all this physical work LATER

Pictures from the first couple days






For some reason Blogger will only allow me to post 5 pics at a time so here are a few from the other day. Nancy posted most of these on Facebook. I want the grand kids to read about us some time later in the ages so that's the reason for this rambling in this blog.Most of these pics are of the beautiful flowers that are starting to bloom.The last couple are of the finish mowed yard that took several cutting to reach this level.

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Tuesday

Well another busy day which started out with my quiet time, a bowl of oatmeal with blueberries and a banana and I was up before 6 AM. After a "spot of green tea" I headed out to check on the new seedlings and to just gather all of the mountain smells, sounds as well as the quietness that comes to this beautiful part of creation. Nancy was getting ready as we were heading to Sparta. After our visit at the telephone company we stopped at Lowes Grocery as we were entertaing Walt and Thelia for supper this evening. Walt was helping me install a new water shutoff valve in the well house. He talked me through the exercise as he is no longer able to get down on his knees especially in this well house even though I was able to jack up the top and slide it back enough to stand up but the cold wet cement made the knees ache. We managed to complete the project just before the skies opened up with 1 1/2 inches of rain in a short period of time.

We picked up a nice London Broil and marinated it all afternoon while we planted more seeds and I mowed the backwoods yard. I also weeded the garlic bed and fertilzed the foot in height plants. I then planted six hills of red potatoes that I had brought from my Florida garden. The weather showed a promise of thundershowers and boy did the clouds ever open up just as we finished the job. I started the grill and Nancy made her parsley and rosemary crusted oven taters as well a a pot of October beans(like pintos) and a fresh salad. We had a feast and were too full for dessert even if we had one. I really haven't missed dessert and its a bad habit to have one with evening meals.

I forgot to mention on the way home from Sparta we stopped to visit with our mountain mom, Helen. She loked great and was outside moving mulch and working with her tractor, wow is she incrediable for age. Well I'm fighting being sleepy as we just finished watching American Idol, go Scotty!!!!

Monday, May 23, 2011

More pics from Monday

Monday






Wow what a busy day with it starting around 6:30, at least I slept a little better with the soft rain beating on the tin roof so I was in bed by 10 and asleep by 10:01 After my quiet time and a cup of hot green tea I poached a couple eggs and mixed them up into a bowl of instant grits and washed that down with a V-8. Afterwards I headed out to tackle the back and upper yards as it was to wet to do anything else except use the weed whacker. I whacked the grass down to about 8 inches and let it set until after supper when the grass dried up enough to use the riding mower.

About 10 AM we headed up the back trail to take our first hike of the year. We only stopped once up the back trail and once we reached the lower road it was continuous walking until we stopped and visited Norm at his place. He lost his wife, Betty this year and he has had several different ailments since we saw him last November. I promised him if the rain held off I would roto-till his garden tomorrow. He is ready to set out his plants but not near as many since he is alone. After the hike we headed down to have a bit of lunch before I headed out to transplant some more seedlings. Nancy was weeding around the well house when she heard water spraying and sure enough the cut off valve had developed a pin hole leak. I tried to fix it but to no avail when I called my friend and plumber Walt who came out to take a look as to what we will need to correct the problem. He is coming back On Tuesday to re work the plumbing in the well house and will stay and have supper with us along with his sweet wife Theila.

After they left we worked on setting out marigolds, zinnias and nasturtiums and then moving more seedlings into large pots until it was time for supper. We had chicken picata(frozen from Sam's) which was superb along with some angel hair pasta. After eating Nancy cleaned up so I fired up the mower and worked over the the yard once again. Nancy came out and raked while I picked up sticks and limbs in the out back yard. Hopefully I can get it mowed in the next couple days. Well it was a full day never setting down at all except to eat and take a golf cart ride out to the mailbox just before supper, LATER

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Sunday

Well it was just a beautiful day here in N.C. There was plenty of sunshine yet just enough clouds to keep it comfortable as we worked in the yard and garden after church. Speaking of church it was so good to see all of our mountain friends once again after nearly 7 months. There was lots of hugs, handshakes and "we are glad your back home" again well wishers. There was a good crowd of about 175 to 200 folks at the service and afterwards we stopped off at Kerr drugs for a few things and the vegetable stand for fresh tomato's, squash and barbegue sauce. They sell Sonny's sauce as cheap as we buy it at Sams.

We got home and ate some leftover sandwiches from the rip before heading out to work in the yard. I weed whacked around the flower beds so Nancy could weed them without having to be in the tall grass. I then got the roto tiller and started on the upper garden then moved down to the 2 herb garden before tackling the large lower garden. I did all of them in about 3 hours but left me assure you that thing will give you a workout especially on the hilly beds. I got a better workout than if I had been playing pickle ball for 3 hours. The ground had just a little dampness and I wanted it to dry a little before planting the seedlings so I cranked up the riding mower, besides I needed a break so mowing was just that as I got to sit down. I mowed on the highest setting and then had to mow the same area 3-4 times because the grass was knee high at least or more. I only did the front yard as I wanted to set out some seedlings after supper.

Nancy did some beer battered fish in the oven along with yellow rice and some canned turnip greens. After supper I set out; basil, thymn, jalenpeno peppers, yellow peppers, dill, rosemary, cilantro, collards, Swiss chard, cucumber, yellow squash and zucchini squash, and 4 types of tomato plants before it started to sprinkle, plus it was starting to get dark. I still have more seedlings to set out tomorrow. I counted 20 hills of potato's I had planted last Novemeber and they were about a foot tall.

After I came in I took the kitchen faucett apart and tightened the seats and stopped the leakage flow so now we are back in business with the use of the sink once again. After fixing the sink I jumped in the shower as a thunder storm was heading our way. We got a nice rain and its still falling softly on the tin roof. Sure hope it doesn't wash out my new seedlings, anyhow it was a full day and we are bushed, LATER

Saturday, May 21, 2011

Saturday

Well here I am in beautiful N.C. with temp at 71 degrees and warm sunshine, the area is lush and green and my yard is waist high. The garden areas are covered in weeds but I have several hills of potato's a foot high. Lots of Nancy's cone flowers haven't greened up and the deer have eaten the hostas back to ground level. It sure is good to find the cabin in good shape except for the seals in the kitchen fawcett which is leaking when in use. Maybe after a couple days they will swell up enough stop the leaking.

I never slept a wink on Friday night as I was geared up for this trip so I got up at 2:30 and had the truck loaded and ready to go by 3:30. We finally pulled out about 3:50 AM and after 5 stops so I could limber up for about 10-15 minutes. We still made good time as we reached Wal-Mart at the foot of the mountain around 2:30. I'm going to cut this short as I'm finally starting to crash

Friday, May 20, 2011

Friday..packing day as we head to the mountains

Well its upon us as we scamper about doing last minutes chores, cleaning and packing. I barely slept last night as the anticipation level is at an all time high and tonight will be even worst. Anyhow after a restless, sleepless night I turned the alarm off a little after 6 AM and did my morning routine before heading out to the rec for about an hour of pickle ball. Sure missed some of the regular player but had a good workout that will last me until Sept. I hope to get a little play in the mountains but thats ify at best, anyhow its been nearly non-stop play here since November except for the holidays. Our players have just gotten so much better and its been a real treat to play with them daily, of course there are a couple players who on any given day are just great competitors.

After my quiet time, a V-8 and a banana I rode out and wouldn't you know it I saw 4 full grown otters cross the library driveway going from one pond to another this morning, first time I've ever seen that here in Seminole. I mentioned it to some people at rec and its become a frequent occurrence as the rec is surrounded by ponds. Anyhow after my hour or so of play I heading home as there was lots to do. I spent over an hour just digging up and wrapping my seedlings in wet newspaper for the trip to the cabin. I have a large assortment with; basil, thymn, dill, cilantro, hot peppers, yellow peppers, 4 types of tomato plants, 1/2 runner beans, cucumber, romaine lettuce, arrugala, beets, parsley,zinnas,nasturiums, marigolds, zuchinni and yellow squash just to name what I can remember. If all of these make I will have plenty to share so come on by and sit a spell.

After a lunch of leftover soup(zuppa) we started to tackle the house with cleaning , vaccumming and packing. I sprayed the outside of the house with Malathion(bug spray) and blew boric acid into the attic with the leaf blower(just in case any bugs are there). We are packed and with just a few touch ups ready to depart Seminole, FL. for Sparta, N.C, around 4 AM. I have to stop every 1 1/2 hours and walk for 10-15 minutes as I'm now suscectible to blood clots(deep vein thrombosis). So far except for that injury to my left leg I've had no promblems and no relaspe to the clotting.

We said our good-byes to Bobby, Jill, Annsley and Gabriel last night but we will see them around the 4th of July as they will visit for a week. Tonight Amy is making supper for us and we will say our good-byes to them and hopefully be on the road around 4 AM. With several stops on the way for gas, walking and groceries in Elkin, N.C. we hope to be at the cabin before 6 PM. That will give me enough time to get the riding mower out( install the battery) and maybe make a first cutting on the yard, if not so what we have lots of time and fresh air thats never been breathed before. For those of you who follow this rambling I will have much to talk about over the next several days, weeks and hopefully months. Nancy and I are truly blessed to be able to have 2 different places where we can spent time not only with our muched loved kids and grandkids but with different folks. We received a message today which just made me feel priviledged in that they just love our time at the cabin. It is a different lifestyle there and of course the folks in the area are just down right wonderful with just a few exceptions.

Well I've rambled on long enough and when I pickup this post again hopefully I'll be dinking cold water from the the mountain, hearing crickets at night(I will not miss that darn rooster at 5 AM)and breathing fresh air thats never been breathed before. If your up into my neck of the woods give me a holler 'cause there is always an empty rockin' chair that needs rocked. Thanks for reading my babble, LATER

pic from Amy's birthday dinner






Thursday

Well what a day as we celebrated our beautiful daughter, Amy's birthday. Where did those 28 years go?? Anyhow after the usual quiet time, can of V-8 and a banana before pedalling out to the rec for some 2 1/2 hours of pickle ball with a small crowd of about 8 players. We missed several regular's and welcomed back Mitsuko for her second appearance this week and with her steady play made for an action workout. Afterwards the usual set of crunches which has helped firm up the spare tire that has shrunk about 6-8 pounds. Nothing like I would picture myself at a younger age but not as bad as it once was, at least I can see my toes when I stand up.

I mowed the yards when I got home from the rec and watered the seedlings which looks like they will make it to the summer garden in the mountains. I should have them in the ground in the next couple days if its not too wet. I understand its really been a wet season so far and the grass it ready for "hay making". Amy and the kiddos came for lunch and we chowed down on leftover zuppa soup made with our own home grown kale. Wow is that ever good eatin'. After lunch I headed to barber Patty for ear lowering then to CVS to pick up some scripts for Nancy before pedalling home on the bike. The weather has just been great here for being outside.

Nancy has 2 large baking chickens in the oven which warmed up your taste buds and along mashed spuds and gravy, broccoli and carrots and GG's dry stuffing we had us a feast. All the gang was there except for Aunt Betsy. Nancy made Amy favorite chocolate cake with white icing along with vanilla ice cream for dessert. I passed on that end but made up for on the real food. We had a great time eating and visiting as we won't see Bobby side of the family until they come to the mountains in July. Little Gabriel and Sam played good together. We didn't see a lot of Annsley and Ava as they now are in their own world of play and make believe. They were so cute and good together. Just like big sisters.

Well it was not a good night for our sports teams as both the Lightning and Ray's loss close games. Hopefully we can pull it back together for Saturday games.LATER

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Wednesday

Well much the usual except for these really nice temps and no humidity. It was breezy with lots of sunshine and just nice to be outside. After my usual quiet time, can of V-8 and a banana I pedalled out to the rec for my usual 2 1/2 hours of pickle ball. We had just 4 for the first hour and it was constant play before the general gang arrived. Only 2 more morning before I exchange my paddle for; chainsaw, mowers,paint brush, etc. But I love the physical work that needs to be done at the cabin. Only a couple more days before we head out.

Nancy had all kinds of erands to run and we were watching Sam and Ava for the evening so I caught up on some honey-do projects as well. We had burgers on the grill along with fresh out of the garden green beans and macaroni. The kids ate great and then we headed outside to play until it was time for baths. We took them home for bedtime then watched American Idol and the Ray's baseball game. They won again, Go Ray's. Not much else so , LATER

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Tuesday

Well what a day as the weather here has just been awesome with low humidity and some cloudiness but with a north breeze which has kept the heat away, so Sam and I spent about 2 hours outside after lunch as Ava had her 4 year checkup with shots. Anyhow the morning started out the usual with my quiet time and the last of the watermellon for breakfast before riding out to the rec for some 2 1/2 hours of pickle ball. We had a good turn out with 2 courts going constantly and afterwards I did my crunches. So far I've kept some of the belly fat off but its a struggle. I sure miss all those fine desserts, etc.

Sam and I had a great time playing outside after lunch, he just loves feeding the chicken next,(not the rooster as he thinks he's a dog) but the hen lets Sam rub it head and feed it greens from the garden. Its so cute and he loves playing with sticks and digging in the dirt. He did take a nose dive scratching his nose and cheek, along with a mouthful of dirt but that didn't seem to faze him for long as he was right back climbing on chairs. Ava got a couple shots in both arms as she was really scared at first but did well showing off her band aids when she got home.

Well we are doing a little each day as we get ready for our mountain trip on Saturday morning. I learned its cold and rainy there but by Sat. its supposed to be back into the upper 70's with clear skies and low's into the 50's. Thats great and are we so ever ready for a change. My seedlings are gettings big especially the 1/2 runner beans as they are sending out runner while still in the seed containers, they must be a foot or longer in height. The cukes here are just going crazy from the single plant. I picked 4 today with lots of nubbins.

The Ray's lost big to the Yank's and the Lighning lost a close one to the Bruins in hockey. Well will close for now, LATER

Monday, May 16, 2011

Monday

Well this weather has really been strange as today a cold front moved into the area and sucked all the humidity out and its been just a gorgeous day. We actually have the windows open and the a/c off and Nancy turned the fans off as she was chilled, yikes this is strange especially since it was so hot and humid just Saturday.

Well after my quiet time this morning and a bowl of watermelon I rode out to the rec for my usual 2 1/2 hours of pickle ball. It sure was good to have Mitsuko back safely from Japan as she visited her mother and brother in the southern part of the country away from the devastated areas. She said the death toll is over 100 thousand deaths due to the quake and tusamni. We had a small crowd only about 12 total as several left early. Afterwards I played some ping pong then did my crunches before heading home to water the garden and pick a few cukes before lunch. Amy and the kiddos came and we had leftover spaghetti, wow was that ever good. After eating I did some phone calls in setting up phone and DSL service at the cabin as well as address changes, putting t.v.and phone services on vacation as well as garbage pick up on vacation here. The realization we will be in the mountains this time next week is exciting. The weather next weekend is high 60's with sunshine and no rain which will give us a chance to mow and maybe get these seedlings in the ground for my garden.

Well not much else is going on except Amy, Sam and Ava came for lunch today and Sam is still cutting is molars so his eating is not the best but he loves being out along with Ava. I gave them a couple fishing worms to play with and they were entertained for an hour. They both love playings with bugs and picking my flower heads. Well not much else except the Yankees are whipping the Rays tonight; as I write they are down 4 runs and it doesn't look too good for a comeback win. LATER

Sunday

Well what a busy day as we started out this morning on our way to Tampa for worship at Element Church. We said good-bye to many and gave lots of hugs as we will be worshiping next Sunday with our friends and church family at Cornerstone in Sparta, N.C.

After church we headed with friends Dan and Carol to Cheddars Restaurant in Brandon for lunch as Bobby and his family were celebrating with 2 birthday parties being held at the church. After a superb lunch at very reasonable prices we met up with Bobby and the grand babies for the trip back to his house on Riverview. We spent the afternoon playing and visiting with Annsley and Gabey and eventually we took Annsley and Bobby to their local pool. That Annsley is fearless in the water and swims like a fish, that workout really did the trick in wearing her out for later in the evening.

Nancy was going to a bridal shower for Leslie Kuyatt(Jill's sister) at 7:30 so Bobby and I had babysitting duties. We had a grand time and Gabey is now crawling everywhere. Bob made a homemade pizza, crust and all and I must say that it was excellent, not heavy or stuffy but real good with lots of fresh herbs and his own marinara sauce. We gave the kids baths and read to them and had a fun evening. I was starting to get sleepy as that swim and Annsley wore me out so luckily by 9:45 Nancy got back to Bob's and we headed out for Seminole. It was around 10:30 when we got home and wow was I ever tired. It was a good day. LATER

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Saturday

Well was it ever a warm humid day on the Suncoast of Florida and by middle afternoon we had a "gully washer" or a "frog swallower", notice I'm getting back to my country roots the closer I get to heading back to the hills. Wow are we getting excited about seeing our cabin in the woods while at the same time becoming sad about leaving our family and friends, especially those grand babies. Anyhow after being awake all night working like a dog at the cabin(while in bed) we had a semi mountain breakfast or at least we got away from boring oatmeal to a couple poached eggs over left over oven taters, man was that ever good. Afterwards I headed out to check on the gardens and new seedlings and to take a couple pot shots with the BB gun at those darn nasty squirrels who dig up everything. I wish there was some natural enemy of them here but no, they are just going crazy with over popualtion and are into everything, don't mess with my seedling. I need to show them the movie Caddyshack!! Oh well I would eat them if we were in the hills as I find them rather tasty especially fried, Yumm!!!

We headed out to pick up some supplements at GNC then to Home Depot for some new outside security lights for the front of the house. We came back and cleaned out the old ones that had been out for a couple weeks and installed the new ones. It wasn't long after that the severe thunderstorm came through and it poured rain with lots of thunder and some lightning. We lost power for an hour or so, but luckily it was restored in time for the Ray's game at 4 PM. It wouldn't have mattered if we missed the game as they played lousy with no hitting and we lost to the lowly Orioles 6-0. The Lightning(hockey team) made up for it with a great win in the division finals over over Boston 5-2 in their house.

Neighbors Dan and Carol rode with us to Chilli's as we went out for supper around 5 and had a great meal there and reasonable. We brought home 1/3 of our food for lunch on Monday. Afterwards we played Phase 10 and Nancy won then an extended game of " oh -ell" and Carol won that so it was us guys sleeping with winners Saturday night. It was a fun evening and a busy day. LATER

Saturday, May 14, 2011

Friday

Well it was another warm morning with high humidity and bright sunshine as I rode out to the rec for some pickle ball after my quiet time and a bowl of fresh watermellon, wow that was one of the best mellons we've had in a long time. There were soaked shirts today during pickle ball play as the a/c was broken or being replaced at the rec, yikes was it ever hot and by 10 AM I was whipped and wet with sweat. We had a small turnout with just 8 players so it made for very little rest time between games. Afterwards I did my usual crunches before riding out to the library and then home.

I got home and mowed the yard before the dew was completely gone as that helps hold down the dust, we need rain here once again as its been nearly 2 weeks since we had that cloudburst. My seedlings are growing nicely and I have a few different greens up as well as flowers I'm taking to the mountains next Saturday. Wow its hard believe the time has come to travel north but we are delighted to see where the highs next week are in the 60's with low's in the 40's. Yeah for a weather change as its starting to get miserably hot and muggy here.

Amy and the kids came for lunch and after they left we chilled until supper. Nancy had a huge pot of spagetti sauce cooking with fresh parsley, basil, oregano and onions from the garden, yikes that had our mouths watering all afternoon. GG and Pap as well as Amy and the kids came for supper as well. The salad was delicious as I added some fresh kale and of course basil, dill and fresh cukes. Wow was that ever good eatin'. After supper we played with the kids then watched the Ray's win another game as they are all alone in first place. Its good to see some good attendance at the game as well but I really enjoy watching on T.V.

The Lightning play their first game in a series with Boston and the winner in the best of 7 games play for the Stanley Cup. We won it a few years back and hopefully will repeat this year. Well not much else as we start to get ready for the big move to the mountains on Saturday. There is lots to do plus lots of get togethers with family and friends as we do a little each day. I'm making my "to do" list which is constantly growing. LATER

Friday, May 13, 2011

Thursday

Well what a day with the usual quiet time, V-8 and a bowl of oatmeal before heading out on the bike to the rec for some 2 1/2 hours of pickle ball. Afterwards I stopped by the weight room for some 100 plus crunches before pedalling home to do some yard work. I trimmed the shrubs and bushes which took me right up until it was time to get ready to head out for a luncheon at Jersey Jim's condo on the beach. What a super place he has with a birds eye view of the sandy beach from his balcony. We had a good turn out with about 15 players and their spouse along with brat's, pizza, quiche, salads, chips, cupcakes and melon. What a good spread and then we sat around small talking with Ray's Baseball(they won) on in the background. We sure missed several folks who for whatever reason failed to attend.

After getting back from the luncheon I just chilled as it was very hot and humid out so I read until it was time to put the chicken on the grill for supper. Amy and the kids were coming for supper so we snapped garden fresh 1/2 runners beans along with oven taters and a couple sliced garden grown cukes made for fine eatin'. My cukes have all of a sudden started to produce and I'm picking a couple each day. Well after supper I took the kids out in the yard and let them play while I watered the gardens and yard. There was a nice breeze and the high heat had started to dissipate as evening approached, however the nasty mosquitoes were out and looking to bite any and all they could find.

After Amy and the kids left around 8 we headed in to watch American Idol and I watched the Red Wings get beat in the 7th game by the Sharks. Not much else so, LATER

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Wednesday

Well the morning was much the usual with my quiet time, a bowl of oatmeal before riding out to the rec for 2 1/2 hours of pickle ball. We finally had 4 to show up initially so there was some great play early then a couple more and finally we ended with 8 for the day. Some really good play and by 10 AM I was ready to head home with a stop at the library. Nancy was gone as her Dad had a bleeding spell this morning had had to be transported to the E.R. After a stitch and a bandage she brought him home, seems the Plavix medicine made his blood run thin so it wouldn't stop bleeding, he seems fine now but a little washed out.

I ventured out into the yard to do some hedge and bush trimming until lunch time when Nancy finally got back. We had a lite lunch of tuna salad and pita bread. Afterwards I read until it was time to get ready for house church tonight at our place so I vacuumed while Nancy made a cake. I grilled a couple bone-in pork chops and she cooked some frozen spinach for supper.

We had a nice turn out for house church but were missing 2 couples while gaining another couple. Tonight was our last time until we head to N.C. We will surely miss the gang and hope they continue with their weekly get together's. LATER

Tuesday

Well the morning was much the usual with a litte quiet time, leftover buckwheat cake with some fresh peaches on top before heading out for 2 1/2 hours of pickle ball. The first 45 minutes was brutal as only 3 players showd so we played 2 on 1 with some different rules but still I was whipped after that but then a bunch of really good folks arrived and we played hard until 10 AM. We had a new player Amy who was quick as lightning and an acceptual player. Seems she is quite a tennis player in Vermont. Anyhow I was useless the rest of the day so I caught up on some reading.

I did manage a little watering before my Amy and the kids came for lunch. Ava and Sam are just so cute together and we had a fun time until they left for their afternoon nap. Nancy took off to the rec and then Publix while I read and napped. Tomorrow I have yard work to do after pickle ball as the days are counting down until we head out, 11 more to go, wow where has the time gone!

I grilled a couple chicken breasts along with some tater tots and a salad for supper. I picked a couple cukes the other day and then a couple more are coming on. That plant takes up 1/3 of my garden and its just loaded with blooms but very few cukes, at least I'm getting a few. Everything else except for peppers and herbs are about dried up. The new seedlings are looking good and I'm hardening them off in the sun for 1/2 a day. They should be ready for the ground in the mountains as soon as I can get the garden roto-tilled and weeded. Lots to do there and I can forget the afternoon naps, but that what makes this change so exciting and fun.

Well not much is going so, LATER

Monday, May 9, 2011

Monday

Well what a busy day as the morning started off with my quiet time and a leftover buckwheat cake with a banana on top before heading out to the rec for some 2 1/2 hours of pickle ball. We had about 8 players at one time with several leaving early so by 10 AM we had only 4 players to finish the morning play. Afterwards I headed into the ping pogn room and played 5 sets winning 4 out of 5 before heading out to the library to pick several reads I had on order.

After getting home I decided since it was a little cloudy I would paint the flat roof area with a white elastic paint I had purchased a couple weeks agao. Well that turned out to be about a 4 hour job on the roof and boy did it ever get hot from time to time. Amy and the grand kids came for lunch but I missed them altogether as I wanted to get this job done, today. Amy was having us over for a supper of roast beef, mashe dpotatoes and gravy and carrots as well as corn on the cob. My is she ever becoming a great cook like her mother. We played with kids before and after eating and they were so much fun, sure gonna miss them little ones when we leave in about 2 weeks, Well not much else is going on so I will get out of here and try to stay awake after that delicious supper, LATER

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Additional pictures






I'm having a difficult time adding extra pics to the post.

Sunday






Well it was an unusual Sunday for us as we decided since family was coming at 2 PM to eat that we had to stay home from church and put the baby back ribs on the smoker at 9 AM. I did my quiet time and ate a left over buckwheat pancake with a banana on top before heading out to water the new seedlings and the garden and what to my surprise there were 2 nice cucumbers in among this one gigantic plant. I saw lots of little nubbins yesterday but this morning they were just the right size for eatin' and there was 2 of them. They had to have grown over night.

I had 4 racks of baby back ribs and I started them with lots of apple wood and hickory and by 2:20 they were perfect. The family started to arrive around 2 PM all except Betsy and Braden who finally made it here sometime after 3, for some reason she has a hard time being on time and this time all we gave her to bring was bread and she was still late, oh well. We had a feast with mac and cheese made by GG, broccoli and brownies made by Amy and cold slaw made by Bobby and of course I did the ribs and Nancy made her famous squash casserole. It was sure some good eatin' and everyone had left by 6:30 so it made for an early evening.

The grand babies where so cute and little Annsley fell out of bed a night ago and gave herself a black eye, she and Ava were so cute together and little Gabe is now in the crawling mode and was all over the place following Sam around. Sam was having a rough afternoon as 2 PM is around his nap time so he missed that plus he has a runny nose from a minor head cold. But other than that everyone ate their fill and we sent ribs home to everyone as well.

Hopefully 2 weeks from today we will have worshiped at Cornerstone and be settling into that mountain lifestyle for the next few months. We are so looking forward to the change of pace and renewing old friendships. LATER

Saturday

Well once again it was a beautiful morning with lots of bright sunshine and not to bad on the humidity. I worked outside in the yard and garden and then we watched Ava and Sam for a couple hours and they were outside as well. Sam is an outside boy and he just loves the chicken next door. He played(feeding) with it for ever pushing leaves and sticks through the fence so it would peck at it. After they left we just chilled, reading and watching a little baseball(Rays won again) until the Kentucky Derby pre-race show came on. Nancy was glued to the TV until it was time to get ready too head out for a wedding shower for a couple in our house church.

We skipped supper and just had a salad for lunch as we knew we would be sampling all kinds of finger foods at the shower. There were about 40 folks there and we had a good time meeting Ryan's family as well as Paula's folks. She is from Colombia and they plan to marry in July, a real sweet Christ loving couple. We stopped off at neighbors Jim and Laurie on the way home as she just graduated from dental hygiene school so they were having a party as well. These are great neighbors and another sweet couple with a sweet teenage daughter, Kayla.

Well not much else except today(Sunday) we are having the whole family over for smoked ribs for Mother's Day, LATER.

Saturday, May 7, 2011

Friday

Well what a day for weather changes. First the morning was beautiful with temps in the high 60's and bright sunshine as I headed out to the rec after my quiet time, bowl of oatmeal with a banana. We had a small group today with only men for a change so the play fast and furious for the whole 2 1/2 hours. By 10 Am we had lost a couple regulars and was down to just 4 guys and were we ever whipped. I did manage to do a ton of crunches before heading home in the face of an approaching storm. I wasn't home 10 minutes when it let loose and it rained about as hard as I've ever seen it rain and for at least an hour or more. There was a river in front of my house as the water ran down the street. I would say we 3-4 inches in that hour.

Amy and the kids came about noon for lunch and we had a good time playing with them, seems Ava was bitten by something Wednesday night and complained about her neck so Amy took her to the doctor and she is on an antibiotic. She seemed fine today but there still is a little swelling in an around the neck. After the kids left for their afternoon naps I read until supper time. I'm reading an Ann Rule book about a former female Washington State Trooper who supposedly committed suicide but the shoddy work by the local police and coroner will probably let the killer go free which was her husband. IN THE STILL OF THE NIGHT is a great read and some good investigating by one officer and the mother has kept this case alive after 11 years.

I grilled the last of the salmon( as we are eating out the freezer) along with some fresh peas and fried taters made for a good supper. Afterwards we settled in to watch the Ray's beat the Orioles in Baltimore with a new rookie hitting a homer his first plate appearance in the major leagues, he is a Virginia boy. LATER

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Thursday

Well what a busy day with my quiet time, bowl of oatmeal and a ride out to the rec for some 2 1/2 hours of pickle ball. We had some great play with lots of wet shirts. Afterwards I headed into the weight room for some 100 plus crunches before biking home. I spent the next hour or so watering the back yard, garden and new seedlings before Amy and the grand kids came for lunch. We had a nice salad all of it store bought but tasty anyhow.

After lunch I had a meeting with my financial advisor about what medicare plan I should be involved in as I turn 65 this August. I've been called and received so many adds in the mail I was beginning to question myself about what my choice for this program. Now that I have that cleared up I will enroll before August.

I finished up the read I started yesterday and I'm waiting for the next bunch of books to be delivered tomorrow. Amy and the grand kids were coming for supper as Tyler teaches ESL on Thursdays at SFBC. We had parsley potato's, salmon cakes, sauteed kale and Lima beans. Yumm and Ava ate 3 helpings of the spuds. Sam is teething so his appetite has slowed down but he's still ate well. I took the kids out to the front yard while I hand watered and let them play in the hose on the sidewalk. Not much else is going but out boy Scotty made it through on American Idol again. LATER

Wednesday

Well it was another day with bright sunshine and low humidity with a few clouds around, we sure could use some rain as I'm watering constantly. After the usual quiet time, bowl of oatmeal I rode out to the rec for some 45 minutes of pickle ball. I had too leave early to accompany Nancy with some of her errands then we headed to Sam's for some shopping for mothers day supper. Seems we are having smoked baby back ribs and others are bringing a dish. Nothing like a houseful of family especially with the grand kids.

We stopped by and visited with Amy and the kids before they headed to Tampa for lunch with Tyler then headed home for a lite lunch before settling in to read for a couple hours before getting ready to head out to house church at 6. A young couple soon to be married was having a surprise pizza/birthday party for the soon to be groom so we headed over for a visit. We has a good turnout with just a couple folks not there. The grand kids, Ava and Sam were in the pool and Sam just loves the water.I started a great true story read titled LOST IN SHANGRI-LA. Its a WWII story about a plane crash into the jungle of New Guinea

After getting home I watched both the Ray's and the Bolts play and the Bolts won in a sweep over the Cap's so they move on to the finals that could put them back in the hunt for the Stanley Cup, Yikes way to go Bolts!!! The Rays lost a close one but the umpiring was terrible with several ejections of both managers and a player. Well not much else as I'm counting down to 16 days until the mountains come into view hopefully for most of the summer. LATER

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Tuesday

Sorry about being lax in postings but for some reason I feel a little "nul and void". Anyhow back to the mundane things of life which is the usual few moments of quiet time, bowl of boring oatmeal and a ride to the rec for some pickle ball. That was a really good workout for 2 1/2 hours before heading home to water the gardens and eventually have lunch with Amy and the grand babies. After they left we headed over to pick up our mattress they used for company this past couple days. We just chilled until it was time for supper which was chicken fried deer tenderloin with mashed potato's and gravy, Yikes was that ever good.That happened on Monday , man am I cornfused as I usually write this rambling the night before anyhow bear with me.

I worked outside after supper in the yards and gardens before getting ready to head out with Nancy's folks for dinner at the Salt Rock Grill which did happen on Tuesday (of course I'm writing this on Wednesday evening). The food was excellent and afterwards we came back to the house and played a round of Phase 10 which her dad won. The Ray's and Lightning both won last night so that was good for the area. Counting down to 17 days to go before we head for the mountains, LATER

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Monday

Well not much going on around here except for early morning pickle ball after my quiet time and a bowl of oatmeal before riding out to the rec. Afterwards I stopped off at the library for a couple reads before heading home. It sure was quiet around here without the grandkids visiting as their company leaves on Tuesday morning so we will see them for lunch later. I caught up on some projects that needed to be completed before we head out later this month for the mountains. My seedlings are doing well considering all the heat. I will have lots of tomato plants, peppers, kale, collards, Swiss chard as well as lots of flowers I'll bring with me. Looking forward to getting the gardens ready for planting as well.

Well not much else is going on but was good to hear the number one terroist is finally eliminated from this earth, good riddance. The Rays play as well as the Lightning tonight so should be a good evening for sports. My neice Kelly graduates from college this week and we have a couple n our house church who are getting married this summer so there will be a shower this Friday. Looks like a busy social week as well as dinner at the Salt Rock grill Tuesday night with GG and Pap. LATER

Monday, May 2, 2011

Sunday

Well we have been on our toes since little Sam came for a 3 day visit. We had a busy time playing, reading, and making sure he didn't climb to high and get hurt. It was a fun time and things really quieted down around 3 when his mommy and daddy came for him. He is such a loving little fellow. Anyhow after another large breakfast we got ready to head over to Tampa for worship at Element Church. Sam did super in his class with several other toddlers his age and the toys were top of the line with many having buttons for him to push. We showed him off afterwards to all our friends and family there then headed home. He took about a 30 minute nap on the way back then we settled in for a lunch of one of his favorites; peanut butter and grandma's homemade black raspberry jam. He ate a whole and half sandwich along with a glass of milk, I wish I had taken a picture of his face and hands as they really showed how much he enjoyed that lunch.

After Sam left we relaxed watching the Ray's blow a 5 run lead then I did a some watering in the front yard and gardens before calling it a night outside. It was very nice with low humidity. The Lightning won their second game against the Cap's in overtime and in between I finished a good read CYCLING HOME FROM SIBERIA by Rob Lilwall. If your into personal epic style adventure this is a must read.

Well not must else except we have relaxed a little now that Sam is back home but we so thoroughly enjoyed him and I have now memorized about a dozen children's books as he loves to be read to. LATER

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Saturday

Well it was a busy day especially with grandson Sam. He slept in until 7 AM and then we had a non stop day except for a nap while we took a stroller ride over check the mail at Sam's house. He fell asleep and that was the extend of his naps for the day except after supper when we took another stroller ride and he dozed towards the end. Sam ate a huge breakfast, lunch and supper and we wondered where he was putting all that food and we decided it was because we did do many snacks, except for lots of drinks.

This morning, Sunday we are taking him to church with us in Tampa so this should be a fun time as he will get to see his cousins. He goes home this evening as his folks come back from Orlando, sure will be quiet around later. We watched