Friday, November 30, 2012

Friday Morning

Well I made it through another day and night but with all the meds I'm still  nowhere near where I was before this all went down. I'm at least able to lay down with out the total lung fill up feeling 'cause the diuretic has me up 4-5 times a night so I think I will stop that course tomorrow as the fluid build up is gone, thankfully. The weather yesterday was awesome and I did go out for about 1/2 hour to feed my lettuces with  some liquid fertilizer  as they are looking stunned. Everything else in the garden is coming along especially the leafy green veggies. I need to set out my tomato plants into the ground as they are looking good in the pots.

Well I layed around and rested, read and played on the Web but I want to be outside and of course get back to working out. Nancy has been taking good care of me and my appetite has held so I'm getting good substance to fight this thing but it sure has a grip on me and doesn't want to go away. I'm been getting lots of phone calls and get well prayers so I thank you all and that's been a big help in getting through this valley, LATER

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Thursday Morning

Well after another visit to see a different doctor(walk up clinic) I think I stumbled on to a doctor who seemed very knowledgeable. He ordered all kinds of test; glucose to check me for diabetes, urine test for kidney function an another couple chest x-rays to see if the pneumonia is still in the lungs. Well all of tests came back with better than good results and he said I probably just needed a diuretic. So he did order me another round of the anti-biotics I was already on and wouldn't you know it he gave them to me from the clinic at $3 a pill; whereas CVS charged me $30 a pill last Saturday. Anyhow to make a long morning even better after taking the diuretic my cough subsided as the fluids left my feet, ankles and lung area. He feels that I have a viral infection as per my description of how this stuff hit me and the feel good one moment and chill and fever the next.

I spent the rest of the afternoon finally able to nap, rest and read while laying down. It felt so good to just be able to be horizontal. We had a nice supper of deer tacos and afterwards settled in to the Fox News Network then I ended the day after my shower  with watching Duck Dynasty. That is the most entertaining family, reality type show ever, it's a real hoot. I was finally able to get back in to my bed for the first time in over a week. Nancy said I fell asleep before she came to bed and was finally sleeping peacefully. I did awake a couple times during the night due to the diuretic but had only an occasional cough which was fab.

The weather here has been great with middle 70's and cool down into the high 40's and low 50's at night. We do need some rain as Nancy has been setting the sprinkler on my gardens everyday. The garden is looking good and the beet greens are ready for picking and adding to a fresh salad. Everything else is doing well despite having no attention and the weeds haven't taken over yet. I'm looking forward to spending a little time outside today sitting in the back yard and watching the garden grow. I know whatever caused me this interruption in normal living was potentially life threatening so I'm going to take it easy until I regain my full strength. Nancy was once again on the spot taking care of my needs and making sure I stayed still so I could get better. The hardest part for me if not being able to go outside, garden or play pickle ball, LATER

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Wednesday Morning

Well as good as I was starting to feel on Tuesday afternoon and evening the night time brought out the bad once again. I wasn't able to lay down and get any sleep last night. I took my last mega anti-biotic and headed for the bed around 10 PM, only to find myself once again with that wheezing and hacking cough that hurts your ribs and back as you try to expell. I'm waiting on Nurse Nancy to get ready as we head back to the doctor office for another check-up and possibly another round of medicine. I'm shocked to think how well I was responding to this round of medicine and then to have a set back as such last night, LATER

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Tuesday Morning

I must say I finally was able lay down for the first time in over a week and not have the feeling of my lungs filling up with fluid last night. Monday was much like the past several days with still being locked up in the house while the temperature was 77 outside after a cool start in the morning. She had the heat on for a few minutes to take the chill off the house which was 68 when she got up. I was folded up in a blanket in the recliner once again for the night and was quite warm. Nurse Nancy forbade to go out the door even to sit in the sun so I stayed in with at least the bedroom/office window open. Wow was it ever nice.

After our quiet times Nancy put together a breakfast of ham, eggs and toast which helped but whats strange is not once did I lose my sense of taste and smell. After getting me situated after eating she got ready to head out to a memorial service at SFBC for our dear friend Ralph Payne who passed on last week. I was very disappointed I had to miss that as there were several there who we were close to. Ralph(Rusty) was my buddy here in Seminole and in Galax, Va where both he and Sara Ann are from and up until the last couple years visited every summer until his health got to bad to travel. We will surely miss him.

I sat around and did some minor walking around the house as I tried to move some of this fluid build up around my ankles and tummy. I was over doing it on the fluid intake, I think as my weight balloon up about 20 pounds since I started on the first round of anti-biotics. I cut back a little last night on the intake. For awhile every time I coughed I would take a sip or drink of water. This morning(Tuesday) found me flat on my back as Nancy awakened me. Two great words as "on my back" meant the fluid no longer was filling up my lungs and "awakened" which means I finally got some sleep for the first time in days. Not to exaggerate but this stuff is one mean dog. LATER

Monday, November 26, 2012

Monday morning around 1 AM

Well I made it through the depths of what felt like the end was near. Never have I ever been this close to thinking those thoughts(except maybe when I was Viet Nam and our airplane flew over a large munitions bunker that exploded). I understand now why so many people succumb to this thing called pneumonia. It's a horrible condition plus all of the stuff it does to your body while your coughing out your brains; painful muscle ache in the chest and stomach, splitting headaches, phlegm and no rest because of the medicine.

I'll pick up where I left off on turkey day and let me explain while I'm "out of the woods" at this moment I'm still suffering from this crap. I haven't laid down for nearly a week but have been sitting in the recliner at nights in order to catch some shut-eye. I just can't lay in that recliner another night as my back is so tender and sore, plus this inhaler which I take 2 puffs every 6 hours has me wired and awake.

Friday found me still coughing(now this is before I found out I had pneumonia) but with the cough suppressant and expectorant. I felt down in the lungs it was breaking up and I could cough and I get rid of the phlegm. I piddled around in the yard and garden as the weather was very nice outside. I was drinking lots of fluids and not doing anything to physical as I still felt I needed to take it easy. We cancelled our get together with neighbors for supper and card game as I didn't want to infect them. Carol brought down a pot of homemade chicken noodle soup and rolls about the same time Nancy was making a pot of the same.( We had plenty of good soup for the next couple days as we would both need it) I watched the Moonshiners flipping back an forth to the Duck Dynasty and some folks who moved out to Alaska to live off the land. I always tell Nancy I would enjoy doing that but if you got pneumonia out there you would surely not make it. Anyhow after my shower I decided I was going to lay down on the bed and see if I could get some horizontal sleep when bingo the fluids started heading to the lungs in just a matter of minutes, I could barely breath. I scared Nancy when I walked out of the bedroom and told her she was going to have to drive me to the E.R.

Well, we made it there around 10:30 PM and after a breathing treatment, x-rays, EKG and a good listen to the lungs the nice young doctor pronounced me with pneumonia in the left lung. He mentioned it didn't look severe from the x-ray's so he was going to let me go home instead of admitting me to the hospital; and then he proceeded to call me in 2 scripts to the 24 hour CVS across the street. The same pharmacist was on duty when I stopped last night to get the OTC syrup for the cough. He remembered me and we struck up a nice conversation. He called my anti-biotic's gold pills as they were $30 a piece and but they are known as powerful for knocking this illness out of the lungs; plus the Dr. said 5 pills should do it. I also was shown how to use this nebulizer(inhaler) as it was metered and measured with 200 hits. Yeow another gold pot but at this time I was having cold chills, the sweats and feeling very lucky to have at least sought medical help and could get a medicine that would possibly save my life. I was glad for a change to use common sense as I've know several folks over the years to leave this earth from this dreaded illness.

I can only describe the next 24 hours as pure agony as the medicines kicked; coughing, splitting headaches from coughing, a bag of phlegm, my stomach muscles hurt so bad I was afraid I would get a hernia and of course no rest or sleep. I was able keep down a bowl of soup for lunch but was unable talk other than just to whisper. Thankfully Nancy made for a fantastic nurse and was more than fulfilling our marriage vows. I received lots of prayer's for healing, well wishers and family phone calls. I couldn't answer the phone as I had no breath and just to go to the bath room left me short winded. I know now why most people are hospitalized with this illness; but I had the best care and of course there in nothing like being home.

I felt somewhat better on Sunday as the coughing went from incessant to sporadic with since some very violent outburst that nearly put me on my knees. Yeow this is some bad stuff. I managed to watch some NFL, read a little and walk around inside the house as sitting in the reclining chair was wearing my rear thin. It's strange you don't notice until its bedtime all of the little stuff that keeps you awake. My voice has returned or the effort to produced the voice has lightened so I'm not totally short winded. I can see this recovery will not be overnight especially after what transpired inside my lungs. I feel lucky at this time to beat this illness.

Amy, Tyler and the kids pulled around 11 PM to drop off some home grown meat for the freezer they brought back from Kansas. They took 2 days coming back while Tyler and Amy drove continuously on the way out. We are thankful they made it back safely. Well its 2:30 in the morning and I'm wide awake but the lungs feel better since I got out of that recliner as does the back. It's strange how that old Baker's Cyst I developed in my knee in June while in the mountain is started to make its presence known again. I certainly hope there is not a cumulative affect with one's health but in reality I guess there is; could this be what is known as ole' age.

Well I'm thankful to have had such a superlative helpmate during this crisis but I did find it comically just for a second when I was able to breath in between one of those coughing fits. Nancy was staring up at me wide eyed and her look was is the end. Oh well such is life and I can think of better ways to go out of this world than drowning in your lungs, LATER

Friday, November 23, 2012

Thanksgiving Day(Thursday)

Well it was another sleepless night so there was little difference between the days. I stopped taking the drugs as they caused me too much anxiety with the racing pulse, panting breathing, sleeplessness and abominable discomfort. It seemed once I got on my feet and outside I was rather normal but as soon as the darkness fell and I tried to sleep all the TOY STORY like things had a mind of their own in my body.

We were going to call Bob and cancel our dinner with him and Jill's family due to our "not wanting to infect them" but he said all of them including Gabe who was up all night, had the crud as well. So our day was spent planning on our get together at his house. We had a leisurely breakfast of leftover 'taters which made great home fries and eggs. Afterwards I headed out to check on the gardens and do some hand watering. Everything is looking good and really starting to grow. I have 2 rows of bush beans up as well as a few 1/2 runners. The tomato plants are about a foot tall and I will put them in the ground in a day or so. It's best to plant marigolds around the plants which help keep the nematodes away, but my marigolds are just not big enough to do the job yet.

I made a couple "turkey day" calls and learned it was colder than blue blazes both in Virginia and in the mountains with lots of frost. Amy called us from Kansas and it was really nice nice there with warm temps. My oldest sister, Josie called after lunch and we chatted for quite awhile. It seems our Aunt Nancy Orndorff is in the final stages of her life due to inoperable cancer; I called her last week too cheer her up. I was the ring bearer in her wedding when I was about 5. She was the original Nancy Triplett.

Nancy put together a corn casserole and got the fresh asparagus ready to take with us to Riverview around 2 PM. I headed over to Amy and Tyler's to check on their place and to hand water his garden. It was really starting to warm up with temps in the low 70's, bright sunshine and just enough of a breeze to keep the humidity away.

Gabe and Annsley were fired up an excited about having company for the day and especially with both sets of their grand parents there to love them up. GG their only living great grand parent was there as well with Betsy(Nancy's sister) and her son Braden. Jill had the table decorated nicely as well as the rest of the house. The house furniture was moved around and changed up since we were last there about 6 months ago.

Well we forgot and left the camera at home in Seminole so all of our descriptions will be oral but I must say this dinner was awesome not only to look at but the taste just melted in your mouth. Bob did the turkey which had been soaked in tea and salt water for 36 hours. It was golden brown and looked fake at first it was so tasty as he added ground mushrooms and herbs to add to paste covering the bird; then this was eventually moved down into the gravy, Yeow what taste. Susan made decadent mash spuds(Paula Deen style with real butter) and Brian is quite the baker as well. He did 3 pies and the decorations were really neat but the flavor was awesome. The pies were covered in cut outs from dough leaves, acorns and turkeys. Sorry we forgot the camera but they were really something to see. GG made her famous dried stuffing and candied yams, Betsy brought her frozen cranberry salad and Nancy and brought the corn pudding and asparagus. The meal was awesome to look at as well as taste.

We stayed around until 7:30 or so as I was still hacking with this dry cough so we stopped at CVS and I bought some Robitussin Peak Cold expectorant and suppressant. Web MD mentioned this by name as the only OTC product recommended for colds and flu. The pharmacist concurred  it would work and it did. After only one dose I was immediately relieved to see some break throughout in that dry cough which soon became a wet cough. I was planning on sleeping in the recliner which would maybe help with getting some much needed sleep.  Around midnight my chest cleared and I headed to the spare bed and got several hours of rest for the first time in 5-6 nights. Believe me when I say this is good stuff and I didn't feel antsy after taking it. LATER

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Wednesday

Well here it is 1 AM in the morning on Thursday and I can not sleep due to this dry irritating cough. I coughed very little during the day and following the regiment of the prescribed medicines; prednisone and anti-biotic but he cough has worsens at night to the degree I'm keeping Nancy awake. She is trying to recover from a cough and some cold symptoms also. I don't have a fever anymore which is nice and the chills have gone away but when I lay down the coughing starts and it sounds like whooping cough as its deep and strong. I got on the Internet and looked up the 2 medicines and prednisone is supposed to help relief breathing and lung conditions although I seem to be having shallow breathing; the anti-biotic I think is useless.

The best advice came from Web MD and that was a cup of hot herbal tea, a spoon full of honey and an ounce of bourbon whiskey. A hot toddy. It's many many moon since I've tasted the hard stuff but with the tea and honey it's drinkable Luckily I remember Nancy had about an ounce or so that she had in the cabinet that she uses for flavoring Christmas cookies. If this works that would be wonderfully as I haven't had any real sleep since taking the prednisone on Tuesday. I took my dose with lunch today thinking a good night's sleep is just what I need; but as soon as my head hit the pillow, bong I was instantly awake and coughing. The over the counter syrup's are not highly recommended and I'm wondering if stopping the prednisone tomorrow(today) will help with rest. The protocol is for lots of rest; 7-9 hours and I maybe getting 7-9 minutes at a time with just my eyes being closed. I can't stand the shortness of breath and the dry coughing.

Well enough of my maladies as the day started of course with me awake hearing the rooster next door around 5 AM. We did our own thing for breakfast after our quiet times. I micro a left over deer burger with a couple soft boiled eggs on top for me; Nancy had her banana with oatmeal. I piddled outside in the back yard as it was turning out to be a beautiful day with lots of sunshine, very little humidity and a nice breeze. It actually felt cool in the shaded areas of the yard. We headed to Sam's Club for for last minute fixin's for the Thanksgiving day dinner at Bob's but it turned out to be a Christmas gift buying for the grand kids, GG and Nancy.

After a ham and cheese wrap for lunch I read and Nancy took off with her mom(GG) and sister Betsy to the mall for more shopping. I spent the next couple hours on the computer until she got home. We had honey mustard sauce on some fried smoked ham along with red parsley 'taters and the last of the garden salad for supper. After the clean up I headed in to watch the Fox News shows then got hooked on Moonshiners and Duck Dynasty re-runs(several we had never seen) They are an entertaining family especially the men.

I received some sad news yesterday about one of our dear friends from SFBC and who we really got know in the mountains over the past 20 plus years. Ralph Payne succumbed to congestive heart failure around 2:30 in the afternoon. I always shared my collards as well as other leafy green vegetables with him and Sara Ann his wife. They are both from the Galax, Va. area and we visited and ate with them both in town there as well as at our cabin in the mountain's. Ralph was in his upper 80's and a real gentleman as well as a CHRIST follower; he will be deeply missed by many.

Well its 1:30 and the toddy hasn't stopped me from coughing totally so I will give this spare bed a shot as Nancy needs are rest, LATER

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Tuesday

Well I started the day out early as I wanted to find a walk-in wellness clinic. I thought it best to see a doctor and try to get some med's to get me over the hump. Monday nights high fever and the severe aches and chills had me wondering if maybe I had contracted some variation of influenza or pneumonia. I usually just wave a common cold off, but never before had I every displayed those symptom's. After my quiet time I had a cup of hot tea with honey and lemon then headed out to the clinic just down the street.

I'm always blowing Nancy's mine when I find somebody at a new place that I know. While waiting in the parking lot for the clinic to open this what appeared to be an older fellow walked up and tried the door of the clinic as it was still closed; we were actually early. Anyhow I spoke to him and he came over by my truck and was wearing the wrecker or towing uniform of one of the towing companies that was on the FHP rotation list. We struck up a conversation as I knew the owner and his kids from years past as well as a few of the drivers. It was like old home week as we told stories and reminisced the past.

Well my body temp had returned to normal 97 from 101 last night and all my vital numbers were great. Just when I need the doctor to see me in the state I was in last night I was perked up; now whats with that? Anyhow he did a swap up my nose to test for the influenza strain A&B and thankfully found none but there was some evidence of a lesser strain so he prescribed and antibiotic and prednisone. I thought that was strange but it started working and now this AM I feel good not totally but lots better than the night before. Around 3 AM after being fully awake for most of the night I remembered him saying take the prednisone early in the day(not after supper) because it will kept you awake and it did. Anyhow the sweats, fever and chills are gone and only an occasion cough lingers as I write this Wednesday morning; wow what a difference a day makes and some meds. I've always tried to stay away from meds and let the body along with good sustenance heal its self, but in this case I was concerned when I saw how my face was swollen with fever and redness and of course Nancy helped with my decision to seek medical help; the threat of calling a meat wagon to haul you off to the hospital helps as well.

After getting back from the clinic and the pharmacy Bob and Jill were at the house to pick up their kiddos who were running wild in delight their mom and dad came back to save them; actually their stay was a lot of fun and they were very well behaved. It wasn't as stressful as we anticipated and they went down at nights and slept uninterrupted for 10-11 hours. I wish I had felt better for their visit but they were so easy Nancy handled it well; it is sure quiet around here as I write this post. I grilled some delicious venison burgers for lunch then Nancy baked some of her famous chocolate chip cookies and sent a bag home with Bob and family. The kids left some of their clothing and other things but we will take them with on Thanksgiving Day as it's become a tradition for him to roast the turkey and meet at his house for the big family dinner. Lots of us will bring special dishes to round the meal, LATER

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Monday

Well as you can tell my mine and energies were some place else as we had the Annsley and Gabe. The morning started with me somewhat feeling chipper buts as the day progressed my health was going down hill and by 10 PM I was running a temp of over 101 degrees. It took several ice packs, wet towels and 2 hours to cool this hot body down to 99. I was very red and puffy in the face and neck and this condition helped me make up my mind I would seek professional advice in the morning.

After our little guests had a big breakfast of pan cakes and eggs we headed up to the park play area by the rec. The ground is covered with indoor/outdoor carpet which helps to keep the youngsters clean. They played on the swings, slides and climbed the small steps and bridges all the while screaming and just wearing us out as well as themselves. It helped Gabe to take a good nap while Annsley and grandma made cookies and colored. I laid down for small nap as well.

We headed outside to play in the back yard after Gabe woke up to kick the soccer ball as well as play with the chickens through the fence. Those hens are real entertainers not only to the kids but Nancy as well as she is constantly digging up my fishin' worms and feeding them to the hens. We stayed outside; I sat in the sun but was still feeling chilly while everyone else ran around in short sleeves.








I grilled marinated chicken breasts for supper along with sweet taters, green peas, salad and bow tie pasta for the kiddos. They both loved the meat and pasta. After supper I cleaned up the dishes(actually just rinsed them off and put them in the dishwasher). Once again it seemed after eating the chills started again for me but not quite as bad as the past couple nights where I was actually shaking. So I braved it out until the kiddos had their baths and then gave Gabe his lung treatment with the inhaler before heading to the shower myself. It took me forever to get warmed up and then I headed under the covers for some Monday Night Football. I must have fallen asleep when Nancy awoke me to say my face was sun burnt red and my forehead was on fire with fever. I unloaded all the covers then began to run cold wet ice over my face and head area. My temp was 101 plus so even that worried me a little at first as the headache was intense along with the thought of cooking my brain and organs. I drank several glasses of ice cold water to cause me to sweat and it did thus eventually lowering the body temp a couple degrees; enough so I manage to get to sleep until the wee hours of the morning. I was still warm to touch so it was back to cold drinks of water until we awakened. LATER

 

Monday, November 19, 2012

Sunday

Well the morning started out with me feeling somewhat better but as the day progressed things went down hill fast and by the time supper was over all I wanted to do was go to bed. My body felt as if someone beat me up as every joint hurt and I was once again shaking cold. I could feel a tightness in my chest but no coughing or runny nose. I slept well enough as I spent about 10 hours in the horizontal position. I did around 4 AM get up and drink a big glass of water then headed back between the covers. The aches have subsided this morning(Monday) and now I'm sweating with water dripping off my brow. Hopefully this is a good sign the body is fighting whatever infected me.

We headed to church in Tampa around 9 AM and I felt pretty good. We were planning on bringing Annsley and Gabriel back to the house with us for a couple days while Bob and Jill celebrated their anniversary at a beach hotel not far from us. We stopped at Mickey D's for happy meals for the kids on the way home. I tuned into the Bucs vs the Panthers football game and the Bucs pulled it out with a win at the end, sorry to all my friends who are Panther fans in the Sparta area but we still have a fighting chance to make the playoffs at 6-4 whereas the Cats 2-7 are done for this year.

I headed over to water Tyler's garden while they are away. I set the sprinkler on my gardens as I didn't feel like hand watering. Nancy made the kids fried ham, bow tie pasta and sweet potatoes for us for supper. My appetite is good but after eating I started once again getting chilled, so I got ready for bed and left Nancy with all the work of getting the kids ready for their baths and bed. Its not like me to feel this bad but I sure did and have no idea where I could have caught this whatever. LATER

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Saturday

Well it was one of those busy days that never saw me sitting except to eat and maybe I over did it with the bright sunshine and warm temp's. We were awakened the usual way with big beak rooster crowing some time around 6 AM and we did manage to tune him out until nearly 7 for me and Nancy slept in until nearly 8. It was one of those nights when sleep wasn't very deep as we knew Amy and Tyler were on the road driving over night to Kansas for the holiday with Ava and Sam. By the way they made it safely after about 26 hours on the road around 9 PM our time.

After our quiet times Nancy made buckwheat cakes with a couple cackle berries on top for breakfast. That was the first time we have had a mountain breakfast since being back from the cabin. I decided to head out to the side yard and continue digging out that old tangerine tree that was no longer producing. Well when the sun broke through the clouds it turned hot and it wasn't long before I had a soaked shirt. But by 11AM I had it out; sawed up and then filled the hole back in. I initially wanted to expand my garden to that area but Nancy talked me out it this year.

We headed over to Lake Seminole Park to walk the trails instead heading to the treadmill for a work out. Actually I had to change to a drier shirt to work out. We did 3 miles then stopped by Home Depot for some more butter crunch lettuce, cow manure compost and a few other items. We left there and went by Amy's house to water Tyler garden before heading home to a late lunch. I cleaned up the leftover Mexican rice while Nancy made a wrap.

I worked in the back garden mostly in the shade by now and transplanted 2 trays of lettuce. Several slots had at least 2 and 3 seedlings so I separated them before planting. My garden is filling up quickly and I haven't set out my peppers, 'maters, Swiss chard and marigolds. If we stay away from the frost which we occasionally get after the first of the year I should be able to feed the 'hood.

I set the sprinkler and worked in the front yard where it was very sunny for a couple hours. Our neighbor and friends Dan and Carole stopped and talked and invited us to a spur on the moment bowl of Zuppa soup. Nancy already had a salad made so we headed up around 5:30. The supper was delicious. Nancy was scheduled to attend her mothers singing concert at 7 so we couldn't stay. Carole made a cake from a new recipe that doesn't use any oil or eggs but seltzer water to hold it together. The cake was very good but the chocolate icing was so sweet I wish I hadn't partake of it as no sooner than we got home I felt like I was going to be ill.

Nancy left and I made a cup of hot tea and then jumped in the shower. I couldn't get warm for some reason. So I went to bed around 8:30 and watched football until Nancy got home around 10:30. I was achey, felt feverish and had a headache. I think I got to much sun and didn't drink enough water. As I write this post on Sunday morning I feel some what better and I'm drinking plenty of fluids. I feel like I really worked to hard yesterday especially with the 3 mile hike, albeit it was on flat ground.

We are bringing Annsley and Gabe back with us after church for a couple nights so I will be busy with them as Bob and Jill head out for a couple night's R&R, LATER

Saturday, November 17, 2012

Friday

Well as you who are followers of this post know I'm writing this on Saturday morning as I stayed up late watching Duck Dynasty on the tube. I must say that is one of the most entertaining family show on the airways today.

The morning started out with big beak next door mouthing off around 5:30 in the morning. I learned the other rooster (who thinks he is a person) is kept in the garage and those two start their crowing fits before daylight. The other rooster is a white one with beautiful feathers and they take him every evening out to their barn where they stable a couple horses. After the wake up I did my quiet moments before eating a bowl of oatmeal with the last of the frozen wild blueberries, yeow are they ever tasty. I pedalled out to the rec around 7:30 for some hour and a half of pickle ball. Once again we had a full crew with some fast play.

Since I started a regiment of ibuprofen 800 mg's every 8 hours the deep pain in the elbow has eased a little. I ice it when I get back from the rec a couple times during the first hour or so and that seems to help also. Hopefully once I get this citrus tree dug out of the yard along side of the house I can relax it even more. I spent the next 2-3 hours after lunch cutting this tree up and digging the stump and roots. I hope to finish it off on Saturday and start an area for a new garden patch.

We made an Aldi run before Amy and Sam came for a visit. Nancy had gone to Ava's  Thanksgiving Day program at her school during the early hours of the morning. Amy and Tyler were leaving later in the evening for a week or so to Kansas to celebrate the holiday with his folks. That sure is a long drive but much cheaper than flying the family out there. It's 25 or so hours of driving and they left around 7 PM tonight. Keep them in your thoughts and prayers as they drive all night and day.

Sam came out in the back yard to play while I work on removing the citrus tree. He is such a jabber box going from one subject to the next in his vivid imagination. WOW can he ever talk, plus he repeats ever thing you say to him which is excellent for his vocabulary. He is all boy and loves too play in the dirt; where Ava has now become a grandma's girl. Nancy colors pictures and cuts out paper dolls with her and spends great fun time with her inside.

Well the weather here has been great for working outside and we can hardly believe we haven't had the a/c on since the first night back(no heat either). It's been in the low 50's for nights and maybe 80 a couple times but the humidity has stayed away for the most part. My garden is flourishing with all the greens I planted from seedlings. I do have cuke's and radishes up from seeds. I'm still waiting on the beans to break ground as its been a week today I planted them. I'm still working on losing this belly fat and I feel a little less full as I'm eating nothing from a box or anything I have to read what's in the ingredients. I'm trying to not combine meat with starches and eating lots of salads and not such big portions either. I'm staying on my feet during the afternoons instead of napping while hand watering the yard and gardens. Hopefully this will pay off.

We are picking up Annsley and Gabe on Sunday after church and bringing to our place for 2 nights and 3 days as Bob and Jill celebrate a get away for their anniversary on the 22nd. That should keep me awake and on my feet as well, LATER

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Thursday

Well the morning started once again around 5 with the rooster next door letting the neighborhood know of his presence; now I like chickens and if I had my way I would have some at the cabin which is out in the woods and not right next door. I'm really getting a little ticked at this feathered big mouth but as of right now I'm at a quandary about how to handle this situation, tactfully.

Well after my early wake up I did my quiet moments then had my piece of left over from supper apple pie with cold milk over it for breakfast before pedalling out to the rec for an hour and a half of pickle ball. We had about 10 advanced players which made for a good workout for me until a little after 9. My elbow is still suffering from all the work I laid on it this summer and today I decided I would have to resort to a regiment of ibuprofen to help alleviate the inflammation. I've just used ice, heat and a wrap but that isn't helping to make it better. Next year I may have to cut back on my hay making help as that event really caused the elbow to worsen, Oh well I can always drive the truck or tractor.

After pickle ball I changed out some seats on the shower valves as Nancy took off to take her mother to run some errands. I got in some good garden time waiting for Amy, Sam and GG to arrive for lunch. Sam ate like I've never seen him eat and that was because Amy cut his snacks out for the morning. After lunch we headed out to the back yard where he played and I read. I started a new read titled ESCAPE FROM CAMP 14. It's the true story of a young north Korean who escaped from one of the several political prison camps in that country. Wow will this story ever open your eyes to the repressive nature of that government. He is the one and only person who has ever escaped and lived to tell the story.

After the lunch gang left Nancy took off to the rec for her workout on the treadmill and I once again headed out back to the yard and garden. I have an old tangerine tree that is just about dead so I started cutting it up and I filled up 3 large garbage cans. I will eventually take it out completely and expand the size of my garden as that portion of the yard is useless except for a garden. I hand watered until it was time to start the grill for supper. I grilled a deer tenderloin which was awesome and Nancy made a huge salad as well as fresh asparagus, Yeow was that ever good and good for you. If I could get deer year round I would never eat beef again, it's that good.

Just a reminder to all that Artistry which is distributed by Amway is on special this month with a BOGO on all of their products. Nancy loves these products and if you have any age spots this stuff takes them away. Our very own Miss America uses the Artistry products and is a spokesperson. I might even try that one myself as I'm getting a few of those age spots myself. Check the products out and let me know if your interested. For all new customers I'm offering a 20% discount for the next 6 months off the retail cost as well, plus our team leaders are offering to reimburse your shipping's cost until the end of this year. Now that's a deal. Let me know via e-mail, Face Book or reply to this post and I will set you up. There is no cost to you to be a customer and peruse the on-line catalog. Here is our store at Amway.com/JNTriplett, LATER


A couple pics from last nights belated birthday supper for GG(Nancy's mom)  

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Wednesday

Well once again the fowl mouth started crowing this AM early. I tuned him out until 6:30 then rolled out to start the day. It was overcast, humid but warm. After my quiet time and bowl of oatmeal I pedalled out to the rec for an hour and half of pickle ball. Once again we had a good number of advanced players with some great play. I'm still having some ache in the right elbow from tendinitis so I decided to break off the play early.

I stopped by the library for a couple new reads before pedalling on home to work outside in the yards and gardens. I finally saw the sun just before lunch and then it stayed out the rest of the day. Nancy was busy in the kitchen after her treadmill workout. She was fixing GG her belated birthday dinner. Enchiladas, Mexican rice, pinto beans and an apple pie. Amy brought salsa and chips. The meal takes a lot of prep work but was just awesome in flavor. Betsy stopped by and ate as well.

Well it been a little over a week since we have been back from the cabin and we haven't stopped to rest; with the lunches, suppers and baby sitting as well as the rec workouts. The weather has been superb for gardening and working outdoors. I did manage to set down around 4 PM for about an hour in the back yard and read. Wow was it ever nice under the big oak tree, LATER

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Tuesday

Well once again those "bloody chickens" started their cackling and crowing around 5 in the morning. I learned from the neighbor the hen laid an egg and that was the reason for all the cackling; anyhow around 6 they settled down and let me go back to sleep until nearly 7, as you can guess I'm not real happy about the 5 AM wake up. It was another beautiful day with temp's reaching the high 70's with bright sunshine and clear skies.

I headed out to the rec after my quiet time and a bowl of oatmeal with blue berries and honey. I got in a good hour and a half of play and we had a good crowd  of about 12 players total. There were lots of wet shirts and still a half dozen or so playing after I left a little after 9. I was scheduled to watch Sam around 10 as the girls went shopping for clothes for Amy for Christmas. Amy and her family are leaving Friday for about 10 days or so in Kansas for Thanksgiving so she was in need of winter clothing.

Sam and I had a great time and he has such an imagination as well. We played trucks and then headed outside where he played with the chickens through the fence and then of course headed for the dirt. He loves dirt and I eventually had to wash him off with the hose before we came back into the house after an hour and a half. That boy likes the outside. I caught up on a little reading while we sat and played in the back yard.

Sam loves his snacks and about every 20 minutes or so he was hungry and wanted a different snack from; animal crackers, corn chips to fruit snacks, fruit drinks and Cheeze-its. He did eat half of a ham and cheese sandwich for lunch as well. He is doing great with his potty training and he had no accidents from mid-morning until nearly 2:30 when they left to head out to school to pick up Ava. We have such a fun time together. After the girls got back Nancy and I headed out to Aldi's for some last minutes items for tomorrow's family dinner for GG's birthday. I dropped her off at the rec on the way home so she could get a workout in on the treadmill.

I headed out to hand water the front yard and the newly planted inpatients then worked my way to the back yard to water the garden and the back yard. We have been back a week today from the mountains and no rain has fallen. We had left over roast beef along with fresh broccoli and a salad for supper. Well its been a full day since I was awakened much to early at 5 AM, LATER

Monday, November 12, 2012

Monday

Well the morning started with the rooster around 5:30 but we managed to tune him out until 7 AM before we decided to roll out. Today was Veterans Day and while a veteran myself I pray for all those who are still on the front lines insuring our nations safety with their commitment to the armed services. After our quiet times we did our own thing for breakfast with oatmeal and fruit. I headed outside to water the gardens and seedlings then cranked up the mower and did the yards. That keep me busy until nearly 10:30 when we decided to head to Lake Seminole Park.

We walked the 2 mile trail through the woods which sure beat walking the streets through the hood. The ambiance was delightful but was nothing compared to our daily hike up to the top of the mountain. We encountered several on roller blades, bikes and joggers on the flat paved trail. That was a good workout and the sweat did start as we neared the end. We stopped off at a local health food store for some pro-biotics for Nancy before heading home. Amy was picking up GG and coming for lunch along with Sam.

After lunch Sam and I retreated to the back yard under the shade of the big oak for a couple hours before they had to go. Nancy brought out a plastic rifle she bought a couple years ago that makes the shooting ricochet noise and he was in his element as he usually uses sticks for all his activities. I sat and finished reading IMPERFECT JUSTICE written by the lead prosecutor in the Casey Anthony case. Wow it's remarkable the outcome of that trial and the fact she is free. Once again another travesty of justice and the lack of using any common sense in the deliberations, oh well!!

After they left for home I worked in the back garden and then I grilled a couple pork chops for supper to go along with some fried yellow squash and parsley spuds. After the clean up we tuned into the FOX NEWS and once again the headlines are of scandal, cover up and still no electricity in the North east, LATER

Sunday

The day started out with bright sunshine and warm temps in the 50's as we got ready for another busy day. After our wake up around 5:30 by the rooster next door we managed to roll over and sleep in until 6:30. We did our quiet times, caught up on Face Book and then I set the sprinklers for the garden and yard as the beautiful lush green grass that welcomed us home on Tuesday is now starting to dry up. Our grass in the both of the yards looked the best ever. Last year we had a dirt hill in the front yard and it looked horrible.

We headed out for Tampa with our neighbors Dan and Carol to worship at Element Church. It takes around 45 minutes to get there so we car pool as much as possible. There was a blood drive at the church so I hurried over to the blood mobile to give as it's been nearly 6 months since I gave for that worthy cause. That took about a 1/2 hour and by the time I got back to the service the praise music was just about over. I did get to hear my son give a rousing talk on whats happening to the church in general and why the lack of commitment to honor GOD is occurring in our land. It was an awesome message and we got to renew lots of old friendships as well. Nancy and I have been blessed to be involved in two churches where we have been made to feel so welcomed.

The Tampa Bay Bucs were playing a 1 PM game so instead of taking the interstate home we took the toll road to avoid all the traffic from the game. Too bad the game was blacked out on T.V. as well due to the lack of a sell out in the stands. We later learned the Bucs won the game against the Chargers. We stopped off at CVS pharmacy to renew one of Nancy's scripts then headed next door to Subway for lunch.

We dropped off the Botbyl's then headed down the street to our place where I tuned into another football game. The Dolphins got slaughtered by Titans. I headed out to once again finish setting the garden hose and sprinkler on the rest of the yards and gardens. It was nearing 80 degrees but with no humidity it was pleasant. Nancy was on the phone with our mountain friends; Mechelle and Helen for quite sometime. We got ready and headed out around 5:30 for GG's house as she was cooking a roast to celebrate Nancy's sister Betsy's birthday which occurred days ago. Anyhow the meal was awesome with top sirloin roast and gravy over smashed spuds, squash casserole and salad plus chocolate cake with white icing(I passed on the cake and rolls as I'm getting too fat).

We sat around playing with Sam and Ava before and after eating. Sam loves his trucks and is quite imaginative while playing. We stayed and visited until nearly 10 PM before heading out. Braden and I was involved in the Bears football game. I learned he went to the Bucs game that afternoon and he filled me in on the team's play. Our N.C. Panthers didn't fare to well and got beat up on again. The Bucs play them next Sunday there; should be a lot of fun as we have several Panther fans as friends.

Well that's about it for Sunday, LATER.

Saturday, November 10, 2012

Saturday

Well it was just another beautiful day with 50's to start the day around 7 AM. The rooster next door woke Ava and Sam and we could hear them giggling as they spent the night with us. After our abbreviated quiet times we did French toast for breakfast and eggs. Afterwards we just played in the house until Amy and Tyler picked the kids up around 10 AM.

I headed out after they left to head to Lowes and then to Largo Feed Store where I finally found some bush bean seeds. It was hard to believe both Lowes and Home Depot had a limited selection of seeds and not many as well. I stopped at our old veggie stand and found herbs at half the cost of the major stores. There were so many basil plants in one container that I separated them into 5 pots. I also picked up a Thyme plant as well.

When I came back Nancy took off with her mom to Publix for shopping while I planted 2 rows of beans and watered the gardens. It was just such a nice day and the temps eventually climbed to near 80 but there was no humidity which made for a very pleasant day. We had a bite of lunch then Nancy took off again with Amy and Ava to do some shopping for the grand kids as Ava and Sam leave next week for Kansas where it will be cold.

I sat under the oak and read the true facts about the Casey Anthony trial titled IMPERFECT JUSTICE. Unbelievable a jury found her innocent of the death of her baby girl. Oh well its also unbelievable O.J. was found innocent as well. We headed out to GG's around 6 PM for supper as she was trying out a new recipe. It had a little bite and I found it very good. I watched the #1 'Bama college team get upset by a very good Aggie team from Texas. Tomorrow is worship at Element Church in Tampa, Later 

Friday, November 9, 2012

Friday

Well this turned out to be a very busy day that started around 7 AM. I had decided to give pickle ball a try after being away from it for nearly 5 months. After my quiet time and a lite breakfast I headed out to the rec on my bike for about an hour an a half workout. It was good to renew old friendships and I picked up pretty much were I left off in May. I never sat down for the first hour and then finally I paired up with a new player and we lost. The workout was good and since it had been such a long time since I pushed myself with a good cardio exercise I didn't want to overdo it so I headed out a little after 9.

I made a stop at the library for a couple new reads for myself and one for Nancy. It was close to 10 before I got back to the house and started working in the garden. I hand watered everything then sowed some kale, cukes, squash, red lettuce and more Swiss chard. Nancy decided to take off to the rec and get in a treadmill workout. I worked in the yard  until lunch time and after a left over grilled deer burger I worked on the over head fluorescent lights in the kitchen. I decided after taking the fixture apart the ballast was shot as well as the bulbs so I headed off to Home Depot.


I changed out the ballast and bulbs and that took me the better part of an hour. I decided once I finished that chore it was time to set out the impatient plants along the front yard. I dug the holes and filled them with composted cow manure while Nancy set the plants. She then watered the front yard by hand while I piddled around in the back yard re-watering the new seedlings and sowing a row of radishes. I did manage to set out my herbs as well. The temps were beautiful during the day with the high around 70 with lots of sunshine and just a slight breeze to make it great working weather.

I grilled a couple marinated chicken breasts for supper and along with some bow tie pasta as Ava and Sam are spending the night. Well after the cleanup I got in a little Fox News in between playing trucks with Sam. It won't take much for me to fall asleep tonight, LATER

Nancy took a couple pics of the chickens next door.

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Thursday

Well it was another cool morning with temps in the high 50's but with lots of sunshine. I finally got a little more rest after having some difficult time adjusting to a new bed and surroundings. The rooster started crowing around 5:30 and I did manage to stay in the sack until 7 before starting the day. After a cup of hot green tea I did my quiet time then headed out to water the garden after a bowl of oatmeal.Nancy wanted to do a Sam's Club run so we headed out around 10:30.

Once again we stocked up on several items as there will be lots of family suppers starting with one tonight that featured pot roast, salad, taters, carrots and cresent rolls. GG, Amy, Ava, Sam, Annsley and Gabe ate with us as Bob and Jill headed to Clearwater for a wedding Bob was performing at the Kapok Tree. We had a great time with all 4 grand babies here at once. The kids played great together as well as bathed together.

I almost forgot on the way to Sam's we made a Home Depot run where I stocked up on seedling for my garden and got most of them in the ground after lunch. I planted; cabbage, broccoli, collards, cauliflower, onions, Rosemary, cilantro, parsley, egg plant and romaine lettuce. All of these were seedling. I decided to sprinkle a little lime in the holes where I set the seedlings hoping this will sweeten the soil from all the oak leaves I loaded the garden wit last May. I found lots of earthworms as I dug and spaded the garden so that's a great sign. I also sowed some 1/2 runner bean seeds and some marigolds seeds as well. Tonight the temps are supposed to go down into the high 40's but the afternoons will reach the high 60's.

Well I'm fading fast as the kids just plum wore me out. Tomorrow morning I'm going to give pickle ball a shot as its been 5 months since I've played competitive. I did hit with a friend one time in the mountains but that was before I hurt the left knee so I'm a little apprehensive about giving the knee a good workout, LATER

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Wednesday

Well I can't complain about the weather as it was just perfect today with temps in the high 60' and scattered clouds. The morning started really early for me as I awakened around 4 :30 after turning off the T.V. last night in disgust with the way the election was heading. I'm not one to politicize the occasion but last nights election make me want to be sick as after 4 years the American folks could not or would not recognize this mans failed policies(or lack thereof) that are going to ruin our nation, oh well the majority has spoken.

After our quiet time, I fried a couple cackle berries along with a couple of slices of pumpernickel bread for toast I headed out to the back yard. It was 60 degrees and by most thought it was cold. I started on the vines along the fence with the hedge trimmer then proceeded to the gardens. I managed to dig and roll weeds that were over 5 ft. tall into the grass area and then mow and mulch them into tiny pieces. That took me hours as I had piles of weeds and grass 6 ft high.

After mulching the weeds I moved the mess into several parts of the garden. I transplanted the tomato, Basil and onion seedlings into pots as well as spaded a couple rows for my beet seedling. I gave several beet seedlings to Tyler for his garden and he shared some  collard greens, cauliflower, tomato and pepper seedlings. I worked outside until nearly 4 PM trimming hedges, sweeping porches and putting our luggage into the attic. Wow was it ever a busy day.

Nancy invited GG for supper and I grilled ground venison burgers. Wow were they ever tasty and Betsy came by and had a taste as well. The burgers were awesome and grilled up perfect along with a fresh salad and a few tater tots. Well I can barely keep my eyes open as its been a long 2 days without much sleep, hopefully I can sleep tonight. Helen reported this AM it was 23 at her place and the ground was covered in white stuff, LATER 

Tuesday

Well I'm writing this on Wednesday morning after another sleepless night; back in a strange bed with a fan on overhead and of course after what I thought was a disappointing re-election of a man who wants to be a dictator.

The morning started out with not sleeping on Monday night as I anticipated our return to Florida. I just can not sleep knowing I have to make that drive plus do the last minute chores in closing up the cabin for the winter. We both decided to arise at 3:15 AM and start our closing act. It was cold with temps below freezing and another heavy frost as we started out at 4:30 AM. The ride down off the mountain is one with heavy hearts but also exciting at the same time as we would see our daughter Amy and her family for supper. Ava and Sam were so funny when drove up at their house around 6 for supper.

The trip down was uneventful and we made it in just under 12 hours. Now that I have to stop every 1 1/2 hours to walk because of the prior blood clot in the leg a couple years ago. We ate at Mickey D's for breakfast and Subway for lunch. The temps finally warmed up as we started into Georgia and it reached 81 when we approached Tampa just about rush hour.

Our cooler with about 50 pounds of fresh killed venison provided by our friend Andy, made the trip as the ice never melted. Our first priority was to get the meat packed into individual freezer bags and into the deep freezer. Once that was successfully done we started unpacking and then headed over to Amy and Tyler 's for a delicious chicken casserole, salad and roll supper. We hung out and played with Ava and Sam until it was their bedtime and mine as well.

Well I can't say I'm thrilled to be back in this flat land but I'm thankful we had a safe trip. We saw as many cars on the Howard Franklin Bridge as we entered into Pinellas County than we saw all summer in the mountains. It is nice weather wise as we learned from our "mountain mom" snow was falling in the high country. We went from heat to a/c all in one day, LATER

Monday, November 5, 2012

Monday

Well this will be my final post from the cabin this year as we spent the day getting the cabin ready for winter and packing as we head south early in the morning. Its been a bittersweet day as we totally love our little mountain cabin, the great friends we have made here and of course our church family at Cornerstone. We are looking forward to some grand baby time as well as seeing Nancy's mom and of course our kids.

The morning started with a heavy frost and temps down into the high 20's as we rolled out around 7 AM. After our quiet times we cleaned out the freezer of some small tidbits of bacon, a couple frozen biscuits and topped with a couple cackle berries. I also heated a leftover buckwheat cake to top off the breakfast. I started outside after the sun warmed the frost off the roof with taking my seedling out of their pots and rolling them in wet newspaper. I also dug up my beets and saved the small ones for replanting when I get my garden in shape later this week in Florida.

I moved all my gas powered equipment into the basement as the temps stay around 50 degree in the winter months. I piddled around outside as the sun really warmed the air after the cold morning. We both had a good start over the past couple days of getting ready for this move after being here for over 5 months. We had a bite of lunch by cleaning up the leftover spaghetti and garlic bread. We decided it was time to take our final hike for this year. The temps had really warmed up to close to 50 as we headed out and it seemed even warmer on top. The air was so clear and visibility was almost 3-D like. We stopped and visited with Norm. Dean Todd was also there assisting Norm with his yard clean up. We then headed on down to return a book and some some ear muffs to Joe and Jetta. They unfortunately were off the mountain and we didn't get to say good-by to them except later by phone.

We took the golf cart out to the mailbox for our last trip in it this year. It was a beautiful day but out of the sun it was rather cool. We came back and said good-by to neighbor Gerald as he too is leaving the mountain tomorrow. Several others phoned to say good-by as well. Our "mountain mom", Helen came by to say good-by also. We finally packed up our clothes and I loaded the truck while Nancy baked a couple salmon filet's, cooked some frozen broccoli and leftover Cole slaw. I cleaned out the fridge in the basement and defrosted it as well.

Our good friend Andy called about 7 PM and said he killed a deer this evening and he had some meat for me. I headed over to his place and while Andy butchered the carcass Caleb's and I ground up several pounds, cubed steaked several pounds and had a couple pounds of whole back strap(tenderloin). We will have some good eatin' this winter along with the package Gerald gave us from his kill on Saturday. Many thanks to those who keep us supplied with venison as there is no better eatin'.

Well its time for the shower as 3:30 comes early. I want to be through Charlotte before the rush hour as we plan to leave around 5 AM. I understand there is the possibility of bad weather from a storm that maybe replicate Hurricane Sandy from last week, LATER

Sunday

(I'm sure you can tell I'm writing this post on Monday morning as it was late when we got back to the cabin last night.) The morning started with cold temp's once again down in the middle 30's. After our extra hour of sleep we rolled out to hot cups of coffee and green tea. We did our quiet times then had our bowls of oatmeal with wild blue berries and a banana before getting ready to head out to Cornerstone for worship. We were sad to think this day would be our last time together with these great folks for another 6 months or more but excited as well with the thought we were helping with the Big Daddy Weave concert the rest of the day and evening.

The worship was of music with our own home grown Blue Grass Gospel Band, Priority Blue. They were awesome, very inspiring and just blessed your heart as well. We had a shortened service as the big band tour bus and trailer was already in the church parking lot. We broke up around 11 AM then started in with the many chores that needed to be completed to make this a successful event. The concert was sold out with 650 tickets distributed and we made possible for an overflow as well. I would estimate we had another 100 church folks working the event along with 40-50 youths from Cornerstone as well.

After completing many of the last minute chores we took off for the The Pines Restaurant with the Dalton's and Hearl's for lunch. Afterwards we stopped by the Dalton Farm to see their 5 new Alpaca's they acquired from Tennessee. We headed back to church around 2 and it was determined some of us wouldn't be needed until 4 PM for our jobs so I headed back to the Dalton's too watch the Panthers whup up on the Redskins for only their second win of the season. (I learned the Bucs won in Oakland after getting home from the concert).

We headed back to the church and I met up with Nancy who stayed and they were starting to grill a couple hundreds hot dogs that I was to help prepare along with the youth for their fund raiser.All of the food that included dogs, chips,drinks and home made baked goods were donated by the church members and the refreshments were for the patrons at a donation only cost to them. I think they raised over $1200 dollars for next years youth misson trip. Anyhow we offered the refreshments up until the concert started then again at intermission and then we gave away everything after the show. You could see your breath as we did our thing outside beside the church entrance; it was down right chilly and when we left the temp was 38 degrees, yikes!!!







The concert was awesome with inspiring testimonies and the music left you feeling wonderful. We had several youth groups from various church's through the mountains area even some from as far away as Charlotte. The concert ended somewhere around close to 10 PM but the artists stayed to pray with many who came forward with issues they were dealing with and afterwards many came out for pictures, to sign autographs and generally mingle with the crowd as they left. I had the opportunity to speak with Aaaron Shust and shake his hand and learn he was married in Sarasota, Florida when he found out we were heading back there on Tuesday. He seems a down to earth fellow who is dedicated to his ministry as a contemporary christian artist. This was the third time he has been here to Cornerstone and once again honored us as a venue that has real passion for reaching the community for Christ and for our great down home cooks. We do have some great dedicated folks who know how to please with food.

It was going on 11PM by the time we broke down our area and there were still many folks mingling as we left. We left with many hugs and well wishes as we headed out for the last time this year, LATER

Sunday, November 4, 2012

Saturday

Well I slept so little on Friday night that I was just to tired to make a post tonight(I'm writing this Sunday Morning) because I set the alarm clock. My internal clock kept me awake because I set the external one; now that doesn't make sense but that's what I attribute the lack of sleep too, oh well!!! The morning started early 6:15 for the last roll over and check the time so I just got up. We had a church meeting at 9 so Nancy wanted to be sure and have plenty of time for her morning duties. Brrr it was very cold as well with ice and frost everywhere.

We headed out to Cornerstone where we met with all the volunteers who are working the Big Daddy Weave Concert on Sunday Night. Nancy and I are filling in where needed plus assisting the youth with the hot dog sales before and during intermission. We are sold out at over 700 plus about a 150 overflow that will be simulcast into the youth room. We did a few chores to get ready and then we headed out around lunch time and met up with Mechelle at the local Mexican restaurant for lunch in Sparta. It was nearly 2 before we got back to the cabin and thankfully it had warmed up considerably. We headed out for our hike to the top and it was just delightful with clear conditions that allowed us to see downtown Winston. It reached 60 degrees after a low 30's start.

We came back and I tuned into the college football agenda flipping back and forth between a couple good games. Florida came from behind to win as did USF later in the night for a win. We were picking up Helen and Joe for a trip out to supper at Brown's eatery in Sparta around 4:30. We had a good supper of salmon cakes and terriyaki chicken of which we split so we each could taste the other. The baked spuds were giant and the home cooked collards greens were fantastic. Needless to say we waddled out of the place and then stayed and visited for an hour or so with Helen before heading back to the cabin.

I managed to stay awake long enough to hit the shower then watched a little of the Alabama vs LSU game but gave in around 10 PM for the flannel sheets. It was still pretty nice outside at 50 degrees which was  nice compared to the past few nights, LATER

Friday, November 2, 2012

Friday

Well the morning started much the usual with a late roll out around 8 AM then our quiet times before a hearty breakfast of buckwheat cakes and a couple cackle berries on top. That held me until 2 PM when we had a frozen pizza for a late lunch. It was a bit nippy to start the day with temps in the high 30's and eventually as the sun came out it warmed up to around 50. I set my seedlings out to get a little sunlight around mid morning. I loaded up my 2 trash cans, several 5 gallon buckets and the empty rain barrel and headed over to the Kluttz's Farm where I gathered each of those containers full of horse manure.

After spreading the  collections on my gardens and raised beds it was time to set out on a hike to the top of the mountain. It was quiet on top except we visited briefly with Joe and Jetta before heading back down for a lite lunch. We knew we had to leave for town around 4 PM as we had some errands to run; picking up Nancy's prescriptions at the drug store, dropping off a couple books at the library and then a visit to the Hampton's residence where we visited and settled up a plumbing bill from back in June. It was great to visit with Walt and Theia. They have been family friends since he did our initial plumbing and wiring for our cabin way back in the 90's. They have treated us like family for many years and its unfortunate they are having some health issues that go along with getting up in years. We use to have some great family suppers with them and our kids and their kids and grand kids, but we have missed having any the past couple years. I'm so glad we got to visit with them before leaving this year.

After leaving the Hampton's we headed on over to the Gerald and Kay Luffman where she had a big pot of chili cooking. We brought Cole slaw and Karin brought an iron skillet of corn bread and Kay made a berry cobbler with vanilla ice cream for dessert. I broke down down and had some of the warm delicious cobbler. Mechelle and her family Andy, Caleb and Kallie were there as well along with Karin and Katelyn Hearl. After eating we played a little of Oh (H)ell which is a card game while waiting for Katelyn to return with the Sequence board. We then played several games and finally with the help of Mechelle the guys were victorious for the first time this summer as she had to play with the Gerald and I. We laughed and cut up and had a great time until nearly 10:30 when we headed for the cabin. It was in the 30's as we drove in the lane to the cabin with a very bright nearly full moon hanging over the mountain.


Tomorrow morning we have a meeting at Cornerstone as we make plans for the Big Daddy Weave Concert on Sunday evening and then in the evening we will go out to eat with our "mountain mom" Helen and her brother Joe for supper as we begin to pack up the cabin and get ready to leave on Tuesday morning. We are amazed at how fast this past 5 months have gone by. Sunday we will be at church most of the day as we help with the concert setup and break down as well as the food prep for the singers, LATER

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Thursday

Well it was around 9 before we finally rolled out to start the day, yikes that bed was so warm and the temps outside were in the high 30's with a steady wind. After our quiet times I fried a couple dippy eggs and put them in a bowl of grits while Nancy did her own thing with oatmeal. It was close 10:30 before we finished eating. I headed down to the basement to start the washer then headed outside. We put a couple loads of laundry on the outside line. The sun was shining and the temps had warmed up to 45 so I set my seedling in the sun for the first time in days. They have been in the basement since Sunday and were starving for sunshine despite having them setting in the window.

It finally warmed up to 50 degrees which made it nice when the sun was out as the wind was still steady and strong. I did some more raking of pine needles then spread a sack of lime on my lower garden. I trimmed my rose bush back to the ground and covered it with dried pine needles. I've been doing a little each day as I get the yards and gardens ready for the winter.

We had a bite of lunch around 1:30 then we headed out for our daily hike to the top of the mountain. We visited with Norm for a few taking his mail in for him then headed down and visited with Joe and Jetta for a few before heading back down to the cabin. It was going on 4 PM when I decided to move the seedling back into the warmth of the basement as there is a freeze warning for our county tonight. The temperature was starting to drop rapidly.


Nancy had a large pot of spaghetti sauce simmering as we were having our old gang for the final time this year. Our neighbor Gerald got in from the Raleigh area during the afternoon so we invited him to eat and play Sequence with us as well. The supper was superb with spaghetti, salad, garlic bread and chocolate-peanut butter squares(I passed on them) but they looked good. The gal won in a raucous rubber game with lots of wild accusations. It was good to see Ray and Audine, Eddie and Kimberly and Gerald as we will not see them again this year. Gabriel had a baseball game so Jodi was unable to be here plus she is still working.They all headed out a little after 10 PM, LATER