Worship at Cornerstone and a Football Day

Well it certainly was a morning to remember especially if you live in hot humid Florida. The dew dripping from the roof and the coolness in the air with clear blue skies made for a great way to start the day. After our quiet time and a lite breakfast we got ready to head out to Cornerstone for worship. After lots of hugs and handshakes(we have been gone for the last 3 Sundays) Pastor B(Brian) started his fourth sermon in a series on "Fireproofing your marriage." We missed the first three sermons but if they were anything like this one today many marriages could be saved with a little help found in God's Word. Pastor B is making this series available on DVD(for free) for anyone you know who is having marital difficulties. Contact myself or Cornerstone Christian Fellowship at 336-372-3070.

After worship we headed back to the cabin for a light lunch as we were invited to an NFL get together at Don and Stacy's house for hamburgers, hot dogs, dip and chips. Nancy made green bean casserole and cole slaw.The Dalton gang was there also and we were able to watch 2 games at once and all the games as Don has the NFL ticket. When we left our place the Buccaneer's were leading the Saints 20-17 and of course I had my Buc's shirt on. Well needless to say they had lost by the time I arrived at Don's. The Panthers were playing the Chargers and with 2 seconds to go they came from behind and won, so the Buc's are the only beaten team in their division. We also watched the Cowboys(Andy's team ) annihilate the Browns(Stacy's team). The Falcons(Don's team) whupped the Lions. Oh well it was a fun afternoon with great food and fellowship. After leaving the Adams we followed the Dalton's through some beautiful wooded mountains near the New River on some gravel roads with lots of S- curves and switchbacks. Some of the scenery was breath taking. Thanks Andy for getting us lost but eventually bringing us back to civilization.

Well we got home just as darkness fell to a symphony of crickets, katydids and cicadas. There was a call from my youngest sister, Dee that she and her family will come for a weekend the 26th of September and bring our Dad and his friend. That should be a fun time with 8 additional people. Well, will go for now missing our kids and grand kids Ava and Annsley. Later.

Saturday was a hint of Fall, Goofed Around and a Dinner at Joe's

Saturday morning was the first day of fall(according to Nancy) as we found several colored leaves on our first hike(and only) of the day. We did the touristy thing and slept in, had scrambled eggs with salsa in a peta pocket and fresh cantaloupe. That even sounds touristy to me. After our quiet time(giving thanks and lifting up those we know and love and those who are in need) we walked the lay of the land. Checking on recently planted grass seed, veggie seeds(mustard greens are up(country for sprouting) after only 3 days) and looking for deer damage. Even though most of the garden is done for they still get in at night and cause havoc(city for tearing up) with whats left. The deer were digging up Odell's spuds(pawning the ground) and eating them. That was before we dug them on Friday. Oh by the way I have a correction on Odell's age. I believe I had him in the 80's; well he's in his late 70's, sorry Odell. I figured with all his wisdom he just had to be older.

Nancy and I strolled around the mountain visiting with folks, picking up leaves and just taking our time breathing the fresh clean(never before breathed) air. Wow was it ever good for the innards. We came back and nibbled for lunch(1PM) as we had been invited to our dear friend Joe's house for dinner around 4 PM. After lunch we took off again on the golf cart this time. We rode out to the hard top(country for paved road) and picked up the mail then took off for the mountain top. On the way we visited with several; Nancy and Mike from Winston was planting mums, another couple(Jetta and Joe's sister) from Tennessee are staying at their place with Zeke(dog) while the Browning's are in Ohio. We made our way back down and ran into Slide(Audine coming back from getting a haircut) on her way in from Independence.

We came back to the cabin and I watched a little U.S.Open Tennis(close to pickleball) and Nancy sat on the deck in the sun and read. Wasn't long before we headed over to pick up our mountain mother, Helen and headed to her older brother, Joe's place. Well, Joe had the table set in fine china, and all the fixin's(country for the food was on the table) ready to set down and eat. There was steak, baked spuds, corn on the cob, salad, rolls and beets(Helen canned). And on top of that a fresh baked(in the oven before dawn) lemon pound cake. Of course we had to walk the land( or better rolled around the land as we were stuffed) before coming back for dessert. Thanks Joe for all the fine eatin'(country for delicious).

By the time we left Joe's evening shadows were getting long and my eye lids were starting to sink like the sun. I inquired of Joe's after that sumptuous meal the availability of a bed for evening ( I was taking this touristy attitude to the extreme). We picked a bag full of "HOT" peppers and green peppers( at a buck a piece in Wal-Mart) Joe would have been in high cotton(country for doing alright) as he must have 15 plants or more and just loaded with peppers. What a green thumb he has when it comes to gardening and I'm learning from him.

We visited with Helen until nearly dark(so much for another walk as we needed one ). She loaded us up with some of her beautiful home canned goodie's. There was fresh pear preserves from her tree(first time it ever produced fruit), grape jelly(her grapes she grew),pickled stuffed peppers(Joe grew) with cabbage, pickled beets(Odell grew) and tomato juice. Wow these were beautiful and you know what went into(country for contents)of each jar. No wonder old timers(country for people who lived off the land and not some grocery store) lived so long and with few ailments. I didn't read on the label stuff I never heard of or couldn't pronounce the name of stuff I never heard of. Thanks Helen.

Well it was time to head back and we made it just before the deer started jumping out in the road in front of you. I watched a little Miami vs Florida College football. We had a great day and just wish our kids and grand kids could have shared it with us. Thanks to all who make our life interesting and enjoyable. Later, we spoke with Amy as they were in a lay over in Dallas after leaving Colorado enroute to Tampa around 8:45 PM. They were due in to Tampa around midnight and thanks for John(neighbor and friend) for picking them up at the airport. We are excited for Bob(and family) for his second service at Element this morning in Tampa at 10 AM.

Planted Grass Seed,Picked up Potato's and Guests for Sequence

Well Friday started out with a beautiful, clear, blue skies, cool morning. WOW!!! Words can't describe to all the beauty of being in everything GOD created(except the house and car). The flowers are starting to go to seed and lack some of their earlier luster; but a few leaves are changing to brilliant reds and oranges. We see less and less of the family of humming birds as they will be heading off soon(for where ever) for the winter months. After our quiet time and deer damage check(not much for them to eat but they had a feast while we were gone for 2 weeks in August) we had a bland breakfast. Sorry Dranille about the buckwheat cakes but they were adding extra padding in certain areas so we nixed them for a week or so(until after Nancy weighs in at the doctor on the 9th).

I am still trying to get a good stand of grass in the cleared wooded area before we leave for the winter. It's coming in better than I expected after the 7+ inches of rain, but a few areas need a little TLC. I then turned over the tomato patch as a blight ruined all and got only a few this year. Next year I need to plant a different variety and in a different area. I can only dream about the tomato's we harvested in '06. WOW what a bumper crop and they were magazine pretty. While spading up the garden I was waiting for a phone call from Odell. Odell is a local country boy(man) who grew up here and can tell some of the best stories about life and people in this area. Anyhow I was going to help him pick up his potato's as he( Odell is in his 80's) plowed them from the ground with his tractor. I like his company and enjoy doing a back breaking job to be able hear some of his life experiences, plus I get all the potato's I want. We had a good day and the spuds were many (but maybe not as big as last year, according to Odell) when some went over a 1 1/2 pounds in weight. Boy are they good eatin'.

While visiting with Odell his neighbor Hugh came down(after the last spud was picked up) and we sat in the shade on the porch and talked a while before Odell offered us a taste of his homemade grape wine. It was very sweet and mellow. I think it was a great juice but he put no yeast in the batch so I don't think it will have any punch(no pun intended).

After leaving Odell's with a bunch of 'taters and some apples from his tree I stopped to look at a golf cart for sale along the road; low and behold(that's a country expression)I ran into Helen and Joe's sister, Martha who we hadn't seen in awhile. I was good to know she(Martha) is still kicking and I believe keeps up with us on our blog. Give our best to your sister, Esma.

After a dinner of home grown beans and Odells tater's we got ready for company. The old crew plus Gerald came for Sequence. Jodi didn't make it up(with T.S. Hanna visiting Raleigh) so Nancy had to play her hand. She did an admirable job in Jodi's place, but sorry girls the last hand did y'all in. What we used to remind us of Jodi's turn in the game was the "head" on the table(be sure to check the pics). Next time girl don't fall asleep on the beach. Nancy's new nickname for Jodi is Jughead(that's her words not mine)however, I must say Gerald's(husband of Jodi) choice was right on.

Well we slept in this AM and I just couldn't get in the mood to write after everyone left last night( it was nearly 11PM) especially when there is such tension in the room when playing with high strung gals with nicknames like Hairy, Slide, JugHead and Nasty and one who was missing is named Squirrely(pray for us men on Sequence night).

Later missing all and please keep Ava in your prayers as she flys back with her parents to Florida this evening. Sunday will be a big day for Annsley as well as her Dad will lead his second Sunday at Element.

Yard Work, Hike, Angelfood and 3-Legged Cow

Thursday was a beautiful morning down in the 50's and bright blue skies. After our quiet time with the Creator, we had a lite breakfast and I hit the garden and backyard. The 7+ inches of rain 2 weeks ago exposed several large rocks and several roots. I took a digging tool(pick ax),ax and a bag of grass seeds. I worked up a good sweat while digging and walking on a hillside even though the air was dry and cool.

About 11 AM, Nancy was ready for our only hike of the day as we were committed for the rest of the afternoon with the Angelfood Ministry at Cornerstone. Wow, we had some local newspaper exposure which came out that very morning and we probably saw and ordered for nearly a dozen people. What a big help especially for those folks on a limited income and the food is quality.

After our hike Nancy made a lunch of fresh guacamole and chips with a little salad. YUMMM. We loafed around here doing boring little jobs until it was time to head for Cornerstone. Our friend Andy Dalton alerted us to field on the way to church that had a 3 legged cow. That's right it was born with only 1 front leg on its right side. Well it was near the road on the way home so I stopped and got a couple pictures. This cow is a quite large and hobbles well as it moves around to graze. Unbelievable!!!!

We got back around 6:30 and the evening shadows had already covered the back yard so we fired up the grille for a couple burgers and some oven fries. After eating we watched the weather channel for the 3 storms and the national news. By then it was starting to get dark so we cancelled our 2nd hike. I was having some allergy problems(which I never get) so I took a Clarentin. After a hot shower I couldn't get in the mood(plus the NFL came on at 7) to write so here I am this AM(Friday). I'm planning on helping Odell Wright plow his potato's out of the ground this late morning or early afternoon.

I'll send pics and update probably tomorrow as we have guests tonight for games. Later hoping Amy, Tyler and Ava are having a grand time in Colorado with his family and that Bob, Jill and Annsley are monitoring these storms out in the Atlantic. Missing all of you.

58 degrees,Garden Work, 2 Hikes and Mowed the Place

Well it was a splendid morning after a fairly restful night(always some adjusting to a different bed). After our quiet time and a breakfast of oatmeal I decided to salvage some beans, cuke's and squash. I also hoed the few tomato's that hadn't been eaten by the deer and fertilized then along with a pepper plant that survived. It was time to plant some seeds that may make it before we head back to Florida in October like lettuce, kale, mustard greens and tomato's. If they don't mature before we go I'll take them along for my garden down there.

Nancy was now ready to walk so we hiked to the top of the mountain and ended up walking back to the cabin through the devastated area. On our way back we stopped off at Jodi and Gerald's cabin and saw how much progress Gary had made in 2 weeks. Wow that guy does good work and he's fast as well. It was time for lunch as the oatmeal had worn off on the big hike. Nancy made a huge fresh salad while I caught up on some bill paying on-line as we hadn't received any mail for 2 weeks while in Florida.

After lunch I weed whacked and edged the whole yard and back woods before getting out our new riding mower(thanks Mike and Dee). It sure is a lot easier; although I still have to use the push mower on the steep places. Nancy had a go mowing on the flat area's.

Before we knew it 5:30 was upon us so we took a break and made dinner. Grilled chicken breasts, fresh broccoli and red potato's, YUMMM Thanks Nancy and I washed the dishes afterwards. We took another hike to the top and stopped by Ray and Audine for a quick visit on the way home. We got back to the cabin just about dark which translated 8:15. Yikes where did the summer go; it use to stay a light until 9:30.

Well its time to listen to Sarah Palin at the RNC. Wow does she bring some energy to boring politics. Later, check out Ava's Playpen. The pictures of her and Tylers family are superb. Well missing Ava and Annsley and the rest of our family.

A Safe Trip,Wal-Mart and 74 degrees at the Top of The Mountain

Well Nancy and I left this Tuesday morning at 6 Am and the air was hot and humid at 84 degrees. Neither of us slept Monday night and I watched the alarm go off at 4:30 AM. I always have a difficult time sleeping the night before a big trip. We stopped 4 times for potty breaks, gas and lunch at Subway. We made it to Elkin N.C. in 10 1/2 hours where we made a Wal-Mart stop for groceries. When we reached the top of the Continental Divide on 21 the temperature had dropped to 74 degrees. That is the coolest we seen it since leaving N.C. on the 20th of August.

The yard had a nice green color and had grown some since the heavy rain of about a week ago. The deer did eat the beans, beet tops, cukes and tomatoes while were gone and polished off a hydrangea and azalea. As we drove in we saw several deer standing along the road and they looked a little fatter. Oh well except for a little water in the basement(first time) the house was just as we left. The 7 inches of rain one day must have seeped in through the concrete blocks behind the water heater as I was unable to dry lock that area. A small pool in one area on the concrete basement floor; not bad and I can deal with that area later.

After a light dinner of bean soup, sliced cuke's and tomato we have decided after unpacking to call it a day. We are thankful for the safe trip and the great time we made and most of all for your prayers. Will try to catch up tomorrow and be a little more informative on all that goes on in this beautiful place we call Black Bear Ridge. Later missing our kids, grand kids, family and friends. Thanks for all the great dinners and card games.

Yard Work,Packing and Labor Day Picnic at Dan and Carols

Well it was a sleep in morning today(as I never sleep the night before traveling) as we will be heading back to N.C. in the early AM on Tuesday. After our quiet time we had those delicious buckwheat pancakes for breakfast.

I had some yard and garden work to catch up on and man was it hot and humid. I was drenched in no time.

We are packing now so I will be away for a day and hopefully will be back on line Tuesday night at the earliest. Hopefully we will stay away from all the storms on Tuesday. I believe we can still use some rain in the western areas of N.C. and hopefully Hanna may help us get out of that situation as the projections look like by the end of the week she may be heading our way. Hopefully just rain and no destructive winds. We are glad to hear that Gustav doesn't appear as devastating as Katrina, however our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been evacuated from the Gulf Coast.

Later missing our kids and grand kids, Ava and Annsley, also N.C. friends warm up the domino's.