Well once again we had another rain free day which started out with temps down into the low 60's. There were a few rain clouds around but we managed to stay dry and eventually Nancy hung two loads of laundry on the clothesline. There is nothing like the smell of fresh laundry dried by the sun plus it gives the cabin that homey look with laundry flapping in the breeze. It sure was quiet around here as we miss our little early morning risers.
I piddled around doing some little chores after our quiet times and catching up on our social obligations. I had thawed out the frozen wine berry concentration during the night and got my utensils ready to start on the wine making process. Sterilization is a big key to a good start and then straining the pulp of the fine seeds. Today(Sunday) I will add the sugar and yeast and let fermentation begin while we are away this coming weekend.
We headed out on our hike for the day to the top of the mountain where the views were awesome today. We could almost see downtown Winston-Salem but there was just enough haze to prevent that. The mountains are so lush and green that in the distance they look blue; thus the Blue Ridge Mountains. We saw Jetta and Zeke and visited with them for a few moments as well as Roddy and his wife Kathy and their grand kids on 4 wheelers. We headed on back down and heard what appeared to be folks behind us looking at property. Turns out they were from Galax, Va. and they owned a wooded acre of land that abutts up next to our property. The land is rather steep and they bought it 40 years or more ago and now want to sell it. I told them I wouldn't be interested as I already have 7 plus acres to care for now.
We had a lunch of salad and the last of the lunch meat. After eating we decided to read for a couple hours before tackling any other projects. Nancy was on the phone with family and friends. I went on safari a couple times and captured a couple hundred Japanese beetles on all of our veggies and flowers. I loosened up the soil once again around the surviving garden plants and then gave them a drink of miracle grow. I do have another hill of sweet corn pushing through the rain packed soil so maybe I will get a couple ears of sweet corn.
I grilled a couple 8 oz. hamburger steaks from our Delicious Ribbon Gifts and wow are they ever awesome in flavor and texture. No or very little shrinkage and absolutely a great taste. What a good investment that promo was and I hope for all of you who took advantage of that offer, you enjoy the meat as we have. We did sirloins one night Bobby was here and he remarked what a nice cut of flavorful meat. After supper and the clean up I headed out to work in the gardens and yards. It was such a beautiful evening with temps in the 70's and a gentle breeze. I got tuned into the Rays vs the Giants on the Internet after dark and the Rays won in extra innings. I almost forgot to mention Amy and family sent me a license plate holder with the Rays logo for my up and coming birthday. It's a real classy addition to the back of the truck and now all my Braves fan friends will be envious.
Well it's Sunday morning and time to head out to Cornerstone Church for worship with our mountain friends and family. I hope you take the time to give thanks, worship and hug some necks today, LATER
