Wow what a difference 700 miles makes when it comes to climate. The weather here got a little hot in the afternoon so the a/c felt pretty good. It stayed pretty much in the 80's but the humidity was quite low as I worked outside until nearly 4 and never really sweated like I normally do; of course I was in the shade of the big oak in the backyard as I mowed, weeded, spaded and planted in the gardens.
The day started with me wide awake at 6'ish I wanted to get in some pickle ball at the rec which opened at 8 on Saturday. I was there 20 minutes ahead of time as it usually opens at 6:30 during the week, oh well!! We had 3 courts in action with a couple waiting at times. Several of the Canadians were back and there game has improved tremendously. We had some great play with long rallies and the ball doesn't skid as much on the wooden gym floor as it does on the painted concrete floor at Cornerstone. I got in 2 full hours of play and never once sat down. I did manage a wet shirt for my efforts.
I stopped by the library and picked up a book for Nancy in her Red River series by Loraine Snelling and a non-fiction book for me. I haven't had a chance to look at it but the titled intrigued me; BEHIND THE BEAUTIFUL FOREVERS by Katherine Boo. Its about the slums of Mumbai, India. I headed for the house on my bike and then stayed outside until late in the evening. I transplanted all of the plants I brought back from the cabin and they seemed to love these warmer temps. The beets looked like I could harvest some leaves already for a salad and the Swiss chard and spinach looked good as well. The arugula and watercress looked a little wilted but I think they will survive. I had 4 nice teardrop tomato plants that I sat out in October that are blooming . The gardens had some grass growing once again so I weeded that out and mulched the 'maters. I planted 2 rows of bush beans and 2 rows of sugar peas and transplanted several small marigold seedlings. I'm not sure if they will make as a squirrel was already in them this AM digging. I got a shot off with my bb gun and he headed for the trees next door; but they are a real bad nuisance here digging constantly in the garden and uprooting my plants. I think I need to lay some chicken wire down until the plants get big enough to survive their digging.
Amy, Tyler and the kiddos came by for a visit just before supper and it was good to see them. They were attending a conference at church all weekend including meals so they were busy. Nancy had taken her mom, GG shopping so I had the whole day to myself working outside. The warm sunshine felt good to these old muscles. I got a lot done and now its off to Home Depot for some more veggies plants and flowers on Monday.
We are getting ready to head over to Tampa for worship with Element Church and get some hugs and handshakes from our church family there. We will see our other 2 grand children Annsley and Gabe there as well as our son the pastor. It seems it will be another busy day. Well it's easy to get back into the mix of things with another big dinner this evening at GG's house as we celebrate Nancy's sisters birthday. There will be a house full there with lots of good eating; roast beef, smashed taters, gravy, salad and broccoli and coconut cake for dessert as per her request.
To all of our mountain friends we want to thank you all for your hospitality extended to us this past summer and winter. We can see and smell the beautiful wreath which hangs on the back of the front door and emits such a fragrance that reminds of the mountains and you all. Nancy and I are blessed to have met such fantastic folks that we worship with, eat with and play with there in the yours and ours beautiful mountains, LATER
