Well Saturday was a wet soggy, foggy and rather cool day but by late afternoon the moisture in the air had somewhat abated and I was able to piddle around outside and we were able to get our hike in to the top of the mountain while wearing our gum boots. That was a first for us as the grass and weeds on the back road was so wet our shoes would have been drenched. We saw no one on top and could not see off the mountain due to the heavy fog and low lying clouds.
The morning started with a sleep in until 7'ish as we could hear the light drip of water falling from the upper dormer onto the tin roof. At times we couldn't see the backwoods yard for the fog. This wet weather was such a blessing as the woods were a tinderbox. After our usual routine(s) of quiet times and the posting of this ramble while slurping a cup of hot green tea we decided to be bad and have an egg sandwich on toasted pumpernickel bread slathered with mayo, tomato, onion, pickle and lettuce for breakfast actually we had one and half each and it was marvey(marvelous), oh such tastes that meld together that awake your taste buds. That breakfast was just the start of some of the best eatin' for day as we did the Backwoods Bean reservation only dining that started at 6. I will try to explain the courses we consumed later in this ramble.
After breakfast it was going on 10'ish so I headed out dressed warmly wearing my gum boots and checked the gardens. I smashed several green worms that had infiltrated my kale and cabbages and then decided to pick wine berries as the rain was knocking them off to the ground. It's not been a great year for berries as first there was not enough rain and now too much of this duck weather, oh well. I just want a dry day now so I can burn the last stump and plant grass seed. I headed up through the woods to check out the topography or the lay of the land. I love walking in the woods and with the wet leaves there is very little noise. I noticed where deer lay at night in the relatively dry spots beneath the rhodendron as they undoubtedly wait to eat from my gardens. I like to leave my scent there in hopes they will move on from the area.
We never saw anyone or much scenery on our hike but it was great to get some exercise in after being cooped up in the cabin for most of the day on Friday except for the doctor's visit. By the way the sulfur based antibiotics worked and Nancy's burning and discomfort has gone away completely. I decided to fire up the weed whacker and do the yards and gardens which kept me busy for an hour or so. The grass is showing some life as the rain has made a difference. It was still somewhat drizzling so we decided to read until it was shower time and to get ready for our dining out experience in Sparta at Becca's.
We arrived a little before 6 and met another couple who I noticed got out of a car with Florida license plate. I immediately introduced ourselves and we struck up a conversation with these 2 couples one of which lives here year round. The Huff's live in Crystal River, Fl. and the other couple whose last name escapes me lives in the Piney Creek area. We exchanged e-mails and phone numbers and spoke with them off and on over the course of the evening. We were seated by Becca and we were seated with Doctor K and his wife Debi. We got to know her and him but she was a delight and very gregarious. He was his usual self of which we have grown use to and love. His wit and humor is somewhat dry but we had a great evening and the 2 1/2 hours seem to fly by as we dined with what appeared to several courses of delicious food and a wine to compliment the cuisine. The table conversations were intriguing and we really got to know them both as a dear couple. We recognized another couple from our church Bob and Karen Worrell who was there as well. There were lots of hugs and well wishes and we felt privileged to be seated with the infamous doctor.
I wish we had taken a picture of the dishes(courses) as they were so intricate that's its hard to describe their contents. I know roast stuffed pork, trout and another braise meat that tasted like pork was evident but the salads were from local grown veggies, medley's of fresh vegetables with awesome herbs, cheeses and so many different items that were blended together into beautiful dishes that I can't begin to mention their contents. The appetizer was a combination of stuffed cherry's, cheeses, almonds, raisins and toast with blue cheese and a sauce. That was fantastic to start the meal with an aperitif. Each course was accompanied by a small glass of different white French wines and the last course by a Pinot Noir that was fantastic. Dessert was accompanied by a glass of champagne of which I decline. The dessert was a combination of some hard crusty biscotti, a jello like sweet almond custard, a bite of short bread, fresh sliced peaches with a dark sauce that was not only delicious but beautiful to gaze upon. We ate or dined for over two hours and never once did I feel stuffed but just satiated. It was an awesome experience and the service was fantastic. We had such a grand time and are looking forward to the next occasion which will be in October at some barn in Glade Valley with a Fall menu. They will be able to handle roughly 60 plus diners at this Fall venue so keep that in mind if you want to participate in a grand dining, yet homey atmosphere.
Well it was a great experience to be served with some very good food prepared by 2 outstanding chef's in a quaint dining room with old fashion dishes many from heirlooms of past relatives. I noticed some dishes that were used were from Doctor K's grand parents and the beauty they brought to the table in their uniqueness was touching, LATER
