Well this is the last day of this month and the time has just flown by. September will see us taking a trip back to Florida to visit with family and friends and to celebrate grandkids and grandma's birthdays. Yesterday, Tuesday was a mixture of work, exercise with a nice hike and then some down time with a golf cart ride to our "mountain mom's" place in the afternoon and then some pickle ball for me until 8 o'clock last evening. I shared some of my garden bounty with her in the form of fresh beets, peppers and cucumbers. I picked a handful of her Concord ripe grapes on the way out of her drive and spit the seeds on my ride home. They were so tasty and delicious and usually by the time they are ripe the turkeys and crows have cleaned the vines. Too bad I'm not making wine this year.
The morning started with my usual roll out around 6. It's still dark outside but I'm getting use to the day's getting shorter especially in the evening. On my way back from pickle ball at 8'ish the daylight was fading fast whereas a couple weeks ago it was close to 9:30 an I could still see out into the back woods, oh well. The forecast for this winter here in the mountains is for lots of snow days as there were several days of fog this past month. I had my cup of hot tea laced with turmeric to wash down a handful of my Nutrilite vitamins and supplements which are the best and grown organically in America and manufactured here as well. You can not buy them on the market but only through an Amway distributer. I credit my energy and good health in part to these daily supplements which I have been using for several years now.
I posted this ramble and then spent some time with my Creator in thanksgiving and humbleness for my blessing and lifting up several that I know and love as well as those who are hurting. I pray for our nation daily and for some competent leadership who will put America first and return to our roots of how and why this nation has been so successful and was once a beacon of hope to others who are downtrodden throughout the world. Our Judeo-Christian principles are the reason but we have been so lax in honoring these principles that now the liberal and left leaning atheists are destroying our culture with just the opposite. Things that were bad and evil are now being presented even with our politicians as good and our nation is in moral decay. The elitist are held in high esteem especially with regard to what their decisions are which is usually anti-American, anti-family, anti-christian and anti-law abiding. We are on the road to internal destruction much like the great Roman empire which was once so powerful, influential and rich throughout the world.
I finally finished staking and putting a climbing fence for the October beans in the lower garden. I had to piece together chicken wire for them to climb on but its so much easier standing to harvest than bending over. I harvested another half dozen cucumber , a couple of small tomato's and a squash and a couple of okra. Nancy fried the yellow squash and okra for our supper. We ate lite once again throughout the day with just a garden fresh salad for lunch loaded with cucumber and tomato. I had eggs(cackleberries) with tomato, cucumber and jalapeno pepper cut up in my plate. I actually feel a little thinner around the middle with these past couple of day of work, hiking, pickleball and lite eating with mainly fresh veggies. Hopefully I can continued for another pound or inch off the spare tire. It's so easily to accumulate the tire but so difficult to get rid of, oh well!
I've just about finished the new read by Ken Follett and excited about starting a new read. He is an awesome story teller and keeps you right in the mix as if you are witnessing the very story. I'm disappointed I've never read him before but he has lots of books so I will be busy with his stories for the next several months. I have 2 at the Sparta library waiting for me to pick up today, Wednesday.
Well that was about it for the day as the temps seem to have dropped a couple of degrees and this weekend the high is only 70, yeow. Nancy will have her sweats on, LATER
Wednesday, August 31, 2016
Tuesday, August 30, 2016
Tuesday Morning
Well Monday was a total work day except for a couple hours in the heat of the afternoon just before supper when we sat on the porches and read. It was another hot day and the humidity was starting to become a factor once again; however by late evening we took a golf cart ride to the top of the mountain and Nancy was chilled as the sun started to set.
The day for me started with my usual 6'ish internal alarm clock awaking me for the day. I did my morning routines that started with a cup of hot turmeric tea while posting this ramble and then a few quiet moments to honor my Creator, humble myself with thanksgiving and lift up those I know and love in prayer and especially this nation that I love. We believers have a choice in a few months on whether we still want America as we once knew her or let her go the way of the corrupt politicians who are seeking to destroy our way of life for their own personal greed. I say give a successful business man a chance to turn the country around and break up the cronyism of the elitist in the government and put the main stream media on notice for failing to properly vet this potus who is destroying our country.
After a lite breakfast of a fresh tomato, jalapeno pepper and a cucumber I headed out to work in the gardens. Once again I harvested nearly a dozen cucumbers that is about 3 dozen or so in the past 3-4 days. Unbelievable banner crop this year. I picked another handful of tomatoes as well as several jalapeno peppers. I pulled 4 beets for our supper and we ate the beet greens like sautee'd spinach which was very tasty along with sliced buttered beets and fresh green beans, We aren't crazy about the Kentucky Wonder bush beans as they are very stringy and the flavor is not up to our liking. I pulled the plants out despite the fact they were still blooming. Nancy said she was finished with them. The 1/2 runner green beans are doing fine and I spent the next 4-5 hours putting up climbing fences for them. They are so much easier to pick from a standing position than bending over. I have 4 rows of them in two different gardens and I have 3 rows of October(bird egg) beans up in the lower garden that is now getting about 4-6 hours of direct sunlight a day. What a difference that has made. The spinach isn't up yet which is fine as its been very hot and dry but the kale has made a come back with the additional sunlight and the 2 cucumber vines are unstoppable with their production in that garden.
We took off just before lunch time to the top of the mountain for our daly hike. We stopped and chatted awhile with the Browning's as their company had left. We sat out on their patio in the shade which was quite comfortable for a spell before heading back down the mountain. We ate lite as we both are trying to slim down our tummy's with no carbs and starches. I had a can of pork n'beans right out of the can which brought back memories of when I was but a small child. The state road workers would often have lunch near my grandmother house and I of course being an inquisitive lad would seek them out where they would share their lunch with me which meant vienna sausages and pork n' beans right out of the can. The beans still taste good to me right out of the can and along with a cucumber that satisfied me for lunch. Nancy was having a salad which also looked appetizing but I need to shrink the stomach so I passed'
The author Ken Follett has captured me with his writings in the book NIGHT OVER WATER which is just a fantastic read and I'm excited about reading more of his work. He is somewhat an historical novelist with what I've read so far in this story that is about the beginning of WWII and of course the Pan American Clipper air and sea plane. The story line is both personal and very historical in Britain reaction to Hitler and the start of the war before America became involved. Great read thus far.
Well after supper we took the golf cart for a ride to the mailbox and then to the top of the mountain where we blessed the Gordon and Sonja Frampton's with some our cucumbers. It was ironic that she was holding a store bought cucumber when we knocked on their door. They were thrilled to receive the fresh home grown ones and we spoke briefly as they were getting ready for a late supper. We became friends on FB later in the evening and decided to get together for some card games one evening. They have moved to the mountains permanently thus far after selling their place in Charlotte. That was about it as we headed in as darkness was upon before 8. Yikes it use to stay light out until nearly 9:30, LATER
The day for me started with my usual 6'ish internal alarm clock awaking me for the day. I did my morning routines that started with a cup of hot turmeric tea while posting this ramble and then a few quiet moments to honor my Creator, humble myself with thanksgiving and lift up those I know and love in prayer and especially this nation that I love. We believers have a choice in a few months on whether we still want America as we once knew her or let her go the way of the corrupt politicians who are seeking to destroy our way of life for their own personal greed. I say give a successful business man a chance to turn the country around and break up the cronyism of the elitist in the government and put the main stream media on notice for failing to properly vet this potus who is destroying our country.
After a lite breakfast of a fresh tomato, jalapeno pepper and a cucumber I headed out to work in the gardens. Once again I harvested nearly a dozen cucumbers that is about 3 dozen or so in the past 3-4 days. Unbelievable banner crop this year. I picked another handful of tomatoes as well as several jalapeno peppers. I pulled 4 beets for our supper and we ate the beet greens like sautee'd spinach which was very tasty along with sliced buttered beets and fresh green beans, We aren't crazy about the Kentucky Wonder bush beans as they are very stringy and the flavor is not up to our liking. I pulled the plants out despite the fact they were still blooming. Nancy said she was finished with them. The 1/2 runner green beans are doing fine and I spent the next 4-5 hours putting up climbing fences for them. They are so much easier to pick from a standing position than bending over. I have 4 rows of them in two different gardens and I have 3 rows of October(bird egg) beans up in the lower garden that is now getting about 4-6 hours of direct sunlight a day. What a difference that has made. The spinach isn't up yet which is fine as its been very hot and dry but the kale has made a come back with the additional sunlight and the 2 cucumber vines are unstoppable with their production in that garden.
We took off just before lunch time to the top of the mountain for our daly hike. We stopped and chatted awhile with the Browning's as their company had left. We sat out on their patio in the shade which was quite comfortable for a spell before heading back down the mountain. We ate lite as we both are trying to slim down our tummy's with no carbs and starches. I had a can of pork n'beans right out of the can which brought back memories of when I was but a small child. The state road workers would often have lunch near my grandmother house and I of course being an inquisitive lad would seek them out where they would share their lunch with me which meant vienna sausages and pork n' beans right out of the can. The beans still taste good to me right out of the can and along with a cucumber that satisfied me for lunch. Nancy was having a salad which also looked appetizing but I need to shrink the stomach so I passed'
The author Ken Follett has captured me with his writings in the book NIGHT OVER WATER which is just a fantastic read and I'm excited about reading more of his work. He is somewhat an historical novelist with what I've read so far in this story that is about the beginning of WWII and of course the Pan American Clipper air and sea plane. The story line is both personal and very historical in Britain reaction to Hitler and the start of the war before America became involved. Great read thus far.
Well after supper we took the golf cart for a ride to the mailbox and then to the top of the mountain where we blessed the Gordon and Sonja Frampton's with some our cucumbers. It was ironic that she was holding a store bought cucumber when we knocked on their door. They were thrilled to receive the fresh home grown ones and we spoke briefly as they were getting ready for a late supper. We became friends on FB later in the evening and decided to get together for some card games one evening. They have moved to the mountains permanently thus far after selling their place in Charlotte. That was about it as we headed in as darkness was upon before 8. Yikes it use to stay light out until nearly 9:30, LATER
Monday, August 29, 2016
Monday Morning
Well Sunday was a great morning of worship as we listened to our home church in St.Pete Bridgepoint Church live streaming on the Internet and then we headed out to Cornerstone in Sparta. We haven't been there in a couple of weeks since we headed out to Virginia the first of the month. It was good to visit with all of our friends there and heard a good sermon from Pastor B about the pitfalls that keep us from being or becoming a good servant. Jesus was the great example of servanthood and set the standard for serving others. I shared a bag of cucumbers, green beans and a few tomato's from our bountiful garden and they were well received. It was good to be back with such awesome folks. Afterwards we met up with the Tracy's for lunch at the Tavern 21 in town for lunch where I had breakfast. I even brought my own garden grown jalalpeno pepper to add to my eggs, sausage and hash brown casserole. (I knew the kind of food I was planning on eating and no one has fresh jalapenos so I brought my own.)
I started the day with my usual 6'ish roll out to my usual morning routines; a hot cup of turmeric tea while I post this ramble and then a few quiet moments with my Creator. It was worship day and then lunch out so I had a lite breakfast of a fresh cucumber and a fresh tomato. After eating so late on Saturday evening I wasn't all that hungry besides I need to cut down on the carbs for a few weeks or so and eat fresh from the bountiful garden. Just maybe I can reduce the spare tire. I've reduced my daily glass of vino to just a glass or two weekly.
We met up with the Tracy's for lunch and then afterwards we did some shopping in town and made a stop at the library to drop off a book before heading home. The humidity seemed to have dissipated which made it quite comfortable despite the bright sunshine with temps around 80. We settled into our books on different porches until 3 o'clock then into the final little league world series game between Korea and New York. It was a very close game and right down to the final out when Korea who had two runners in scoring position to tie or go ahead. The last batter for Korea stuck out and the the kids from New York won 2-1. It was a good game and well played by both teams.
We got ready and headed out for a long hike to the top of the mountain. The distant views were blocked by the haze as once again it was very hot down off the mountain. We had a nice breeze as well as low humidity which made for a beautiful evening and a great hike. We came back after seeing no one on top and I decided since we hadn't received any rain for nearly a week to hand water the veggie gardens. I noticed the beets were wilting a bit during the hot afternoon sun. The new beans seedlings as well as the okra could use a drink. The cucumbers don't seem to ever want to stop producing. I only wish we knew how to make pickles like our "mountain mom" Helen does. She made two batches this summer and cucumbered out. The tomato's are starting to ripen and I picked a handful today as well as gave away tomatoes to Kathryn and the folks at church.
Well after watering I decided to pop some corn in place of any supper so we sat and munched on corn while watching American Pickers. That is a very interesting show as well as a history lesson on forgotten items and places where they came from and who used them or created them. We watched that until shower time for me around 9'ish and then I tuned into the pre-season football game for a few before heading to the bedroom with my new read by Ken Follett. I've never read him before but he is quite interesting and I love the back grounds on each person who will become a major part of the story. He reminds me of the historical author Stephen Ambrose. I know Follett has several books so I will read all of his in the future.
It was soon lights out for me around 10:30 'ish, LATER
I started the day with my usual 6'ish roll out to my usual morning routines; a hot cup of turmeric tea while I post this ramble and then a few quiet moments with my Creator. It was worship day and then lunch out so I had a lite breakfast of a fresh cucumber and a fresh tomato. After eating so late on Saturday evening I wasn't all that hungry besides I need to cut down on the carbs for a few weeks or so and eat fresh from the bountiful garden. Just maybe I can reduce the spare tire. I've reduced my daily glass of vino to just a glass or two weekly.
We met up with the Tracy's for lunch and then afterwards we did some shopping in town and made a stop at the library to drop off a book before heading home. The humidity seemed to have dissipated which made it quite comfortable despite the bright sunshine with temps around 80. We settled into our books on different porches until 3 o'clock then into the final little league world series game between Korea and New York. It was a very close game and right down to the final out when Korea who had two runners in scoring position to tie or go ahead. The last batter for Korea stuck out and the the kids from New York won 2-1. It was a good game and well played by both teams.
We got ready and headed out for a long hike to the top of the mountain. The distant views were blocked by the haze as once again it was very hot down off the mountain. We had a nice breeze as well as low humidity which made for a beautiful evening and a great hike. We came back after seeing no one on top and I decided since we hadn't received any rain for nearly a week to hand water the veggie gardens. I noticed the beets were wilting a bit during the hot afternoon sun. The new beans seedlings as well as the okra could use a drink. The cucumbers don't seem to ever want to stop producing. I only wish we knew how to make pickles like our "mountain mom" Helen does. She made two batches this summer and cucumbered out. The tomato's are starting to ripen and I picked a handful today as well as gave away tomatoes to Kathryn and the folks at church.
Well after watering I decided to pop some corn in place of any supper so we sat and munched on corn while watching American Pickers. That is a very interesting show as well as a history lesson on forgotten items and places where they came from and who used them or created them. We watched that until shower time for me around 9'ish and then I tuned into the pre-season football game for a few before heading to the bedroom with my new read by Ken Follett. I've never read him before but he is quite interesting and I love the back grounds on each person who will become a major part of the story. He reminds me of the historical author Stephen Ambrose. I know Follett has several books so I will read all of his in the future.
It was soon lights out for me around 10:30 'ish, LATER
Sunday, August 28, 2016
Sunday Morning..last Sunday in August 2016
Well Saturday was both a work and play day as we did our respective chores around the cabin then I loaded up the golf cart with lime and gave the yards a good coating of the PH changer. I'd noticed moss once again starting to spread up under the trees in the back woods yard and lime seems to be the best for stopping the spread. Walking behind the spreader is like taking a hike and we did that shortly afterwards so I got in two hikes for the day.
The morning started with my usual 6'ish rollout. I had my cup of hot turmeric tea while I posted this ramble for what we did on Friday then I had my quiet time to honor my Creator and give thanks for all the blessings and lift up by name those I know and love and those who need some divine intervention in their lives. Afterwards Nancy and I had a breakfast of eggs, grits and toast and of course I added a home grown tomato and a jalapeno' pepper to my plate. Delicious and that held us until nearly 1'ish.
Nancy put in a load of laundry and I gathered cucumbers from both gardens which totaled somewhere around 18. They are producing so fast and so I'm giving away more this morning at church as well as last night I took a sack full to the Kluttz House. I did pick a hand full of tomato's that are turning. I noticed I now have October beans up as well in the lower garden and the lettuce is showing some colors as well. The extra hours of sunlight have been a game changer for that garden which is usually shaded. We decided to take off on our hike for the day to the top of the mountain.
The heat and humidity have shown it's ugly head once again but at least we have a breeze which has kept it comfortable in the cabin. The hike was a hot one as we crossed the mountain in the direct sunshine. The distant vistas were shrouded in haze from the heat down below mixing with the cooler temps from up on the mountains. Usually we can see the buildings 70 miles away in Winston-Salem but we barely could make out Pilot Mountain which is about about half way in distance. The Browning's have family visiting so we didn't tarry as we hiked by their place. We saw no one on top as most of the places are closed up. Next weekend we should see some folks as its the last big weekend before the fall season begins. It hard to believe that summer is about gone especially with this heat and humidity. Those couple of days last week with temps in the 50's tempted us to believe that summer was on the way out here in the high country, oh well!
Nancy prepared a batch of chocolate chip cookies to take with us to Eddie and Kimberly's along with two large dishes of Zucchini boats. Sister Dee a couple of weeks ago made these and they were superb so we added to her recipe a few additional herbs and spices and they were very tasty. It's a lot of work but they were perfect in texture and taste as well as quite appealing to the eye. We dined on them as well with some deviled eggs, mac and cheese and cornbread that Audean and Kimberly added to the fare. Afterwards we got into a raucous game of Sequence that once again the gals won handily but the guys did finally win one game. That was the first time Brandon had ever experienced a win while playing the game. There was 8 of us playing and this is Eddie and Ray's favorite game and while Eddie is limited he had a great time playing with our assistance. We need to start earlier in the evening eating as I'm not of fan of eating around 7:30. It was after 10 by the time we got back to the cabin.
We did take the afternoon off and watch two little league games and today Sunday the final game is played between the USA winners from New York and the International winners from South Korea. Both teams have some great players so it should be a fun game to watch. That was about it for the day.
Take a moment and honor our GOD by either a few quiet moments or in corporate worship with others in the church of your choice. Pray for our nation for some common sense leaders that love our country and want to preserve our ideals and mores based on the Judeo-Christian values put for in the Bible. We have lost our way with all of this political correctness which I feel has been the idea of the left leaning secular progressive all along in destroying what was once right and good. We are a good people and have been a great nation despite our faults but the agenda by the left is one of turmoil and deceit for the sanctity of life and liberty. We need to wake up and see what the main stream media fails to report as I feel they are co-conspirator to all that has taken place to disrupt the nation. There are a couple of "hate America" owners of the media that dictate what is being reported and people have fallen victim to their agenda as well as our potus who is complicit with their message. I pray they will be found out and denied any leadership roles and made to be held accountable for their corruption especially the one now attempting to take over after this potus is gone, LATER
The morning started with my usual 6'ish rollout. I had my cup of hot turmeric tea while I posted this ramble for what we did on Friday then I had my quiet time to honor my Creator and give thanks for all the blessings and lift up by name those I know and love and those who need some divine intervention in their lives. Afterwards Nancy and I had a breakfast of eggs, grits and toast and of course I added a home grown tomato and a jalapeno' pepper to my plate. Delicious and that held us until nearly 1'ish.
Nancy put in a load of laundry and I gathered cucumbers from both gardens which totaled somewhere around 18. They are producing so fast and so I'm giving away more this morning at church as well as last night I took a sack full to the Kluttz House. I did pick a hand full of tomato's that are turning. I noticed I now have October beans up as well in the lower garden and the lettuce is showing some colors as well. The extra hours of sunlight have been a game changer for that garden which is usually shaded. We decided to take off on our hike for the day to the top of the mountain.
The heat and humidity have shown it's ugly head once again but at least we have a breeze which has kept it comfortable in the cabin. The hike was a hot one as we crossed the mountain in the direct sunshine. The distant vistas were shrouded in haze from the heat down below mixing with the cooler temps from up on the mountains. Usually we can see the buildings 70 miles away in Winston-Salem but we barely could make out Pilot Mountain which is about about half way in distance. The Browning's have family visiting so we didn't tarry as we hiked by their place. We saw no one on top as most of the places are closed up. Next weekend we should see some folks as its the last big weekend before the fall season begins. It hard to believe that summer is about gone especially with this heat and humidity. Those couple of days last week with temps in the 50's tempted us to believe that summer was on the way out here in the high country, oh well!
Nancy prepared a batch of chocolate chip cookies to take with us to Eddie and Kimberly's along with two large dishes of Zucchini boats. Sister Dee a couple of weeks ago made these and they were superb so we added to her recipe a few additional herbs and spices and they were very tasty. It's a lot of work but they were perfect in texture and taste as well as quite appealing to the eye. We dined on them as well with some deviled eggs, mac and cheese and cornbread that Audean and Kimberly added to the fare. Afterwards we got into a raucous game of Sequence that once again the gals won handily but the guys did finally win one game. That was the first time Brandon had ever experienced a win while playing the game. There was 8 of us playing and this is Eddie and Ray's favorite game and while Eddie is limited he had a great time playing with our assistance. We need to start earlier in the evening eating as I'm not of fan of eating around 7:30. It was after 10 by the time we got back to the cabin.
We did take the afternoon off and watch two little league games and today Sunday the final game is played between the USA winners from New York and the International winners from South Korea. Both teams have some great players so it should be a fun game to watch. That was about it for the day.
Take a moment and honor our GOD by either a few quiet moments or in corporate worship with others in the church of your choice. Pray for our nation for some common sense leaders that love our country and want to preserve our ideals and mores based on the Judeo-Christian values put for in the Bible. We have lost our way with all of this political correctness which I feel has been the idea of the left leaning secular progressive all along in destroying what was once right and good. We are a good people and have been a great nation despite our faults but the agenda by the left is one of turmoil and deceit for the sanctity of life and liberty. We need to wake up and see what the main stream media fails to report as I feel they are co-conspirator to all that has taken place to disrupt the nation. There are a couple of "hate America" owners of the media that dictate what is being reported and people have fallen victim to their agenda as well as our potus who is complicit with their message. I pray they will be found out and denied any leadership roles and made to be held accountable for their corruption especially the one now attempting to take over after this potus is gone, LATER
Saturday, August 27, 2016
Saturday Morning
Well Friday turned to be a rather mundane day after the past couple of days. Our plans were to meet up in the early afternoon with the Tracy's and travel to Mt.Airy to watch a local kid from the mountains play football but he wrote us and said he was injured and would not be playing this evening. We decided that since it was going to be in the upper 90's that we would forgo the 45 minute ride down off the cool mountain and maybe on a later date watch him play. We have know this youngster since he was about 4 or 5 and he is a great kid. So we cancelled the trip which made everyone happy about not being subjected to this extreme heat.
The day started much the usual for me with a 6'ish roll out. I had my proverbial cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric. I decided to first heat the water with some green tea and then add the herb for some additional taste plus I have a huge box of green tea bags that need to be used. I like the added flavor and of course green tea is very good for the body. Its been fourteen years since I last had a cup of java or coffee. Sam our friend here in the mountains can't drink coffee either as caffeine is a trigger point for migraines. I never had migraines but I feel so much better without coffee, oh well!
I did my daily posting of the day before's activities in this ramble and then spent some quiet time with my Creator. It is such an awesome time in the stillness of the morning here at the cabin surrounded with woods and beautiful flowers. I hear an occasional drip of the dew dropping from the dormer onto the tin roof and sometime the caw of a crow somewhere off in the distant. The dawn has just broken the darkness and while the sun is hours from actually shining on the cabin the sunlight can be seen in the very top of the tall trees that surround us. While looking straight up the blue skies announce what will be another beautiful day. We are so blessed to be able to spent several months in this part of God's creation.
Well after Nancy rolled out sometime near 8'ish I decided to have some breakfast which amounted to some leftover fruit dessert from the night before. I grabbed the container along with a spoon and headed outside donning my gum boots as the dew on the grass was extremely heavy. I walked around the yards and gardens checking for any insect damage as well as any deer damage. We have been very fortunate this summer as the deer have stayed away which is very unusual. I haven't seen much slug damage in the past couple of weeks but the flying grasshoppers are very much in play this year and so are the small worms found on the cabbage and kale plants. I have had to use some Sevin dust on those plants. The beans have survived any real damage except for a few Japanese beetles but they have been in such small numbers this year they haven't really caused any severe damage.
I hoed the new 1/2 runner green beans and then picked a gallon or more of the Kentucky Wonder bush beans. They are very hearty and are still blooming. I'm not sure if I will plant them again next year as they are very stringy and not as flavorful as the Blue Lake or 1/2 runners, oh well such a dilemma. We decided to get in our daily hike to the top of the mountain before it got too hot on top. The sun was shining brightly and the forecast was for more humidity and temps in the 80's which isn't too bad but with extra added humidity it can be uncomfortable out in the direct sunshine. Just before we took off neighbor Gerald came by as he was down for the day from Blacksburg to catch up on some maintenance chores around his place. He was here just for the day.
We took off and as we climbed higher up the back trail we could feel the temperature rising. We noticed a huge moving truck at Mike and Nancy's cabin on top and then we chatted a few with them. They were ambivalent about the selling of their beautiful place with extraordinary views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Nancy noticed a tear in her eyes as we said our good-bye's. They indicated they will visit the area from time to time. They just live in Winston-Salem about an hour away but I doubt they will be back as they seldom spent anytime here with all of their doctor appointments and now the added burden of getting rid of her recently deceased mothers place. We hugged them before heading off across the top of the mountain. We stopped and chatted with Jetta a few before heading down on the shaded road which was very much cooler than the hike across the top in the blazing sunshine. We were talking about the heat and humidity we were going face as we were still under the impression we were going to Mt.Airy after lunch.
I sliced up a garden fresh tomato for our lunch. This was the first really nice tomato from the our garden that had any size and along with some sweet onion we had a deli ham sandwich and some salsa. It wasn't long after eating we got a message from Carson that he would not be on the football field this evening due to an injury. So we quickly made a decision to watch him play another time and notified the Tracy's of our decision. They agreed quickly as well as it was in the upper 90's down off the mountains. Well with lunch in our bellies we decided to sit in the shade of the porches and read which we did until nearly 6 o'clock. I finished the ROGUE LAWYER by John Grisham and Nancy was well into her Maccomber book. We had supper all ready with leftovers from the evening before; beef roast, smashed taters and gravy and spinach casserole, yeow it was even better as the flavors had meld together.
After the cleanup I headed down to the lower garden and gave the new lettuce seedings a little shot of water with my bean sprayer as the ground was throughly dried out. That area is now getting 5-6 hours of direct sunshine as the sun moves around with the seasons. Before it received moderate sunlight among the trees but with the season changing and the time changing it is now getting plenty of sunlight for garden growing plants. I'm hoping to get another crop of lettuces and some October beans from that garden. I didn't pick any cucumbers today but did see where I may have to pick again on Saturday as they are maturing almost by the hour. We tuned into the Fox Cable news and its the same old crap with the media lambasting Trump on every word or idea he presents. They are in cahoots with the established crooked politicians and elitist who are so afraid of losing their influence if he is elected. I say we need someone other than a politician to straighten out this corrupt government and Trump is beholding to none.
I tuned into the Panther football pre-season game and the Patriots were whupping their tails when I headed for the shower and eventually for some horizontal lab around 10'ish, LATER
The day started much the usual for me with a 6'ish roll out. I had my proverbial cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric. I decided to first heat the water with some green tea and then add the herb for some additional taste plus I have a huge box of green tea bags that need to be used. I like the added flavor and of course green tea is very good for the body. Its been fourteen years since I last had a cup of java or coffee. Sam our friend here in the mountains can't drink coffee either as caffeine is a trigger point for migraines. I never had migraines but I feel so much better without coffee, oh well!
I did my daily posting of the day before's activities in this ramble and then spent some quiet time with my Creator. It is such an awesome time in the stillness of the morning here at the cabin surrounded with woods and beautiful flowers. I hear an occasional drip of the dew dropping from the dormer onto the tin roof and sometime the caw of a crow somewhere off in the distant. The dawn has just broken the darkness and while the sun is hours from actually shining on the cabin the sunlight can be seen in the very top of the tall trees that surround us. While looking straight up the blue skies announce what will be another beautiful day. We are so blessed to be able to spent several months in this part of God's creation.
Well after Nancy rolled out sometime near 8'ish I decided to have some breakfast which amounted to some leftover fruit dessert from the night before. I grabbed the container along with a spoon and headed outside donning my gum boots as the dew on the grass was extremely heavy. I walked around the yards and gardens checking for any insect damage as well as any deer damage. We have been very fortunate this summer as the deer have stayed away which is very unusual. I haven't seen much slug damage in the past couple of weeks but the flying grasshoppers are very much in play this year and so are the small worms found on the cabbage and kale plants. I have had to use some Sevin dust on those plants. The beans have survived any real damage except for a few Japanese beetles but they have been in such small numbers this year they haven't really caused any severe damage.
I hoed the new 1/2 runner green beans and then picked a gallon or more of the Kentucky Wonder bush beans. They are very hearty and are still blooming. I'm not sure if I will plant them again next year as they are very stringy and not as flavorful as the Blue Lake or 1/2 runners, oh well such a dilemma. We decided to get in our daily hike to the top of the mountain before it got too hot on top. The sun was shining brightly and the forecast was for more humidity and temps in the 80's which isn't too bad but with extra added humidity it can be uncomfortable out in the direct sunshine. Just before we took off neighbor Gerald came by as he was down for the day from Blacksburg to catch up on some maintenance chores around his place. He was here just for the day.
We took off and as we climbed higher up the back trail we could feel the temperature rising. We noticed a huge moving truck at Mike and Nancy's cabin on top and then we chatted a few with them. They were ambivalent about the selling of their beautiful place with extraordinary views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Nancy noticed a tear in her eyes as we said our good-bye's. They indicated they will visit the area from time to time. They just live in Winston-Salem about an hour away but I doubt they will be back as they seldom spent anytime here with all of their doctor appointments and now the added burden of getting rid of her recently deceased mothers place. We hugged them before heading off across the top of the mountain. We stopped and chatted with Jetta a few before heading down on the shaded road which was very much cooler than the hike across the top in the blazing sunshine. We were talking about the heat and humidity we were going face as we were still under the impression we were going to Mt.Airy after lunch.
I sliced up a garden fresh tomato for our lunch. This was the first really nice tomato from the our garden that had any size and along with some sweet onion we had a deli ham sandwich and some salsa. It wasn't long after eating we got a message from Carson that he would not be on the football field this evening due to an injury. So we quickly made a decision to watch him play another time and notified the Tracy's of our decision. They agreed quickly as well as it was in the upper 90's down off the mountains. Well with lunch in our bellies we decided to sit in the shade of the porches and read which we did until nearly 6 o'clock. I finished the ROGUE LAWYER by John Grisham and Nancy was well into her Maccomber book. We had supper all ready with leftovers from the evening before; beef roast, smashed taters and gravy and spinach casserole, yeow it was even better as the flavors had meld together.
After the cleanup I headed down to the lower garden and gave the new lettuce seedings a little shot of water with my bean sprayer as the ground was throughly dried out. That area is now getting 5-6 hours of direct sunshine as the sun moves around with the seasons. Before it received moderate sunlight among the trees but with the season changing and the time changing it is now getting plenty of sunlight for garden growing plants. I'm hoping to get another crop of lettuces and some October beans from that garden. I didn't pick any cucumbers today but did see where I may have to pick again on Saturday as they are maturing almost by the hour. We tuned into the Fox Cable news and its the same old crap with the media lambasting Trump on every word or idea he presents. They are in cahoots with the established crooked politicians and elitist who are so afraid of losing their influence if he is elected. I say we need someone other than a politician to straighten out this corrupt government and Trump is beholding to none.
I tuned into the Panther football pre-season game and the Patriots were whupping their tails when I headed for the shower and eventually for some horizontal lab around 10'ish, LATER
Friday, August 26, 2016
Friday Morning
Well Thursday was another day of mixed events that culminated with our group of 6 at the cabin for a sumptuous supper and then some game playing after a morning of yard work and food preparation. We did manage a hike just before lunch and once again the humidity has entered into the picture after two very nice days. I managed to spend an hour or so on the back porch with my new read while waiting for our guests to arrive.
I started the day much the usual with my 6'ish roll out and then my routines; a cup of hot turmeric tea, the posting of this ramble and then some quiet time with my Creator. Afterwards I cooked up a semi mountain breakfast of two soft boiled eggs, grits, a cut up fresh ripe tomato and a jalapeno pepper with a splash of Crystal hot sauce for some flavor, delicious!!! I piddled around in the garden harvesting eleven cucumbers as well as hoeing the new beans seedlings pushing through the ground. This clay soil holds moisture but also packs like concrete. I noticed several more tomatoes starting to turn shades of pink as well as the kale is making a come back to add to our salads. Kale is great for your eye health as it packs extra strength Lutein, naturally.
I fired up the riding mower and spent the next couple of hours mowing. The grass still had some moisture from the heavy over night dew but the mower handled it quite well. Afterwards we headed out for our daily hike to the top of the mountain. We spotted Mike and Nancy's truck as they are moving items out of their mountain cabin since it must have sold despite the for sale sign still in the yard. We headed on across the top and chatted with Jetta for a few before heading back down the shaded back road. The power line tree trimmers really opened up the right of way for the electrical lines and it appears they are finished on our side of the mountain. It's amazing how they went up and down some of the steep areas with their machinery.
We came back and had a sandwich for our lunch then I headed down to the basement to catch up on some some small projects. Nancy was in the kitchen preparing roast beef in a gravy, smashed taters, and a spinach casserole while Kathryn brought a beautiful salad and Marcia a delicious fruit custard style dessert. I also grilled jalapeno poppers we had frozen a few weeks back for a special occasion and Nancy had salsa and chips. Needless to say we had more than enough and so we will have leftovers for a couple of days, Yeah!!!. Did I mention we turned on both window a/c units as the heat and humidity where just too much for some folks. After the cleanup we cleared the dining room and brought out the cards and played 16 rounds of Oh -ell or Oh well. It's a fast game which requires you to bid on how many tricks or plays you can take depending on what is called as trump and on how many cards are dealt. If you are exactly right on your bid you get 10 points plus your bid, if you are under or over your bid you get no points. I went 14 rounds and bid nothing and was in the lead for most of the way but Sam was the eventual winner after he and Kathryn tied at the end which is very unusual. They had to cut the cards to determine a winner.
We next got into several games of Sequence and once again the guys were complete winners as we shut out the gals 4-0. Two days in a row the guys have been victorious which is very unusual. Everyone headed out a little after 9'ish for home. We put the cabin back in order and then settled into the elimination game between Kentucky and Tennessee in little league play. The Volunteers won!!
It was hot shower time and then a few minutes with my new read before lights out around 10:30, LATER
I started the day much the usual with my 6'ish roll out and then my routines; a cup of hot turmeric tea, the posting of this ramble and then some quiet time with my Creator. Afterwards I cooked up a semi mountain breakfast of two soft boiled eggs, grits, a cut up fresh ripe tomato and a jalapeno pepper with a splash of Crystal hot sauce for some flavor, delicious!!! I piddled around in the garden harvesting eleven cucumbers as well as hoeing the new beans seedlings pushing through the ground. This clay soil holds moisture but also packs like concrete. I noticed several more tomatoes starting to turn shades of pink as well as the kale is making a come back to add to our salads. Kale is great for your eye health as it packs extra strength Lutein, naturally.
I fired up the riding mower and spent the next couple of hours mowing. The grass still had some moisture from the heavy over night dew but the mower handled it quite well. Afterwards we headed out for our daily hike to the top of the mountain. We spotted Mike and Nancy's truck as they are moving items out of their mountain cabin since it must have sold despite the for sale sign still in the yard. We headed on across the top and chatted with Jetta for a few before heading back down the shaded back road. The power line tree trimmers really opened up the right of way for the electrical lines and it appears they are finished on our side of the mountain. It's amazing how they went up and down some of the steep areas with their machinery.
We came back and had a sandwich for our lunch then I headed down to the basement to catch up on some some small projects. Nancy was in the kitchen preparing roast beef in a gravy, smashed taters, and a spinach casserole while Kathryn brought a beautiful salad and Marcia a delicious fruit custard style dessert. I also grilled jalapeno poppers we had frozen a few weeks back for a special occasion and Nancy had salsa and chips. Needless to say we had more than enough and so we will have leftovers for a couple of days, Yeah!!!. Did I mention we turned on both window a/c units as the heat and humidity where just too much for some folks. After the cleanup we cleared the dining room and brought out the cards and played 16 rounds of Oh -ell or Oh well. It's a fast game which requires you to bid on how many tricks or plays you can take depending on what is called as trump and on how many cards are dealt. If you are exactly right on your bid you get 10 points plus your bid, if you are under or over your bid you get no points. I went 14 rounds and bid nothing and was in the lead for most of the way but Sam was the eventual winner after he and Kathryn tied at the end which is very unusual. They had to cut the cards to determine a winner.
We next got into several games of Sequence and once again the guys were complete winners as we shut out the gals 4-0. Two days in a row the guys have been victorious which is very unusual. Everyone headed out a little after 9'ish for home. We put the cabin back in order and then settled into the elimination game between Kentucky and Tennessee in little league play. The Volunteers won!!
It was hot shower time and then a few minutes with my new read before lights out around 10:30, LATER
Thursday, August 25, 2016
Thursday Morning
Well Wednesday was a shopping day trip to Galax, Va. then a supper out at the new farm house for Kay and Gerald Luffman's. Wow did she ever have a delicious garden grown meal. We didn't do much of anything except I finished a book while waiting to head to Sparta before our get together for supper. We made a couple stops in town(Sparta) at the library, Walgreens and a couple grocery stores looking for the right size zucchini squashes. Kay supplied us with three from her garden and we found the rest at Lowe's grocery. The men with the help of Mechelle finally won in Sequence as Patrick was under the weather and missed the supper and the game that followed.
The day started much the usual for me with a 6'ish roll out. I'm still not use to it being dark outside at that hour but as the season progress's I will need to get use to it. I did my usual morning routines with a cup of hot green tea laced with some turmeric, a few quiet moments to honor my Creator and then the posting of this ramble. I must digress and mention the knee even after two hours of some fast paced pickle ball last evening felt great. I really feel the reason the knee is doing so well is because of this herb turmeric taken daily in the morning in a hot drink has made the difference, oh well!!!
I headed out to check on the gardens and picked another handful of cucumbers as well as several jalapeno peppers and a couple small tear drop shaped tomato's. The 1/2 runner green beans are showing color in both gardens where I sowed the seeds just 5 days ago, yeow that is fantastic and I've a feeling they will make with a good fall harvest. The seeds were a couple years old as well so I figured they were through but I was wrong, thankfully. I need to pick the Kentucky Wonder green beans today(Thur.) from my garden which houses most of my herbs. I had to purchase a cilantro plant yesterday as mine had gone to seed. I think I will keep this one in a pot instead of planting it in the ground so I can take it back to Florida this fall.
I loaded up the truck with garbage for a stop on the way to town as we left the homestead around 10:30. We did most of our shopping at the super Wal-Mart but did see where the Food City marquee had chuck roasts on sale so we made a gas stop there as well for the meat. Their gas was 12 cents a gallon cheaper than anywhere else. After we were loaded up with groceries and gas we got back to the cabin close to 2 o'clock and had a lite lunch of a tomato, onion and mayo sandwich for me. Nancy purchased some deli meat for her's but a good old fashion 'mater one was for me. We chilled and read the rest of the day until it was time to run more errands in the town of Sparta. We made a stop at Kay's on the way to drop off an ice cream pie which was one of the desserts along with Kathryn's awesome French silk pie for supper. I picked up Grisham's book ROGUE LAWYER as well as a Ken Follett book. Nancy found a couple Debbie Maccomber books so we have plenty for our down time the next week or so.
Gerald and Kay sold their in town home and moved to a 1936 farm house adjacent to their farm outside of town. The house has so much character and their views are awesome with no real close neighbors except for Mechelle and Caleb across the pasture. It's a genuine rock house with bead board ceilings, wooden floors and two fireplaces. It's awesome with an upstairs as well. They can look out and see their farm animals in the pasture with their horses coming up to the fence next to their driveway. The valley setting is beautiful with the Blue Ridge Parkway a top the mountain beyond their house and barns. They now can walk down to their farm or work as Gerald say's. Kay had potatoes, tomatoes, cream corn and green beans out of her garden along with pork chops and garlic bread. Kathryn and Nancy brought the desserts and we put the "feed bag" on. Afterwards we played 5 games of Sequence and the guys with the help of Mechelle prevailed for the first time in many moons. I know it pained her to switch and play with us but she didn't willingly as we were a man down with Patrick under the weather. We headed out just before dark for the cabin and got to watch a close game between the kids of New York and Kentucky in the world series with the Yorkers winning in the last inning, LATER
The day started much the usual for me with a 6'ish roll out. I'm still not use to it being dark outside at that hour but as the season progress's I will need to get use to it. I did my usual morning routines with a cup of hot green tea laced with some turmeric, a few quiet moments to honor my Creator and then the posting of this ramble. I must digress and mention the knee even after two hours of some fast paced pickle ball last evening felt great. I really feel the reason the knee is doing so well is because of this herb turmeric taken daily in the morning in a hot drink has made the difference, oh well!!!
I headed out to check on the gardens and picked another handful of cucumbers as well as several jalapeno peppers and a couple small tear drop shaped tomato's. The 1/2 runner green beans are showing color in both gardens where I sowed the seeds just 5 days ago, yeow that is fantastic and I've a feeling they will make with a good fall harvest. The seeds were a couple years old as well so I figured they were through but I was wrong, thankfully. I need to pick the Kentucky Wonder green beans today(Thur.) from my garden which houses most of my herbs. I had to purchase a cilantro plant yesterday as mine had gone to seed. I think I will keep this one in a pot instead of planting it in the ground so I can take it back to Florida this fall.
I loaded up the truck with garbage for a stop on the way to town as we left the homestead around 10:30. We did most of our shopping at the super Wal-Mart but did see where the Food City marquee had chuck roasts on sale so we made a gas stop there as well for the meat. Their gas was 12 cents a gallon cheaper than anywhere else. After we were loaded up with groceries and gas we got back to the cabin close to 2 o'clock and had a lite lunch of a tomato, onion and mayo sandwich for me. Nancy purchased some deli meat for her's but a good old fashion 'mater one was for me. We chilled and read the rest of the day until it was time to run more errands in the town of Sparta. We made a stop at Kay's on the way to drop off an ice cream pie which was one of the desserts along with Kathryn's awesome French silk pie for supper. I picked up Grisham's book ROGUE LAWYER as well as a Ken Follett book. Nancy found a couple Debbie Maccomber books so we have plenty for our down time the next week or so.
Gerald and Kay sold their in town home and moved to a 1936 farm house adjacent to their farm outside of town. The house has so much character and their views are awesome with no real close neighbors except for Mechelle and Caleb across the pasture. It's a genuine rock house with bead board ceilings, wooden floors and two fireplaces. It's awesome with an upstairs as well. They can look out and see their farm animals in the pasture with their horses coming up to the fence next to their driveway. The valley setting is beautiful with the Blue Ridge Parkway a top the mountain beyond their house and barns. They now can walk down to their farm or work as Gerald say's. Kay had potatoes, tomatoes, cream corn and green beans out of her garden along with pork chops and garlic bread. Kathryn and Nancy brought the desserts and we put the "feed bag" on. Afterwards we played 5 games of Sequence and the guys with the help of Mechelle prevailed for the first time in many moons. I know it pained her to switch and play with us but she didn't willingly as we were a man down with Patrick under the weather. We headed out just before dark for the cabin and got to watch a close game between the kids of New York and Kentucky in the world series with the Yorkers winning in the last inning, LATER
Wednesday, August 24, 2016
Wednesday Morning
Well Tuesday was basically another work day except for some reading time on the back during the afternoon and pickle ball later on in the day. I worked on our hill as you come in the road smoothing it out by hand, cleaning out the ditches with a shovel and picking up the many rocks which seem to grow over night. We did take a golf cart trip over to the Hudson's and bless them with some cucumbers after lunch and we did get in a hike just before lunch. That was basically our day.
The morning started for me with my usual 6'ish roll out. I'm still not thrilled with waking up in the dark but the internal alarm is within a few minutes of 6 almost everyday unless I'm up really late. I cooked up my hot cup of turmeric drink which I decided to start adding green tea to the mix for some added flavor. I posted the day before's activities in this ramble and then spent a few quiet minutes with my Creator always giving thanks for another day and all of life's blessings. I lift up by name those I know and love and those who need some special consideration in this their hour of need as well as lift up our nation for some real leadership. Hopefully we will as a nation remember our roots and the founding fathers relying on GOD'S word in the forming of this nation. That has all changed since the secular progressives in the form of liberalism have secured a foot hold in the leadership of the land. What was once was great for our nation is now deemed bad and just the opposite as bad is now deemed good.
After a boring bowl of oatmeal with some home grown blueberries, yes finally one of the four berry bushed has produced fruit. There were probably a hundred or so blueberries on one bush and they are just now ripening. I did find a couple of tomato's turning as well as several cucumbers which seem to grow to maturity over night. The okra is blooming and so are the bush and pole beans once again. The cilantro and dill have died but the basil, thyme and rosemary are flourishing as are the jalapeno and bell pepper plants. I started some different color marigold's from sister Dee's garden and in three days they are seeding up seedlings from the dried seeds. These are orangish in color where as mine have been yellow. I can't say enough about the circle drive flower bed of Zinnias. They are just beautiful in so many different shades of pink, red, orange and brown's. They have out grown my expectations for the first year planting in this rocky bed. We do have a few weeds mixed in but nothing like the original bed with so much grass and clover.
Well we ate lite for lunch with tomato sandwiches loaded with sweet onion and mayo, yeow there is nothing finer than a home grown tomato and a cucumber. We took a sack full up to the Hudson's cabin and visited for a few. While outside two fawns with their spots still on their backs came within just a few few of us as we talked. They didn't seem to be afraid of us at all. The Hudson's have several apple trees and the deer are daily eating from the lower branches. We came back around 2:30 and sat for a spell reading until it was time to start supper. I wanted to eat around 5 ish as I had a pickle ball match at 6'ish, so I grilled Salmon fillets and Nancy cooked up some black beans and rice. Delicious!!!
We had 6 pickle ball players and the action was fast and constant with the winners splitting to partner up with new players after each game. It was nice to lose and get a rest once in awhile. After about two hours I had enough as the earlier hike in the day had me worn down. I left at 8'ish and the other five were still at it; of course some of them were 30 years or more younger than I. We settled into the little league world series and saw a very close game between the Tennessee boys vs the California boys with the Tennessee team winning in extra innings. It was close to 10 when the game ended so it was shower time for me then a few minutes with my book before lights out at 10:30, LATER
Here are a few pics of the first tomato's and our beautiful morning glory bloom called "heavenly blue". It is the prettiest blue ever as well as our potted Begonias.
The morning started for me with my usual 6'ish roll out. I'm still not thrilled with waking up in the dark but the internal alarm is within a few minutes of 6 almost everyday unless I'm up really late. I cooked up my hot cup of turmeric drink which I decided to start adding green tea to the mix for some added flavor. I posted the day before's activities in this ramble and then spent a few quiet minutes with my Creator always giving thanks for another day and all of life's blessings. I lift up by name those I know and love and those who need some special consideration in this their hour of need as well as lift up our nation for some real leadership. Hopefully we will as a nation remember our roots and the founding fathers relying on GOD'S word in the forming of this nation. That has all changed since the secular progressives in the form of liberalism have secured a foot hold in the leadership of the land. What was once was great for our nation is now deemed bad and just the opposite as bad is now deemed good.
After a boring bowl of oatmeal with some home grown blueberries, yes finally one of the four berry bushed has produced fruit. There were probably a hundred or so blueberries on one bush and they are just now ripening. I did find a couple of tomato's turning as well as several cucumbers which seem to grow to maturity over night. The okra is blooming and so are the bush and pole beans once again. The cilantro and dill have died but the basil, thyme and rosemary are flourishing as are the jalapeno and bell pepper plants. I started some different color marigold's from sister Dee's garden and in three days they are seeding up seedlings from the dried seeds. These are orangish in color where as mine have been yellow. I can't say enough about the circle drive flower bed of Zinnias. They are just beautiful in so many different shades of pink, red, orange and brown's. They have out grown my expectations for the first year planting in this rocky bed. We do have a few weeds mixed in but nothing like the original bed with so much grass and clover.
Well we ate lite for lunch with tomato sandwiches loaded with sweet onion and mayo, yeow there is nothing finer than a home grown tomato and a cucumber. We took a sack full up to the Hudson's cabin and visited for a few. While outside two fawns with their spots still on their backs came within just a few few of us as we talked. They didn't seem to be afraid of us at all. The Hudson's have several apple trees and the deer are daily eating from the lower branches. We came back around 2:30 and sat for a spell reading until it was time to start supper. I wanted to eat around 5 ish as I had a pickle ball match at 6'ish, so I grilled Salmon fillets and Nancy cooked up some black beans and rice. Delicious!!!
We had 6 pickle ball players and the action was fast and constant with the winners splitting to partner up with new players after each game. It was nice to lose and get a rest once in awhile. After about two hours I had enough as the earlier hike in the day had me worn down. I left at 8'ish and the other five were still at it; of course some of them were 30 years or more younger than I. We settled into the little league world series and saw a very close game between the Tennessee boys vs the California boys with the Tennessee team winning in extra innings. It was close to 10 when the game ended so it was shower time for me then a few minutes with my book before lights out at 10:30, LATER
Here are a few pics of the first tomato's and our beautiful morning glory bloom called "heavenly blue". It is the prettiest blue ever as well as our potted Begonias.
Tuesday, August 23, 2016
Tuesday Morning
Well Monday was one of those days you dream about during the hot summer months, yikes it was 54 here this morning and didn't get much over 70 for the day with lots of blue skies, bright sunshine and NO humidity. Nancy at times felt chilled and did don a sweat shirt during the evening hours. It's supposed to be like this for the next couple of days and with it being towards the end of August, I guess Fall with soon be arriving. The local folks aren't exactly thrilled with the thought of summer being nearly over but school started yesterday so the inevitable season is nearly upon the mountains.
I started the day with my usual roll out around 6 'ish despite some sore muscles from our constant pedal of 17 miles in the rain. It didn't take long for them to warm up after a hearty breakfast and a few trips up and down the back yards. I did my normal routines of a hot cup of turmeric tea while posting about the day before's activities and then spent some quiet time with my Creator giving thanks for the blessings and lifting up those I know and love by name. Afterwards I scrambled a couple of cackleberries with sauteed' onions, green peppers and a fresh garden tomato and then added a fresh jalapeno' pepper to the mix to start the juices flowing. That held me until suppertime with the exception of a red apple sometime around 2 ish. We ate fresh veggies for most of the day with garden grown green beans in a bacon and onion bath and then some sauteed' onions, green pepper and yellow squash all from the garden for our supper, Yeow was that ever delicious and so healthy as well.
After breakfast I headed down to the lower garden and loosened up the area I rotor tilled a couple weeks ago to plant three rows of October bean seeds, a row of spinach and a couple beds of black seeded simpson and bibb lettuce seeds. The late sowing of 1/2 runner beans had sprouted after just 4 days of sowing. I forgot where I had sowed them in the upper garden and while loosening the soil around the egg plants mistakenly hoed into the sowed bean seeds. Oh well, at least these old seeds had sprouted so that was good to know. I've not had good luck with these beans in the lower garden before so I thought I would sow these old seeds in the upper garden; who knows I may get a late crop of these delicious beans to share.
We took off on our daily hike to the top of the mountain and noticed that Mike and Nancy were up to their cabin loading article from within. That means the place did sell after being on the market for several years. We are thrilled for them and did learn the new buyers were the couple who got lost in the back woods during the day of my surprise party. They nearly overturned their SUV and several of my guests assisted with getting them out of their predicament. They were so encouraged by all of the help they decided they wanted to be near these kind of people. One never knows how a small gesture of help can become an influence on others in making major life decisions. They now will become our neighbors. We sat and visited with our mountain top friends the Browning's for quite a spell before heading back down to the cabin. It was just a glorious day for hiking and being outside.
I picked a couple small tomatoes and noticed one of the larger ones turning as well. I did pick another 1/2 dozen cucumbers and called our friends Kimberly and Eddie to come by for a sack full. She and her daughter and grand daughter came by for a visit and stayed for a couple hours. We had a grand time enjoying Miyah and Rachel as well. We set up a play date this Saturday to once again visit with wheel chair bound Eddie and pull a supper together and then play their favorite game of Sequence. It's great to be able to bless others from our bountiful garden of which their horse manure has helped with enriching the soil. I'm amazed at the numbers of cucumbers I've pulled this summer and they are still loaded with nubins all from just four plants. Well after our late supper we settled into the Fox Cable News channel and then watched some little league world series play until it was shower time for me. After a few minutes with a book its was lights out around 10'ish, LATER
I started the day with my usual roll out around 6 'ish despite some sore muscles from our constant pedal of 17 miles in the rain. It didn't take long for them to warm up after a hearty breakfast and a few trips up and down the back yards. I did my normal routines of a hot cup of turmeric tea while posting about the day before's activities and then spent some quiet time with my Creator giving thanks for the blessings and lifting up those I know and love by name. Afterwards I scrambled a couple of cackleberries with sauteed' onions, green peppers and a fresh garden tomato and then added a fresh jalapeno' pepper to the mix to start the juices flowing. That held me until suppertime with the exception of a red apple sometime around 2 ish. We ate fresh veggies for most of the day with garden grown green beans in a bacon and onion bath and then some sauteed' onions, green pepper and yellow squash all from the garden for our supper, Yeow was that ever delicious and so healthy as well.
After breakfast I headed down to the lower garden and loosened up the area I rotor tilled a couple weeks ago to plant three rows of October bean seeds, a row of spinach and a couple beds of black seeded simpson and bibb lettuce seeds. The late sowing of 1/2 runner beans had sprouted after just 4 days of sowing. I forgot where I had sowed them in the upper garden and while loosening the soil around the egg plants mistakenly hoed into the sowed bean seeds. Oh well, at least these old seeds had sprouted so that was good to know. I've not had good luck with these beans in the lower garden before so I thought I would sow these old seeds in the upper garden; who knows I may get a late crop of these delicious beans to share.
We took off on our daily hike to the top of the mountain and noticed that Mike and Nancy were up to their cabin loading article from within. That means the place did sell after being on the market for several years. We are thrilled for them and did learn the new buyers were the couple who got lost in the back woods during the day of my surprise party. They nearly overturned their SUV and several of my guests assisted with getting them out of their predicament. They were so encouraged by all of the help they decided they wanted to be near these kind of people. One never knows how a small gesture of help can become an influence on others in making major life decisions. They now will become our neighbors. We sat and visited with our mountain top friends the Browning's for quite a spell before heading back down to the cabin. It was just a glorious day for hiking and being outside.
I picked a couple small tomatoes and noticed one of the larger ones turning as well. I did pick another 1/2 dozen cucumbers and called our friends Kimberly and Eddie to come by for a sack full. She and her daughter and grand daughter came by for a visit and stayed for a couple hours. We had a grand time enjoying Miyah and Rachel as well. We set up a play date this Saturday to once again visit with wheel chair bound Eddie and pull a supper together and then play their favorite game of Sequence. It's great to be able to bless others from our bountiful garden of which their horse manure has helped with enriching the soil. I'm amazed at the numbers of cucumbers I've pulled this summer and they are still loaded with nubins all from just four plants. Well after our late supper we settled into the Fox Cable News channel and then watched some little league world series play until it was shower time for me. After a few minutes with a book its was lights out around 10'ish, LATER
Monday, August 22, 2016
Monday Morning
Well I must say Sunday was a character building day as we ventured to the beautiful but wet city of Damascus in southwest Virginia for a ride down the Creeper Trail in pouring rain for most of the 17 mile ride on bicycles. Afterwards we had a great meal at the Old Mill Inn before heading back to Sparta through the twisty winding mountain roads of White Top Mountains areas. Such beautiful scenery but not for the faint or those subject to car sickness.
We started the day with the alarm alerting us awake right at 6 o'clock as Nancy didn't trust my internal alarm clock. We were meeting up with Dalton's at 9 ish as they rode with us and then we were meeting the Tracy's at the Sundog Bike Rental in Damascus at 10:30. We did our morning routines and tuned into our worship service from Bridgepoint Church in St.Pete as we were skipping corporate worship at Cornerstone. After out routines and quiet times we headed out luckily with a change of dry clothes. The weather forecast was for rain but once we got to Damascus the sun was shining with some blue skies among the clouds. This is such a beautiful small town right on the Laurel River which runs the whole way down the mountain alongside the trail. There was no way we weren't going on the trail after the hour and half ride plus Ryan was leaving on Monday morning for Florida.
I knew something was fore warning me when I pulled Nancy's bike out of the back of the truck and the front tire was flat. I had checked all of the tires before loading them. Luckily one of the attendants at the shop was able to put on a new tube and even adjusted her brakes before we all loaded up on the ride to the top. We had in our back packs rain ponchos but they helped only minimally as the rain poured after about the first mile or so. At times the trail looked like the river had changed courses as we pedaled through mud holes and a stream of water. Needless to say there wasn't a dry a place on any of us and the black water from the cinders permeated our clothes. I had water sloshing out of my shoes as I pedaled. I think that was the fastest we have ever come down the mountain as we wanted to get out of the rain. We pedaled the whole way down never stopping until we reached the trails end at the Sundog. Yikes were we ever covered in mud and cinders. Thankfully we were able to clean up using hoses to wash off before changing into dry clothes.
We headed over to the Old Mill Inn right on the river. The rain continued to pour while we had a great meal of burgers, sandwiches and salads. We were the only party in the main dining room so we were well attended and like last year the food was delicious. Some of us didn't bring extra shoes so we kicked our wet one off under the table. We had a table with a picturesque view of the small dam which was used to turn the old mill wheel but was no longer there. The mountains in the distant were beautiful with the fog clouds hiding the peaks. We headed out around 4'ish for the ride back to Sparta. The rain followed us most of the way until we got close to Sparta then the sun appeared and the rain disappeared finally. What a wet memorable day. We dropped the Dalton's off and then headed home and it looked as if we may have received a little rain while we were gone but nothing like we encountered on the other side of the mountain.
I took the hose and tried to wash out all of the cinders from our clothing before we put them in the washer. The shoes and socks were black and the spray from the back tires on the bikes had a perfect line down our clothes from the rear despite having a poncho on. Ryan and Caleb didn't even wear ponchos and the rain seemed to have cleaned their clothing as they rode along. We skipped any further food for the day except for some hot chocolate later in the evening. The temps have dropped considerably since yesterday and we are forecasted for some 50's in the mornings the next couple of days with no rain. That will be a welcome change.
I watched a little pre-season football while Nancy posted on the FB page and after a hot shower it was soon horizontal time for me before 10'ish, LATER
We started the day with the alarm alerting us awake right at 6 o'clock as Nancy didn't trust my internal alarm clock. We were meeting up with Dalton's at 9 ish as they rode with us and then we were meeting the Tracy's at the Sundog Bike Rental in Damascus at 10:30. We did our morning routines and tuned into our worship service from Bridgepoint Church in St.Pete as we were skipping corporate worship at Cornerstone. After out routines and quiet times we headed out luckily with a change of dry clothes. The weather forecast was for rain but once we got to Damascus the sun was shining with some blue skies among the clouds. This is such a beautiful small town right on the Laurel River which runs the whole way down the mountain alongside the trail. There was no way we weren't going on the trail after the hour and half ride plus Ryan was leaving on Monday morning for Florida.
I knew something was fore warning me when I pulled Nancy's bike out of the back of the truck and the front tire was flat. I had checked all of the tires before loading them. Luckily one of the attendants at the shop was able to put on a new tube and even adjusted her brakes before we all loaded up on the ride to the top. We had in our back packs rain ponchos but they helped only minimally as the rain poured after about the first mile or so. At times the trail looked like the river had changed courses as we pedaled through mud holes and a stream of water. Needless to say there wasn't a dry a place on any of us and the black water from the cinders permeated our clothes. I had water sloshing out of my shoes as I pedaled. I think that was the fastest we have ever come down the mountain as we wanted to get out of the rain. We pedaled the whole way down never stopping until we reached the trails end at the Sundog. Yikes were we ever covered in mud and cinders. Thankfully we were able to clean up using hoses to wash off before changing into dry clothes.
We headed over to the Old Mill Inn right on the river. The rain continued to pour while we had a great meal of burgers, sandwiches and salads. We were the only party in the main dining room so we were well attended and like last year the food was delicious. Some of us didn't bring extra shoes so we kicked our wet one off under the table. We had a table with a picturesque view of the small dam which was used to turn the old mill wheel but was no longer there. The mountains in the distant were beautiful with the fog clouds hiding the peaks. We headed out around 4'ish for the ride back to Sparta. The rain followed us most of the way until we got close to Sparta then the sun appeared and the rain disappeared finally. What a wet memorable day. We dropped the Dalton's off and then headed home and it looked as if we may have received a little rain while we were gone but nothing like we encountered on the other side of the mountain.
I took the hose and tried to wash out all of the cinders from our clothing before we put them in the washer. The shoes and socks were black and the spray from the back tires on the bikes had a perfect line down our clothes from the rear despite having a poncho on. Ryan and Caleb didn't even wear ponchos and the rain seemed to have cleaned their clothing as they rode along. We skipped any further food for the day except for some hot chocolate later in the evening. The temps have dropped considerably since yesterday and we are forecasted for some 50's in the mornings the next couple of days with no rain. That will be a welcome change.
I watched a little pre-season football while Nancy posted on the FB page and after a hot shower it was soon horizontal time for me before 10'ish, LATER
Sunday, August 21, 2016
Sunday Morning
Well Saturday was a mix of work and play that ended with a great concert at the Blue Ridge Parkway Music Center with sets by a local couple who were fantastic and then two of the cutest talentest young singers in the music world today the Church Sisters, wow their band and their singing is definitely top notch; there is no other way to describe them. They have just been assigned to a record label so we purchased their last CD made by them under their name only.
I started the day with my usual 6'ish roll out then had my morning cup of hot turmeric drink that washed down a handful of Nutrilite vitamins and supplements. I give a lot of credit to these high quality organic grown plants that are produced into these supplements here in the states to my good physical health. Never would I ever use any items made in another country especially China which are often sold at the major retail centers and drug stores. That's another story for another day but take my word for it, Nutrilite is the best ever. I did my quiet time after posting this ramble to pray for the folks I know and love and lift up our nation for some real leadership.
I headed out to check on the gardens and did find one Morning Glory bloom. I didn't get to take a picture but as soon as they produce in numbers on the arbor I will post some. This one bloom was just such a deep blue color it didn't look real. Heavenly Blue is the name of the Morning Glory vine and the name is apropos. I pulled another couple cucumbers, pulled a few weeds and gave the tomatoes and peppers another shot of epsom salts spray which is magnesium. It seems the plants love this element often leeched from the soil. So far I've noticed big difference in my pepper plants and their producing.
I fried up some sausage patties outside on the grill and Nancy had some frozen biscuits baking in the oven, yeow what a delicious breakfast which held us until after a long hike to the top of the mountain. We stopped and chatted up the Browning's before heading back to the cabin and it was after 1'ish. We ate a salad with home grown cukes, the last of my lettuce and a home grown tomato, superb in flavor. We sat out on the front porch to view all of the beauty of our flower beds. The Zinnias are showing off their beauty with the various colors and have just about filled the circle drive. This bed has become a nugget in the rough and we will duplicate it yearly with these hardy flowering plants. I must say this has been a banner year for our flower beds.
Well I settled in to some Olympics and pre-season football on the T.V. for a couple hours before we headed out a little before 5 to meet up with the Tracy's at the Saddle Mountain Cafe. The food was plentiful, good service and we all were quite satisfied with their fare. They were almost like old family friends as they made you feel welcome in their small eatery. Most everyone seemed to know someone and the new management made some significant changes as well. We left there and headed to the music center under the threat of rain. The dark rain clouds were all around and while the threat was there only for about 20 minutes did we get a lite drizzle. I never had to don my rain gear but a few folks did put up umbrellas.
We saw some old friends there as well as a couple neighbors. The place is nestled down in between the mountain with a large amphitheatre atmosphere with great acoustics. The band started at 7 PM with a set by two locals with just a banjo and bass. They were fantastic and many got up and danced on the wooden platforms. I had the feeling but not the nerve this evening which is somewhat unusual for me. I think I was too full from supper. The Church Sisters and their unbelievable band was on for the next hour of non stop performance. They have a mixture of pop country, blue grass and gospel and their harmony is exceptional. A great show and well worth the bargain of 15 bucks a person. They finished around 9 and then sold CD's and autographed them for you as well. It was a dark ride back to the cabin despite it being a full moon night. During the night I awakened to the moon shining in through the bedroom window and wondered if Nancy left the outside lights on; it was that bright.
Well today we are heading over to the Creeper Trail this morning after out morning church service live from Florida on the Internet streaming live. We will skip the corporate service as today is the only day for the ride down the mountain as the Tracy's son, Ryan leaves for Florida tomorrow after a week here in the mountains. Hopefully the rain and storms stay away as we ride 17 miles down the mountain on bikes, LATER
I started the day with my usual 6'ish roll out then had my morning cup of hot turmeric drink that washed down a handful of Nutrilite vitamins and supplements. I give a lot of credit to these high quality organic grown plants that are produced into these supplements here in the states to my good physical health. Never would I ever use any items made in another country especially China which are often sold at the major retail centers and drug stores. That's another story for another day but take my word for it, Nutrilite is the best ever. I did my quiet time after posting this ramble to pray for the folks I know and love and lift up our nation for some real leadership.
I headed out to check on the gardens and did find one Morning Glory bloom. I didn't get to take a picture but as soon as they produce in numbers on the arbor I will post some. This one bloom was just such a deep blue color it didn't look real. Heavenly Blue is the name of the Morning Glory vine and the name is apropos. I pulled another couple cucumbers, pulled a few weeds and gave the tomatoes and peppers another shot of epsom salts spray which is magnesium. It seems the plants love this element often leeched from the soil. So far I've noticed big difference in my pepper plants and their producing.
I fried up some sausage patties outside on the grill and Nancy had some frozen biscuits baking in the oven, yeow what a delicious breakfast which held us until after a long hike to the top of the mountain. We stopped and chatted up the Browning's before heading back to the cabin and it was after 1'ish. We ate a salad with home grown cukes, the last of my lettuce and a home grown tomato, superb in flavor. We sat out on the front porch to view all of the beauty of our flower beds. The Zinnias are showing off their beauty with the various colors and have just about filled the circle drive. This bed has become a nugget in the rough and we will duplicate it yearly with these hardy flowering plants. I must say this has been a banner year for our flower beds.
Well I settled in to some Olympics and pre-season football on the T.V. for a couple hours before we headed out a little before 5 to meet up with the Tracy's at the Saddle Mountain Cafe. The food was plentiful, good service and we all were quite satisfied with their fare. They were almost like old family friends as they made you feel welcome in their small eatery. Most everyone seemed to know someone and the new management made some significant changes as well. We left there and headed to the music center under the threat of rain. The dark rain clouds were all around and while the threat was there only for about 20 minutes did we get a lite drizzle. I never had to don my rain gear but a few folks did put up umbrellas.
We saw some old friends there as well as a couple neighbors. The place is nestled down in between the mountain with a large amphitheatre atmosphere with great acoustics. The band started at 7 PM with a set by two locals with just a banjo and bass. They were fantastic and many got up and danced on the wooden platforms. I had the feeling but not the nerve this evening which is somewhat unusual for me. I think I was too full from supper. The Church Sisters and their unbelievable band was on for the next hour of non stop performance. They have a mixture of pop country, blue grass and gospel and their harmony is exceptional. A great show and well worth the bargain of 15 bucks a person. They finished around 9 and then sold CD's and autographed them for you as well. It was a dark ride back to the cabin despite it being a full moon night. During the night I awakened to the moon shining in through the bedroom window and wondered if Nancy left the outside lights on; it was that bright.
Well today we are heading over to the Creeper Trail this morning after out morning church service live from Florida on the Internet streaming live. We will skip the corporate service as today is the only day for the ride down the mountain as the Tracy's son, Ryan leaves for Florida tomorrow after a week here in the mountains. Hopefully the rain and storms stay away as we ride 17 miles down the mountain on bikes, LATER
Saturday, August 20, 2016
Saturday Morning
Well Friday was a work day around the cabin except for a hike in the afternoon where we visited with seldom seen friends on top. The Brown's, Carol and Tommy where up working around their place so we stopped and visited for quite a spell as they were needing a rest. We sat and visited until we noticed a huge dark cloud coming south our way from the mountains up in Virginia with lots of rain pouring down. It was a beautiful sight with the rain falling in between the mountain ranges but we knew we stood a chance of getting soaked before we got back to the cabin so we continued on across the mountain and made a quick stop at Joe and Jetta's before heading back at a double time pace. Needless to say the rain never made it over the last range between us, so we got nary a drop until later in the evening when the skies opened up, oh well!
The day started much the usual with a before daylight rollout to my dismay. The thought of our time drawing near to being over and with the change in seasons is somewhat sad. We do love it here and all of the entertaining we do with family and friends. Despite not having our guests this weekend as planned we quickly made other arrangements to the schedule and are looking forward to another ride down the Virginia Creeper Trail that ends in Damascus, Va. I posted this ramble and then did my daily quiet times before calling our "mountain mom", Helen. Nancy was being a lazy bones and finally rolled out around 8'ish. I heated up the leftover fried taters' added a couple cackleberries to the mix and then chopped up a Jalapeno pepper to add some spice and heat as well as a little Chrystal hot sauce for flavor to start my gastric juices flowing, yeow is all I can say!!! Every thing has such a great taste here and the roll around my tummy proves it.
Nancy was on the phone with her daily calls from her mom and our daughter Amy but son Bobby called on his way to his final week at this present job. He mentioned he may have Labor Day off and would fly up with Katie for a long weekend. We would so enjoy that time together with them as Lauren Tracy is also coming up with her fiance' to visit her parents for a couple of days. We would have some fun time together and possiblt do the Creeper Trail again with them. We made plans for our Charleston, S.C. visit on Oct 2-5th. We purchased this vacation through Bass Pro Shoppe at an unbelievable cost but we must listen to a time share presentation for two hours. I can do most anything for two hours, once. We have never been to this old city and are looking forward to the visit. We spent an hour or so viewing You Tube videos of the area. The cost to us at the Holiday Inn is almost nothing for three nights as a matter of fact they are paying us to visit with the free gift cards, breakfasts and parking and posh rooms. I hope its not a bait and switch program but the reviews have all been excellent.
I managed to give the downstairs bathroom a coat of polyurethane as the heat and moisture from the shower has deteriorated the present coating and we see some mildew. I used the water base thane as the oil base fumes will run you out of the house. I initially used the oil base years ago when preserving the wood. This water base solution is so easy to use and had no odor and easily cleans up. I took our bikes and aired up the tires and sprayed WD40 on the chain and sprocket as we anticipate our 17 miles ride on Sunday down the Creeper Trail with Patrick, Kathryn and Ryan Tracy and the Dalton's. This will be the first time for Mechelle and Caleb. This evening the weather permitting we are eating at the Saddle Mountain Cafe on the way to the Blue Ridge Music Center to hear the Church Sisters perform. They are a new sensation in the Country Music field playing a mixture of mountain and country music. They are beautiful twins as well and soon the world of music will know these talented girls who are just 20 years of age. There is a chance of thunder showers which could put a damper on the outside show at the amphitheatre. The venue for this setting is awesome nestled in between the hills at the bottom of the mountain where you sit on the ground or bring your lawn chairs.
Well we made chicken fajitas for our supper as we used up some of the peppers sister Dee blessed us with from her garden. Afterwards we settled into the Olympics until shower time and then I hit the sack with my book until 10'ish, LATER
The day started much the usual with a before daylight rollout to my dismay. The thought of our time drawing near to being over and with the change in seasons is somewhat sad. We do love it here and all of the entertaining we do with family and friends. Despite not having our guests this weekend as planned we quickly made other arrangements to the schedule and are looking forward to another ride down the Virginia Creeper Trail that ends in Damascus, Va. I posted this ramble and then did my daily quiet times before calling our "mountain mom", Helen. Nancy was being a lazy bones and finally rolled out around 8'ish. I heated up the leftover fried taters' added a couple cackleberries to the mix and then chopped up a Jalapeno pepper to add some spice and heat as well as a little Chrystal hot sauce for flavor to start my gastric juices flowing, yeow is all I can say!!! Every thing has such a great taste here and the roll around my tummy proves it.
Nancy was on the phone with her daily calls from her mom and our daughter Amy but son Bobby called on his way to his final week at this present job. He mentioned he may have Labor Day off and would fly up with Katie for a long weekend. We would so enjoy that time together with them as Lauren Tracy is also coming up with her fiance' to visit her parents for a couple of days. We would have some fun time together and possiblt do the Creeper Trail again with them. We made plans for our Charleston, S.C. visit on Oct 2-5th. We purchased this vacation through Bass Pro Shoppe at an unbelievable cost but we must listen to a time share presentation for two hours. I can do most anything for two hours, once. We have never been to this old city and are looking forward to the visit. We spent an hour or so viewing You Tube videos of the area. The cost to us at the Holiday Inn is almost nothing for three nights as a matter of fact they are paying us to visit with the free gift cards, breakfasts and parking and posh rooms. I hope its not a bait and switch program but the reviews have all been excellent.
I managed to give the downstairs bathroom a coat of polyurethane as the heat and moisture from the shower has deteriorated the present coating and we see some mildew. I used the water base thane as the oil base fumes will run you out of the house. I initially used the oil base years ago when preserving the wood. This water base solution is so easy to use and had no odor and easily cleans up. I took our bikes and aired up the tires and sprayed WD40 on the chain and sprocket as we anticipate our 17 miles ride on Sunday down the Creeper Trail with Patrick, Kathryn and Ryan Tracy and the Dalton's. This will be the first time for Mechelle and Caleb. This evening the weather permitting we are eating at the Saddle Mountain Cafe on the way to the Blue Ridge Music Center to hear the Church Sisters perform. They are a new sensation in the Country Music field playing a mixture of mountain and country music. They are beautiful twins as well and soon the world of music will know these talented girls who are just 20 years of age. There is a chance of thunder showers which could put a damper on the outside show at the amphitheatre. The venue for this setting is awesome nestled in between the hills at the bottom of the mountain where you sit on the ground or bring your lawn chairs.
Well we made chicken fajitas for our supper as we used up some of the peppers sister Dee blessed us with from her garden. Afterwards we settled into the Olympics until shower time and then I hit the sack with my book until 10'ish, LATER
Friday, August 19, 2016
Friday Morning
Well Thursday was a work day that had some moments of pleasure and some news which saddened us as well. We were looking forward to a visit from our niece Kelly and her two youngun's only to learn the youngest child has an illness and they won't be visiting over the weekend. We had just finished beautifying the yards and gardens for their arrival when we got the news late in the afternoon, oh well maybe next year.
The day started much the usual for me with a before 6'ish wakeup and then since it was so dark outside I decided to linger for few until I could see the dawn around 6:15. All of a sudden I'm back to awakening before 6 and even around 5 for some reason. I guess going to bed at 10 ish may play a big part in this early morning awakening, oh well!!! At least I'm thankful to a daily awaking. I did my usual routines that started with my cup of hot turmeric tea after washing down a handful of Nutrilite vitamins and supplements. I did the posting of this ramble for posterity from the day before's activities then spend a few quiet moments with my Creator giving thanks and lifting up those I know and love by name as well as those who are hurting. I especially lifted up our nation for some decent uncorruptible folks to lead our country and once more make America great again. How we have become this country of special interests is beyond me and turned our back on what made us respected as well as feared with our laws that were equal for everyone. We have elected folks who only care about their personal fortunes and staying in power which has evolved into an elites class who are above the laws for the common man. It's downright criminal and disgusting and is just what our founding fathers were weary of when constructing our constitution. There is complete disregard for the precepts set forth in this ideology by this corrupt administration in D.C.
After a breakfast of eggs, Jalapeno peppers and bacon in a wrap I headed out to check on the gardens. Nancy noticed a Morning Glory bloom and another bud about to open today(Fri.) that is on the rail fence. The vines on the arbor are about half way up but no buds yet. The Zinnias in the circle drive bed are so beautiful with various colors and so many more buds yet to open. What a difference from last years circle drive bed of grass, clover and a few flowers. I started weed whacking the yards and that kept me busy until it was time for a hike to the top of the mountain around lunch time. We stopped off for a visit with Joe and Jetta and she showed us the rocks she painted as kittens for the huge rock painting as a mother cat. She is very talented and gave us some great ideas for next year when the kiddos come for a visit. I will need to fine some smooth rocks in the local creek and save them for that occasion.
We came back and the grass had finally dried out enough to mow so I skipped lunch except for the last of the delicious cookies from the farm market in Virginia and commence to mowing all of the yards. That kept me busy or entertained until after 4 o'clock when we got the phone call about our weekend guests cancelling. Luckily we hadn't been to the grocery as of yet so we cancelled on a run to Wal-Mart and instead re-introduced ourselves with a group riding the Creeper Trail to Damascus, Va. on Sunday. Initially we were planning on that trip but cancelled because of our over night guests but that now is back on the agenda. Our trip to the Blue Ridge Music Center is still on as we were taking our guest there as well on Saturday.
I cut off the three leftover corn on the cob and Nancy made a delicious cream corn dish along with fresh buttered garden grown cabbage and some fried taters for our supper, wow I could eat like this everyday as it was that good and we didn't missed the meat either. Just maybe we could lose a few ounces eating this lite as well. We settled into the news when we heard a knock on the door and our once neighbor Pam came by with a friend who wanted to harvest some of our Galax leaves. She works at the Saddle Mountain Cafe and her family runs the Carpenter Evergreens farm near the cafe. She harvest the leaves then sells them at the farm market as well as supplies some to the local florist. We gave her permission to collect the leaves to add to her income. I have thousands upon thousands of the plants growing in the woods beyond the yards. We did learn the garlicky smell is when the plant is blooming and sending up their white shoots which is usually in the early summer months. She was thrilled to be able to harvest these leaves which is not easy to do. They are low growing to the ground and you must pull the stem with some effort as well to get to the roots which are then placed in water. They will maintain their beautiful green waxy appearance for months and the discolored leaves that look like burgundy are especially sought after. She is a Believer and is trying to make a better life for her family by working and using her efforts to do so without relying on assistance by the gov't.
Last night on the way home from the Tracy's around 9'ish a full moon was evident over our mountain and Nancy wanted to capture its beauty in a photo so we took off on the golf cart a little after 9 out to the mailbox but to our dismay the cloud cover blocked any view of the moon, oh well another night and time, LATER
Just a few photos of the groomed yards and beautiful flowers!!!
The day started much the usual for me with a before 6'ish wakeup and then since it was so dark outside I decided to linger for few until I could see the dawn around 6:15. All of a sudden I'm back to awakening before 6 and even around 5 for some reason. I guess going to bed at 10 ish may play a big part in this early morning awakening, oh well!!! At least I'm thankful to a daily awaking. I did my usual routines that started with my cup of hot turmeric tea after washing down a handful of Nutrilite vitamins and supplements. I did the posting of this ramble for posterity from the day before's activities then spend a few quiet moments with my Creator giving thanks and lifting up those I know and love by name as well as those who are hurting. I especially lifted up our nation for some decent uncorruptible folks to lead our country and once more make America great again. How we have become this country of special interests is beyond me and turned our back on what made us respected as well as feared with our laws that were equal for everyone. We have elected folks who only care about their personal fortunes and staying in power which has evolved into an elites class who are above the laws for the common man. It's downright criminal and disgusting and is just what our founding fathers were weary of when constructing our constitution. There is complete disregard for the precepts set forth in this ideology by this corrupt administration in D.C.
After a breakfast of eggs, Jalapeno peppers and bacon in a wrap I headed out to check on the gardens. Nancy noticed a Morning Glory bloom and another bud about to open today(Fri.) that is on the rail fence. The vines on the arbor are about half way up but no buds yet. The Zinnias in the circle drive bed are so beautiful with various colors and so many more buds yet to open. What a difference from last years circle drive bed of grass, clover and a few flowers. I started weed whacking the yards and that kept me busy until it was time for a hike to the top of the mountain around lunch time. We stopped off for a visit with Joe and Jetta and she showed us the rocks she painted as kittens for the huge rock painting as a mother cat. She is very talented and gave us some great ideas for next year when the kiddos come for a visit. I will need to fine some smooth rocks in the local creek and save them for that occasion.
We came back and the grass had finally dried out enough to mow so I skipped lunch except for the last of the delicious cookies from the farm market in Virginia and commence to mowing all of the yards. That kept me busy or entertained until after 4 o'clock when we got the phone call about our weekend guests cancelling. Luckily we hadn't been to the grocery as of yet so we cancelled on a run to Wal-Mart and instead re-introduced ourselves with a group riding the Creeper Trail to Damascus, Va. on Sunday. Initially we were planning on that trip but cancelled because of our over night guests but that now is back on the agenda. Our trip to the Blue Ridge Music Center is still on as we were taking our guest there as well on Saturday.
I cut off the three leftover corn on the cob and Nancy made a delicious cream corn dish along with fresh buttered garden grown cabbage and some fried taters for our supper, wow I could eat like this everyday as it was that good and we didn't missed the meat either. Just maybe we could lose a few ounces eating this lite as well. We settled into the news when we heard a knock on the door and our once neighbor Pam came by with a friend who wanted to harvest some of our Galax leaves. She works at the Saddle Mountain Cafe and her family runs the Carpenter Evergreens farm near the cafe. She harvest the leaves then sells them at the farm market as well as supplies some to the local florist. We gave her permission to collect the leaves to add to her income. I have thousands upon thousands of the plants growing in the woods beyond the yards. We did learn the garlicky smell is when the plant is blooming and sending up their white shoots which is usually in the early summer months. She was thrilled to be able to harvest these leaves which is not easy to do. They are low growing to the ground and you must pull the stem with some effort as well to get to the roots which are then placed in water. They will maintain their beautiful green waxy appearance for months and the discolored leaves that look like burgundy are especially sought after. She is a Believer and is trying to make a better life for her family by working and using her efforts to do so without relying on assistance by the gov't.
Last night on the way home from the Tracy's around 9'ish a full moon was evident over our mountain and Nancy wanted to capture its beauty in a photo so we took off on the golf cart a little after 9 out to the mailbox but to our dismay the cloud cover blocked any view of the moon, oh well another night and time, LATER
Just a few photos of the groomed yards and beautiful flowers!!!
Thursday, August 18, 2016
Thursday Morning
Well Wednesday was basically a work day that started with a 6'ish roll out to darkness, yeow. I want it to be light outside at 6 AM which means summer is just starting and not on the way out. I worked around the cabin, yards and even the driveway while helping Nancy with hanging two loads of laundry. It was a a beautiful morning until about 2'ish when the dark clouds rolled in and we got a nice constant rain for about an hour. I sat and read until it was time to get ready to head over to the Tracy's for supper.
The day started with my usual routines of a cup of hot Turmeric drink while posting this ramble about the day before's activities and then spending a few quiet minutes with my Creator in prayer and thanksgiving. We all need to lift up our nation for some real leadership as we as a country are on the brink of destruction from within by this current inept administration. You know as I think about it maybe this potus isn't as inept as I give him credit for because he promised to fundamentally change the country and his promise is coming true; but not for the good of the folks. He is about to destroy our culture which was based on the Judeo-Christian mores and values. What was once good is now deemed to be bad and what was once bad and evil is now deemed acceptable and Christianity is no longer the accepted religion and its teachings of which we were founded on when leaving persecution from England. We are being destroyed from within by this current potus and his sycophants and if this criminal woman is somehow elected by deceit we will be finished as a nation. I fear for my grandchildren's future if there is a future for them.
After a breakfast of cackleberries with a jalapeno, raw onions and tomato on a wrap I headed outside to check on the gardens. I picked several more cucumbers and now two tomatoes that were red with no blight affects. Finally. I don't see many more changing as of yet but I do have several green ones on some of the 9 plants. The okra isn't doing well for some reason and neither are the egg plants but I did pick another mess of green beans. I pulled the lettuce up as it was finished and the Walla Walla onions. They never really got much bigger than a golf ball and some where even smaller than that. I'm not sure why they didn't mature to large sweet bulbs. I think next year I will just plant onion sets and let them mature into bulbs. The Bell pepper has another nice pepper and the jalapenos' are producing daily. The beets are large enough to eat as well. We still have several ears of corn brought back with us in the fridge ready to eat as well. Maybe today(Thurs) will be an all veggie day.
Well I headed down the driveway to clean up after the power line trimmers. They took most of the major limbs from the road but left lots of small debris in the ditches which clogs the run off of downpours which overflows the ditches and cause ruts in the road. I noticed they cut the top and limbs out of a large dead oak that surrounds neighbor Gerald's driveway. That sure helps with throwing this huge tree safely down without the chance of it falling on his garage. He will have some good firewood from the dead oak.
Well I found an underground nest of yellow jacket bees near the upper garden so I will put together a cocktail for them later this evening after dark. I take a plastic drink bottle with a small piece of cloth acting as a wick and then a little gasoline and I will insert this into the small opening in the ground. The fumes will stay overnight in the hole killing not only the adults but any larvae and will not cause any discoloration of the grass. These bees are merciless this time of the year and if you step into their hole in the ground they will sting you incessantly. They are the worst of bees in my opinion and I have no love for them.
Well we had a delicious supper with the Tracy's at their rental cabin. We had a chicken dish with black beans and yellow rice, green beans and salad and Nancy made a delicious ice cream pie for dessert. We sat outside on the deck and dined while viewing the far off mountain ranges. It was a splendid meal with great company. Afterwards we gather into our gender groups watching the Olympics while digesting and then we (MEN)started reminiscing old music and the singers. We brought up lots of music from our respective era's on the laptop. I of course was the oldest in age which is rather unique to say the least. I use to be the youngest in certain gatherings over the years but that is now reversed, oh well!!! We stayed and fellowshipped until close to 9'ish before heading out. Darkness has taken over at that hour when we use to see outside until 9:30. Summer is leaving us and we will soon experience some drastic changes to the landscape. I noticed the gum trees in the woods are already exchanging their green leaves for some oranges and yellow color ones, LATER
The day started with my usual routines of a cup of hot Turmeric drink while posting this ramble about the day before's activities and then spending a few quiet minutes with my Creator in prayer and thanksgiving. We all need to lift up our nation for some real leadership as we as a country are on the brink of destruction from within by this current inept administration. You know as I think about it maybe this potus isn't as inept as I give him credit for because he promised to fundamentally change the country and his promise is coming true; but not for the good of the folks. He is about to destroy our culture which was based on the Judeo-Christian mores and values. What was once good is now deemed to be bad and what was once bad and evil is now deemed acceptable and Christianity is no longer the accepted religion and its teachings of which we were founded on when leaving persecution from England. We are being destroyed from within by this current potus and his sycophants and if this criminal woman is somehow elected by deceit we will be finished as a nation. I fear for my grandchildren's future if there is a future for them.
After a breakfast of cackleberries with a jalapeno, raw onions and tomato on a wrap I headed outside to check on the gardens. I picked several more cucumbers and now two tomatoes that were red with no blight affects. Finally. I don't see many more changing as of yet but I do have several green ones on some of the 9 plants. The okra isn't doing well for some reason and neither are the egg plants but I did pick another mess of green beans. I pulled the lettuce up as it was finished and the Walla Walla onions. They never really got much bigger than a golf ball and some where even smaller than that. I'm not sure why they didn't mature to large sweet bulbs. I think next year I will just plant onion sets and let them mature into bulbs. The Bell pepper has another nice pepper and the jalapenos' are producing daily. The beets are large enough to eat as well. We still have several ears of corn brought back with us in the fridge ready to eat as well. Maybe today(Thurs) will be an all veggie day.
Well I headed down the driveway to clean up after the power line trimmers. They took most of the major limbs from the road but left lots of small debris in the ditches which clogs the run off of downpours which overflows the ditches and cause ruts in the road. I noticed they cut the top and limbs out of a large dead oak that surrounds neighbor Gerald's driveway. That sure helps with throwing this huge tree safely down without the chance of it falling on his garage. He will have some good firewood from the dead oak.
Well I found an underground nest of yellow jacket bees near the upper garden so I will put together a cocktail for them later this evening after dark. I take a plastic drink bottle with a small piece of cloth acting as a wick and then a little gasoline and I will insert this into the small opening in the ground. The fumes will stay overnight in the hole killing not only the adults but any larvae and will not cause any discoloration of the grass. These bees are merciless this time of the year and if you step into their hole in the ground they will sting you incessantly. They are the worst of bees in my opinion and I have no love for them.
Well we had a delicious supper with the Tracy's at their rental cabin. We had a chicken dish with black beans and yellow rice, green beans and salad and Nancy made a delicious ice cream pie for dessert. We sat outside on the deck and dined while viewing the far off mountain ranges. It was a splendid meal with great company. Afterwards we gather into our gender groups watching the Olympics while digesting and then we (MEN)started reminiscing old music and the singers. We brought up lots of music from our respective era's on the laptop. I of course was the oldest in age which is rather unique to say the least. I use to be the youngest in certain gatherings over the years but that is now reversed, oh well!!! We stayed and fellowshipped until close to 9'ish before heading out. Darkness has taken over at that hour when we use to see outside until 9:30. Summer is leaving us and we will soon experience some drastic changes to the landscape. I noticed the gum trees in the woods are already exchanging their green leaves for some oranges and yellow color ones, LATER
Wednesday, August 17, 2016
Wednesday Morning
Well Tuesday was mainly a fun day that found us down our mountain only to climb Stone Mountain with the Tracy's then over to Widow Falls where we slid down the rocks into a pool of cool clear water, yikes was that ever refreshing after our 3 mile hike out to Wolf Rock and back. It was a bit on the hot and humid side of the weather with rain clouds off in the distant and even a few fell on us. The hike was mostly shaded which helped keeping the temps down.
The day started much the usual with a 6'ish roll out for me. It was still rather dark outside which indicates the summer is just about gone but the heat and humidity have decided to linger. This has been the most humid summer ever and especially the last couple of weeks. The grass and flower beds love this weather. I did my usual morning routines of a hot cup of Turmeric drink while posting my ramble and then a few quiet moments with my Creator to lift up those I know and love and to humble myself while giving thanks for the many blessings in my life. I especially lifted up our nation as we are on the verge of anarchy with all of the racial unrest, disregard for law and order and for failing to prosecute the elites in our society for obvious and blatant disregard of the rule of law.
We were having the Tracy's along with their son Ryan who is visiting from Florida so we put the cabin in order with a through cleaning and getting ready for our hike and then supper later in the evening. They came around noon and then we headed out shortly thereafter down the mountain. This was their first time to the park and they were in awe of this huge mountain of stone. We decided to take the moderate hike and leave the strenuous climb for a cooler day. This hike was no picnic but the vistas where awesome as we stood on what could be the surface of the moon. This huge ball of solid rock went on for thousands of feet in any direction and looked to be separate from the main rock mountain by a large valley with a stream in between.
We headed down to the small waterfalls where we cooled off by sliding down the slippery smooth rocks into a 3 foot or so of cool water. The guys did the slide while the gals walked around in the cool water cooling off. We did the slide several times and then noticed a small water snake on one of the rocks who was attempting to catch the small minnows for his meal as they leaped in the water. He was beautifully marked and didn't let our presence discourage him from his attempt to catch a fish. A few other folks came while we were there and one party had a huge Great Dane that wasn't to thrilled with the cold water.
We headed back up the mountain to our place after a stop for some ice cream in Roaring Gap. The crews who were clearing the power lines of trees and limbs were in our driveway and road so we had to wait a few times for them to clear out their cuttings before we could get to the cabin. They sure are doing a great job of widening the power lines and even sawed down a huge dead tree at Gerald's that was hanging close to his garage. They sawed that down about half way which will make it so much easier to take down the rest of the way without it falling on his building. I expect they will be in our road for several more days.
I picked another 8 cucumbers today after picking 14 on Monday. This has been a great year for them but not so great for tomato's as they have yet to ripen. The squash isn't doing well with all of this humidity either, oh well we have had a great garden thus far. The Shasta Daisies are just about gone as well but the Zinnias are doing fantastic with the circle drive exploding with color. The Morning Glory vines are just about to the top of the arbor on one side and the honey suckle on the other side. Hopefully we will see some of their beautiful blue flowers. Next year I will start them earlier and plant them from seedlings instead of seeds around the arbor. The black raspberries are sending out 3-4 foot shoots and so we may have berries next year as well.
I shucked 8 ears of corn we brought back from the Shenandoah Valley and had the grill hot for hamburgers. We had tater salad that Kathryn made as well a homemade biscuits for strawberry shortcake with vanilla ice cream and real whipped cream, yikes what a feed. We of course skipped lunch so that made it easier to eat big for supper. After the clean up we got into a card game called OH -ell. It was a raucous game with Ryan wiping the floor with us despite just playing it for the first time. Afterwards I took the guys up to the top of the mountain on the golf cart for a view as we weren't sure if Ryan had ever been there. They headed out just before dark so we finished up the dishes and watched the Olympics until it was shower time and then I headed into read a little before lights out around 10:30. What a great day we had and then this evening we are meeting at the Tracy's cabin along with the Carlan's for supper and some card games. Retirement is a must, LATER
The day started much the usual with a 6'ish roll out for me. It was still rather dark outside which indicates the summer is just about gone but the heat and humidity have decided to linger. This has been the most humid summer ever and especially the last couple of weeks. The grass and flower beds love this weather. I did my usual morning routines of a hot cup of Turmeric drink while posting my ramble and then a few quiet moments with my Creator to lift up those I know and love and to humble myself while giving thanks for the many blessings in my life. I especially lifted up our nation as we are on the verge of anarchy with all of the racial unrest, disregard for law and order and for failing to prosecute the elites in our society for obvious and blatant disregard of the rule of law.
We were having the Tracy's along with their son Ryan who is visiting from Florida so we put the cabin in order with a through cleaning and getting ready for our hike and then supper later in the evening. They came around noon and then we headed out shortly thereafter down the mountain. This was their first time to the park and they were in awe of this huge mountain of stone. We decided to take the moderate hike and leave the strenuous climb for a cooler day. This hike was no picnic but the vistas where awesome as we stood on what could be the surface of the moon. This huge ball of solid rock went on for thousands of feet in any direction and looked to be separate from the main rock mountain by a large valley with a stream in between.
We headed down to the small waterfalls where we cooled off by sliding down the slippery smooth rocks into a 3 foot or so of cool water. The guys did the slide while the gals walked around in the cool water cooling off. We did the slide several times and then noticed a small water snake on one of the rocks who was attempting to catch the small minnows for his meal as they leaped in the water. He was beautifully marked and didn't let our presence discourage him from his attempt to catch a fish. A few other folks came while we were there and one party had a huge Great Dane that wasn't to thrilled with the cold water.
We headed back up the mountain to our place after a stop for some ice cream in Roaring Gap. The crews who were clearing the power lines of trees and limbs were in our driveway and road so we had to wait a few times for them to clear out their cuttings before we could get to the cabin. They sure are doing a great job of widening the power lines and even sawed down a huge dead tree at Gerald's that was hanging close to his garage. They sawed that down about half way which will make it so much easier to take down the rest of the way without it falling on his building. I expect they will be in our road for several more days.
I picked another 8 cucumbers today after picking 14 on Monday. This has been a great year for them but not so great for tomato's as they have yet to ripen. The squash isn't doing well with all of this humidity either, oh well we have had a great garden thus far. The Shasta Daisies are just about gone as well but the Zinnias are doing fantastic with the circle drive exploding with color. The Morning Glory vines are just about to the top of the arbor on one side and the honey suckle on the other side. Hopefully we will see some of their beautiful blue flowers. Next year I will start them earlier and plant them from seedlings instead of seeds around the arbor. The black raspberries are sending out 3-4 foot shoots and so we may have berries next year as well.
I shucked 8 ears of corn we brought back from the Shenandoah Valley and had the grill hot for hamburgers. We had tater salad that Kathryn made as well a homemade biscuits for strawberry shortcake with vanilla ice cream and real whipped cream, yikes what a feed. We of course skipped lunch so that made it easier to eat big for supper. After the clean up we got into a card game called OH -ell. It was a raucous game with Ryan wiping the floor with us despite just playing it for the first time. Afterwards I took the guys up to the top of the mountain on the golf cart for a view as we weren't sure if Ryan had ever been there. They headed out just before dark so we finished up the dishes and watched the Olympics until it was shower time and then I headed into read a little before lights out around 10:30. What a great day we had and then this evening we are meeting at the Tracy's cabin along with the Carlan's for supper and some card games. Retirement is a must, LATER
Tuesday, August 16, 2016
Tuesday Morning
Well I'm back in my usual spot at the table in the cabin in N.C. with just a few minutes past 6 AM. It's still rather dark here and I suppose that is because summer is dwindling down. It's usually been very light with the dawn the past several weeks and I suppose soon the evening shadows will be upon us much earlier than the 9 o'clock or after the past weeks as well. It's still rather warm and humid here but not nearly what we experienced this past week end at the beginning of the Shenandoah Valley around Woodstock, Star Tannery and Winchester. Yikes the heat index was well over the 100 degree mark several days in a row. I didn't let that interfere with our great time we had visiting with family at the outdoor picnic at the Gravel Springs Church. I even got in one dance with sister Josie to the Blue Grass Band despite the heat on the concrete slab. I did pass up the the country ham dinner and opted for a bowl of delicious ice cream which satisfied any hunger. I will expand on some of the activities later in this ramble.
Monday morning started with us rolling out a little before 7'ish. Mike had gone to work much earlier in the morning and sister Dee had to head off to work as well at 9, so we got packed, had a lite breakfast then headed out for the mountains about 250 miles or so down or should I say up the valley. We made a stop at a meat processing and packing facility that specializes in the best bacon ever. I learned the country ham used at the picnic on Saturday at the picnic comes from there also. We picked up 2 large 4 pound vacuum packs to bring with us and we will freeze it in one pound packs for the kids in Florida. We got back on I-81 and traveled on it the next three hours or so until Christiansburg where we got off onto RT. 8 and headed to the town of Floyd, Va. We made a stop at Mickey "G's" an Italian eatery we stopped at a couple years ago with our "cool peoples gang"(the Botbyl's, Tracy's and us). The food was excellent then and even more so now and the place has been remodeled as well with much more seating capacity. One of the best Italian eateries ever except for Pietro's in Vacaville, California. We split an Italian salad much like an antipasto then split a veggie pizza. Both were excellent in flavor and loaded with all fresh ingredients especially the portobello mushrooms. We got there just ahead of the lunch crowd and then it quickly filled with diners both inside and out.
We made a stop in Galax at the super Wal-Mart to stock up as well then headed for the cabin. It was 86 in town and by the time we reached the cabin it had dropped down into the 70's with a lite rain shower as we headed in the drive. By the time we unloaded the truck the rain had increased and the water ran down the drive for a few minutes. I don't think it was a gully washer. The sun soon came out after one bolt of lightning struck very close to the cabin which sent Nancy into a frantic mode. She closed all of the windows in fear. After the sun came out I headed out to check on the gardens and picked 14 very nice cucumbers as well as a couple small yellow squash and three ripe tomatoes which had the blossom end rot. It seems only this one set of three plants have this blight so far. I have lots of green tomatoes on the other plants so maybe I will get a few but if not sister Dee's plants are producing the prettiest tomatoes and she was very generous in loading us up with a sack full as well as cabbages, green peppers and dill pickles Mike canned.
I don't remember it I had a chance to elaborate on the West Virginia trip on Friday but it was good to see the area where we last visited more than 20 years ago. The river and the one lane wooden bridge is still in place but the old summer place is in awful shape and in ruins with horrible mold and mildew. It's not salvageable but the 2.5 acres on the river bottom is a selling point. Many folks were in the water on that hot day. The river itself is beautiful set in the mountains. Nancy was most excited to see the old summer place where she shared so many memories with her siblings and cousins. I'm glad we made the trip with Paw Paw, Mike and Dee. The eatery in Berkeley Springs at the Earth Dog Cafe was memorable as well.
Well its always great to see and travel never before traveled roads and we did a lot of that over the four days we were gone; on the way up to Woodstock and then around the area with Dee during the day on Friday. They were most gracious and generous as always and we had a marvelous visit with them as well. It was sad to have to leave their beautiful home and surrounding community but they both still work as they are Nancy's age and are looking forward to retirement in a few years. They now have 2 grand children are are so much in love with them as well and both of them are coming this next weekend to spend a day or so with us here at the cabin while visiting in Woodstock for a couple of weeks. Their youngest daughter Kelly is a wonderful mother and loves this area where we have our cabin.
Well its nearly 7 in the morning and I'm waking Nancy as we have the Tracy's and their son, Ryan visiting around noon for a hike to Stone Mountain and then supper with us here at the cabin. He will be here for a week so and we will get together with them when possible, LATER
Monday morning started with us rolling out a little before 7'ish. Mike had gone to work much earlier in the morning and sister Dee had to head off to work as well at 9, so we got packed, had a lite breakfast then headed out for the mountains about 250 miles or so down or should I say up the valley. We made a stop at a meat processing and packing facility that specializes in the best bacon ever. I learned the country ham used at the picnic on Saturday at the picnic comes from there also. We picked up 2 large 4 pound vacuum packs to bring with us and we will freeze it in one pound packs for the kids in Florida. We got back on I-81 and traveled on it the next three hours or so until Christiansburg where we got off onto RT. 8 and headed to the town of Floyd, Va. We made a stop at Mickey "G's" an Italian eatery we stopped at a couple years ago with our "cool peoples gang"(the Botbyl's, Tracy's and us). The food was excellent then and even more so now and the place has been remodeled as well with much more seating capacity. One of the best Italian eateries ever except for Pietro's in Vacaville, California. We split an Italian salad much like an antipasto then split a veggie pizza. Both were excellent in flavor and loaded with all fresh ingredients especially the portobello mushrooms. We got there just ahead of the lunch crowd and then it quickly filled with diners both inside and out.
We made a stop in Galax at the super Wal-Mart to stock up as well then headed for the cabin. It was 86 in town and by the time we reached the cabin it had dropped down into the 70's with a lite rain shower as we headed in the drive. By the time we unloaded the truck the rain had increased and the water ran down the drive for a few minutes. I don't think it was a gully washer. The sun soon came out after one bolt of lightning struck very close to the cabin which sent Nancy into a frantic mode. She closed all of the windows in fear. After the sun came out I headed out to check on the gardens and picked 14 very nice cucumbers as well as a couple small yellow squash and three ripe tomatoes which had the blossom end rot. It seems only this one set of three plants have this blight so far. I have lots of green tomatoes on the other plants so maybe I will get a few but if not sister Dee's plants are producing the prettiest tomatoes and she was very generous in loading us up with a sack full as well as cabbages, green peppers and dill pickles Mike canned.
I don't remember it I had a chance to elaborate on the West Virginia trip on Friday but it was good to see the area where we last visited more than 20 years ago. The river and the one lane wooden bridge is still in place but the old summer place is in awful shape and in ruins with horrible mold and mildew. It's not salvageable but the 2.5 acres on the river bottom is a selling point. Many folks were in the water on that hot day. The river itself is beautiful set in the mountains. Nancy was most excited to see the old summer place where she shared so many memories with her siblings and cousins. I'm glad we made the trip with Paw Paw, Mike and Dee. The eatery in Berkeley Springs at the Earth Dog Cafe was memorable as well.
Well its always great to see and travel never before traveled roads and we did a lot of that over the four days we were gone; on the way up to Woodstock and then around the area with Dee during the day on Friday. They were most gracious and generous as always and we had a marvelous visit with them as well. It was sad to have to leave their beautiful home and surrounding community but they both still work as they are Nancy's age and are looking forward to retirement in a few years. They now have 2 grand children are are so much in love with them as well and both of them are coming this next weekend to spend a day or so with us here at the cabin while visiting in Woodstock for a couple of weeks. Their youngest daughter Kelly is a wonderful mother and loves this area where we have our cabin.
Well its nearly 7 in the morning and I'm waking Nancy as we have the Tracy's and their son, Ryan visiting around noon for a hike to Stone Mountain and then supper with us here at the cabin. He will be here for a week so and we will get together with them when possible, LATER
Monday, August 15, 2016
Monday Morning
Well Sunday was an awesome day of worship, visiting with family friends and once again good eatin' with home grown veggies and the best sweet corn ever. The scenery was awesome once again and we traveled some old roads and even visited the old home place. We were there 6 years ago and we met the owner outside who by the way was armed either for snakes or visitors, but either way there is seldom any visitors at the end of the road which goes through some wooded land. It was a good visit and he had been there for the past 15 years who has made some drastic changes to the landscape.
We rode some old dirt roads which I use to travel in my youth then headed over to Wardensville W.Va where we met up Paw Paw and his lady friend Adeline at the local eatery. We had a great lunch along with much of the county. After a good lunch we headed back to the Woodbine Market where we stocked up on fresh home grown sweet corn and some delicious baked cookies.
We settled into a supper around 6:30 of very tasty zucchini boats loaded with ground turkey, tomato sauce, herbs and parmesan cheese, Yeow Delicious and then some corn on the cob. Well after the cleanup we settled into some Euchre and the gals took two straight games and then we manage to win a consolation game. It was soon shower time around 10'ish.
Well we are heading out this morning after watching two large hot air balloons cross over the field of corn behind the house and land spme where on the other side of I-81, LATER
We rode some old dirt roads which I use to travel in my youth then headed over to Wardensville W.Va where we met up Paw Paw and his lady friend Adeline at the local eatery. We had a great lunch along with much of the county. After a good lunch we headed back to the Woodbine Market where we stocked up on fresh home grown sweet corn and some delicious baked cookies.
We settled into a supper around 6:30 of very tasty zucchini boats loaded with ground turkey, tomato sauce, herbs and parmesan cheese, Yeow Delicious and then some corn on the cob. Well after the cleanup we settled into some Euchre and the gals took two straight games and then we manage to win a consolation game. It was soon shower time around 10'ish.
Well we are heading out this morning after watching two large hot air balloons cross over the field of corn behind the house and land spme where on the other side of I-81, LATER
Sunday, August 14, 2016
Sunday Morning
Well its so dang hot "the horses are freezing the fields because the corn is popping and they think its snow and their laying down and freezing to death". I know its an exaggeration but its nearly the truth as its been the hottest in years for this date. We did the picnic and left early as it was over 119 degrees with the heat index. We spent the evening in the a/c watching the Olympics, eating fresh corn on the cob and then playing Euchre until late in the evening.
We visited with lots of family at the picnic and saw the newest member of the family at 3 months who was sister Pat's great grandchild and was paw Paw's first great great grandchild. Uncles Frankie and Junior where there and holding strong as was lots of old childhood friends. It was too hot for me to eat the country ham dinner but I did have a large bowl of ice cream. The Blue Grass Band finally started playing around 2'ish and sister Josie and I did do one boot scooting dance as it was just to hot to do much of anything even in the shade of the large oak's. I told many folks when a now Florida boy starts sweating here in the mountains it was time to head out and thats what we did around 3'ish.
We picked up a dozen ears of fresh picked corn in the shuck at a local market and ate them with some jalapeno poppers around 6'ish along with some fresh garden grown tomato's, onions and cukes. We decided to play some Euchre which ended up playing three games and the guys finally won for the first time in years at this venue. It was going on midnight when I finally got into the shower and got ready for some horizontal lab, LATER
We visited with lots of family at the picnic and saw the newest member of the family at 3 months who was sister Pat's great grandchild and was paw Paw's first great great grandchild. Uncles Frankie and Junior where there and holding strong as was lots of old childhood friends. It was too hot for me to eat the country ham dinner but I did have a large bowl of ice cream. The Blue Grass Band finally started playing around 2'ish and sister Josie and I did do one boot scooting dance as it was just to hot to do much of anything even in the shade of the large oak's. I told many folks when a now Florida boy starts sweating here in the mountains it was time to head out and thats what we did around 3'ish.
We picked up a dozen ears of fresh picked corn in the shuck at a local market and ate them with some jalapeno poppers around 6'ish along with some fresh garden grown tomato's, onions and cukes. We decided to play some Euchre which ended up playing three games and the guys finally won for the first time in years at this venue. It was going on midnight when I finally got into the shower and got ready for some horizontal lab, LATER
Saturday, August 13, 2016
Saturday Morning
Well Friday was a complete day of seeing new areas that we have never seen before and then revisiting an area in W.Va. that's been 20 years or more since we have last been there. It was a hot humid day with the heat index higher than in Florida. We did see some rain as we headed up into the W.Va mountains late in the evening and then we ate supper at the Earth Dog Cafe in Berkely Springs.
The day started with a 6'ish roll out for me looking out over the beautiful farm behind sister Dee's house and their perfectly manicured yard and flower gardens. Mike was already at work so we sat around and viewed the vistas until it was time to take off to see some new areas. The area of Orkney Springs was just beautiful high up in the mountains where several resorts for skiing and camps for Christian youth camps. We lazied around until Uncle Mike came home from work then we headed out to Winchester to pick up Paw Paw and head to Berkeley Springs.
Berkeley Springs is about 40 miles north of Winchester on SR 522. It was a nice 4 lane ride until we hit the W.Va. line which quickly turned into a 2 land road as we headed up the mountain from the small city. We noticed the huge castle on the side of the mountain built in the 1800's as we climbed the mountain. We stopped and viewed the vista that showed three states; Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Maryland. The view from this vistas shows the Potomac and the Cacapon Rivers as one of the most photogenic views in the country. We found the road leading out to the old summer place which crosses a one lane low water wooden bridge across the Cacapon River.
We saw several locals swimming in water as we crossed the bridge. Nancy spotted the old house where she once played with her grand folks, parents and cousins. I failed to initially recognize the place as it was over grown and in some disrepair. We walked up onto the porch and saw where the roof let lots of water and moisture into the interior, yikes the smell of mold and mildew was overwhelming. It was sad to see the damage and deterioration of the old place. We pushed the door open and the inside damage and smell was terrible. The roof leaks were evident with damp wet moldy wood. We were completely saddened by this damage.
We spent about 30 minutes taking pictures and then rode up to the Dawson homestead which looked nothing like we remembered it. The gardens and fields were over grown and there was considerable run down damage to the house and buildings. We left and headed back up the mountain to the down town area where we stopped at the Earth Dog Cafe eatery where we enjoyed eating with the locals and the food was decent and plentiful. Barbecue was the specialty as most of us chowed down with good portions and the sides were exceptional tasty. I would eat there again in heartbeat. Well after a ride back to winchester in the rain at time we dropped Paw Paw off then headed to Woodstock. We got back around 9:30 and then after watching some of the Olympics it was horizontal lab for me, LATER
The day started with a 6'ish roll out for me looking out over the beautiful farm behind sister Dee's house and their perfectly manicured yard and flower gardens. Mike was already at work so we sat around and viewed the vistas until it was time to take off to see some new areas. The area of Orkney Springs was just beautiful high up in the mountains where several resorts for skiing and camps for Christian youth camps. We lazied around until Uncle Mike came home from work then we headed out to Winchester to pick up Paw Paw and head to Berkeley Springs.
Berkeley Springs is about 40 miles north of Winchester on SR 522. It was a nice 4 lane ride until we hit the W.Va. line which quickly turned into a 2 land road as we headed up the mountain from the small city. We noticed the huge castle on the side of the mountain built in the 1800's as we climbed the mountain. We stopped and viewed the vista that showed three states; Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Maryland. The view from this vistas shows the Potomac and the Cacapon Rivers as one of the most photogenic views in the country. We found the road leading out to the old summer place which crosses a one lane low water wooden bridge across the Cacapon River.
We saw several locals swimming in water as we crossed the bridge. Nancy spotted the old house where she once played with her grand folks, parents and cousins. I failed to initially recognize the place as it was over grown and in some disrepair. We walked up onto the porch and saw where the roof let lots of water and moisture into the interior, yikes the smell of mold and mildew was overwhelming. It was sad to see the damage and deterioration of the old place. We pushed the door open and the inside damage and smell was terrible. The roof leaks were evident with damp wet moldy wood. We were completely saddened by this damage.
We spent about 30 minutes taking pictures and then rode up to the Dawson homestead which looked nothing like we remembered it. The gardens and fields were over grown and there was considerable run down damage to the house and buildings. We left and headed back up the mountain to the down town area where we stopped at the Earth Dog Cafe eatery where we enjoyed eating with the locals and the food was decent and plentiful. Barbecue was the specialty as most of us chowed down with good portions and the sides were exceptional tasty. I would eat there again in heartbeat. Well after a ride back to winchester in the rain at time we dropped Paw Paw off then headed to Woodstock. We got back around 9:30 and then after watching some of the Olympics it was horizontal lab for me, LATER
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