Friday Morning

Well it seems since I've been outside working and sweating then coming into the a/c house that I've contracted a head cold. First it started with some coughing and now it's moved into the running nose stage. I'm glad the coughing has abated for now as that was getting to be annoying but now I must contend with the red eyes and runny nose, oh well. Thursday was a work day outside in the morning where I weed whacked and edged the yards. My shirt was soaked with sweat and when I came in the house it seems the onset of a cold occurred. I spent the rest of the day pretty much doing nothing except reading a new historical novel by Ken Follett titled FALL OF THE GIANTS.

I started the day with my usual 6'ish roll out and then my vitamins and supplements washed down with my cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric. After posting this ramble I spent some time with my Creator in prayer and thanksgiving for all of the many blessing afforded me and my family. I lifted up several who were hurting by name and especially Paw Paw. I spoke with him around lunch time and he sounded so much better and stronger and learned he was being moved to a rehab facility in Winchester near his home and church. Sister Dee lives the closest to this facility so she will probably see him more often than many of the other sisters. We will try to head up that way before coming back to Florida for the winter.

I worked outside for a couple hours while not feeling any effects of the onset of a cold. I even rode to the Rec. earlier around 8 to see if any pickle ballers where playing but none were there so I made a stop at the library before heading home. I worked in the yards and garden until my shirt was soaked and it became too hot to stay outside. That started the cool down period and helped with the start of the onset of the cough. Luckily I had some Nutrilite Clearguard which is an all natural blend of herbs that helps the body fight off any colds and sinus issues and that really helped. The coughing went away over night and now its just a hoarseness in the voice and a runny nose.

This morning we have to go to the Brandon area for grandparents day at Bell Shoals School for Annsley and Gabe. That starts around 9:30 so we are up at 5:30 to get ready and then make the normally hour drive but on work days with all of the traffic it will be close to two hours depending on back ups and crashes. We will then meet up with Bobby and Katie for lunch before heading back home and start to pack for Sundays departure. We are keeping the Ross kiddos during the evening and possibly overnight as Amy and Tyler have a date night. Eliza has to have her pop corn while watching a movie.

Well Amy, GG and Eliza all came for a lunch of pizza and then Nancy took GG shopping for her birthday as she is 88 today. We will take her out Saturday evening for her birthday supper at a Greek eatery here in Seminole along with the Ross Family. Eliza is sometimes a handful at eateries but we will see as her "best buddy" grandma will be there. That was about it for the day as I grilled brats and we finished off the broccoli and cauliflower for supper. After the clean up we settled into the Fox Cable News with O'reilley and then I hit the shower and read until nearly 10'ish, LATER

Thursday Morning

Well this month has just about gone and so has our nearly two weeks away from the cabin. I'm ready for some at least cooler temps and no humidity that is now found in the mountains. Thankfully we will head back that way on Sunday with a short layover for a couple of nights in Charleston S.C. I didn't do a whole lot outside today that required any physical exertion as I was worn out from the past 3 days of working on the pool.

The day started with my normal roll out around 6'ish, sometimes it's a few before or after but mainly 6'ish. I do usually hit the sack at nights around 10'ish so I'm getting plenty of rest. I did my usual routines that start with a handful of Nutrilite vitamins and supplements washed down with a cup of hot green tea laced with a healthy 5 shakes of the spice or herb turmeric.(Turmeric comes in glass shaker top bottle) while I posted this ramble. Then I spent a few minutes with my Creator in thanksgiving and lifting those I know and love up who need to be remembered to the great Healer. There are several on my heart and in my daily thoughts for special consideration.

 After a breakfast of an fried egg sandwich on toast with the last tomato from the garden and some raw onion I got ready to head out to have the truck serviced at Twill Auto in St.Pete. Our neighbor and close friend Dan and his crew have been in business for years and now he is thinking of selling the business over to his kids. He is ready to semi-retire from the mechanic business. I made a stop on the way for the special oil I use from Wal-Mart. Afterwards I just chilled the rest of the morning catching up on some reading and relaxation until when Amy and Eliza Faye came for lunch. She and Nancy have really bonded and they are so cute together when playing toys together.

After lunch Amy ran out for a haircut and then she and Eliza left to pick up Ave and Sam. Nancy took off to the mall and I just laid around and read until suppertime. I did put together what vitamins and supplements we will need for the next 5-6 weeks when we leave Seminole on Sunday. I spoke with our mountain mom,  Helen and she said they have had only a little rain since we've been gone and the leaves are falling off before turning. It has been a dry month of September in the mountains. Well after a supper of hamburger steak and fresh broccoli and cauliflower we got ready for a visit from Dan and Carol for the next couple hours. We just sat and chatted about the upcoming months and what has taken place the past couple of months. We have been close friends the past 20 plus years and even strangers think Nancy and Carol are sisters.

Well after they left I hit the shower and then read a Ken Follett book until 10'ish. He is such a great historical novelist around the WWII era that he is hard to put down. He mainly writes from the British perspective, LATER

Wednesday Morning

Well I finally completed the hot job of digging out and disassembling the 18 foot round above ground pool from the neighbor's yard. I borrowed another neighbors trailer and loaded everything and then took it to the Ross house and then unloaded it. Tyler and I will either start this Saturday to reassemble it and set it up for the grand kiddos. I may even partake of its use on hot sunny days as I miss our above ground we had for years when our kids were small. This is a very nice pool and everything including the pool chemicals were included except for the purchase of a new liner.

The day started much the usual for me with my before 6'ish or thereabouts roll out. I had my cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric while I posted this ramble and then spent a few quiet moments with my Creator in thanksgiving and prayer for those who need some special consideration. Paw Paw seems to be improving somewhat but now needs to get out of the hospital and into some rehab facility as per his doctor. He will need some special care for several weeks to come as he is still on this anti-biotic drip for the infections in his shoulder and groin areas. The daughters who are close by know the best facility for his needs in the area and will make that decision.

I worked outside in the neighbors yard until I had everything one person could do before calling it a morning around lunch time. Tyler came by after work and helped me to load the heavy pool wall which was all we could do to get it on and off the trailer by hand. I maneuvered the neighbors boat out of their yard then backed the trailer in to load the disassembled pool. I was once again dripping with sweat and I'm so looking forward to some less humid and hot temps.

Nancy has a supper of pork chops, beets, lima beans and salad when I got back from the Ross's and afterwards I headed out to hand water the tomato plants. They are doing well in this heat and I only lost one of the 8 that was a double. I mulched around the plants to help with holding in the moisture while we are gone back to the cabin for a month as well as transplanted some marigolds around the plants to help with deterring the nematodes from attacking the roots. Hopefully they will make and not dry up while we are gone. It wasn't long afterwards I hit the showers and then settled in to the Fox Cable News with O'Reilly. All the talk was about was who gained from the debate last evening. I think the country finally found a spokesperson for the nation and not the political status quo. Trump wants to change the way we do business in the world and bring back jobs while Hillary is such an elitist and has no interest in the nation except to further her agenda which is power and greed. She is so corrupt and yet she say's everyone should obey the law except her. She makes me ill with her smug condescending smile who destroyed several women lives to cover for her philandering husband, oh well!!!

It wasn't long afterwards that I watched the Ray's in their final couple games lose once again to the White Sox's in Chicago. I read for a while until the days work caught up with me, LATER

Tuesday Morning

Well Monday found me working in the neighbors yard until lunch time taking apart an 18 ft circular above ground pool and getting it ready to haul over to the Ross Family's yard. It was so hot and humid even in the shade that I had sweat running down my legs and off my head, yikes! The rest of the afternoon I chilled reading until we headed over to the Ross Family's house with GG for a delicious birthday supper for Tyler. We did get a thunder storm with lots of lightning and some rain to cool things off just about rush hour.

Well the day started with a before 6 roll out for me to my usual routines of a cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric while I posted this ramble. I then spent a few quiet moments with my Creator to give thanks and lift up several in need healing and comfort in this their hour of need. I spoke with Paw Paw and though he is still in the VA hospital his voice seemed somewhat stronger and he said he was getting great care. We are hoping they put him into a rehab area where he can get constant care as well. His advanced age is becoming an issue despite his being in good physical condition for years Josie(Sharon) his oldest daughter lives near the hospital and sees him almost daily which is a plus for him. He does get phone calls in his semi-private room.

After a lite breakfast of oatmeal I headed over next door to work on talking apart this above ground pool. It's a very nice one and only a few years old. It has a nice cartridge filter and all of the hoses necessary to put this pool in operation. It looks as if the only expense will be a new liner. I'm hoping we can get it out of the neighbors back yard this evening and maybe even start to set it up in Tyler's yard before I leave on Sunday. I know one thing the kiddos will have a blast using this pool and even I am looking forward to playing in it with the grand youngen's.

Son Bobby came for lunch while Nancy took her mom, GG shopping for her birthday. We chowed down on a fresh garden salad with canned chicken and avocado. Bobby was estimating some work for some houses for his job in this area and may be back again later this week for lunch again. We had a nice father/son lunch and he gave me some ideas on redoing our kitchen as Nancy's wants some changes from the oak finish cabinets. Bobby and Katie redid their cabinets and they look fabulous so I'm open to once again redoing the kitchen to satisfy the need for change.

We picked up GG around 5:30 in between a thunder and lightning storm and headed for the Ross's. Amy had a leg of lamb roast as per Tyler's request with smashed taters and the most delicious gravy ever along with fresh greens beans and Nancy brought fresh crusty bread and a salad for a birthday supper for Tyler. Amy has become such a great cook like her mother and grandmother. She also baked a chocolate gluten free birthday cake with white icing that was delicious as well. What a feed that was and we waddled out of the house somewhere around 8'ish. The grand kiddos were so sweet and funny especially Eliza Faye and both Sam and Ava are reading so well.

Well we tuned into the big debate and while Clinton is so good with her words but she is still a liar and a crook and a politician all the way. Trump got rattled a couple of times and I still think he, a businessman is what the country needs. He is definitely not a politician and doesn't speak with all of the right words that obfuscates and dodges the real answers to questions like she does. Neither of them were on point but I still feel he is honest in his desire to right the nation and stay away from the special interests that are breaking the nation into chaos and anarchy. Right away it appeared to me she had been given the questions before hand as she had immediate answers to the moderators questions whereas he struggled at times with his thought processes and answers, LATER

Monday Morning

Well Sunday was a great day of worship at Bridgepoint as we rode with our friends and neighbors Dan and Carol and along with about 7-800 other folks in the 10 o'clock service heard a super sermon on excuses we use to not share the gospel message with non believers. Pastor Tim Whipple is such a great speaker and you don't want the hour or so to be over. If anyone is interested in hearing his messages check out Bridgepoint Church.com in St.Petersburg, Florida.

We started the morning with a roll out around 6'ish and I did my routines of a handful of supplements washed down with a hot cup of green tea laced with turmeric. I thought surely after all of the badminton on Saturday the knee would be sore but the use of turmeric has certainly made a difference with that problem left knee. I spent a few quiet moments in prayer for my family, friends and my country for some new leadership that will once again honor our Judeo-Christian principles and make us safe from those who want to destroy our culture and way of life. This election in Nov. will be the turning point in my lifetime for how we fare as a nation of free people without government interfering into every aspect of our lives and if we remain a nation that honors individual liberties. I pray that GOD will be honored as well as our anthem that once was so revered within our culture. We have let both of them be trampled upon and disrespected that it causes me to shutter at what next will be destroyed and smeared. I fear for my grand children and the life they will be subjected to all in the name multiculturalism. We had better wake up to the corruption within this administration and the elitism that has taken over in our governing bodies.

We stopped at new eatery in the new Seminole Mall that is being built in our hood. It was called Apollo Tropical or something to that effect. It's a fast food place that specializes in chicken, salads and wholesome foods and sauces. I had the Caesar chicken salad and it was delicious at a reasonable price. We caught up with Dan and Carol on all that's going on with our families then headed home to get ready for all of our families for more birthday dinners. We had a house full and I grilled marinated chicken breasts, a long with baked taters and a fresh garden salad with rolls and a huge blackberry/blueberry cobbler with vanilla ice cream for dessert. Wow what a feed. We watched the Bucs blow a half time lead to the Rams. All of Bobby's family along with the Ross family, GG and Betsy came as well. There were thirteen of us and it was a fun filled time with great eating.

Well we have one more week to go and I'm sure going to miss all of these who were here today but not the heat and humidity, LATER

Sunday Morning in Hot Seminole, Fl.

Well Saturday was a total fun day that started with us leaving the house around 9:30 and not getting back until somewhere around 8:30 in the evening. It was a trip to the Brandon area where we celebrated both Annsley and Gabe's birthday's with a combined party at Bobby and Katie's new house with her family and our family plus lots of friends we know from Element Church. What a fun time in the pool, playing corn toss and the new big activity is badminton.

The day started with my usual roll put just before 6 to a cup of hot green tea laced with the herb turmeric while I posted this ramble. Then I spent a few quiet moments with my Creator to humble myself and give thanks for the many blessings and to lift up those I know who are in need of some healing. Paw Paw, Joe, Eddie and now an old childhood friend 's wife Bunny is in need of some miraculous healing as well. After a lite breakfast of poached eggs on a wrap with a fresh onion, tomato and jalapeno pepper and sprinkled with some Crystal hot sauce I headed out to hand water the tomato plants in the garden. I may lose one of the 8 I planted and that one was one I had to separate where two were growing together.

We made the nearly hour trip over via the interstates and got there about 10:30 to help with setting up for about 25 kids and that many or more adults. Nancy had several containers of cup cakes and huge vegetable trays with homemade dressings. Bobby had hot dogs ready to grill and a large watermelon as well. The coolers were full of fruit drinks, tea and some adult beverages. We were ready for the fun to begin and it didn't stop for the next several hours. The kiddos were all in the pool as it was a perfect day despite the heat. The birdcage pool kept the water chilled and perfect for a refreshing dip after a hot game of badminton. After the birthday revelers left, we family enjoyed the pool even more and played some hotly contested games of corn toss and badminton. After a cool dip we settled in on the couch to watch the Florida gators get whupped after leading 21-3 at half time. They were two different half time teams from both sides of the ball.

We had delicious pizzas and salads for supper before heading back to Seminole. We did encounter a little rain in the Tampa area but none made it this far to this side of the bay. We soon hit the showers and I was out by 10'ish after a fun day with family and friends. Today we will worship at Bridgepoint Church in St. Petersburg with friends and neighbors Dan and Carol. Later in the afternoon Bobby and Amy's family plus GG will all be here for a huge family get together once again as we celebrate Tyler and GG's birthday. Don't forget to head to church to honor our Creator with others and to pray for our nation as it being taken over by the secular progressives. There is such division among the races, law enforcement and now this extreme ideology of radical Islam is being pushed upon by those who want to see our nation destroyed both from within and from abroad. I'm convinced this potus and his administartion is the root cause for such unrest and the destruction of our principles that once made us a great nation, LATER

Saturday Morning

Well yesterday was a repeat weather wise of everyday since we have been back to Florida, yikes it is miserably hot and humid from mid morning to late afternoon. The hours before and after are somewhat bearable to be outside for any activities. I'm longing for the cool dry mountain air or least some rain showers to cool things down. The highs are in the low 90's and lows are in the 70's for the remainder of the our time here. At least the shade of the big oak in the back yard gives me some relief as I piddle around.

I'm disassembling a beautiful 18 ft. circular above ground pool that our new neighbors want out of their yard. I know its only a couple years old when the old owner of the house had it installed and these new owners had no use for it so they offered it to me free and I will give it to the Ross's for the grand kiddos. I started on the end caps and side rails yesterday while the shade of my oak extended into their yard and with Tyler's help next week we should have it down and ready to move to their yard by the middle of the week. It comes with a cartridge filter and a timer and all of the cleaning equipment and hoses as well. I know this was a top of the line above ground pool as I use to have one in our yard when the kids were young. They just have to purchase a new liner and they will be set to go and then teach Eliza Faye how to swim.

The morning started much the usual for me with a 6 ish roll out. I had my handful of Nutrilite supplements and vitamins washed down with a cup of hot green tea laced with Turmeric while I posted this ramble then I spent some time with my Creator as I lifted up those I know and love and especially several family and friends who are hurting and need some special considerations for healing and comfort from the Lord. Paw Paw is doing better as they have moved him out of ICU and into a room. An old childhood friends wife has been diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer. Pray for Bunny Bucher, Paw Paw, Joe and Eddie as they all need some form of a healing miracle.

I decided to head to the Rec for some pickle ball but once again no one showed to play so I headed into the workout room and did 30 minutes on the elliptical before heading over to the library for a couple of Ken Follett books. I ready enjoy his style and type of stories. I came back and saw our new neighbor Bobby as he and his family spent their first night in their new home. He and his new wife as well as his two grown children will live there along with their french Bulldog, Coco. He showed me the back yard where the above ground pool now sits empty of water and I gave it a good inspection and deemed it worthy of taking it apart and salvaging it for the grand kids. He was going to trash it and put it in the garbage. He is not only helping us with this free gift but I'm helping him as this is a big job of disassembling the pool. I worked on that a couple hours and got stung twice by wasps who had nests up and under the side rails. Eventually I sprayed them with WD 40 killing them and removing their nests.

Well it seems we still have some pockets of ants that moved into the kitchen windows when a hurricane dropped 20 some inches of rain in our area this summer. I sprayed and then put out granules around the perimeter of the house. I'm still working on the pressure switch for the well as it pumps plenty of water but will not shut off automatically unless I unplug the motor. I will probably have to change that out this winter but for now its just an inconvenience. I watered the tomato plants with the garden hose and all but one seem to have made it and that one is still questionable. There is always something to do. I took my new bicycle out of the box the kids bought me for my birthday but I could not figure out how to attach the one brake handle plus I left my allen wrenches at the cabin and so I will wait for some help from Tyler as I'm sure he has the tools I need to make it ridable.

We headed over to GG's for a supper of stuffed peppers, smashed taters and salad. She used the green peppers I brought back from the cabin as well as my cucumbers and tomato's. It was a delicious meal and afterwards we all headed out in the back yard to watch Ava, Sam and Eliza run around and then we got into a game of tag with them. That was difficult on a full tummy but we all ran around except for GG. These grand kiddos are bundles of energy ans are like the energizer bunny, oh well. We headed out just as dusk was settling in, LATER

Friday Morning

Well the heat and humidity is still around and doesn't seem to be wanting to leave the area anytime in the near future. It was back in the 90's for another day and I did manage to work outside until noon but was dripping wet with sweat and then again just before dusk I finished up the gardens and mowed up the last of the grasses and weeds and mulched them back into the soil. I lost one of the 8 tomato plants that I had transplanted. I did help with our new neighbors as they moved into the house next door. He is a fireman and has two older children both of which still live at home. The daughter is 21 and the son is 17. The son Kellen has already offered to mow my yards next year while we are in the mountains so I won't have to contend with the over grown gardens and yards.

I started the day much the usual with a before 6 roll out as I'm still keyed up with all that needs to be done. I of course hit the sack around 10'ish so I'm getting plenty of rest. I had my cup of hot turmeric tea while posting this ramble and then spent a few quiet minutes with my Creator lifting up those I know and love. Nothing much as changed with Paw Paw as he is responding positively to the antibiotics. He says he feels nearly 100% better so that is great as well, plus he is getting some therapy on his injured knee as well as some much needed rest for the knee. We aren't sure what is going to happen with or when he returns to the house in Winchester which has the bathroom on the second floor. I suppose we will cross that bridge with some major decisions when he leaves the hospital but as for now it seems he will be there for 4-6 weeks.

Everyone else we know is doing well. Betsy's husband Gus has been released from the hospital after hernia surgery and bowel obstruction.  Tyler will be coming home this weekend after being in the D.C. area for a job related conference. We had all of the Ross Family along with GG for zucchini boats last night for supper and wow where they ever delicious stuffed with ground turkey. Tonight Friday we head over to GG's for a supper of stuffed peppers brought back from the mountain garden. We have been eating the fresh tomatoes on salads, sandwiches and Ava eats the small ones like candy.

I'm going to try some pickle ball this morning(Friday)now that I have the major yard and garden projects completed and make a library stop on the way home. This week has flown by and there has been nary a dull moment with GG, Amy and Eliza here for lunch almost daily and for supper as well. I have sweated 5 gallons this week but that hasn't lessened the spare tire as the eatin' has been great. Nancy made fresh cookies for the new neighbors as well as for the house. I have some projects slatted for next week before we head out on Sunday for Charleston. We celebrated 37 years together as a couple with family over for lunch and supper. We received several great comments on our FB page and are thrilled to know we are so popular, LATER

Thursday Morning in HOT HUMID Florida

Well Wednesday was another scorcher with high heat and humidity. I headed out a little before 8 to the Rec for some pickle ball but no other players were there so I came home and donned the work clothes and headed for the back yard where I sweated until lunch time. Yeow it was so humid that sweat was running from my head to toes as I worked the garden over.

The day started with my internal alarm waking me a little after 5'ish. What's with that especially after a grueling morning of working outside in the heat. I must have drank a gallon of fluids throughout the morning as the heat was almost oppressive. I did manage to stay in the shade of the big oak as much as possible. Anyhow after my usual morning routines of my cup of turmeric tea and the posting of this ramble I spent a few quiet moments in prayers for those I know and love who are hurting and needing some lifting up to our Creator. Paw Paw is still in the VA hospital but is doing a little better after two surgeries to remove and drain abscess's in his shoulder and groin areas. It seems these infections had something to do with the heart valves. It's a miracle he fell and we took him right to the hospital or else these infections would have been his demise. He is on a 4-6 weeks of antibiotic drip while rehabbing at the VA. There are many others who need some lifting up as well as Nancy's sisters husband had hernia surgery and of course our friends Eddie and Joe in the mountains.

I've managed to get the grass mowed but I spent the biggest part of the morning mowing up the 4 foot tall grasses I pulled from the one garden and then spreading it out to act as mulch. I transplanted 2 tomato plants I brought back from the cabin after turning over the soil by hand with a shovel. At least here there are no rocks and the sandy soil is easy to work. I have to work on the other back garden as I just weed whacked it down so I could get to the rots of the grass that was also 4 ft. high with lots of weeds and vines mixed in. The hurricane that came near here loosened several fence panels that will require new posts when I get back for the winter as well as more tree and shrub trimming; but for now I just want the yards to look nice and the garden to be rid of the grasses and weeds for planting. I have 4 more tomato plants to get in the ground as soon as I can get the ground worked over.

Amy and Eliza came for lunch and stayed until 2:30 when Ava and Sam needed picking up from school. After they left we headed out to Sam's Club to stock up as we are having several lunches and dinners this week and then a large family dinner on Sunday with Bobby's family, GG and of course Amy's family. We will celebrate Tyler's birthday as well as GG's and Katie's birthdays that all occur within this month. It's a busy non stop two weeks before we head out for three nights in Charleston, S.C. before heading back to the cabin for a month and some hopefully cooler temps. This heat and humidity has been brutal and we now know why we spend the summer in the mountains.

Well that's about all except for the disturbing news of the rioters in Charlotte, N.C. who seem to find an excuse to loot and destroy property and steal for their personal gain. This administration has exacerbated the racial divide and now pits the police as the bad guys vs the criminal element in the society. Hopefully a new president will take a stand against these who are violent in their protest and have no regard for the rule of law which is what sets apart a civilized society. This potus is an abomination as he constantly denigrates the nation in the eyes of the world and has done nothing to help with curbing the violence from within and those who want to destroy us with terrorism. Hopefully we can survive the next 4 months until he is finally gone and that Trump will investigate his and Hillary's corruption, LATER    

Wednesday Morning in Hot Florida

Well Tuesday was one of those total work days as I started around 7 in the morning after my usual morning routines and finally quit around 2 as it was just too hot outside to work any longer. I sweated through my shirt and shorts several times. The grass was so high in the gardens and even in the back yard. I'm a little put off the man I contracted with to keep the yards mowed hadn't been around the house since the hurricane came through the area several weeks ago.

Wow is it ever a change to be in such heat and humid conditions but at least the land was flat. Nancy finally made me quit around 2'ish despite having some shade from the huge oak in the back yard. I was drinking fluids like crazy to stay hydrated but was still worn out. I got quite a bit accomplished but still have a ways to go. At least the front yard and hedges look decent. Our new neighbors have a son who mentioned he would take care of our yards next year while we are gone so I won't have to face this garden overgrow each year. That will be a such a blessing. I had to take the hedge trimmers to mow the garden grasses as it was nearly waist high.

Well we had GG, Amy and Eliza for lunch and then all of the Ross kiddos as well as GG for supper. We grilled fresh squashes, asparagus, tomatoes, onions and mushrooms in our grill basket along with marinated chicken breasts and a fresh salad. Yeow delicious!!! After supper I took GG home and picked up another tank of gas for the mower. It wasn't long after a hot shower I was ready for some horizontal lab and was out by 10'ish. Today Wednesday I'm heading out to the Rec for some pickle ball around 8 for some different exercise, LATER

Tuesday Morning

Well after a long day on Monday which started with a 3 AM wake up we got to hot sunny Florida. It was a rather smooth trip except for one major backup on I-95 near the Florida border in Georgia. After seeing an exit just as we arrived on the major shutdown with all lanes blocked we found a by-pass around the blockage with only a few minutes out of the way and then continued on south on I-95. We reached the visitors center and made it one of our stops for fresh juice and one of our every hour and half stops to walk a few minutes. We head on south and reached the city limits of Tampa around 3'ish which was great time. We were in the driveway before 4 and met out newest neighbors who purchased the house next door with his two older children. He is a fireman and knew me from the days when I worked the road.

The yards and gardens need some major work after all of the rain from the storms this summer. It still feels like summer despite the date here in Florida. It was 95 degrees when we pulled into the driveway with bright sunshine and high humidity. We unloaded and then headed over to pickup GG, Nancy's mom and the headed over to Amy's to see the grand kids and eat a supper of chicken enchiladas and black beans and rice. Delicious. We stayed and played with the kiddos until nearly dark then we headed home after I dropped GG off at her house. We did some shopping at Aldi's as its on the way home for some groceries. It wasn't long after a shower that I watched a little of the NFL from the horizontal position and then cut the lights out around 10'ish.

It's good to be back and see everyone but the heat is offensive and I long for the cool mornings. I will forgo any pickle ball for a couple days as I want to have as much energy to work the yards and gardens. Just an update on PawPaw he has come through the surgeries to drain the abscess's from his shoulder and groin areas and is recuperating in the VA hospital. It's fortunate that he was admitted after falling last Wednesday as these abscesses could have been fatal. Also we learned that Nancy's sister Betsy's husband Gus had abdominal surgery last evening to repair a hernia and is in the hospital.

Well that's about it as it was great to get some sleep. I get so keyed up when traveling that I find it hard to sleep the night before. I now will have plenty to do with getting the over grown gardens in shape. The seedlings I brought back all did fine as well, LATER

Sunday Morning

Well Saturday was foggy and wet to start the day as we needed this type of weather. The sun finally came through just before lunch as we headed out to the mountain or fall festival in Sparta. The whole town is shut down as street vendors, musical groups and food tents occupy the town. The weather was perfect for this event with temps in the low to mid 70's and a nice breeze. After satisfying the gals needs for shopping and browsing the many vendors we headed over to Elk Creek to Sam and Marcia's where the gals once again took off to Wytheville, Va. to peruse the shops and then meet the guys for supper at the 1776 Restaurant.

Well the day started with fog once agin and the rain dripping from the roof. That was a much needed sound as we had been so dry but it sure cut down on all that I wanted to accomplish before pulling out of her early Monday morning for Florida and for getting in a hike, oh well. The grass will survive until we get back the first week in October and there isn't much to do with the gardens except harvest the bounty of cucumbers, tomato's, peppers and now green beans, all of which I will take back with us for our Florida family, friends and neighbors.

We took off for town after our morning routines, quiet times and met up with the Tracy's and Marcia in Sparta(Sam was smart in not attending) around 12:30 to wander the streets. I headed over to the library to renew some books as their website was down and stopped by the Republican HQ's to speak with Sam and Nancy who were manning the site. We had a nice visit with our newest old friends. We decided to car pool with The Tracy's over to the Carlan's where we men watched football until 4:30. We had another half hour ride to the eatery in Wytheville where we met the gals for a 5 o'clock reservation.

Well I must say this venue is very unique and it was built in the late 1700's with much of the original building still being used. There were several add on's which made the place so charming and with several individual rooms for dining. We had such a room that perfect for our last meal together for some time with the six of us. I must say the menu was quite different from the one on the website which had everything priced above our usual means. We were seated right away and our male server was very "on the ball"and right there despite having a whole another room or two to himself. The food was superb and served right out off the oven with steam coming from the steaks and my stew. It was plentiful and very tasty. I would eat there more often except for the 60 or so miles we had to travel there from our place. This was kind of our anniversary supper as we celebrated with friends.

We said our good-byes to the Tracy's as they leave for California on Wednesday until December. We will see the Carlan's again before we leave in November for the winter and then they will probably be gone when we get back next summer as they are moving to the Nashville area. We were back at the cabin before dark and noticed neighbor Gerald was up for the weekend from Blacksburg. I spoke with Paw Paw earlier in the day and he seemed to be resting comfortably after surgery to drain his abscessed shoulder and now another one in his groin area. He is in the ICU at the VA hospital and is in good care. Josie lives near by in Martinsburg and will check on him daily. That was about it for the day except the #2 ranked FSU football team got blown away by a #10 Louisville team, yikes that was horrible to watch on national TV. They must be now ranked in the low 100 teams in the nation after that debacle, oh well.

It's our last worship day at Cornerstone in Sparta for several Sundays as we will be away and back at Bridgepoint Church in St.Pete. Take a few moments and join with others to lift up our loved ones, those in need of prayers for healing and for our nation that we will become once again a nation under GOD. Those in leadership have forgotten or intentional steered US(A) away from our roots that were grounded in our christian beliefs and faith. I'm hoping if we change our ways, confess our sins that GOD will heal our land as his Word promises. We must do this if we want our freedoms and liberties for our grand children; if not we will go down in history much like the Roman Empire that was destroyed from within, LATER

This will be my last post until we get to Florida as I like to leave sometime around 4'ish in the morning on Monday. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers for safe travel. Just an update on a prayer answered and that is the small dog for Kimberly was found after two nights of being stuck in a rabbit hole on their farm. She disappeared and wasn't seen for two nights and the worse was feared. Kimberly heard a whimpering noise down below their house and investigated only to find Bella stuck in an underground hole. She had probably chased a rabbit into the hole and got stuck. Kimberly had to dig her out and thus she was saved.

Saturday Morning

Well Friday was most unusual as I awakened to rain dripping from the roof and heavy fog that enclosed the cabin all morning and most of the afternoon. We needed the moisture and the rain gauge showed a quarter of an inch. Did we ever need that but most important was that it was a soaking rain with the lack of any sunshine during the day. We did get out after lunch for a hike to the top of the mountain but there was no visibility in the distance.

I was up a little after 6 and did my usual morning routines that started with a handful of supplements washed down with my cup of hot green tea laced with the spice turmeric while I posted this ramble and then spent a few quiet minutes with my Creator. We learned that Aunt Daryl has passed on during the evening. It was she who we had gone to see in Lancaster earlier this week. She was in her final days after suffering a stroke at the age of 93.  We lifted up her family as they now grieve her passing. We also lifted up Paw Paw as he is still recuperating in the hospital as well as several who are hurting. We got a call from Kimberly that her small dog had disappeared and she was longing for its return or at least to know what had happened to it.

Nancy put in some laundry and for a change had to use the dryer as it stayed cool and foggy most all of the day. I did harvest some cucumbers, tomatoes and peppers but mainly stayed round the cabin reading as it was just to wet and soggy to do anything else. We were still getting over being on the road for the past couple of days. We saw no one on top of the mountain as the Browning's and the Avant's(Billy and Paula) were gone. They will be here full time this winter but are still traveling back and forth to the coast for now. We will start to pack and put the cabin and the yard in order today for our extended trip to Florida Monday morning for a couple of weeks.

We have several birthdays to celebrate, lots of babysitting and of course getting the gardens in shape for the winter plantings. I'll take some volunteer tomato plants as well as some marigolds seedlings back with us this time and plant around the tomato's to help with nematode control. They are what is know as "root knot" that sucks the life out of plants, especially tomato's. Speaking of tomato's ours here at the cabin are producing abundantly so I will take a basket of them with us as well as cucumbers, peppers and jalapeno's for our Florida family and friends. Well I did managed to watch a little Ray's baseball last evening and saw them blow 4-0 lead over the Orioles. It no wonder they have no chance this year to make the playoff's with their poor pitching, LATER

Friday Morning

Well Thursday was a travel day from the beautiful Shenandoah Valley which needs as much or more rain than we do here in the mountains. Just an update as I write this post I hear the soft rain on the tin roof and fog has the cabin shrouded. We traveled up the valley on Monday then to Pennsylvania on Tuesday back to the valley on Wednesday and now back here on Thursday. I'm traveled out for awhile but we leave Monday for Florida. I'm basically a home body but you would never know that by our itinerary these last four days and then again for the first of the week.

We left sister Dee's beautiful place in Woodstock around 9'ish and headed south on I-81. The temps had dropped a little over night and the heavy dew looked as if it had rained overnight. We fed Bonnie their pet Jack Russell and loaded up the truck after a lite breakfast. Both Mike and Dee were away from the house in the wee hours of the morning as she had a flight out to their daughter place in New Mexico. The trip down the valley showed lots of corn fields that were just burnt up from the heat and lack of rain. I'm sure the vineyards love this weather which have now become prevalent through out the valley. We made a couple stops to walk every hour and half at the rest stops along the way and there is no shortage of travelers on the highways. The big trucks still dominate the interstate but in the mountains the roads have been improved to three lanes giving the trucks an extra lane while traveling at lower speeds. We were back in Galax a little after noon despite a construction slow down for about 20 minutes on I-77.

We stopped in Galax for haircut for me then headed over to Macadoo's for a delicious lunch and finally to gas up at $1.78 a gallon. That was the cheapest we saw on the trip in any state. We were back on the mountain around 3'ish and the temps had dropped nearly 10 degrees to a pleasant 74. We did see signs of some rain in the area while we were gone but the rain barrel didn't look any fuller. The gardens survived the lack of hand watering and ripe tomato's were hanging on the vine. I had picked the cucumbers very close before leaving and only found a couple ready to harvest. The recently planted half runner and October beans were climbing the fences so it looks as if they will produce while we are gone. Everything looked great as we had left it. The power must have been interrupted as the alarm clock was flashing. Neighbor George saw us as we came in the road and said he loss control of tree he had been sawing and it struck the power line. We saw a large truck from the power company in the road near his overhead electrical lines but we had power at the cabin.

Well we skipped supper after a large lunch except for some home made pop corn around 7'ish. We were both so tired from traveling we decided to skip the much needed hike to the top of the mountain. I did hand water all of the gardens and Zinnias in the circle drive. The rest of the flower beds are on their way out except for the fall daisies which should start blooming any day. We will start getting ready for our trip on Monday except for a fun day on Saturday at the Fall Festival in Sparta. The town closes down with street vendors. Lots of music, food and folks showing their wares.

Just an update on Nancy's Aunt Daryl we visited in Lancaster, Pa. There has been no change in her condition as of right now but she is resting comfortably. Paw Paw is doing much better and we spoke to him for a few minutes. I think he will be in the hospital for awhile as they have found some additional issues related to dehydration. His heart has return to normal functioning and he is getting some much needed rest and therapy on his knee and shoulder.

We tuned into the TNF after the Fox cable Channel and watched the first half of the game then Nancy preceded me to the sack. When that happens I know she is whipped. It was good to get back to the cabin and get a good nights rest however my internal alarm had me awake just after 6 this AM, LATER

Thursday Morning

Well Wednesday started out with a nearly 7'ish wake up after a great evening of food and fellowship with cousins we seldom see as they live in Pennsylvania. They are the children of Daryl whom we went to see in the critical care unit in Lancaster. We awaken after a restful night and had our morning drinks out on their back porch patio area. Both cousins have huge beautiful homes and this one we stayed in is nearly 5 thousand square feet an at one time Daryl and husband Uncle Warnie(deceased) lived there in their live in suite where we stayed. It had ever thing so they could be separate if they wanted while under the same roof. Chris made a delicious breakfast casserole and we ate outside on their patio and then shortly after got ready to head out. We traveled on I-283 to the Pa. turnpike then picked up I-81 south to Winchester.

We had tried calling Paw Paw several times after leaving Chris and Bill's place but only got a recording and to leave a message. Well after nearly two hours of no response from him we were starting to get concerned that maybe he had either forgotten about our lunch date and had gone off with a friend or either he had become incapacitated. The latter turned out to be reason he wasn't answering the phone. We arrived at his house in Winchester only to get no answer at the door(s) all of which were locked. Finally after much pounding and door bell ringing I was able to hear a weak cry for help from within the dwelling. A couple of Winchester officers arrived as they had been summoned by his house keeper after getting no response from her phone calls.

The officers called for fire rescue and we were able to get in the house by a window that wasn't completely locked. I found him at the top of the stairs very weak and somewhat disoriented and dehydrated. They got him into a chair and brought him down the steps where he complained of knee, shoulder and hip pain. After giving him a glass of orange drink he became more lucid yet was weak in his voice. He decided he should go to the V.A. Hospital so they put him in the truck and Nancy and I took him the 45 minute ride to Martinsburg, W.Va. He slept the entire ride over and seemed to have recovered a little on the way. We got him checked in to the VA and then spent the next 6 hours with him as they did their evaluation and x-rays for any broken bones.  Thankfully none were broken after his fall down the padded the stairs, however he had swelling in his right shoulder and severe pain in his knee and groin area. They finally admitted somewhere around 9'ish after giving him several bags of fluids and medication to help with the abnormal rhythms of his heart due to the dehydration. He will have to rehab in another place as he no longer can stay at the Winchester house because the bathroom is on the second floor.

Well it was right at 10'o clock when we got to Dee's house then briefed her on Paw Paw and his conditions. Sister Josie lives in Martinsburg and she came to the hospital as well and spent the evening with us there. Sister Dee flew out to daughter Kelly's home early this morning so we said our good-by's last night. We are up after a decent nights rest and will head to N.C. some time around 9'ish this morning, LATER

Wednesday Morning

Well Tuesday we found our way through the cornfields and battlegrounds of Gettysburg, Pa. to our cousins Chris and hubby Mike's beautiful home in Lancaster. It was a gorgeous day and we got there after an uneventful trip up I-81 from Woodstock, Va. We headed over the critical unit at the nursing home which is a very nice place to see Aunt Daryl. She did respond momentarily to the sound of our voices but mainly she slept however that morning she did have her hair done at the home. So that was a great sign and one of her usual weekly occasions. She is on her last leg due to her age and recent stroke but she does have some moments of lucidity.

We spent the afternoon visiting and then headed out to an outside restaurant where we spent a couple hours dining with cousin Tom and wife Cathy. Afterwards we headed over to their beautiful home and sat by the outside fire circle enjoying some home made desserts and some adult beverages until nearly 11. The moon and stars where so bright with just a slight chill in the air. Today(Wed.) we head back down I-81 to Winchester to spend some time with Paw Paw(dad) before heading back to Woodstock for the night, LATER

Tuesday Morning in Woodstock,Va.

Well Monday was a day where we spent the morning getting ready to head north towards Pennsylvania with a stop over in Woodstock on the way up and then again on the way back with a stop in Winchester in between. The day was beautiful with temps in the low 60's and then it reached the low 80's here in the Shenandoah Valley and this area is as dry as it's in N.C. I headed out to the gardens to hand water them once again before leaving for the next four days after my usual morning routines.

The day started with me of course just a little before 6'ish. I did my routines of a handful of Nutrilite supplements washed down with a cup of hot green tea laced with some turmeric while I posted this ramble and then spent some quiet moments with my Creator in thanksgiving and intercessory prayers for those I know who are hurting as well as lifting up those I know and love. I headed out to the gardens to pick the cucumbers, tomatoes and peppers. I transplanted the tomato's, cilantro and marigolds into the garden so in their packs so they could receive some moisture from within the soil. I moved all of the potted flowers on the porches out into the driveway so they could receive some moisture from the overnight dew as well. I think I had the gardens secured or wet enough in case we didn't get any rain for the next four days. I noticed my morning glories had their first double blue blooms on the arbor. No wonder they are called "heavenly blue"with this awesome color.

We packed up the truck then headed into Galax,Va. for a fuel stop then headed north on Rt.221 into Hillsville, Floyd and eventually down Bent Mountain into Roanoke. Nancy prefers this route more than I-81 with all of the big trucks on the road. We stopped in Roanoke for a potty break then picked I-81 north to Woodstock where we made a Wal-Mart stop for some goodies. It was rather warm there but not intolerable. We pulled into Dee and Mike's a little before 5' ish after leaving the cabin a little after 11'ish. Dee was still I work so we had a glass of vino waiting for her then decided around 6'ish to head over to Cracker Barrel for supper which is just 10 minutes from their house. A good filling meal was had by all then we came back and settled into the NFL while catching up on all of our grand kids. Dee is flying out on Thursday to Colorado as their third grand kid is being born next month. This one will be a boy and a first for oldest daughter Halley Jo.

Well we will head to Lancaster, Pa. today(Tue.) and meet up with cousins Tom and Chris and their families then go see Aunt Daryl who had made some progress since the other day after suffering a stroke at the young age of 93. She is Nancy's mom GG's older sister and as it turned out GG will not be able to attend due to scheduling conflicts with the airlines, LATER

Monday Morning 9-11-16

Well Sunday was a great day of worship both here at the cabin as we watched our church which streams live from Bridgepoint Church in St.Petersburg, Fl. and then again at our local place of worship in Sparta, N.C. at Cornerstone. Both messages were a reminder of our ability to be "game changers"for our communities and have a servants heart especially for those who are unsaved. The music in both services was awesome as well. Afterwards we met up with our friends the Tracy's for a delicious lunch at their cabin where we settled in to our home town's football team the Bucs vs the Falcons. There were several up's and down's but we came out on top with a 31-24 win which was big since it was played before their hometown fans in Atlanta.

The day started much the usual with a 6'ish rollout and my routines of a few quiet moments to honor my Creator and especially to remember those who were murdered by muslim fanatics 15 years ago on this date. Just an update on Nancy's Aunt Daryl who is 93. She has responded somewhat positive since the stroke earlier this week but these could be her last days so we made plans to travel to Lancaster, Pa. this week for a visit. We will also visited Paw Paw, my dad who is suffering from a bum knee and his living arrangements make it difficult for him to rest the knee appropriately as he must climb a stairs to get to the bathroom. He is under a doctors care but can not drive or get proper rest and care due to the older house he lives in. We will stay will family at nights on this trip which will be nice.

I won't digress as we have much to do before leaving this morning for Woodstock, Va. except to say the weather turned really nice here in the mountains with cool morning temps. We still haven't had any rain so I will give the garden a good drink this morning (Mon.) before leaving. I'm still picking and giving away lots of cucumbers and will take some with me as well. Keep us in your thoughts and prayers for traveling mercies as well as for healing for Aunt Daryl and Paw Paw, LATER

Sunday Morning

Well Saturday was a fun day with little work accomplished, we did get in a morning hike and I once again harvested cucumbers, tomatoes and jalapeno peppers. We did some reading after our hike then I settled into college football games and saw some close ones. We later in the evening watched the big game with Hokie fans at the Tracy's cabin after a delicious supper of salad from our garden, Kathryn's beef stew and Marcia homemade desserts. It was after 10 before we got back to the cabin.

The day started much the usual for me with a 6'ish roll out. I had my daily handful of supplements washed down with a cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric while I posted this ramble and then spent some quiet time with Creator in thanksgiving and lifting up by name those I know and love and those who are in need of special considerations by the great healer. Nancy's Aunt Daryl is one of those who at the young age of 93 has suffered a stroke and is not taking any nourishment by mouth and maybe in her last days. It seems we maybe taking a trip to Lancaster, Pa. in the next couple of days to say good-bye as her mom(GG) fly's up from Florida for a good bye as well. Nancy spent most of the day on the phone with family regarding this issue.

After a breakfast of eggs, grits, sliced tomato and a jalapeno pepper for me I headed out to check on the gardens and do some hand watering once again as we need some rain. The temps were once again above normal for this time of the year but not unbearable. I noticed the half runner beans are climbing the fence I put up for them and "bird egg" beans are showing some good growth as well and they too send out runners for climbing. The lettuces are showing some good color and we may get a mess for salads in a week or so. The tomato's continue to ripen daily and while they are not the sandwich size they are very tasty. I'm not sure what brand they are but they are plentiful on the vine. The cucumbers are out of control with me harvesting 5-6 everyday. The upper vines are starting to show lots of brown leaves but still blooming. The okra is producing an occasional spike but not to my expectations while the egg plant never did mature or produce any fruit, oh well.

The recently transplanted tomato seedlings from the compost pile are doing fine and I will take them back to Florida when we leave on the 19th and transplant into my winter garden. We are getting excited about the trip to Florida for a couple of weeks as I have much to do there to get the gardens in shape for the winter plantings. I understand the gardens are over grown with grasses and weeds so it will take some work in that area. We are looking forward to some grand baby time as well. On our daily hike we stopped and chatted with the Cline's for a spell and then Billy the new neighbor across the road came over and we chatted him up. It seems he will go back to the east coast for awhile as he is still engaged in some work activities there and will only come to the mountains on the weekend despite making this home his full time residence. He was putting up a mailbox while we were there. We didn't see anyone else on top as we hiked across the mountain.

The first quarter of the Hokie vs the Volunteer game in Bristol was looking good from a Virginia Tech point of view as they led 14-0 but then it quickly changed on one fumble play and the Vols never looked back. It was a blow out from then on. Our friends Sam and Marcia were big VT fans and even graduates of the school so they had hats, pom poms, socks and even underwear with VT emblems. We had some good fun with picture taking, great food and laughs and saw the largest crowd ever of a college game at the Bristol Speedway. The Hokies were ahead when we left the party but by the time we got home the Vols had scored 24 unanswered points, yikes, LATER

Saturday Morning

Well Friday I did something I hadn't done in quite awhile and that was go fishing with a pickle ball buddy at the break of dawn to a private lake stocked with trout, bass and perch or blue gill fish. Needless to say I didn't have to clean any fish after drowning some worms for a couple hours. The last time I fished this lake we loaded up the cooler with several 3-4 pound trout and bass but not today as they had lock jaw except for a couple of perch and blue gill, oh well. The serenity of the sun peeking over the mountain top trees with not a ripple on the water was spectacular despite the lack of action from below the boat. The only motors allowed on this lake are the electric trolling type which are soundless.

I started the day with a little before 6 ish roll out as I was going fishin' and I can never sleep well with that anticipation the night before. I did my usual morning routines only abbreviated as I wanted to be early for the rendezvous with my friend. It's a special privilege to be able to fish in this private secluded lake here in the mountains and my first time was last year and we loaded the boat; but despite the great ambiance the fishes were not hungry or tempted to bite despite everything we threw at them; spinners, plastic worms, real worms, top plugs, etc. We did get a few hits from small fishes but no keepers. The water I noticed was a little warm especially for trout which inhabit this 60 foot deep lake. We have been having above normal warm temps and no rain for over a week or more so that may have sent the lunkers into the deeper waters of the lake, oh well. Next time, hopefully I will be frying some trout to a golden brown outside on my grill burner. I could always go up to the trout farm but that's not nearly as much fun.

Nancy was waiting for the truck when I got back around 10:30 as she had a date with Kathryn in the downtown area of Sparta to wonder the shoppes and have lunch out at the Mustard Seed Grill. After she left I hand watered the gardens with the garden hose then took off on a non stop hike up the mountain to the top where I encountered our newest neighbors who purchased the Carmichael Cabin(Nancy and Mike's place). I first met them when they were stuck in the woods behind our cabin when their GPS took them through the woods as they were looking around the area. The road is used only for four wheelers and golf carts but the GPS continually brings vehicles up that way. They were hung up and had nearly turned their new SUV over. Luckily for them that was the weekend of my surprise 70th birthday party and there were several strong men at the party who assisted in getting them on their way. That was a selling point for them in purchasing this cabin as the folks here made an impression on helping them get out of a serious situation. We had to tie their car off to a tree to keep it from turning over then dig out a stump as well as use a tractor to pull them forward and back onto a much more traveled dirt road which is only locally maintained.

Billy and Paula moved here after selling their place on the coast of eastern North Carolina. They went from flat land on the water to the high mountains with awesome vistas and seem thrilled about the change as we reintroduced ourselves once again. We decided to become friends on FB immediately as we hike past their beautiful cabin almost daily. Neighbor Joe Browning was out for a walk as I had stopped and visited so we continue walking across the mountain to his place. I only chatted for a few before heading down the back trail and to a lunch out on the deck. Bobby called and we spoke for a spell and he mentioned he made a great score on the law enforcement aptitude test so he filled in his application for the sheriff department.  We talked about what all that entailed as he wanted my counsel on his decision. I think he will make a great officer as he is a people person and except for a few less than honorable folks he would be welcomed into situations where a person of authority is needed.

After lunch I sat on the back porch and finished a good read and started another while cat napping in the adirondack chair on the back porch. There was a gentle breeze in the shade which made for a perfect power nap. Nancy got back on the hill sometime around 3'ish and she too joined me on the other porch reading for the next couple of hours until it time to prepare supper. I grilled marinated chicken breasts and along with fresh green beans from the garden and a salad which had mostly garden veggies as well. Delicious!! After the cleanup we took a golf cart ride to the top and saw Ann and Sandy Cline were up for the day. We sat on their porch and visited until the sun started to set. The brilliant red sunset was awesome as we traveled down the back road on the way back to the cabin as darkness approached. It was time for O'Reilly as we entered the cabin and tuned into the Fox Cable News for the real scoop on what's was happening in the world and in politics. We are in a sad state with N. Korea having no fear of our inept leadership in this present potus as they continue to rattle the sabers with their psychopath dictator and of course the corruption is so rampant with Hillary its almost laughable to the point of disgrace for those who continue to support her as a candidate. It wasn't long after a hot shower that I headed for some horizontal lab with a new read until 10'ish, LATER

Friday Morning

Well Wednesday was much to write about except for some mundane little jobs around the cabin, a good hike to the top before lunch and then some pickle ball around 6'ish for a couple of hours. I did transplant a few seedlings that had come up in the compost pile as well as some orange marigolds tht I want to plant in my fall garden in Florida.

The day started with my usual 6'ish roll out to a pitch black morning. After my usual cup if hot green tea laced with some turmeric I posted this ramble then spent a few quiet minutes with my Creator before a breakfast of grits, sliced cucumbers and a tomato. I seem to have shrunk my spare tire just a smidgen with eating lots of fresh veggies and staying away from a lot of starches. Hopefully I can continue that trend but with eating out its difficult to maintain that regiment.

I once again almost daily picked another handful of cucumbers and tomato's. While these 'maters aren't the biggest they are very tasty and so far plentiful as are the cucumbers and jalapeno peppers. I'm eating at least a couple of those a day. Maybe yesterday I over did them as I had some stomach issues last evening. We got in our daily hike to the top of the mountain and visited with the Browning's for a few. It was hot on top of the mountain and we were looking forward to the return trip down the back road. After a lunch of leftover burgers and potato salad we sat on the porches and read for a couple hours. I headed out after the shade covered the compost pile to transplant a half dozen volunteer tomato plants into containers then dug fishing worms. One of my pickle ball buddies and I are heading over to a large private lake this morning(Fri.) for some trout and bass fishing.

I finished off the leftover dogs for supper with chili and then headed out to the pickle ball court with 3 other guys. We all had wet shirts and after two hours I called it for the evening for me. They are much younger and stayed for some 2 on1 play, which is a good workout as well. It was 8:30 before I got back to the cabin and a hot shower before the NFL game started. I watched the first half then hit the sack with some tummy issues. It finally settled down around midnight when Nancy decided to come to bed and gave me some imodium, LATER

Thursday Morning

Well Wednesday was a work morning and then we hooked up with the Tracy's around 2'ish for a trip down the mountain. We made four major stops. One was to see the manufacturing of custom made saddles, bridles with inlaid silver at the Harris Company in State Road. Eddie the owner gave us an in depth tour of the plant where each piece is created from start to finish. Some of these show saddles run into thousands of dollars and his business is only one of two of its kind in the nation. All of these workers are really artists in this profession as they create piece meal custom leather and silver works. Just beautiful end products. We spent over an hour there watching 30-35 workers individually doing their part on these creations; its no wonder they are so expensive due to the man hours which usually take about a month to create one saddle.

We headed a few miles away to the Shelton Vineyard which is just beautifully landscaped. There are 90 acres of grape vines that grow 10 different varieties of grapes and now this is the start of the harvesting season. We left there and traveled about 20 miles over to the top of Pilot Mountain where we can see out mountain where we take our daily hikes. This mountain just suddenly arises out of the rather level surface of the area and was used back in the days to help direct the pioneers on their journeys; thus the name Pilot Mountain. It was 92* in that area. We left there and headed to the town of Dobson where we ate supper at The Depot in Cody Creek. The ambiance is awesome with a covered bridge to enter the property that houses a wedding chapel, country store and a huge dining room that will seat hundreds at one time. The entry of the dining room had an operational waterwheel with several stuffed animals indigenous to the area. The food is very tasty and plentiful and is a must for any and all special occasions at reasonable prices. Our last stop was at the super Wal-Mart in Elkin on our way back up the mountain.

The morning started much the usual with a 6'ish roll out for me to my routines that started in the pitch black of the morning. I had my cup of hot green tea laced with some turmeric while I posted this ramble then spent a few quiet moments with my Creator as I lifted up by name those I know and love and gave thanks for all the blessings of life. We all need to pray for some competent leadership in our government and for folks who are honest, trustworthy and hasn't forgotten about our roots which are based in the Judeo-Christian philosophy and the tenets of the Bible. After a rather hearty breakfast of a couple cackleberries, a tomato and a jalapeno pepper mixed together I headed out to harvest once again cucumbers and tomato's and to walk the property. I gave the zinnias a drink as well as a bit of liquid food. They are showing off their beauty and I want large flower heads for their seeds to have for next years planting.

I drug out the garden hose and hand watered the gardens as I've just about emptied the rain barrel. We need a little rain as the ground is starting to crack from the lack of water. I loaded up a bucket and all of the soaps, sponges, chamois and waxes to give the truck a bath which was long over due. That kept us busy for a couple hours as Nancy did the inside once I was finished on the outside. The truck looked a whole lot newer despite it being 10 years old without the dust and mud splatters. I even washed out the rear bed as we will be heading back to Florida in a couple weeks.

Well that was about it for the day as it was after 9 before getting back to the cabin and unloading our goodies. It was hot shower for me and then a few minutes with a new book. By 10'ish I was ready for some horizontal lab, LATER

Wednesday Morning

Well after the past 5 days of being on the go, eating way to much and traveling some never before roads we decided to chill for the day and do as little as possible except for a few chores. The cabin was clean and the yards mowed and we had leftovers from the day before as we didn't have to cook except use the microwave. I did hand water the gardens and Nancy hung a load of laundry as the dry warm sunshine was ideal for clothes outside on the line. We took our daily hike before lunch and then sat on the shaded porches with the nice breeze reading the afternoon away. I finished another Ken Follett book and while this has been my second read by him he hasn't let me down with good stories thus far. I have a couple of Vincent Bugliosi books as I want to interject a different author into the fold and while I've read several of his non-fiction books these two I have are novels. He too is a good author and tells a good story.

I started the day with my usual 6'ish roll out to pitch black outside. The temps were in the low 50's once again but that is supposed to change somewhat in the next couple of days with warmer and more humid days. Today was awesome with temps maybe reaching the middle 70's with a gentle breeze and bright blue skies. I spent sometime with my Creator in thanksgiving and lifting up those I know and love as well as lifting up some folks who are in dire need of healing as well as our nation. We have become so lax on holding our elected officials to the standard of honesty and looking out for us and the Judeo -Christian principles this nation was founded on. We have let crooked, corrupt and lying elitist politicians to become the norm by our less than honest media and even by the FBI. Never in my life have I seen an agency held in such high esteem be reduced to the level of dishonest and incompetent decisions for political reasons. All of our government agencies have been infected with corruption that is ruining the nation as we slowly decay and we the people become demoralized.

We ate lite throughout the day with lots of fresh cucumbers and tomato's accompanying both lunch and supper. We were meatless except for a Nathan dog at lunch as the leftover casseroles filled the belly at supper. We took a sack of tomato's and cucumbers to give away on top of the mountain and since our original party wasn't at home, we checked in with Ken (unknown last name) and blessed him with them. We don't usually see him except for when he worked at the cafe with our neighbor who passed away a couple years ago. We never really got to know him but would throw up a hand when seeing him around. He lives alone and has had severe back trouble the last year or so and was most appreciative of the veggies and visit. We headed on across the mountain and visited a few with Joe before heading down the back trail. It was a great day for hiking with dry conditions and a breeze.

After supper we took a golf cart ride out to the mailbox then up to the top of the mountain to see if the new neighbors who bought Mike and Nancy's cabin where there; but since moving in they haven't been around. We have noticed some furnishings on the porches but the blinds are closed and no vehicles around, oh well! We saw a couple of deer along the ride to the top who were less than afraid of us. We actually stopped and stared for several minutes before they took off down into the woods. So far they have left the gardens alone this year. That was about it for the day as we watched the Fox Cable News with O'Reilly. We are saddened to see that Greta has left the lineup of reporting the news with some common sense commentary. It was hot shower and then some horizontal lab with a new read before lights out around 10:30, LATER    

Tuesday Morning

Well the fall season is official with Labor Day behind us and did it ever go out with activities and a picnic here at the cabin and the now start of college football. We had 6 couples plus Mechelle and Caleb for the gathering which will probably be our last until we get back back from Florida sometime in October. The nights are cooling off tremendously while the days are warm with bright sunshine. I guess this is called "Indian Summer". We had an old friend Walt Hampton and his nephew Ryan visit us for a couple hours after lunch. Ryan helped Walt for a couple weeks back when Walt was wiring and plumbing the cabin nearly 20 years ago.

The day started out with me awake in the pitch black hours at 6 AM. I did my usual morning routines that started with a cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric while I posted this ramble and then I spent some time with my Creator in thanksgiving and lifting up by name those I know and love as well as those who are hurting for whatever reason. Nancy was still in the horizontal position under the warm covers. At times I wish I could sleep in again but the internal alarm is consistent with a 6'ish wake up.

We spent the spent morning after a breakfast burrito of eggs, tomato, onion and jalapeno pepper on mine, delicious. I actually skipped lunch except for a handful of trail mix about 3 'ish as were were having several pot lunch dishes to go with the burgers and dogs on the grille. We had baked beans, green bean casserole, potato salad, guacamole, taco dip, salsa and chips and ground chuck for the burgers and Nathan's for the dogs. Afterwards there was banana pudding and homemade strawberry ice cream. There was some of my homemade blackberry vino as well as another red vino available to any who wanted it but only a few partook as we gathered around 4 o'clock and then ate at 6'ish.

We had badminton set up and several where playing before and after eating and corn toss was played as well. Since we had Sam and Nancy for the first time ever no one wanted to play any table card games but rather sat around and talked getting to know them until nearly 9 o'clock. It was a great time of fellowship, games and of course eating. It's getting harder and harder to leave here during the winter months as our close friend base is getting even closer. We started watching the Ole' Miss vs the Seminoles college game and the 'Noles were getting their backsides handed to them in the first half when I hit the showers and eventually the sack. It had been a great day of getting ready for company and then entertaining them and finally cleaning up when the sandman started calling my name a little after 10'ish. I did manage to send some of the cucumbers home with the group, LATER

Nancy forgot to take a group picture!!!

Monday Morning Labor Day 2016

Well Sunday was a day with awesome weather. 51 degrees when I awakened at 6 'ish and it got better as the day progressed up to about 72* with bright blue skies and bright sunshine. There were times on the Creeper Trail when we sought some warmth and by the end of the ride we were seeking some cool shady spots. More on the trail later. After getting back to Sparta we attended the CCF event at Crouse park where the church gave away several hundred hot dogs, chips, cookies, soft drinks and pop corn while watching a movie.  All of this was Free just like salvation and this was the message of this event.

The day started with my usual routines after a cup of hot green tea laced with the herb or spice turmeric. I posted this ramble for posterity and then had my quiet moments to honor my Creator and lift up those I know in thought and prayer. Afterwards we had our breakfast of boring oatmeal for me with cinnamon and honey while Nancy dined on cereal. We then proceeded to get ready for a short visit at Cornerstone Church before heading out to meet up with friends In Damascus, Va. I loaded both of our bikes and a change of clothes as well as soft drinks and cookies for the party later in Sparta with the CCF(Cornerstone Christian Fellowship) event. We worshiped in song for the first hour before leaving out around 11'ish after dropping our goodies at the church.

Well the trip over to Damascus takes roughly and hour and half. The drive takes you through some twisty winding roads especially the last 10 miles or so which has you seeing your tail lights on some curves. It's not a drive for the frequent car sick crowd but the vistas are awesome. There are several small towns or villages along the way and through some national forest preserves or parks. Lots of horse parks and trails as well. We met up with the Tracy's, their daughter Lauren and her beau Otis as well as Jill a friend of theirs and of our new daughter in law, Katie. Seems these gals grew up together in Florida and Jill now lives in Charlotte. The seven of us boarded a van with our bikes on a trailer behind for the 30-40 minute ride to the top of the White Top Mountain where they let us off for the 17 mile ride back down. The weather was perfect with just enough chill in the air to make for a sweat less ride. At times the gals donned lite jackets and sweaters.

We made several stops for refreshments and pictures on the rocks in the river along the way down. The trail was abuzz with holiday riders and we made great time down the mountain while coasting most of the way except for the last mile or so when it flattened out. Jill is an experienced mountain biker and she left us in the rear for the last mile or so. We all got back within a few minutes of each other. This ride was such a joy after the last time we were here in the rain and mud, yuck what an experience and character building event that turned out to be. We said our good-byes as their gang of five were heading to the Boone/Blowing Rock area for supper and then Jill was heading back to Charlotte and then Lauren and Otis were heading back to Florida on Monday. We will see Patrick and Kathryn on Monday at our place in the afternoon for a yard party and cook out with about 10 other folks.

We got back to Sparta and met up with our church family in the middle of Sparta at Crouse park. This is such a beautiful park for the community. We helped with serving at the food tent a couple hundred folks from the community hot dogs, chips, homemade cookies and desserts as well as soft drinks. Our youth performed several skits as well as there was some line dancing with the crowd. As darkness approached a movie was set up for the crowd and then pop corn was handed out. We stayed until the dew began to settled on our heads and the bike ride began to wear on us so we took off around 9'ish for the ride back to the cabin. We had been gone nearly 12 hours and was looking forward to the hot showers. It wasn't

long afterwards I read for awhile before succumbing to the sandman around 10'ish, LATER

Here are a few pictures of the day by Nancy!!!