Well Saturday was a fun filled day as we ventured up to Mt. Rodgers which has the Grayson Fall Festival each year and it was another beautiful event with thousands of folks. The music was awesome with different bands every hour and a young group from Sparta who entertained up with their different dance moves which proved very entertaining. A couple of the youngsters attend our church and they were very good showing us all of the various clogging styles from different parts of the world. The weather was awesome albeit when the sun shined brightly among the clouds it was rather warm despite temps in the high 60's.
I started the day with my usual routines of rolling out around 6'ish then had my usual cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric and fresh ginger while I posted this ramble and then spent some quiet time with my Creator lifting up several by name. All is well as can expected from most and some will need a miracle to be healthy again and regain their once fervor. I headed out to check on the gardens and the new seedlings are up and seem to be doing well. I dusted the kale as I noticed some green worms starting to leave some trails of digested kale on the leaves. I popped most all I could find with a finger nail then applied a coating of Sevin dust which usually lasts a few days. Hopefully the weather will send the butterfly's who lay those eggs away for this season. I ate light as I knew we would probably eat at the festival which supplies mostly pork barbecue and fried chicken dinners plus ham sandwiches. We choose the barbecue with beans and apples which was tasty and at a reasonable price of 8 bucks per plate. We took a cooler with bottled water which came in handy throughout the day.
The vista on top of the mountain is awesome with distances of hundred miles or more as the crow flies. We also stopped and visited the wild pony roundup each year which helps keep the wild horses in community. They run wild in the area which has thousands of acres of forest and grass lands. We stayed until 4'ish then headed back down the mountain. Meg and I did a few clogging numbers on the concrete slab by the main stage and got the folks up and moving. We of course were nothing like the young group from Sparta but did enjoy ourselves on the slab. It didn't take too many numbers to get the sweat rolling for me.
We made a couple stops in Sparta on the way home and got back to the cabin around 5:30. The evening shadows were falling but we did take an abbreviated hike up the back trail and then across the back road down through the woods and up our steep drive. We did see neighbor Gerald when we came in but never got to speak with him as he was down for the week end hunting and working on his deer stands. Hopefully he will have some great hunting this next month.
Well this month is just about gone and then October usually brings some cooler temps. I'm looking forward to some cool days and nights and the start of some leaf change, but even up on the Mt. Rodgers the leaves are still in the green shade for the most part as its usually several degrees cooler there than where we are. Don't forget to take the morning and worship with other Believers either at home or in a corporate settings. We are a blessed nation despite what those on the left speak in public, LATER
Sunday, September 30, 2018
Saturday, September 29, 2018
Saturday Morning..last one in September
Well this month has surely flown by and we will soon be thinking of our move back to hot humid Florida in about 35 or so days, yikes. Living here at the cabin is so much different than our lifestyle in the flat land but each one has its benefits, especially when the cold winds blow and the ground freezes here in the mountains.
Friday was basically a work day until the late afternoon when we headed over to Galax, Va. for dinner out and then to the historic Rex Theatre for some 2 hour show of mountain music with lots of "flat footing" dances with Patricks sister Meg. We danced for nearly the whole night and I left with a sweat at 9. Yeow, what a fun evening with awesome food and dance. She and her husband Jim are visiting for 6 weeks from Reno, Nevada along with their two large dogs.
I started the day much the usual with a 6'ish roll out to my hot cup of tea laced with turmeric and ginger while I posted this ramble. I've noticed as the days get shorter the mornings stay dark much longer. It's pitch black at 6 and daylight comes around 7'ish where as before it was light until 9:30 and the dawn was around 6. The morning here are in the 50's and we are seeing low to middle 70's which is perfect temps. We haven't had the a/c on in days now which I love having the windows open during the day and sleeping with a quilt on at nights. Fall is approaching but I've noticed several things which are unusual. There are no acorns this year anywhere to be found and I'm wondering what the wildlife is going to eat especially since the almanac is calling for a severe winter. The lack of hickory nuts is evident as well as usually by now the ground is covered and the squirrels are busy storing them away. Also the leaves are falling and not changing like they should except for a few select trees. The mountain sides by now should be showing some colors but they are basically green; maybe it will be a late show this year due to all the rain.
I piddled around in the garden and doing some piddly jobs which were time consuming. We took off around 10'ish for our morning hike and took the long way for a change. What a pull this is up the side road which has us going down the driveway and then up to the top which is a good mile in distance. I usually do it when by myself with out stopping; but Nancy needed several rest stops. She is carrying an extra 10-15 pounds which she just can not lose, oh well. We visited with the Brownings for awhile as they get ready to visit family and friends in Cleveland for a couple of days. Joe's hand is showing a marked improvement after the surgery a week or so ago.
We got ready around 4'ish to head out to town to meet up with the Tracy's and his sister Meg and husband Jim at the Twisted Fork Italian eatery. The food was awesome as usual and the service was fantastic as the owner waited our table. Everyone enjoyed their meal and then we walked around the corner a street over and checked into the Rex Theatre for some two hours of mountain music entertainment. The charge of 5 bucks a person is such a deal in this old historic theatre for two hours of non stop music and dancing. The area in front of the stage will accommodate easily 20 people and at time there may have been that many on the dance floor. It was a great evening of dining and dancing. We got back to the cabin just before 10 and it was shower time for me then a few pages in a Greg Isles new read for me, LATER
Friday was basically a work day until the late afternoon when we headed over to Galax, Va. for dinner out and then to the historic Rex Theatre for some 2 hour show of mountain music with lots of "flat footing" dances with Patricks sister Meg. We danced for nearly the whole night and I left with a sweat at 9. Yeow, what a fun evening with awesome food and dance. She and her husband Jim are visiting for 6 weeks from Reno, Nevada along with their two large dogs.
I started the day much the usual with a 6'ish roll out to my hot cup of tea laced with turmeric and ginger while I posted this ramble. I've noticed as the days get shorter the mornings stay dark much longer. It's pitch black at 6 and daylight comes around 7'ish where as before it was light until 9:30 and the dawn was around 6. The morning here are in the 50's and we are seeing low to middle 70's which is perfect temps. We haven't had the a/c on in days now which I love having the windows open during the day and sleeping with a quilt on at nights. Fall is approaching but I've noticed several things which are unusual. There are no acorns this year anywhere to be found and I'm wondering what the wildlife is going to eat especially since the almanac is calling for a severe winter. The lack of hickory nuts is evident as well as usually by now the ground is covered and the squirrels are busy storing them away. Also the leaves are falling and not changing like they should except for a few select trees. The mountain sides by now should be showing some colors but they are basically green; maybe it will be a late show this year due to all the rain.
I piddled around in the garden and doing some piddly jobs which were time consuming. We took off around 10'ish for our morning hike and took the long way for a change. What a pull this is up the side road which has us going down the driveway and then up to the top which is a good mile in distance. I usually do it when by myself with out stopping; but Nancy needed several rest stops. She is carrying an extra 10-15 pounds which she just can not lose, oh well. We visited with the Brownings for awhile as they get ready to visit family and friends in Cleveland for a couple of days. Joe's hand is showing a marked improvement after the surgery a week or so ago.
We got ready around 4'ish to head out to town to meet up with the Tracy's and his sister Meg and husband Jim at the Twisted Fork Italian eatery. The food was awesome as usual and the service was fantastic as the owner waited our table. Everyone enjoyed their meal and then we walked around the corner a street over and checked into the Rex Theatre for some two hours of mountain music entertainment. The charge of 5 bucks a person is such a deal in this old historic theatre for two hours of non stop music and dancing. The area in front of the stage will accommodate easily 20 people and at time there may have been that many on the dance floor. It was a great evening of dining and dancing. We got back to the cabin just before 10 and it was shower time for me then a few pages in a Greg Isles new read for me, LATER
Friday, September 28, 2018
Friday Morning
Well Thursday was basically a wet rainy day which had us working in the cabin doing some spring cleaning in September. Its amazing how dust collects on these wood walls and especially in the bedroom, so I spent the biggest part of the morning in between watching the senate hearing which gave this poor woman a voice, set up by the dem's to discredit this jurist appointed by our POTUS to the Supreme Court. What a disservice afforded to this woman who was probably abused at one time in her life but not by this judge, who the dem's used to thwart this vote and destroy any sense of civility. What a shame and those on the dem side of the committee should all be publicly shamed and ridiculed for their attempt to destroy this man, his family and friends. What makes this so despicable is their contempt for our POTUS Trump.
Well I awakened to rain albeit softly and it continued through out the day and into the evening and night hours. I did my usual morning routines with hot tea, quiet time and then a breakfast before tackling the bedroom with the vacuum. The wood walls collect dust as its rough and sealed with polyurethane so the only way to rid the dust is to vacuum them. Well every thing was coated especially behind dressers, night stands and the under the bed, yikes! I spent a couple hours and then it was time to do the wood floors before giving it a coat of cleaner/wax with a dry mop. I did this in between commercials as I wanted to hear the woman's testimony on her abuse complaint. She at times was convincing but fell short in so many areas of her complaint that I began to wonder if she wasn't being less than honest especially when those she named to be at the scene, who all voiced a different stories about the incident never happening. Especially her long time friend who said it never happened and she didn't even know this judge.
My heart went out to her at times but she wasn't being truthful about a few areas especially the fear of flying and it seemed she and dem's had this orchestrated to destroy the judge. The dem's wanted to delay this vote and it was obvious they wanted to destroy this man's life for political power and it back fired. It was so obvious of their devious plan and in the process they destroyed her credibility as well. The dem's are corrupt just like their mentors; the Clintons, Obama's, heads of the DOJ, FBI and the CIA who are all a part of the deep state to take down this duly elected POTUS Trump. I've never witnessed such collusion within an elected body to destroy the rule of law and our constitution while destroying a patriotic American who has served his nation with distinction and honor as well as being the role model for families which has made this nation the model for the rest of the world.
The judge did not let the dem's steam roll him and fought back which made them look just what they are; hypocritical thugs who care only about destroying anyone who Trump endorses and using put up and paid up folks in their quest to deny this man his appointment to the court. Well I'm hoping all of those who despise our POTUS see what a hit job the left did on this judge and it becomes transparent their use of any means to destroy anyone who gets in their way. I see a big shift coming this next election and its my hope everyone on the left side of the dais is voted out. We need good debate but not grand standing and using folks criminally to achieve their results such as this woman and others to discredit this judge. It was so shameful to sit and watch such disgusting senators in their attempt to destroy the rule of law that for centuries what has made America a great nation. Innocent until proven guilty and the rule of law for everyone with justice being blind. No double standard for the elite.
We had a rather large lunch so I skipped any supper until after pickle ball which we did get in 2 hours of play at the club at 6. It was wet but the court has a non skid surface. The rain held off where we were playing under the lights until we finished play. I was soaked with sweat once again after several sets with three other players. I got back to the cabin in a rain storm around 8'ish. I had a peanut butter roll up along with a glass of vino before hitting the shower and then some read time before lights out around 10:30, LATER
Well I awakened to rain albeit softly and it continued through out the day and into the evening and night hours. I did my usual morning routines with hot tea, quiet time and then a breakfast before tackling the bedroom with the vacuum. The wood walls collect dust as its rough and sealed with polyurethane so the only way to rid the dust is to vacuum them. Well every thing was coated especially behind dressers, night stands and the under the bed, yikes! I spent a couple hours and then it was time to do the wood floors before giving it a coat of cleaner/wax with a dry mop. I did this in between commercials as I wanted to hear the woman's testimony on her abuse complaint. She at times was convincing but fell short in so many areas of her complaint that I began to wonder if she wasn't being less than honest especially when those she named to be at the scene, who all voiced a different stories about the incident never happening. Especially her long time friend who said it never happened and she didn't even know this judge.
My heart went out to her at times but she wasn't being truthful about a few areas especially the fear of flying and it seemed she and dem's had this orchestrated to destroy the judge. The dem's wanted to delay this vote and it was obvious they wanted to destroy this man's life for political power and it back fired. It was so obvious of their devious plan and in the process they destroyed her credibility as well. The dem's are corrupt just like their mentors; the Clintons, Obama's, heads of the DOJ, FBI and the CIA who are all a part of the deep state to take down this duly elected POTUS Trump. I've never witnessed such collusion within an elected body to destroy the rule of law and our constitution while destroying a patriotic American who has served his nation with distinction and honor as well as being the role model for families which has made this nation the model for the rest of the world.
The judge did not let the dem's steam roll him and fought back which made them look just what they are; hypocritical thugs who care only about destroying anyone who Trump endorses and using put up and paid up folks in their quest to deny this man his appointment to the court. Well I'm hoping all of those who despise our POTUS see what a hit job the left did on this judge and it becomes transparent their use of any means to destroy anyone who gets in their way. I see a big shift coming this next election and its my hope everyone on the left side of the dais is voted out. We need good debate but not grand standing and using folks criminally to achieve their results such as this woman and others to discredit this judge. It was so shameful to sit and watch such disgusting senators in their attempt to destroy the rule of law that for centuries what has made America a great nation. Innocent until proven guilty and the rule of law for everyone with justice being blind. No double standard for the elite.
We had a rather large lunch so I skipped any supper until after pickle ball which we did get in 2 hours of play at the club at 6. It was wet but the court has a non skid surface. The rain held off where we were playing under the lights until we finished play. I was soaked with sweat once again after several sets with three other players. I got back to the cabin in a rain storm around 8'ish. I had a peanut butter roll up along with a glass of vino before hitting the shower and then some read time before lights out around 10:30, LATER
Thursday, September 27, 2018
Thursday Morning
Well Wednesday turned out to be a gorgeous day after all, however there was the threat of rain at times with some dark menacing clouds in the late afternoon but the morning showed us some bright sunshine and Carolina blue skies. It was a work day but the breeze and low humidity allowed us to turn the a/c off and air out the cabin plus the day was great for drying clothes outside on the clothesline.
I started the day much the usual with a 6'ish roll out while Nancy slept in until 8:30. This is becoming quite the habit for her as she is flipping channels until after midnight. I had my cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric and fresh ginger while I posted this ramble and then spent some quiet moments with my Creator in thanksgiving and lifting up several by name for comfort and healing. So far there has been change with any of those I lift up daily.
Nancy had a birthday card for her mom that needed to go out in the morning mail so I took off for the mile hike out to the mailbox which was as vigorous as the hike up to the the top of the mountain maybe even more so as the hills are mixed in with the down hills, anyhow that was a good workout before breakfast especially that last pull up our driveway with out stopping to rest, yikes. After eating a large breakfast I headed out in the bright sunshine and temps in the high 60's to piddle around in the gardens. The tomato's in the lower garden were through as the storm finished them off with flooding rain and compacted soil so I up rooted them and pulled out the dying flowers as well and the support system which needed to be taken apart.
I had two old railroad cross ties from a neighbor on top of the mountain that was getting rid of them and he had dumped them in the back yard a month or so ago. I wanted to replaced two of the rotting timbers with but ties were so heavy that I had used a chain and the golf cart to drag then into place which eventually worked out just fine. Wow, what a job but the raised bed should be good for years despite the ties themselves showing some wear. Anyhow that kept me busy until Nancy was ready for her daily hike to the top of the mountain.
The hike was uneventful as we saw no one but the vista for a change was awesome; finally clear views of Pilot Mountain and even as far away as Winston -Salem. We never stopped except for a couple rest stops for her up the back woods trail. I skipped lunch as we had a late large breakfast and then I piddled around splitting some lighter knots or as Joe names it fat wood. Its petrified pine which will burn with just a match and we always used it for starting the fires under the butchering kettles on Thanksgiving Day. I love looking through the woods and finding the old stumps that indicate the remains of downed timber and then scratching around the fallen leaves for the knots. Sometimes I'll find part of the logs that have petrified as well and where the limbs joined the main trunks. They look like knots thus the name which are quite difficult to split as they are so hard. I just enjoy making these old pieces small enough to be used as kindling for camp fires and for those who burn wood to heat their homes.
Well I grilled marinated chicken breast for fajitas and then skillet sauteed peppers from the garden along with sweet onions on the outside grill as well. Ahh, the smell of onions and peppers together so remind me of those days at the county fair when their odor permeated the midway and on the bun with a Polish sausage. After a delicious meal of fajitas and homemade salsa I did the dishes while Nancy was on the phone with her sister. We then made arrangements to stay with sister Dee in Woodstock for an overnighter in two weeks. We will travel up on a Sunday and come back on a Monday as we want to visit with family for the last time before heading back to Florida in November. It will be a short trip as we learned our friends and neighbors in Seminole decided to come for a 10 day visit starting next week.
Well I tuned into the Fox Cable News to get the real news about whats going on in the nation and once again the dem's are making a play to suspend the confirmation on a jurist for the Supreme Court. It's down right despicable that now you have to prove your innocence while falsely accused whereas it use to be you were innocent until proven guilty. The left radical dem's in the congress are using every method possible to discourage this appointment by our duly elected POTUS. They all suffer from the TDS(Trump Derangement Syndrome) and just can not get over the fact Hillary lost despite spending nearly a billion bucks to win. Thank GOD she lost as we the deplorables and the dregs of society saw her corruption and criminal actions, LATER
I started the day much the usual with a 6'ish roll out while Nancy slept in until 8:30. This is becoming quite the habit for her as she is flipping channels until after midnight. I had my cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric and fresh ginger while I posted this ramble and then spent some quiet moments with my Creator in thanksgiving and lifting up several by name for comfort and healing. So far there has been change with any of those I lift up daily.
Nancy had a birthday card for her mom that needed to go out in the morning mail so I took off for the mile hike out to the mailbox which was as vigorous as the hike up to the the top of the mountain maybe even more so as the hills are mixed in with the down hills, anyhow that was a good workout before breakfast especially that last pull up our driveway with out stopping to rest, yikes. After eating a large breakfast I headed out in the bright sunshine and temps in the high 60's to piddle around in the gardens. The tomato's in the lower garden were through as the storm finished them off with flooding rain and compacted soil so I up rooted them and pulled out the dying flowers as well and the support system which needed to be taken apart.
I had two old railroad cross ties from a neighbor on top of the mountain that was getting rid of them and he had dumped them in the back yard a month or so ago. I wanted to replaced two of the rotting timbers with but ties were so heavy that I had used a chain and the golf cart to drag then into place which eventually worked out just fine. Wow, what a job but the raised bed should be good for years despite the ties themselves showing some wear. Anyhow that kept me busy until Nancy was ready for her daily hike to the top of the mountain.
The hike was uneventful as we saw no one but the vista for a change was awesome; finally clear views of Pilot Mountain and even as far away as Winston -Salem. We never stopped except for a couple rest stops for her up the back woods trail. I skipped lunch as we had a late large breakfast and then I piddled around splitting some lighter knots or as Joe names it fat wood. Its petrified pine which will burn with just a match and we always used it for starting the fires under the butchering kettles on Thanksgiving Day. I love looking through the woods and finding the old stumps that indicate the remains of downed timber and then scratching around the fallen leaves for the knots. Sometimes I'll find part of the logs that have petrified as well and where the limbs joined the main trunks. They look like knots thus the name which are quite difficult to split as they are so hard. I just enjoy making these old pieces small enough to be used as kindling for camp fires and for those who burn wood to heat their homes.
Well I grilled marinated chicken breast for fajitas and then skillet sauteed peppers from the garden along with sweet onions on the outside grill as well. Ahh, the smell of onions and peppers together so remind me of those days at the county fair when their odor permeated the midway and on the bun with a Polish sausage. After a delicious meal of fajitas and homemade salsa I did the dishes while Nancy was on the phone with her sister. We then made arrangements to stay with sister Dee in Woodstock for an overnighter in two weeks. We will travel up on a Sunday and come back on a Monday as we want to visit with family for the last time before heading back to Florida in November. It will be a short trip as we learned our friends and neighbors in Seminole decided to come for a 10 day visit starting next week.
Well I tuned into the Fox Cable News to get the real news about whats going on in the nation and once again the dem's are making a play to suspend the confirmation on a jurist for the Supreme Court. It's down right despicable that now you have to prove your innocence while falsely accused whereas it use to be you were innocent until proven guilty. The left radical dem's in the congress are using every method possible to discourage this appointment by our duly elected POTUS. They all suffer from the TDS(Trump Derangement Syndrome) and just can not get over the fact Hillary lost despite spending nearly a billion bucks to win. Thank GOD she lost as we the deplorables and the dregs of society saw her corruption and criminal actions, LATER
Wednesday, September 26, 2018
Wednesday Morning
Well we finally saw some sunshine in the early evening here on the mountain after we were socked in for what seemed like days. Every thing growing had smiles after the wet weather and I could feel the rust slipping away, yea. Tuesday was a fun day as we headed to Galax for lunch then shopping before coming to the cabin which was finally a welcoming feeling as when we left it was barely visible through the fog. I don't know how folks stand it up north when they don't see the sun for weeks during the long cold winter months.
I started the day much the usual with a 6'ish roll out to fog once again. We decided we were leaving the cabin for some better weather sometime during the morning so after my daily routines that start with the hot tea, quiet time and then some breakfast I headed out on foot to get in an extended hike without Nancy. I headed down the drive and then up the nearly mile straight up from the road to the top of the mountain without stopping and then across the top to the Brownings and then down the back road to the foot of our driveway and then again up the drive. I would say at least two miles or more an about an hour although I wasn't timing myself. I want to do that every day until we head back to Florida if possible or as many mornings as possible plus and afternoon hike with Nancy which is about half that distance and with several stops as she just can not make it up the mountain without rest stops.
It was about 11:30 and finally she was ready to leave the cabin and the fog. We made a drop off cookies and tomato's stop for our mountain mom on the way to Galax via the parkway which was almost totally socked in. We barely made 10-15 mph at times following the yellow center line. It was foggy but we made it and once we left the parkway the fog went away and by the time we got to Galax we could see some blue skies and sunshine. Wow was that ever nice and so inviting to just let the sun shine on your face. We ate lunch at the Subway inside Walmart and then loaded up on things for the Christmas Shoe Boxes of which we are doing two boys and two girls. We want to have them ready before we leave in November. We then loaded up on groceries and then made a gas stop on the way out of town. Gas is 25 cents a gallon cheaper in Va. than in N.C. which is just a few miles apart.
We got back around 4'ish and the fog was gone from the cabin and bright sunshine was visible every where and which is one of the factors we so love about our cabin in the woods. I sat outside in the sunlight for an hour before we took off on a hike with Nancy. This hike was a piece of cake compared to the morning one and then we stopped and visited with the Brownings for a few before heading back down the the mountain. I piddled around outside just enjoying the sunshine before it was time to grill some brats for our supper. I notice I had some new lettuce poking through the ground and hope they will survive since the storm washed all of my lettuces out last week. I'm still getting some tomato's from the upper garden as that garden drained quite well during the storm and I'm still getting beet greens as well as some Swiss chard which is coming back after the storm. The peppers are holding their own and are loaded with new small fruit.
The flower beds are just about done except for the circle drive bed which is showing lots of color with the zinnias and marigolds in full bloom. The storm nearly flattened all of them but most have regained their height and are sending out new buds. I'm probably going to weed whack the other beds as they are jut about done except where I have fall daisy in full bloom. They are brilliant white in bloom. The raspberry bushes are sending out new runners and I'm putting them in the ground as I've made their bed larger. Next year I'm hoping for a bumper crop if the deer leave the new growth alone in the spring. I'm thinking of putting up some type of barrier but its usually hopeless as the deer love the new growth.
Well I watched the Ray's lose to the Yanks again and it looks as if their playoff hopes are gone but they were exciting at time down the home stretch. They have some fine young players and should be a contender next year, LATER
I started the day much the usual with a 6'ish roll out to fog once again. We decided we were leaving the cabin for some better weather sometime during the morning so after my daily routines that start with the hot tea, quiet time and then some breakfast I headed out on foot to get in an extended hike without Nancy. I headed down the drive and then up the nearly mile straight up from the road to the top of the mountain without stopping and then across the top to the Brownings and then down the back road to the foot of our driveway and then again up the drive. I would say at least two miles or more an about an hour although I wasn't timing myself. I want to do that every day until we head back to Florida if possible or as many mornings as possible plus and afternoon hike with Nancy which is about half that distance and with several stops as she just can not make it up the mountain without rest stops.
It was about 11:30 and finally she was ready to leave the cabin and the fog. We made a drop off cookies and tomato's stop for our mountain mom on the way to Galax via the parkway which was almost totally socked in. We barely made 10-15 mph at times following the yellow center line. It was foggy but we made it and once we left the parkway the fog went away and by the time we got to Galax we could see some blue skies and sunshine. Wow was that ever nice and so inviting to just let the sun shine on your face. We ate lunch at the Subway inside Walmart and then loaded up on things for the Christmas Shoe Boxes of which we are doing two boys and two girls. We want to have them ready before we leave in November. We then loaded up on groceries and then made a gas stop on the way out of town. Gas is 25 cents a gallon cheaper in Va. than in N.C. which is just a few miles apart.
We got back around 4'ish and the fog was gone from the cabin and bright sunshine was visible every where and which is one of the factors we so love about our cabin in the woods. I sat outside in the sunlight for an hour before we took off on a hike with Nancy. This hike was a piece of cake compared to the morning one and then we stopped and visited with the Brownings for a few before heading back down the the mountain. I piddled around outside just enjoying the sunshine before it was time to grill some brats for our supper. I notice I had some new lettuce poking through the ground and hope they will survive since the storm washed all of my lettuces out last week. I'm still getting some tomato's from the upper garden as that garden drained quite well during the storm and I'm still getting beet greens as well as some Swiss chard which is coming back after the storm. The peppers are holding their own and are loaded with new small fruit.
The flower beds are just about done except for the circle drive bed which is showing lots of color with the zinnias and marigolds in full bloom. The storm nearly flattened all of them but most have regained their height and are sending out new buds. I'm probably going to weed whack the other beds as they are jut about done except where I have fall daisy in full bloom. They are brilliant white in bloom. The raspberry bushes are sending out new runners and I'm putting them in the ground as I've made their bed larger. Next year I'm hoping for a bumper crop if the deer leave the new growth alone in the spring. I'm thinking of putting up some type of barrier but its usually hopeless as the deer love the new growth.
Well I watched the Ray's lose to the Yanks again and it looks as if their playoff hopes are gone but they were exciting at time down the home stretch. They have some fine young players and should be a contender next year, LATER
Tuesday, September 25, 2018
Tuesday Morning..Another Foggy Day
Well there is an old saying here in the mountains that for every foggy day there will be a snow day, so beware mountaineers your in for a snowy winter.
Well Monday we could barley see off the porch throughout the day which actually started Saturday night when we had this front move in. We haven't seen the sunshine since then except for Sunday after church in Sparta but not where the cabin is situated just off Foggy Mountain Road. I mean it was almost a total white out at times and then the water dripping from the tin roof was almost a constant at times. We are starting to get cabin fever but I did manage to get out twice for a hike through the woods and then around 5'ish I took Nancy with me on a hike to the top as she was complaining about being stuck inside and bored. The temps stayed in the low 60's which isn't too bad but you needed flannels as it was damp.
I did my usual morning routines that start with the proverbial cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric and fresh ginger while I posted this ramble and then spent some quiet moments with my Creator lifting up several by name. All is well as I've heard nothing to the contrary. We spoke with son Bobby as he was on his way into the office and its hot and muggy in Florida. At lest its not either of those things here. He had a busy weekend as the church called Element he started back in '08 celebrated 10 years on Sunday with lots of folks for the home coming event. One as far as New Mexico came back for the weekend. They are still in the same warehouse and have a regular group of followers as well as many newbies since we have been there. Bobby since leads worship in the band and occasionally speaks and teaches but they use the elders to teach and preach on a weekly rotation.
We didn't do much except read and play some Kings on the Corner card game of which after about 15 hands Nancy started to take advantage of my ineptness and whupped me. She did make a huge batch of chocolate chip cookie which we were to take as the dessert for a dinner out with friends but those plans changed when they cancelled so we have a bunch to eat and give away. We took a bag of them for the Brownings and left them on the door knob as they were down in Elkin having the stitches removed from Joe's hand operation last week. The hand is looking good finally and he is on the mend. We will take a bag for our Mountain mom today as we want to get off this foggy mountain for hopefully some sunshine in Galax.
We had a frozen pizza for supper as the dinner plans changed at the last minute and then we settled into the FOX News station. It's a total disgrace what the dem's are doing to derail this jurist by making serious sexual accusations against him to discredit this honorable man when they could care less about the substantiated sexual abuse charges against their own members. It's so hypocritical to say the least and I hope the "deplorables" and "dregs of society" as we are characterized by the democrat leadership come back to destroy them with a red wave in November; serves them right. I'm telling you folks we are in dire straits of losing our democracy if these radical left wingers get control of the congress. We would never have known about the deep state corruption if Hillary had won and the lost of the rule of law and equal protection by the constitution would have become null and void. There would have been a separate justice system for the elitist and we see that now with no one seeking criminal charges against her as it is for her violations. We must make this a serious voting event in November if we want to continue with our democracy, LATER
Well Monday we could barley see off the porch throughout the day which actually started Saturday night when we had this front move in. We haven't seen the sunshine since then except for Sunday after church in Sparta but not where the cabin is situated just off Foggy Mountain Road. I mean it was almost a total white out at times and then the water dripping from the tin roof was almost a constant at times. We are starting to get cabin fever but I did manage to get out twice for a hike through the woods and then around 5'ish I took Nancy with me on a hike to the top as she was complaining about being stuck inside and bored. The temps stayed in the low 60's which isn't too bad but you needed flannels as it was damp.
I did my usual morning routines that start with the proverbial cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric and fresh ginger while I posted this ramble and then spent some quiet moments with my Creator lifting up several by name. All is well as I've heard nothing to the contrary. We spoke with son Bobby as he was on his way into the office and its hot and muggy in Florida. At lest its not either of those things here. He had a busy weekend as the church called Element he started back in '08 celebrated 10 years on Sunday with lots of folks for the home coming event. One as far as New Mexico came back for the weekend. They are still in the same warehouse and have a regular group of followers as well as many newbies since we have been there. Bobby since leads worship in the band and occasionally speaks and teaches but they use the elders to teach and preach on a weekly rotation.
We didn't do much except read and play some Kings on the Corner card game of which after about 15 hands Nancy started to take advantage of my ineptness and whupped me. She did make a huge batch of chocolate chip cookie which we were to take as the dessert for a dinner out with friends but those plans changed when they cancelled so we have a bunch to eat and give away. We took a bag of them for the Brownings and left them on the door knob as they were down in Elkin having the stitches removed from Joe's hand operation last week. The hand is looking good finally and he is on the mend. We will take a bag for our Mountain mom today as we want to get off this foggy mountain for hopefully some sunshine in Galax.
We had a frozen pizza for supper as the dinner plans changed at the last minute and then we settled into the FOX News station. It's a total disgrace what the dem's are doing to derail this jurist by making serious sexual accusations against him to discredit this honorable man when they could care less about the substantiated sexual abuse charges against their own members. It's so hypocritical to say the least and I hope the "deplorables" and "dregs of society" as we are characterized by the democrat leadership come back to destroy them with a red wave in November; serves them right. I'm telling you folks we are in dire straits of losing our democracy if these radical left wingers get control of the congress. We would never have known about the deep state corruption if Hillary had won and the lost of the rule of law and equal protection by the constitution would have become null and void. There would have been a separate justice system for the elitist and we see that now with no one seeking criminal charges against her as it is for her violations. We must make this a serious voting event in November if we want to continue with our democracy, LATER
Monday, September 24, 2018
Monday Morning
Well once again its foggy, wet and damp after a couple of beautiful days here on the mountain, yikes its so foggy I can not see off the porches, oh well. Sunday was an awesome day of worship that started here at the cabin with watching Bridgepoint our Florida church on line and then again at Cornerstone in Sparta. Our service at Cornerstone was a benefit concert by a home grown group called Priority Blue which is primarily a Blue Grass Gospel quartet. They add a few other tunes with their "grass flavor" by Casting Crowns, etc. They are the best I've ever heard and speak to your soul through their harmonious voices. Afterwards there was a dinner on the grounds that was free for donations for two men who both suffered major motorcycle crashes this summer and were suffering some critical injuries. Both have been restored and are walking miracles by the healing grace of God.
I started the day much the usual with a 6'ish roll out to my morning cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric and fresh ginger while I posted this ramble and then spent a few quiet moments lifting up several by name for healing and comfort in these their hours of need. All seems well with those I mentioned each and every day and now we must all lift up our nation and our Potus who is under severe pressure by the radical left who want to undermine the will of over 63 million folks who saw the corruption in the democrat party with their candidate. Our democracy is under fire by those who in the last administration are part of this deep state in subverting the constitution and the will of the people with undermining this duly elected Potus.
We helped to serve the pork barbecue dinner that included beans, cornbread and desserts wow what a feed down home country style. We served a couple hundred folks and then afterwards we stayed to help with cleanup. I washed all of the pans and pots for about an hour straight but its always good to assist with these large crowds that visit our church and help make them feel welcome. There was an auction afterwards as well but we left while that was still going on. The sun was out in Sparta but as we neared the parkway it started to fog in the area and at times visibility was limited. It stayed that way the rest of the day so there was no hiking in the afternoon. We sat and read and I broke down and watched the NFL for a change, oh well I sure do not support those who disgrace the anthem and flag.
We skipped any supper except for a bowl of popcorn the old fashion way around 6:30 and then we settled into the tube for the rest of the evening until it was time for a hot shower and some horizontal lab for me around 10:30, LATER
I started the day much the usual with a 6'ish roll out to my morning cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric and fresh ginger while I posted this ramble and then spent a few quiet moments lifting up several by name for healing and comfort in these their hours of need. All seems well with those I mentioned each and every day and now we must all lift up our nation and our Potus who is under severe pressure by the radical left who want to undermine the will of over 63 million folks who saw the corruption in the democrat party with their candidate. Our democracy is under fire by those who in the last administration are part of this deep state in subverting the constitution and the will of the people with undermining this duly elected Potus.
We helped to serve the pork barbecue dinner that included beans, cornbread and desserts wow what a feed down home country style. We served a couple hundred folks and then afterwards we stayed to help with cleanup. I washed all of the pans and pots for about an hour straight but its always good to assist with these large crowds that visit our church and help make them feel welcome. There was an auction afterwards as well but we left while that was still going on. The sun was out in Sparta but as we neared the parkway it started to fog in the area and at times visibility was limited. It stayed that way the rest of the day so there was no hiking in the afternoon. We sat and read and I broke down and watched the NFL for a change, oh well I sure do not support those who disgrace the anthem and flag.
We skipped any supper except for a bowl of popcorn the old fashion way around 6:30 and then we settled into the tube for the rest of the evening until it was time for a hot shower and some horizontal lab for me around 10:30, LATER
Sunday, September 23, 2018
Sunday Morning
Well Saturday was another beautiful day to start with as the skies were so blue with such bright sunshine, wow and the humidity was rather low to start the day with a nice gentle breeze. I worked outside until 1'ish then we took a hike to the top and afterwards rested until it was time to head out to town for a delicious anniversary dinner at the Muddy Creek Cafe with our adoptive "mountain mom".
I started the morning with another sleep in until nearly 7. I'm not sure what has happened to the internal alarm but I'm getting at least 8 and then some hours of sleep the past couple of days and I like it. I did my morning routines with the hot green tea and some quiet time time before setting down to a sausage egg biscuit slathered with horseradish for breakfast. The biscuits are so good and you purchase them in the frozen section and just pop them in the oven still frozen for about 20 minutes and they rise to a puffy delicious biscuit; but Nancy read the ingredients and they are loaded with lots of unknown things so she says thats it for them after this bag is empty as they seemed to bother her blood pressure, oh well.
I fired up the weed whacker and started on the yard while the dew was still on the grass then the riding mower and mowed all of the yards; probably the last time for this year on the backwoods yards. There were tons of leaves falling and its still rather warm for this time of the year. I did noticed one large tree down the driveway which has turned red and the sun light had it glowing in the morning sun, wow. We noticed several trees starting to turn on the side of the mountain as well and maybe its a sign of an early winter but we are still waiting on the cold air as the a/c is still on here in the cabin. Around 4'ish the clouds moved in and brought some rain that we really did not need after all of the inches we received last week from Florence for two days.
We sat and read for an hour or so before getting ready to head out to pick up our "mountain mom" Helen at 5'ish. We were just one of three tables at the cafe when we arrived a little after 5 but it soon started filling up with diners. They have a new menu which is really first class and their prices aren't too bad. We had the 12 oz. prime rib at 17.50 which was an awesome piece of meat(we all brought part of each one home), seasoned perfectly and roasted to perfection as I like mine medium to rare and Nancy and Helen like their's just pink in the middle. The garlic smashed taters were real and so tasty with asparagus spears and then afterwards we split two desserts three ways of some chocolate brownie with ice cream, fresh whipped cream, blue berries and a syrup. I can only describe it as decadent.
When we left the cafe it was starting fill up with dinners and on Thur, Fri. and Sat. they have live music as well that starts at 8. That was a little too late for Helen so we headed home and visited with her for awhile before getting back to the cabin around 8:30. We settled into the internet and then read for awhile before hitting the showers. I read while Nancy got ready for some horizontal lab. Well we celebrated 39 years of being together and received lots of sweet congrats from many folks we have known over the years. Helen and her late husband Roy were with us on that night we were married and gave us the use of their river cottage in northern Florida for our honeymoon for a week. She has been a big part of our married life with both of them holding Bobby and Amy when they were both babies and as well as meeting all of our grand kiddos; so you can see why we call her our "mountain mom". She is aging quite well at 90 and we love her dearly, LATER
I started the morning with another sleep in until nearly 7. I'm not sure what has happened to the internal alarm but I'm getting at least 8 and then some hours of sleep the past couple of days and I like it. I did my morning routines with the hot green tea and some quiet time time before setting down to a sausage egg biscuit slathered with horseradish for breakfast. The biscuits are so good and you purchase them in the frozen section and just pop them in the oven still frozen for about 20 minutes and they rise to a puffy delicious biscuit; but Nancy read the ingredients and they are loaded with lots of unknown things so she says thats it for them after this bag is empty as they seemed to bother her blood pressure, oh well.
I fired up the weed whacker and started on the yard while the dew was still on the grass then the riding mower and mowed all of the yards; probably the last time for this year on the backwoods yards. There were tons of leaves falling and its still rather warm for this time of the year. I did noticed one large tree down the driveway which has turned red and the sun light had it glowing in the morning sun, wow. We noticed several trees starting to turn on the side of the mountain as well and maybe its a sign of an early winter but we are still waiting on the cold air as the a/c is still on here in the cabin. Around 4'ish the clouds moved in and brought some rain that we really did not need after all of the inches we received last week from Florence for two days.
We sat and read for an hour or so before getting ready to head out to pick up our "mountain mom" Helen at 5'ish. We were just one of three tables at the cafe when we arrived a little after 5 but it soon started filling up with diners. They have a new menu which is really first class and their prices aren't too bad. We had the 12 oz. prime rib at 17.50 which was an awesome piece of meat(we all brought part of each one home), seasoned perfectly and roasted to perfection as I like mine medium to rare and Nancy and Helen like their's just pink in the middle. The garlic smashed taters were real and so tasty with asparagus spears and then afterwards we split two desserts three ways of some chocolate brownie with ice cream, fresh whipped cream, blue berries and a syrup. I can only describe it as decadent.
When we left the cafe it was starting fill up with dinners and on Thur, Fri. and Sat. they have live music as well that starts at 8. That was a little too late for Helen so we headed home and visited with her for awhile before getting back to the cabin around 8:30. We settled into the internet and then read for awhile before hitting the showers. I read while Nancy got ready for some horizontal lab. Well we celebrated 39 years of being together and received lots of sweet congrats from many folks we have known over the years. Helen and her late husband Roy were with us on that night we were married and gave us the use of their river cottage in northern Florida for our honeymoon for a week. She has been a big part of our married life with both of them holding Bobby and Amy when they were both babies and as well as meeting all of our grand kiddos; so you can see why we call her our "mountain mom". She is aging quite well at 90 and we love her dearly, LATER
Saturday, September 22, 2018
Saturday Morning..Anniversary Day of 39 years
Well Friday was basically a fun filled day which included a lunch out with old dear friends, a hike, a visit and some reading time. I did piddle around for a couple hours in the morning until we got ready to head out to Sparta around 12:30 for our lunch date. I also slept in for a change as well.
The day started much later than usual around 7:30 instead of 6 ish which is first in quite sometime. I hadn't slept good the night before so I made up for it which was awesome. I did my morning routines that always start with a cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric as its an anti-inflammatory and also a slice of fresh ginger which has all kinds of medicinal purposes plus I love the taste. I did my quiet time lifting up several by name and giving thanks for my many blessings. All is well with those I mention daily as I've heard nothing to the contrary.
It was such a beautiful morning with a nice breeze we opened up the cabin and let the fresh air in for a change. It was a perfect day for clothes drying in the sunshine and breeze. We love the a/c unit but when its nice out we shut it down. I ate light with oatmeal and some fruit as we were planning on our big meal of the day around 1'ish with Walt and Theia who we have known since the cabin was built. He was our electrician and plumber and we have been close ever since. They are such delightful people but are starting to have some age related health issues. We had a delicious buffet at the Pines Restaurant as their choices were prepared like home cooking. Their fried chicken was exceptional as was the smashed taters and pinto beans and greens, yeow what a feed and I never ate again the rest of the day except around 7'ish with a glass of red vino while finishing up a read.
We sat on the porch after getting back to the cabin with a stop in between with a visit to our mountain mom Helen. She looked great especially after her weekly hair appointment. I mentioned if she would like to join us on Saturday(today) evening for dinner out and she agreed. She lately has not been eating out like she use to or coming over to the cabin for supper. We read until 5:30 when it cooled off even more and took off to the top of the mountain for our hike. It was a beautiful evening with a nice breeze and we saw several on top who were also out an about. We stopped and sat for awhile with the Brownings until the evening shadows began then headed home.
The humidity seemed to have come back in around dark so we closed the cabin up and once again turned on the a/c which quickly cools down the cabin. We watched a little of the Fox Cable News and once again see where the deep state is attempting to over throw this POTUS with news of invoking the 25th amendment. Our POTUS needs to fire all of those leftovers from the Obama administration and start over with personnel who are on board with his agenda. It's down right despicable the news outlets are so biased and really represent those who want to destroy this nation at the expense of destroying our duly elected POTUS.
I tuned into the Ray's baseball on the internet and they were winning 10-3 when I hit the showers and then started a new read before shutting the lights out around 10:30, LATER
The day started much later than usual around 7:30 instead of 6 ish which is first in quite sometime. I hadn't slept good the night before so I made up for it which was awesome. I did my morning routines that always start with a cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric as its an anti-inflammatory and also a slice of fresh ginger which has all kinds of medicinal purposes plus I love the taste. I did my quiet time lifting up several by name and giving thanks for my many blessings. All is well with those I mention daily as I've heard nothing to the contrary.
It was such a beautiful morning with a nice breeze we opened up the cabin and let the fresh air in for a change. It was a perfect day for clothes drying in the sunshine and breeze. We love the a/c unit but when its nice out we shut it down. I ate light with oatmeal and some fruit as we were planning on our big meal of the day around 1'ish with Walt and Theia who we have known since the cabin was built. He was our electrician and plumber and we have been close ever since. They are such delightful people but are starting to have some age related health issues. We had a delicious buffet at the Pines Restaurant as their choices were prepared like home cooking. Their fried chicken was exceptional as was the smashed taters and pinto beans and greens, yeow what a feed and I never ate again the rest of the day except around 7'ish with a glass of red vino while finishing up a read.
We sat on the porch after getting back to the cabin with a stop in between with a visit to our mountain mom Helen. She looked great especially after her weekly hair appointment. I mentioned if she would like to join us on Saturday(today) evening for dinner out and she agreed. She lately has not been eating out like she use to or coming over to the cabin for supper. We read until 5:30 when it cooled off even more and took off to the top of the mountain for our hike. It was a beautiful evening with a nice breeze and we saw several on top who were also out an about. We stopped and sat for awhile with the Brownings until the evening shadows began then headed home.
The humidity seemed to have come back in around dark so we closed the cabin up and once again turned on the a/c which quickly cools down the cabin. We watched a little of the Fox Cable News and once again see where the deep state is attempting to over throw this POTUS with news of invoking the 25th amendment. Our POTUS needs to fire all of those leftovers from the Obama administration and start over with personnel who are on board with his agenda. It's down right despicable the news outlets are so biased and really represent those who want to destroy this nation at the expense of destroying our duly elected POTUS.
I tuned into the Ray's baseball on the internet and they were winning 10-3 when I hit the showers and then started a new read before shutting the lights out around 10:30, LATER
Friday, September 21, 2018
Friday Morning
Well Thursday was a total work day as I did some gardening, yard work and some chain sawing a down tree blocking a back road. It was another warm one as the temps once again were in the 80's with tons of humidity. We're ready for some Fall weather which is coming next week with the highs in the 60's.
I started the day out much the usual except for not sleeping much as I had three glasses of green tea sweetened with steeva while playing and eating at the games on Wednesday afternoon and evening. Those drinks kept me awake for some reason but I did roll out a little before 6 despite not sleeping well. I did my usual routines that start with a cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric and a slice of fresh ginger root while I posted this ramble then did some quiet time with my Creator. All is well with those I lift up daily. I made a couple of fried eggs with some grits, jalapeno pepper and a tomato yeow what a way to get the gastric juices flowing.
I headed out to redig a post hole for my black raspberry bushes and then worked in the upper garden removing the beans bushes. I think I'll not sow beans for a year or more as most of these suffered rust spots which carries over yearly in the ground. I took the bushes and tossed them in the woods. I loosened up the ground with a pitch fork and got it ready for sowing some lettuces, Swiss chard and beets which should give me enough seedlings to take back to Florida in November for my garden there. The garden is loaded with fishing worms which is a good sign but it still was quite compacted.
It was going on noon but Nancy wanted to hike before eating lunch so we took off up the mountain and wow was it ever hot on top. We saw John and Shirley Cottle and she looked some what washed out as she suffered from rheumatoid arthritis and they mentioned they were selling their place as well but by owner as they weren't in a hurry. We came on across and saw Tommy Brown and stopped and chatted a few with him as well. We saw no one at the Brownings so we came down the mountain and had some lunch. I finished up the deer meat loaf which was awesome and then headed out to work up a downed tree blocking the back road. That kept me busy for an hour or so and then I headed into the woods to gather some lighter knot which is used for fire starting. I had made a cache of it the other day while venturing in the woods but some was so big I had to saw them into pieces before carrying them out through the brush.
Well I did set and cool off on the back porch and read for awhile and I must have fallen asleep as Nancy woke me up sometime close to 5. I could smell the spare ribs and sauerkraut cooking in the oven and its one of those meals which literally causes my taste buds to water. I poured a glass of red wine and waited for the taters to boil so she could smash them. That was some fine eatin' if I must say so and we have enough leftover for a lunch. She was on the phone with her sister so I cleaned up the dishes and then we got ready to head up the mountain on the golf cart for a visit with the Brownings. At 7:30 it was starting to get dark whereas a month or so it was 9:30 before it starting getting dark. Winter is coming and we noticed lots of leaves are on the ground and of course the storm caused many of them to fall but we also noticed leaves falling throughout the day.
We hit the showers and I watched the Fox Cable News and read before hitting the sack around 10, I was bushed after not sleeping good the night before plus I finally got in some physical work after doing noting but eating and sitting on Wednesday, LATER
I started the day out much the usual except for not sleeping much as I had three glasses of green tea sweetened with steeva while playing and eating at the games on Wednesday afternoon and evening. Those drinks kept me awake for some reason but I did roll out a little before 6 despite not sleeping well. I did my usual routines that start with a cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric and a slice of fresh ginger root while I posted this ramble then did some quiet time with my Creator. All is well with those I lift up daily. I made a couple of fried eggs with some grits, jalapeno pepper and a tomato yeow what a way to get the gastric juices flowing.
I headed out to redig a post hole for my black raspberry bushes and then worked in the upper garden removing the beans bushes. I think I'll not sow beans for a year or more as most of these suffered rust spots which carries over yearly in the ground. I took the bushes and tossed them in the woods. I loosened up the ground with a pitch fork and got it ready for sowing some lettuces, Swiss chard and beets which should give me enough seedlings to take back to Florida in November for my garden there. The garden is loaded with fishing worms which is a good sign but it still was quite compacted.
It was going on noon but Nancy wanted to hike before eating lunch so we took off up the mountain and wow was it ever hot on top. We saw John and Shirley Cottle and she looked some what washed out as she suffered from rheumatoid arthritis and they mentioned they were selling their place as well but by owner as they weren't in a hurry. We came on across and saw Tommy Brown and stopped and chatted a few with him as well. We saw no one at the Brownings so we came down the mountain and had some lunch. I finished up the deer meat loaf which was awesome and then headed out to work up a downed tree blocking the back road. That kept me busy for an hour or so and then I headed into the woods to gather some lighter knot which is used for fire starting. I had made a cache of it the other day while venturing in the woods but some was so big I had to saw them into pieces before carrying them out through the brush.
Well I did set and cool off on the back porch and read for awhile and I must have fallen asleep as Nancy woke me up sometime close to 5. I could smell the spare ribs and sauerkraut cooking in the oven and its one of those meals which literally causes my taste buds to water. I poured a glass of red wine and waited for the taters to boil so she could smash them. That was some fine eatin' if I must say so and we have enough leftover for a lunch. She was on the phone with her sister so I cleaned up the dishes and then we got ready to head up the mountain on the golf cart for a visit with the Brownings. At 7:30 it was starting to get dark whereas a month or so it was 9:30 before it starting getting dark. Winter is coming and we noticed lots of leaves are on the ground and of course the storm caused many of them to fall but we also noticed leaves falling throughout the day.
We hit the showers and I watched the Fox Cable News and read before hitting the sack around 10, I was bushed after not sleeping good the night before plus I finally got in some physical work after doing noting but eating and sitting on Wednesday, LATER
Thursday, September 20, 2018
Thursday Morning
Well Wednesday was basically a fun day except for a little piddling around outside in the yards and garden before lunch. We never did get in a hike as we had too much to prepare for our afternoon get together with some older friends one of which is a quadriplegic. It's so sad to see him this way and it occurred by a freak accident on the farm.
We started the day much the usual for me with a 6'ish roll out and Nancy sometime close to 8. She is a night owl where I go to bed with the chickens. I did my usual morning routines that always start with my Nutrilite vitamins and supplements washed down with a cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric and a slice of fresh ginger root while I posted this ramble and then some quiet moments with my Creator. I lift up several daily by name for comfort and healing and all seem well except for a beautiful lady here in the mountains who succumbed to pancreatic cancer yesterday. We got to know her through her grand daughter and mom who are such sweet people. She was a Believer and is in a better place without all the pain. All in our family are doing great as Nancy speaks with her mom in Michigan most everyday. We haven't heard from niece Kelly and family how their home fared near Fayetteville N.C. as they evacuated for Florence. We see on the news that area is inundated with water from flooding of the rivers now that the rain has finally stopped.
I ate a light breakfast and headed out to piddle around in the gardens loosening up the rain soaked ground around some of my plants. The new lettuce seedlings were washed out and so were the tomato plants in the back garden but the peppers, kale, Swiss chard and beets held their own despite the soil packed. I then worked in the upper garden loosening that packed soil as well. The black raspberry bushes are sending out runners and starting new vines so I added a couple of new poles for them to grow on for next years crop. They seem to like it there despite not being in full sun. The Zinnias were beat down with the wind and rain and I attempted to straighten them up but several were broken off at the ground as were the marigolds. I think I will be able to save most of the plants as they are starting to stand tall once again. They have such magnificent colors all on one plant and should give me plenty of seeds for next years planting.
We were taking fresh guacamole, salsa and chips for our 2 o'clock meeting at Eddie and Kimberley's place as she brought him home for a day from the nursing facility in King, N.C.. He is just too much for her to handle with her health issues as he is confined to a wheel chair. Ray and Audean came as well and we played the game of Sequence which we played for years with these two couples. Thankfully we were no where near other houses as the game was quite raucous and loud to start with and eventually Rachel and husband Brandon came with their two toddlers. They sat in and played as well. The gals won 6-2 once again which seems to have always been that way but we had a grand time just seeing everyone and interacting like old times. All of us were great friends playing and eating together almost weekly. They love the game as do we but mainly accusing each other of cheating which we are always accused of but we(guys) never win, oh well it was a hoot and the food was delicious. We stayed and played until nearly 7:30 before heading out to Walmart in Galax. Since we were about half way there we decided to restock up on some items which we need for our next get together with friends. Our social schedule is booked until Nov. when we head back to Florida
It was going on 10'ish by the time we got home and unloaded our items. I hit the shower and then checked on the baseball scores and the Ray's swept the Rangers in Texas. We still have a shot as a wild card team but will need some help to make the playoffs. Our bats are booming with some new young players who were not on the team when we started the season and we have the first 20 game winning pitcher in the majors for this year who was a rookie last year. I read until nearly 11 before turning the lights out but I sure missed the hike which tires me out and helps me sleep, LATER
We started the day much the usual for me with a 6'ish roll out and Nancy sometime close to 8. She is a night owl where I go to bed with the chickens. I did my usual morning routines that always start with my Nutrilite vitamins and supplements washed down with a cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric and a slice of fresh ginger root while I posted this ramble and then some quiet moments with my Creator. I lift up several daily by name for comfort and healing and all seem well except for a beautiful lady here in the mountains who succumbed to pancreatic cancer yesterday. We got to know her through her grand daughter and mom who are such sweet people. She was a Believer and is in a better place without all the pain. All in our family are doing great as Nancy speaks with her mom in Michigan most everyday. We haven't heard from niece Kelly and family how their home fared near Fayetteville N.C. as they evacuated for Florence. We see on the news that area is inundated with water from flooding of the rivers now that the rain has finally stopped.
I ate a light breakfast and headed out to piddle around in the gardens loosening up the rain soaked ground around some of my plants. The new lettuce seedlings were washed out and so were the tomato plants in the back garden but the peppers, kale, Swiss chard and beets held their own despite the soil packed. I then worked in the upper garden loosening that packed soil as well. The black raspberry bushes are sending out runners and starting new vines so I added a couple of new poles for them to grow on for next years crop. They seem to like it there despite not being in full sun. The Zinnias were beat down with the wind and rain and I attempted to straighten them up but several were broken off at the ground as were the marigolds. I think I will be able to save most of the plants as they are starting to stand tall once again. They have such magnificent colors all on one plant and should give me plenty of seeds for next years planting.
We were taking fresh guacamole, salsa and chips for our 2 o'clock meeting at Eddie and Kimberley's place as she brought him home for a day from the nursing facility in King, N.C.. He is just too much for her to handle with her health issues as he is confined to a wheel chair. Ray and Audean came as well and we played the game of Sequence which we played for years with these two couples. Thankfully we were no where near other houses as the game was quite raucous and loud to start with and eventually Rachel and husband Brandon came with their two toddlers. They sat in and played as well. The gals won 6-2 once again which seems to have always been that way but we had a grand time just seeing everyone and interacting like old times. All of us were great friends playing and eating together almost weekly. They love the game as do we but mainly accusing each other of cheating which we are always accused of but we(guys) never win, oh well it was a hoot and the food was delicious. We stayed and played until nearly 7:30 before heading out to Walmart in Galax. Since we were about half way there we decided to restock up on some items which we need for our next get together with friends. Our social schedule is booked until Nov. when we head back to Florida
It was going on 10'ish by the time we got home and unloaded our items. I hit the shower and then checked on the baseball scores and the Ray's swept the Rangers in Texas. We still have a shot as a wild card team but will need some help to make the playoffs. Our bats are booming with some new young players who were not on the team when we started the season and we have the first 20 game winning pitcher in the majors for this year who was a rookie last year. I read until nearly 11 before turning the lights out but I sure missed the hike which tires me out and helps me sleep, LATER
Wednesday, September 19, 2018
Wednesday Morning
Well Tuesday after an early morning rain finally cleared off with blue skies and bright sunshine, wow what a beautiful day and no humidity. There was a nice breeze for most of the day and by late afternoon with it being so dry the 70's gave you a chill while sitting on the porch. So we turned the a/c off and opened up the cabin for some refreshing air for a change. The yards finally felt firm under your feet once again as the water continued to dry up.
I started the day much the usual with my routines with a 6'ish roll out to my cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric and a slice of fresh ginger root while I posted this ramble and then spend a few quiet moments with my Creator lifting up several by name. All is well except I lost another friend who was a year ahead of me in school and who grew up in our neck of the woods. He actually rode the bus with me for years until we all got drivers license and occasionally we double dated as we dated sisters. He made a career out of the USAF and retired out in Nevada where he raised a family and passed away with week. Everyone else seems to be doing fine as I write.
The east coast of N.C. is under water with all of this rain rapidly moving from higher ground towards the coast and many communities are under water with roads and bridges washed away and this was a Cat 1 storm, oh well. The fact it was a slow mover which brought unbelievable rain was the difference. We had over 8 inches here on the mountain with most of it during a 24 hour period. We headed into town mid afternoon after a hike to the top of the mountain which was awesome. We chatted up with Billy who was straightening out some washed out ruts but saw no one else. We saw where the parkway was closed with down trees and saw many downed trees along another route which had fallen over the road. One place near a small creek was barricades where the bank had washed away from the water over flowing the road. It was a miracle the road didn't wash away as the field nearby was still under water.
We ran some errands and then stopped at the library for some new reads before heading to the grocery for some sale items before heading back to the cabin. Our road held together pretty well considering and except for some wash out clogging one section of the road which I used Gerald's tractor to scrape away. We sat on the porches and read until supper time and then I grilled a couple of steaks we picked up while in town. The evenings now are getting short with the sun hiding behind the tall trees around the cabin. After supper we settled into the news and once again the corruption in the democrat party is so blatant and obvious of their desire to disrupt this duly elected POTUS agenda and his appointee to the Supreme Court. Such a shame, oh well we will hopefully see a red wave of voters this November and send them packing for good.
We got a call from son Bobby as he drove the kiddos to school and we sang happy birthday to Gabe who turned 8 today, where did that time go. I watched the Ray's on the internet and they were winning when I turned out the lights a little after 10'ish, LATER
I started the day much the usual with my routines with a 6'ish roll out to my cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric and a slice of fresh ginger root while I posted this ramble and then spend a few quiet moments with my Creator lifting up several by name. All is well except I lost another friend who was a year ahead of me in school and who grew up in our neck of the woods. He actually rode the bus with me for years until we all got drivers license and occasionally we double dated as we dated sisters. He made a career out of the USAF and retired out in Nevada where he raised a family and passed away with week. Everyone else seems to be doing fine as I write.
The east coast of N.C. is under water with all of this rain rapidly moving from higher ground towards the coast and many communities are under water with roads and bridges washed away and this was a Cat 1 storm, oh well. The fact it was a slow mover which brought unbelievable rain was the difference. We had over 8 inches here on the mountain with most of it during a 24 hour period. We headed into town mid afternoon after a hike to the top of the mountain which was awesome. We chatted up with Billy who was straightening out some washed out ruts but saw no one else. We saw where the parkway was closed with down trees and saw many downed trees along another route which had fallen over the road. One place near a small creek was barricades where the bank had washed away from the water over flowing the road. It was a miracle the road didn't wash away as the field nearby was still under water.
We ran some errands and then stopped at the library for some new reads before heading to the grocery for some sale items before heading back to the cabin. Our road held together pretty well considering and except for some wash out clogging one section of the road which I used Gerald's tractor to scrape away. We sat on the porches and read until supper time and then I grilled a couple of steaks we picked up while in town. The evenings now are getting short with the sun hiding behind the tall trees around the cabin. After supper we settled into the news and once again the corruption in the democrat party is so blatant and obvious of their desire to disrupt this duly elected POTUS agenda and his appointee to the Supreme Court. Such a shame, oh well we will hopefully see a red wave of voters this November and send them packing for good.
We got a call from son Bobby as he drove the kiddos to school and we sang happy birthday to Gabe who turned 8 today, where did that time go. I watched the Ray's on the internet and they were winning when I turned out the lights a little after 10'ish, LATER
Tuesday, September 18, 2018
Tuesday Morning post Florence
Well the big storm finally moved on but not its remnants as it's once again raining this morning and again last night. We need to dry out as the yards are squishy and soggy. The gardens are probably through this growing seasons and whats in the ground will soon rot if this rain doesn't quit soon and some sunshine starts to dry up the ground. There was a break in the rain during the afternoon so I did use Gerald's tractor and scrapped some of the washed out driveways that left a foot or more of dirt and gravel in the main road. Our driveway stayed almost perfect and its because I've added a drain ditch on both sides and a couple of cut across ruts to help move the water off of the main road.
I started the day much the usual with a 6'ish roll out to my routines which include posting this ramble while I had my cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric and fresh ginger and then a few quiet moments with my Creator lifting up several by name. All seem to be well except many of our friends and family on the eastern shore who are inundated with water and trying to cope with the effects of this storm. Our issues are very minor compared to their issues and we hope pray they can soon restore some semblance of their usual routines that start with drying out.
We didn't do a whole lot as the rain kept us in once again during the morning but by lunch time we saw the sun occasionally and decided to chance a trip to the mailbox in the golf cart. We were so surprised at how well our driveway held up with no ruts but several of the other drives did not fare so well, especially the Rich Hill Mountain road which is the road that runs parallel to our drive but continues on up to the top. The road is not maintained except folks who have cabins on it and it washed out with huge ruts and all of the run off with rocks, gravel and dirt covered our road with a foot or more of debris. Neighbor George 's drive washed as well and we handled that runoff with rakes leveling out the road.
We came back around 4'ish and settled into the news and then read until supper was ready. We never got into a hike today as the evening shadows quickly fell after supper. I finished another book and then tuned into the Ray's game on the internet and they beat the Rangers in Texas. They still have hope to make the post season but we will need some help from some other teams for a wild card slot. Let's hope the A's go on a losing streak and we continue to win. Well it wasn't long after a hot shower I started another read until a little after 10 then it was lights out for me, LATER
I want to wish my youngest grandson Gabriel a Happy Birthday as he turns 8 today and is becoming quite the baseball player.
I started the day much the usual with a 6'ish roll out to my routines which include posting this ramble while I had my cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric and fresh ginger and then a few quiet moments with my Creator lifting up several by name. All seem to be well except many of our friends and family on the eastern shore who are inundated with water and trying to cope with the effects of this storm. Our issues are very minor compared to their issues and we hope pray they can soon restore some semblance of their usual routines that start with drying out.
We didn't do a whole lot as the rain kept us in once again during the morning but by lunch time we saw the sun occasionally and decided to chance a trip to the mailbox in the golf cart. We were so surprised at how well our driveway held up with no ruts but several of the other drives did not fare so well, especially the Rich Hill Mountain road which is the road that runs parallel to our drive but continues on up to the top. The road is not maintained except folks who have cabins on it and it washed out with huge ruts and all of the run off with rocks, gravel and dirt covered our road with a foot or more of debris. Neighbor George 's drive washed as well and we handled that runoff with rakes leveling out the road.
We came back around 4'ish and settled into the news and then read until supper was ready. We never got into a hike today as the evening shadows quickly fell after supper. I finished another book and then tuned into the Ray's game on the internet and they beat the Rangers in Texas. They still have hope to make the post season but we will need some help from some other teams for a wild card slot. Let's hope the A's go on a losing streak and we continue to win. Well it wasn't long after a hot shower I started another read until a little after 10 then it was lights out for me, LATER
I want to wish my youngest grandson Gabriel a Happy Birthday as he turns 8 today and is becoming quite the baseball player.
Monday, September 17, 2018
Monday rain soaked morning
Well Sunday was a total wash out with heavy down pours through out the day and night and on top of that with really no wind to speak of we lost power twice during the evening hours. I can't imagine the tree damage if we had any winds at all because the ground is saturated and the trees are so susceptible to falling. We know of at least two somewhere that took out a power line and of course several were down throughout the county. I must say with the number of folks without power for a couple of hours was nothing compared to what the east coast suffered for hours.
I have no idea how much rain we got but it was more than I've ever seen at one time as this slow mover storm dropped tons here in the mountains. We don't have to worry about being flooded because we are near the top but the water run off maybe a serious problem come morning when I check the road and driveway. We have a couple cabins in our road right on a small creek and several driveways must cross small trickles of water that drain the whole top of the mountain which quickly turns into roaring rivers. It's still raining ever so lightly and its very dark yet. As soon as it gets light enough I'll take the golf cart and check on neighbors and the road; thankfully neighbor Gerald gave me the use of his tractor if I need it to scrape the road and to remove any down trees if need me. Hopefully all is well except for a few ruts which can easily be scraped and smoothed out with the box blade on the tractor.
We did great for the first part of the day until the storm started dropping heavy rain which lasted for hours. We did have a few wind gusts which didn't last long and nothing fell as far as we could tell around the cabin but around 7:30 the lights went out for the first time. Luckily we had eaten and Nancy had just showered when things went dark. There was just enough light to see around the cabin to gather up candles and some flash lights and a LED lantern. We sat and read for the next two hours using these means of seeing. We had the cell phone and called in the outage and they said we should have power by 11. It was just after 9:30 when the lights came on which was great. I jumped in the shower and then watched some of the weather channel which was still focused on the east coast which their flooding and heavy rains. This storm was so large and such a slow moving one. We did get a local channel in Charlotte which put the storm right over our county as it slowly headed north into Va. and towards W.Va. dropping unbelievable amounts of water.
I headed in for some horizontal lab after resetting all of the clocks around 10'ish and then Nancy came to bed sometime later saying the power was out once again. Around 3'ish I awakened and noticed several lights were on in the cabin and the power has been on since. The rain is still falling albeit ever so lightly as we hear if on the tin roof. I think remnants of the storm is still here unfortunately and its supposed to influence the weather today. It's back to raining hard once again as I write so it may be a while before I can get out to check on the neighbors and the road conditions but at least we have power and ever thing else we need to function for a couple of more days, LATER
I have no idea how much rain we got but it was more than I've ever seen at one time as this slow mover storm dropped tons here in the mountains. We don't have to worry about being flooded because we are near the top but the water run off maybe a serious problem come morning when I check the road and driveway. We have a couple cabins in our road right on a small creek and several driveways must cross small trickles of water that drain the whole top of the mountain which quickly turns into roaring rivers. It's still raining ever so lightly and its very dark yet. As soon as it gets light enough I'll take the golf cart and check on neighbors and the road; thankfully neighbor Gerald gave me the use of his tractor if I need it to scrape the road and to remove any down trees if need me. Hopefully all is well except for a few ruts which can easily be scraped and smoothed out with the box blade on the tractor.
We did great for the first part of the day until the storm started dropping heavy rain which lasted for hours. We did have a few wind gusts which didn't last long and nothing fell as far as we could tell around the cabin but around 7:30 the lights went out for the first time. Luckily we had eaten and Nancy had just showered when things went dark. There was just enough light to see around the cabin to gather up candles and some flash lights and a LED lantern. We sat and read for the next two hours using these means of seeing. We had the cell phone and called in the outage and they said we should have power by 11. It was just after 9:30 when the lights came on which was great. I jumped in the shower and then watched some of the weather channel which was still focused on the east coast which their flooding and heavy rains. This storm was so large and such a slow moving one. We did get a local channel in Charlotte which put the storm right over our county as it slowly headed north into Va. and towards W.Va. dropping unbelievable amounts of water.
I headed in for some horizontal lab after resetting all of the clocks around 10'ish and then Nancy came to bed sometime later saying the power was out once again. Around 3'ish I awakened and noticed several lights were on in the cabin and the power has been on since. The rain is still falling albeit ever so lightly as we hear if on the tin roof. I think remnants of the storm is still here unfortunately and its supposed to influence the weather today. It's back to raining hard once again as I write so it may be a while before I can get out to check on the neighbors and the road conditions but at least we have power and ever thing else we need to function for a couple of more days, LATER
Sunday, September 16, 2018
Sunday Morning..some light wind and rain this morning
Well Saturday was basically a wait and see if Florence was going to inundate the area. We saw a couple light showers but mainly it was cloudy but still rather warm. There wasn't much we could do except make sure we had plenty of water for drinking incase we lost power from a downed tree but thus far its been rather calm however this morning we are getting a steady light rain and some wind but nothing that should blow down any trees.
Most everything in Sparta cancelled last evening around 6'ish and the high Sheriff put out a message that all churches should cancel services this morning due to the rain and wind and for folks to stay home and off the roads. The less chance for a tree falling or flooding waters to cause havoc to motorists. We didn't do much except read, watch the tube and eat but I snuck in a quick hike alone to the top of the back trail in the morning and then down the side road and around 3'ish again with Nancy. We hiked down the drive and up the side road and then down our back trail. We never did go on top of the mountain as it did look like rain at any second but we went all evening with out any real rain.
I watched some college football until supper and then the Ray's on the internet afterwards. Nancy made a delicious pot of tortilla soup for supper. Amy was on the phone several times as they found out their a/c unit was shot and not worth repairing so they are staying at our Seminole place for the next several days. It seems all the rain they have been getting has caused the pesky ants to refuge in the house. Now Nancy is on the war path about them so it looks as if we will be getting a bug man, oh well. That's about all the news except for this slow moving storm which just needs to get out of here. I'm so surprised it such a slow mover and we are forecasted from anywhere from 6 to 12 inches of rain over the next day or so.
We will watch our Florida church service at Bridgepoint this morning then stay in once again as the rain is constant this morning. Hopefully we won't lose any power and thus able to watch TV and connect on the internet as well as make contact with the rest of the world, LATER
Most everything in Sparta cancelled last evening around 6'ish and the high Sheriff put out a message that all churches should cancel services this morning due to the rain and wind and for folks to stay home and off the roads. The less chance for a tree falling or flooding waters to cause havoc to motorists. We didn't do much except read, watch the tube and eat but I snuck in a quick hike alone to the top of the back trail in the morning and then down the side road and around 3'ish again with Nancy. We hiked down the drive and up the side road and then down our back trail. We never did go on top of the mountain as it did look like rain at any second but we went all evening with out any real rain.
I watched some college football until supper and then the Ray's on the internet afterwards. Nancy made a delicious pot of tortilla soup for supper. Amy was on the phone several times as they found out their a/c unit was shot and not worth repairing so they are staying at our Seminole place for the next several days. It seems all the rain they have been getting has caused the pesky ants to refuge in the house. Now Nancy is on the war path about them so it looks as if we will be getting a bug man, oh well. That's about all the news except for this slow moving storm which just needs to get out of here. I'm so surprised it such a slow mover and we are forecasted from anywhere from 6 to 12 inches of rain over the next day or so.
We will watch our Florida church service at Bridgepoint this morning then stay in once again as the rain is constant this morning. Hopefully we won't lose any power and thus able to watch TV and connect on the internet as well as make contact with the rest of the world, LATER
Saturday, September 15, 2018
Saturday Morning..Florence is slowly moving westward and our way
Well Friday was basically a piddle day and keeping an eye on what one time was a major hurricane but thankfully it down graded rapidly as it approached the shores of the Carolinas to just a Cat 1 storm. The pictures still show lots of wind damage and flooding with lots of rescues and thousands with out electricity. It's a slow moving storm which is causing lots of flooding and its heading south of us and westward but we will get tons of rain for the next couple of days. We have noticed a lot more wind and a few stray showers with overcast skies by late afternoon and evening.
I started the day much the usual with a before 6 roll out while Nancy slept in. I did my routines that start with a cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric and fresh ginger while I post this ramble and then honored my Creator with some quiet moments giving thanks and lifting up several by name especially those in harms way of this storm. All those we know in the area are doing O.K. or was the last we heard. Some never loss power during the storm. The danger now is all of the rain and high tides which will keep the water in land for days in this low lying area and because its such a slow moving storm the rain totals will be very high.
I piddled around in the gardens and yards doing little jobs and basically weeded the back yards flower beds for a couple hours until it was time for a noon day hike to the top of the mountain. When we got on top the wind was immediately noticeable. It was a pleasant hike across the top and we saw Billy and then stopped at the Brownings for a few and visited with Jetta and their newest airbnb person who left the Wilmington area for higher ground. He was quite friendly and personable and is planning on being at the Brownings place for two weeks or even longer depending on the cleanup and recovery on the barrier island where he lives. He is a widower and a Believer so we invited him to our church while he is here.
I did some reading after a late lunch and was on the internet with family and friends through out the day. Neighbor Gerald came by for some ordurves and a glass of the fruit of the vine around 5'ish and visited awhile as he gets ready to head back to Blacksburg later this morning(Sat). We are set to encounter this storm as I have his tractor to use if need be which is a plus for any heavy work and road grading. We settled in after supper as we got an occasional light rain shower. I watched the Ray's lose in the 10th to the Athletic's in St.Pete 2-1, this team is between us and the play off's. It wasn't long until it was shower time and then some reading before lights out around 10:30, LATER
I started the day much the usual with a before 6 roll out while Nancy slept in. I did my routines that start with a cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric and fresh ginger while I post this ramble and then honored my Creator with some quiet moments giving thanks and lifting up several by name especially those in harms way of this storm. All those we know in the area are doing O.K. or was the last we heard. Some never loss power during the storm. The danger now is all of the rain and high tides which will keep the water in land for days in this low lying area and because its such a slow moving storm the rain totals will be very high.
I piddled around in the gardens and yards doing little jobs and basically weeded the back yards flower beds for a couple hours until it was time for a noon day hike to the top of the mountain. When we got on top the wind was immediately noticeable. It was a pleasant hike across the top and we saw Billy and then stopped at the Brownings for a few and visited with Jetta and their newest airbnb person who left the Wilmington area for higher ground. He was quite friendly and personable and is planning on being at the Brownings place for two weeks or even longer depending on the cleanup and recovery on the barrier island where he lives. He is a widower and a Believer so we invited him to our church while he is here.
I did some reading after a late lunch and was on the internet with family and friends through out the day. Neighbor Gerald came by for some ordurves and a glass of the fruit of the vine around 5'ish and visited awhile as he gets ready to head back to Blacksburg later this morning(Sat). We are set to encounter this storm as I have his tractor to use if need be which is a plus for any heavy work and road grading. We settled in after supper as we got an occasional light rain shower. I watched the Ray's lose in the 10th to the Athletic's in St.Pete 2-1, this team is between us and the play off's. It wasn't long until it was shower time and then some reading before lights out around 10:30, LATER
Friday, September 14, 2018
Friday Morning..Florence has come ashore in N.C.
Well Thursday was a work day after a foggy start and a light rain just around day break. It eventually cleared off with blue skies, bright sunshine and once again up into the 80's. Wow that a/c has really helped with the heat and humidity. I worked outside all day and have the place looking good for another week. I think the grass will soon be starting to slow down its growth as Fall approaches but you wouldn't know it today as the high pressure is helping to steer Florence away from us here in the mountains. It has really helped with the upper winds shearing off some of that energy and keeping this huge storm from becoming a giant killer but she will still bring some rain which we all can handle up to a point.
I started the day much the usual with a 6'ish rollout to my routines which include hot green tea laced with turmeric and a slice of fresh ginger root while I post this ramble and spend some quiet moments with my Creator in humble prayer and thanksgiving and then lifting up several by name for comfort and healing. One special lady friend passed onto a better place just yesterday morning as she had battled cancer for a couple years. She was a true Believer and such a great talented lady. She will be missed greatly especially at church in Seminole. Everyone else seems to be doing as well as can be expected. Our "mountain mom" is fully recovered from her bout and is back to being spry at 90+ as she chauffeured her brother around yesterday who is a year older.
Neighbor Gerald came up from Blacksburg to spend a couple days as he wanted to finish one of his deer stands. We spent a couple hours together catching up and once again showed me the working on his tractor in case I need to use it for any reason but mainly any issues from the storm; such as tree removal and or road work from the expected rain. We had a good visit just before supper in the heat of the afternoon. I managed to mow all the yards and stack some wood for neighbor Joe who is doing so much better now that the wood splinters have been removed from his hand. He showed them to us and they were rather large pieces and makes us wonder how 5 doctors ever missed them which caused him a lot of trouble with doctor appointments and then taking all of those antibiotics for weeks.
We got in a good hike just before lunch and the high heat of the afternoon. We saw several large deer along the way. I piddled around in the woods while waiting for the grass to dry, cutting out some brush along our boundary line while looking for some lighter knot as a fire starter for Joe and Helen. He will burn wood this winter for heat and she just loves to burn all of her tree trimmings down by her lake. With all this rain coming it will be awhile before it dries out enough to burn anything, oh well. I piddled around in the garden loosening the compacted earth and then pulled grasses again as this wet soil makes for getting the roots out.
I grilled some brats and sweet onions for summer and along with leftover runner beans and taters we feasted once again. Today Friday we will check on our friends along the coast of the Carolinas's and keep an eye on Florence. I did manage to get in some read time before a hot shower and then some horizontal lab, LATER
I started the day much the usual with a 6'ish rollout to my routines which include hot green tea laced with turmeric and a slice of fresh ginger root while I post this ramble and spend some quiet moments with my Creator in humble prayer and thanksgiving and then lifting up several by name for comfort and healing. One special lady friend passed onto a better place just yesterday morning as she had battled cancer for a couple years. She was a true Believer and such a great talented lady. She will be missed greatly especially at church in Seminole. Everyone else seems to be doing as well as can be expected. Our "mountain mom" is fully recovered from her bout and is back to being spry at 90+ as she chauffeured her brother around yesterday who is a year older.
Neighbor Gerald came up from Blacksburg to spend a couple days as he wanted to finish one of his deer stands. We spent a couple hours together catching up and once again showed me the working on his tractor in case I need to use it for any reason but mainly any issues from the storm; such as tree removal and or road work from the expected rain. We had a good visit just before supper in the heat of the afternoon. I managed to mow all the yards and stack some wood for neighbor Joe who is doing so much better now that the wood splinters have been removed from his hand. He showed them to us and they were rather large pieces and makes us wonder how 5 doctors ever missed them which caused him a lot of trouble with doctor appointments and then taking all of those antibiotics for weeks.
We got in a good hike just before lunch and the high heat of the afternoon. We saw several large deer along the way. I piddled around in the woods while waiting for the grass to dry, cutting out some brush along our boundary line while looking for some lighter knot as a fire starter for Joe and Helen. He will burn wood this winter for heat and she just loves to burn all of her tree trimmings down by her lake. With all this rain coming it will be awhile before it dries out enough to burn anything, oh well. I piddled around in the garden loosening the compacted earth and then pulled grasses again as this wet soil makes for getting the roots out.
I grilled some brats and sweet onions for summer and along with leftover runner beans and taters we feasted once again. Today Friday we will check on our friends along the coast of the Carolinas's and keep an eye on Florence. I did manage to get in some read time before a hot shower and then some horizontal lab, LATER
Thursday, September 13, 2018
Thursday Morning
Well Wednesday was another fog day until the mid morning when it suddenly disappeared and we got some much needed sunshine to dry out the gardens and yards and to help with firming up the roots systems on trees surrounding the cabin. With so much rain the past week or so and now with this storm approaching supposedly bringing lots of rain and wind the roots of the trees will be subjected to being blown down or over. Hopefully that doesn't occur.
I started the day much the usual with a before 6 roll out to my usual routines that start with the cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric and fresh ginger while I post this ramble then spend a few quiet moments with my Creator in thanksgiving and lifting up several by name for comfort and healing. I haven't heard anything to the contrary about those I lift up daily by name except one dear friend who is suffering from terminal cancer and is on palliative care at home. All of the others are holding their own as we speak.
I headed out to check on the gardens and yards after a light breakfast of oatmeal. The weeds in the flower beds have just gone crazy with this rain but the wet soil makes for easy pulling the roots out so I spent a couple hours pulling grass and weeds from the back yard beds. The rain really beat down my new lettuce seedlings and the slugs got to several of my recently transplanted seedlings in pots and ate them off at ground level. I noticed they were eaten off and sure enough below the pots were the nasty critters. I quickly dispatched them with my shoe. The zinnias and marigolds are nearly chest high in the circle drive flower bed and they have really filled out with heads of many different colors.
We took off on a hike to the top of the mountain and stopped briefly to say hi to Joe who is on the mend from hand surgery. Seems they found two pieces of stick in the hand when he fell several weeks ago while picking wild berries. He has been on antibiotics several times but the hand would not heal. Five different doctors looked at the hand but failed to notice the sticks in his hand, oh well. Hopefully he will get better and the hand will heal.
Nancy made a delicious venison chili for our supper and wow was it ever tasty as neighbor Gerald blessed us with several packs from last years kill. The sunshine really warmed things up outside and I noticed the grass is once again in need of mowing. I did lime the backwoods yards again while the fog was heavy which helped to get it into the ground and hopefully kill the moss. I took off after supper to the Roaring Gap Club for two hours of pickle ball. Wow what a workout and I left with a soaked shirt once again. I checked the ball scores and the Ray's won again and we are hoping they make a wild card spot for the playoffs.
Well we have been keeping and eye on this storm Florence which is large and packing tremendous winds and rain. The track looks like it will just bring some rain and reasonable winds our way but that could change from what I saw yesterday. It wobbled to the south and looks like it will strike S. Carolina and possible Georgia more than the state of N. Carolina. Anyhow it looks to be a weekend spoiler to say the least. We are keeping our place open for some family if they want to come who are down near the Wilmington area which is where the storm is supposed to make landfall today, LATER
I started the day much the usual with a before 6 roll out to my usual routines that start with the cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric and fresh ginger while I post this ramble then spend a few quiet moments with my Creator in thanksgiving and lifting up several by name for comfort and healing. I haven't heard anything to the contrary about those I lift up daily by name except one dear friend who is suffering from terminal cancer and is on palliative care at home. All of the others are holding their own as we speak.
I headed out to check on the gardens and yards after a light breakfast of oatmeal. The weeds in the flower beds have just gone crazy with this rain but the wet soil makes for easy pulling the roots out so I spent a couple hours pulling grass and weeds from the back yard beds. The rain really beat down my new lettuce seedlings and the slugs got to several of my recently transplanted seedlings in pots and ate them off at ground level. I noticed they were eaten off and sure enough below the pots were the nasty critters. I quickly dispatched them with my shoe. The zinnias and marigolds are nearly chest high in the circle drive flower bed and they have really filled out with heads of many different colors.
We took off on a hike to the top of the mountain and stopped briefly to say hi to Joe who is on the mend from hand surgery. Seems they found two pieces of stick in the hand when he fell several weeks ago while picking wild berries. He has been on antibiotics several times but the hand would not heal. Five different doctors looked at the hand but failed to notice the sticks in his hand, oh well. Hopefully he will get better and the hand will heal.
Nancy made a delicious venison chili for our supper and wow was it ever tasty as neighbor Gerald blessed us with several packs from last years kill. The sunshine really warmed things up outside and I noticed the grass is once again in need of mowing. I did lime the backwoods yards again while the fog was heavy which helped to get it into the ground and hopefully kill the moss. I took off after supper to the Roaring Gap Club for two hours of pickle ball. Wow what a workout and I left with a soaked shirt once again. I checked the ball scores and the Ray's won again and we are hoping they make a wild card spot for the playoffs.
Well we have been keeping and eye on this storm Florence which is large and packing tremendous winds and rain. The track looks like it will just bring some rain and reasonable winds our way but that could change from what I saw yesterday. It wobbled to the south and looks like it will strike S. Carolina and possible Georgia more than the state of N. Carolina. Anyhow it looks to be a weekend spoiler to say the least. We are keeping our place open for some family if they want to come who are down near the Wilmington area which is where the storm is supposed to make landfall today, LATER
Wednesday, September 12, 2018
Wednesday Morning
Well Tuesday found us doing just about nothing for a change when it comes to outside work. We were planning on doing some last minute shopping in Galax at the super Walmart after meeting up with the Tracy's for a late lunch/early supper but she cancelled due to a bad cold she had caught probably from their last guests; one of which wasn't feeling good when they visited last week. We decided to leave earlier than planned to run some errands and get a hair cut for me.
I started the day much the usual with a before 6'ish roll out to my usual routines that start with the cup of green tea laced with turmeric and fresh ginger while I posted this ramble them took some quiet moments to honor my Creator and lift up several by name for comfort and healing. All is well except for a few who are really in need of some divine healing which is possible from the great healer, Christ himself. I'm a firm Believer in his healing power if one is a firm Believer in Him.
We had a large semi-mountain breakfast with eggs and grits and I added a left over cake to mine with homemade apple butter from the Cather's Family in Winchester, yeow and I wished now I had gotten more than I asked for, its that good. Next year I'm asking for a gallon if its available. We made a trash stop, a bank stop and the a barber stop before reaching Walmart where the place was packed with folks storing up for this hurricane which is heading to the Carolinas. I doubt if we will get much of the high winds but are slated for a heavy rain maker which we can handle. The coast is in for the brutal onslaught of a Cat 4-5 storm and evacuations are mandatory. We have some relatives in the area and invited them to come here during the storm but so far they have said they are riding it out.
We stocked up them started looking for some batteries for our LED lantern just in case the winds do take out a tree and our electricity. I have plenty of propane for cooking and plenty of drinking water and access to a small creek if need be for bath water, etc. Hopefully it won't be as bad as Hugo which went through the area in '89 and caused havoc. Most of the timber used for lumber to build my cabin was as a result of that storm which was built in '93. Well we finally saw the sun for the first time in several days in the late afternoon. Oh what a joy that was as the fog and overcast skies are good for a day but after 3 to 4 days they become a downer. Hopefully today Wednesday it will stay nice as I'm playing pickle ball in the evening hours.
Nancy prepared out first bunch of half runner beans with ham base and then some new tater's, yeow what a delicious meal after skipping lunch. We tuned into the local news and then the Fox Cable News regarding this storm. FEMA is ready with help for after the storm and this administration is preparing ahead of time. Kudos to this POTUS for taking action early as well as making great trade deals with Mexico and now with Canada. We have a true leader looking out for this nation and are kicking out the PLO headquarters in D.C which should have done ages ago. They are nothing but a terrorist group who constantly fight Israel and chant death to America along with Iran. Good riddance in my book.
Well I tuned into the Ray's game and they were on a winning streak but lost last night to Cleveland at home. We still have a long shot at the playoffs with no name players as the season is drawing to a close. Lets keep those folks in the Carolina's and Virginia in our thoughts and prayers as this storm passes through. The west coast of the nation especially California could use some of this rain to put out wild fires whereas we will have more than we know what to do with, LATER
I started the day much the usual with a before 6'ish roll out to my usual routines that start with the cup of green tea laced with turmeric and fresh ginger while I posted this ramble them took some quiet moments to honor my Creator and lift up several by name for comfort and healing. All is well except for a few who are really in need of some divine healing which is possible from the great healer, Christ himself. I'm a firm Believer in his healing power if one is a firm Believer in Him.
We had a large semi-mountain breakfast with eggs and grits and I added a left over cake to mine with homemade apple butter from the Cather's Family in Winchester, yeow and I wished now I had gotten more than I asked for, its that good. Next year I'm asking for a gallon if its available. We made a trash stop, a bank stop and the a barber stop before reaching Walmart where the place was packed with folks storing up for this hurricane which is heading to the Carolinas. I doubt if we will get much of the high winds but are slated for a heavy rain maker which we can handle. The coast is in for the brutal onslaught of a Cat 4-5 storm and evacuations are mandatory. We have some relatives in the area and invited them to come here during the storm but so far they have said they are riding it out.
We stocked up them started looking for some batteries for our LED lantern just in case the winds do take out a tree and our electricity. I have plenty of propane for cooking and plenty of drinking water and access to a small creek if need be for bath water, etc. Hopefully it won't be as bad as Hugo which went through the area in '89 and caused havoc. Most of the timber used for lumber to build my cabin was as a result of that storm which was built in '93. Well we finally saw the sun for the first time in several days in the late afternoon. Oh what a joy that was as the fog and overcast skies are good for a day but after 3 to 4 days they become a downer. Hopefully today Wednesday it will stay nice as I'm playing pickle ball in the evening hours.
Nancy prepared out first bunch of half runner beans with ham base and then some new tater's, yeow what a delicious meal after skipping lunch. We tuned into the local news and then the Fox Cable News regarding this storm. FEMA is ready with help for after the storm and this administration is preparing ahead of time. Kudos to this POTUS for taking action early as well as making great trade deals with Mexico and now with Canada. We have a true leader looking out for this nation and are kicking out the PLO headquarters in D.C which should have done ages ago. They are nothing but a terrorist group who constantly fight Israel and chant death to America along with Iran. Good riddance in my book.
Well I tuned into the Ray's game and they were on a winning streak but lost last night to Cleveland at home. We still have a long shot at the playoffs with no name players as the season is drawing to a close. Lets keep those folks in the Carolina's and Virginia in our thoughts and prayers as this storm passes through. The west coast of the nation especially California could use some of this rain to put out wild fires whereas we will have more than we know what to do with, LATER
Tuesday, September 11, 2018
Tuesday Morning
Well Monday was another total foggy day will nary a look at the sun, but the rain held off until sometime during the night when the sound of it on the tin roof awakened me. I did get in some work outside despite the wetness and we got in a hike just before lunch to the top of the mountain. At times we were barely visible from just a few feet away and other times we could see brightness which make us think the sun would break through but it never did and by evening darkness came early with the fog, oh well. There is a chance we could get more rain later in the week from this hurricane coming towards the Carolinas.
I started the day much the usual with a before 6 ish roll out to my routines that start with a cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric and ginger while I spent some quiet moments with my Creator in thanksgiving and lifting up several by name. I did get a hold of Paw Paw finally who is staying with Pat in W.Va. and while he is having some prostrate issues he sounded good on the phone. All of the rest we daily pray for seem to be holding their own. We just learned a dear friend is suffering from bone cancer and is in need of prayer. Pray for Skip if you get the chance.
I managed to get the driveway in shape once again after the past couple days of hard down pours which caused some ruts then I headed out the road to trim over hanging limbs while standing in the back of the golf cart. I then sawed some branches off of the trees in the surrounding yards and while sawing one high branch I got some saw dust in my eye and it bothered me all evening and then again this morning. I may have scratched the eye ball trying to get the speck out as the eye is watering this morning. It didn't seem to bother me during the night but this morning its a problem once again, oh well.
Well Nancy pan fried a couple rib eye steaks we had frozen a couple weeks ago and they were so delicious prepared that way instead of grilling and along with the leftover squash casserole our supper was complete. I read for a couple hours until the eye began to bother me then decided to watch a little TV for a change until it was shower time around 10'ish, LATER
I started the day much the usual with a before 6 ish roll out to my routines that start with a cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric and ginger while I spent some quiet moments with my Creator in thanksgiving and lifting up several by name. I did get a hold of Paw Paw finally who is staying with Pat in W.Va. and while he is having some prostrate issues he sounded good on the phone. All of the rest we daily pray for seem to be holding their own. We just learned a dear friend is suffering from bone cancer and is in need of prayer. Pray for Skip if you get the chance.
I managed to get the driveway in shape once again after the past couple days of hard down pours which caused some ruts then I headed out the road to trim over hanging limbs while standing in the back of the golf cart. I then sawed some branches off of the trees in the surrounding yards and while sawing one high branch I got some saw dust in my eye and it bothered me all evening and then again this morning. I may have scratched the eye ball trying to get the speck out as the eye is watering this morning. It didn't seem to bother me during the night but this morning its a problem once again, oh well.
Well Nancy pan fried a couple rib eye steaks we had frozen a couple weeks ago and they were so delicious prepared that way instead of grilling and along with the leftover squash casserole our supper was complete. I read for a couple hours until the eye began to bother me then decided to watch a little TV for a change until it was shower time around 10'ish, LATER
Monday, September 10, 2018
Monday Morning
Well Sunday found us socked in with fog and rain throughout the day and at times you could not see off the porches. We did get out early in the morning for church in Sparta and for lunch at an authentic Mexican eatery afterwards before heading back to the cabin where we stayed inside the rest of the day. Rain once again awakened me during the night with tremendous down pours and I'm anxious about the possible wash out on the driveway.
The day started much the usual with a 6'ish roll out to my usual routines of hot green tea, quiet time and the posting of this ramble before listening to our home church in Florida on line and then heading to Sparta for worship at Cornerstone. We met up with Mechelle and her daughter Kallie and beau Juan along with Gerald and Kay her folks and Patrick for lunch. Kathryn was under the weather so she stayed home. I loved the food and it was very authentic with an delicious hot salsa but Nancy was not thrilled with her selection, oh well.
We headed over to Walgreens afterwards to pick up a script for Nancy then headed home. It was really foggy on the mountain and we could hear the drizzle on the tin roof all evening and thank goodness there was some sports on the tube as I vegetated for a change on the couch watching baseball, tennis, football and UFC fighting. I ventured out on the porch a couple times but that was as far as I got. I was hoping to get in a hike but it was just to wet and soupy and the visibility was next to none. Thankfully this morning the fog is gone but the clouds are still present and its looking like another wet day as I make this post; but its early yet.
That was about it for the day, the worship both here at the cabin and again in Sparta was awesome and the lunch with friends was great as well. We skipped supper except for Nancy having a salad and I popped a bowl of corn the old fashion way which is always delicious. Both of our favorite teams won in Florida with the Ray's sweeping the Orioles and Bucs won in New Orleans, wow and they both were on the tube here at the cabin. We usually never get either one but yesterday was a first, LATER
The day started much the usual with a 6'ish roll out to my usual routines of hot green tea, quiet time and the posting of this ramble before listening to our home church in Florida on line and then heading to Sparta for worship at Cornerstone. We met up with Mechelle and her daughter Kallie and beau Juan along with Gerald and Kay her folks and Patrick for lunch. Kathryn was under the weather so she stayed home. I loved the food and it was very authentic with an delicious hot salsa but Nancy was not thrilled with her selection, oh well.
We headed over to Walgreens afterwards to pick up a script for Nancy then headed home. It was really foggy on the mountain and we could hear the drizzle on the tin roof all evening and thank goodness there was some sports on the tube as I vegetated for a change on the couch watching baseball, tennis, football and UFC fighting. I ventured out on the porch a couple times but that was as far as I got. I was hoping to get in a hike but it was just to wet and soupy and the visibility was next to none. Thankfully this morning the fog is gone but the clouds are still present and its looking like another wet day as I make this post; but its early yet.
That was about it for the day, the worship both here at the cabin and again in Sparta was awesome and the lunch with friends was great as well. We skipped supper except for Nancy having a salad and I popped a bowl of corn the old fashion way which is always delicious. Both of our favorite teams won in Florida with the Ray's sweeping the Orioles and Bucs won in New Orleans, wow and they both were on the tube here at the cabin. We usually never get either one but yesterday was a first, LATER
Sunday, September 9, 2018
Sunday Morning
Well Saturday was another work day until 5'ish when we took off to the Luffman Farm for supper with some corn toss games before and after eating and then the best of 3 games in Sequence. We finally got some much needed rain around 8'ish and on the way home it poured buckets and then again after I hit the sack around 10, yikes it was a major storm with lightning and gully washer storm. There is a chance we may get some of the newest hurricane out in the Atlantic which is forecasted to inundate the Carolinas this next week.
I started the day much the usual with a 6'ish rollout to my morning routines that start with a cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric and ginger while I posted this ramble and then some quiet time with my Creator lifting up several by name. I added a new name who is going through some major issues from what a breast implant may have started years ago. She has been fighting chemo by doing natural holistic therapy but now it seems the cancer has spread to other areas of the body. All the others are doing as well as can be expected as I've heard nothing different. After a breakfast of fried taters and eggs I headed out to start the day with some chores needed in the back woods yard.
I did harvest a dozen or so of the small cherry type tomatoes but these are a little larger than the Tommy Toes. They have great flavor and it need be for a sandwich they would work sliced but are delicious in salads and of course I eat 2 or 3 with my eggs along with a jalapeno pepper. I'm starting to see some real production with the one jalapeno plant and the green Bell peppers are also producing. I harvested a really nice bunch of greens for salads; beet greens, Swiss chard and kale along with the last of the old black seeded Thompson lettuces. I have a new row of this variety up from seeds. I also picked some half runners but I'm still finding some rust spots on some so I threw away about as many as I picked, oh well. The cukes are still trying to produce but I think I have some new seedlings from the compost pile or maybe they are zucchini squash, anyhow I will transplant and see what blooms.
I loaded up the golf cart and headed to the backwoods yard for a couple hours of raking that nasty green moss which just smothers out the grass. The coat of lime helped to turn it a different color and made for it to be raked out much easier. I probably raked out several golf cart loads down into the gully along the back yard. Nancy wanted to hike just before lunch as it was still rather pleasant with high clouds. We did the back woods trail to the top which is quite a haul and stopped to chat briefly with Billy. Seems his wife Paula who had cervical surgery with two vertebrae fused is recovering slowly. We headed across the mountain to see the Browning's and the doctors once more postponed his hand surgery due to his blood being too thin; so they will attempt this next week for the third time but Joe looks so much better despite the hand not healing properly.
We came back and I ate some leftovers and then headed back out to the backwoods yard and raked for another couple hours before heading to the basement to cool off and wash up before getting ready to head out to the Luffman Farm. I did load up Gerald's ladder I had borrowed to reach the peaks of the cabin while painting. His ladder is about 8 feet longer than mine and much more stable although is was about all I could do to move it around and into place. I white flagged it in the back of the truck as it stuck our about 10 feet or so. We took the back roads to avoid as much traffic on the main road for fear of someone ramming into the rear. We made it safely there and unloaded it.
We got into several games of corn toss or as its called here corn hole. Gerald was the most consistent thrower throughout the course of the evening and won all but one game while partnering up with several different players. We sat down to a delicious supper of grilled pork chops, fried taters and onions, baked apples, cole slaw, squash casserole, sliced tomatoes and zucchini bread with brownies and pecan pie for dessert. Wow what a feed and I stayed away from the dessert but did indulge in the zucchini bread which young Ellie made using yellow squash which I had never seen before.
Afterwards we got into another couple games of corn hole then headed in just as dusk settled over this beautiful farm for the best of three games in Sequence. The gals put it on us as they won two straight and so we headed home. We encountered some rain as we got on the road and then a heavy rain as we climbed our driveway and by the time we got in the cabin the skies opened up really heavy. After a hot shower and a few minutes of watching the Ray's on TV against Orioles which we won 10-5 at home I headed in to read until 10'ish which is about the time the sandman calls each evening, LATER
Today is corporate worship day which means get together with other Believers in a setting to honor our Lord and give thanks, pray for others and this nation for healing and for keeping our Judeo-Christian principles and mores alive and well despite all of the corruption and division among so many radicals who want to destroy this nation.
I started the day much the usual with a 6'ish rollout to my morning routines that start with a cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric and ginger while I posted this ramble and then some quiet time with my Creator lifting up several by name. I added a new name who is going through some major issues from what a breast implant may have started years ago. She has been fighting chemo by doing natural holistic therapy but now it seems the cancer has spread to other areas of the body. All the others are doing as well as can be expected as I've heard nothing different. After a breakfast of fried taters and eggs I headed out to start the day with some chores needed in the back woods yard.
I did harvest a dozen or so of the small cherry type tomatoes but these are a little larger than the Tommy Toes. They have great flavor and it need be for a sandwich they would work sliced but are delicious in salads and of course I eat 2 or 3 with my eggs along with a jalapeno pepper. I'm starting to see some real production with the one jalapeno plant and the green Bell peppers are also producing. I harvested a really nice bunch of greens for salads; beet greens, Swiss chard and kale along with the last of the old black seeded Thompson lettuces. I have a new row of this variety up from seeds. I also picked some half runners but I'm still finding some rust spots on some so I threw away about as many as I picked, oh well. The cukes are still trying to produce but I think I have some new seedlings from the compost pile or maybe they are zucchini squash, anyhow I will transplant and see what blooms.
I loaded up the golf cart and headed to the backwoods yard for a couple hours of raking that nasty green moss which just smothers out the grass. The coat of lime helped to turn it a different color and made for it to be raked out much easier. I probably raked out several golf cart loads down into the gully along the back yard. Nancy wanted to hike just before lunch as it was still rather pleasant with high clouds. We did the back woods trail to the top which is quite a haul and stopped to chat briefly with Billy. Seems his wife Paula who had cervical surgery with two vertebrae fused is recovering slowly. We headed across the mountain to see the Browning's and the doctors once more postponed his hand surgery due to his blood being too thin; so they will attempt this next week for the third time but Joe looks so much better despite the hand not healing properly.
We came back and I ate some leftovers and then headed back out to the backwoods yard and raked for another couple hours before heading to the basement to cool off and wash up before getting ready to head out to the Luffman Farm. I did load up Gerald's ladder I had borrowed to reach the peaks of the cabin while painting. His ladder is about 8 feet longer than mine and much more stable although is was about all I could do to move it around and into place. I white flagged it in the back of the truck as it stuck our about 10 feet or so. We took the back roads to avoid as much traffic on the main road for fear of someone ramming into the rear. We made it safely there and unloaded it.
We got into several games of corn toss or as its called here corn hole. Gerald was the most consistent thrower throughout the course of the evening and won all but one game while partnering up with several different players. We sat down to a delicious supper of grilled pork chops, fried taters and onions, baked apples, cole slaw, squash casserole, sliced tomatoes and zucchini bread with brownies and pecan pie for dessert. Wow what a feed and I stayed away from the dessert but did indulge in the zucchini bread which young Ellie made using yellow squash which I had never seen before.
Afterwards we got into another couple games of corn hole then headed in just as dusk settled over this beautiful farm for the best of three games in Sequence. The gals put it on us as they won two straight and so we headed home. We encountered some rain as we got on the road and then a heavy rain as we climbed our driveway and by the time we got in the cabin the skies opened up really heavy. After a hot shower and a few minutes of watching the Ray's on TV against Orioles which we won 10-5 at home I headed in to read until 10'ish which is about the time the sandman calls each evening, LATER
Today is corporate worship day which means get together with other Believers in a setting to honor our Lord and give thanks, pray for others and this nation for healing and for keeping our Judeo-Christian principles and mores alive and well despite all of the corruption and division among so many radicals who want to destroy this nation.
Saturday, September 8, 2018
Saturday Morning
Well Friday was another work day until around 2'ish and then it was rest, read and then we took off to Sparta for supper and Music On Main, wow what a grand time we had as we ate great and made new acquaintances and heard some awesome music from a group from Alaska who answered the call to Sparta for a fabulous show on main street.
The day started with my usual 6'ish roll out to my cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric and ginger while I posted this ramble and then spend a few quiet moments with my Creator giving thanks and lifting up several by name. All is well as I've heard nothing to the contrary with those I mention for healing and comfort. After checking the social networks and the news of the day I got ready to head over to a friends place to clean out her horse stables for the manure for my gardens and the compost pile. I loaded up 4 empty trash cans and several sacks as well as some 5 gallon buckets to contain the manure instead of placing it directly in my truck bed; but I had a good load which will feed several gardens, garlic patch as well as my blueberry's and raspberry's patches. I worked hard for two hours and was soaked with sweat before we headed back to the cabin a little after lunch. I cleaned 5 separate stables which was no less a dirty and smelly job but one that I enjoy doing especially for the bounty.
After a quick lunch I set about emptying the truck of my spoil, spreading the manure on the various patches as well as stockpiling some for later use as my garden is still producing. I will cover the patches with a good layer this fall and work it into the ground before leaving in November for Florida. I then gave the truck bed a bath despite using containers as there are remnants that get in the bed. I took the rest of the day off after cleaning up and sat and watched some of the Senate hearing on the Net. The Dem's are so biased and out of control its embarrassing with their innuendos of impropriety by this judge appointed by our duly elected POTUS. The whole issue is they do not like Trump and anyone or anything he does. I'm afraid this is going to come back to bite them this next election as most Americans especially us 63 million deplorables see through their scheme to bring down this potus and the country with him.
Well we headed out around 4:30 to town to meet up with the Tracy's for supper and then walk the main street which is closed down to vehicle traffic. The town was jumping with pedestrians every where and most all of the eateries where filled. We enjoyed a good meal at the Pizzeria and met some folks from Plantation, Fl. who also visit here often as they too have a cabin out near the Piney Creek area which is a few miles west of us. They also play pickle ball which is a plus for me as well. We traded addresses, emails as well Facebook and hope to get together in the near future. We met up with many of our regular friends and walked between the different styles and types of music makers until the headliner started at 8 in front of the courthouse. There were several hundred folks sitting in chairs, laying on blankets and many standing as were we(who didn't bring chairs) next month we will bring them. Anyhow this group was amazing with their talents which featured basically and all family group with one exception of the lead guitarist. The four gals were very young and oh so talented on all the instruments and their voices were awesome and so strong. They were the entertainers of the year at this venue in my opinion. We stayed until 9:30 then decided to head out as our legs were tired of standing.
We saw many old friends and chatted them up throughout the evening as well as some new folks we met just last week at a fish fry. It was a fun evening and the weather was very nice despite some earlier threats of some rain clouds but they went around the town and we stayed dry. Wet wether is supposed to move into the area in the next couple of days and we could use a little as I'm back to hand watering the gardens daily. Well we made it back to the cabin a little after 10 so I jumped into the shower and was soon in the horizontal position by 10:30 after a work/fun filled day. We are doing it again on Saturday evening as we will head over to our dear friends farm for some family fun and eating once again, LATER
The day started with my usual 6'ish roll out to my cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric and ginger while I posted this ramble and then spend a few quiet moments with my Creator giving thanks and lifting up several by name. All is well as I've heard nothing to the contrary with those I mention for healing and comfort. After checking the social networks and the news of the day I got ready to head over to a friends place to clean out her horse stables for the manure for my gardens and the compost pile. I loaded up 4 empty trash cans and several sacks as well as some 5 gallon buckets to contain the manure instead of placing it directly in my truck bed; but I had a good load which will feed several gardens, garlic patch as well as my blueberry's and raspberry's patches. I worked hard for two hours and was soaked with sweat before we headed back to the cabin a little after lunch. I cleaned 5 separate stables which was no less a dirty and smelly job but one that I enjoy doing especially for the bounty.
After a quick lunch I set about emptying the truck of my spoil, spreading the manure on the various patches as well as stockpiling some for later use as my garden is still producing. I will cover the patches with a good layer this fall and work it into the ground before leaving in November for Florida. I then gave the truck bed a bath despite using containers as there are remnants that get in the bed. I took the rest of the day off after cleaning up and sat and watched some of the Senate hearing on the Net. The Dem's are so biased and out of control its embarrassing with their innuendos of impropriety by this judge appointed by our duly elected POTUS. The whole issue is they do not like Trump and anyone or anything he does. I'm afraid this is going to come back to bite them this next election as most Americans especially us 63 million deplorables see through their scheme to bring down this potus and the country with him.
Well we headed out around 4:30 to town to meet up with the Tracy's for supper and then walk the main street which is closed down to vehicle traffic. The town was jumping with pedestrians every where and most all of the eateries where filled. We enjoyed a good meal at the Pizzeria and met some folks from Plantation, Fl. who also visit here often as they too have a cabin out near the Piney Creek area which is a few miles west of us. They also play pickle ball which is a plus for me as well. We traded addresses, emails as well Facebook and hope to get together in the near future. We met up with many of our regular friends and walked between the different styles and types of music makers until the headliner started at 8 in front of the courthouse. There were several hundred folks sitting in chairs, laying on blankets and many standing as were we(who didn't bring chairs) next month we will bring them. Anyhow this group was amazing with their talents which featured basically and all family group with one exception of the lead guitarist. The four gals were very young and oh so talented on all the instruments and their voices were awesome and so strong. They were the entertainers of the year at this venue in my opinion. We stayed until 9:30 then decided to head out as our legs were tired of standing.
We saw many old friends and chatted them up throughout the evening as well as some new folks we met just last week at a fish fry. It was a fun evening and the weather was very nice despite some earlier threats of some rain clouds but they went around the town and we stayed dry. Wet wether is supposed to move into the area in the next couple of days and we could use a little as I'm back to hand watering the gardens daily. Well we made it back to the cabin a little after 10 so I jumped into the shower and was soon in the horizontal position by 10:30 after a work/fun filled day. We are doing it again on Saturday evening as we will head over to our dear friends farm for some family fun and eating once again, LATER
Friday, September 7, 2018
Friday Morning
Well Thursday was another work day that started once again with a 6'ish roll out to my usual morning routines and my cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric and ginger while I posted this ramble then took a few minutes to honor my Creator with thanksgiving and lifting up several by name. All of those are doing as well as can be expected however I've been unable to contact Paw Paw as he is really starting to lose his short term memory and hasn't answered his phone lately for some reason. I think he is getting ready to move in with the middle daughter Pat in W.Va. permanently.
After a breakfast of buckwheat cakes and bacon I headed out to check on the gardens and decided to work in the yards until it was time to hike to the top of the mountain. I fed some of the new lettuces which are showing some color after just three days from sowing seeds. The rest of the garden is doing fine except for the beans which starting showing some rust but I think that was from hand watering the plants with a hose, anyhow I've noticed the new beans are looking blemish free and some are ready for picking. I'm trying to resurrect the cucumber plants and while the vines did show lots of brown leaves the ends of the plants are showing new leaves and lots of blooms with new fruit, oh well.
I started raking the moss which looked as if the lime was starting to cause it to die as it was turning to a lighter green in color which was totally different that what it looked like before I heavily limed the area. I raked up several golf cart loads and gave the grass a chance to breath. It amazing how quickly moss can choke out and blanket an area. We took off on our hike and saw neighbor Gerald and a friend up on the backwoods road constructing another deer stand. They offered to help me load a couple of railroad ties on to Gerald's truck and deliver them to the cabin. I drug them down the hill with the golf cart and a chain.
After lunch I was back out under the trees raking another area saturated with moss until nearly 3'ish when if really became quite hot and humid. I knew I was playing pickle ball at 6'ish so I headed to the basement to clean up and cool off because chilling for the rest of the afternoon until supper time. I watched some of the hearing on the confirmation of the new judge to the Supreme Court and the Dem's really just will not approve of anything our Potus picks. It's so disgusting to see and hear their questions and remarks to a highly qualified man who wiped the floor with them. This man will make a great constitution upholding judge to the court and not an activist judge the Dem's want.
Well after a supper of leftovers which were awesome I headed out to Roaring Gap for two hours of pickle ball with three other players. We were soaked in no time with sweat from the continuous play with long rallies. We finished play under the lights. It wasn't long after a hot shower and a few minutes to unwind I headed in to read for a few before it was lights out for me before 10, LATER
After a breakfast of buckwheat cakes and bacon I headed out to check on the gardens and decided to work in the yards until it was time to hike to the top of the mountain. I fed some of the new lettuces which are showing some color after just three days from sowing seeds. The rest of the garden is doing fine except for the beans which starting showing some rust but I think that was from hand watering the plants with a hose, anyhow I've noticed the new beans are looking blemish free and some are ready for picking. I'm trying to resurrect the cucumber plants and while the vines did show lots of brown leaves the ends of the plants are showing new leaves and lots of blooms with new fruit, oh well.
I started raking the moss which looked as if the lime was starting to cause it to die as it was turning to a lighter green in color which was totally different that what it looked like before I heavily limed the area. I raked up several golf cart loads and gave the grass a chance to breath. It amazing how quickly moss can choke out and blanket an area. We took off on our hike and saw neighbor Gerald and a friend up on the backwoods road constructing another deer stand. They offered to help me load a couple of railroad ties on to Gerald's truck and deliver them to the cabin. I drug them down the hill with the golf cart and a chain.
After lunch I was back out under the trees raking another area saturated with moss until nearly 3'ish when if really became quite hot and humid. I knew I was playing pickle ball at 6'ish so I headed to the basement to clean up and cool off because chilling for the rest of the afternoon until supper time. I watched some of the hearing on the confirmation of the new judge to the Supreme Court and the Dem's really just will not approve of anything our Potus picks. It's so disgusting to see and hear their questions and remarks to a highly qualified man who wiped the floor with them. This man will make a great constitution upholding judge to the court and not an activist judge the Dem's want.
Well after a supper of leftovers which were awesome I headed out to Roaring Gap for two hours of pickle ball with three other players. We were soaked in no time with sweat from the continuous play with long rallies. We finished play under the lights. It wasn't long after a hot shower and a few minutes to unwind I headed in to read for a few before it was lights out for me before 10, LATER
Thursday, September 6, 2018
Thursday Morning
Well Wednesday was a work day until the early afternoon when we took off to Sparta to run errands and then a fun early evening at the Tracy's cabin where we ate and played games until nearly dark. It was another very warm and muggy day and we once again counted our good fortune with having the cabin installed with a/c.
I started the day much the usual with a 6 'ish roll out to my routines that start with a cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric while I posted this ramble from the day before's activities and then spent some quiet moments with my Creator in thanksgiving for the many blessings and liftings several up by name for comfort and healing. All is well with those we lift up each day and our "mountain mom" is really doing much better. Nancy was still in the bed as I finished up my quiet time and posted this ramble. She is a night owl whereas I'm and early bird. She did make some breakfast around 9'ish which featured egg and sausage biscuits with ground horse radish, yeow was that ever delicious and held me for most of the day until we snacked at the Tracy's.
I drug out the pole saw and trimmed the huge pine below the cabin as well as many of the trees lining the front yard. I was soaked with sweat in no time as the humidity reminded me of Florida. The temps weren't that bad but it was really humid. Around 11'ish Nancy was ready for a hike. We took off to the top and saw a couple deer as we traveled up the backwoods trail as well as neighbor Billy on top who was working on the footer for his new garage. There was at least a nice breeze on top despite being in the bright sunshine. We stopped and visited with our dear friends the Browning's and Joe was off to see a surgeon later in the day about removing some of the infected area on his hand. He has almost fully recovered from his early bout of lethargy but the hand is still not healed totally. He seems much better and is back to his old self again.
We headed down the mountain and ate a light lunch of leftovers for me and then I got ready to head out around 3'ish to run errands. I loaded up the truck with garbage for the dump as well as a cooler for some items from the grocery. We made several stops with the library being the last one before the Tracy's. We snacked on dips and a little vino and got into several games of Kings on the Corner which goes fast and sometimes no one gets to play in each round. Nancy was the big winner after 4 rounds then it was time to grill burgers.
We dined on a decant mac and cheese dish, Cole slaw and baked beans which Nancy brought and all the fixin's for burgers, delicious to say the least. We skipped dessert as we were to full and got into a game of Spades which we all seem to love. The gals were destroying us to begin with but after 10-12 rounds we came from behind and whupped them by just a couple of points. At one time in the game both Patrick and I went NIL(that means neither of us try to take a trick or play) and while he did get caught taking a trick I made my bet and we survived with being even. The key is to take no tricks(plays) and get a hundred points but if you don't make your bet you lose a hundred, anyhow it's and up and down game and so much fun with lots of strategy.
We got back to the cabin just as darkness fell and once again we were skipped by the rain which we could use a shower or two. I tuned into the US Open while Nancy hit the showers and then watched the Ray's losing for the first time in awhile on the internet. After my shower I grabbed a new read for a few minutes before the sandman called, LATER
I started the day much the usual with a 6 'ish roll out to my routines that start with a cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric while I posted this ramble from the day before's activities and then spent some quiet moments with my Creator in thanksgiving for the many blessings and liftings several up by name for comfort and healing. All is well with those we lift up each day and our "mountain mom" is really doing much better. Nancy was still in the bed as I finished up my quiet time and posted this ramble. She is a night owl whereas I'm and early bird. She did make some breakfast around 9'ish which featured egg and sausage biscuits with ground horse radish, yeow was that ever delicious and held me for most of the day until we snacked at the Tracy's.
I drug out the pole saw and trimmed the huge pine below the cabin as well as many of the trees lining the front yard. I was soaked with sweat in no time as the humidity reminded me of Florida. The temps weren't that bad but it was really humid. Around 11'ish Nancy was ready for a hike. We took off to the top and saw a couple deer as we traveled up the backwoods trail as well as neighbor Billy on top who was working on the footer for his new garage. There was at least a nice breeze on top despite being in the bright sunshine. We stopped and visited with our dear friends the Browning's and Joe was off to see a surgeon later in the day about removing some of the infected area on his hand. He has almost fully recovered from his early bout of lethargy but the hand is still not healed totally. He seems much better and is back to his old self again.
We headed down the mountain and ate a light lunch of leftovers for me and then I got ready to head out around 3'ish to run errands. I loaded up the truck with garbage for the dump as well as a cooler for some items from the grocery. We made several stops with the library being the last one before the Tracy's. We snacked on dips and a little vino and got into several games of Kings on the Corner which goes fast and sometimes no one gets to play in each round. Nancy was the big winner after 4 rounds then it was time to grill burgers.
We dined on a decant mac and cheese dish, Cole slaw and baked beans which Nancy brought and all the fixin's for burgers, delicious to say the least. We skipped dessert as we were to full and got into a game of Spades which we all seem to love. The gals were destroying us to begin with but after 10-12 rounds we came from behind and whupped them by just a couple of points. At one time in the game both Patrick and I went NIL(that means neither of us try to take a trick or play) and while he did get caught taking a trick I made my bet and we survived with being even. The key is to take no tricks(plays) and get a hundred points but if you don't make your bet you lose a hundred, anyhow it's and up and down game and so much fun with lots of strategy.
We got back to the cabin just as darkness fell and once again we were skipped by the rain which we could use a shower or two. I tuned into the US Open while Nancy hit the showers and then watched the Ray's losing for the first time in awhile on the internet. After my shower I grabbed a new read for a few minutes before the sandman called, LATER
Wednesday, September 5, 2018
Wednesday Morning
Well after a day of food and fun it was back to work on Tuesday that found me finishing up the painting job on the cabin and then some garden work. It did get rather warm in the afternoon so around 3'ish I settled in with a book on the back porch and read until supper time.
The day started much the usual with a 6'ish roll out to my vit's and supplements washed down with a cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric and ginger while I posted this ramble and then spent a few quiet moments with my Creator in thanksgiving and lifting up several by name. All are well as can be expected and even our "mountain mom" is on the mend at 90 for which we are ever so thankful. I did my own breakfast as Nancy was sleeping in and I wanted to get started early on the garden chores while the roof was drying before I attempted to get up there and paint the dormer. Once the roof dries from the dew its a piece of cake as I made an extension for the roller and that helped with the painting the fascia boards.
I spaded up part of the upper garden and removed the last of the lettuces which had gone to seed and then loaded up the golf cart which a load of compost and worked that in before resowing that area. I put in a row of beets, kale and Swiss chard all of which we add to our salads and are cool weather plants. I hoping to take most of these that will become seedlings back to Florida with me in Nov and replant in my winter garden there to get a head start for that garden.
After a light lunch of just salsa and chips because of a large breakfast of eggs, brats and a cut up tomato with a jalapeno pepper and some of the left over bread with apple butter I headed back out to paint the the front of the shed which was starting to fade plus I had some stain that needed using from the dormer as well as paint the fascia boards along the porches using my long handled extension. This really works and makes it so much easier than using a ladder on the side of the hill which sometimes is a bit unsteady. It was now time to cool off in the basement and clean up brushes and rollers.
I grilled some peppers and onions and Nancy deboned some of the smoked chicken and we had fajitas and corn on the cob for our supper yeow, the smoked chicken was excellent along with some of the salsa on top with sour cream. After the cleanup we settled into the Fox News and watched the Dem's once again make a circus out of the hearings for the new appointee to the Supreme Court. I've never seen such grandstanding and loathing shown by the libs for a very well qualified candidate just because our Potus choose him and he represents the real America with his love for family, God and the constitution. I listened to his talk before the senators excoriated him for absolutely no reason and it was an embarrassment to see them run for political office at this man's expense. The radical left is doing all they can to disqualify anyone who loves this nation and our duly elected POTUS Trump. Disgraceful and makes me livid to say the least, Oh well, LATER
The day started much the usual with a 6'ish roll out to my vit's and supplements washed down with a cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric and ginger while I posted this ramble and then spent a few quiet moments with my Creator in thanksgiving and lifting up several by name. All are well as can be expected and even our "mountain mom" is on the mend at 90 for which we are ever so thankful. I did my own breakfast as Nancy was sleeping in and I wanted to get started early on the garden chores while the roof was drying before I attempted to get up there and paint the dormer. Once the roof dries from the dew its a piece of cake as I made an extension for the roller and that helped with the painting the fascia boards.
I spaded up part of the upper garden and removed the last of the lettuces which had gone to seed and then loaded up the golf cart which a load of compost and worked that in before resowing that area. I put in a row of beets, kale and Swiss chard all of which we add to our salads and are cool weather plants. I hoping to take most of these that will become seedlings back to Florida with me in Nov and replant in my winter garden there to get a head start for that garden.
After a light lunch of just salsa and chips because of a large breakfast of eggs, brats and a cut up tomato with a jalapeno pepper and some of the left over bread with apple butter I headed back out to paint the the front of the shed which was starting to fade plus I had some stain that needed using from the dormer as well as paint the fascia boards along the porches using my long handled extension. This really works and makes it so much easier than using a ladder on the side of the hill which sometimes is a bit unsteady. It was now time to cool off in the basement and clean up brushes and rollers.
I grilled some peppers and onions and Nancy deboned some of the smoked chicken and we had fajitas and corn on the cob for our supper yeow, the smoked chicken was excellent along with some of the salsa on top with sour cream. After the cleanup we settled into the Fox News and watched the Dem's once again make a circus out of the hearings for the new appointee to the Supreme Court. I've never seen such grandstanding and loathing shown by the libs for a very well qualified candidate just because our Potus choose him and he represents the real America with his love for family, God and the constitution. I listened to his talk before the senators excoriated him for absolutely no reason and it was an embarrassment to see them run for political office at this man's expense. The radical left is doing all they can to disqualify anyone who loves this nation and our duly elected POTUS Trump. Disgraceful and makes me livid to say the least, Oh well, LATER
Tuesday, September 4, 2018
Tuesday Morning
Well Monday was a work day as we got ready for a company coming for the evening as we were expecting 13 people for an evening cook out but we had 6 cancellations. Luckily they came before I grilled and smoked all of the food we purchased for the occasion and as it is, we will be eating leftovers for a day or so, oh well.
I started the day much the usual with a 6'ish roll out as the internal alarm and Nancy snoring awakens around 6 everyday or close to it. I did my morning routines that start with the cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric and ginger while I post this ramble and spend a few quiet moments with my Creator lifting up several by name. All is well with those except our "mountain mom" Helen who had a bad bout with her kidney's and was taken to the ER in Sparta Sunday morning. Seems she over did it on her tractor and got dehydrated and was suffering some excruciating pain in her back and abdomen. Well after an IV and some pain meds she was released the same day and is doing much better. We took her over some supper and visited for a spell during the early afternoon. She will have to do antibiotics for several days but for her age she is magnificent and the doctor warned her about riding that jarring tractor which she dearly loves and staying hydrated.
I started the smoker around 11'ish and loaded it with apple and hickory wood for a rack of ribs and then a couple hours later a rack of chicken thighs and legs; they are were both excellent and the meat fell off the bones. I also grilled a pack of brats which we will have leftover as the ribs were the first to go as well as some chicken. We also had fresh taters and corn out of the garden and a fresh garden salad from my garden. Kay and I are both gardener's. We started with a guacamole dip, salsa and chips then after dining had a "ground cherry pie" made by an 8th grader which tasted like a sweet apple pie. I had never heard of the fruit but it grows wild and the fruit is yellow in color; later a container of homemade strawberry ice cream Kay made while playing Sequence.
The evening was perfect with no rain and deep blue skies and we played several games of corn toss until it did get a little sticky as the evening slipped away. We got into a hotly contested best of 5 games of Sequence with it being 2 games a piece as the gals were rubbing it in but we guys won the 5th game and came away with the win for a change. Allen, Mechelle's friend made the difference as it was only his second time playing the game. Everyone left just before dark and we made arrangements for next weeks get together on Saturday night at their place. We do like to eat and party.
After the cleanup I settled into the US Open and the FSU vs VT game flipping back and forth. VT blew the Seminoles away and Fedder let a second set slip away with too many double faults. I stayed up nearly an extra hour to watch but soon gave up around 11'ish, LATER
I started the day much the usual with a 6'ish roll out as the internal alarm and Nancy snoring awakens around 6 everyday or close to it. I did my morning routines that start with the cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric and ginger while I post this ramble and spend a few quiet moments with my Creator lifting up several by name. All is well with those except our "mountain mom" Helen who had a bad bout with her kidney's and was taken to the ER in Sparta Sunday morning. Seems she over did it on her tractor and got dehydrated and was suffering some excruciating pain in her back and abdomen. Well after an IV and some pain meds she was released the same day and is doing much better. We took her over some supper and visited for a spell during the early afternoon. She will have to do antibiotics for several days but for her age she is magnificent and the doctor warned her about riding that jarring tractor which she dearly loves and staying hydrated.
I started the smoker around 11'ish and loaded it with apple and hickory wood for a rack of ribs and then a couple hours later a rack of chicken thighs and legs; they are were both excellent and the meat fell off the bones. I also grilled a pack of brats which we will have leftover as the ribs were the first to go as well as some chicken. We also had fresh taters and corn out of the garden and a fresh garden salad from my garden. Kay and I are both gardener's. We started with a guacamole dip, salsa and chips then after dining had a "ground cherry pie" made by an 8th grader which tasted like a sweet apple pie. I had never heard of the fruit but it grows wild and the fruit is yellow in color; later a container of homemade strawberry ice cream Kay made while playing Sequence.
The evening was perfect with no rain and deep blue skies and we played several games of corn toss until it did get a little sticky as the evening slipped away. We got into a hotly contested best of 5 games of Sequence with it being 2 games a piece as the gals were rubbing it in but we guys won the 5th game and came away with the win for a change. Allen, Mechelle's friend made the difference as it was only his second time playing the game. Everyone left just before dark and we made arrangements for next weeks get together on Saturday night at their place. We do like to eat and party.
After the cleanup I settled into the US Open and the FSU vs VT game flipping back and forth. VT blew the Seminoles away and Fedder let a second set slip away with too many double faults. I stayed up nearly an extra hour to watch but soon gave up around 11'ish, LATER
Monday, September 3, 2018
Monday Morning..Labor Day 2018
Well Sunday was an awesome day of worship that started right here at the cabin as we listened to our home church in Florida live from BridgePoint and then again at Cornerstone where we listened to two missionary's to China, Greece and now to Jordan. What stories they shared as they are in their 60's when GOD decided to send them abroad. They are a husband and wife team who are from this area and at one time pastored a local church in this area. We support them both as they raise funds to do their work for helping folks come to know Christ which can be very dicy with those of the Muslim back ground; but they shared stories of several who are converting to the christian faith.
I started the day much the usual with my 6 'ish roll out to a cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric and ginger while I posted this ramble and the spent some quiet moments in thanksgiving for my many blessings and then lifting up several by name for healing and comfort. While getting ready to leave around 9:30 for Sparta we listened to our 8 am service from BridgePoint live which was a great message as well and we just love the contemporary praise music.
After church we visited a new eatery in town as we ate a lone for a change as our usual group was out doing their own thing. The food was O.K. and I would go back but we are starting to get so many places to eat after church its hard to decide which one is best. Afterwards we stopped at a couple groceries for items for today's gathering at our place for about 14 folks for a Labor Day picnic around 5'ish. Hopefully it won't be like yesterday afternoon when we got a "gully washer" storm with lightning and thunder, yikes what a storm. We didn't get in a hike today as we had planned on one in the afternoon due to the storm threat which last for hours. So we settled on the couch watching some US Open.
Since we had a big meal for lunch we decided to just have pop corn for our supper while we watched the Dr. Pol show on the tube. I did get in some reading time in the afternoon and and again after my shower before lights out at 10'ish for me, LATER
I started the day much the usual with my 6 'ish roll out to a cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric and ginger while I posted this ramble and the spent some quiet moments in thanksgiving for my many blessings and then lifting up several by name for healing and comfort. While getting ready to leave around 9:30 for Sparta we listened to our 8 am service from BridgePoint live which was a great message as well and we just love the contemporary praise music.
After church we visited a new eatery in town as we ate a lone for a change as our usual group was out doing their own thing. The food was O.K. and I would go back but we are starting to get so many places to eat after church its hard to decide which one is best. Afterwards we stopped at a couple groceries for items for today's gathering at our place for about 14 folks for a Labor Day picnic around 5'ish. Hopefully it won't be like yesterday afternoon when we got a "gully washer" storm with lightning and thunder, yikes what a storm. We didn't get in a hike today as we had planned on one in the afternoon due to the storm threat which last for hours. So we settled on the couch watching some US Open.
Since we had a big meal for lunch we decided to just have pop corn for our supper while we watched the Dr. Pol show on the tube. I did get in some reading time in the afternoon and and again after my shower before lights out at 10'ish for me, LATER
Sunday, September 2, 2018
Sunday Morning
Well Saturday once again was another work day until the early afternoon when the heat drove me into the a/c of the cabin. Wow was that not ever a good investment plus it sure helps with this heat and humidity. I use to head to the basement to cool and still do at times but I really prefer to sit and watch some US Open in the cool or read.
I started the day much the usual with a 6'ish roll out to my proverbial cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric and ginger while I made this post and then spend a few quiet moments with my Creator in humble thanksgiving for another day and lifting up several by name in this their time of need. All seems well with those as I've heard nothing to the contrary. Nancy rolled out around 8'ish and prepared some delicious buckwheat cakes, sausage patties and eggs for a mid morning breakfast around 10'ish. That held me the rest of the day until around 6'ish when we met at a friends beautiful mountain top estate along with 50-75 other folks for a fish fry. Wow what a gorgeous house, outside patio with a huge fireplace and acres of land with vistas for miles. The food and drink was in abundance and we reconnected with many old friends and made some new ones as well.
I fired up the weed whacker as the dew was heavy on the grass and edged the whole property after breakfast which kept me busy for a couple hours and then mowed. It was going on 2 before I finally finished and the heat was becoming quite prevalent so I sat in the basement until I cooled off then washed up and headed upstairs to watch a little of the US Open before we got ready to head out before 5. We did get a shower for about 30 minutes just before we left which cooled things down and gave the gardens and yards a drink. Nancy had made a fresh kale/Brussel sprout salad which was awesome. She added bacon to the mix which enhanced it even more. The kale came from the garden as well.
There was plenty of food with everyone bringing a covered dish along with catfish fillets and hush puppies. Delicious to say the least and the dessert table was full as well. I found a dessert I seldom ever see and it was always a favorite of mine; butter scotch pudding, yeow I did have a nice helping. We sat next to an older couple we didn't know and come to find out she was raised in the house we use to say in near our cabin when it was first being built; the old Mathews house near our road. She was a classmate of several folks we know here in the mountains. Such a small world. It was such a delightful evening and some of the small kids we knew are now in college, where did that time go.
Well we left just before dark and headed home and I paid some bills and then hit the showers and curled up with a book until 10'ish, LATER
Don't forget to honor our Creator and His son Jesus today with other Believers in corporate worship for in His Word where two or more are gathered in His name He is there.
I started the day much the usual with a 6'ish roll out to my proverbial cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric and ginger while I made this post and then spend a few quiet moments with my Creator in humble thanksgiving for another day and lifting up several by name in this their time of need. All seems well with those as I've heard nothing to the contrary. Nancy rolled out around 8'ish and prepared some delicious buckwheat cakes, sausage patties and eggs for a mid morning breakfast around 10'ish. That held me the rest of the day until around 6'ish when we met at a friends beautiful mountain top estate along with 50-75 other folks for a fish fry. Wow what a gorgeous house, outside patio with a huge fireplace and acres of land with vistas for miles. The food and drink was in abundance and we reconnected with many old friends and made some new ones as well.
I fired up the weed whacker as the dew was heavy on the grass and edged the whole property after breakfast which kept me busy for a couple hours and then mowed. It was going on 2 before I finally finished and the heat was becoming quite prevalent so I sat in the basement until I cooled off then washed up and headed upstairs to watch a little of the US Open before we got ready to head out before 5. We did get a shower for about 30 minutes just before we left which cooled things down and gave the gardens and yards a drink. Nancy had made a fresh kale/Brussel sprout salad which was awesome. She added bacon to the mix which enhanced it even more. The kale came from the garden as well.
There was plenty of food with everyone bringing a covered dish along with catfish fillets and hush puppies. Delicious to say the least and the dessert table was full as well. I found a dessert I seldom ever see and it was always a favorite of mine; butter scotch pudding, yeow I did have a nice helping. We sat next to an older couple we didn't know and come to find out she was raised in the house we use to say in near our cabin when it was first being built; the old Mathews house near our road. She was a classmate of several folks we know here in the mountains. Such a small world. It was such a delightful evening and some of the small kids we knew are now in college, where did that time go.
Well we left just before dark and headed home and I paid some bills and then hit the showers and curled up with a book until 10'ish, LATER
Don't forget to honor our Creator and His son Jesus today with other Believers in corporate worship for in His Word where two or more are gathered in His name He is there.
Saturday, September 1, 2018
Saturday Morning Sept 1
Well Friday was a work day to start with then and fun evening with supper out and then a musical event at the Rex Theater in Galax, Va. It was another hot one but it seems we have a gotten a little rain shower some time after midnight.
I started the day much the usual with my 6'ish roll out to my usual routines that start with a handful of Nutrilite vitamins and supplements washed down with a cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric and ginger while I posted this ramble and then spent a few quiet moments with my Creator. (Speaking of Nutrilite Products this is the first day of the month and with an 50 PV order from Amway everything in the catalog is bogo) I'll speak more about that at the end of the ramble. Every one seems well that I lift up daily for healing and comfort. After a quick breakfast I headed out to finish the upper side of the cabin with staining and then touching up some spots I missed and to cover some of the stain that I smeared on the black spacer boards. That had me up and down the ladder for a couple hours but I'm basically finished the job except for the upstairs dormer which will require me to get on the roof.
I rigged my pole saw to accommodate a roller which will give me plenty of an extension to paint the dormer with a roller which has always been some what tricky. I use to tie a portion of my ladder to the steep pitch of the roof and climb on it to do the painting but that has become such a matter of dissension with Nancy. I'm reminded every time I get on the roof about my age that its becoming quite an issue. I'm not one to take chances but I've been doing this chore for years and thus far have been successful with many improved methods for painting this dormer; but I get an earful every time and its becoming disheartening.
We took off on a hike to the top and while it was nice down off the mountain when we got to the top it was quite hot and muggy. We did stop and visit briefly with Joe and Jetta before heading back down to the cabin. We saw where Gerald and Karyl were up from Blacksburg for at least day and brought their sweet huge Great Dane, Bella with them. What a baby she is and so smart. They sat on the front porch and visited until another neighbor on top of the mountain came down for a visit as well.
We got ready around 4'ish to head out to Galax as we were meeting at 5 at a new eatery called the Twisted Fork in old town Galax. We made a trash stop on the way and then visited a couple of shops one of which just moved from Cripple Creek to Galax. The Mule Hell soap and body lotions company is now downtown and we could smell their fragrance as we walked the streets. The owners remembered us from a couple years back when we traveled up to their quaint "stop in the road" business which was basically a house turned into making soaps and all types and kinds of body lotions. I love their basic smell and now they are close and they really like their new store front in old town.
Well the Twisted Fork eatery was visited by the Tracy's a week ago and they raved about the food and service. We also got to know and meet the owners as well as one of the servers who is from Sparta and who met on line a British fellow from London. He has since moved here and they are getting married after having a baby girl together; that's the new way I suppose. Both of them were very cordial and hospitable. We also met the owners who are young and the husband is the chef. It's a really nice eatery and the food was the best we have ever eaten in the area. Delicious and plentiful to begin with and we learned they have been in the area for four years. They had a large crowd for this small town and their prices were reasonable as well. They would fit right in the area like Blowing Rock and Boone with their decor and food selections. It's basically and Italian eatery and they make their pasta's in house. They close from 3-5 daily after a lunch period from 11-3. We will definitely make this a place we will visit often when shopping in Galax.
We waddled around the corner to the old historical Rex Theater for a show of a mixture of Mountain, Blue Grass, Country and Gospel music which lasted 2 hours. The show is broadcasted on the air every Friday night from the theater. The admission is 5 bucks each week and the bands change weekly. What a great venue in this old theater and while most everyone there were "blue hairs" (another name for old folks) we were some of the youngest. The group had played before at the Blue Ridge Music Center and featured the standard mountain music players with a fiddle, banjo, guitar, mandolin and bass. The vocalist featured two young voices in their 20's and harmonized perfectly. We had never heard of the group but they have played together for quite sometime and came from different parts of the state. The best 5 bucks I've ever spent on entertainment.
We headed out to Walmart to do some shopping since we were in town and it was close to 11 before we got back on the mountain. I noticed a large skunk in the back yard which has been digging up the yard looking for worms and grubs. He eventually took off up through the woods. It wasn't long I hit the showers and then some horizontal lab. We got word that sister Dee from Woodstock and her girls and grands were not going to be able to visit on Sunday as we had planned and hoped for, but maybe later in the Fall they can make it down. We had such an awesome time with our visit there last week.
I mentioned earlier in this ramble that our team leaders at Amway have made the first day of every month bogo day with at least and order of 50 PV's (product values). That means any and everything on our website site store at www.amway.com/JNTriplett is bogo. Check it out and get two for one price or half price for two. It depends on how you look at the glass; half full or half empty. Any questions email me here at this site or call me at 727-902-1652, LATER
I started the day much the usual with my 6'ish roll out to my usual routines that start with a handful of Nutrilite vitamins and supplements washed down with a cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric and ginger while I posted this ramble and then spent a few quiet moments with my Creator. (Speaking of Nutrilite Products this is the first day of the month and with an 50 PV order from Amway everything in the catalog is bogo) I'll speak more about that at the end of the ramble. Every one seems well that I lift up daily for healing and comfort. After a quick breakfast I headed out to finish the upper side of the cabin with staining and then touching up some spots I missed and to cover some of the stain that I smeared on the black spacer boards. That had me up and down the ladder for a couple hours but I'm basically finished the job except for the upstairs dormer which will require me to get on the roof.
I rigged my pole saw to accommodate a roller which will give me plenty of an extension to paint the dormer with a roller which has always been some what tricky. I use to tie a portion of my ladder to the steep pitch of the roof and climb on it to do the painting but that has become such a matter of dissension with Nancy. I'm reminded every time I get on the roof about my age that its becoming quite an issue. I'm not one to take chances but I've been doing this chore for years and thus far have been successful with many improved methods for painting this dormer; but I get an earful every time and its becoming disheartening.
We took off on a hike to the top and while it was nice down off the mountain when we got to the top it was quite hot and muggy. We did stop and visit briefly with Joe and Jetta before heading back down to the cabin. We saw where Gerald and Karyl were up from Blacksburg for at least day and brought their sweet huge Great Dane, Bella with them. What a baby she is and so smart. They sat on the front porch and visited until another neighbor on top of the mountain came down for a visit as well.
We got ready around 4'ish to head out to Galax as we were meeting at 5 at a new eatery called the Twisted Fork in old town Galax. We made a trash stop on the way and then visited a couple of shops one of which just moved from Cripple Creek to Galax. The Mule Hell soap and body lotions company is now downtown and we could smell their fragrance as we walked the streets. The owners remembered us from a couple years back when we traveled up to their quaint "stop in the road" business which was basically a house turned into making soaps and all types and kinds of body lotions. I love their basic smell and now they are close and they really like their new store front in old town.
Well the Twisted Fork eatery was visited by the Tracy's a week ago and they raved about the food and service. We also got to know and meet the owners as well as one of the servers who is from Sparta and who met on line a British fellow from London. He has since moved here and they are getting married after having a baby girl together; that's the new way I suppose. Both of them were very cordial and hospitable. We also met the owners who are young and the husband is the chef. It's a really nice eatery and the food was the best we have ever eaten in the area. Delicious and plentiful to begin with and we learned they have been in the area for four years. They had a large crowd for this small town and their prices were reasonable as well. They would fit right in the area like Blowing Rock and Boone with their decor and food selections. It's basically and Italian eatery and they make their pasta's in house. They close from 3-5 daily after a lunch period from 11-3. We will definitely make this a place we will visit often when shopping in Galax.
We waddled around the corner to the old historical Rex Theater for a show of a mixture of Mountain, Blue Grass, Country and Gospel music which lasted 2 hours. The show is broadcasted on the air every Friday night from the theater. The admission is 5 bucks each week and the bands change weekly. What a great venue in this old theater and while most everyone there were "blue hairs" (another name for old folks) we were some of the youngest. The group had played before at the Blue Ridge Music Center and featured the standard mountain music players with a fiddle, banjo, guitar, mandolin and bass. The vocalist featured two young voices in their 20's and harmonized perfectly. We had never heard of the group but they have played together for quite sometime and came from different parts of the state. The best 5 bucks I've ever spent on entertainment.
We headed out to Walmart to do some shopping since we were in town and it was close to 11 before we got back on the mountain. I noticed a large skunk in the back yard which has been digging up the yard looking for worms and grubs. He eventually took off up through the woods. It wasn't long I hit the showers and then some horizontal lab. We got word that sister Dee from Woodstock and her girls and grands were not going to be able to visit on Sunday as we had planned and hoped for, but maybe later in the Fall they can make it down. We had such an awesome time with our visit there last week.
I mentioned earlier in this ramble that our team leaders at Amway have made the first day of every month bogo day with at least and order of 50 PV's (product values). That means any and everything on our website site store at www.amway.com/JNTriplett is bogo. Check it out and get two for one price or half price for two. It depends on how you look at the glass; half full or half empty. Any questions email me here at this site or call me at 727-902-1652, LATER
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