Well it was down right cold on Monday morning with temps below the freezing level and a stiff breeze which made it feel even colder however by mid afternoon the temps had reached the middle 50's which was perfect for hiking and out door activities.
I started the day much the usual with a 6'ish roll out to my much needed cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric and ginger while I posted this ramble and then some quiet time with my Creator in thanksgiving for my many blessings and then lifting up several by name for comfort and healing. We are slowly getting back into the grind after a whirlwind trip to the northern part of the Shenandoah Valley. We have really put some miles on this summer since leaving Florida in June. Visiting family is so much fun except for the funeral but even that while it was sad it also brought us much closer to some we hadn't been in contact with for decades.
I piddled around inside the cabin until the frost melted and the sunshine finally brought some warmth to the yards then I headed out to piddle around outside. I just hate being cooped up in the house when the sun is shining. What's left of the garden is still doing O.K. I harvested some kale, Swiss chard and a few beet greens for the salad Nancy was making for us. The new lettuces, Swiss chard and beet seedlings are still doing O.K. and hopefully will be good to dig up and take with me next week back to my winter garden in Florida.
We headed out just before lunch on a nice long hike to the top of the mountain and visited with Joe and Jetta for a few. She once again blessed us with a loaf of fresh baked bread which is so delicious. It has a sweet and sour taste which I love. We had some left over vegetable soup for a late lunch then we got ready around 3:30 to head to Sparta for some shopping before heading over to the Tracy's place for supper with them and Patrick's sister Meg and husband Jim. We enjoyed some fruit of the vine before setting down to a delicious meal of pasta and a chicken style sauce which I do not know the name but oh so good. She had a cheesecake for dessert which we enjoyed after a 6 hand game of Euchre which the guys dominated 10-3. Patrick got a campfire going so we sat outside for an hour in the chilled air with the moon so bright it looked like daylight out side. The warmth of the fire was exhilarating on one side of your body with the other side chilled in the night air.
We headed home around 8:30 and saw several deer out roaming in the moon light along the highway. The cabin was warm and snug after the cold night air and it was soon hot shower time for me as the wood smoke penetrated your hair and clothing. It wasn't long afterwards I curled up with Natchez Burning a book by Greg Isles until 10'ish. The flannel sheets make for a great sleep on a cold night, LATER
