Well time just moves on so rapidly with age, oh well. Wednesday was a total work day for me as I finally cleared the east garden of the grasses and weeds after an hour or so of pickle ball play at the Rec. I'm getting plenty of exercise but do miss the ambiance of the mountains and of course the morning hike through the woods and some of those cooler temps. What a dichotomy of lifestyles; living in the hot flatland of Florida just above sea level and then again in the cool mountains at over 3000 ft. I just am so blessed to experience both yearly.
I started the day with a before 6'ish wake up to my usual routines that start even here in hot Florida with a cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric while I post this blog and then some quiet time with my Creator lifting up several by name. All seem as well as can be expected as I've heard nothing to the contrary. I got ready and headed out on my bike around 8'ish for the Rec. for some pickle ball and got in a solid hour of non stop play. Thankfully we are inside the a/c gym which makes for comfortable conditions and even then I worked up a wet shirt before leaving around 9:30.
I worked outside in the east garden which still had a little morning shade until I became soaked with sweat as the humidity was just thick with temps in the upper 80's and beside it was lunch time when I called it quits for a couple hours. I chilled for an hour or so doing some inside honey do chores then headed out again as that part of the garden and yard was shaded by the big oak in the back yard. I finally finished around 4'ish and now I just need for the grasses and weeds to dry enough to mulch them for my compost pile. I need to clean out the small garden on the side of the house which is over grown as well with grass and weeds. At least it will be in the afternoon shade of the house. I usually grow my carrots there and they do exceptionally well along with the sugar peas which grow up on the chain link fence. I may switch the peas from there and put cucumbers in their place as they like to vine and grow on fences plus in case we do get some chilly weather they will be protected between the houses from the wind.
Well Nancy was gone most all day getting a new phone as she has maxed out this one in just two years time with all her photos, videos and texting. I never knew you could max one out but she did so it was purchase another phone at over a grand; of course its just not used for talking any longer its a mini computer so I guess that's worth. Betsy came down around lunch time then they did some sister time together shopping and out to lunch. I was able to finish up some garden work by sowing a variety of seeds which I covered with a piece of chicken wire to keep the pesky squirrels from digging in the soil. They are a huge nuisance here in Florida as they keep breeding with no know enemies except me with my BB gun when they get in my garden.
Most all of my transplants are going to make. A couple of the small tomato seedlings died but that was expected but the three large ones are looking good. I'll give them another week or so then transplant them into their own space. I'm amazed the cool weather Swiss chard plants look so good and all of them at this time are doing awesome as it the lettuce, kale and even the three collard plants which had been growing most all summer in the mountains. I knew they would die there but maybe live if I brought them and so far so good.
I tuned into the 7th game of the series and the Astros were winning when I fell asleep with several innings to go. The Lightning won their game in overtime so I shut the lights out a little after 10'ish, LATER
Thursday, October 31, 2019
Wednesday, October 30, 2019
Wednesday Morning Oct 30th
Well Tuesday was another scorcher of a day but we did get some relief in the late afternoon with a gully washer rain. It was one of those typical 15 minute down pours that looked like a waterfall coming off the roof. I'm so thankful it cooled own for about 30 minutes but it was like a steam bath outside afterwards, oh well. My garden enjoyed this drink especially the west garden which I managed to dig out all of the grasses and pile them to dry out so I can mulch them into compose and apply around my veggies.
I started the day back to my usual 6'ish rollout as the internal alarm is functioning once again. I did my usual routines that start with a handful of Nutrilite Vitamins and supplements washed down with a cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric while I post this ramble then spent some quiet time with my Creator. All those I lift up daily are holding their own with no news of any changes. Our daughter in law Katie is really starting to show with the twins and is having some swellings issues in the feet and ankles, so keep her and boys in your thoughts and prayers. Everyone else seems well up to a point due to ages and health issues. My old classmate Sandy is starting to recoup as well. I continue to daily lift up our duly elected Potus Trump as he faces such biased folks who want to undermine him and the nation. We need GOD's blessing if we are to remain a republic and our way of life.
I headed out on my bike a little after 8 for the Rec. and got in a good hour and half of constant play with various partners. I choose to leave a little early despite us having the gym all morning. I'm working up to getting my stamina ready for the daily 2 hours or more of rigorous action, plus I wanted to work in the garden hoeing and weeding before it got too hot. I did manage to rid the one garden of grasses and weeds and have a couple huge piles to mulch with my mower. Today I'll work on the other garden for a couple hours before the heat drives me inside after pickle ball.
Bobby came by for lunch and we had a nice short visit with him. All is well with him and the family. The baseball team he manages is in first place and Gabe is playing great ball as well. Its kids pitch which he seems to enjoy more and is also a relief pitcher at times. I'm heading over to Brandon on Saturday to watch the team play as Nancy will stay back as she gets ready for Katies babies shower on Sunday and then a family birthday dinner for Annsley and Gabe afterwards. We have to arrange our schedule around when the kiddos are with him and Katie.
I took off after lunch for a hair cut then a stop at Sam's Club for gas at 2.23 a gallon and some goodies and then a stop at the Home Depot for a jalapeno pepper and an egg plant. I'm hoping this heat wave will break and give us more moderate temps for my recently transplanted seedlings. They seem to be holding at this time but need watering at least twice a day. I need to get some seeds in the ground but first I must remove all of the grasses in both gardens which I'm about half way completed. Nancy pan fried some deer burgers which neighbor Gerald blessed us with from last years kills. Wow were they ever delicious along with some fresh broccoli for our supper. I tuned into the Fox Cable News channel until it was shower time and then the World Series Game. The Astros were losing when I turned the lights off at 10'ish after falling asleep on the bed. I need to check the scores to see if there is another game, LATER
I started the day back to my usual 6'ish rollout as the internal alarm is functioning once again. I did my usual routines that start with a handful of Nutrilite Vitamins and supplements washed down with a cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric while I post this ramble then spent some quiet time with my Creator. All those I lift up daily are holding their own with no news of any changes. Our daughter in law Katie is really starting to show with the twins and is having some swellings issues in the feet and ankles, so keep her and boys in your thoughts and prayers. Everyone else seems well up to a point due to ages and health issues. My old classmate Sandy is starting to recoup as well. I continue to daily lift up our duly elected Potus Trump as he faces such biased folks who want to undermine him and the nation. We need GOD's blessing if we are to remain a republic and our way of life.
I headed out on my bike a little after 8 for the Rec. and got in a good hour and half of constant play with various partners. I choose to leave a little early despite us having the gym all morning. I'm working up to getting my stamina ready for the daily 2 hours or more of rigorous action, plus I wanted to work in the garden hoeing and weeding before it got too hot. I did manage to rid the one garden of grasses and weeds and have a couple huge piles to mulch with my mower. Today I'll work on the other garden for a couple hours before the heat drives me inside after pickle ball.
Bobby came by for lunch and we had a nice short visit with him. All is well with him and the family. The baseball team he manages is in first place and Gabe is playing great ball as well. Its kids pitch which he seems to enjoy more and is also a relief pitcher at times. I'm heading over to Brandon on Saturday to watch the team play as Nancy will stay back as she gets ready for Katies babies shower on Sunday and then a family birthday dinner for Annsley and Gabe afterwards. We have to arrange our schedule around when the kiddos are with him and Katie.
I took off after lunch for a hair cut then a stop at Sam's Club for gas at 2.23 a gallon and some goodies and then a stop at the Home Depot for a jalapeno pepper and an egg plant. I'm hoping this heat wave will break and give us more moderate temps for my recently transplanted seedlings. They seem to be holding at this time but need watering at least twice a day. I need to get some seeds in the ground but first I must remove all of the grasses in both gardens which I'm about half way completed. Nancy pan fried some deer burgers which neighbor Gerald blessed us with from last years kills. Wow were they ever delicious along with some fresh broccoli for our supper. I tuned into the Fox Cable News channel until it was shower time and then the World Series Game. The Astros were losing when I turned the lights off at 10'ish after falling asleep on the bed. I need to check the scores to see if there is another game, LATER
Tuesday, October 29, 2019
Tuesday Morning ..Oct 29th
Well I got my wish for sunshine but not the heat and humidity that came with it; and there has been an abundance of both. The temps were setting records for this time of the year at 90 plus; however for a brief period yesterday morning there was some fog just before dawn. I was so sick of fog in the mountains but actually was rooting for it to hang around awhile to lessen the heat.
I started the day with a 6 ish roll out after hitting the sack around 9:30 ish; since we now have two TV's after my shower I head for the bedroom with the small TV and watch my sports channels and usually fall asleep, especially after Monday's workout at the Rec. on the pickle ball court. We had 7 players and I managed to not lose a set during the several games with different partners for about an hour or so. I want to break in slowly as that is the first I've played in a month or so. The play was good and I felt great hitting the ball again. I'll be back again this AM (Tues)for more play.
I headed home on my bike and ran into an old friend and fellow pickle baller who is recovering from a hernia operation out riding his bike. He is set to return on Friday to get back into the swing of things since his surgery that happened in September. John and his wife Anne also attend BridgePoint Church with us. Well it was garden and yard work the rest of the day until it got just too hot to be outdoors. I spaded up a patch in the grass covered garden to make space for my seedlings I brought back from the cabin. I was amazed they looked so great before putting them in the ground. The afternoon heat had them all wilted by evening and I'm hoping with another good watering they will rejuvenate over night. I will know this morning if that occurred, oh well. I worked another area free of the grass in the garden and then used the electric shrub trimmer and mowed the vines along both fences.
The grass in both yards were in excellent shape with barely any thin patches as it seemed they were dry for an extended period and then rain has filled the ponds in the area the last week or so. Well not much happened outside after 2 ish as it was just plain scalding in the heat so I did some touchup areas on the cabinets and caught up on some paperwork. Amy had invited us over for supper and wow was it ever delicious as she tried a new recipe. We were entertained by the grand kiddos as well as the superb chicken in the oven with taters and small cherry tomato's and lots of rosemary and balsamic vinegar. We got back to the house around 8'ish and I hit the shower and was soon horizontally watching the MNF game until close to half time. I was still short on sleep hours from Saturday night when I got up at 2'ish on Sunday morning for the trip back to hot Florida, LATER
I started the day with a 6 ish roll out after hitting the sack around 9:30 ish; since we now have two TV's after my shower I head for the bedroom with the small TV and watch my sports channels and usually fall asleep, especially after Monday's workout at the Rec. on the pickle ball court. We had 7 players and I managed to not lose a set during the several games with different partners for about an hour or so. I want to break in slowly as that is the first I've played in a month or so. The play was good and I felt great hitting the ball again. I'll be back again this AM (Tues)for more play.
I headed home on my bike and ran into an old friend and fellow pickle baller who is recovering from a hernia operation out riding his bike. He is set to return on Friday to get back into the swing of things since his surgery that happened in September. John and his wife Anne also attend BridgePoint Church with us. Well it was garden and yard work the rest of the day until it got just too hot to be outdoors. I spaded up a patch in the grass covered garden to make space for my seedlings I brought back from the cabin. I was amazed they looked so great before putting them in the ground. The afternoon heat had them all wilted by evening and I'm hoping with another good watering they will rejuvenate over night. I will know this morning if that occurred, oh well. I worked another area free of the grass in the garden and then used the electric shrub trimmer and mowed the vines along both fences.
The grass in both yards were in excellent shape with barely any thin patches as it seemed they were dry for an extended period and then rain has filled the ponds in the area the last week or so. Well not much happened outside after 2 ish as it was just plain scalding in the heat so I did some touchup areas on the cabinets and caught up on some paperwork. Amy had invited us over for supper and wow was it ever delicious as she tried a new recipe. We were entertained by the grand kiddos as well as the superb chicken in the oven with taters and small cherry tomato's and lots of rosemary and balsamic vinegar. We got back to the house around 8'ish and I hit the shower and was soon horizontally watching the MNF game until close to half time. I was still short on sleep hours from Saturday night when I got up at 2'ish on Sunday morning for the trip back to hot Florida, LATER
Monday, October 28, 2019
Monday Morning...Oct 28th
Well it sure is a whole different world here as compared to the mountains, yikes not only the heat and humidity but just the number of cars on the road and you forget how close folks live together in neighborhoods, oh well. It will take a few days of adjustments but I"ll get use to it again. The biggest adjustment will be the humidity and heat as I've added about 10 pounds over the summer according to the bathroom scale.
Many thanks for those who kept us in your thoughts and prayers for a safe uneventful trip; it was a success once again although initially getting away from the cabin was very wet and foggy with the wind blowing leaves like rain. We left a half hour hour early as I had plenty to do before departing. Thankfully most of the truck was loaded the evening before as the rain was coming down in buckets, yet it was 62 degrees which is unheard of for this time of the year. It's usually freezing when we pull out and the welcome heat from being back in Florida is a plus; but not yesterday, oh well. I'm sure that will change in a few days to come.
The Ross Family had the yard looking great so now I need to get the gardens into shape and get my seedlings in the ground. The house was in great shape as well and everything seemed in good order at this time. They came by for a visit and it was so good to hug and see everyone and how much they have matured and how well all of the kiddos play and get along. I order Willie Jewels on line and picked up our supper which was the best barbecue other than my own all summer. We are surely disappointed in the lack of good barbecue in our area where you would think it would be the best.
We unpacked and then hit the showers after everyone left and I watched just an inning of the baseball game then hit the sack around 9'ish. The internal alarm is back working with an after 6'ish wake up so here I am posting once again. I'll head out to pickle ball at the Rec around 8'ish for an hour or so if we can get enough players. I know many of the snowbirds like myself will be here soon and the courts will be full, hopefully. After PB I'll work on getting my seedlings in the ground. I got the pump primed last evening and its putting out water and that is a must for Florida gardening as the sandy soil dries out quickly, LATER
Many thanks for those who kept us in your thoughts and prayers for a safe uneventful trip; it was a success once again although initially getting away from the cabin was very wet and foggy with the wind blowing leaves like rain. We left a half hour hour early as I had plenty to do before departing. Thankfully most of the truck was loaded the evening before as the rain was coming down in buckets, yet it was 62 degrees which is unheard of for this time of the year. It's usually freezing when we pull out and the welcome heat from being back in Florida is a plus; but not yesterday, oh well. I'm sure that will change in a few days to come.
The Ross Family had the yard looking great so now I need to get the gardens into shape and get my seedlings in the ground. The house was in great shape as well and everything seemed in good order at this time. They came by for a visit and it was so good to hug and see everyone and how much they have matured and how well all of the kiddos play and get along. I order Willie Jewels on line and picked up our supper which was the best barbecue other than my own all summer. We are surely disappointed in the lack of good barbecue in our area where you would think it would be the best.
We unpacked and then hit the showers after everyone left and I watched just an inning of the baseball game then hit the sack around 9'ish. The internal alarm is back working with an after 6'ish wake up so here I am posting once again. I'll head out to pickle ball at the Rec around 8'ish for an hour or so if we can get enough players. I know many of the snowbirds like myself will be here soon and the courts will be full, hopefully. After PB I'll work on getting my seedlings in the ground. I got the pump primed last evening and its putting out water and that is a must for Florida gardening as the sandy soil dries out quickly, LATER
Sunday, October 27, 2019
Sunday Evening in Florida Oct.27st
We headed out at 3:30 AM after Not being able to sleep; it was pouring rain through out the night on the tin roof and Nancy was sawing logs so I just got up and finished packing the truck in between rain showers. It was 62 degrees which is unheard of for this time of the year. The ride down the mountain was a bit scary with heavy fog and the leaves blowing like rain. We made great time once we were off the mountain as the traffic was very limited until we reached the south of Georgia and northern Florida. We then saw more traffic than all this summer in the mountains.
It was a hot afternoon with temps constantly in the low 90's once we reached the Tampa Bay area and plenty of sunshine and humidity. Its always sad or shall I say quite different when exiting the truck in the 'hood. I've been so use to seeing trees and no close neighbors whereas here its totally different. Ava did a super job with mowing the yard this summer with help from the whole family. The house was in great shape as well as Amy had it ready for our return. They came by for a visit after Trunk or Treat at their church and the grand kiddos have added height as well.
It's too hot to transplant my seedlings I brought back so I put them in the shad and watered them hoping they stay strong. I do have lots of garden work as well as pickle ball to take the place of the great mountain hikes, LATER
Our bridge look heading into Pinellas County
It was a hot afternoon with temps constantly in the low 90's once we reached the Tampa Bay area and plenty of sunshine and humidity. Its always sad or shall I say quite different when exiting the truck in the 'hood. I've been so use to seeing trees and no close neighbors whereas here its totally different. Ava did a super job with mowing the yard this summer with help from the whole family. The house was in great shape as well as Amy had it ready for our return. They came by for a visit after Trunk or Treat at their church and the grand kiddos have added height as well.
It's too hot to transplant my seedlings I brought back so I put them in the shad and watered them hoping they stay strong. I do have lots of garden work as well as pickle ball to take the place of the great mountain hikes, LATER
Saturday, October 26, 2019
Saturday Morning Oct 26th..last post from the cabin this year
Well Friday was another busy day and the weather held albeit was cloudy at times but moderate temps. I actually shed a long sleeve shirt while working out side and doing some last minute chores for winterizing the cabin. Yesterday was a first for meeting the new owners of the Browning Place on top of the mountain and they are a younger couple who live in Charlotte and will make this a summer place as well as a getaway on weekends. Dave and Alicia Roberts were very friendly and we hope to make them as friends in the future.
I started the day much the usual with a 7'ish rollout to my cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric while I posted this ramble and then spent some quiet time with my Creator giving thanks and lifting up several by name. All seem as well as can be expected at this point in time. I took off on my before breakfast hike to the top of the mountain and ran up on a flock of wild turkeys in the backwoods just above the yard. There must have been a dozen or more and these were definitely not the three huge Tom's I saw the day before which just stood and watched me walk by. The squirrels were out storing acorns and corn and were active and a couple fussed at me from a tree as I walked by.
After a lite breakfast I headed outside as it was calling for rain but the skies seem broken with clouds and some sunshine. I got the grill cleaned and burned off and wrapped it for the winter as I leave it on the back porch. I folded up the two picnic tables from on the deck and stored them as well and then piddled around loading up bags of garbage for the dump and those two plastic chairs with broken backs. We dropped them off on the way to the Tracy's for supper later in the day.
We got in a long hike to the top of the mountain and encountered the Robert's who just came from the closing on their place. They seemed very excited, warm and friendly and we shared a little before leaving on the hike back down the mountain. Hopefully we will see them again today(SAT)but they have two children in school in the Charlotte area so its unlikely they will be up at their new place. We saw no one else on top then headed down for a bite of lunch as we clean out more leftovers.
Well after a stop at the dump we met the Tracy's for supper and a game of Euchre before eating and the rubber game afterwards. The meal was of salmon, pasta and broccoli with a special sauce of capers, mushrooms and other herbs. Delicious and tangy. Patrick and Nancy teamed up for Euchre and won the rubber match 10-9 in a close third game. We headed out around 7:30 for the cabin as Nancy's tummy wasn't doing well. I tuned into the third game of the series and the Astros were up 3-1 in the 5th and then it was horizontal lab time for me around 10'ish. I always have a tough time sleeping a couple nights before leaving either Florida or here for Florida as my mind works all night long, LATER
I'll hopefully make a post Monday morning from Florida before pickle ball.
Pics from our hike on Friday.
I started the day much the usual with a 7'ish rollout to my cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric while I posted this ramble and then spent some quiet time with my Creator giving thanks and lifting up several by name. All seem as well as can be expected at this point in time. I took off on my before breakfast hike to the top of the mountain and ran up on a flock of wild turkeys in the backwoods just above the yard. There must have been a dozen or more and these were definitely not the three huge Tom's I saw the day before which just stood and watched me walk by. The squirrels were out storing acorns and corn and were active and a couple fussed at me from a tree as I walked by.
After a lite breakfast I headed outside as it was calling for rain but the skies seem broken with clouds and some sunshine. I got the grill cleaned and burned off and wrapped it for the winter as I leave it on the back porch. I folded up the two picnic tables from on the deck and stored them as well and then piddled around loading up bags of garbage for the dump and those two plastic chairs with broken backs. We dropped them off on the way to the Tracy's for supper later in the day.
We got in a long hike to the top of the mountain and encountered the Robert's who just came from the closing on their place. They seemed very excited, warm and friendly and we shared a little before leaving on the hike back down the mountain. Hopefully we will see them again today(SAT)but they have two children in school in the Charlotte area so its unlikely they will be up at their new place. We saw no one else on top then headed down for a bite of lunch as we clean out more leftovers.
Well after a stop at the dump we met the Tracy's for supper and a game of Euchre before eating and the rubber game afterwards. The meal was of salmon, pasta and broccoli with a special sauce of capers, mushrooms and other herbs. Delicious and tangy. Patrick and Nancy teamed up for Euchre and won the rubber match 10-9 in a close third game. We headed out around 7:30 for the cabin as Nancy's tummy wasn't doing well. I tuned into the third game of the series and the Astros were up 3-1 in the 5th and then it was horizontal lab time for me around 10'ish. I always have a tough time sleeping a couple nights before leaving either Florida or here for Florida as my mind works all night long, LATER
I'll hopefully make a post Monday morning from Florida before pickle ball.
Friday, October 25, 2019
Friday Morning Oct 25 th
Well this week has just flown by and now we are looking at two wake up's at the cabin. It's surely hard to leave when the last couple of days have been near picture perfect with the temps and weather as well as the beauty found in the landscape with the fall colors. We've had tons of neighbors and friends visit as well which also makes it difficult to day good bye for 7 months.
I started the day again with a 7'ish roll out from those flannel sheets on this cool crisp fall morning with temps in the upper 30's; actually this about as cold as it gets on a winter morning in Florida. It actually warmed by the afternoon to tee shirt weather around upper 60's; but the blue Carolina skies were just gorgeous with brilliant sunshine which is always welcome even in hot humid Florida which I'm sure I will write about next week when we are back to the flatland.
I got in a hike after my morning routines that always start with the cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric while I ruminate about the day before's activities, honor my Creator in thoughts and thanksgiving and then lift up several by name for comfort and healing. We all need to lift up America and our gov't leaders who are still pro America and are against this vile ideology that has permeated the democrat party. It's despicable how they have tried to destroy our culture and the rule of law which use to be equal for all Americans; not illegals aliens. That too has changed with this party and their attempt to undermine our duly elected Potus Trump or any potus in the future of this nation. This happens in third world countries and if they get elected next election we will lose our culture and nation will be destroyed from within much like Rome was centuries ago.
I decided since it was warming up to give the truck a bath including the bed with was filled horse manure yesterday. Albeit the manure was in containers and not directly in the bed there was still dust and dirt from the event. It was a glorious morning to be outside and that kept me busy until we took off on a hike together. Once again overnight many of the trees were showing off their colors and in the last 2-3 days we are now at peak in my opinion especially with rain in the forecast for the weekend. Carl Hudson came by to offer some apply wood from a tree he is cutting down but I still have lots from his last tree; Billy and Paula came by for an hour or so to visit and then George came by for chat. We skipped any lunch except for some jerky I shared with Billy while we walked around the property. They are heading out again to to Winston to visit with Paula's mother who is in better shape than she is with her back issues.
Patrick and Kathryn came around 3'ish and brought their grand dog, Roue who they are dog sitting for a week or so. He is really a cute British Bulldog and very energetic. Patrick wanted to take him on a hike to the top of the mountain while girls rode the golf cart and he loved the freedom of running loose and constantly smelling the ground. He is a lover of horse poop so we had to watch him carefully while being outside in the yard as he headed for the gardens. He loved the hike and then running around on the deck while I grilled marinated chicken breast for fajitas for our supper. We had a Mexican theme once again as we cleaned out the fridge. Today Friday we will eat at their cabin as they too have just a few days left before they leave for home and we will help them with their clean out as well. We got into a game of Spades after supper and it was another long one with much laughter and going Nil. The boys prevailed once again in a nail biter, LATER
I started the day again with a 7'ish roll out from those flannel sheets on this cool crisp fall morning with temps in the upper 30's; actually this about as cold as it gets on a winter morning in Florida. It actually warmed by the afternoon to tee shirt weather around upper 60's; but the blue Carolina skies were just gorgeous with brilliant sunshine which is always welcome even in hot humid Florida which I'm sure I will write about next week when we are back to the flatland.
I got in a hike after my morning routines that always start with the cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric while I ruminate about the day before's activities, honor my Creator in thoughts and thanksgiving and then lift up several by name for comfort and healing. We all need to lift up America and our gov't leaders who are still pro America and are against this vile ideology that has permeated the democrat party. It's despicable how they have tried to destroy our culture and the rule of law which use to be equal for all Americans; not illegals aliens. That too has changed with this party and their attempt to undermine our duly elected Potus Trump or any potus in the future of this nation. This happens in third world countries and if they get elected next election we will lose our culture and nation will be destroyed from within much like Rome was centuries ago.
I decided since it was warming up to give the truck a bath including the bed with was filled horse manure yesterday. Albeit the manure was in containers and not directly in the bed there was still dust and dirt from the event. It was a glorious morning to be outside and that kept me busy until we took off on a hike together. Once again overnight many of the trees were showing off their colors and in the last 2-3 days we are now at peak in my opinion especially with rain in the forecast for the weekend. Carl Hudson came by to offer some apply wood from a tree he is cutting down but I still have lots from his last tree; Billy and Paula came by for an hour or so to visit and then George came by for chat. We skipped any lunch except for some jerky I shared with Billy while we walked around the property. They are heading out again to to Winston to visit with Paula's mother who is in better shape than she is with her back issues.
Patrick and Kathryn came around 3'ish and brought their grand dog, Roue who they are dog sitting for a week or so. He is really a cute British Bulldog and very energetic. Patrick wanted to take him on a hike to the top of the mountain while girls rode the golf cart and he loved the freedom of running loose and constantly smelling the ground. He is a lover of horse poop so we had to watch him carefully while being outside in the yard as he headed for the gardens. He loved the hike and then running around on the deck while I grilled marinated chicken breast for fajitas for our supper. We had a Mexican theme once again as we cleaned out the fridge. Today Friday we will eat at their cabin as they too have just a few days left before they leave for home and we will help them with their clean out as well. We got into a game of Spades after supper and it was another long one with much laughter and going Nil. The boys prevailed once again in a nail biter, LATER
Thursday, October 24, 2019
Thursday Morning..Oct 24th
Well it was a bit nippy with the lows in the high 30's to start the day but lots of sunshine and by late afternoon we were in the upper 50's. A beautiful day for working outside and that's just what I did all day long. We were invited out for supper and I even got in two game of corn toss or corn hole which ever name you prefer with my dear friend Gerald. He whupped me in both games.
I started the day much the usual with now a 7'ish rollout to my cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric while I posted this ramble then spent some quiet time with my Creator in thanksgiving for another day all of life's blessings as well as lifted up several by name for comfort and healing. All seem as well as can be expected due to their ages and health issues. We were scheduled to be at Kimberly's at 10'ish so I skipped my abbreviated before breakfast hike to the top and we got ready to head over to her farm around 9:30.
I cleaned out 5 stables of horse manure and had the truck loaded to the brim with barrels, trash cans, sacks and cans of mostly dried horse droppings. I worked up a sweat in the barn despite the outside temps being in the 40's by late morning. We got back on the mountain around 12:30 and had a bite of lunch then I spent the next couple hours unloading and spreading the manure in all of the flower beds and in the garden patches. We decided around 2:30 or so to get in a hike to the top of the mountain and once more we were delighted to see so much more leaf color on the ridges. The vibrant reds were making their appearance and brightened up the area. The long distant views were great as well. We stopped and chatted with deceased Helen's son for a spell as we had met him at her funeral a couple years back. He will be on the mountains for a spell as he is in between jobs and considering retirement. He is a nice feller and we have always enjoyed him and his siblings. The youngest sister Sherri has purchased the old place and will keep it in the family
We headed out around 4:30 for Sparta as Nancy needed a few items from the grocery and then headed over to the Luffman Farm. Their horses which are mainly Gypsy Varners are beautiful with their feathers and the stud Nick is such a large horse and very friendly. Gerald and I threw a game of corn toss before a delicious supper prepared by Kay who is a very good cook and then another game just as the sun was setting over the mountains. Such a beautiful setting with the Blue Ridge Parkway off in the distance. The gals cleaned up from supper while we threw another game as the cool damp air came upon us at sunset. We played the best of 5 games in Sequence before leaving and saying our goodbye's for this year. The gals won in the 5th game and now have bragging rights until next summer. We always forget who really won as we all rib one another and have a grand time together. We will miss this family greatly as they have become family over the years.
Well it wasn't long after 10'ish and a hot shower I was ready for some horizontal lab as those flannel sheets were calling my name. The bright moon light was evident through the many trees that have lost their leaves which are falling daly. The backwoods yards are littered with many and those still on the trees are really showing off some of their colors, LATER
Just a few pics on our afternoon hike and me carrying out horse manure in buckets to add to the barrels in the truck. The cabin pics are for our dear friends Joe and Jetta who moved back to the Cleveland area and their place has just recently been sold again. It needs some manicuring as they had it looking great over the years
I started the day much the usual with now a 7'ish rollout to my cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric while I posted this ramble then spent some quiet time with my Creator in thanksgiving for another day all of life's blessings as well as lifted up several by name for comfort and healing. All seem as well as can be expected due to their ages and health issues. We were scheduled to be at Kimberly's at 10'ish so I skipped my abbreviated before breakfast hike to the top and we got ready to head over to her farm around 9:30.
I cleaned out 5 stables of horse manure and had the truck loaded to the brim with barrels, trash cans, sacks and cans of mostly dried horse droppings. I worked up a sweat in the barn despite the outside temps being in the 40's by late morning. We got back on the mountain around 12:30 and had a bite of lunch then I spent the next couple hours unloading and spreading the manure in all of the flower beds and in the garden patches. We decided around 2:30 or so to get in a hike to the top of the mountain and once more we were delighted to see so much more leaf color on the ridges. The vibrant reds were making their appearance and brightened up the area. The long distant views were great as well. We stopped and chatted with deceased Helen's son for a spell as we had met him at her funeral a couple years back. He will be on the mountains for a spell as he is in between jobs and considering retirement. He is a nice feller and we have always enjoyed him and his siblings. The youngest sister Sherri has purchased the old place and will keep it in the family
We headed out around 4:30 for Sparta as Nancy needed a few items from the grocery and then headed over to the Luffman Farm. Their horses which are mainly Gypsy Varners are beautiful with their feathers and the stud Nick is such a large horse and very friendly. Gerald and I threw a game of corn toss before a delicious supper prepared by Kay who is a very good cook and then another game just as the sun was setting over the mountains. Such a beautiful setting with the Blue Ridge Parkway off in the distance. The gals cleaned up from supper while we threw another game as the cool damp air came upon us at sunset. We played the best of 5 games in Sequence before leaving and saying our goodbye's for this year. The gals won in the 5th game and now have bragging rights until next summer. We always forget who really won as we all rib one another and have a grand time together. We will miss this family greatly as they have become family over the years.
Well it wasn't long after 10'ish and a hot shower I was ready for some horizontal lab as those flannel sheets were calling my name. The bright moon light was evident through the many trees that have lost their leaves which are falling daly. The backwoods yards are littered with many and those still on the trees are really showing off some of their colors, LATER
Wednesday, October 23, 2019
Wednesday Morning..oct 23rd
Well we finally got some great sunshine around 2'ish in the afternoon. Wow was it ever nice and the skies were blue and and the distant views were almost 3-D in scope. Tuesday morning was a wash out with rain and at time it blew so hard the rain was coming sideways. It washed gullies in the driveway and neighbor Gerald had his tractor and scraped the steep driveway which is always a blessing instead of me raking the hill by hand after the storm.
I started the day much the usual with a now 7'ish rollout instead of what has been my 6'ish roll out since I retired in '04. I'm sure once I get back to Florida and away from these flannel sheets and back to playing pickle ball, 6'ish will become the norm once again. I am staying up a little later since some of the baseball games go longer than my usual 10 bedtime, oh well. With the outside air being so cold and damp at times sleeping in has been kind of nice. I did my usual routines that start with the cup of green tea laced with turmeric while I post this ramble and then honored my Creator with some quiet time as well as give thanks and lift several up by name for healing and comfort. One of the sweetest, funniest girls in my graduating class is having some severe health issues so I've added her to my ever increasing list of names I lift up daily; she is really bad off and has no funds as well as living alone. I'm not sure what happened in her life but she is really having a hard time existing alone with these health issues.
We are getting excited about seeing the kids and grand kiddos. We speak with them at least a couple times a week now that Bobby travels so much and Amy is working at the school where it use to be all most everyday we talked with them. Lele the youngest granddaughter is so cute when she tells us she going to give us big hugs and kisses when we get home. Amy has made plans to have us for supper on Monday and she has become a fantastic cook like Nancy. I have already done a lot of the outside work here at the cabin as it usually takes a couple days to made the cabin and the yards and gardens really for the winter. Today we will go over to Kimberly's farm and collect several trash cans and buckets of manure to spread in the gardens and for my compost pile for next year plantings. I help her out by cleaning out the stables and she me with the poop. There is nothing like horse manure to give the soil some compost especially if its sets in the weather all winter and blends into the soil.
We were shut in's all morning so after awhile we decided to play a card game and then a dice game . We just snacked on some chips that needed eating and some jerky I had forgot about. We played a couple hours and suddenly the rain stopped and there was sunshine. I headed out to the soggy yards and felt the warm sunshine on my face and what a change in just a few minutes from dark overcast rain laden skies. We got ready and took off on a rather long hike to the top of the mountain. We did stop and chat with Ben on top but saw no one else. The skies were a beautiful blue and the long distant views to Winston was so clear as well. We noticed a great change on the ridges with brilliant colors over night. The storm that brought us the rain and wind also brought down lots of leaves on the back road and in our backwoods yard. I'm hoping that will be different next year as friend's Jake and Kaitlyn are taking out most of those trees in that yard as well as along the edge. I'm looking forward to being rid of the green moss which loves the shade and inhibits the grass to grow.
Well that was about it as we settled in after a supper of cleaning out the fridge and cupboards. Neighbor Gerald loaded me up with a 5 gallon bucket of frozen deer pound packages from last years kills. Now this is a great way of taking meat already packaged with no processing of my effort back to Florida. We both love the meat and its neatly packaged and processed and frozen. I tuned into the Series game and the Astros let the game get away from them after leading into the middle innings. I'll check the boxscore later but they were losing to the Nats 5-2 in the 7th, oh well. I use to go to the old Griffith Stadium in D.C. with Paw Paw a couple times as a young lad to watch the Senators play but they left and went to Minnesota but are now back from Canada as the Nationals or Nat's. Either of these teams are better than the Yankees or Boston in my opinion, LATER
The pic is of the rain poring down and then the other two are from out hike and one from the back yard which has changed over night
I started the day much the usual with a now 7'ish rollout instead of what has been my 6'ish roll out since I retired in '04. I'm sure once I get back to Florida and away from these flannel sheets and back to playing pickle ball, 6'ish will become the norm once again. I am staying up a little later since some of the baseball games go longer than my usual 10 bedtime, oh well. With the outside air being so cold and damp at times sleeping in has been kind of nice. I did my usual routines that start with the cup of green tea laced with turmeric while I post this ramble and then honored my Creator with some quiet time as well as give thanks and lift several up by name for healing and comfort. One of the sweetest, funniest girls in my graduating class is having some severe health issues so I've added her to my ever increasing list of names I lift up daily; she is really bad off and has no funds as well as living alone. I'm not sure what happened in her life but she is really having a hard time existing alone with these health issues.
We are getting excited about seeing the kids and grand kiddos. We speak with them at least a couple times a week now that Bobby travels so much and Amy is working at the school where it use to be all most everyday we talked with them. Lele the youngest granddaughter is so cute when she tells us she going to give us big hugs and kisses when we get home. Amy has made plans to have us for supper on Monday and she has become a fantastic cook like Nancy. I have already done a lot of the outside work here at the cabin as it usually takes a couple days to made the cabin and the yards and gardens really for the winter. Today we will go over to Kimberly's farm and collect several trash cans and buckets of manure to spread in the gardens and for my compost pile for next year plantings. I help her out by cleaning out the stables and she me with the poop. There is nothing like horse manure to give the soil some compost especially if its sets in the weather all winter and blends into the soil.
We were shut in's all morning so after awhile we decided to play a card game and then a dice game . We just snacked on some chips that needed eating and some jerky I had forgot about. We played a couple hours and suddenly the rain stopped and there was sunshine. I headed out to the soggy yards and felt the warm sunshine on my face and what a change in just a few minutes from dark overcast rain laden skies. We got ready and took off on a rather long hike to the top of the mountain. We did stop and chat with Ben on top but saw no one else. The skies were a beautiful blue and the long distant views to Winston was so clear as well. We noticed a great change on the ridges with brilliant colors over night. The storm that brought us the rain and wind also brought down lots of leaves on the back road and in our backwoods yard. I'm hoping that will be different next year as friend's Jake and Kaitlyn are taking out most of those trees in that yard as well as along the edge. I'm looking forward to being rid of the green moss which loves the shade and inhibits the grass to grow.
Well that was about it as we settled in after a supper of cleaning out the fridge and cupboards. Neighbor Gerald loaded me up with a 5 gallon bucket of frozen deer pound packages from last years kills. Now this is a great way of taking meat already packaged with no processing of my effort back to Florida. We both love the meat and its neatly packaged and processed and frozen. I tuned into the Series game and the Astros let the game get away from them after leading into the middle innings. I'll check the boxscore later but they were losing to the Nats 5-2 in the 7th, oh well. I use to go to the old Griffith Stadium in D.C. with Paw Paw a couple times as a young lad to watch the Senators play but they left and went to Minnesota but are now back from Canada as the Nationals or Nat's. Either of these teams are better than the Yankees or Boston in my opinion, LATER
Tuesday, October 22, 2019
Tuesday Morning ..Oct 22nd
Well Monday was another dreary overcast with heavy fog day and then rain again later in the evening and all night and it's raining again this morning. I need some sunshine. Now I know why I need Florida in the winter if its like this here in the mountains. I know I shouldn't complain but I'm an outdoors guy and being cooped up inside for me is good for just a couple hours.
I started the day on Monday with another sleep in as those flannel sheets are just too comfortable especially on cold damp mornings. It was 7'ish or after when I rolled out to start the day with my cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric while I posted this ramble and then spent a few quiet moments with my Creator in thanksgiving and lifting up several by name. All seem well at this point in time. As I mentioned earlier the fog was heavy all most to the point of a light rain which lasted until around 10'ish and I was able to get outside for my abbreviated hike up the mountain and then too put up my fences around the hydrangeas bushes to keep the deer from eating them down this winter and next spring. That kept me busy until lunchtime.
The fog would come in sheets and at times so thick just a few yards away was completely white. I did manage to weed whack down the flower beds which has become a ritual each year before leaving for the winter. The zinnias were in bloom yet with hundreds of them and I had already cut off that many earlier for them to dry and be used again next summer for resowing. I emptied the rain barrel which had filled overnight and I want to gather several trash cans and the barrel full of horse manure from Kimberley stables for my garden and flower beds. Plans changed from today until Wednesday for that event due to the rain. We did get in a long hike around 3'ish and the mountain was fogged in completely. There wasn't much we could do outside as the fog once more turned into a heavy mist.
Jake and Kaitlyn came by to check out the trees he needs for fire wood. Its a blessing to me that he needs wood to run his water stove which heats his house, hot water and dryer. He was wondering where he would find enough wood to take care of his winter needs when I heard him mention the other night that he was burning the last of his stockpile. I gave him all of the trees in the backwoods yard which has about 12 to 15 large oaks, gums and maples. I can not grow grass there due to these large trees which gives too much shade and allows the green moss to take cover squeezing out the grass plus they make it difficult to mow around. I took out 9 trees a couple years ago hoping that would let in enough sunshine to grow the grass but it is just too much shade plus a couple of the really large ones could reach the cabin if struck by lightning or blown down by a storm. He needs the wood and I will get that job done by a younger stronger good friend and he is so thrilled he doesn't have to buy wood. Next summer I'll rent a stump grinder and he has promised to help me grind those stumps out. What a blessing we have been to each other.
Well that was about it as we ate the leftover Cincinnati chili for supper as we clean out the fridge and then we will eat away from the cabin on Wednesday and Friday nights at the Luffmans and the Tracy's. The world series starts tonight and we are pulling for the Astros as they were the team that beat the Ray's in a fifth game, LATER
Hiking pictures on a damp cool afternoon with some leaf color and lots of fog.
I started the day on Monday with another sleep in as those flannel sheets are just too comfortable especially on cold damp mornings. It was 7'ish or after when I rolled out to start the day with my cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric while I posted this ramble and then spent a few quiet moments with my Creator in thanksgiving and lifting up several by name. All seem well at this point in time. As I mentioned earlier the fog was heavy all most to the point of a light rain which lasted until around 10'ish and I was able to get outside for my abbreviated hike up the mountain and then too put up my fences around the hydrangeas bushes to keep the deer from eating them down this winter and next spring. That kept me busy until lunchtime.
The fog would come in sheets and at times so thick just a few yards away was completely white. I did manage to weed whack down the flower beds which has become a ritual each year before leaving for the winter. The zinnias were in bloom yet with hundreds of them and I had already cut off that many earlier for them to dry and be used again next summer for resowing. I emptied the rain barrel which had filled overnight and I want to gather several trash cans and the barrel full of horse manure from Kimberley stables for my garden and flower beds. Plans changed from today until Wednesday for that event due to the rain. We did get in a long hike around 3'ish and the mountain was fogged in completely. There wasn't much we could do outside as the fog once more turned into a heavy mist.
Jake and Kaitlyn came by to check out the trees he needs for fire wood. Its a blessing to me that he needs wood to run his water stove which heats his house, hot water and dryer. He was wondering where he would find enough wood to take care of his winter needs when I heard him mention the other night that he was burning the last of his stockpile. I gave him all of the trees in the backwoods yard which has about 12 to 15 large oaks, gums and maples. I can not grow grass there due to these large trees which gives too much shade and allows the green moss to take cover squeezing out the grass plus they make it difficult to mow around. I took out 9 trees a couple years ago hoping that would let in enough sunshine to grow the grass but it is just too much shade plus a couple of the really large ones could reach the cabin if struck by lightning or blown down by a storm. He needs the wood and I will get that job done by a younger stronger good friend and he is so thrilled he doesn't have to buy wood. Next summer I'll rent a stump grinder and he has promised to help me grind those stumps out. What a blessing we have been to each other.
Well that was about it as we ate the leftover Cincinnati chili for supper as we clean out the fridge and then we will eat away from the cabin on Wednesday and Friday nights at the Luffmans and the Tracy's. The world series starts tonight and we are pulling for the Astros as they were the team that beat the Ray's in a fifth game, LATER
Monday, October 21, 2019
Monday Morning..Oct 21st..Last Monday this year at the cabin
Well it was nasty to start the day with a drizzle and cool temps but not nearly as cold as last week when we had the rain. It was in the 50's which is a heat wave compared to last weeks 30's. The sun broke through and the skies cleared by late afternoon and the distant views on our evening hike was fantastic. There is one thing for sure in the mountains the weather can turn very quickly either from great to gloomy in hours and vice versa but we do have the occasional all day rain and gloom and thats when I'm ready for the sunshine state.
I started the day with now a 7'ish roll out due to those comfy snug flannel sheets which has upset my internal alarm clock which usually goes off before 6; but that has sure changed since we changed the bed linen, oh well. If it wasn't for yesterday being a church day we were thinking of staying in the sack past 7, but we got up and did our usual morning routines then headed out to Cornerstone around 9:30 for worship after watching our local church in Florida on the web.
We had a missionary family who are from this area and he is an emergency room doctor as well. The Richie Family serve in Ghogoria Kenyan which is in Africa at a mission hospital. The whole family serves there as well. He gave a great presentation on how this mission not only serves the medical needs of this area but trains others doctors to serve in different areas of the continents medical needs but their spiritual needs as well for Christ. All of the personnel are Christians and they serve under the WGM (world gospel mission) bringing Christ to this land that is still varied in their pagan beliefs as well as the influence of the muslims. Serving their medical and physical need is a great way to influence their spiritual needs which is helping to change the culture.
After church we headed over to the Pizzeria for the last time this year for their delicious Sunday buffet of a salad bar and fresh pizzas which have now become one of the best pies in town. We met Mechelle, Jake and Kaitlyn there as well and met a new couple who we have seen at Cornerstone the past couple of weeks; Ed and Tina. They moved here permanently and he is a private pilot and she is a teacher at one of the schools in the county. We chatted briefly and are looking forward to getting together with them next summer.
We headed home and while we were too full from the lunch decided to vegetate until around 4 then take a long hike. The temps had reached the lower 60's with lots of sunshine which was very nice. I watched some NFL and then loaded up the pumpkins that we would no longer need and take them down to neighbor Gerald's where he will take them to Blacksburg to Karyl's house as we no longer have any need here for them. We headed out on a nice long hike and noticed the leaves are showing more color each day. Usually by the third week in October its peak but its going to be much later this year.
I skipped supper except for a bowl of ice cream we must use up before leaving next Sunday morning. We will eat leftover for the next couple days and try to eat the freezer down. The Tracy's are leaving about the same time and are planning on us sharing a couple meals together this week as well. I started winterizing the cabin last week by putting away the porch furniture in the shed but this week will be a really busy one with hauling manure for the gardens, putting up fences, weed whacking the flower beds and sorting out clothes and tools I want to take back to Florida plus digging up my bedding plants for the garden etc. It's hard to believe how fast this summer slipped by, LATER
A look at the back trail and at the fake tree Nancy ordered this year for Christmas.
I started the day with now a 7'ish roll out due to those comfy snug flannel sheets which has upset my internal alarm clock which usually goes off before 6; but that has sure changed since we changed the bed linen, oh well. If it wasn't for yesterday being a church day we were thinking of staying in the sack past 7, but we got up and did our usual morning routines then headed out to Cornerstone around 9:30 for worship after watching our local church in Florida on the web.
We had a missionary family who are from this area and he is an emergency room doctor as well. The Richie Family serve in Ghogoria Kenyan which is in Africa at a mission hospital. The whole family serves there as well. He gave a great presentation on how this mission not only serves the medical needs of this area but trains others doctors to serve in different areas of the continents medical needs but their spiritual needs as well for Christ. All of the personnel are Christians and they serve under the WGM (world gospel mission) bringing Christ to this land that is still varied in their pagan beliefs as well as the influence of the muslims. Serving their medical and physical need is a great way to influence their spiritual needs which is helping to change the culture.
After church we headed over to the Pizzeria for the last time this year for their delicious Sunday buffet of a salad bar and fresh pizzas which have now become one of the best pies in town. We met Mechelle, Jake and Kaitlyn there as well and met a new couple who we have seen at Cornerstone the past couple of weeks; Ed and Tina. They moved here permanently and he is a private pilot and she is a teacher at one of the schools in the county. We chatted briefly and are looking forward to getting together with them next summer.
We headed home and while we were too full from the lunch decided to vegetate until around 4 then take a long hike. The temps had reached the lower 60's with lots of sunshine which was very nice. I watched some NFL and then loaded up the pumpkins that we would no longer need and take them down to neighbor Gerald's where he will take them to Blacksburg to Karyl's house as we no longer have any need here for them. We headed out on a nice long hike and noticed the leaves are showing more color each day. Usually by the third week in October its peak but its going to be much later this year.
I skipped supper except for a bowl of ice cream we must use up before leaving next Sunday morning. We will eat leftover for the next couple days and try to eat the freezer down. The Tracy's are leaving about the same time and are planning on us sharing a couple meals together this week as well. I started winterizing the cabin last week by putting away the porch furniture in the shed but this week will be a really busy one with hauling manure for the gardens, putting up fences, weed whacking the flower beds and sorting out clothes and tools I want to take back to Florida plus digging up my bedding plants for the garden etc. It's hard to believe how fast this summer slipped by, LATER
Sunday, October 20, 2019
Sunday Morning..Oct 20th..our last Sunday at Cornerstone
Well Saturday was a bit nippy to start the day with high clouds which held the sunshine out except for brief periods. The rain held off until late afternoon but when it started, it lasted all night long and at times heavy down pours. The mini- split heat was awesome as we finally turned it on and took the portable heaters away and stored them until next year. We had to get a brief update on the remotes on how to work it was the main reason for waiting so long to use it, oh well. We are learning.
I started the day again with a 7'ish roll out as the chill and those warm flannel sheets kept me in the sack much later than usual. It was close to 7:30 when I stayed up for the day. It was in the high 30's but the lack of wind made it almost nice outside as I took my abbreviated morning hike before breakfast. I'm glad I got in one hike for the day as we weren't able to do our long together hike. Neighbors Gerald and Karyl came up around 2'ish and visited for an hour or so and then it was time to prepare a dish to take with us to the Tracy's around 5.
I did my usual morning routines that start with the cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric while I posted this ramble and then spent some quiet time with my Creator giving thanks and lifting up several by name. Sister Dee called to check up on us and how things were in Seminole after the tornado which did some damage in the area but spared our street. She and Mike were attending the funeral for a first cousin who passed away last week and was four years younger than me. It was cold in their area and they had received frost already which we haven't here in the mountains as of yet. All was well with her family.
We piddled around the cabin doing little odd jobs as we get ready to really pack up next week. This tropical storm brought some much needed rain to the mountains but put a damper on the Tracy's daughter and husband coming for several days. One of her best friends and fiancee came up from Charlotte for the weekend so we all got together for a delicious Mexican theme supper as Nancy made a Mexican rice dish to accompany enchiladas which were awesome as always. We stayed and visited until close to 8 then headed home in the light rain. I tuned into the MLB playoff game and the Astros were winning 4-2 when I called it a night around 11. I'll check the scores later to see if they eliminated the Yankees and head to the big games. LATER
I started the day again with a 7'ish roll out as the chill and those warm flannel sheets kept me in the sack much later than usual. It was close to 7:30 when I stayed up for the day. It was in the high 30's but the lack of wind made it almost nice outside as I took my abbreviated morning hike before breakfast. I'm glad I got in one hike for the day as we weren't able to do our long together hike. Neighbors Gerald and Karyl came up around 2'ish and visited for an hour or so and then it was time to prepare a dish to take with us to the Tracy's around 5.
I did my usual morning routines that start with the cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric while I posted this ramble and then spent some quiet time with my Creator giving thanks and lifting up several by name. Sister Dee called to check up on us and how things were in Seminole after the tornado which did some damage in the area but spared our street. She and Mike were attending the funeral for a first cousin who passed away last week and was four years younger than me. It was cold in their area and they had received frost already which we haven't here in the mountains as of yet. All was well with her family.
We piddled around the cabin doing little odd jobs as we get ready to really pack up next week. This tropical storm brought some much needed rain to the mountains but put a damper on the Tracy's daughter and husband coming for several days. One of her best friends and fiancee came up from Charlotte for the weekend so we all got together for a delicious Mexican theme supper as Nancy made a Mexican rice dish to accompany enchiladas which were awesome as always. We stayed and visited until close to 8 then headed home in the light rain. I tuned into the MLB playoff game and the Astros were winning 4-2 when I called it a night around 11. I'll check the scores later to see if they eliminated the Yankees and head to the big games. LATER
Saturday, October 19, 2019
Saturday Morning ..Oct 19th
Well Friday started out really cold once again with a strong wind pushing the wind chill even colder down into the low 30's. The sun was breaking over the tree tops so it turned out to be another nice day and by late afternoon it warmed up to the upper 50's which was very pleasant as the wind stopped.
I started the day once again snugged up in those flannel sheets until after 7'ish, yikes, I'm losing so much awake time due to their coziness. Oh well we finally shut off the portable heaters and turned on the mini-split which needed the filters cleaned after using them for a/c all summer and it quickly turned the cabin into an oven. Nice and I'm not sure why it took so long to use it. I'm quickly discarding the additional long sleeve sweater as it heats the cabin that fast as I write. I did my usual routines that start with the cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric while I post this ramble and then spend some quiet time with my Creator in thanksgiving and intercessory for many I know by name. So far all are still kicking and holding their own. Nancy and I are blessed with good health and we are so thankful.
I took off after making this post bundled up for my first abbreviated hike of the day up the mountain and I skip the walk across the top. I'm mainly wanting the cardio from the climb up the steep back trail hike and then the gradual climb up the old road to the top before heading down and coming up our last half of the driveway which is very steep as well. It's a great workout which lasts non stop for 20 minutes or so. We later in the afternoon took our long hike together which does have some cardio as Nancy stops several times to rest along the way. I think her extra pounds and the medicine she is on to slow down are tachycardia contributes to her many rest stops. It was another gorgeous day on top with excellent long distant views and the deep reds of some of the trees are evident along the mountain ridges.
We had eaten a mountain breakfast of pancakes, sausage patties and eggs so we skipped any lunch as it was close to 10 before eating. We were having some of our mountain friends over for supper at 5 and Nancy had a huge pot of Cincinnati chili cooking on the stove so we waited until then to eat again which was perfect on this chilly evening. We had some grilled hot dogs and slaw to accompany the chili plus some corn bread as we try to clean out the pantry. We have enough leftovers for another day. Nancy also made a black raspberry cobbler for dessert which used up the last pack of berries from this years harvest. The dessert was cleaned up as it was that delicious with vanilla ice cream. The berries do not travel well in the cooler back to Florida.
After eating we played the best of 5 games in Sequence a they brought their board and the gals whupped us 4-1. I had to play two hands(Harvey Hand) which doesn't give me much time for strategy but it wasn't a wipe out like we last gave the gals at 5-0. It was still early in the evening so we played 2 games of 'dice" which is a hoot and very fast and the gals Nancy and Mechelle won both of them. It was going on 10 when they left so we tuned into the baseball game and the Yanks were winning after being down 3-1 in games. Come on Astros as they now go back to Texas I think for another game tonight.
Well after a hot shower it wasn't long until those flannel sheets were calling my name as the evening chilled down into the 40's and by this morning it was back into the 30's. No frost as I could tell as of yet and the white stuff never made it here from W.Va. which got a dusting in the mountains. Nancy is hoping for a good snow before we leave but I can take it or leave it as I once worked the farm for years in those miserable conditions, LATER
Heading out for my first morning hike of the day.
I started the day once again snugged up in those flannel sheets until after 7'ish, yikes, I'm losing so much awake time due to their coziness. Oh well we finally shut off the portable heaters and turned on the mini-split which needed the filters cleaned after using them for a/c all summer and it quickly turned the cabin into an oven. Nice and I'm not sure why it took so long to use it. I'm quickly discarding the additional long sleeve sweater as it heats the cabin that fast as I write. I did my usual routines that start with the cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric while I post this ramble and then spend some quiet time with my Creator in thanksgiving and intercessory for many I know by name. So far all are still kicking and holding their own. Nancy and I are blessed with good health and we are so thankful.
I took off after making this post bundled up for my first abbreviated hike of the day up the mountain and I skip the walk across the top. I'm mainly wanting the cardio from the climb up the steep back trail hike and then the gradual climb up the old road to the top before heading down and coming up our last half of the driveway which is very steep as well. It's a great workout which lasts non stop for 20 minutes or so. We later in the afternoon took our long hike together which does have some cardio as Nancy stops several times to rest along the way. I think her extra pounds and the medicine she is on to slow down are tachycardia contributes to her many rest stops. It was another gorgeous day on top with excellent long distant views and the deep reds of some of the trees are evident along the mountain ridges.
We had eaten a mountain breakfast of pancakes, sausage patties and eggs so we skipped any lunch as it was close to 10 before eating. We were having some of our mountain friends over for supper at 5 and Nancy had a huge pot of Cincinnati chili cooking on the stove so we waited until then to eat again which was perfect on this chilly evening. We had some grilled hot dogs and slaw to accompany the chili plus some corn bread as we try to clean out the pantry. We have enough leftovers for another day. Nancy also made a black raspberry cobbler for dessert which used up the last pack of berries from this years harvest. The dessert was cleaned up as it was that delicious with vanilla ice cream. The berries do not travel well in the cooler back to Florida.
After eating we played the best of 5 games in Sequence a they brought their board and the gals whupped us 4-1. I had to play two hands(Harvey Hand) which doesn't give me much time for strategy but it wasn't a wipe out like we last gave the gals at 5-0. It was still early in the evening so we played 2 games of 'dice" which is a hoot and very fast and the gals Nancy and Mechelle won both of them. It was going on 10 when they left so we tuned into the baseball game and the Yanks were winning after being down 3-1 in games. Come on Astros as they now go back to Texas I think for another game tonight.
Well after a hot shower it wasn't long until those flannel sheets were calling my name as the evening chilled down into the 40's and by this morning it was back into the 30's. No frost as I could tell as of yet and the white stuff never made it here from W.Va. which got a dusting in the mountains. Nancy is hoping for a good snow before we leave but I can take it or leave it as I once worked the farm for years in those miserable conditions, LATER
Friday, October 18, 2019
Friday Morning..Oct 18th
Well Thursday started out as another cold morning with temps in the 30's and the wind was still howling in the tree tops and in the cell phone towers on top of the mountain. What an erie sound and I don't suppose they got much sleep there overnight as we could hear the howl down at the cabin when you walked outside. I did take my usual quick hike to the top before breakfast and the trails were littered with tree branches, leaves and pine needles. It was in the upper 30's but felt much colder with the wind chill.
I slept in again until 7'ish as those warm flannel sheets have me under the covers especially on this cold windy morning. I turned on the two portable heaters and soon had the cabin snug and cozy especially getting back from my cold hike. I did my usual morning routines that start with the cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric while I posted the day before's activities then spent some time with my Creator in thanksgiving and lifting up several by name. All seem as well as can be expected as I've heard nothing different. I finished up a leftover pancake and some fruit for breakfast then headed down to the basement to start gathering items I want to take back with me. I had put my tomato seedlings and dill seedlings in last night so the wind wouldn't kill them. I now have some roots on a couple sweet basil cutting that I've had in water and will also take back with me for my winter garden in Florida.
I decided once it started to warm up to remove all of the porch furniture since the wind dried them out and store them in the shed which took me several golf cart loads to do. That kept me busy for a couple hours as well as storing all of my garden tools in the shed. Nancy had some laundry for the clothesline and they dried quickly in the wind which had calmed down considerably from last nights gale. The sun was shining and the air was starting to warm slightly. I think it may have reached the lower 50's by late afternoon as we took off on our long hike of the day. The leaves had covered the back road from the wind and the distant views were once again awesome. We noticed more red leaves on the mountain side than was there yesterday.
Everyone on top was holed up inside or gone as we saw no one on our hike. We came back and took the golf cart to the mailbox for the weekly local newspaper and change of address form for the post office. After supper we settled into staying inside as the temps quickly dropped once the sun dropped behind the trees surrounding the cabin. We tuned into the FOX Cable News and heard where our Potus and his staff brokered a ceasefire with Turkey and the Kurds. Hopefully this truce will hold. I watched the Yanks vs Astros and when I hit the sack a little after 11 and the Astros were winning 6-3 in what looked like a cold New York City, LATER
The sun was shining but the temps were cold especially in the shade. Just a few pics of some color and Nancy always wants selfies as we traveled out to the mailbox.
I slept in again until 7'ish as those warm flannel sheets have me under the covers especially on this cold windy morning. I turned on the two portable heaters and soon had the cabin snug and cozy especially getting back from my cold hike. I did my usual morning routines that start with the cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric while I posted the day before's activities then spent some time with my Creator in thanksgiving and lifting up several by name. All seem as well as can be expected as I've heard nothing different. I finished up a leftover pancake and some fruit for breakfast then headed down to the basement to start gathering items I want to take back with me. I had put my tomato seedlings and dill seedlings in last night so the wind wouldn't kill them. I now have some roots on a couple sweet basil cutting that I've had in water and will also take back with me for my winter garden in Florida.
I decided once it started to warm up to remove all of the porch furniture since the wind dried them out and store them in the shed which took me several golf cart loads to do. That kept me busy for a couple hours as well as storing all of my garden tools in the shed. Nancy had some laundry for the clothesline and they dried quickly in the wind which had calmed down considerably from last nights gale. The sun was shining and the air was starting to warm slightly. I think it may have reached the lower 50's by late afternoon as we took off on our long hike of the day. The leaves had covered the back road from the wind and the distant views were once again awesome. We noticed more red leaves on the mountain side than was there yesterday.
Everyone on top was holed up inside or gone as we saw no one on our hike. We came back and took the golf cart to the mailbox for the weekly local newspaper and change of address form for the post office. After supper we settled into staying inside as the temps quickly dropped once the sun dropped behind the trees surrounding the cabin. We tuned into the FOX Cable News and heard where our Potus and his staff brokered a ceasefire with Turkey and the Kurds. Hopefully this truce will hold. I watched the Yanks vs Astros and when I hit the sack a little after 11 and the Astros were winning 6-3 in what looked like a cold New York City, LATER
Thursday, October 17, 2019
Thursday Morning..Oct 17th
Well we have 10 more days before leaving the cabin and if the weather continues as it has been last evening and during the night that may not be soon enough.
Wednesday started out with fog and rain which of course is much needed this year as its been a dry summer and fall. We did get a down pour last weekend which helped but that rain has surely dried up with the wind that followed this front, yikes. I mean it howling in the tree tops with a steady wind and gusts up to 50 mph. It's a cold tropical storm like conditions which hit us during the afternoon and has continued throughout the night. Those flannel sheets made for some great warm snuggling sleep conditions though and I could hardly wait for my bedtime around 10'ish.
I started the day much the usual on Wednesday with close to 7'ish rollout which is now becoming almost routine whereas 6'ish was when the internal alarm use to awakened me. I'm catching up on those couple of late nights from last weekend when we had company. I did my usual morning routines that start with a cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric while I post this ramble then spend some quiet moments with my Creator in thanksgiving and lifting up several by name. All seem well as can be expected as I've heard nothing to the contrary. Grand kiddos Gabe has a sinus infection and missed his ball game on Monday but antibiotics have been prescribed so he is hopefully on the mend.
We headed to Galax around 10ish and made a garbage dump on the way, filled up with gas at 2.34 a gallon then headed to Walmart for a few necessities and an oil change for the truck. I then dropped Nancy off at Cato's her now women's store which she loves and caters to her style and then I headed over to Tractor Supply to shop. I did find some Burpee seeds at 25% off as the season is over here and just about to begin in Florida when we get back next week. It was after 2 before we got back to the cabin and decided to have a late lunch which really was an early supper as we snacked a little around 7'ish.
We decided around 5'ish to take our daily long hike up the steep back trail to the top. The wind was howling and blowing leaves everywhere. The long distant views on top where the best thus far this season as the cold front and wind had wiped out the haze. The building in Winston where shining brightly with the sun on them. The skies finally cleared up after the storm clouds we saw earlier in Galax that were so menacing in size and color, yikes. They did look like a tropical storm clouds which we often see in Florida. Our face and ears were really getting cold from the howling wind while the temps were somewhere in the high 40's or low 50's. The wind chill was unbelievable and it stayed that way the rest of the evening. We hunkered down in the cabin with the portable heater on until bedtime.
I was disappointed the ball game was rained out in New York so we watched the Fox Cable Channel and flipped on to Dr.Pols on commercials. We are finding out just how corrupt the Dem's are in their quest to destroy and impeach our Potus Trump. The biased msm will never tell the truth about the deep state actions from before and after Trump was elected by us "deplorables" and "dregs of society" and how Obama and Hillary's sycophants in the heads of the gov't did everything to stop his presidency. They haven't quit with their attempted coup on our democracy with these salacious accusations and this false impeachment scenario. I do believe most Americans are awakening to these dem's in the congress who are doing their best to keep Trump from being re-elected and his attempt to drain the swamp. Many of the candidates running against him are swamp critters with the dubious distinction and their acts of corruption of which many we are now learning are mired in.
The many elitist candidates have become very rich while on the public dole and they are fighting to prevent their corruption from being exposed and are running scared that Trump will do just that. There are so many corrupt individuals its appalling as they have taken advantages of their status in gov't and backed by the sleazy Hollywood crowd and the MSM. I do believe another 4 years of Trump's presidency will be the down fall of the liberal socialist thinking elitist democrats. The nation is at a turning point and this potus is doing all he can to right the nation from those who have corrupted the system to their pocketbooks while doing nothing. Trump is attempting to secure the border to stop illegals and the drug traffic, put folks back to work and get them off the gov't dole which is taking away the power from those in gov't to control them with handouts. He is strengthening our role in the world and getting the respect from other nations. He is for America first and we all should be proud and cheering him on. Our military is now regaining what it needs to thwart any aggression by rogue gov'ts and keep us safe as well as getting US(A) out of being a policeman in the world.
We ALL should be proud we have a Potus who loves America first and not their pocketbooks. GOD BLESS this man and those he sees are fit to do his agenda which is Make America Great Again, LATER
Just a few pics from the past two days of game playing, visiting old friends and our hike last evening to the top of the mountain. We are finally seeing some leaf color.
Wednesday started out with fog and rain which of course is much needed this year as its been a dry summer and fall. We did get a down pour last weekend which helped but that rain has surely dried up with the wind that followed this front, yikes. I mean it howling in the tree tops with a steady wind and gusts up to 50 mph. It's a cold tropical storm like conditions which hit us during the afternoon and has continued throughout the night. Those flannel sheets made for some great warm snuggling sleep conditions though and I could hardly wait for my bedtime around 10'ish.
I started the day much the usual on Wednesday with close to 7'ish rollout which is now becoming almost routine whereas 6'ish was when the internal alarm use to awakened me. I'm catching up on those couple of late nights from last weekend when we had company. I did my usual morning routines that start with a cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric while I post this ramble then spend some quiet moments with my Creator in thanksgiving and lifting up several by name. All seem well as can be expected as I've heard nothing to the contrary. Grand kiddos Gabe has a sinus infection and missed his ball game on Monday but antibiotics have been prescribed so he is hopefully on the mend.
We headed to Galax around 10ish and made a garbage dump on the way, filled up with gas at 2.34 a gallon then headed to Walmart for a few necessities and an oil change for the truck. I then dropped Nancy off at Cato's her now women's store which she loves and caters to her style and then I headed over to Tractor Supply to shop. I did find some Burpee seeds at 25% off as the season is over here and just about to begin in Florida when we get back next week. It was after 2 before we got back to the cabin and decided to have a late lunch which really was an early supper as we snacked a little around 7'ish.
We decided around 5'ish to take our daily long hike up the steep back trail to the top. The wind was howling and blowing leaves everywhere. The long distant views on top where the best thus far this season as the cold front and wind had wiped out the haze. The building in Winston where shining brightly with the sun on them. The skies finally cleared up after the storm clouds we saw earlier in Galax that were so menacing in size and color, yikes. They did look like a tropical storm clouds which we often see in Florida. Our face and ears were really getting cold from the howling wind while the temps were somewhere in the high 40's or low 50's. The wind chill was unbelievable and it stayed that way the rest of the evening. We hunkered down in the cabin with the portable heater on until bedtime.
I was disappointed the ball game was rained out in New York so we watched the Fox Cable Channel and flipped on to Dr.Pols on commercials. We are finding out just how corrupt the Dem's are in their quest to destroy and impeach our Potus Trump. The biased msm will never tell the truth about the deep state actions from before and after Trump was elected by us "deplorables" and "dregs of society" and how Obama and Hillary's sycophants in the heads of the gov't did everything to stop his presidency. They haven't quit with their attempted coup on our democracy with these salacious accusations and this false impeachment scenario. I do believe most Americans are awakening to these dem's in the congress who are doing their best to keep Trump from being re-elected and his attempt to drain the swamp. Many of the candidates running against him are swamp critters with the dubious distinction and their acts of corruption of which many we are now learning are mired in.
The many elitist candidates have become very rich while on the public dole and they are fighting to prevent their corruption from being exposed and are running scared that Trump will do just that. There are so many corrupt individuals its appalling as they have taken advantages of their status in gov't and backed by the sleazy Hollywood crowd and the MSM. I do believe another 4 years of Trump's presidency will be the down fall of the liberal socialist thinking elitist democrats. The nation is at a turning point and this potus is doing all he can to right the nation from those who have corrupted the system to their pocketbooks while doing nothing. Trump is attempting to secure the border to stop illegals and the drug traffic, put folks back to work and get them off the gov't dole which is taking away the power from those in gov't to control them with handouts. He is strengthening our role in the world and getting the respect from other nations. He is for America first and we all should be proud and cheering him on. Our military is now regaining what it needs to thwart any aggression by rogue gov'ts and keep us safe as well as getting US(A) out of being a policeman in the world.
We ALL should be proud we have a Potus who loves America first and not their pocketbooks. GOD BLESS this man and those he sees are fit to do his agenda which is Make America Great Again, LATER
Wednesday, October 16, 2019
Wednesday Morning ..Oct 16th
Well Tuesday was a bit chilly to start the day but clear skies and bright sunshine soon warmed up the area and then it became another grand day for being outside, laundry on the line and for hiking before we had to leave for a dear friends place around 1'ish. We spent the rest of the day and evening eating and playing games with old dear friends. It was a great day renewing friendships and of course eating what use to be our customary cuisine for our get togethers; salsa and chips, layered taco dip, conqueso, etc. plus chocolate chip cookies and German chocolate cake. There goes the spare tire again, oh well it was a fun day.
I started the day with a 7'ish rollout ever since Nancy put the flannel sheets on the bed, yikes are they ever comfy and so hard to get out of the sack on chilly morning. We've had the heat on just about every morning the last couple of days and its supposed to really turn cold overnight with high winds. There is talk of frost and temps staying down into the 30's and even the talk of snow in the higher elevations of W.Va. Yikes!!!! I got in a good morning hike alone before breakfast. I did my usual routines with a cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric while I posted this ramble then spent some quiet time with my Creator in thanksgiving and lifting up several for comfort and healing. I'm not planning on attending a first cousins funeral in Winchester on Friday who succumbed to her diabetes. We only saw each other a handful of times over our life span as she was a couple years younger and on the opposite side of the family tree. Her husband and I went to school together.
It was an awesome morning as the temps warmed up enough to wear a tee shirt and shorts but we took a long sleeve shirt with us when we left for the afternoon and luckily we did because the high clouds moved in with a stiff breeze and while it was still in the 60's it made for a chill while being outside. We started without the Todds as we ate around 2'ish and then munched for the next hour or so. We taught them how to play "dice" which is a game we were taught by our Michigan friends and its a hoot. We played several games of dice then started on Sequence when the Todd's arrived around 5'ish. The boys won all the Sequence games for a change or should I say the first time forever. A total wipeout with 5-0. Wow it was a hoot and Eddie really enjoyed himself with both the salsa and the game. He is still confined to the wheel chair but can move his arms slightly enough to motorize around and Ray is looking worse everyday. He now has a severe infection in his ear and is on his second round of scripts with no relief. He seemed to really enjoy himself despite the ear infection.
We got back to the cabin around 8'ish and I tuned into the Nationals vs Cardinal game and it was a blow out to start the game and the Nat's held on to sweep the series and will go to the World Series against the winner of the Astros vs Yankees. The Astros who beat the Rays are up 2-1 in that series. Go Astros, LATER
I love the flag below Old Glory as most patriotic Americans do as well. Drain the Swamp with Trump as our Potus
I started the day with a 7'ish rollout ever since Nancy put the flannel sheets on the bed, yikes are they ever comfy and so hard to get out of the sack on chilly morning. We've had the heat on just about every morning the last couple of days and its supposed to really turn cold overnight with high winds. There is talk of frost and temps staying down into the 30's and even the talk of snow in the higher elevations of W.Va. Yikes!!!! I got in a good morning hike alone before breakfast. I did my usual routines with a cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric while I posted this ramble then spent some quiet time with my Creator in thanksgiving and lifting up several for comfort and healing. I'm not planning on attending a first cousins funeral in Winchester on Friday who succumbed to her diabetes. We only saw each other a handful of times over our life span as she was a couple years younger and on the opposite side of the family tree. Her husband and I went to school together.
It was an awesome morning as the temps warmed up enough to wear a tee shirt and shorts but we took a long sleeve shirt with us when we left for the afternoon and luckily we did because the high clouds moved in with a stiff breeze and while it was still in the 60's it made for a chill while being outside. We started without the Todds as we ate around 2'ish and then munched for the next hour or so. We taught them how to play "dice" which is a game we were taught by our Michigan friends and its a hoot. We played several games of dice then started on Sequence when the Todd's arrived around 5'ish. The boys won all the Sequence games for a change or should I say the first time forever. A total wipeout with 5-0. Wow it was a hoot and Eddie really enjoyed himself with both the salsa and the game. He is still confined to the wheel chair but can move his arms slightly enough to motorize around and Ray is looking worse everyday. He now has a severe infection in his ear and is on his second round of scripts with no relief. He seemed to really enjoy himself despite the ear infection.
We got back to the cabin around 8'ish and I tuned into the Nationals vs Cardinal game and it was a blow out to start the game and the Nat's held on to sweep the series and will go to the World Series against the winner of the Astros vs Yankees. The Astros who beat the Rays are up 2-1 in that series. Go Astros, LATER
Tuesday, October 15, 2019
Tuesday Morning ..Oct 15th
Well Monday started out cold with temps in the upper 30's but reached the upper 60's by late afternoon which made for nearly another perfect day for being outside. It was a work day for me and two hikes; one alone before breakfast and one later in the mid afternoon with Nancy. The skies were clear blue with bright sunshine and a slight breeze. Another great laundry day as well as the clothesline was full.
I started the day with a before 7'ish roll out as the chilled cabin made you want to sleep in plus we had burned the midnight oil two nights in a row with lots of activity with our weekend company. I brought the portable tower heater down from an upstairs closet and we had both the faux fireplace and it on for a couple hours. It sure warmed the cabin up so much that by mid afternoon we actually opened a couple windows when the sun was shining the brightest. I had to change into just a tee shirt and cutoffs as well for the hike. It was close to 70 when we started out on the long hike of the day.
The distant views were awesome and the buildings in Winston-Salem were visible from the top as we walked along the ridge. We saw no one out an about on this beautiful afternoon. Earlier in the day I managed to build a fence around the black raspberries bushes after cutting them back close to the ground for next years crop. The fence should help with keeping the deer in the spring from eating the new leaves. I now have figured out how to protect the hydrangeas in the front of the cabin from being eaten as well with another plastic fence I haven't used in years. I did find a piece of plastic conduit in my stash under the porch which will come in handy when draining the hot water heater when we leave Sunday after next. I cut a couple fence posts and cut back some plants for next years growth. I also harvested a box of Zinnia flower heads to dry for next years planting as well. It was mostly piddly chores which always has to be done before leaving the cabin.
We ate some of our weekend leftovers which were still delicious and have another meal or so to finish them off. We are entertaining Mechelle and her folks on Friday night which I believe will be our last guests for supper this season but that could change as well. We are heading over to Eddie and Kimberley's today around noon for a late lunch of salsa, chips, con queso and whatever we usually eat while playing Sequence with Ray, Audine, Eddie, Rachel and Brandon. This use to be a weekly event but since Eddie suffered his accident 5 years which has left him mostly paralyzed, it has become a once a year event.
Well I tuned into the Nats vs Cardinals and the Nats were winning again to take a 3-0 lead in the best of 7 games series to decide who plays probably against the Yankees in the World Series. I would love to see Houston come back and win to play against the Nationals, oh well, LATER
Just a couple views one from Sunday with the fog and one yesterday with the clear distant views. We are noticing some color change as well.
I started the day with a before 7'ish roll out as the chilled cabin made you want to sleep in plus we had burned the midnight oil two nights in a row with lots of activity with our weekend company. I brought the portable tower heater down from an upstairs closet and we had both the faux fireplace and it on for a couple hours. It sure warmed the cabin up so much that by mid afternoon we actually opened a couple windows when the sun was shining the brightest. I had to change into just a tee shirt and cutoffs as well for the hike. It was close to 70 when we started out on the long hike of the day.
The distant views were awesome and the buildings in Winston-Salem were visible from the top as we walked along the ridge. We saw no one out an about on this beautiful afternoon. Earlier in the day I managed to build a fence around the black raspberries bushes after cutting them back close to the ground for next years crop. The fence should help with keeping the deer in the spring from eating the new leaves. I now have figured out how to protect the hydrangeas in the front of the cabin from being eaten as well with another plastic fence I haven't used in years. I did find a piece of plastic conduit in my stash under the porch which will come in handy when draining the hot water heater when we leave Sunday after next. I cut a couple fence posts and cut back some plants for next years growth. I also harvested a box of Zinnia flower heads to dry for next years planting as well. It was mostly piddly chores which always has to be done before leaving the cabin.
We ate some of our weekend leftovers which were still delicious and have another meal or so to finish them off. We are entertaining Mechelle and her folks on Friday night which I believe will be our last guests for supper this season but that could change as well. We are heading over to Eddie and Kimberley's today around noon for a late lunch of salsa, chips, con queso and whatever we usually eat while playing Sequence with Ray, Audine, Eddie, Rachel and Brandon. This use to be a weekly event but since Eddie suffered his accident 5 years which has left him mostly paralyzed, it has become a once a year event.
Well I tuned into the Nats vs Cardinals and the Nats were winning again to take a 3-0 lead in the best of 7 games series to decide who plays probably against the Yankees in the World Series. I would love to see Houston come back and win to play against the Nationals, oh well, LATER
Monday, October 14, 2019
Monday Morning ..Oct 14th
Well two weeks from this day we hope to wake up in warm sunny Florida, yikes where did this summer go??? Its been a whirlwind time with tons of family and friends in for long and short visits and my spare tire is beginning once again to become prominent. Its time to cut the desserts for the next two weeks until I can get back on the pickle ball courts for my daily workouts.
Sunday started out with a 7'ish rollout as our company since Friday were heading out for their homes; one in beautiful Woodstock, Virginia and the other near Pope Air Force Base in the Fayetteville area of N.C. They left together around 9:30 and the cabin became so quiet with everyone gone. We had a fantastic visit with all and the little ones just stole your heart. They were so cute and well mannered and did not for once fuss or cry about anything which is quite unusual for their young ages. We are hoping they will make this event more often as they too are making memories especially for the kiddos.
I turned on the the TV which is unusual for this time of the day but what turned out to be another poor performance for the Hapless Bucs vs Carolina Panthers were playing in England and the time change was of course several hours ahead. Once again we played right up to our reputation which has been awful the past decade or more and yesterday was no exception; they stunk the field up on both offense and defense. I'm wondering how we ever won two games thus far as there seems to be no end to their penalties, dropped passes, awful tackling and interceptions by the same awful quarterback. Our record is not the worst but close to it with yesterday's performance.
We piddled around the cabin, got in an abbreviated hike due to rain until 2'ish then headed out to Sparta and then the Tracy's rental cabin where we ate and played games until nearly 7:30. Our side of the mountain was damp, cold, foggy and rain at time but their side of the mountain showed some blues skies and a little sunshine at times. We snacked as always before dining on a delicious poblano pepper soup loaded with chicken, yeow very tasty along with crusty bread. Nancy brought her tasty orange crush cake which was different but would never make again following that particular recipe. The worms will get the last piece.
The three guys played a 3 handed game of Spades which is a riot as the gals sat out on the porch in the sunshine and after eating we played the best of 7 games of Sequence. The gals won 4-3 in a hotly contested match that when down to the last play on who would prevail. We headed out shortly there after as they are both Neflix TV hounds which is not our love but we do watch it occasionally. It was dark when we got back on the hill and I settled in to the playoff baseball game on the computer and Nancy to her Ipad and some HGTV show. By 10'ish I was ready for a hot shower and then some horizontal lab after being up until midnight two nights in a row, LATER
A foggy picture on our morning hike to the top.
Sunday started out with a 7'ish rollout as our company since Friday were heading out for their homes; one in beautiful Woodstock, Virginia and the other near Pope Air Force Base in the Fayetteville area of N.C. They left together around 9:30 and the cabin became so quiet with everyone gone. We had a fantastic visit with all and the little ones just stole your heart. They were so cute and well mannered and did not for once fuss or cry about anything which is quite unusual for their young ages. We are hoping they will make this event more often as they too are making memories especially for the kiddos.
I turned on the the TV which is unusual for this time of the day but what turned out to be another poor performance for the Hapless Bucs vs Carolina Panthers were playing in England and the time change was of course several hours ahead. Once again we played right up to our reputation which has been awful the past decade or more and yesterday was no exception; they stunk the field up on both offense and defense. I'm wondering how we ever won two games thus far as there seems to be no end to their penalties, dropped passes, awful tackling and interceptions by the same awful quarterback. Our record is not the worst but close to it with yesterday's performance.
We piddled around the cabin, got in an abbreviated hike due to rain until 2'ish then headed out to Sparta and then the Tracy's rental cabin where we ate and played games until nearly 7:30. Our side of the mountain was damp, cold, foggy and rain at time but their side of the mountain showed some blues skies and a little sunshine at times. We snacked as always before dining on a delicious poblano pepper soup loaded with chicken, yeow very tasty along with crusty bread. Nancy brought her tasty orange crush cake which was different but would never make again following that particular recipe. The worms will get the last piece.
The three guys played a 3 handed game of Spades which is a riot as the gals sat out on the porch in the sunshine and after eating we played the best of 7 games of Sequence. The gals won 4-3 in a hotly contested match that when down to the last play on who would prevail. We headed out shortly there after as they are both Neflix TV hounds which is not our love but we do watch it occasionally. It was dark when we got back on the hill and I settled in to the playoff baseball game on the computer and Nancy to her Ipad and some HGTV show. By 10'ish I was ready for a hot shower and then some horizontal lab after being up until midnight two nights in a row, LATER
Sunday, October 13, 2019
Sunday Morning..Oct 13th
Well Saturday was a funday all day long well into the midnight hour. The weather held close to almost perfect with a chilly start and mostly sunshine the rest of the day which made for a great hike and lots of outside activities throughout the evening hours which included a great campfire with fireworks included.
I started the day with a 7'ish rollout since we were up the night before close to midnight playing games and entertaining our family. Nancy fixed a huge mountain breakfast that included bacon, eggs, pancakes, fresh fruit and juices. After the cleanup we all hiked up the steep back trail, enjoying the views, taking lots of pictures and meeting the new owner of the cabin she recently purchased from our long times friends the Cottles.
Jordan and Kelly took the kiddos on a long golf cart ride which thrilled the little ones and kept them busy at times throughout the day playing in the cart. One of the big hits for Ei and JoJo was the balsam wood airplanes which not only kept them bust but helped to wear off the energy they possessed chasing the planes up and down the steep back yard. We ate high on the hog all day long and capped off the evening with a delicious grilled marinated chicken breast with fresh rosemary, spinach mushroom casserole and baked taters both regular and sweet and fresh baked chocolate chip cookies.
I made a huge campfire and then we set off some fireworks much to the delight of the kiddos until after 8'ish. It soon became the little ones bedtime and then we settled into some Sequence and then some Euchre until midnight. The boys won the Sequence games and the gals won the Euchre game in a close finish. We were awakened during the night with a heavy down pour of rain on the tin roof which lasted just a few minutes. It sure cooled off the outside temps with some fog this morning. They all headed out around 9:30 for their respective residences in Woodstock with a stop in Roanoke so Mike and Dee could visit with his widowed mother and then Kelly and Jordan back to Pope AFB in Fayetteville, N.C. It was a great visit with all of them and we so enjoyed the little ones. All of them stole our hearts and must do this again more often. We now have two weeks to shut the cabin down and one more planned social visit with friends as I have much to do before heading back to the flatland of Florida, LATER
I started the day with a 7'ish rollout since we were up the night before close to midnight playing games and entertaining our family. Nancy fixed a huge mountain breakfast that included bacon, eggs, pancakes, fresh fruit and juices. After the cleanup we all hiked up the steep back trail, enjoying the views, taking lots of pictures and meeting the new owner of the cabin she recently purchased from our long times friends the Cottles.
Jordan and Kelly took the kiddos on a long golf cart ride which thrilled the little ones and kept them busy at times throughout the day playing in the cart. One of the big hits for Ei and JoJo was the balsam wood airplanes which not only kept them bust but helped to wear off the energy they possessed chasing the planes up and down the steep back yard. We ate high on the hog all day long and capped off the evening with a delicious grilled marinated chicken breast with fresh rosemary, spinach mushroom casserole and baked taters both regular and sweet and fresh baked chocolate chip cookies.
I made a huge campfire and then we set off some fireworks much to the delight of the kiddos until after 8'ish. It soon became the little ones bedtime and then we settled into some Sequence and then some Euchre until midnight. The boys won the Sequence games and the gals won the Euchre game in a close finish. We were awakened during the night with a heavy down pour of rain on the tin roof which lasted just a few minutes. It sure cooled off the outside temps with some fog this morning. They all headed out around 9:30 for their respective residences in Woodstock with a stop in Roanoke so Mike and Dee could visit with his widowed mother and then Kelly and Jordan back to Pope AFB in Fayetteville, N.C. It was a great visit with all of them and we so enjoyed the little ones. All of them stole our hearts and must do this again more often. We now have two weeks to shut the cabin down and one more planned social visit with friends as I have much to do before heading back to the flatland of Florida, LATER
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