Thursday Morning April 30th

Wow, the end of April already; where did that time go, oh well. Wednesday was another nice day with some what cooler than normal temps which are usually in the low 90's. Seems it stayed in the low 80's range during the hot afternoon. I started the day with a well before 6 roll out. I guess I was anticipating getting back on the pickle ball court at 8 for 2/1/2 hours. I felt it later in the day with sore muscles. I was with the same players the last time I played and all of us are healthy and without any symptoms of the virus. If any of us had the virus we would have exhibited some effects by now as its been several weeks since we first met after the lock down.

I did my morning routines; hot tea, quiet times and then lifting several up for healing before getting ready to drive to the pickle ball court about 10 minutes away. There were three to start, then quickly it went to five players and then I finished playing with a young high school girl and we beat the best two players in a three set match. I was whupped by then and headed home with a soaked shirt. I piddled around in the garden until lunch time then headed out shortly thereafter to Sam's Club to gas up at 1.60 gallon and to pick up some items. They were still showing shortages on toilet paper, soap refills and paper towels but I did find some napkins. I'm amazed folks are still hoarding these products. I did wear a mask while in the store and it's still regimented to an extent with the store roped off in areas corralling you to the checkouts.

I spent the rest of the afternoon on the second season of ALONE with several self produced videos by those involved on the island of Vancouver, Canada.  It's very interesting to say the least and now there are three women in this second episode of ten people wanting to outlast the others to win a half million dollars. I would love the challenge but some of the videos are embarrassing to say the least as many were actually crying and whining about being there. One feller tapped out the first day because he saw some black bears, oh well.

We had a supper of cold shrimp with cocktail sauce, filet mignon, twice baked taters and asparagus plus salad with some friends, yikes was that ever good. We kept our distance which meant no hugs, no handshakes and keeping our distances just to appease some folks. This quarantine is being lifted slowly which in my humble opinion was a conspiracy by the dem's and msm to destroy this country to get rid of Potus Trump. Those governor's who excoriated him in the beginning are now being exposed as the biggest crooks and least concern for citizens in  their states and New York is a perfect example with several dying because of their ineptness and failure to be ready and prepare. American's are awakening to their duplicity and guilt for only trying to destroy Potus Trump. It's shameful and now let's hope these will be prosecuted.

It's looking like once again the dem's and the last vile Obama administration's FBI is being exposed with their railroading of General Flynn. The truth is coming out and we can only hope lots of crooks will go to jail and that Flynn will sue all involved for destroying his life to get at and destroy Trump. What's with these dem's and their attempts to destroy patriots who served his nation with valor and who was part of Trump inner circle of confidants. Just think, if they(deep state) can do this to a person of integrity and service to the nation what they can do too little old you and me. We had better wake up because these who want to take over this nation are evil and with out any sense of patriotism, LATER Vote RED in November and KAG with Trump

Wednesday Morning April 29th

Well the weather once again was quite pleasant but humidity has slowly crept back into the picture so we had the windows and doors closed with the a/c going. I started the day on Tuesday with my usual 6 ish roll out to my cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric while I posted this ramble then spent some quite time with my Creator and Lord giving thanks and lifting several up by name. One name I had lifted up went on home to be with the Lord over night. He had a heart attack and fell striking his head and never regained consciousness. He had no brain activity. I never knew him but sister Josie knew him quite well. Everyone else is holding their own, considering some have some severe health and age issues. My twins grandsons are doing great and are totally on the mend but still taking daily an antibiotic orally.

I finally heard from my pickle ball group and we are playing outside today(wed) at a local church not far from the house. Its too far to ride the bike as there are no sidewalks plus the traffic is heavy at times on that roadway. I'm hoping they allow us to get back to the outside court at the rec. soon as the heat seems to be a killer of this virus and it does get hot here in Florida this time of the year. I understand the beaches are going to be opened as well which I thought was crazy to close them in the first place. Sunshine and salt water will kill or just about cure anything, oh well.

I got in two long power bike rides one in the morning and again after supper. Nancy took one mid morning but passed on the one after supper as she connected with some of our Life Group folks. I think exercising is as important than meeting on the internet, but I do love both. I piddled around outside in the gardens and yards then we headed to Home Depot for a few items as well as to the drug store for some meds for Nancy. Seems she burnt her arm baking cookies last Friday and it swelled up and the doctor did a live screening and called in a prescription for an antibiotic and some cream. I'm not sure how that works for paying for her visit but I'm sure I will get a bill. We made an Aldi's stop for a few items before heading home.

I spent the next couple hours watching ALONE videos on You Tube where 10 men are dropped off in Vancouver and the last one out gets half a million bucks. It's interesting to say the least and they are given 4 cameras to video their  adventure and some are down right pathetic; you can tell who grew up with some ingenuity and rugged individualism. I find it interesting there was food all around but some had no idea how to harvest it. The weather was an issue with tons of rain and even below freezing temps. I think the final guy lasted close to 70 days before being declared the winner, Very interesting but I'm sure they wouldn't take an old guy like me but I would love to do that just for the challenge.

Well that was about it for the day, nothing very interesting except we did eat the tater's I grew from peelings and they we so creamy and very tasty. I think I'll do that again next year, LATER

Here is my white orchid with 3 blossoms. It usually blooms around Easter or Mothers Day. Our mountain mom Helen left these with me in my care when she moved permanently to the mountains, so beautiful.

Tuesday Morning April 28th

Well, yesterday Monday was very unusual for this time of the year here in central Florida. I mean the temps were cool and no humidity with bright sunshine an a stiff breeze out of the north, yikes it was almost a cabin day during the summer. The trees have leafed out, the grass is a dark green and the birds were singing so loudly one took notice when being outside and thats what I did most all day.

I started the day with an after 6 rollout to my morning routines that start with the handful of vitamins and supplements washed down with a cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric while I post this ramble then spend some time with my Creator and Lord lifting us several by name. Well the list gets longer as next door neighbor Carol approached me and asked for prayer for her daughter. She has gone through 3 brain operations for cancer and now it has returned and it's where the doctors can not operate again; she is a young woman in her late 40's with two teenagers. Most all of the others I lift up daily seem to be holding their own and many need miracles for a recovery and it seems another miracle will be needed with her as well.

I headed out after a breakfast of some grapes an apple to check on the gardens. The cucumber vines are wilting for some reason despite watering, but if they go it won't be the first time for this occurrence. We got more fruit this year than ever before. I harvested a couple along with egg plants and another mess of collards for my fireman neighbor who takes them to the firehall for his team. I decided to take off on a bike ride as my pickle ball guys made no effort to get in touch with me about playing. I sure hope all is well with them. I had a nice power ride through the hood which is keeping the legs in shape as well as the cardio. I decided after getting back from my ride to mow the yards as this rain last week end has really helped with grasses in both yards. I had started some clipping of the St. Augustine grass and they all were showing roots.

I noticed area down by the road where a ground cover weed was starting to spread so I decided to dig it up and shake out the dirt and replant that area with grass clippings. That kept me busy until lunch time. Nancy was off to the store shopping once again much to my dismay because she was once so adamant about me not playing pickle ball outside and here she is off shopping at Target, oh well. We cancelled a supper with our friends on Sunday because of being with the boys on a weekly basis. This lock down is outrageous for most healthy folks but if you live in a big city with lots of personal interactions then I think the social distancing is a must, especially if you use mass transit. The loss of liberty and freedom due to this fear and panic is becoming outright harmful to most of the nation and folks are starting to see where some governor's are using it for political reasons which is tantamount to totalitarianism.

We ate early as the Botbyl's invited us to see the movie"UNPLANNED"at 7 o'clock. So we took another together bike ride around 4'ish and it was still rather cool outside. We had the windows and doors open throughout the day airing out the house. It was marvelous to say the least. The movie was really a story based on a clinic director for planned parent hood which becomes initiated in what really happens in their facility; totally about abortions and how its done. She becomes a huge adversary after learning what was happening to the innocent defenseless unborn and how this event is now a major political agenda for so many; the right to life or the right to choose and she choose life. Her story is one that has gone like wildfire across this land and yet there are those in the gov't who still will not protect these unborn even after surviving the attempted abortion. The Kentucky governor is the latest who vetoed a bill to save these babies who survived after an attempted abortion. The governor of Virginia my home state state, said its up to the mother whether they should kill the baby after its been born; that's murder in my way of thinking.

It's no wonder the world is in disarray with politicians making these kinds of decisions about life. We are created in the image of GOD and now we have decided who should live and who should die within the womb; in other words we are playing GOD and we are seeing HIS judgement upon the world he created with all of these issues which could mean its close to judgement day, LATER

Monday Morning April 27th

Well this month is just about gone as we start this last week of April, yikes. We have just over 5 weeks to go before heading north to the mountains. It seems like years since we were last there and my heart is longing for the serenity of the mountains and the fresh air and cold sweet water that comes from deep within the earth. Oh my, am I ever ready for a change from the heat and humidity and the ever presence noise of vehicle traffic throughout the day and night, oh well. There are draw backs as we leave our kids and grand kiddos but they can come visit us and enjoy the change that comes with this atmosphere.

I started Sunday morning with a later than 6 roll out for a change to my usual routines that start with the cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric while I posted this ramble then spent some quiet time with my Creator and Lord lifting up several by name for comfort and healing. All seem as well as can be expected. We tuned into the on line BridgePoint service and heard a fantastic message given by interim pastor Tyler on Peter's response to the empty tomb and the significance it meant for the world. This event changed world history and still does today especially for folks who call Christ Jesus their personal savior. Those of us who are Believers in the resurrection need to get back to sharing this with others as one person I heard mention this is christians super bowl. We have let those, who voice just the opposite get all of the attention and its time to speak up and out because this nation was founded on the Judeo-Christian principles set forth in the Bible.


We are at a turning point in our nation with the radical liberal democrat's attempt to take over the gov't with their socialist precepts which contradict the opposite of what we were instilled with by our founding fathers who made sure our form of gov't was inspired by honoring GOD. The Left is doing everything to destroy our culture and instill their radical beliefs and we must take back our nation and once again honor our heritage or it will be gone forever. We see just how corrupt the media is in helping the Left get control by spreading falsehoods about our potus and twisting everything he says to destroy him and this nation.

I got in a good bike ride after the service and noticed how the humidity had abated for the day. We took a bike ride together later in the evening after supper so we got some exercise. I piddled around in the gardens and yards for a couple hours but mainly just watched some videos on You Tube about the Mountain Man series without the commercials. Nancy visited the Botbyl's for awhile despite us cancelling our dinner get together with them and the Tracy's. We are giving this chance of infection from the virus another period of time due to the "boys". So far everyone has showed no symptoms and we are healthy, Praise GOD, LATER

Sunday Morning April 26th

Well Saturday morning found me up a little later than the usual before 6 roll out which is odd as my internal alarm usually needs no prompting. I did my routines that start with the cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric while I posted this ramble then did my quiet time with my Creator giving thanks and lifting up several for comfort and healing. I've had a couple of close associates who have lost parents these past couple of days and to read their obituaries has been very interesting; one in particular was his dad was led to Christ by Corrie Ten Bloom who was a warrior for christians and has written several books, a couple I've read. She and her family saved several jews during the holocaust.

After a breakfast of eggs and bologna boats with a fresh garden jalapeno cut up on mine I headed out to check on the gardens. I didn't have to water at all during the day as the ground was still relatively wet from the previous day's rain. I harvest 4 nice Bell peppers as well a 5 cucumbers. The cukes are holding their own despite the worms of which I've squashed so many that just maybe I've sent them away. I spaded up a couple areas of the garden and the earth worm population has exploded. This is awesome to see as they are what produces the best plant food ever, plus they aerate the soil for the plants roots. I may try to find some more oak leaves before shutting the garden down for the summer as they love oak leaves.

I took a nice long bike ride and came back sweating as the humidity has once again crept into the picture. The temps were comfortable in the low 80's but the closeness along with the humidity is summer like. I didn't do much the rest of the day except for watching some You Tube videos on mountain men and living off the grid. I love adventures with man vs wild and actually would have loved to have been a pioneer charting the way west across America in the 1800's; anyhow we got ready around 4'ish and headed over Amy's for a birthday supper for our grand daughter Ava Mae who turned 13 on the day. She has matured into a beautiful young lady and is taller than her mom. She chose the dinner which was so delicious and one we all enjoyed. Marinated grilled flank steak, cusco pasta with herbs and cheese, asparagus and Nancy made a chocolate cake with chocolate icing and Amy had ice cream to add to the mix, yeow what a feed. Tyler and I shared a little fruit of the vine while grilling. It was a beautiful evening as the temps moderated and the humidity stayed at arms length.

After the cleanup we played two games with the kiddos; PIT is a fast moving game where everyone  trades cards to garner 9 of one suit and then rings the bell(stock market) based and the other I've heard so much about called but never played. SPOONS which is similar to Pit with every one getting 4 of a kind and then grabbing a spoon of which there is one less spoon than the number of players. The kids loved it and I found it fun as well. We stayed well beyond Amy and my's bed time as the caffeine in the chocolate kept me awake. Seems daughter Amy and I share the 10'ish same bedtime at night. The kiddo's were wired both from the occasion and the desserts. We headed out going on 11'ish and I soon hit the shower upon getting home, LATER

 

Saturday Morning April 25th

Well we are back in Seminole after what seemed like days but really it was an all day Thursday with an over nighter to an all day Friday and what made it seem even longer a storm came through Friday morning and knocked out the power for 5 hours or so. We had a grand time loving up on Anns, Gabe and the "boys" Ryder and Huck. They are certainly responding with cute smiles and trying to communicate with us and doing well with their healings.

We started the day on Friday with a wake up in the spare room at Bobby's. I never sleep well especially if there is noise like snoring from Nancy and the window style a/c which has a fan noise; at least it was constant. The bed is very comfortable but despite the ear plugs in never got much sleep, oh well. I did cat nap in between the boys and their naps which were close to an hour or two at times after Anns and Gabe left around 2:30 for their mom's place.

I started this ramble around 7'ish but the power went out when a huge limb from a tree took down the power line just a few houses up from Bobby's. We heard the crack of lightening early in the morning and the rolling thunder when the tree snapped sending the whole hood into darkness. The boys fared as did the the other kiddo's when we used the hot water to warm their bottles and of course there were plenty of power bars and fruit. It was just an inconvenience and how much we depend on electricity to function. Luckily Bobby had a way with his phone to get us WIFI so the kiddos could do their school work on line which they did until noon. I helped Gabe out as much as possible with his work as both Bobby and Katie were tied up with conference calls.

We had delicious grilled left over meatloaf sandwiches for lunch prepared Bobby style and then again a very tasty fried rice with grilled sticky chicken wings for supper. Both were so delicious. We left around 7'ish and got back to the house in a lite rain before dark. This rain was every where in the area which really needed the water without the high winds and storms. We were fortunate this storm did not carry the severe weather suffered in the mid west with tornado's that killed several and destroyed homes. We were away from the news which was a blessing at first but we like to keep up with all that is happening with our nation.

I hit the showers after unpacking and watched on the History channel a series called "ALONE" which I would love to do. The show takes a group of people both male and female to remote parts of the world and they have to survive individually for days living off the land for a money prize. The first couple episodes where on Vancouver Island and the 3rd season is in S. America in an area called the Patagonia. It looks as if will be a good series with man vs living in the wild. Just what I thrive on, LATER

Friday Morning April 24th

Well Thursday was spent all day and night in Brandon loving up on those two grandsons, Ryder and Huckston as well as Annsley and Gabe and of course Bobby and Katie as well. We spent the day feeding, changing diapers and games with Anns and Gabe as well. It was a fun day and evening as well.

I started the day with a before 6 roll out to my usual morning routines that start with a my cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric while I posted this ramble then spent so quiet time with my Creator and Lord in thanksgiving and lifting several up by name for comfort and healing. All seem well at this point in time. I headed out to hand water the gardens and harvest a ness of collard greens for Katie's family before we left for Brandon around 8:30.

Katie's mom Lynn and sister Kayla were there to help until we arrived around 9:30. It was a busy fun filled day as the boys are doing so much better after last weeks infections and hospitalization at Tampa General. Little Luck seems to be back to normal after he gave all of us a scare with his dehydration.

Well I'm going to cut this short as we loss power due to a huge tree in the neighborhood taking out the power lines. I'll catch tomorrow, LATER

Thursday Morning...April 23rd

Well Wednesday was a busy fun day that started with a before 6 roll out to my cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric while I posted this ramble then spent some quiet time with my Creator and Lord in thanksgiving and lifting several up by name for comfort  and healing. All seem well as I've heard nothing to the contrary.

 I got ready and headed over to a local church where 4 of us gathered for 2 hours of outside pickle ball play. It's the same players since the shut down started and none of us have shown any evidence of being contaminated or carrying the virus and besides being outside in the heat and sunshine is a killer of this virus. I left with a wet shirt and a pound or two lighter. I took another bike ride after hand watering the gardens while Nancy shopped again at the grocery store which I think there is more of a chance for contamination than outside on a pickle ball court.

She used up some Virginia bacon we bring back and freeze and had thawed out for the Zuppa Soup, so we had BLT's for lunch which is always a favorite. I grilled marinated chicken breasts for our supper and had our first mess of green beans to accompany them which were delicious. We head over to Brandon this morning (thur) to watch the boys as Katie starts her new job. She will be working from home so she can still give them some attention at times as well as pump milk for their bottles. The boys are doing much better and are almost back to normal after their scare with the infection; we still do not know how and where they received this bacteria that nearly cost little Huck his life. We still give thanks for the staff at TGH and for the many folks who prayed for them.

Well after the cleanup from supper Nancy and I took a long power bike ride through the hood. She needs to get her legs in shape for the hike up the steep trail that leads to the top of our mountain as we are hoping to be there the first of June. Actually we are planning on leaving May 31st which is a Sunday and usually the traffic is less than during the work week, LATER

 The green beans are pole beans and the taters are from peelings that sprouted in the compost pile that I replanted. This is our second mess of them and they are so delicious and creamy.

Wednesday Morning April 22nd

Well Tuesday found us with lots of sunshine and less humidity as the storm and front from yesterday seemed to clear out the atmosphere. There isn't much to tell except for some yard and garden work as we stayed home once again to honor this quarantine imposed on US(A). I do believe this fear and panic is uncalled for unless your elderly and or with some underlying health issues. I do believe its stupid to get in someone's space but to be outside and staying a distance apart with a mask is plenty of space to keep from acquiring this disease. Most of this hype is promoted to destroy the nation and this potus at any and all costs to the folks of this nation.

I started the day much the usual with a before 6 rollout to my cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric while I spent some time with my Creator and Lord in thanksgiving and lifting up several. All seem as well as can be expected and a couple have some very severe underlying issues and are in a nursing facility. I think the use of common sense is a big factor in beating this virus and we have so many folks who now want socialism and have no concept of doing for themselves, except lay around and play video games and with their smart phones. Never would I have thought the nation would come to this point where rugged individualism has by passed the nation and we would actually have a candidate who would garner so much support for a socialist gov't. Now we have a corrupt candidate with the signs of dementia who will also be in contention for the leadership of this once great nation.

I took off after my morning routines on a good 30 minute power bike ride through the neighborhood and then came back and hand watered the gardens. I harvested some green beans, bell and jalapeno peppers as well as a couple pounds of taters that I grew from peelings that had sprouted in my compose area of the garden. The recently transplanted lettuce seedlings are holding their own despite the heat and lots of sunlight. The cukes have slowed down from the 5-6 daily to now just 1-2. The animal that was chewing up a couple every night seems to have either succumbed to the mice poison or decided to stay away. Home Depot no longer carries the packs of Decon for rats for some reason but does sell cubes of mice poison. I use to find the dead fruit rats every now and then and bury them in the garden where the earthworms used them up but now this mice poison doesn't leave any dead bodies, oh well.

I mowed the front and back yards as well as edging which kept me busy until lunch time. I finished up the leftover Zuppa soup which is definitely one of the best flavors ever. Nancy made beef-a-roni for supper using some of my Bell peppers which was an old favorite of mine as well. I spent the afternoon on You Tube watching video stories from different areas of the world and one of the best was the space lab circling the earth. It was a very fascinating video on the working and living conditions within the space station circling the earth every 45 minutes. It's amazing the technology developed to live within that weigh less atmosphere for long periods of time but to be able to send up supplies and parts from time to time and hook up with the main station is just almost unbelievable.

After the cleanup from supper we took off on a bike ride together through the hood around 7:30. The sun was still shining as the days get longer towards June. We are still planning on leaving for the cabin on May 31st unless something major happens. I know some folks still believe we should be under quarantine to this virus. We will see if the states start to lift their restrictions. We at least at this time should have some much cheaper gas as the market has a glut of oil. Let's hope America gets back to work and soon. I know the dems want to drag this out until November to hurt Trump's  re-election which I'm sure he will win anyhow. They are now floating the idea of Michelle Obama being his VP running mate and then Biden being replaced due to his dementia and she become the potus, GOD Forbid, LATER

Tuesday Morning April 21st

Well Monday started out with overcast skies and a front moved quickly through bringing us some much needed rain once again but the skies cleared and the sunshine became so evident I hung a load of laundry outside on the clothesline.

I started the day much the usual with a before 6 roll out to my usual routines that start with the cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric. This herb is an anti inflammatory and great for the joints and for anyone who has had some injury or operation in the past. I have noticed a great positive difference in my old bones and joints from the back operation while serving in the USAF, to knee hyper extensions and general malaise at times. I use it daily, anyhow after digressing I did my quiet time with my Creator lifting up several by name including our Potus Trump, the military and members of the "badge family" all of which I subscribe to. The update on our new twin grandsons who were hospitalized last week is a good report. They are home and seem to be back to normal in looks and their eating and sleeping habits. We still think the formula was the culprit but we may never know what caused them to become so violently ill. We can only praise GOD for their miracle healing and say Thanks to so many for their prayers.

I got ready a little before 8 and headed over to a local church where one of the members who is an advit pickle ball player lined the outside basketball court with the dimensions of a pickle ball surface. We had 5 players show up and the action was steady for 2 hours. It was great to get back to playing again and we all left with a soaked shirt. We are planning to play again on Wednesday morning. The church and court are in a very secluded area with no visible means to be seen by the public. So we do not have to worry about the quarantine police which is totally ridiculous. Being outside is the best way to thwart this virus whereas being inside only helps with its spread, oh well. I loaded up one of the players a large mess of collard greens as he came by the house afterwards. We all stood outside so he and his girls never came inside the house.

Well after lunch I chilled watching You Tube videos from true crime to travel adventures. I really love this channel and you get a good sense of what other areas of the world you can travel to vicariously. Time just flies as well. It stayed around 80 until the front came through but the humidity was terrible until late afternoon when a nice northern breeze from the front cooled things down and made it bearable for our 7:30 bike ride. We did probably 5 miles or more at a fast pace through the hood. We came back and watched Tucker on the FOX News channel then it was time for a shower for me. Afterwards I watched a little TV before lights out for at 10, LATER

 Not sure why Nancy put this old piece of furniture I restored 35 years ago and sits in our living room on the blog.

Monday Morning April 20h

Well Sunday was an awesome day of worship despite it being done at home. We heard our Bridgepoint service as well as Cornerstone on line live and then watched a documentary with the Botbyl's in the afternoon on a tradition of the culture of Jesus's day about the wedding feast and the bride and groom analogy Jesus used as the church is the bride of Christ. Very interesting.

I started the day much the usual with a before 6 roll out to my usual routines; cup of hot green tea, quiet times,  news from Fox and then social media updates and comments. The social distancing seems to be working and the fear and panic spread by the fake news media to destroy Trump while at the same time destroying the economy is finally winding down with the same results; Trump is winning again and the despicable dem's are being exposed for their duplicity. Never in my lifetime would I ever have thought members of the House a third of the gov't would be complicit with helping the enemies of America destroy her and her potus from within. It's so diabolical and they want a dictator with a socialist ideology and you may ask why am I seeing that. Look at those young freshman in the House, the squad they do not want our way of life to proceed but promote this socialist idea with a globalist attitude with them in power to stymy capitalism and be at the top. They hate Christianity and love the idea of muslim autonomy.

After the church services I headed out on my bike for a good 30 minute power ride through the hood. It looked once again like some rain clouds in the distance but the rain stayed away for another day much to my chagrin. We are lots of inches below our needs but hopefully the rainy season starts soon with afternoon showers. I spent the afternoon after a lunch of a leftover deer burger watching You Tube videos on the Navy Seals and their exploits to retrieve captives held by criminals and then to capture criminals in foreign  lands. They are a tough bunch of men and well trained and used in situations where stealth is needed to have a successful outcome to a mission.

After the video at the Botbyl's and a visit we headed home to eat some leftover Zuppa Toscana soup then take a bike ride together through the hood. I've needed these rides to keep the legs in shape as well as some cardio. Today, Monday I'm meeting with 4 other pickle ball players and playing at a local church where we can get back into the swing of things. It's an isolated church and one of the members had the parking lot painted with the court lines so we can play. Hopefully the Rec. will open soon but in the mean time we will play at the church.

The great news of the day was the boys, Huck and Ryder were released from TGH to go home. Both boys looked great in the photo Katie shared so we will go over on Wednesday and stay a couple nights to help as she goes back to work on Thursday. Hopefully Katie's mom Lynn will get her test results back indicating she is negative for the virus. Her dad has already been tested and he now is negative for the virus as well. Hopefully they will be able to help as the hour or so trip is exhausting to say the least a couple times a week. I'm still planning on leaving in 6 weeks for the cabin on May 31st as scheduled, LATER

     

This is a picture of the pool the Botbyl's have for their grand daughter and one we would like to get for the mountains for when Bobby and family come in July for the boys. Annsley and Gabe will be able to fit in there with them as its 8 ft x 5 ft and 21 inches deep.

Sunday Morning April 19th

Well Saturday was another busy fun filled day that saw us with another much needed rain storm in the early afternoon. It did clear off by late afternoon when we had the family here minus Katie and the boys for a birthday celebration for Ava who will be 13 in a couple of days. Annsley and Gabe wouldn't be able to make it on her date so we celebrated early for their benefit.

I started the day out much the usual with a 6'ish roll out to my cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric while I posted this ramble then spent some time with my Creator giving thanks for the healing of little Huck and Ryder, lifting up several others by name and for my many blessings as well. All of those folks seem as well as can be expected due to health and age issues and I've heard nothing to the contrary. It seems the nation is starting to overcome this virus which has its hot spots due to the closeness of folks living and working together. We have tried our best to just keep our social gathering among family members only and to wear a face mask while shopping. So far we have only known one person with the virus and they caught that on an airplane trip; the rest of his family never contracted the disease but still voluntarily quarantined to ease the minds of the rest of the family.

I got in a good 30 minute bike ride after breakfast and I'm glad I did because while we were to ride the trail with the grand kiddos that never happened due to the storm after lunch time. I mean we had a gully washer for a 30 minutes with strong winds, lightning and thunder. It did cool things down a bit and around supper time or just before we were able to play KUBB in the back yard with the grand sons while I cooked the burgers. We had both deer and beef burgers and they were awesome. Nancy had a big pot of Zuppa Toscana as well to go along with a fresh garden salad. A little fruit of the vine flowed as well among us guys.

We played  charades after supper and then the new game again, "I can only imagine if": The kiddos loved that game as all of then played. It was going on 10 before all left for home. The boys are supposed to come home today and hopefully they are well enough to regain to where they were before coming down with this infection. Their recent pics look so much better and poor Katie needs to get some rest before starting her new job next week. We will go over on Wednesday and spend the night helping to care for the boys both days as she gets ready to work from home again after her maturity leave.

It wasn't long until I hit the shower and was soon out for the night after helping put the house back in order. Patrick and Kathryn were visiting the Botbyl's and he stopped in briefly to pick up some cucumbers and egg plants on their way back home. We are getting together with them next Sunday evening for supper here as social distancing is beginning relax with this disease on the way out, we hope, LATER

Saturday Morning April 18th

Well Friday was another busy day as we interacted with our 5 oldest grand kiddos; bringing the Triplett kiddos from Brandon with us to spend a night with their Ross cousins in Seminole. The temps warmed up after what we call a chilly day or so with temps in the 60's and a stiff northern breeze.

I started the day much the usual with a 6'ish rollout to my cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric while I posted this ramble then spent some quiet moments with my Creator and Lord in humble thanksgiving while lifting up several by name for healing. The story on our youngest grandson's Ryder and Huck who are still in the hospital in Tampa due to a bacterial infection but are progressing to where they should be released together in a couple days. Katie is quarantine with them as the hospital is on lock down due to the virus. Bobby spent one night there with Ryder when he was admitted but now the staff have them together in a single room with Katie so she can still nurture as well as breast feed them. We are still at a loss how Huck first contracted this bacteria and then it spread to Ryder. Huck was touch and go there for a few hours as his organs were shutting down due to dehydration and this infection; Ryder had all of the vomiting and diarrhea but stayed hydrated so he handled this much better but the doctors found another second bacteria in his system so he was hospitalized along with Huck.

We headed back over to Brandon around lunch time and once again sterilized the house with deep cleaning, not that if was dirty but to make the house as free of any contaminates as possible. We wiped down all the baby furniture with sanitizing wipes, changed all of the linens, towels etc. as well as cleaned trash cans, counters and chairs. You name it Nancy and I cleaned it with wipes and then washed and dried everything the boys would come in contact with. We just have a gut feeling its the formula the boys have been getting as they opened a new can just a day or so before they became so violently ill. The hospital is trying to examine the formula in their lab to see if it's obviously contaminated, oh well. Bobby notified the company of the possibility of it being contaminated and they too are checking on the batch and will test it as well.

We are thrilled that both boys seem to be on the road to recovery as their pictures show much different appearances from when they were taken to the hospital. Little Huck has shown a remarkable change as at one time he was very critical. We must say it was a miracle he survived according to some hospital staff who first came in contact with him when he was first admitted. We Thank GOD for this healing and for the many who lifted him and Ryder up in prayers for healing.

We dropped Annsley and Gabe off at the Ross's and those kids are so into each other we only saw them the rest of the evening when they came in from playing on the trampoline to eat pizza for supper. We had a grand time visiting with Amy and Tyler and catching them up on all the issues with the boys. We were back home by 7:30 and did get in a good 30 minute bike ride before dark. I did get a little workout in the pool at Bobby's after the house cleaning while we waited on him to pick up Anns and Gabe. What a nice pool Bobby has and it was rather cool when first entered.

Well that was about it for a Friday. We are having everyone here at the house, minus Katie and the boys for a birthday supper for Ava as she turns 13 this next week. Anns and Gabe won't be able to attend her actual birthday date so we are celebrating early so they could attend, LATER

Friday Morning April 17th

Well Thursday was one of those days that was filled with lots going on and little Ryder was admitted to the hospital along with brother Huckston for the same symptoms; he was just not as bad as Huck as we caught it in time before he became so dehydrated. Both are responding to the antibiotics and the IV's and are now in the same room together with Bobby and Katie spending the day and night with them. The hospital staff made this happen and were over the top with their care and concern.

I started the day much the usual with a 6'ish roll out to my usual routines but the outside temps were down right chilly with this front that came through yesterday and lingered all day. The temps didn't get out of the 60's with the stiff north breeze. I did my quiet time giving thanks for the many blessings and them lifting up several by name for comfort and healing and actually from what I learned it was a miracle little Huckston survived this ordeal. One nurse told Bobby she didn't think when she first saw him that he would live but that has all changed with the meds but most importantly we had several prayer chains going for him and later for Ryder. Thus far we give THANKS to GOD and for the staff that took them under their care. It was truly miraculous.

I headed out around 8'ish for the Ford place to have my truck serviced and met up with the sales gal who has become a genuine friend over the past several years. She is a very sincere knowledgable person who is a divorcee with a teen age son who has given her nothing but pain and grief over the past several years. She finally gave him back to his father who was never in the equation which has helped to make her life netter. We keep up with her on FB and she with us as well. I took her a sack of collards and cucumbers. She is from Hawaii but now many of her kinfolk live in the local area. Whenever we have an issue with the truck or in the mood for a new one she is really to help.

Mountain neighbor Gerald sent me a picture(s) of our place and we saw where Jake and Katelyn had sawed down all of the huge trees surrounding the cabin and those in the backwoods yards. This is a plus for me as maybe I can get grass instead of moss to grow. These trees many of which looked hollow and rotten in the core was just a good strong storm from blowing down on the shed, well house or even the cabin. I did have him leave one Maple tree near the red shed. He will use the wood to heat his house. I'll have him help me this summer with a stump grinder. I now should have plenty of sunlight on my gardens as well as the yards. I'm thrilled thus far as I am surrounded by heavily wooded land.

We also got word our September cruise to Alaska with the Princess Line has been cancelled due to this virus, yikes. I had Nancy all ready to go so those plans will change a lot for this summer and fall, oh well. She has already purchased a heavy coat for the cruise but we now can travel where ever since we got pass ports. It's amazing how quickly changes occur in your schedules. I'm thrilled Potus Trump is letting the nation go back to work with certain limitations which the dem's are unhappy with as they want this economy to fail and then blame hims so they can get re-elected. I do believe most Americans see their devious scheme to destroy the nation to destroy him. They sure have enough help with the bias MSM being their front in this scheme. We can only hope and pray that GOD will intervene again to keep these corrupt and crooked despicable dem's from achieving their goal of taking the White House.

We are back to Brandon this morning to clean up after yesterday events with Ryder showing the same symptoms Huck had before going to the ER. We will wash bed sheets, clothes and whatever may have been contaminated by this infection as well as bring Annsley and Gabe back with us to spend the weekend with the Ross Family. It's Bobby's weekend with the kiddo's and they want to play with the Ross cousins. Well that's about it for Thursday and all the happenings with the "boys". We are so thankful for all who lifted these little fellers up for healing as they both are on the mend. We still haven't been able to determine what caused this bacteria but needless to say more precautions will be forthwith, LATER

Thursday April 16th

Well Wednesday found us back in Brandon after my usual morning before 6 start. We hadn't planned on going initially as young Huckston was in the hospital getting rehydrated and antibiotic's to fight this infection he contracted; Ryder was doing fine when we left Tuesday evening. All of that changed when Bobby awakened on Wednesday morning to fine Ryder with a case of severe diarrhea and then projectile vomiting. It became evident he had what Huck had and needed immediate medical care which looks like Bobby may have caught it in time to keep him from the hospital. The doctors wanted to keep him hydrated and away from the ER if possible.

I had finished my morning routines and was about to head out for my 9'ish service appointment for the truck when we got the call from Bobby that Ryder was experiencing Huck's symptoms and needed us. Annsley and Gabe were still at his house so Jill came and got them as it was her afternoon but she came early to give Bobby the time he needed to comfort Ryder. We got there around 10 and he took Ryder to their doctor who drew blood and gave him an antibiotic shot  immediately after conferring with the ER doctors who were working on Huck. She had him drinking some pedialyte to keep him hydrated which was what happened to Huck who became dehydrated and his organs were starting to shut down.

Both boys seem to be gaining strength and while Huck's seem to be worst it was initially thought he had a virus by the doctor before he went down hill fast and ended up in the ER, while Ryder had the benefit of Huck's prognosis and received immediate care and he has stayed hydrated throughout this ordeal. Huck will be in the hospital for a couple days as it looks right now. Bobby is working from home and seems to have everything under control. We fed and held Ryder through out the day as he did keep down most of his fluids and by evening he was able to take a couple ounces of formula and keep it down along with his medicine.

Nancy and I cleaned everything wiping the house down, cleaned the fridge, door knobs, etc. you name it we cleaned it. We can not put a finger on what caused this bacterial infection. We even threw away eggs as the doctor said they carry the infection and just maybe while frying squash last Friday for lunch the use of the eggs may have touched something of the boys; we took no chances. Anyhow we left around 6'ish and got home in less than an hour at this time of the day. That in itself is hard to believe as usually the interstates and toll roads are packed with vehicles. We cleaned up some leftovers and then I got in a good 30 minute power bike ride just before dark.

We had a gully washer of rain in Brandon with many streets pooling water and we noticed our area got some much needed rain as well. There were lots of wrecks on the roadways as we traveled home as the wet roads cause for some slick surfaces; most were what looked to be fender benders rear ends crashes which is consistent with the bad driving habits of many folks following too close. I use to hate to see the rain especially after a spell of no rain because the wrecks piled up(no pun intended) through out the day. Well that was about it for this day. Lets hope the boys continue to improve and little Huck can get back home with his total family. Katie sent pics of him and despite all of the wires, tubes etc he looked so much better than the day of his visit to the ER at TGH. Many thanks to ALL who lifted both boys up in prayer for comfort for the family and healing for both little fellers, LATER

Wednesday Morning April 15th

Well Tuesday started out much the usual although we had originally planned on spending the day at Bobby's house with the "boys", Annsley and Gabe but that changed when we got word Huck contracted a bug; throwing up and diarrhea and we both wanted no part of that so we cancelled on going over in the morning. Little did we know all that changed around 3:30 when we got word Katie was taking Huck to the emergency room at Tampa General Hospital. I'll go into more of that later.

I did my usual routines; cup of hot green tea, quiet times and then my social media comments after checking the world news on FOX and Drudge. Both of these give me a some what unbiased reporting of what's taking place whereas the MSM has become a front for the despicable democrat party. I can not in all honestly stand to watch any of their reporters who are just pundits and who editorialize about the news and disregard the real facts, often twisting them to fit the agenda they are trying to sell to the nation about how much they hate our Potus Trump or how corrupt he is when in fact its their people who are guilty of what they are publishing.

I headed out for a long bike ride after eating an apple for my breakfast and then came back to work outside in the garden and yards. It was overcast but no chance of rain which is needed. I hand watered  the gardens and them made a lot of St.Augustine grass clippings and put them in an area where they will root and then in a couple weeks I'll transplant them into the back yard's bare areas. Nancy had made a ham salad and we had that for lunch. I had earlier met with our water softner technician who came out to check out unit since Nancy complained of seeing what she thought was salt building up on her water pitcher. It was actually calcium as the softner wasn't working properly. I spent another couple hundred bucks to fix this machine which is over 20 years old. I began checking my past records and the next time it fails it time to replace this unit as the repairs are more than the original unit. At least that issue is fixed for now. It seems when you lose appliances they go in 3's and so did ours; first the coffee maker, second the microwave oven and now the water softner , oh well.

I was lounging after lunch on the internet as the heat became too oppressive  to be working outside when Nancy came in a said we have to go to the hospital as Huck was being taking to the E.R. Seems he was throwing up and having constant diarrhea after seeing the doctor on Monday. They originally thought it was a virus so we stayed away but now the doctors think it was a bacterial infection along with now dehydration. He was admitted for at least overnight and possibly another day or so. They got an IV into his foot and have him on antibiotic's for now. He seems a little better the last we checked before heading home from Brandon. We went to help Bobby with Ryder and the other kiddo's and helped with their care as Bobby had lots to do plus sterilize the house. We ate pizza and salad with them and played a couple board games with Annsley and Gabe before heading to the hospital to drop off some items for Katie in her car.

Katie was spending the night with Huck and giving reports to Bobby and us on his condition and all the tests they were running on him. It was going on 10 before we got home and it was shower time for me, LATER

Tuesday Morning Apr. 14th

Well Monday was a busy day that started with a 6 ish roll out to my usual routines; handful of Nutrilite vitamins and supplements washed down with a cup of now microwaved hot green tea laced with turmeric while I put this ramble into a memoir for my grand kiddos or for whom ever likes to read the daily occurrences of a country boy's now gone to a city feller's life for 7 months before reverting back to being a country boy at the cabin in N.C. for 5 months. Whew, not sure where this thought came from, but I like it. By the way it's summer time here in central Florida and time to get back to the mountains.

We are still somewhat being deprived of our civil liberties guaranteed by our constitution but I do understand this is an unusual time in America and even in the world. I hope the corrupt politicians do not take this moment to gain more power here in America and in the world, but there are some good ideas about how to keep this virus from spreading. The more I hear about this man made virus by China with some help from nefarious folks and then the spread is disconcerting to say the least. The coverup and played down from our MSM in the initial beginnings is disheartening as well and now once again they are using this virus to destroy out Potus Trump. GOD has a plan and while it's for told in prophecy these events will happen to man because of our desire to do things our way(sin), just maybe that is coming to fruition.

I did work around the house until after lunch then ran a couple errands mainly to Sam's Club. There I had to wait outside for a half hour as they were only letting 20 folks at a time to shop. I had to take care of a double charge them gathered up mostly what we wanted. There is plenty of paper products now but they were out of a couple items we use. Gas was 1.68 a gallon and I filled up again. I scheduled a service call on my truck with the local Ford dealer for Wednesday. I spoke with our gal who we bought our truck from and they are only working every other day at this dealership due to this quarantine.

We were heading over to Bobby's today (Tue) but Huck has acquired a bug from some one or some where and was suffering greatly with throw up and diarrhea on Monday so we will forego that trip for now. Katie took him to the doctor late Monday evening and got the bad news. Keep him in your prayers as he is still just a little feller. Bobby is still home at times through out the day so that will help with keeping the boys some what apart in hope's Ryder doesn't acquire the bug as well.

I got in an early morning bike ride after breakfast and then we took another bike ride later in the evening when the heat abated and a strong southern breeze made it somewhat comfortable to be outside. I transplanted the lettuce seedlings into the garden and the fishin' worms were evident in every shovel full of soil I turned over. They are the key to a great garden. I set the rat trap last night and will see if I caught the bugger who ate another ground level cucumber.

Well, not much else is worth mentioning as I'm counting down the days until we leave for the cabin. I sure hope that does happen. We so far despite going to the grocery stores, Lowes, Home Depot and Sam's have stayed home but of course thats where we usually went before this insidious virus has shut down social gatherings, LATER

Monday Morning April 13th

Well Sunday being Easter Sunday we celebrated with Amy and Family at our house later in the evening but started the day out much the usual with a before 6 roll out for me. I did my usual routines that start with the cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric while I posted this ramble and then some quiet time with my Creator and Lord lifting up several by name. All seem as well as can be expected due to health issues and ages. I got a call into middle sister Pat who is the care giver for her dad my uncle whom we call Paw Paw and at 92 he sounded great, lucid and eager to talk for awhile.

I headed out after checking the news and social medias to hand water the gardens and then harvested some lettuces and kale to clean and made a huge fresh salad. The heat and dry weather is taking its toll on the leafy greens especially the lettuces which are starting to bolt. I do have a few lettuce seedlings I'm transplanting today into the ground in hopes they will mature. Luckily the shallow well keeps everything from burning up but it at least two a day hand waterings. I harvested a few cukes and found one where either a rat or a squirrel ate the middle out; so I'll need to set a rat trap if they come back for another meal, oh well.

We purchased a nice leg of lamb from Winn Dixie and this meat was superb in flavor and texture and we have enough leftover on the bone for a lamb/barley soup this week. The gravy from a lamb roast is the best ever and it covered our smashed taters with such delicate flavor. Broccoli and crusty bread rounded out the main course that started after the round of before the big meal with pickled beets and hard boiled eggs, cheeses, olives as well as sliced cucumbers and a little fruit of the vine. We hid plastic Easter eggs for Sam and Eliza in the back yard and they indulged in their baskets that Nancy had loaded with candy, clothes and toys. Amy brought a delicious homemade apple pie and vanilla ice cream for dessert, wow what a feast we had. Afterwards we played a new game we all could play titled Imagine If; you had to guess what descriptions that were printed on a card fit the person the dice had you to stop at.  It was a hoot and everyone played with a playoff round as several were tied at the end; Nancy guessed right and won.

The Ross Family soon headed out for home and we finally got settled down after putting the house back in order. They are an active loud gang and Amy has her hands full but she and Tyler are doing a great job raising them with reverence to the Lord. Ava has matured into a young lady almost overnight and she is still 12, oh well. Well it wasn't long until I hit the showers and was soon horizontally watching some Nat. Geo and then was out for the count at 10'ish, LATER

Sunday Morning..April 12 th EASTER MORNING

Well Saturday wasn't quite as hot and muggy as the day before but the heat is here for the summer with temps in the low 80's. We will not see anymore cold weather this season like the mountains got yesterday with a skiff of snow. I'm sure they will have a few more cold days and the forecast is for some wicked weather coming in later today with gale force winds, yikes. We have 6 more Sundays before we are planning on heading north to the cabin and I'm getting antsy.

Saturday found me up way before 6 ish as I had a chore to do with Tylers help around mid morning. I wanted to add an electrical receptible for the new microwave oven above the stove whereas the last one we had installed just cut the plug off and taped the wires together; it worked for 11 years but I wanted a plug in for this new oven. I had all the necessary parts plus I wanted to have the old oven out before he came around 10'ish. It still took us close to two hours to install the new oven as the paper template was a bear to use and align up the necessary holes to be drilled in the above cabinet. The finished results were awesome and Nancy was pleased as well. So I'm back to heating my first cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric this morning, just like old times.

I did my morning routines that included some quiet time with my Creator and Lord lifting up several for comfort and healing. All seem as well as can be expected as I've heard nothing to the contrary. I'm hoping we can get the country back to moving again and get away from this dire virus which I believe has been blown out of proportion by the biased MSM to denigrate this Trump administration. Now the despicable dem's want mail in voting which is a recipe for fraud and corruption to steal the election; but I'm hoping he will will in a huge landslide and send the dem's packing from the congress.

America is at a turning point with so many complicit to destroy this potus and this nation with a socialist ideology. Whatever happened to rugged individualism, love of life and country no matter who was in control of the gov't. We have our amendments that guaranteed free speech, right to bear arms and the pursuit of happiness with no one above the law; justice was supposed to be blind but that all changed with the last fake and fraud of a potus and his minions in an attempted coup on this new duly elected potus Trump. We who fought for these rights, this flag and this constitution are being excoriated in favor of the radical progressives on the left within the democrat party.

Well today is a Christian's great day which is the super bowl for us who are believers in the trinity of GOD, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. The empty tomb gives us hope after we leave this world that we will be spared the judgement that Christ went to the cross for and that GOD will accept us into a better place with other believers called Heaven. It was a cruel death he suffered but the prophets for told of this happening so that GOD could spare his people and be reunited with them through Jesus. We will be celebrating not in person at a building or facility but with many on line with this modern technology on this special day. In all actuality we should give praise and honor to Jesus everyday of our lives for with him we have hope and that should make us all response in love to one another for what HE did for us was pure love.

We will have a special supper with the Ross Family as Bobby and Katie are still somewhat protective of exposing the "boys" to those who have been exposed to different folks. She is still keeping her parents away despite their quarantine for weeks. Well, we want to wish all a Happy Easter and may GOD Bless All, LATER

Saturday Morning Apr.11th

Well Friday was another beautiful day with some early morning clouds and a lite rain shower which of course with the heat in the low 80's brought out the humidity which I fear with be with us until next Fall. It's that time of the year. We did see the sun from time to time but with the clouds its wasn't unbearable to be outside.

I started the day much the usual with a before 6 roll out to my cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric while I posted this ramble then spent some time with my Creator and Lord giving thanks and lifting us several. Most all are doing as well as can be expected due to their health issues and I've heard nothing to the contrary which is always a good sign. It seems this virus is being controlled with some meds which are causing an up roar in the MSM because our Potus Trump suggested using the drug which has shown great results for so many folks that have tested positive for the virus. Actually the fear and panic spread and exacerbated by the MSM is so disingenuous its causing our economy to suffer which is another attempt by the dem's and the left to destroy our Potus.

I'm beginning to believe this was another attempt to destroy our nation by China which the dem's used to further their agendas and gain control of the nation for their socialist ideas. There are so many in the congress and the MSM taking the side of China along with the WHO. It's such crucial times for our nation to stick together, but we have an elected body of leftest in the congress who is doing everything to destroy this Potus at the expense of the country. Anyhow everyone that we know which is only one person who contacted the virus on a flight has got over the virus as is back to normal but is still self quarantining for another week or so.

We left here around 10'ish and headed to Brandon to spend the day with Bobby and family. It was a fun day as we had the day with the "boys" and Annsley and Gabe. We loved up on all of them taking Easter baskets with clothes and goodies, did some pitching with Gabe as well as pool time then had a delicious lunch and supper together, played a board game with the kiddos and even took time to share in a communion/last supper with everyone.  It was a full day and when we got back to the house it was close to 9. I was whupped and was soon ready for some horizontal lab around 10'ish, LATER

We took family photos as it was the "boys" first Easter, had a fancy set table for dinner by Annsley and ate well with a meal prepared by chef Bobby.

Friday Morning April 10th..Good Friday

Well this week has been the holy week for those who are Christ followers and believe me we need Him more than ever since this nation has excluded him from just about every facet of a society where His influence was once prominent; and actually the nation was settled on those who wanted freedom to worship from the mother country, England. We did celebrate with BridgePoint on line last evening the Last Supper(communion)  and will again today with Bobby and Family.

I started the day much the usual with a 6'ish roll out to my cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric while I posted this ramble then spent some quiet moments with my Creator in thanksgiving and then lifting up several by name. All seem as well as can be expected due to their ages and health issues at this point in time. I headed out after checking on the world news and social media to hand water the gardens and harvest cucumbers. I pulled 7 that had matured overnight but did squash a number of little green worms that have infested the vines, so far the vines are still looking good and the worms are only on the leaves at this time. I'm going to hold off on the Sevin dust for now. I'm going to have a dozen or so lettuce seedlings to transplant in the next day or so despite the hot days. A few seeds came up and have now put on an extra leaf so we might get another mess or two of fresh lettuces. I still have a few heads of romaine left to harvest.

I did harvest two messes of collards yesterday for a church friend who came by and stayed in their car and then again last evening another large mess for the firemen here in Seminole. Bobby our fireman neighbor cooks them for the crew at his station. I transplanted more marigolds along the fence line that either the squirrels or neighborhood cats dug up over night. I'm getting lots of small egg plants on the two plants that are now over 6 feet tall, wow are they ever healthy looking and still setting fruit. We fried up a couple green tomato's for our supper and they were delicious to say the least. I still have one large tomato plant that is producing a few green slicing size fruit but not many. The volunteer plants are setting fruit as well but they will be the cherry size.

I decided to mow the yards and bagged the clippings so my worms along with the many sacks of oak leaves should have plenty of material to digest this summer and turn them into compost and plant food for next years gardens. The pole beans are full of blooms and I'm picking a few as well. I'm about to harvest the last of the radishes and as soon as we get the dark of the moon I may resow them again as they did so well with this last sowing. After supper we took our usual 3-4 mile ride through the hood and got in some exercise. We will leave this morning(Fri) and head to Brandon for the day and evening with Bobby's family. He will make supper and then I'm sure the kiddo will want another board game before we leave.

That was about it for the day as I'm having Tyler help me install the new over the stove microwave on Saturday. We will have the Ross Family for an Easter dinner on Sunday as Bobby's Family will stay away due to the quarantine for the boys who are still so small. Amy is still working at Keswick School daily so she maybe subjected to the virus from her kids she watches but its highly unlikeable, but still we are taking precautions. I think the MSM has blown this completely out of proportion to make our Potus look bad but that is a subject for another day, LATER

Easter baskets for the grand kiddos and an old family dish that is an Easter tradition; pickled eggs and beets

Thursday morning..April 9th

Well Wednesday was a busy fun day that found us with our twin grandson's and their parents for the day and evening. We have all been together, a self quarantine for the pst 3 weeks or so between the two households; it's just we go to their house in Brandon instead of bringing them over here.

I started the day much the usual with a 6'ish rollout to my morning routines that start with the cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric while I post this ramble then lift up several during my quiet time for comfort and healing as well as prayers for our nation and our Potus Trump and those who love this nation as well as hoping those who are corrupt will be exposed for all to see of their duplicity. Our nation has strayed away from the good things that made us a shining city on a hill for all the world to see; but now have let corrupt career politicians and outside influences by the less than honest folks take a stance to destroy our culture and way of life. One of my biggest concerns is how the press has been taken over by the less than honest folks whose whole aim is to change America into a globalist society controlled by a few less than stellar folks.

I worked around the house getting things ready for our all day and evening trip to Brandon. I cut lettuces and cleaned them for our lunch and then again to go with our supper. Nancy made a chicken salad for our lunches with Katie and then had a garden fresh salad for our supper to accompany the pork stew Bobby put together for supper. The traffic has increased on the interstate but not nearly the congestion we encountered before this pandemic, when it would take us an extra half hour for the trip. I do believe we here in this area are seeing this event on its way out and being conquered. We see many folks now wearing masks and as stupid as its looks driving their cars with them on, oh well.

Ryder and Huckston are growing so fast and now are laughing and actually trying to imitate your facial expressions. Their reflux seems to be improving especially for Huck. He does have some upchucks but not nearly as much or as frequent; Ryder is almost a never on the upchucks. Both boys are sleeping much better at night when wrapped in a swaddling blanket and even so during their day time naps. We took them on a neighborhood hike and then into the warm jacuzzi after the hike and they love the water. The pool was quite refreshingly cool after the hot hike and then again into the warm jacuzzi with the boys. Anns and Gabe are spending the rest of the week with Bobby and Katie so we had a fun time with them as well.

We played a board game with them after supper and they love games. It was after 9 before we headed home for the near hour trip and I was whupped. It seems having to be on alert with the boys is stressful as they depend on you and that wears you out. The hot 2 mile hike helped as well with wearing you down, LATER

Wednesday Morning April 8th

Well Tuesday was another rather warm day with temps in the upper 80's with bright sunshine and blue skies. We did run some errands but wore our masks which I thought was rather unseemly and at times caused me to hyperventilate, oh well.

I started the day much the usual with a 6;ish rollout to my cup of hot green tea with the water heated on the stove, how ever that was one of our errands was to fine a microwave for over the stove. I did my quiet times with my Creator giving thanks and lifting up several by name for comfort and healing and for our nation to get over this virus. I did watch a little of the briefings by the Trump team and it seems maybe there is a turn for the better with less infections and deaths. What I am learning is the normal deaths have now been included in the death account by the virus which seems a little disingenuous to say the least. I'm not sure why the media is failing to tell the truth but I can surmise its too make Trump look bad.

I piddled around in the gardens hand watering and squashing little green worms that have attacked my beautiful cucumber vines. I hate to use any dust or spray but they are on almost every leaf and the vines are loaded with blooms and baby cukes. I'll give them another day or so then I'm sure I will have to use some sevin dust or just let the worms take over. They haven't seem to bother anything but the cukes thus far. We headed out before lunch to Home Depot to look for ovens but they do not carry many in the store; its all on line so we headed to Sam's to gas up at 1.70 per gallon and to renew our membership. They only have on line sales as well for ovens, so we stopped at Lowes and they had in stock just the one Nancy wanted and we purchased it then headed home with a stop at Chic Filet on the way. That held us until supper time which was just guacamole and salsa.

We took a good 30 minute power bike ride through the 'hood before retiring onto the couch and watch about an hour of FOX Cable News; it's the only trust worthy channel we watch and we get most if not all of our info from them on the internet and cable tv. After Tucker I hit the shower and watched a little of the the interview with Potus Trump before retiring for the night. I trust this man who is not a lying politician and is working hard to keep America right side up. He made his fortune before ever becoming a lying politician whereas the despicable career dem's are just the opposite. They have become rich on the American folks and are so afraid of losing their golden goose, the tax payers of the nation that they are doing everything to keep Trump from disclosing and draining the real enemies of the land within the D.C. swamp, LATER

Tuesday Morning April 7th

Well Monday was a nondescript day with a stay at home except for a nice 30 minute ride through the 'hood after supper on our bikes. We now see lots of folks out walking, running and riding bikes we even have a couple golf carts loaded with kids as well. It gets nice about 5'ish after the heat leaves for the day and the morning are still quite comfortable. We saw some rain clouds during the day but once again they were just clouds.

I started the day with my usual before 6 rollout to my cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric while I posted this ramble. I'm still heating the water on the stove in a sauce pan as we haven't purchased a new microwave yet. I'm making do with the bare essentials but we do miss the micro when it comes to heating leftovers and we do or I do love leftovers. I did my quiet time with my Creator and Lord giving thanks and lifting up several by name for comfort, healing and even a miracle for our nation with this pandemic. I notice in the home town paper and old classmates passed away. I don't think it was because of this virus but it wasn't mentioned in the obituary. He was a great softball player when we were in grade school and a couple years older than I; I would never have recognized him from those days as he aged considerably in the obit picture.

It seems that maybe things are looking up with the stock market coming back with a good rally and the number of cases are maybe reaching a plateau. China needs to be held accountable for their duplicity in not being forthright in this virus becoming a pandemic and the WHO is complicit with them in keeping this from the public. I'm a little of conspiracy theorist and wonder if this was manifested by less than honorable folks to use this pandemic to bring disaster to USA in order to discredit our Potus Trump. There is a story about a Harvard professor with ties to China and the production of the virus in a lab and bringing it to the country and exposing it world wide. Anyhow the bias MSM is now accusing our potus of making money off this malaria drug which he touted and is proving to be successful in saving lives.

I do know the dems have done nothing but obstruct and denigrate Trump and now are trying to impeach him once again over this pandemic while loading a bill meant to help the workers of the country with their pork projects. Now they are wanting mail in ballots for the election which is a sure case for fraud and a way to steal the election from Trump. I believe the dems are the real enemy to the nation as they push for their socialist progressive agendas while destroying the basic values our nation was founded on. It's so disheartening to see what the democrat leaders and the MSM networks are saying and doing to our duly elected Potus Trump.

Sure he has some issues but don't we all; but he is a fighter for this country and for the safety of her folks. I love that he takes nothing off those who ask ignorant and stupid questions in the public press briefings and he speaks his mind. We finally have a potus not under the influence of the useless MSM which editorializes instead of reporting the news factually and honestly. There is so much corruption with these career politicians on both sides of the aisle and it's not even mentioned by the press. I ask how can members of so many families be involved in payoffs, kick backs and pay for play from the dem party and never be questioned, as well as money for the Arts where a family member in involved with when the bill was to help workers of the nation who lost their jobs. The corruption of the FBI when giving Hillary a free pass is just another example and yet the MSM gives her standing and never reports her crimes and crookedness, oh well. I'll get down off my soapbox for today, LATER