Saturday Morning Oct 31 St

 Well Friday stayed rather cold for most of the day with temps maybe reaching the low 50's . There was a little sunshine at times but the low dark clouds were definitely menacing snow clouds if it were a little colder. The rain thankfully has moved on yet the ground is still draining with water coming down our backwoods gully as it drains the mountain above us.

I started the day with a 6'ish rollout to my cup of hot green tea while I posted this ramble then spent some quiet time with My Creator giving thanks and lifting several up by name. All seem as well as can be expected except now we learned our daughter Amy has been exposed to the Covid through her work, so we have had to cancel our celebration supper with her and the family on Sunday evening upon our return to Florida, Oh well. Lets pray she doesn't contract it and have to go into quarantine along with the rest of the family.

I headed out shortly afterwards for my early morning power hike to the top of the mountain. I noticed the sun was shining brightly and some blue skies over head. The hike was uneventful except for a couple squirrels eating the deer corn. It was rather nippy with temps close to the 30's and it stayed that way until early afternoon when it began to warm up as the wind died down a little. It was quite windy for most of the day which made it fell even colder.

I piddled around outside as well as in the basement as I will pack the truck today(sat) getting things ready to load up and leave early in the morning. I took the battery out of the riding mower and stored it in the basement which stays relatively warm throughout the winter. I'll do the golf cart today as I will use it to ferry articles up from the basement to the truck. Nancy was busy inside doing her usual wintering of the food stuff that will stay in the basement and what will need to be taken back with us plus cleaning of the fridges as we turn the power off to the cabin. It's a routine we have developed over the years and so far it works as we have no mice or bugs in the cabin when we return.

We did clean out the fridge and I did harvest a nice mess of lettuces, kale and Swiss chard for a garden fresh salad. I will pick the last of the jalapeno and bell peppers today if they didn't freeze over night. I put a cage around the snow ball bush in the circle drive to keep the deer form ruining  it completely. They ate it down over the summer but I think it will come back with this cage around it. That was about it for the day as we are in the heading south mode, LATER

This will be my last post from this window seat until we return either in December for Christmas or next June. I'll catch up on this ramble on Monday Morning if all goes well with our trip. It's supposed to be in the 20's when we pull out early Sunday morning which always helps when leaving this place which is so dear to our hearts, but we will be seeing Bobby's family hopefully on Monday afternoon and then Amy's family later in week if she tests negatively for the virus.

Lots of the trees are bare yet the grass is nice and green. This pic was taken around 3'ish on our hike. Pilot Mountain is just barely visible in the fore ground.

Friday Morning Oct 30th

Well sad to say we are another day closer to leaving the cabin and heading back to sunny Florida. Yesterday started out with heavy rains which caused minor flooding here on the mountain and tons of wind damage down towards Winston with lots of power outages. The winds seemed to be much stronger off than mountain and then after it cleared off it was like a summer day with temps into the 70's after dark. We had 4 inches of rain which had us once again with waterfront property as a stream ran down through the backwoods gully from the top of the mountain.

I started the day with a 6'ish roll out to rain pounding on the tin roof and it didn't let up until around lunch time. I had a date with our "mountain mom" to drive her to Winston to pick up her new dentures. After my morning routines that start with the cup of hot green tea and the posting of this ramble before my quiet time. I lifted up several by name for healing and comfort by my Creator and gave thanks for another day honoring and worshiping and seeking traveling mercies as we headed down off the mountain in this storm. All was well on the trip but we did see some flooding, power lines down as well as several trees and even a wreck where a truck was down off the roadway into a deep ditch. We made it to Winston with time to spare as we left early unknowing what the road conditions where.

We met a couple also from Sparta getting new dentures and we made new friends. They knew everyone we knew. What a reunion of sorts and Helen made a new facebook friend as well who she could probably call on for help if needed in a pinch. Her new dentures look fantastic and she was pleased. The temps were really warm in Winston and it stayed that way all the way back to the cabin with temps in the low 80's. What is going on with the weather. I harvested the last of the beets and blessed Helen with them as she dropped me off at the cabin. Nancy was back from her errands in Sparta and her hair looked great as she had a color and cut. Sad to say but her hair dresser is moving away to Charleston as they are selling their beautiful cabin and moving near family.

We took off on a hike to the top of the mountain dodging the stream of water still pouring down the mountain. We spoke with the Davis's for a few as then met the Leslie's son and his family on the back road. We haven't seen them for ages and the son has a 2 year old and his wife is expecting again in a month or so. Will was just a teenager the last time we saw him but he remembered us. His dad was an anchor for a news show and he has now retired in the Raleigh area. We came on back and got ready to head over to the Luffman Farm for supper. We petted some of the huge Gipsy Varner horses in the field next to the house and Nancy and Mechelle headed down to the barn to see some of the new foals. Kay served us a delicious oyster stew which is one of Gerald's favorites and Nancy brought a store bought but delicious salad and Kay serves a homemade pecan pie with vanilla ice cream, WOW what a feast. 

We then settled into the best of 7 Sequence games and the gals slammed us the first game which began to look like a repeat of the last outing where it was 4-0 for them; but things began to change as we tied it up 2-2 and then we won the next 2 games. The guys have the bragging rights once again for the winter, needless to say it was raucous play as the gals do not like to lose. We will certainly miss these folks as they have become family. Caleb was just a little thing and he now is 20 years old and doing fine in the USAF. Kallie is married and living in Philly. Gerald and Kay run the farm as Mechelle has a full time job with a large corporation in the area. Their farm is gorgeous and their horses are just beautiful and wanted for their appearance and stock all over the eastern seaboard.

We got back to the cabin and decided the trip on the parkway would probably we our last until Christmas if we come back for a couple weeks or not again until June. We just love this area and the folks. The next two days will be packing and doing the finishing touches on securing the cabin until either December or June, LATER

Thursday Morning Oct 29th

Well its been raining now for close to 24 hours although its not heavy at this point but the fog and overcast skies which preceded this front is starting to grind on you. I need sunshine and yes I'll take the heat which is what we will find this time next week in Florida. We only have a couple more wake ups before heading south on Sunday morning.

Wednesday was pretty much a non useful day except we did take our "mountain mom" Helen to Winston once again for a fitting for her new dentures which was a big help to her whom we dearly love. I'm taking her back again this morning(thur.) to pickup the final set and then she will be finished with those trips. I'll have to drive her car as Nancy has a hair appointment in Sparta. 

I started the morning much the usual with a now back to 6'ish roll out as I need to get back into that habit instead of sleeping in until after 7. I want to get back on the pickle ball court at 8 in the mornings starting next week, so that means rolling out at least by 6'ish, anyhow after my routines I did get in a power hike to the top of the mountain in the fog and then again after getting back from dropping Helen off around 2'ish I headed out once again for a solo hike this time doing the whole circuit. It began to drizzle as I got close to the cabin and hasn't stopped since. The forecast is for 2-3 inches of rain from this last hurricane that came through the Gulf and up into the Carolinas. It's been a wet summer to say the least.

I posted this ramble then spent some quiet moments with my Creator giving thanks and lifting up several by name, all seem as well as can be expected due to health and age issues. We picked Helen up around 9 and headed south to Winston. I ran a couple errands and picked up some pelletized lime for my yards at Home Depot which is across the street from where I left her and Nancy off. It started raining off the mountain before they came out and we headed home and it hasn't really stopped except for a few minutes  after getting back at the cabin. We made a stop at the Cracker Barrel for a delicious lunch in Jonesville once again, before coming up the mountain which held me the rest of the day.

Well not much else happened except we tuned into the FOX Cable News and we are learning more and more of the systemic corruption and deceit by the Biden crime family who is being played by the ChiComs(communist China). The MSM as well as social medias are censoring and covering up for this candidate who wants to be the potus. Not only is he corrupt and has used his influence to rake in millions of bucks for his corrupt family but he is mentally deficient and the press is covering for him because Trump is exposing the corruption in the gov't. It's unbelievable we now have a totally corrupt press except for a few who are speaking out. I'm hoping voter fraud with mail in ballots will not be the cause to steal this election from Trump, but I'm beginning to think they have something in place which is nefarious to say the least.

We who love this nation and our way of life will forever be gone if we let the dems steal this election and install the radicals on the left. We are seeing once again the violence they bring to the nation with the destruction of property, looting, burning and total disrespect for the rule of law as well as hurting our police officers. This is not the America we know but the left is promoting this violence to gain power and control in the gov't and the democrat party is complicit. Shame on them and their agenda to destroy the USA, LATER

Wednesday Morning Oct 28th

Well Tuesday was a rather nice day with cool temps to start the day but eventually warmed up to the low 70's with bright sunshine, an almost summer like day by the middle afternoon. All of that is changing in the next couple of days as rain and then freezing temps are on the way for this coming weekend; just in time as we leave Sunday morning for warm sunny Florida.

I started the day with a 7'ish rollout to my usual routines with a cup of  hot green tea while I post this ramble then spent some quiet moments with my Creator in thanksgiving for my many blessings and then lifting several by name. All seem as well as can be expected. I especially lift up our Potus Trump and those in the gov't who are still patriots as well as those who wear the badge and those in the military. The more we learn about the Biden Family the more we know of the influence peddling when he was VP in the now corrupt Obama administration. I can not believe there are folks out there who are not questioning his candidacy for potus on the grounds of his corruption as well as his mental capacity to be a leader. We know now the MSM is a front for the dem's and the FBI is failing once again to investigate and make known to the public their findings on this infamous laptop by his son and his dealings with our foreign enemies. We all know Hillary was corrupt and given a pass on her attempt to become potus and once again the MSM and this FBI is doing the same all over again with Biden's and his campaign.

I got in my first power hike of the morning before breakfast. The dew was very heavy and the amount of fallen dead leaves made hiking up the backwoods trail very slippery. I later in the morning took the leaf blower and cleared out the trail and the depth of the leaves was enormous. It sure made for a much safer hike later in the afternoon. I piddled around in the back woods yards blowing leaves once again and all of the trees but a couple are now bare. I did more flower beheading as I want to take a sack of the marigold blooms home to Florida for my winter garden.

I did some basement chores as I get ready to winterize the cabin as well as stored most all of the porch furniture into the shed while they were dry. It's calling for rain and fog for the next couple of days and while they were dry I thought it best to store them until next summer. We took a golf cart ride out to the mail box and notice the new owners of the Conley cabin were there so we stopped and visited with them. They are Linda and Mike Patrick from Statesville, N.C.  and good friends of Grant and Shirley's. Very nice folks and I would say around my age. We did learn from them that Shirley's mom, Ruby had passed away a week or so ago. She was up in her 90's with very bad health issues which kept Shirley home from visiting here in the mountains as she was her care giver. We use to love visiting with both of them but Ruby's health had deteriorated so much this last year they seldom got to visit their cabin.

That was about it for the day as we tuned into the ball game after another supper of leftovers. We are finally cleaning out the over abundance of leftovers which we seem to always have on hand. The Ray's were winning into the 7th inning when I could barely keep my eyes open after a hot shower; so it was off to some horizontal lab for me. I learned this morning the manager of the Ray's changed pitchers and the relief pitchers gave up 3 runs and the Ray's lost and are now out of the series as the Dodgers closed it out with 4 games to 2, oh well. We were the smallest payroll in the majors up against nearly the largest payroll except for the Yankees. We did have a couple of players who set records that have been in place for decades for their hitting during these playoff's. The one good thing is now I can hit the sack at my normal 10'ish bedtime instead of those late nights of watching Ray's baseball, LATER

A look at the back road of the fallen dead leaves and the loss of leaves from the trees.

Tuesday Morning Oct 27th

 Well the count down continues with 5 more wake ups before we leave this mountain paradise as time moves on. Just 7 more days until hopefully we re-elect Potus Trump for another 4 years. It's hard to believe this summer has gone so quickly and that it's time to head south once again. We are blessed to be able to spend such time here when it stifling hot and humid in Florida and yet when the winter colds and snow falls happen here we will be in warm sunny Florida growing my garden crops.

I started the day much the usual with now a 7'ish roll out to my hot cup of green tea after a handful of vitamins and supplements. I posted this ramble and then spent some quiet time with my Creator and Lord giving thanks and lifting several in name for His comfort and healing for them. At this time all seem well as can be expected due to age and health issues. I headed out afterwards for my first power hike of the day alone. We took a much more leisurely hike together in the afternoon and on that hike I nearly stepped on a copperhead snake sunning itself in the road on the top of the mountain. Well I did away with it with a large rock as they are poisonous and that is the first one I have ever seen alive in 28 years.

I piddled around outside after breakfast installing the fences around the black raspberries bushes, the hydrangeas around the well house and the ones around the front porch to help keep the deer from eating them down over the winter months and in the spring when the new growth appears. This year was the first year we ever saw any blooms as I fenced them last winter. That kept me busy until lunch time. I did haul a load of mulch for the back yard gardens and harvested some zinnias and marigold flower heads for drying and reseeding next years flower beds. I will take some marigold heads back for my winter garden to help with the nematode control in my garden there. Here in the mountains that control is from when the ground freezes but in Florida that never happens.

I helped neighbor Gerald after our afternoon hike as he needed to ferry his truck back from Sparta and then we invited him up after supper for spades. We played two games and the guys won both. It was after 9 when he headed down to his cabin which is quite late for him. He is a fantastic neighbor and will be here permanent from now on. He also keeps the deer population thinned out which is also a blessing as he shares his harvest with us which we throughly love. I have always said if I could get venison on a weekly schedule I would seldom if ever eat beef again. It so fresh and free of so many additives and the taste is marvelous especially medium rare as a cheese burger; even Nancy loves it prepared that way, oh well.

There were no base ball games on except the NFL and we didn't turn the TV to it but did watch a little of the FOX channel until bedtime. The senate made Amy Coney Barrett a supreme court judge which is a big plus for the conservatives and the constitution. Hopefully the court will save the republic from the radical left whose whole purpose is to destroy our heritage and freedoms and install socialism which is nothing but the destruction to individualism and the dependence on a few so called elites to tell us how we should live which is NOT what the constitution guarantees as well as the Bill of Rights. That ideology destroys capitalism but is in step with globalism and the one world order. Trump will never give in to that ideology as long as he is potus and we love him for it. America is unique and the greatest nation on this planet and he wants to make it great again despite those in our gov't who want to change it to their way of thinking. We have candidates who are now corrupt and consort with our enemies who want to destroy our way of life and are part of this globalist thinking. Never have I seen so much corruption in the democrat party which has become the enemy of America and the constitution as they sell out our nation for pay, LATER

Monday Morning Oct 26th

 Well this time next week we should be in Florida as we are spending our last week here at the cabin until the week of Christmas when we come back with son, Bobby and family. It always saddens me to leave this beautiful part of God's Creation but since the winter affects have taken over with bare trees, no colors except for a few hanger on's and now overcast, foggy and cool rainy elements it makes it easier to leave next Sunday.

I started the day on Sunday with a 7'ish roll out and even then its still dark outside. The time changes next week so we should see some earlier sunrises in the coming weeks but much earlier sunsets. At least we shouldn't have the heat on in Florida. I'm getting excited about planting my winter garden and getting back to pickle ball daily after a few days of seeing all of the kids and grand kids. It's been a weird summer to say the least but just being in this environment makes it all worth while and of course being able to socialize on a limited basis. We had the Luffman Family over for a supper last evening and then some Sequence. It was a blowout for the gals for a change after losing the last couple of times this summer. 

We headed out to Cornerstone for our last Sunday until next summer. Many of the church regulars as well as Pastor B were down at the beach for a family weddings over the weekend so it was easier to say good bye. We met with the sweet Frankis Family at the pizzeria for a final get together with them. They have become a regular in our socializing and we throughly enjoy their company and beautiful baby Skylar. She just turned 5 months so we haven't been completely without baby cuddles as we miss our now 10 months old twin boys, Ryder and Huckston. 

We had over an inch and half of rain starting Saturday evening with fog and damp cool temps. It's supposed to clear off these next couple of days before a real cold snap enters into the picture this weekend. We had a light lunch of sharing a pizza because we had planned a large supper with the Luffman's. They want us to come for supper on Thursday for their final get together and games afterwards. I did get in a power hike after getting back from Sparta around 2:30 and despite the thick fog and damp conditions I spotted several deer in the woods. Neighbor Gerald had some cousins and nephews bow hunting this past week end but they didn't harvest any that I know of.

It's not looking like we will be here for Thanksgiving as earlier planned so I will spent this week catching up on all the chores in winterizing the cabin. It takes some effort but I enjoy the chores and making the gardens and flower beds as deer proof as possible so when we arrive in June we will have some bushes they haven't eaten down. I did sneak in a little NFL at times and of course the World Series game with the Ray's. They lost Sunday night in a close game and now are one game away from elimination against a very good Dodger team, LATER

Sunday Morning Oct 25th

 Well Saturday turned out to be a nice day with warm temps and basically a sunny dry day until late evening when the weather changed and a front brought rain which is still with us this morning. At times it awakened me during the night with heavy down pours, but at least it's still rather pleasant with mild temps. It's supposed to turn cold later in the week with lows into the 30's once again.

I awakened around 6:30 and started the day with my usual routines of hot tea and my quiet time to honor my Creator and Lord while giving thanks and then lifting up several by name for comfort, healing and of course for our nation to once again honor our Judeo-Christian mores and principles. The Left has ruined this land with their PC views and instituted everything that was and is good in this country as racist which they use as a basis to riot, burn and loot. This election will be the turning point for this country, if we who proclaim to be conservatives and christians don't turn out and make our voices heard. The political system has been injected with evil people who want to change our gov't to fit their agendas which is no longer God based as the founding fathers once used as the foundation of the constitution.

I took off before breakfast for my morning power hike which means I don't stop to rest or catch my breath on the hike up the steep back trails. It is getting so much easier except the trails are now being covered in ankle deep fallen dead leaves. We took a hike together just before lunch time and saw a few folks out blowing leaves and doing yard work. Once again it was shorts and tee shirt weather. I piddled around outside using the riding mower to move large section of leaves out of the yards and then I fertilized all of the yards with some 13-13-13 mixture. I'm hoping with this rain it will sink in and give the new grasses food for the spring season.

I picked up our "mountain mom" around 4'ish and brought her over to the cabin for a supper of fresh caught bass, October beans with smoked ham, corn bread, fresh garden salad and then brownies for dessert. It was the first time in a couple years I've been able to get her to visit and eat with us. The bass was great and we had enough leftover to send some home with her for later this week. I fried it outside on the grill in olive oil and wow very tasty to say the least. We visited until just before dusk then I took her home. It was a very enjoyable evening and the food was fantastic.

I washed up the dishes when I got back and then we settled into the baseball game after a hot shower. The Rays played tough and were leading when I decided to call it a night a little after 11. Nancy stayed up as is her usual nightly routines watching HGTV. I was awakened by a rumble which at first I thought was thunder but as it turned out to be a 3.3 earthquake. She came in and I mentioned if the game was over. She checked and it was the bottom of the 9th so I got up and we both headed out to see the ending of the game. The Rays were down with 2 outs and 2 runners on base and they scored twice and won the game in a fantastic win. What a finish. The series is tied up at 2 a piece. It was after midnight before the end of the game and it took awhile to get back to sleep with all the excitement of the win, LATER

Saturday Morning Oct 24th

 Well Friday we were up early for a change as we had to be in Winston Salem at 8:30 for our "mountain mom" Helen. It was 5'ish when the alarm went off but I'm use to getting up early but the last several days have found me sleeping in until 7'ish, oh well. The trip down the mountain was uneventful except for the detour in Elkin around the bridge work which seems to have been going on for years. Anyhow we made it just with a few minutes to spare. It seems we have to go back again this Wednesday for another appointment for her since this Covid issue has changed their one day policy.

I did some shopping while she and Nancy did the dental appointment at Sams and Home depot. I filled up with cheap gas at 1.73 which is the lowest I've seen all summer. I loaded up paper products so we would have plenty for next summer as well as our Christmas vacation here in the mountains with Bobby's family for about 2 weeks. This will be our first Christmas in the mountains and the kids are hoping for some snow which would be great except for a blizzard style event. We stopped in Jonesville just before heading up the mountain at the Cracker Barrel for a delicious lunch.

We were back at the cabin around 1'ish after dropping Helen off at her place. I did a power hike to the top and then we took a late afternoon hike together. We saw the gal who bought John and Shirley place and chatted for quite a spell with her. Its seems she has a huge 100+acre farm in upper West Virginia and will head back there as well the day day we leave for Florida. She has never been married and has no siblings and lives with two small dogs. She seemed to enjoy our visit as she doesn't know many folks in this area and some aren't too pleased with the fence she put up next to her cabin. Most think it's an eyesore and I must agree but she feels better now that she has the security of not backing off the steep bank where she normally parks.

We stopped briefly and chatted with Carol who lives next door to the new house being built. She and Tommy only visit occasionally as he is having some health issues. They both are heavy smokers which could be the reason. Since we had such a large lunch we decided to make guacamole, salsa and dip with chips for our supper. Today, Saturday I'm picking up our "mountain mom" and frying up the fresh caught bass from her pond for supper. Well the Ray's lost their game last night as their really good pitcher got beat up on by the Dodgers. They are now down 2-1 in games and play again tonight. Lets hope they win, LATER

This is a painting sister Dee made for the cabin.

Friday Morning Oct 23rd

 Well I'm up earlier than usual this Friday morning as we are taking our "mountain mom" down to Winston-Salem for a dental appointment so I'll cut this short except to say Thursday was another beautiful day with bright sunshine and blue skies and the temps hit the 70's quite early. After my usual morning routines of; posting this ramble, quiet times and power hike to the top of the mountain I had a lite breakfast then got ready to head over to her pond. I hadn't fished there all summer except once with Bobby and the grands back in July so I threw in a couple rods and my plastic worms and headed over around 10'ish.

Well needless to say I didn't get a bite until I headed down near the spillway and flipped a worm about 2 feet from the bank and at first I thought I had snagged a branch deep within the water when the line became taught and I felt this big fish, wow did it ever pull the drag out and for a moment I thought well there goes the line as it been on the pole for years. But I didn't go crazy and try to land it right away and its a good thing because I finally wore out this monster bass which never tried to go airborne, but stayed deep within the water. Luckily for me because I just barely had him hooked in the lip. 

Well I finally got him up to the bank and saw what a big bass it was and then took my time as he was worn out and grabbed him by the lip. Wow the sharp teeth was quite evident but I pulled him out and knew it was the biggest one I ever caught in this pond. It weighted over 7 pounds and was 22 inches long. I knew we had enough for a meal so I fished a little longer catching another much smaller bass then headed home. We will have her over for fresh fried bass on Saturday evening. Well the rest of the day found me doing piddly jobs and then we took a long mid afternoon hike to the top of the mountain.

I did come back from fishing and found that Nancy had put a bed mattress cover in the dryer and the heat was too high and probably came close to setting the dryer on fire. Well after lunch and it had cooled down I took the vent off and spent the next hour or so cleaning out all the material in the dryer which was loaded with material either from before or from this cover that started to melt, Oh well, LATER

Thursday Morning Oct 22nd

 Well Wednesday was another almost summer like day with temps well into the 70's with bright sunshine and Carolina blue skies. We spent the biggest part of the day in Galax shopping for our Christmas Shoebox's which we will leave off this our last Sunday at Cornerstone. Many of the eateries in Galax especially the fast food ones still have take out only which amazes me. Wal-Mart no longer is requiring a mask and Applebee's allow in dining room eating, oh well.

I started the day once again with a 7'ish roll out to my usual routines that start with the cup of hot tea that washes down my hand full of Nutrilite products while I post this ramble. I then spent some quiet moments with my Creator giving thanks and lifting up several, especially our family, friends and of course our nation and our Potus Trump who is being excoriated once again by the corrupt MSM and the vile liberal democrats. It's such a shame they are so set on defeating any and all things he has done to bring America back to the great model for the world she once was that loved GOD, family, nation and the rule of law. Those who want to see her fail and become a socialist country have now got a foot in the gov't and are trying to steal this next election with the  "do nothing for 47 years in congress" criminal Biden who sold out his country for cash.

There is so much evidence against Biden and the liberal dem's in congress its unbelievable the MSM is not being responsible in reporting it as a matter of fact they are complicit with the dem's in covering it up and making excuses for him and the vile bunch who want to run the nation if they steal this election. We must ALL pray that GOD will intervene once again to save our country but I'm becoming less and less convinced we have patriots left in that party. I even have family who think Biden is the best thing for the nation as they are kool aid drinkers of the MSM and the dem party and have closed their eyes and ears to all of his pay for play or influence pedaling.

I took off on the first hike of the day before breakfast and while its so quiet and serene in the woods the beauty of another sunrise is comforting while climbing the mountain and getting your cardio workout. We took another hike together mid afternoon and it was very nice requiring only shorts and tee shirt for me. I didn't do much around the cabin except wash out the golf cart as it was dirty from hauling dirt. I repaired a broken mini sledge hammer with a new handle. I'm going to fertilize the yards today before the rain sets in over the week end. I bought some 13-13-13 at Lowes and I've heard this is the time of the year to give the grass some food for next years grass crop. The trees being gone has made a big difference thus far in just less than year with the crop of moss being eliminated.

On a good note for our Tampa Bay Ray's they won the second game of the series against the Dodgers and I stayed up until after 11 to watch. They were winning 6-3 then and this morning the final was 6-4 Rays with a win, LATER

Wednesday Morning Oct 21st

 Well Tuesday found us with another beautiful day as temps reached the low 70's with bright sunshine and blue skies. A slight breeze kept it refreshing to be out in the bright sunshine. Once again I used the day as another work day and piddling around enjoying the no humidity ambiance. It's amazing how many dead leaves and pine needles find their way into the yards.

I started the day once again with an after 7 roll out. That is becoming almost a norm since we've been staying up late at night to watch the Ray's play baseball. They didn't do so well as they lost the opener 8 to 3 to the Dodgers. I finally gave up when it was 7 to 1 and hit the sack which was past my bed time. I don't know why they start so late in the evening to play because its usually close to midnight when the game is over, oh well.

I did my usual morning routines that start with the cup of hot tea and quiet time to honor my Creator and lift up several for comfort and healing as well as all those who keep us safe on the front lines; especially our Potus Trump, the police family and those in the military. We must vote to save America as we are being threaten with losing our culture and our way of life by the radical left democrats. I took off on my first of two hikes of the day. The woods are full of down leaves and the back road isn't visible with all of the fallen leaves.

I fired up the leaf blower after a breakfast of grits and eggs with an added jalapeno pepper and a ripe tomato to mine. I blew the leaves in the back woods yard into the fenced area of the upper garden then added them to the garden along with the horse manure. This should give my earth worms plenty to digest and turn into compost before next summers planting. That kept me busy until lunch time which was a nice fresh salad. Afterwards I fired up the riding lawn mower for the last time this season and gave the yards their last mowing. It sure made the area look so manicured despite the leaves which continued to fall through out the day. I've just about finished all I'm doing to the yards except for adding the fences around the hydrangea's which are around the well house and the front porch to keep the deer from eating them down.

We took off on our mid afternoon hike together and it was warm enough with shorts and tee shirt for the hike. We stopped and spoke with Billy as well as Brandon who is painting Bertie's cabin. The workers on the new house construction were moving right along with the trusses and getting the roof ready to be added. We saw no one afterwards except for Ed with his new tractor and back hoe working on a trail up through his property. We came down through hoarder Pam's place and I must say its a site for sore eyes with junk everywhere. Such a shame to let this place be filled with junk items just lying out in the weather. It will soon just rot away. We have offered to sell the place for her as many are interested but she is without common sense, oh well.

We took a ride out to the mail box and then stopped and spoke with neighbor Tim who lives at the foot of the driveway year round. He is such a mannered fellow and is the best friend of a friend of ours. We seldom see him as he works for one of the large construction companies in the area. Well that was about it as we dined on leftover vegetable soup and crackers for supper. It was even better than the day before and enough leftover for lunches, LATER

Tuesday Morning Oct 20th

Well Monday turned to be rather nice day after a chilly start but not nearly as cold as the past several mornings. It did warm up enough for cut offs and a tee shirt by mid afternoon for our together hike. I worked outside most all day in the clean dry air which was so invigorating to say the least with bright sunshine and Carolina blue skies. On a sad note the peak colors have come and gone in what seems just a few days. Most of the trees are bare with just a few straggler leaves hanging on.

I started the day now with a 7'ish rollout since its still dark outside to my usual routines that start with a handful of Nutrilite vitamins and supplements washed down with a cup of hot tea while I post this ramble then spend some quiet time with my Creator giving thanks and praying for many as well as that GOD will heal our land from all the violence and corruption within the those who have been in gov't for their careers. We are at a turning point if this republic will survive pending on the outcome of this election in just a couple weeks. I'm beginning to believe there may be a civil war between the conservative and the radical liberals who have taken over the democrat party.

After my morning routines and before breakfast I headed out on a power hike which means I don't stop once I leave the back porch. When we take our afternoon or evening hike together we have to make several rest stops for Nancy as this steep back trail is a tough one on your breathing and legs. I came back and settled into a bowl of oatmeal with fruit and honey before heading out to work on the one tire that seems to have a slow leak on the golf cart. Neighbor Gerald and I did all we know except for taking the rubber off the rim to find where the leak was but did do something that may have been the cause; we tightened the valve stem a half a turn. I used the golf cart all day hauling dirt from my backwoods dirt pit and spreading it on the several spots for the new grasses where we took out the trees last year; and the tire seemed to hold up. We even took a ride out to the mail box, so I'm hopeful that minor adjustment took care of the slow leak.

Our mid afternoon hike was glorious with warm sunshine and clear skies. We stopped and chatted with Ben and Laura for a few and they are worried about having guests for the holidays as both of them are in the high risk category for the virus plus several of their family did have the virus earlier this summer. They have been here on the mountain since the virus broke out and are reluctant to go back to Florida with another breakout in their area of Jacksonville. We continued across the top and noticed the construction on the new home is progressing. We didn't see anyone else on top so we headed down and then took a ride out to the mail box. We saw Carl Hudson on the road and spoke for a few minutes with him catching up on their activities. They too are in the high risk category so they haven't done much socializing this summer. We of course haven't let the virus keep us down on the farm from having guests as I too am in that category, oh well.

Well we invited Neighbor Gerald for supper and then a game of 3 handed spades afterwards. The homemade vegetable beef soup and cornbread were a winner on this starting to chill evening. He and I shared a glass of vino and caught up on his life adventures. He has a new grand kiddo who is a girl and we shared pictures. He is back on the mountain full time and is working part time in Elkin at Lowes. The soup was delicious to say the least and then afterwards he won in spades for the first time since we've been playing the 3 handed game with him. He is a very studious card game player. It was fun and we so enjoy his company and the fact he is a fabulous neighbor who will be here all year long. He not only looks after our place but keeps the gravel road in great shape, plus is always there to lend a helping hand when needed. It's hard to believe he has been here next door for 12 years, oh well.

We tuned into the Fox News for a while then I perused the internet catching up on some scores and when the World Series start which is today(tue). The Rays(david vs Dodgers(goliath). I'm hopefully the little team prevails if the analogy holds true. It wasn't long until the hot shower relaxed all the muscles I used digging and spreading dirt most all morning, LATER

Monday Morning Oct 19th

 Well Sunday started out rather chilly with temps in the upper 30's but plenty of sunshine. It soon warmed up to the low 40's by the time we headed out to Cornerstone for church around 9:30. We have been sleeping in due to the late nights of watching our now hometown baseball team, the Rays win a close 7th game and are now in the World Series against the L.A. Dodgers. We were hoping the Braves would get in and make it an east coast teams series but when I went to bed last night(sun) the Braves were up 3-2 in the middle of the game. The boxscore this morning showed the Dodgers came back with the 7th game win and will now play the Rays.

We heard an awesome message on the importance of prayer and how to pray from Pastor B. We had a great crowd with many new faces as well. Afterwards we made a quick stop at Food Lion was some items then headed home to change clothes and meet Jake and Katelyn and baby Skylar at their new property next door to the old trout farm we use fish at for years off of the BRP called Air Bellows Gap. Katelyn mom Karin and Frank joined us as well for a picnic of dogs on the grill along with leftover goodies from the party last night as well as Nancy made a delicious tater salad. It was such a beautiful afternoon as the temps reached into the low 60's with bright sunshine and blue skies.

We ate along side the small beautiful trout stream which is the headwaters for the Little River that runs down through Sparta and into the New River. There is a huge spring on their property which eventually will become their source of drinking water. This 22 acre spread is about half flat and level with the other portions a mixture of inclines but nothing too steep. At the back of the property there is an old family cemetery with a few headstones of the folks who settled this area back in the early 1800's. Most of the back area on the other side of the stream is covered with white pines which can be sold for tipping which is the process used in making garlands which is a big holiday business. On the upper areas that are cleared the view of the mountains in the distance are just breath taking. They are down in a valley and a huge waterfalls is off in the distance as well that also brings water into their stream.

We all walked to the perimeter as well as the total property for a couple hours enjoying the warm sunshine. Baby Skylar never made a peep as she was strapped in the carrier on Frank's chest. She loves the outdoors. She eventually napped for a few but was quite content being outside. Across the area from the spring there is some awesome huge white pine trees which is a great source of timber for building their house. It's separated by a road that runs up and into the main section of the acreage. There is an old house on the property not seen from the road that can be used as a work garage or storage but will need some work to bring it up to standards and possible use. Well what a gem this place is in the mountains and such a beautiful setting. We were there until 5'ish before heading back to our place. We were both whupped both from all the hiking and being out in the cool crisp air which had warmed up to the low 60's.

Well I saw on the TV the Bucs were playing the Packers so despite my obvious displeasure of some of the pro sports folks voicing their politician garbage, I did watch the home town team destroy the Packers which is a first in what seems forever. Now that we have old man Tom Brady for QB, who shredded the Pack with his passing game. We were both still satisfied after the late lunch so we picked a little at some caramel popcorn from the party last night which held me the rest of the evening, LATER

A few pics of the beautiful property we walked over for a couple hours. Most of these pic were taken from the top of the higher areas of the property looking out towards the BRP. Nancy took one pic of the small stream but didn't take any where we picnic which is flat and level alongside the trout stream.

Sunday Morning Oct 18th

Well Saturday morning found us with ice all along the top of the truck but no frost on the ground which is quite unusual since it was 34 degrees and everyone else had a heavy frost in their yards. It stayed cool most all day despite the bright sunshine and clear skies. The breeze made it feel even colder and by sundown it turn really cold once again. I believe the area is in for a hard winter this year.

I started the day with a 7'ish  roll out to my routines of hot tea, posted this ramble and had my quiet times to honor my Creator before heading out on my first power hike of the day. Wow, was it ever chilly and my nose and eyes watering from the biting cold. I didn't see anyone or anything but the last walk up the driveway sure warmed me up especially after getting back to the cabin. Nancy had the heat on and it wasn't long until I shucked off some extra clothing. It's amazing how hot your body gets from a hike. We did take another hike together later in the afternoon and while the distant views were clear the color of the leaves had faded to dull from their beauty just a few days ago.

After a breakfast of grits and eggs I did some piddling jobs inside the cabin until it warmed up outside then headed out once again as it had warmed up to a balmy 40 degrees but the bright sunshine made it feel pleasant. I fired up the leaf blower and blew the driveway and the front yard clear of down pine needles and huge brown leaves from the one tree which is great shade in the hot summers but their leaves are the size of dinner plates. I did wash a load of my clothes and attempted to hang them outside when the clothesline broke twice so in the dryer they went, oh well. I'll have to get a new one next time I'm in town. I still have a slow leak in one of the golf cart tires as I had to pump it up again. That is another job I want to take care of before leaving for the winter.

We were invited to a 5 year anniversary get together party for Karin and Frank Fender at their beautiful home on the west side of the county. The vistas are fabulous with long distant views of the mountains and valleys. Sort of reminds me a lot like the Shenandoah Valley. It's great farm land with cleared pastures and lots of cattle grazing. He was a dairy farmer for years but changed and went to rising beef cattle. We have known her and her daughter Kaitlyn for years and have got to know Frank and Jake for the past 5 or so years. Very nice folks.

Well the food was plentiful and the company was great to visit with but as the sun settled down after beautiful sunsets, the cold permeated everything so we said our goodnights and got home before 8. The Ray's were playing the 7th game of the playoffs and this game winner would decide who goes to the World Series next week. The Braves had lost again and are facing the same situation again today against the Dodgers. We are hoping for a Braves vs Ray's series. It was a good game and we stayed up until midnight watching, LATER

Just a few cold evening pics of the Fender party and area

Saturday Morning Oct 17 th

 Well Friday was another work day as the weather held with no rain, despite it being in the fore cast. It was rather chilly with temps into the 40's but with all the rain clouds around and at time very overcast it stayed dry, thankfully. The rain and wind have just about ruined any more color change for this year as many of the trees are bare. I've used the leaf blower a couple times already and need to again on the driveway and lower yard. The backwood trees are gone but there are still plenty of fallen leave blown in the past couple of days.

I started the day with a 7'ish roll out to my cup of hot green tea while I post this ramble then spend some quiet time with my Creator lifting up several and giving thanks. All seem well. I spoke with Paw Paw yesterday and he sounded good for his age and has settled in with his middle daughter Pat and her family in West Virginia. We daily keep in touch with our "mountain mom" Helen who is about the same age of Paw Paw. Their ages are catching up with them but she still manages on her where he now is depended on Pat for care. Both still have good mental capacity but he is loosing his short term memory.

I got in a before breakfast power hike and then Nancy and I took another one later in the mid afternoon. It was chilly to start but warmed up into the upper 50's with an occasional ray of sunshine. The shade really chilled you to the bone. I headed out after a breakfast of oatmeal to change the tires around on the golf cart. The knobby tires were wearing down on the rear tires so I changed them out with the front ones. I should get another year or so before having to replace them. I headed up to the back golf cart trail and removed a couple tree roots as well as a couple huge rocks sticking up in the trail. I saw where some ATV had scrapped their under carriage and I didn't want that happening to my golf cart as its quite low to the ground. We use that trail from time to time as well as do others.

I hauled a couple loads of mulch for the front hydrangeas bed and placed more rocks alongside the plants to keep the water run off from roof from washing out the mulch as it does when we have a heavy down pour. I piddled around outside most of the day doing little outside chores as I get the cabin ready for wintering. I raked a couple more loads of pine needles that had covered the front yard and put them around the blueberry bushes. They love acid and pine needles fit the bill plus they are free. The new bush seems to have taken to the spot along side the other couple bushes which have been there for years and are now producing. I wish I had a place with more direct sunlight but we got a really good crop of berries this year despite the lack of sunshine.

We had a guacamole and salsa for lunch and then pork chops with noodles and beets for supper. We settled into the Ray's game afterwards and they now have blown a 3-0 lead over the Astros. Today Saturday with be the big game with the winner moving on to play in the series. The Braves lost again to the Dodgers and they are still ahead 3-2 much like the Ray's were, oh well. Afterwards I hit the hot shower and snuggled deep into the covers. We have the mini split heater on and it really keeps the cabin nice and warm and its so quiet. We keep the upstairs curtained off to keep the heat down stairs, LATER

 

Friday Morning Oct 16th

Well Thursday was once again a great day for working outside. The temps were a little cooler but basically a warm sunshine kind of day with a breeze that was steady all day. I got a lot done outside as once again I got the garden fence worked with a couple new pine tree borders and the berry patch ready for the plastic fence border when we leave for good in December. 

I started the day with a now 7'ish roll out as dawn is breaking. The wind was steady overnight blowing leaves and pine needles onto the roof so much I thought it was raining. I checked the gravel in the driveway and they were dry but the yards are covered in debris from the trees. I managed to get in a before breakfast power hike to the top of the mountain and then Nancy and I got in one together before lunch. I did my quiet times to honor my Creator and lift up several for healing as well as to lift up our nation and this potus who is working to save our country. We are seeing and finding out the corruption ran rampart in the last administration and folks are waiting for some indictments; especially one for the candidate running against Trump. It's amazing and yet so sad to think folks will actually vote for these democrats who are trying to destroy our nation with their greed and corruption. Our DOJ is complicit with allowing this to happen as we learn they had a laptop of the VP son during the hoax impeachment of Trump and did nothing which implicated the VP and his corruption of play for pay. In other words black mailing a foreign gov't. 

I headed out with the chain saw and cut down a couple small pines to be used for posts and for the borders on the gardens. That kept me busy digging holes and planting the posts as well as taking away some of the old fencing for most of the afternoon. It looks so much nicer and firmer as I get the gardens ready for next summer's planting. I love being outside all day working in the fresh air and sunshine. That is supposed to change this weekend with rain coming in and temps down into the 30's.

We had a late lunch of leftover taco meat so we ate large and then skipped supper except for a few nuts and a glass of vino for me. We decided to watch the Ray's game and it was once again for the second day in a row a loss by one run. We are still 3 to 2 in games but we need to close out the Astros today if possible and stay away from the 7th game. The Braves won last night after getting bombed the day before. We got word we are taking our "mountain mom" down to Winston-Salem next Friday to have a dental appointment for some new teeth. Seems she was eating a sub sandwich and broke part of her dentures. That will be an all day event and will be the first time to the big city this year for us.

Well it wasn't long after the game and a hot shower I was ready for some horizontal lab around 11'ish, LATER

Thursday Morning Oct 15th

Well Wednesday was another near perfect day for working outside and I got a lot of chores done. The temps were chilly to start the morning with the low 40's but it soon warmed up to the 60's and even 70 by late afternoon. The skies were a deep blue and the sunshine was dominant. I even worked up a sweat a couple times but all I had to do was get into the shade and it quickly dried up.

I started the day with after 7 roll out. These late night ball game watching has me sleeping in which is O.K. because it still dark at 6'ish and dawn is breaking now around 7'ish. That's one of the things about the winter hours is its dark early in the evening and usually dark when I awaken in the morning. Anyhow the Rays lost a close one 4-3 to the Astros but they are just one win away from the pennant and then heading to the World Series. The Braves got bombed 15-2 in their third game against the Dodgers.

After my usual morning routines which include my quiet time to honor and worship my Creator and Lord after posting this ramble I headed out for a power hike to the top of the mountain. We took a hike together in the late afternoon as I only got in two hikes for the day. We saw our old friend and construction guy Brandon Crouse working at a neighbor house on top of the mountain. He and his dad Larry did our bathroom construct and our floors last year or maybe it was two years ago. They together have done several jobs we have enlisted them to do among our friends including the floor job for our "mountain Mom" Helen. It was good to see and spend some time with him catching up on their family and all thats going on. He is buying a house not too far from us on the road we travel every week to church.

I headed over to Kimberly's to clean out her stables for the horse manure. I gathered 4 trash cans full of the dropping and spread them on my garden patches and into the compost pile for next years potting soil. That kept me busy for a couple hours then I hauled several loads of mulch spreading it on the flower beds and the black raspberry bushes. Then it was time to cover the blueberry bushes with pine needles which I have plenty in the back woods yards. I hauled two golf cart loads and loaded down the bushes for the winter.

Well we had a delicious taco salad for supper and then settled into the Fox news until the game came on around 8:30. I had my shower and was cat napping during the game which was close but we lost, Oh well. We noticed a lot of the brilliant leaf color we saw a couple days ago has turned dull and many of the trees are bare. Peak has come and gone to our woods and on top of the mountain its looking about the same despite the beautiful sunshine. We are forecasted for more rain and cold weather this weekend so a few of the oaks that are turning will soon lose their color and leaves as well. Most of the maples and sweet gums have turned and the leaves are on the ground, LATER

Wednesday Morning Oct 14th

 Well this month is nearly half gone already and we are getting the cabin ready to leave it for hopefully just about a month as we are planning on coming back for a week during the Thanksgiving holiday with Amy's family. It was their idea and since had never spent any of the winter holidays here we gave it a consideration and now its on the books.

Tuesday turned out to be another gorgeous day after a foggy start. The skies cleared and Nancy even hung a load laundry on the clothesline around mid morning. I started the day as did we both with a 7'ish roll out to our morning routines. After I finished this post and my quiet time to honor my Creator, giving thanks and lifting up several by name as well as our potus Trump and his family and those who are patriots of this nation, I headed out for the first of three hikes to the top of the mountain. They are getting easier day by day and I can feel my body responding to these exercises, albeit just hiking and some stretching, but what a climb. Nancy is now only stopping a couple times as we head up the steep incline when we take our hike together. I never stop on my power hikes which is helping with the cardio as well. 

I came back and had a semi mountain breakfast of deer sausage, eggs with a chopped up garden grown tomato and jalapeno pepper. That held me until our supper except for an apple with a little peanut butter around lunch time. We thawed out the frozen ribs for our supper, along with a baked tater and a salad. We are trying to stay away from as many carbs as possible but at the same time clean out the fridges and freezers before departing on Nov. 1st.

I fired up the weed whacker and mowed down the flower beds which were full of weeds, grasses and straggly flowers. That event sharpened up the beds and gave them a clean look. I want to add some mulch to them from the pile of mulch from the trees stumps we ground down in June. I still have several golf cart loads left. I fired up the leaf blower and blew the driveway once again of the huge leaf from one tree that has dinner plate size leaves which have turn brown and fall daily. A lot of the leaves in the area have fallen as well and the back road and trails are completely covered with fallen leaves. I think peak color has come and gone for our area as the 5+ inches of rain did a number on their beauty for this year.

Well we stayed up late watching the exciting end to the Ray's third win in a row over the Astros and one more win sends them to the big series against we hope Atlanta. The Braves won their second in a row as well against the Dodgers. Our dear friend Gerald loves the Braves so we are hoping for a Georgia vs Florida World Series, LATER

We finally have a Heavenly Blue Morning Glory showing its beauty on this bright sunshine day. Notice the leaves on the ground from the Maple tree we left standing near the red shed.

Tuesday Morning Oct 13th

Well the big all day rain finally quit sometime during the night or morning on Monday but we did get from time time a lite shower later in the evening. I emptied the rain gauge which was over flowing at 5 inches plus so I really don't know when it filled up, anyhow the ground was soaked. I got in an early morning before breakfast hike and the back road was still covered in water and leaves. Lots of leaves were down and many of the trees were completely bare.

I started the day with a 7'ish rollout and while its an hour later than my usual 6'ish rollout it was still  dark outside. I did stay up a little later than usual watching the MLB playoff's. The Ray's played an early game and they held on to win two in a row against the Astros. I watched a little of the late game and it was tied when I hit the sack.

I managed to get on the new faucet on the basement sink and then reattached it to the wall but the shut off valves are dripping so I'll have to replace them as well. They've been in place for close to 25 years and I'm sure the insides have dried out, oh well, its always something to keep me busy. I did haul a couple loads of mulch and spread it in the circle drive blotting out the grasses which were coming through. I'm hoping next year it will be in better shape for the vegetables I want to grow there as well as in the garden. I'm heading over to Kimberley's in the next day or so to gather horse manure for the gardens as well, most everything is gone for this year except for some leafy greens and some herbs and my jalapeno pepper plant.

We did take a good long relaxing hike in the afternoon and there were no views off the mountain as fog had settled in on the mountain tops and valleys below. It was almost surreal with total whiteout down below. We remarked on how many trees were bare and the amount of leaves on the ground from the rain. We saw no one out an about except for the construction workers on the new house. They have the roof joists waiting to be installed.

It warmed up here enough to wear short pants and tee shirt outside so the heat has been off for a couple days except to take out the dampness from all the rain and lack of sunshine. I did piddle around outside and planted my new blueberry bush I purchased at Lowes last week. I still have a few berries left on the one large bush as it been a good harvest this year and thankfully they don't all ripen at once.

Nancy prepared a delicious shrimp/pasta dish for our supper and it was awesome to say the least. I did finish up some leftovers from the weekend for lunch and now we start over preparing smaller amounts so we don't have leftovers from when we had so much company. I want to get back into at least 3 hikes a day so as to be in shape for some pickle ball next month, LATER

Monday Morning Oct 12th

 Well the rain has been constant for what seems like days. At least the temps aren't really cold but the dampness requires heat on in the cabin and the dreary overcast foggy skies are not what I enjoy about the mountains especially this time of the year. The dull skies hide the beautiful changing of the leaves which are close to peak and may just be gone as the grounds are covered as well as the roads with fallen leaves. The fallen leaves on the parkway were so evident with sticking to the road because of the rain it looked like tracks in the snow, oh well. We may even see some of that as it supposed to turn cold towards the weekend with 30's once again.

I started the day with a 7'ish roll out on Sunday morning to the sound of rain beating on the the tin roof. Speaking of the roof I determined the wetness on the drain pipe was from condensation with so many people showering, doing dishes and washing clothes when we have company. All of this rain never produced a drop of wetness on the vent/drain stack which I'm thankful for. We headed out to Cornerstone for corporate worship around 9:30 in the rain and noticed the parkway was covered in fallen leaves. Looking into the woods was nothing but yellows, oranges and reds on the leaves that were still attached. The transformation from the deep green foliage of the trees to the bright colors happen suddenly and almost overnight. Such a beautiful sight.

After church we met up with Jake, Katelyn and baby Skylar at the pizzeria for a delicious lunch and very filing which lasted the rest of the day for us until about 6'ish when I popped corn the old fashion way on top of the stove. I settled into the TV for a change while Nancy did her social media updates and perusing. We did watch most of the Ray's game which was a close one but they won 2-1 over the Astros. They play the best of 7 games to see who plays in the series later this month. They play again today at 4.

Well yesterday was number 2 grand daughter Annsley 13th birthday birthday. Both she and Ava have reached those teenage years and both are exceptional outstanding students and athletes. Ava with basketball and Annsley with gymnastics. We are proud of all our grand kiddos and looking forward to seeing them in November, LATER

Sunday Morning Oct 11th

Well we haven't seen the sun in the last 24 plus hours as the rain continues to fall. The temps aren't too bad as its in the upper 50's which requires the heat to be on. I'm just not an inside kind of person as I want to be outside in the fresh air, oh well. Saturday found us sleeping in for a change until 7:30 and it was still dark outside. I'm sure the overcast skies and rain contributed to the darkness at that hour.

We had a mountain breakfast of bacon, eggs and grits; I added to mine a garden grown tomato and jalapeno pepper. That held us until around 3 when we got back from the town of Galax. We had a couple ripe avocado's so Nancy made a guacamole and we had some jarred salsa and chips to accompany it. That held me the rest of the day and evening except for a cup of Thai tea and then some seed in grapes which was not eaten. I did my usual morning routines, quiet times and then social media comments before we headed out to town. I did load up the back of the truck with some garbage to dump on the way to town.

We first stopped at the barber shop for an ear lowering for me as Nancy mentioned I was getting shaggy. That didn't take long as their business has also been hurt by the virus and you must wear a mask. There were 3 barbers and one chair was empty so I was in and out in 15 to 20 minutes flat. We next went to Lowes for a new faucet for the basement sink and I noticed their blueberry bushes were at a reasonable price so I bought one of them as well. It was raining so I'll go back in the next week or so for fertilizer and lime for the yards.

We hit Wal-Mart next as Nancy is stocking up for Thanksgiving and Christmas when Amy and family come first and then Bobby and family next. That is the plan and we will see how that goes as it will be the first time either have ever come or us for those holidays. We loaded up the truck and made a gas stop at a 1.85 a gallon and then headed home. It rained all the way home and hasn't stopped with it pouring again this morning. The forecast is for 3-5 inches over the next day or so and that will cause some flooding in the area but we are high and dry. I did get in a quick morning hike before the rain settled into a constant down pour and was hoping it would let up enough in the evening for another hike,but it didn't. I was doing good on 3 hikes a day for a couple days but now I'll miss those hikes and will have to start all over again, oh well. 

We did notice how the parkway tree leaves have changed overnight with yellows, oranges and reds throughout the drive into Galax, wow despite the overcast skies and rain the woods are filled with colors. I would say this time next week is peak as only a few oaks are still somewhat green. Our driveway is so colorful with all the different trees showing their colors. Its too bad the rain will knock most of the leaves off, LATER

Saturday Morning Oct 10th

 Well, Friday was the last of the great weather we've been having for the past week as the skies are overcast and it rained over night. Not hard but the ground is wet. It's at a stand still as of now but the forecast is for much heavier rain as the weekend progress's, oh well. We are company free and while we enjoy sharing our blessings with those other than family, it's nice "for just the two of us" after over two weeks.

I started the day on Friday with Dan and Carol leaving and heading back to Florida around 7'ish. They did get home around 6 which is about right for the 700 mile trip. We did our morning routines which start with the cup of hot tea, quiet times to honor our Creator and Lord lifting up several for healing and comfort and especially our Potus Trump and those patriots who serve both in the military and with our law enforcement family. Our nation is on the brink of collapse if Trump doesn't get re-elected as the Left will have put into place those who want socialism. History shows us what happens when the good things in a society become bad and then just the opposite and yet academia refuses to teach history or acknowledge what has made us a role model nation which is; love of GOD, love of country, love of family and the rule of law which is set forth in the constitution which guarantees equality and the right to pursue all of the above.

I got in a good solo power morning hike and then another one which was more abbreviated just before lunch and then Nancy and I got in an extend one later in the afternoon. I'm going to try to do 3 a day until we leave as I want to drop a couple pounds and get back into shape for pickle ball come November. I fired up the leaf blower and took care of some leaves in the driveway and the lower yards. Now that most all of the large trees in the backwoods yard are gone I don't have to blow that huge area. The faucet in the basement was dripping so I decided to change seats but could not get the handle off the one side. I tried WD 40, heating it with a torch as well but could not get the screw that held the handle on which prevented me from replacing the seat. So I took the sink off the wall after disconnecting the drain and supple lines and still could not get the screw out. I did drill it out but decided since the faucet was used when it was installed in the 90's to replace it with a new one. That kept me busy for some time and I'm hoping to replace it before we head back to Florida with a faucet that will fit the holes in the sink as the holes are much larger than the normal faucet size. The faucet is in the basement so its rarely used except when using the potty down there. It can wait until I find the right size or order one on line.

I did some other piddly chores around the cabin as I try to do a little each day with most of it being outdoors. I wore shorts all day with a tee shirt except for the early morning hike but as evening set in in I could feel the temps dropping as night approached. I helped Nancy with putting the cabin back into order as she cleaned the upstairs, changed linens and scrubbed the shower while I vacuumed the whole cabin.  We aren't planning on anymore guests this year until Thanksgiving and Christmas when we will have Amy's family here and then Bobby's family here for a week each. We still have lots to do before leaving on the first of November which keeps us busy as well as enjoy the ambiance.

We settled into the Ray's baseball game after a supper of tomato soup and grilled cheese for a change. We have been cleaning out the fridge of leftovers and only a little "beer in the rear chicken" remains. Nancy wants wants to have the Luffman family for an evening supper and of games at least once more this Fall so we will shop for them today (Sat) as we head to Galax to see about fertilizer, lime and a faucet. By the way the Ray's beat the Yankees 2-1 to win the division and will play the best of 7 to see who goes to the world series. Go Ray's, LATER

Just a few pics during our evening hike as the leaves are turning it seems every hour. The colors are close to peak and should happen in the next couple of days if the rain coming doesn't knock them off.

Friday Morning Oct 9th

 Well the last of our guests just left for Florida a few minutes ago. It's been a whirlwind time but we are back to being "just the two of us" for a couple of weeks before we head south as well. They had a chilly send off this AM at 49 degrees but once again much like yesterday it's supposed to warm up into the low 70's with plenty of sunshine. Let's hope the rain coming our way from the latest hurricane stays away for another day.

I started the day on Thursday with a sleep in as I've been doing the past several mornings, but hopefully I'll go back to my 6'ish roll out now that everyone is gone. I did my quiet time after posting this ramble then we heard them stirring upstairs. It's hard to be quiet in this cabin especially since we took out the carpet upstairs which actually acted as a buffer on the sound between the two floors. I got my power hike in before breakfast and then Nancy and I did a nice routine hike in the early afternoon around 4. It was such a beautiful warm day with a good breeze, so nice I wanted to eat outside on the deck but I had put away the two picnic tables on the deck when I gave it a coat of waterproofing on Tuesday. Anyhow the weather the past couple of days has been about as nice as you could ask for.

The Botbyl's took off after breakfast for a trip into Sparta so we caught up on some laundry and some household chores. They came back and we all sat out on the front porch for a couple hours in the warm sunshine and the shade of the porch. I took a whole chicken and stuffed it with a beer in the rear and put it on the grill for a change. It took about and hour or so but the flavor was awesome and along with beets from the garden, cauliflower with cheese and a salad we feasted once again for our last supper together.

It was play on your devices for all until the baseball and football games came on the TV with both of the Tampa Bay teams playing. On a sad note both teams lost last night with me staying up close to midnight to watch. Anyhow Nancy was in bed by 10 which is a reversal as I'm usually in bed by that hour and she up until midnight. We were awakened before 7 as we heard them on the stairs carrying down the last of their belonging to leave. They even skipped coffee before heading out in the semi darkness around 7, LATER

The leaves are changing as we shot these pics from our afternoon hike.