Sunday Morning Jan 31st

Well Saturday turned out to be another gorgeous day here in Central Florida with warm sunshine and blue skies. We spent the biggest part of the day in Brandon with Bobby, Katie and the boys. What a fun time with some fine eatin' for supper as well.

I started the day with a sleep in for a change which doesn't happen often. It was 7:30 before I finally rolled out of bed to my usual morning routines which start with the cup of hot green tea while I post this ramble then spend some quiet time with my Creator giving thanks and lifting several up for healing. Everyone seems as well as can be expected. I did my social media stuff then headed out after a large mountain breakfast of sausage patties, eggs and toast to hand water the gardens. It seems this is only the second time for eggs since we have been back from our winter adventure to the cabin. While there for two weeks it was almost, eggs every morning with either sausage, bacon, ham or pancakes.

I decided since we weren't leaving for Brandon until 1:30 that I would get in a good long bike ride through the neighborhood. Wow what a good workout and the temps were near 70 with bright sunshine. We had an uneventful trip over and back but the interstate was packed from so many escaping the north and the cold and the cities that are going under because of the gov't within them keeping everything shut down. Such corruption and now we are learning the self righteous Gov. Cumoo from New York has been lying about the death rate as a result of his orders for putting infected folks in where the vulnerable folks lived in nursing homes. He is a murderer and now the attempted cover up is worst because he knew all along it was the wrong thing to do. He is now blaming Trump, what a hypocrite and a scumbag which is typical for the corrupt democrats.

Bobby grilled marinated pork tenderloins, orzo pasta with herbs and asparagus for our supper after a nice long hike with the boys through their 'hood. We had fed them their supper before hand. They are quite the attraction as they shouted out to neighbors who welcomed them on their ride in a wagon and even one neighbor came out to bring them snacks. It was bath time when we got back around 6:15 and then a bottle of milk by 6:30 and they were both down for the next 12 hours of sleep and rest. These boys play hard and seldom if ever fuss or get whiney. They are great eaters and Ryder is walking most of the time. Huck takes a few steps but stands alone often but he still likes to crawl to get from one side of the room to the next and quickly. They both are smiley and very inquisitive and learn fast.

Well I must say if you who read this ramble and then catch me on FB I've been put in jail for another week or censored for a complete travesty by the radicals who are stifling free speech. Check this out as to why I'm not allowed to comment; A picture of Beto O'Rourke or who ever he is came up showing he was going to run for the governor of Texas. I said I hope he does because I want to se him get beat again like the last time when he ran for potus. Well the censors said that was hate speech and canned me, yet the very next scene showed Nancy Sinatra saying ALL NRA members should be lined up against a wall for the firing squad. Can you believe she was allowed her really hate speech to stand but my comment was bad to have me thrown off. Anyhow I joined Twitter under Jerry Triplett. I'm thinking about cancelling my FB account for good as they are fascist with their censorship, LATER

Saturday Morning Jan 30th

Well Friday started out rather chilly with temps in the upper 40's but it eventually warmed up close to 70 by days end. There was plenty of sunshine and the gentle breeze kept it quite comfortable. I headed out on my bike a little before 8 to the Rec for two hours of pickle ball play. We had just 4 of us so the action never stopped and we all were whupped by 10. I did stop off at the library for a couple new reads for both  Nancy and myself.

I piddled around in the gardens hand watering and then harvesting a couple sacks of leafy greens for our dear friends the Nymark's who came by for just that reason. I've cleaned out two rows of Bibb lettuces but still have the west garden side that doesn't get as much full sun as the other side. Thus I'll have another week or so before they need to be harvested.

There wasn't to be done after lunch except hang a load of laundry and then settle into a new read. I'm reading true crime with James Patterson who has involved into a decent write. He keeps my interest with his non fiction writings. I read for a couple hours and napped a little in between until supper time. Nancy was putting together a delicious shepards pie and along with a fresh home grown garden salad we ate well. After supper and the clean up I got into the History Channels series called ALONE. It a new one where 10 folks both male and female complete for a million bucks while in Alaska/Canada alone with just 10 items they are allowed to bring for survival. I love the man vs nature or the man using nature to survive logic. It's really interesting and while some of the folks are buttercups before tapping out or leaving because they lost their fire making tool, which is totally ridiculous and a way to wimp out, oh well. I was tired of the cold for two weeks within a warm cabin and plenty of food as Nancy reminded me when I mentioned the wimps, oh well.

It wasn't long after a hot shower and the warm bed that I was ready for some horizontal lab around 10:30. Nancy mentioned Bobby wanted us to come visit after lunch today in Brandon so we decided to head over around 2'ish and have supper with him and play with the boys. Amy is tied up with her family and we had nothing planned with our friends because of the virus so we will head over to Brandon much to my not liking all of the traffic from all the snow birds clogging the roadways, Oh well, LATER

Friday Morning Jan 29th

 Well Thursday turned a bit nippy with a strong northern breeze and lower temps after those couple days of fog and high humidity, so the a/c did go back off and an extra blanket back on the bed at night. This weather is ideal compared to what the cabin is experiencing and after being there for two weeks with snow, ice and below freezing temps I 'm not missing it one bit. I love seeing the pics my friends post on social media from sunny basically warm Florida.

I started the day with a before 6 rollout to my usual routines that start always with a handful of Nutrilite vitamins and supplements washed down with a glass of V-8 spiked with hot sauce(actually I have a special bottle so I drink from it) and then a cup of hot green tea while I post this ramble then spent a few quiet moments with my Creator and Lord in thanksgiving and then lifting several up by name. All seem well except for Kathryn who is still in the hospital. We are praying for a recovery for her to be back to her old self as much as possible and of course prayers for our nation which is under attack by this false fraud potus who was elected by fraudulent means. His or his handlers goal is to destroy the nation and have US(A) become a socialist country. I never would have thought so many folks voted for their demise and those who are in the congress voted to oust the only decent man to help this nation become great again.

I headed out on my bike with an extra shirt as the air was breezy and quite chilly after several days of warmth and even hot. I spent a couple hours plus on the pickle ball court with some really good players and left around 10:30 with a wet head and a shirt. I'm loving this routine and my body is feeling great as I'm staying in good physical shape. I still have the spare tire some what, but so far I'm as active if not more so than some of the 50 years olds I play with. I'm thankful and feel blessed.

I piddled around in the garden until lunch and the new lettuce seedlings I transplanted seem as if all will make. I did sow some more Bibb seeds but the pesky squirrels dug them out as all of the Bibb plants are now maturing. I'm giving away several heads daily. Everything else is looking good with blooms on the 'maters, beans, cukes and peas. The carrot tops are nearly a foot tall and the beets are large enough to eat as well. What a year for gardening.

Well I read the afternoon away as did Nancy. She took off on a hike through the 'hood. We had grilled salmon and yellow rice with a garden fresh salad for supper, delicious. I no longer watch any news especially the biased crooked MSM which Fox has now become a part of, so I instead read until shower time then watch Nat Geo until lights out at 10'ish. I'm throughly disgusted with those in the congress who are supposed to work for us but instead are destroying the very fabric of the country as they line their pockets and become more powerful daily. Folks are hoping that Trump will run in 4 years but I'm becoming disenchanted with that thought as well as he will be close to 80 and I'm not sure he would go through what he did for 4 years again. Who knows maybe the end times are upon as the predictions in the Bible are coming forth. Evil has entered into this creation and what was once good and wholesome has now become a thing of the past. Our politicians are crooked even most of those we once thought were working for Americans but now they are working to set up a society they control and make us their servants with this socialism ideology. They make edicts to kill the unborn not only here but around the world, they are in bed with our enemies and now they are stopping energy independence so we buy from our enemies. It's terrible and I feel for my grands, LATER

Thursday Morning Jan 28th

 Well Wednesday started out with heavy fog through out the area for most of the day and then again it set in after sunset and then it rained with heavy down pours at times after dark. The moisture is most welcomed as its been a week or more since any rain and yet the cold has quickly moved on north and with that the humidity is making itself known; thus we have the a/c back on for probably until June when we plan on leaving for the mountains. I certainly would not want to be there now as they are expecting a winter storm once again with snow and cold temps.

I did the usual morning routines after rolling out before 6 to a cup of hot green tea while I posted this ramble and then spent some quiet time with my Creator and Lord in humble thanksgiving and lifting up several for comfort and healing. Our dear friend Kathryn is still in the hospital with covid but supposedly the doctors say she will eventually return back to the home and some what normal living but it will be a long drawn out recovery. Dan seems to be holding his own and is getting back to normal living. Those two seemed to be the worst for wear with this virus.

I headed out on my bike for two hours of pickle ball play at the Rec. with some good play through those two hours. Once again the stamina is returning as well as the play. It's funny how after missing 4 days in a row last week how quickly you get out of shape or your skills lessen but they seem to be back. Anyhow yesterday I never lost a game whereas on Monday I was losing occasionally; of course a lot of that depends on your partners as well and all of them are always much younger as I am. I'm the old man in the group and at times I amaze myself with the ability to play this game. GOD has blessed me with quickness and stamina.

I came home and piddled in the garden harvesting more leafy greens and blessing the neighbors. It seems the Bibb is coming to a head quickly so I'm giving away several heads a day and the collards as well are maturing so I picked a nice mess for neighbor Bobby. I'll harvest more today for our dear friends the Nymark's as we had supper at the Miller Ale House with them before attending prayer service at our new building for BridgePoint. We had close to 100 folks there for the meeting and its getting larger each week. We are excited about the renovations being done and that a service will be held before Easter.

That was about it for the day as it was 8:30 before getting back to the house and a hot shower for me. I soon watched some Life Below Zero in Alaska before shutting the lights off at 10 for me. Nancy is a night owl and comes to bed long after that hour, LATER

Wednesday Morning Jan 27th

Well its rather warm and muggy so the A/C is back on here in Florida. Nancy has trouble with the humidity whereas I can handle it with the fans but she is a different story since menopause, oh well. The weather is perfect for gardening and the leafy greens are growing so rapidly that I'm giving away produce nearly every day.

I stared Tuesday much the usual with before 6 rollout to my cup of hot tea while I posted this ramble then spent some quiet time with my Creator and Lord in thanksgiving and lifting several up by name. Most everyone except for Kathryn are holding on. She is still in the hospital. I headed out before 8 on my bike for the Rec for two solid hours of pickle ball and left with a wet head and shirt and then stopped off at the library on the way home for a couple new reads. I'm back into reading true crime and James Patterson has my interest at present with the way he writes.

I piddled around in the garden hoeing, weeding and harvesting greens for neighbors. After fertilizing and hand watering I headed in for some lunch. Bobby was in the area checking on some homes being renovated and came by for a lunch of a garden chef salad. We made plans to celebrate is upcoming birthday this year at his house with Nancy making the meal and serving it there. It's so much easier there as well with the boys schedule and all the grands in his beautiful large home and pool area. We have to do it when he has Annsley and Gabe for the weekend as well. 

Nancy was at the doctor for her annual checkup and now has to have some MRI's due to some complaints and follow ups. Will upgrade on this as we find out more after those appointments. Nothing serious as I write but will know more later. We headed out around 5:30 to Canterberry School in St.Pete for Ava's final basketball game. She was top scorer in the game but they fell short of the win but did have a 11-5 record for this season. She is really doing quite well and if she stays healthy and continues with her love for the game and one of her teammates mothers mentioned on the way out the door she will get a scholarship to college. Thats encouraging to hear from the other good player on the teams mother.

That was about it for the day as it was 8:30 before getting back home and having a snack supper of some peanut butter crackers and a cup of hot chocolate. It soon was shower time and then a little of Nat Geo on Life Below Zero in Alaska before lights out at 10 for me, LATER

Tuesday Morning Jan 26th

Well Monday believe it or not we turned the a/c back on to take out the humidity which has made its way back into the picture; of course that occurred later in the evening after supper as the day was perfect with a nice breeze and made it stay in the 70's. Another perfect day for drying laundry and I hung two loads.

I started the day much the usual with a before 6 rollout to my hot tea while I posted this ramble and then spent some quiet time with my Creator and Lord in thanksgiving and lifting up several by name for comfort and healing. One dear friend is still in the hospital but we are praying she recovers. We all know it will be a long process for her full recovery if and when. I headed out before 8 on my bike for two hours of pickle ball play at the Rec. It was a good workout and the games were plentiful with two courts in action and a couple waiting to get on. I managed to stay on the court the full two hours but I was whupped by 10. 

I headed home to work in the gardens transplanting all of the lettuce seedlings. I got 5 rows of black seeded and romaine seedlings in the ground and then I harvested Bibb, 2 kinds of kale, Swiss chard and another lettuce for our salad bowl. I washed them and then spun them dry before breaking them up into the large salad bowl. Nancy had gone off to shop at Publix once again. The garden is doing fantastic and we soon should have cucumber, sugar peas and pole beans as they are in full blooms.

Well I read for a couple hours after lunch and then again after supper. I'm disgusted with  most of the news on TV and now get what I need from the internet. I can no longer stand the MSM because of their complicity with the lowly dems who are doing all they can to destroy America. It's hard to believe a potus(illegally elected) would want to destroy the nation that he supposedly represents, but we are seeing that has he is doing that with the destroying of jobs, energy independence and supporting our money for abortions world wide. It's just insane in my opinion and so ungodly. The dems make no bones about their desire to turn America socialist and usa into a third world country. Next they will attempt to disarm the nation much like the Nazi's did to the Jewish nation and then we will be hauled off to deprograming camps much like they did with the Jews in concentration camps. American had better wake up before it's too late.

After a supper of salmon cakes and Brussel sprouts and the clean up I headed in to read until shower time. That was about it for the day as the evening did bring some humidity and Nancy just can not stand it, so on went the a/c for the first since we've been from the cabin before Christmas, LATER

Monday Morning Jan 25th

Well Sunday turned out to be a beautiful day weather wise as well with temps in to the upper 70's and it may have reached the low 80's by late afternoon. The other good thing that happened in the late afternoon was the local football team the Bucs won over the frozen Packers and will now go to the big game called the Super Bowl. The neighborhood showed it favor with horns blowing and fire works after the game.

We started the day much the usual for Sunday morning with a stay at home worship via on line. We weren't thrilled with the service at our local church so we watched the service from Charlotte at Calvary Chapel and then again from Jack Hibbs Church in California. These two speakers preached the gospel and the signs we are seeing of the end times and what we must do to be one of those raptured. It's scary to think the signs are everywhere that Jesus is fulfilling the scriptures of returning without anyone knowing when that will be. It surely seems with the world going globalist and the false ideas by those who are in power making everything that once was good now bad and just opposite. The Bible is very clear in telling us what is going to happen that prophets thousands of years ago predicted and Israel is at the for front.

Well I headed out to hand water the gardens and then harvested a mess of greens for one of our new neighbors before lunch. I even took a good long bike ride through the neighborhood after lunch and then settled in to hear the sermon by Hibbs who is an excellent speaker and explains in detail about the second coming of Jesus. The gov't is trying their best to stop him and many other preachers in the state but the area in southern California is awakening to his message as is those of a young conservative by the name of Charlie Kirk who often accompanies Jack with the real message of whats happening to our nation by those who are globalist and led by the radical Left democrats, the MSM and Big Tech.

Well the Bucs under Brady's leadership did beat the Packers after nearly blowing the lead a couple times with dropped passes and interceptions. Brady for an older player was awesome and I'm hoping will bring the victory back to Tampa after so many seasons. I watched part of the second game and it looked as if he will play against the great younger QB Mahones from the Chiefs who won it all last year. It should be a fun time for the area because the game is played here in Tampa.

Well that was about it for the day as we ordered take out from Outback for supper. We are limiting ourselves to outside exposure to the virus which is now evident and because we know personally two friends who were infected and one is still in the hospital with severe complications, LATER

Sunday Morning Jan 24th

Well its hard to believe this month is nearly gone as we start a new year. Of course there is uncertain as to what will happen with this new administration that seems to be dividing the country like Obama did which could lead to the down fall of the nation. Their hatred for Trump is so evident because he attempted to and did expose all of the corruption in the dem's in the gov't. Now they want to destroy the country even further to erase his legacy which put America first. I suppose we will survive but at the expense of our civil liberties which are already being censored by his supporters to change this nation into a socialist country.

Sorry to get on my stump first thing in the morning but I'm aghast at the edicts he has made to undo such polices that had US(A) on the right path to saving the unborn babies, respect in the world against our enemies, energy independence and all classes of everyone working and gaining self respect and dignity, oh well. The dem leadership is corrupt and they hate the working class which they are are supposed to represent and the 80 million who supported Trump.

We were heading over to Brandon to spent the morning and early afternoon with Bobby, Katie and the grands. It turned out to be a very nice day with warm comfortable temps in the low 70's but little sunshine with fog and over cast skies. How ever when the sun did break through the overcast in warmed up close to 80 by late afternoon. We played with the boys through out the day both in yards and at a play ground which was very nice and close to the house. The boys loved swinging and they have great swings there for little fellers and the park has their tennis courts lined for pickle ball. Next time I'll bring extra paddles and we can play there.

Bobby grilled hotdogs for lunch and with some salad from the gardens we enjoyed a filling lunch. The boys got these cars they can ride in and Anns and Gabe pushed them around outside in the yards and driveways which they loved. Ryder is walking 8 to 10 steps at a time and Hick who is not interested yet does take a couple steps before moving out on his knees. He does have a little bit of impatience or temper issue when Ryder bullies him by taking his toys. But for the most part they play well together and get along wonderful.

Annsley has a gymnastic competition in Orlando this morning (SUN) so she left early for Orlando with her mom whereas Bobby and the family will drive over today to see her compete. It's too far for us, plus there was issues with this virus that allows only a certain number of spectators so we will see the videos and pics of her exercises during the meet. Ava played a single game of basketball which her team won. It was supposed to be a tournament but most schools cancelled so we didn't get back in time to see the only game played, oh well. 

We visited a strawberry farm after the park for milk shakes and short cake which were delicious and then we purchased a flat of berries as well as some raw honey to bring back home and share. The berries were just picked that morning and were so tasty.

Well we got back sometime around 6 and had shrimp pasta which was delicious. The garden looked great and these last two days of mild warm temps were ideal. I hand watered just after getting home. It was a fun day with the Triplett side of the grands as we don't see them as often as the Ross side of the family. The boys are doing well with many teeth showing  and are progressing well. Its the anniversary of them coming home from Nicu

unit from Tampa General Hospital as they were there for over a month after being born preemies. GOD is good and we are blessed with all of our grands, LATER

Saturday Morning Jan 23rd

 Well Friday was the warmest day yet this year and it was wonderful, with temps in the 70's lots of bright sunshine and blue skies. Just what I needed after the past week of chilly morning and cold nights. It was a perfect winter day in Florida and I think the garden grew inches as well.

I started the day with a before 6 rollout to my usual cup of hot green tea while I posted this ramble and spent some quiet moments with my Creator and Lord in thanksgiving and lifting several up by name for healing and comfort. Out friend Dan and neighbor got home after two weeks in the hospital with virus and while he was still weak and peaked he was so happy to be home. He and Carol walked down during the afternoon for a visit. Our other dear friend Kathryn is still in the hospital for another week or so as she is really lucky she didn't succumb to this virus as developed pneumonia before being admitted to the hospital. Everyone else seems to be holding their own.

I had two hours of good pickle ball play at the Rec. before making a stop off at the library for a couple reads before heading home to work in the garden. Once again I harvested two colanders of leafy greens for the salad bowl and noticed more tomato plants are blooming as it the cucumbers. beans and sugar peas. Bobby our fireman neighbor wants to start a small garden to see if he and his wife want to take it up, so I headed over to give him some advice and gave him a dill plant and some rosemary as she loves herbs.

After lunch Nancy wanted to spend her stimulus money and get rid of those lawn chairs in the back that's only used when we have large family gatherings. Anyhow I gave those away and we bought new ones with pads. I thought as much as we use them it was a waste but I went along as we headed to Home Depot. She actually sat in one in the back yard and read for a spell. I grilled peppers and onions and marinated chicken breast for fajaits for supper and they were delicious. 

I'm so turned off by what this fraudulent potus is doing to our nation that I can not watch the news. He is trying to destroy US(A) with his edits of hate for Trump at the expense of the nation while the MSM and Big Tech are in bed with him. Those of us who are patriots are being censored from social media and black listed because of our political beliefs; this is called fascism. I believe it's going to get worst with these radicals on the left calling the shots with this illegal gov't. We must ALL pray that GOD will intervene and save us who are believers and patriots, LATER

Friday Morning Jan 22nd

 Well I must say Thursday was not exactly my typical day as I skipped the Rec. and Nancy and attended a double funeral for our daughter in law's grandparents who passed away within 3 days of each other. It was a blessing in disguise as they had serious health issues and both were bed ridden. They had a wonderful life together for 60 plus years with a large extended family and we were a part of that in a small way. Bobby gave the celebration of life sermon at the school where Annsley and Gabe attend and where their oldest child Lynn who is Katies mom teaches. There were tons of tears and many laughs as well from many who stood up and shared some life experiences. It was such a grand celebration and I still tear up thinking of their generosity and love for our family.

We got back home around 2'ish and had a late lunch after a some what good breakfast of cereal and fruit to start the day. I did my morning routines and caught up on some social media before we headed out for Brandon around 9:30. There was a good crowd despite the threat of the virus and everyone did wear masks inside the auditorium. All the older grand and great grand kids were there except for Ryder and Huck and a couple of the elementary school kids at different schools.

I got in a good long non stop bike ride in the afternoon in the warm 70 degree sunshine. I even opened the windows and doors to air out the house and bring in the warm air. I did hand water the gardens first thing in the morning and then again before supper. The recently transplanted in 6 pack lettuce seedlings are adding leaves so I'll set them into the garden in a day or so if the temps hold. Everything else is blooming and adding leaves. It's starting to look like a banner garden as I'm harvesting and giving away tons of leafy greens.

Well after a frozen pizza for supper I settled into the hockey game in the spare room and watched the Lightning win in over time against a tough Columbus team. I'm over the news as they are so biased and falling over this new "man from dementia" potus. It's sickening to me that so many so called Christians voted for a man who is so pro abortion and now we learned his executive order says Americans have to support abortions and pay for them in other countries. Unbelievable and disgraceful. I just can not believe we have friends and family who are so uneducated to what the globalist are doing to our nation. A few want to control our lives, take away our constitutional rights and make US(A) a nation under their rule much like the Nazi's did to the Jews. Those who subscribe to this are most all dem's on the left, the elitist in the Repub Party, MSM and now Big Tech. I sure hope we survive for 4 years of this criminal governing by this administration and that Trump will support and create a third party of patriotic Americans that will put America First again, LATER

Thursday Morning Jan 21st

 Well Wednesday turned out to be a very nice day after a some what chilly start as temps were close to 70 by late afternoon with plenty of sunshine. I started the day much the usual after finally getting back into a routine with a before 6 roll out to my cup of hot green tea while I posted this ramble then spent some quiet time with my Creator and Lord in humble thanksgiving and lifting up several for comfort and healing. Several are still recovering from this virus and still in the  hospital. Today, this morning we head over to Brando for a double funeral as we pay our respects to Katie's grand parents who passed away within a couple days of each other. I'm not a funeral person let alone two at one time.

I got in some really good pickle ball play for two solid hours and then pedaled home on my bike to work in the gardens. I harvested leafy greens for neighbor Bobby and then he wanted my opinion on setting up a small garden in his back yard. He also has 5 honey bee hives which is a must for good gardening as well. We decided to make a Sams Club run for some much needed items in bulk and I gassed up which has gone up in just two days. It seems this new administration is already makes news with cancelling America's energy independence thus destroying jobs as well as making USA dependent upon foreign oil from countries that threaten our very existence, unbelievable, Oh well.

After having some lunch of a fresh garden salad I headed in to read the afternoon away with another Sparks book titled LUCKY ONE. I read the book in about 6 hours all total and it was a page turner. I picked up a couple more from the library on my way home from the Rec. so Nancy and I both are on a Sparks digest. I grilled bone in pork chops for supper and steamed Swiss chard from the garden and a baked sweet tater, oh my what a feed. After the cleanup we headed over to our new building that will soon house BridgePoint Church. It's already a church building but will soon go under renovations that will suit our style of worship. It's already paid for as some member paid a million half and along with our donations it free and clear; what a blessing.

Well after the prayer meeting we got back around 8:30 and I settled in to finishing the book and then a hot shower before calling it a night with some horizontal lab, LATER

Wednesday Morning Jan 20th

 Well it was a bit chilly to start the day on Tuesday so Nancy had the heat on again which is quite unusual for a couple days in a row. We cut the heat off as the morning warms up. Usually the cool temps last a day or so and then its back to more hot humid temps but its stayed down into the 40's for the past couple mornings and there was frost on every roof top as I rode my bike to the Rec. a little before 8.

I'm back with my morning routines now that I have a new MacBook Air laptop. When you lose that way of communicating it's almost like losing a friend. I wonder how we ever got along without it as I use it for everything; banking. bill paying, emails and of course this blog and the social media which is now becoming censored by Big Tech and those who are instituting fascism by those on the left who do not like to be criticized for what they are doing to our nation. I see real repercussions in the future against patriotic legal folks. This new administration which was a rigged election to get their globalist goals has some concerning policies which will destroy the constitution, our economy and our culture. I only hope we can survive these next 4 years.

I got in two hours of pickle ball and left whupped since I hadn't played since last Friday. It had warmed up considerably since 8 and the ride home on the bike was refreshing. I piddled around in the gardens until lunch time hand watering and hoeing. I did harvest a nice mess of greens for my neighbor who unfortunately is a Biden supporter. She has no ideal what will happen to her small cleaning business which is her and her son's support. He does nothing to help her out but she coddles him since his dad has passed on. He won't even mow the yard, oh well. She thinks the last 4 years under Trump was awful but she will see what her idea of the Left will do to her income. She is a big watcher of CNN and its no wonder she is so uninformed about the real world.

I spent the afternoon reading as did Nancy. She has her appetite back for reading which is great and so do I. I'm over all of the news and the radicals on the left and have just about quit watching Fox news. I do watch some Newsmax but even that is depressing to see how the biased and corrupt MSM excoriated Trump. He is gone now but I'm hoping for a resurgence in 4 years. We have never had a man who did what he promised he would do and those who are corrupt in the gov't had better watch out because he exposed their corruption, caused them to rig an election and bought off the MSM and Big Tech. They got away with it this time but we the patriots of this nation have awakened.

The big crooks like Hillary, Obama and the leaders in the congress are on our alert to vote them out of office. Even many Rino's have showed their true colors of corruption while being career politicians. I'm hoping for term limits on every elected official no matter the party. Well that is about it for the day as after a supper of grilled venison burgers, leftover collards greens and some fried taters we settled into the news for just a few minutes before I headed in to read until it was shower time. Thankfully hockey season is back so I can root for the Lightning and some college round ball, LATER

Tuesday Morning Jan 19th

Well we finally got some of that nice warm weather after a chilly start on Monday. It was another holiday so there was no pickle ball but I did get in a nice bike ride through the 'hood after lunch. Amy brought the grands and the pup, Rocky for a visit mid afternoon. He is just a big clumsy goofy loving dog and listens rather well. Nancy made chocolate chip cookies and they ate their fill and took the rest with them. I finally finished the dozen or so cinnamon raisin oatmeal cookies which are my favorite ever.

I did my usual morning routines that start with hot cup of green tea while I post this ramble then some quiet time with my Creator and Lord giving thanks and lifting up several for comfort and healing. Katie's grand parents both passed away within 3 days of each other so the family will have a joint funeral on Thursday in Brandon. He passed away first and while her health was terrible as well she passed 3 days later with grief as a major factor. Our dear friends Dan and Kathryn are still in the hospital after contracting this virus but their spouses Carol and Patrick seems to have overcome their issues related to the virus.

I did some gardening once again harvesting a nice mess of collards for supper and they were delicious to say the least. The salad bowl is constantly now filled with leafy greens and Nancy used some of my parsley for tatters with our supper meal. I just love harvesting home grown veggies and eating them. You always know what they have been treated with when home grown and I use no pesticides. We both are back into reading again and Nancy loved the Sparks book and this new old book I picked up at the library for her has her reading when a few moments are provided.

Well after the cleanup from supper I tuned into the Newsmax channel and caught up on the latest before switching to the NHL games and then finally into the NAT GO channel with life below zero. It's a great show on how folks live in different parts of Alaska and acclimate to their situations and storing up for the winter months. There is never a day there when your not working on something or getting ready for those cold winter months. I love their ingenuity but no longer a fan of being closed up with very cold temps. The winter adventure over the holidays took care of my desire to winter in the mountains and I can not imagine living in the cold frozen Alaska for months on end. Not for me but I do love the man vs nature aspect of the show.

Well it wasn't long after a hot shower I was ready for horizontal lab, LATER

Monday Morning Jan 18th

Well since there was no pickle ball today Monday MLK Day I slept in until 7'ish instead of my usual before 6 roll out. It's chilly this morning and Nancy has the heat on to take off the chill once again.

I started the day on Sunday with a 6 ish roll out and since we were not leaving the house for worship I spent the morning getting use to the new laptop which is basically like the last one that just when belly up, except this one has new whatever Tyler mentioned to me I needed. I hope it lasts as long as the last one did for 7 years plus which I learned is very good for laptops. My old one was starting to get streaks on the glass from what I don't know but that too was becoming increasing more evident and then according to Apple support the motherboard died with no disks displaying after putting it through various systems to determine the breakdown, oh well.

We did worship on line watching BridgePoint from the living room couch and then again in the afternoon with Jack Hibbs of Calvary Chapel in Chino Hills, California. He had a quest speaker who was the best I've ever heard on the pro-choice movement and its deception used as a political pawn. Wow, was he ever right on with the biblical perception of this egregious and diabolical act to our unborn and what the fetus is used for after the abortion. We were not the only civilization that sacrificed their babies once upon a time and I'm seeing where our culture is seeing the results now of this one facet to the down fall for America. Our nation is being deceived by the evil one and we too will be destroyed in the end days as did their civilization, oh well. This last rigged election found you were either pro-life which the Trump folks were or the pro-choice which described those on the left.

I did head out to hand water the gardens after breakfast and worship time. I harvested a nice mess of greens for our salad bowl as well as enough to give away some to our sickly neighbors by the way two are still in the hospital as they suffer from this virus. Both Dan and Kathryn are still there and while they seem a little better for a few hours they are both on oxygen. Kathryn suffered from pneumonia to start with and she is the worst of the two, but hopefully she will pull through this event.

I settled into reading and then the NFL games on TV and our local team the Bucs pulled an upset by beating the Saints in their home stadium last evening. What a game as they came from behind a couple times to win but now they must face the Packers in the frozen North next Sunday for who goes to the big game. This is the first time since they won the big game they have made the playoffs in 2004. Go Bucs. We have at least a chance as Brady used to play in the cold temps with the Patriots for years. It will be a big test for the rest of the team as they are a hot weather team.

Well that was about it for the day as we cleaned up some leftovers from Nancy's making dishes for our neighbors. I must admit the oatmeal raisin cookies were calling my name all afternoon as she made chocolate chip and these to bless our sickly neighbors with. I can forgo the chocolate chip ones but not the cinnamon oatmeal raisin ones as I dipped into them through the evening after a bowl pasta fasoule, LATER

Sunday Morning January 17th

Well its good to be back on line with a new MacBook Air which has all the new modern features according to Tyler who helped me choose this model and then set it up. Thankfully I had purchased a back up device months ago which in an of itself quit working but he was still able to down load most if not all of the bookmarks, but it still took most of the afternoon to achieve this feat.

Saturday was a chilly day to start with and the temps were in the high 40's but the sunshine did sneak through the clouds and by late morning we saw some sunshine with just some low hanging clouds around. We actually shut off the heat and opened the front door to get some fresh warm air. I piddled around in the garden and harvested a mess of collards, kale, Swiss chard and lettuces as well as some radishes to take over to Amy's and Tylers when I picked him up to go laptop shopping.

I of course had done my usual routines of hot tea, quiet times and checking what I could on Nancy's iPad which is much like a computer but it has no where to store bookmarks, but I could get by with it as I needed to do some banking. It's just more work than a laptop  but it worked for a couple days, oh well. It was not good for blogging. I took a bike ride in the afternoon and then came back and read until the NFL game came on around 4:30. It was a cold day in Wisconsin and then again in New York where both home town teams won and will move on next week. Our local Bucs play the Saints today Sunday again in their home stadium and they have lost twice this year to them, oh well we will see. It would be nice if the Bucs win as the super bowl is played in Tampa this year.

Well that was about it for this day I forgot to mention Ava played basketball on Friday and she won the game in overtime with a great shot, LATER

Saturday Evening Jan 16th

I've been away for a few days as my laptop went belly up with the hard drive or motherboard failing after 7 years which I'm told is good for a laptop. Son in law Tyler is a whiz and very computer literate as well as helped me down load all of my bookmarks and get me back on line, so I'll be back in the morning with an update. It's really weird when your without this method of communication and yet for years we never used a computer, now its almost like you loss your best friend when you lose it, oh well LATer

Thursday Morning Jan 14th

Well I got out of those flannel sheets this morning at my usual before 6 roll out because Nancy finally turned the heat on in the house yesterday. It's really not that cold outside but its a damp overcast sky and thus the house reflected the same, anyhow I'm out and about at my usual morning routines instead of the last two posts which were abbreviated.

I headed off to the rec. a little before 8 for some 2 solid hours of pickle ball play and left with a wet head and shirt. I did make a stop at the library for a couple new reads for me and one for Nancy. She finished the Sparks book and wanted another one of his to read so I found one for her. I headed home with my back pack filled with three reads. Nancy mentioned Bobby was in the area and would visit and have lunch with us as well. We had just enough of the cream of chicken soup she made a couple days ago left over for lunch on the somewhat chilly overcast day. Wow was it ever delicious and while he is not a soup lover he did mention how good this was along with the fresh ham salad she had made yesterday. I harvested a sack of radishes, kales and lettuces for him to take home.

I did hand water the gardens despite the radar showing rain off the coast but like the day before when it showed rain we got nary a drop. We did get a brief shower that may have settled the dust around 3'ish but that was about all and I'm glad I hand watered the gardens. Every thing is really loving this chilly damp weather and even the recently sowed lettuce seeds are up and adding a leaf. I will soon transplant them into 6 packs for a week or so before setting them into the garden.

After Bobby left we settled into the reading mode for the next couple hours until supper time. I did read where the criminals in the dem party along with a few rino's all voted to impeach Trump for a second based on NO evidence just like the first attempt which he was acquitted of. It's just so disheartening to see so many with the herd mentality whose only facts coming from the MSM which are criminals them selves. Trump stated in his inaugural speech he was going to give the country (gov't)back to the people instead of the elitist bunch in D.C. who had a monopoly on the benefits this country did for them, and yet we have so many who were filled with hatred because of this proclamation spurred on by those in the swamp(gov't) who hated this man for exposing their corruption. That is why they hated him from the beginning and did everything to thwart him and his policies. Anyhow I'm over both parties and I'm hoping a third party will emerge from all this decay and corruption in D.C. If it takes Trump to start it he will have my support. This must be a wake up call if the USA survives these next 4 years under this criminal potus and his minions.

We had a fried ham, green bean and fried tater supper for a change. Reminds me of my days growing up on the farm and the taste was also as well. We settled into Newsmax show for our news until the Lightning hockey game came on, so I retreated to the bedroom and watched this team who won the cup last year go ahead of the Chicago team by 4 goals in the first two periods, LATER

Wednesday Jan 13th

 Well I over slept yesterday and then again this morning for about 45 minutes and I can safely say its because of the those dang flannel sheets which are so cozy and snug on these chilly morning. Now its nothing like those cold mornings at the cabin but its cool here at around 40-50's which is fantastic. I actually had to put on long pants after lunch as I read for most all of the afternoon and not moving around caused me to be chilled, oh well.

I usually do the same routines every morning only I abbreviated them to some extend which is usually the news because its always the same old thing; a total disparage of our duly elected Potus Trump whereas now its all about the illegal elected Biden. Such a shame the SCOTUS never took up this fraudulent case to save the nation from these who will implement socialist policies to destroy not only the constitution but the economy and then leave the nation open to those who have been buying them off for years; such as China, Russia and Iran. Look out Israel you are in the crosshairs of this bunch who will assume the cabinet in a couple weeks.

I got in a couple hours of pickle ball and left with a wet head and shirt as the play was awesome. We have a great core group and on any given day you can win with each partner or lose; but mainly my stamina and game has returned after being away for two weeks. I love this game and I think its one reason I've maintained such decent health for what I'm now referred to as the old man in the group.

I did hand water the gardens and harvested the last of the radishes in the one garden and they were huge and so delicious. The side garden has some great looking tops and I'm wondering if I sowed them in the dark of the moon because if not there will be no fruit below ground. Our close friends whom two are in the hospital with the virus are struggling and will be there for another several days. Thankfully we were at the cabin over the holidays or we too probably would have been exposed as they were to the virus. Nancy made a delicious ham salad and took some up to our neighbors as well as a delicious soup yesterday for them.

Well that was about it for the day as I finished a good read about Cuba and Nancy is in the good parts of THE RETURN. I need to stop off at the library for a couple reads today on my way home from the Rec, LATER

Tuesday Morning Jan 12

Well Monday was much the usual here in Florida with chilly morning that quickly warmed up to the high 60's with enough sunshine to make it comfortable to be outside after 10'ish. I was at the Rec for two hours of pickle ball and then gardened until lunch time and afterwards helped Nancy in the kitchen as she prepared soups for our sickly neighbors; two are in the hospital with the virus and one will be there was some time to come.

I harvested more radishes which were so delicious and huge. The biggest ones I've ever grown. Everything is looking good and I now have some color from the two different varieties of lettuce seeds I sowed a couple days ago. We headed out around 3'ish for Ava basketball at Keswick and they played well but lost at the end with some bad passes against a good team that was very aggressive. They are still ahead with a very good record overall.

We came back and had some some of the best cream of chicken noodle soup I ever tasted for our supper. I soon got ready to watch the college playoff game and 'Bama was winning big when I turned the TV off at halftime, LATER

Monday Morning Jan 11th

Well Sunday was a rather cool day here in usually warm sunny Florida, but today was different in that the temps didn't get out of the 50's, at least there was some sunshine. I did the usual morning routines and then we got ready to worship with our on line service with BridgePoint Church. I sure miss the physical church of hugging, greeting and shaking hands while welcoming folks to worship in person.

After the service I headed out to hand water the gardens for an hour or so and had to dress warmly as a breeze out of the north kept the temps down despite some sunshine. I did my morning social media comments then I got ready to watch football the rest of the day. Some of the games were good but the one game which surprised me before I headed for some horizontal around 10:30 was the Brown's whupping the Steelers. I'm not sure who won the game but at one time it was 35-7. I know the Steelers are a good team and they may have come back but to start with they reminded me of the poor play by the Bucs for years.

Nancy took off mid afternoon with her sister Betsy shopping until nearly 7'ish. She did bring back some carry out from a local barbecue place which she loves in the Seminole City center called Willie Jewels. I must say their smoked brisket is delicious. It wasn't long after 9'ish I decided to get ready for bed and those warm flannel sheets she put on the bed. Wow, are they ever nice for sleeping especially when the temps are in the 40's and 50's. It seems those temps are much colder here than in the mountains when they seem like a heat wave; of course they are when the real temps are in the teens with snow on the ground.

We got plenty of snow pics from friends and neighbors in the mountain and while they are pristine in their beauty I no longer yearn to be there in the cold. Those two weeks filled me up enough with being at the cabin in the winter time, Oh well, LATER

Sunday Morning Jan 10th

 Well Saturday was a little cooler with no sunshine except brief moments which made it feel even colder than the 50's. We had the whole family over to celebrate Eliza's 7th birthday early as Annsley and Gabe were with Bobby for the week end with a huge family spaghetti dinner she requested. She is such a sweet little girl and just full of energy.

I started the day much the usual with a 6'ish roll out to my cup of hot tea which felt good on this rather chilly and stark morning. I spent some quiet moments with my Creator and Lord giving thanks and lifting several up for healing and comfort. Many are still under the weather with this virus and even hospitalized. Nancy and I have managed to stay healthy thus far. We had a lite breakfast as we had lots to do to get ready for this family gathering. 

I headed out to hand water the gardens and they seem to love this cooler temps for a change. I'm now harvesting lots of leafy greens for salads and the radishes are the largest I've ever grown. Afterwards I got busy and vacuumed the whole house and then we moved some furniture so the twins could have some extra room to play. I took down those portable beds for them which added some extra space for the older grands to gather and socialize. We were busy in the kitchen preparing guacamole and dressings etc. They all came around 2'ish and then it was a festive time until they left some time around 5:30. The dinner was delicious and plentiful and the cake Eliza wanted was one of my fav's; chocolate with white icing. Wow its been awhile and we sent the leftover home with her as we would have eaten it.

We had some good fruit of the vine before and during this Italian them supper. The meat balls were delicious and the twins devoured them. They are now off the formula and on whole milk as well as all table foods. Ryder took several steps on his way to walking alone and Huck is still crawling and fast on his knees. They were so cute and cuddly. It's looking like we will have them for three days and two nights sometime in March as Bobby and Katie go away with friends for a long weekend. That should be interesting as by then both will be walking. They are such a delight as is all our grands.

Well I tuned into some of the NFL playoff games. I do not agree with their political crap but do love the game and the local team from Tampa was playing in Washington. It was a late night game and while we should have blown them out because of various reasons we did just barely win. I do not think they will advance much further in the play off's unless they get some defense in the secondary which was as porous as Swiss cheese, oh well. It ended well past by normal bedtime which is 10'ish so this morning I had a hard time getting out of bed around 6'ish, LATER

Saturday Morning January 9th

 Well on Friday we found another change in the weather with an over night rain and a northern breeze which by night fall dropped the temps into the 40's once again, but that is a heat wave compared to what is now occurring at the cabin. Snow is on the scene with very cold temps. Some folks have 6-8 inches of the frozen white stuff but the whole area is well below freezing. I did learn one thing with age; I'm no longer a fan of these kinds of extremes in cold temps and weather.

I started the day out much the usual with a 6'ish roll out to my cup of hot tea while I posted this ramble then spent some quiet moments with my Creator and Lord in thanksgiving and lifting several up by name. Many of our closet friends have acquired the virus and one is hospitalized in serious condition and the others are at home. Nancy and I have been careful despite being out in public at Ava's basketball games and dining out with family. We do wear the mask at large gatherings which is I suppose is best to do. I do hate the herd mentality, but better safe than sorry.

I got in two hours of pickle ball at the Rec. they do take your temps when arriving to play but so far no one that we know has contracted the virus. It seems only the most healthy and strong players attend the games which is a good thing. We did have two older players yesterday who are active but would be in a class that makes them vulnerable to the virus, oh well.

I worked in the garden, hand watering and hoeing weeds which seem to just spring up over night. I harvested my first mess of collards for my neighbor Bobby the fireman and he was thrilled. He edges my front yard and looks out for our house when we are gone during the summer. Just a great neighbor and a servant to the public as a firemen.

We headed out to Ava's game and made a stop for gas at Sam's Club and for a few goodies as well. The game was at St.Pete Catholic. It was another hard fought game and Ava played magnificently in every area of the game. She is a hustler as she runs up and down the court and is a very good team player. They won after losing two in a row and now they have a record of 10-2. We stayed and watched the varsity girls play and they lost by 1 point in a very controversial call on a 3 point shot that would have tied the game. It definitely was a home court call by the refs as they mingled throughout the game with their fans, oh well.

We met up with Amy's family at Tijuana Flats a semi fast food place in St.Pete for Tex-Mex. It was decent eating and the kiddos seemed to love the place. The temps were falling fast as most of us dressed for the usual warm evening attire in shorts. It wasn't long after getting home and a hot shower I tuned into Newsmax and then the Hannity and Laura Shows on Fox before heading to the horizontal lab class, LATER

Friday Morning January 8th

Well Thursday was another chilly morning to start the day with temps into the upper 40's but by mid morning it had reached the lower 60's with mostly sunny skies but a breeze kept it some what cool until later in the afternoon when it reach 70's. So much more pleasant to be outside with no humidity working in the gardens and yards.

I headed out to the rec on my bike a little before 8 after my morning routines and quiet times and it was a cool ride for two hours of pickle ball. We had another new player who use to play with us a few years back. He wasn't quite as good as the visitor we had the day before but I managed to win with him. The play was hard and furious as we have a really good bunch of players. I'm finally getting my stamina back after being off the court for two weeks while at the cabin. Speaking of the cabin they are waking up to a possible big snow. I'll check the webcam after daylight. We got a couple of down pours last night just a bedtime.

We headed out around 3'ish to watch Ava's team lose their second game in a row to a very good team by 3 points. She played hard and scored often but her team mates missed almost every free throw which was the difference in the scoring. They play again this afternoon in St.Pete so we will attend.

Well it looks like the rigged election by the corrupt dem's is going to stand as many Rino's are jumping ship despite nearly 80 million legal votes by folks who think otherwise. I'm afraid we have lost America to the swamp in D.C. and it will only take divine intervention to save US(A), LATER

Thursday Morning January 7th

 Well Wednesday was another chilly start with temps in the upper 40's but eventually warmed up into the upper 60's and maybe  low 70's by late afternoon. Its perfect winter time weather and the garden loves this kind of weather with lots of bright sunshine as do I. I started the day much the usual with a 6'ish roll out to my cup of hot tea while I posted this ramble and spent some quiet moments with my Creator and Lord in humble thanksgiving and lifting up several by name. Wow has that list suddenly expanded as some of our close friends have tested positive for the virus and one is still in the hospital. Thankfully we were gone for two weeks and haven't been around them. Nancy did make a pot of soup and dropped it off at the doorway.

I headed out a little before 8 for a 5 minute ride to the rec. on my bike for two hours of pickle ball. We had a new guest player and he was quite good visiting from Michigan for the winter. Hopefully he will come back and play as we only had one court in action with a couple waiting to interchange. I managed to get back my play and stayed on the court if you and your partner continue to win.

I headed out a little after 10 and then worked in the garden once again hoeing and watering until lunch time. The leafy greens are loving these cool nights and even the cucumber plants are blooming. I hand watered and then fed the tomato plants some miracle grow as well as the cucumbers. The recently transplanted potato seedlings are looking great as well. I did sow some more lettuces seeds in hopes they will germinate and give me more variety to add to the salad bowl. I will soon have every available space planted. Nancy was off shopping.

I spent the afternoon for a change reading the book I picked up for Nancy title THE RETURN. Well I read it in about 5 hours as I could not put it down and let me say I also shed a few tears as the story climaxes. Sparks tells a great story and one that touches your soul in many, many ways. Nancy was gone all afternoon shopping for our youngest grand daughters 7th birthday. We are having a family dinner here on Saturday with all of the family coming for the celebration dinner. It will be a reunion much like the last couple weeks in the mountains at the cabin. The twins are walking a little more each day and they will soon be off their formulas and on whole milk. They had their one year checkup and are stamped with great health and while Ryder is 3 pounds heavier than Huck, they are both the same height. They hear our voices on the phone and continue to search around looking for us when they are taken on their evening walk through their hood. 

Well it looks like the country has gone the way of the criminals in the gov't as once again another election was rigged. If we survive the next 4 years under this corrupt socialist leaning administration it will be a miracle, maybe the end times are upon us. This nation has been sold out by greed and corruption for years starting with the despicable Clinton era and now it has culminated with this new crime family and his sycophants. The double standard is so obvious and the hypocrisy is blatant and the criminal MSM is complicit with them. I fear retribution from the dems and their minions especially for Christians as well as a recession will occur favoring the enemies of our nation. Only GOD can save US(A) and I don't really think He cares because of those who have taken Him out of every facet with in our nation, LATER

Just a few of the presents for Eliza's birthday.

Wednesday Morning January 6th

Well Tuesday was about as perfect a day weather wise as we've seen seen in weeks, A little chilly to start the morning ride to the Rec. on my bike but by the time I left at 10'ish it had warmed up to tee shirt temps. I started the day much the usual with a 6'ish roll out to my hot tea while I posted this ramble then some quiet moments with my Lord and Creator in thanksgiving for getting us back safely, my many blessing of good health and still a strong body to do physical exercise and work, while lifting up several for healing. Our dear friend Kathryn has been expose to the virus plus pneumonia and is in the hospital. She has been ill for several days and Patrick finally took her to the ER. She is in bad shape and will need prayer.

I got in two solid hours of pickle ball the headed to the library to pick up a book for Nancy. It's Nickolas Sparks book THE RETURN. I just might read it as well. Afterwards I headed home to work in the gardens until 1'ish, when Nancy got back from the grocery stores. We had a nice fresh garden salad that I had harvested with; 2 kinds of kale, 2 kinds of lettuces, beet greens and radishes. I even broke up a couple collard leaves in the mix as well. DELICIOUS is the only way to describe the flavor. I had saved the three bones of the rib roast we had in mountains at Christmas along with some scraps of the roast for soup. I had frozen them and Nancy decided to make a beef barley soup of which she gave a nice pot of the soup to the Botbyl's as they are under a flu or cold watch. We think they should get tested for the virus as Kathryn and Patrick live with them. But no they don't feel that is necessary, oh well.

WE headed to Ava's game and they played a really good team and lost their first game by 9 points as half of the team was either sick or not up to par, but the team they played were really good and well coached. We got back to the house around 8:30 and had some soup before bedtime for me which was 10'ish. I didn't sleep well the first night back and was really for some horizontal lab by 10'ish. I did stay awake long enough to watch a little of the senator vote and once again I have a feeling this election is rigged as well. I can not believe anyone in their right mind would vote for the two democrat candidates who are so radical they make AOC look like a moderate, oh well. The nation is gone to the crooks if these two are seated in the senate and if Biden is some how potus. GOD Help US(A), LATER

Tuesday Morning January 5th

Well we are back in sunny warm Florida although I must say the 50's here feel like the 30's in the mountains. It was rather chilly after the sun set last evening after we left daughter Amy's house where she had prepared one of our favorite suppers for us.

The day started with a 3 AM roll out of course I never sleep the night before we travel to or from the cabin. I just can not sleep but I did rest for a couple hours forcing myself to keep my eyes closed. I was awake when the alarm clock went off at 3 AM and then for me I went into action as I had lots to do before leaving at 4 AM which is always my goal. It was cold outside with a skiff of snow on the back of the truck and on the window shield and a few snow flakes still swirling as I loaded the last of our things. Nancy as always has to look her best so she spent 45 minutes on make up and hair while I winterized the cabin. It was 31 degrees and felt even colder with the snow and ice on the truck.

I cut the heat and covered up the outside unit and then starting draining the pipes once the water pump was turned off. It takes a few minutes for all the water to drain down to the basement so then I could pour anti freeze in all the traps and drains and I leave the spigots open. Next I drained the water heater and then it was time to cut the power off to the cabin. We were away at 4 AM and headed out to the main road. We did see a group of 3-4 deer as we exited out our drive onto the hard top but other than those who were alive the rest we saw were dead and laying along the highways.

The trip thankfully was uneventful. We made a total of 6 stops, to walk, gas up and eat along the way. We reached the Florida line at 11 AM which was good considering we still had 3 plus hours to go to Seminole. There is a by pass on 301 around some of the small towns and we made up nearly an hour or so using this route. The traffic got heavy when we reached the Ocala area but was able to still maintain a constant flow with no back ups until we reached Tampa. It was just before rush hour and it seems as if every snow bird in the country was in the Bay Area. We saw more vehicles than we saw the last two weeks in the mountains.

Well the winter Christmas adventure was a success. The grand kiddos loved the ambiance with the cold and snow and of course being together with cousins. I too love the ambiance but I'm not a big fan of the cold and the damp conditions brought on by the snow and cold rain of which we had plenty, however on those sunny bright days which made the area more pleasing as the trees are bare and stark. It was great to be back in the warmth and I know at times stifling heat but I can always cool off but when your cold, your nose running and your hands and feet numb from the cold it's not my cup of tea. The cabin stayed plenty comfortable with the electric heat but one of the concerns is if we lose power, oh well. So far we haven't been faced with that issue.

The garden looks fantastic as friend Patrick hand watered it daily using my shallow well. I have so much to harvest and put on the table. I did water it when I got in after unloading the truck and of course the weeds and unwanted grasses have a head start. I'll cure them later this week in no time as the soil here is easily worked over. The kids think we should do this every other year and I'm on board as long as I'm healthy and still able to work. I must say its a job preparing the cabin for them and then again after they go. Nancy and I worked hard to make it a place they could enjoy and hopefully for years to come. We are blessed with good health thus far and a willingness to make this come true for them, LATER

Just a few last day pics before leaving the mountains. The huge house is dried in and the workers are starting the inside work as the weather is cold. They have a great view from their front porch. I'm just a speck which gives you an idea how large this single story house will be.

Sunday Morning January 3rd..Last full day at the cabin until June

Well I must say it's really quiet around here especially at this time of the day when the twins were usually up awaiting their morning feeding and did they ever like to eat. It was a rowdy 4 in the morning when the Triplett Family awakened and about the same time for the Ross Family as everyone would leave within the hour for Florida. We tried to go back to sleep or at least I did but I got up while Nancy did sleep in until 7'ish.

It was a work day around the cabin and while I wanted to go to Sparta to the dump I learned it had closed early so neighbor Gerald helped to alleviate the problem with the back of my truck filled to the brim. He gave me some huge black bags and I filled 5 of them with the real garbage and loaded them into his truck. A lot of the garbage was several bags of Christmas wrappings, paper, cardboard boxes, etc that could be burned so I had a nice bon fire for a couple hours. Gerald is just a great neighbor and friend and we are thankful for his friendship and willingness to help with any situation plus looking out for our place when we are gone.

We worked tirelessly in the upstairs, stripping beds, putting away the baby beds, vacuuming and leaving it winterized except for the plumbing which I will do on Monday around 3'ish. It was a job taking off the mattresses in the basement and moving them up two flights of stairs and then stripping the beds in the basement as well. The washer and dryer never stopped for the rest of the day as we did sheets, blankets, towels and our clothes. We still have several loads to do today(Sun). We will take down the Christmas tree today as well and winterize the down stairs before hitting the sack tonight. 

Its foggy and dreary outside but doesn't seem to be as cold as usual. While posting this ramble I'm looking out into the backwoods yards and notice how green the grasses are and the kale and collards in the garden  look like they could be eaten despite all that cold weather and snow which covered them last week, oh well.

On a great note the kids all got home safe and sound some an hour or so before the other as many stops were made along the way. We hopefully will see the Ross Family on Monday evening as Amy will prepare supper for us.

Nancy made a trip to Sparta for some shopping one last time until June. The town is dying with most of the shops closed even on Saturday. I'm sure many small towns are hurting due to this lock down the gov't has convinced folks to obey. I'm at a loss the big stores are allowed to be open putting the smaller independents out of business. I think this is the start of a big gov't take over especially if the congress allows this illegal election to succeed with Biden in control. It's tyranny at its best and the loss of our freedoms have just begun. America will never recover if these who stole this election are allowed to rule. 

Well I better cut this short as we slept in this morning and its already after 8. I'll hopefully make a post on Tuesday morning if all goes well. Keep us in your thoughts and pryers for traveling mercies, LATER

Saturday Morning January 2nd

Well we were up at 4 AM (Sat)to send Bobby and Amy's families on their way back to warm sunny Florida. Bobby left at 4:30 and Amy at 5 AM as they staggered their departures in hopes the kiddos will continue their sleep for a couple hours down the road. We said our good bye's to the twins the night before as they wanted them to stay asleep.

New years Day was a stay inside kind of day as the rain was a constant all day and through out most of the night. (At least the temps warmed up a little to make it some what more comfortable for their early morning departures). To start the New Years Day after sleeping in until nearly 7'ish we ate a large breakfast and snacked for lunch then did our customary New Year's supper/dinner of sauerkraut and pork with hot dogs and kielbasa, smashed taters and black eyed bean soup . What a day of feasting and believe me these kiddos can put away the chow as do the little twins. They had some of the feast as well.

We played games and watched a little college football as well as read and the kiddos had a great time in the basement which gave them plenty of space to do their activities. The dog, Rocky was some what less enthusiastic about being inside all day but he did ventured out to do his business and was quickly out of the wet and cold as soon as he finished. He is really a very gentle pup but going to be huge when full grown. He fitted right in with the family especially the twins as he was very gentle around them. The one oddity was he was scared of the stairs so he was carried up and down daily by Tyler and he must weight at least 40 pounds or more by now.

Well the kiddos did leave a few things which we will bring back on Monday when we head back to warm sunny Florida. We have tons of work to do before we leave. Today, Saturday we will make a dump run to Sparta as the truck is filled with garbage from the past week. Nancy wants to visit a couple shoppes before heading out of town as well. We have lots to do to winterize the cabin and make it ready for our return hopefully in June. I have to return some portable heaters we used to keep the basement warm to neighbor Gerald and remove the battery from the golf cart as well as remove Sam and Gabe survival shelter from the back yard. They had such a good time together as did the girls. The girls all bonded as well with the twin boys as they were constantly in the corral(temporary fence) playing with them. The corral helped some what to keep the boys in an area when we needed to eat. They loved to crawl around and climb on things which at times was precarious to say the least. They are very active and starting to stand and walk while holding on. They soon will be walking around on their own.

This winter adventure sure helped to convince me living in the mountains year round is not for me. I love all of the seasons here but will forgo the winter one. It was very cold at times with temps never getting above freezing which felt even colder with the wind chill and then the overcast cold wet days of not seeing the sun was another reason I live most of the year in Florida. The heat is miserable in the summer in Florida but when its cold here in the mountains how quickly I will take the heat over the cold, Oh well. The snow days were fun for the kiddos and I even enjoyed it at times despite busting myself on the slick ice. They had lots of sledding, snow ball fights and tracking the wild life in the snow. We did a couple hikes and the golf cart was a big hit especially for the twins as they sang their songs on the rides and never ever fussed. The older girls got to drive the cart several times which was a plus for them.

The cabin is already quiet as I make this post except for Nancy's snoring which was another big factor for Rocky the pup who kept the house in stitches with his loud snoring through out the day and more so at night time. We could hear him above Nancy's snoring at night, he was that loud. Well we all wanted to do this winter adventure for years and I'm glad we did but I'm ready to get back to the warmth of Florida, back to gardening if it is still alive and back to pickle ball in hopes to reduce this nearly two weeks of eating high on the hog. I miss my morning apple instead of bacon, eggs, sausage and pancakes which we have gone through with 10 dozen of eggs, 8 pounds of bacon and sausages with biscuits and muffins. I'm sure these kiddos will remember this trip which some of them experienced snow for the first time long after I'm gone. We are blessed to be able to have a place they will long cherish each other and the fun times together, LATER

Friday Morning Happy New Year January 1st

Well the last day of 2020 was rather nice here on the mountain. The sun was out and the temps reached the 50+ degree mark quite the opposite of today with rain and temps at 32 degrees, yeow. It is a cold wet morning. 

We had a great time with family through out the day with lots of golf cart rides, hiking and the older boys building shelters for survival in the woods; such imagination. I took the older girls on several golf cart rides letting them drive and get experience behind the wheel. We ate lots of soups, sandwiches, dips and finger foods while playing a game called Hit or Miss until midnight when we watched the ball drop at Tomes Square. I'm not a big fan of this moment in time but when along with the midnight kiss and hugs all around. It wasn't long until I was in the horizontal lab position until close the 7:30 this morning. The weather turned awful over night with temps now into the low 30's, with fog, rain and limited visibility. The twins love this one cartoon which all of the grands loved to watch when they were little while sitting on my lap. It's called Gazoom with these jungle creatures and the music is very catchy.

Well after a hearty breakfast of pancakes, eggs and bacon we settled into the boys as their parents packed their bags and loaded their vehicles as well as washed tons of laundry. We cleaned up leftovers for lunch before Grandma Nancy got our tradition New Year day meal ready for consumption which is sauerkraut and pork ribs, with hot dogs and kielbasa along with smashed taters and black eyed bean soup, LATER

Sure will be quiet around her tomorrow as all of them, leave for warm sunny Florida. What a winter time adventure and after today's cold wet dark skies I'm sure winter time here in the mountains is not for me.