Monday Morning May 31st Memorial Day

Well its been busy around here with the Ross Family and a hundred plus pound puppy who is full of energy; however I must say he sleeps well at night in his cage. Sunday was a great morning with a sleep in for me until 7'ish for a change and the grandma Nancy made a huge breakfast of juice, bacon, eggs and toast. Afterwards we sort of stayed in the cabin until our 11 o'clock service on line for BridgePoint aired. 

I must say it was down right cold and damp outside and I never really warmed up until we took a hike mid afternoon. We saw brief spells of sunshine until late evening when it seemed the clouds finally moved out of the area some warmth finally came back into the picture. What a miserable two days of hard rain, drizzle, fog and cold temps for the end of May. The grass and flowers seem to love this as well but my garden seeds haven't jumped out of the ground just yet except for a few marigold and zinnias seeds have sprung to life and showing some color in some of the beds.(Rocky is stamping on the ones that are sprouting)

The kiddos are having a grand time as they run and play with Rocky who just loves these cool temps. Ava Mae however did twist her knee last evening and was on crutches before bedtime. Hopefully its nothing serious. We watched the Ray's win again and the Lightning beat the Carolina Hurricanes in the first game of the Cup playoffs in the best of 7 games. We pigged out most of the day with homemade cookies and fresh fruit but ate big time for supper with New York steaks from the grille. We did play some dominos later in the evening and by 10'ish was whupped as was everyone else after the long hike to the top of the mountain. We left Rocky in his cage while we hiked as he has an old injury to his back leg; plus he runs enough around the cabin that he is getting plenty of exercise, LATER

Sunday Morning May 30th

 Wow is it ever chilly, damp and drizzling rain once again. We are without out a doubt no longer in a drought mode here in the mountains. The driveway has been washed out and water is actually laying on the side of the yard. We need some warm sunshine and lets send this rain south to Florida as my yard there is brunt to a crisp.

Thanks to all who prayed for traveling mercies for the Ross Family as they pulled in around 4'ish. Rocky their big puppy Bull Mastif launched out of the car and never stopped for an hour as he ran, stretched and seemed to be so happy to be unconfined. I wonder if he remembered being here in January. The rain did cease for awhile as we unloaded and then wondered around the property. There were lots of golf cart rides and we even got in a manly hike to the top of the mountain as the girls all stayed back.

I grilled marinated chicken breasts and along with black beans and yellow rice and a fresh salad as we dined well. Nancy had a container of ginger snaps for when they first arrived and then after supper she made chocolate chip cookies fresh out of the oven which were delicious. The temps were really cooling down for the evening as darkness fell and more rain was dripping off the roof before bedtime and then again as we rolled out this Sunday morning, LATER

Saturday Morning May 29th

Well I must say there is no drought here at the cabin as we once again were inundated with rain a couple times during the day and evening. I would say since we've been here for 4 complete day we've had that much rain in inches and the forecast is for much cooler temps as well. Our daughter and her family are on the road as I write so keep them in your thoughts and prayers for a safe trip. They left Florida sometime around 4 AM this morning.

Well Friday for us was another work day as well as more shopping in Sparta and then lunch out with our mountain family at the Pizzeria. They have finally dropped the mask requirements at the eatery and in the grocery store and shoppes. I even stopped by the library for a new read and ordered and old read as well. I noticed or son Bobby's books are on the shelf and I mentioned to Debbie the librarian if she wanted the final book in the trilogy of EPIC OF HAVEN. She was excited to get it so I'll donate it to the library. I started the day much the usual with a before 6 rollout to my routines that start with the cup of hot green tea while I posted this ramble and then spent some quiet time with my Creator and Lord in thanksgiving and lifting several up by name for comfort and healing. All seem well as can be expected and I've heard nothing to the contrary. I know that hospice has entered the picture for a couple of those I pray for daily so its a matter of time. I know one of them is a Believer and I'm not sure about the other but can only hope he is.

After a my routines and a breakfast of oatmeal I fired up the weed whacker and for the next two hours did the whole yards and the cleared areas of the property. Now I get as much of a work out going up and down in this yard as I do on the pickle ball court, only its not as much fun but the reward when finished is awesome. I must say since I whacked the area on Tuesday the grass has really taken off with all this rain and the couple day of near 80 temps with tons of sunshine. Just as I finished Gerald and Kay Luffman(mountain family) came by for a visit. We mentioned we were meeting their daughter Mechelle our dear friend for lunch and they should join us which they did. We caught up with everything happening in the county as Mechelle is now an elected county official. She is a perfect fit for this job. We had a great get together and made plans to get together after the kids leave in two weeks. She caught us up on Caleb's adventure in the middle east with the USAF

We made several stops while in Sparta before lunch and then a couple more afterwards. We picked up more bedding plants for the flower gardens as well as few vegetables for my garden and headed home with our bounty in a heavy rain storm. The driveway has washed out again with several ruts so I'll wait for neighbor Gerald to get back from Phylis's place and use his tractor to level out the drive, hopefully before Tyler attempts the drive up the hill. We worked inside until after the storm then I headed down under the back porch where I work with repotting plants which is under roof.

We decided to take a golf cart ride after setting out the recently purchased plants and protecting the with a fence from Rocky who is The Ross's pup but is like a bull in a china closet with his size and energy. He loves to dig and we are hoping  these fences with stop him from destroying our gardens..HOPEFULLY..Oh well. We had a large lunch so just a sandwich was all we needed for supper. We have both fridges stocked as well as the freezers for their visit. I want to mow again today (sat) before they arrive as we look forward to them arriving sometime around 5'ish for supper, LATER

Nancy has the upstairs ready for them..these are the two bedrooms and bath upstairs.

Friday Morning May 28th

Well Thursday was another non stop busy day as we headed to Galax, Va to shop and stock up once again for family who arrive tomorrow evening from Florida. Our daughter Amy and family are coming for close to two weeks with a get away to visit Tyler's family in Gatlinburg, Tn. in between. We will watch and dog sit their huge dog, Rocky while they are gone. That should be a real treat, oh well.

I started the day with a roll out well before 6 as I'm still planning and creating jobs to complete before they get here as well as some improvements after they arrive. I did my morning routines while Nancy slept in and then headed out to walk the cleared property once again giving thanks to GOD for my many blessings and lifting up several for comfort and healing. One fellow who visited these hills a couple years back and who is years younger is now about to lose his life to throat cancer. We are saddened for Tom and Elizabeth who were neighbors to the Tracy's at one time. We socialized several times and they were even thinking of buying something in this area before he suddenly became very ill. Everyone else is holding. We got word that BridgePoint Seminole campus now has a new campus pastor, Bryan is his name and he will take over come June 16th. He has a wife and two small children and they are coming down from Kentucky.

Well we loaded up two large empty cooler with ice packs and headed to Galax for shopping at the super Wal Mart then headed over to the super Lowes for gardening articles. We purchased tons of flowering plants as well as edible plants which we hope will make sometime this summer. Needless to say we were loaded down and stocked up with many items to care for the needs of our company coming.

We spent the entire evening until 7'ish potting plants into larger containers and then planting the many beautiful potted flowering plants into the ground. I now have to figure out a way to keep Rocky their huge dog from digging them up and or running through them in his puppy stage. We will have our hands full for two weeks of his visit and one week just us alone.

We will head to Sparta today to take advantage of the holiday meat specials at Food Lion and load up the freezers. We should be eating high on the hog as an old saying goes for the next two weeks. I'm hoping we continue with decent weather but there is a cold front coming through this weekend which is cooling down the area to the highs in the 60's. I'm sure the Florida family will love this change as did we last Sunday after suffering through 90+ temps for months.

The Lightning move on to the second round for the Stanley Cup and Ray's are still red hot on the ball field, LATER

Thursday Morning May 27th

 Well Wednesday started out foggy with much cooler temps with a rain shower in the early afternoon and then the threat again later in the evening. We got nearly 2 inches on Tuesday evening and another tenth or so Wednesday. I worked outside all morning and most of the afternoon except after lunch I settled down inside during the storm.

The day started much the usual with a well before 6 rollout to my cup of tea while I posted and then spent some quiet moments with my Creator and Lord giving thanks and lifting several up by name. Most all seem to be holding and I did give Paw Paw a call at sister Pat's home around lunch time but he was still in bed. He is having some age issues with the "sundowners" so he sleeps late. We finally got the campus pastor for BridgePoint Seminole campus hired and the church is ready to open to the public the end of June. We are saddened we can not be there but are so excited for the church. Prior to Covid we had a thriving family at the college but many have moved on as well as our then pastor. We now have our own building and we can be a light for the community once again.

We actually took our first hike to the top of the mountain around 4'ish. It was good to take a minute away from the back breaking job of pulling weeds from beds. We did alright with only a couple of stops to catch our breath. We flat landers have to acclimate to these heights once again. The scenery was awesome as always with full leafed out trees. We didn't see any of the regulars but did see who we thought was the owner of Fred and Brenda's place. He was with another fellow and did actually wave and gave a greeting which was surprising. No one lives there and that's only the second time in years we've seen anyone there.

I grilled bone in pork chops and with green beans in a ham broth and along with corn bread we feasted for our supper. Every thing tastes just wonderful here. After the cleanup I settled into the NHL playoffs and saw the Islanders beat the Penguins and then in the Lightning game 6 came on in Tampa and they prevailed with a 4-0 win over the South Florida Panthers team. They now will play the best of 7 games against either the Nashville or Carolina team who are still playing.

We head to Galax, VA. today for shopping, lunch out and then to gas up. We are stocking up for the Ross Family who arrive Saturday. School is out for the kiddos and they are excited about vacation here and with Tylers family in Gatlinburg. We will watch the big dog for a week which should be interesting. We want to get potted plants and vegetables as well at Lowes for the flower beds and garden patches. I cut our first blooming Peony yesterday and put it on the table. The smell is delicious, LATER

 This huge house is just about finished with an awesome view.

Wednesday Morning May 26th

 Well we've been here two whole days and its starting to shape up at least for outside in the yards. I've managed along with Nancy's help to get most of the flower beds weeded except for one large one which we will attempt to do today after the huge rain that lasted for hours. At one time it was pouring buckets and we have a river going down the driveway. I'm curious if the hill washed out which usually happens when it rains this hard and for so long.

I started the day much the usual with a before 6 rollout to my morning routines that start with a cup of green tea which I post this ramble and then some quiet time with my Creator and Lord giving thanks and lifting several up by name. I haven't heard any change to those who we've been lifting up for comfort and healing. I did  stupid thing yesterday that resulted in a large piece of skin between my thumb and fore finger to be pinched out, yikes did that ever hurt and of course resulted in me lessening the affect of work with my right hand.

The large clumps of grass from the flower beds I placed in some of the bare spots where grass was having a difficult growing where we last year took out several large trees and then used a stump grinder. Grass hasn't come in completely in those areas so I used those nice clumps to seed them. I did sow marigolds this year in one bed  and zinnias in another so we are excited to see if they will make. The circle bed we will purchase potted annuals and some perennials to replace the ones that did not come back. We were going to hike before supper but we were just whupped and the skies looked like rain which did occur just about the time we were going to head out.

After a supper of salmon, beets and broccoli I tuned into the Ray's game and they finally lost a game after being on a winning side the last several games. After a hot shower and the end of the game I was ready for some horizontal lab. This rain was welcomed event as it washed away lots of the pine tree pollen which had coated every thing yellow, LATER

Tuesday Morning May 25th (in the mountains)

 Well Monday was a near perfect day with warm and at times hot temps with a nice breeze but very little or no humidity with tons of sunshine. It was a work day for both of us as I spent most of the day working outside with a few honey-do's for Nancy as she spent the biggest part of the day inside putting the cabin in order. 

I started the day with a well before 6 roll out as I always have trouble sleeping soundly before we leave to come to the cabin and then a day or so after getting here but after yesterday's non work I slept soundly through out the night. I did my morning routines which are slightly adjusted but basically the same with the before 6 rollout to a up of green tea while I spent some time with my Creator and Lord outside in the cool fresh morning air pulling weeds and getting ready the back yard garden for planting. It's just such an awesome act of worship smelling the woods, listening to the quietness and praising GOD with nothing around you but the breaking of dawn and everything of Creation except of course what we bring to the scenery.

I continued working in all of the garden patches removing the huge weeds and grasses. I had two golf cart loads of them and composted them down below. They do make good natural compost after lying over the winter in a compost pile mixed in with some horse manure. I had a nice pile from last year ready to add to the gardens when ever the seeds I sowed yesterday pop through the ground. I think a couple of the tomato seedling I brought from Florida will make despite the leaves being burnt by the black cover on the truck bed. I'll know more by Thursday when we head to Galax for shopping if I have to buy a couple plants.

I finally got all of the yards mowed after sawing up a huge Oak tree limb that had blown down in the area below the deck. That was a job as it took down several huge Pine tree limbs as well. They just missed the garlic patch which has several nice stalks about a foot or so in height. Much of the yard had to be mowed twice because of the height of the grass. The riding mower did great as did the golf cart once I placed the batteries I had stored in the basement.

The weed whacker started right up as well as I decided to go ahead and finish the job of getting the yards ready for another mowing come Saturday before the Ross Family arrives. There were lots of seed heads on the tall grass and I'm hoping it will reseed itself especially after the huge overnight rain storm which was greatly needed. We noticed the Peonies have yet to bloom with lots of heads but the Snowball bush is loaded with beautiful white blooms and the Butterfly bush looks great as well.

Neighbor Gerald invited us down around 5:30 for a glass of vino and some finger foods and to meet his new squeeze Phylis. She is a very sweet petite attractive southern lady who lives in Winston Salem but is now spending time in the mountains with Gerald. I think we will become good friends and we are so thrilled for Gerald as he is a great neighbor and friend. We chatted and told stories for nearly and hour and a half on their very cozy back porch area which is shaded from the evening sunshine.

We took a golf cart ride down to see what Steve had done with his recently purchased property as he gets it ready for their visit later this summer. He has done a great job with clearing out the under brush, making a great driveway and installing a septic system and having a well drilled and getting power into the areas for motor coach hook ups. He had a shipping container brought as well as he left his pull behind camper on site. We love it and that should be a big improvement to the land.

Well after a trip to the top of the mountain which was about sunset I thought what looked like rain clouds were forming and sure enough it poured much needed buckets over night. The power must have flickered because the stove and clocks are flashing. I tuned into the Lightning game and while they scored first the Panther were winning the game. I managed two periods but couldn't stay awake so it was bedtime for me around 10'ish, LATER

Monday Afternoon May 24th

Well I'm back at this laptop after a very uneventful trip to the cabin. We left at 4 Am and got within about 10 miles of where we take the exit to Sparta when traffic came to a complete stand still. It seem the road department is doing some major construction both north and southbound on I- 77. We did see one message board about prepare to stop a couple miles up ahead but nothing like what we encountered for 3 or 4 miles of total back up. Two lanes were merging into one lane and that set us back a good 30-40 minutes. Anyone coming this way should take exit 79 and then get on Rt 21 towards Sparta. Its out of the way but at least your moving.

We made several stops for fuel, food and walking around every half hour or so.. We gassed up in Columbia S.C.at Sam's Club for 2.51 which was 30 to 40 cheaper than any where else. We ate at Mikey d's for breakfast and their bacon, egg and cheese biscuit was delicious and filling. I noticed they now have apple fritters and wow it was also delicious. That held us until around 3'ish when we ate a chicken sandwich at Zaxby's which is next door to the super Wal Mart in Elkin where we shopped for groceries. It was also very tasty and their fries were very good and plentiful. We got back at the cabin right at 12 hours from the time we left Florida.

The yards were grown high with grasses and weeds. I did have the tomato seedlings get burnt in the back of the truck from the high heat which was 92 off the mountain, but very comfortable 79 here at the cabin. Every thing looked good inside the cabin but when I turned on the water pump water stared poring down from the upstairs through the ceiling. It seems the innards of the commode upstairs must have frozen an cracked which let the incoming water flood the cabin. Luckily it a small problem now after getting the shutoff valve to the upstairs commode turned off. It seems when we left the cabin in January a hard freeze despite me adding anti freeze to the commode caused the valve to break away from the supply line. We were kept busy mopping both the floors and then we turned on the dehumidifier which quickly helped with getting rid of the dampness.

Nancy was busy inside with putting away all the stuff we packed as well as the groceries and getting the bed ready for night time. I worked outside until dark as I wanted to put the seedlings in the ground and try to save the burnt ones. They may make it. I was up before 6 AM with a cup of green tea and outside doing my quiet times while walking around the cabin grounds. It was a perfect morning with the birds singing and the fresh cool air all before the sunshine ever reached our cabin. I didn't sleep all that well and usually never do as I had all of the projects being played out in my mind despite not sleeping very well the night before we left. I can tell my muscles are sore from all the digging, weed pulling and walking up and down these stairs and these hilly yards .

I had to cut up a large oak tree top that had fallen from the strong winds this winter which was blocking an area behind the deck. I did mow some last evening for a couple hours and then again today for a couple hours. Neighbor Gerald came by and invited us down to meet his new female other later this evening. Its just so peaceful here as we look out on everything GOD made. We have made a big difference already inside the cabin and I'm continuing to work on the yards and gardens. I did sow several difference seeds this morning in the back yard garden after completely weeding it along with the upper garden. I'm sitting here digesting a burger and chips before getting back on the mower, LATER

Saturday Morning May 22nd.

 Well Friday was another busy day day as we get ready to leave tomorrow, Sunday Morning for the mountains. Its been over 5 months since we were last there and we must get it ready for family and friends. Friday started out much the usual with a before 6 roll out to my routines that start with the cup of 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.

I headed out on my bike for close to two hours of pickle ball at the Rec and had a great workout. It was a sad ending as I said good bye to many until November. There were lots of hugs and handshakes and well wishes. I headed home to work out side in the garden pulling up the remaining kale and tomato plants and harvesting at least a couple dozen green tomato's and a nice bag of cleaned kale. I pulled out the marigolds as well and then leveled the garden soil. I piled the pulled out plants so the earthworms could hide down under the pile and just maybe live until next November, living off the compost and the dampness caused by the pile.

I pulled out the hose and washed and waxed the truck and got it ready for the trip as well. That kept me busy until 1'ish when I decided peanut butter and crackers would suffice for my lunch as I knew we were eating large at the Nymark's around 6. We both worked through out the day catching up and getting things ready to load today after supper at Amy's. We will have another huge load to take with us with the dog kennel and many baby articles and of course tons of clothes that never will be worn, oh well.

We picked up the Botbyl's a little before 6 and headed to the Nymark's for a taco supper with beans, rice and all the fixin's and Nancy baked and brought two pies as well. We got into a game of domino's teaching our newest friends Gary and Sandra who own the Chick Filet in Seminole. They both are strong Believers and she is from Charlotte so they will visit the cabin this summer when they come to visit with her family in N.C. We had a great delicious supper and the game was a hoot as well with lots of banner and table talk among the group of 8; such fun and the evening just flew by.

It was 10:30 or so before we got home and I hit the shower and was soon asleep and actually over slept or slept later than usual this morning. This will be my last post until making one from the cabin if all goes well. Hopefully it will be an uneventful trip. Pray for us for traveling mercies, for our nation and for those who don't know Jesus, LATER

Friday Morning May 21st

 Well two more wake ups until departure. I'm ready for some cooler temps and a change of scenery. The high country is calling out to me and those brisk steep morning hikes. I sure will miss the action on the pickle ball court but maybe I'll get some play this summer for at least once a week.

Thursday started out much the usual with a before 6 roll out to my cup of green tea while I posted this ramble and then spent some quiet time with my Creator and Lord in thanksgiving and lifting several up by name. We did lose a close friend from SFBC who we have known for decades She was a great person and lover of Jesus and taught many classes on the Bible. Carmen Mock with be missed but Heaven gained another saint. Everyone else seems to be holding their own.

I headed out on my bike to the Rec for two hours of pickle ball play and left with a wet head and shirt. The play was good and today I will say good bye to these fellow players until November. Many of them will find a new venue to play this summer as the Rec is only open on Thursday night and Saturday mornings for the game. I headed home and then out to my local barber for an ear lowering. I was back to the house and piddling around outside in the garden until lunch time. After lunch I wet mopped all of the floors and made some phone calls to put my Spectrum account on vacation and reactivate my Skyline/Skybest account at the cabin. The weather has been almost perfect there with some chilly mornings.

I finished up a new read during the afternoon until supper time. It was our last supper here at the house as we eat out at our friends the Nymark's tonight with a several other couples and then play dominos and then on Saturday night Amy is having us for supper. So we have two lunches here before we head out. I take out the tomato plants today as well as harvest and clean the last of the kale to take with us as well as a basket of tomato's both ripe and green ones. Our bug guy came by and sprayed and put out poison for the ants which use to be a problem but we haven't seen any in months except outside in the yards.

I forgot the Ray's had a day game and they blasted the Orioles again 10-1 with a sweep in their stadium. The Lightning were up by 2 goals in the final period but let down and then lost in overtime. They are still up 2-1 over this good Panther team, LATER

Thursday Morning May 20th

Well we are down to 3 days until departure for the cabin. Neighbor Gerald sent a picture of the grass and weeds growing in the yards and it will take a couple days to get the outside area into shape, but I'm looking forward to the work and the results.

Wednesday was another busy day as we make finishing touches for the trip after a usual morning start of a before 6 rollout that always begins with a cup of green tea while I post this ramble and then some quiet time with my Creator and Lord giving thanks and lifting up several. All seem well as can be expected. I headed out on my bike a little before 8 for the Rec for two hours of good pickle ball play. I did learn the Rec was shutting down any pickle ball play inside for the next 3 months due to a large summer camp of for kids during the week. Oh well.

I headed home after the Rec to piddle around in the gardens and yard. The tomato's are still ripening and I'm getting a couple a day the fruit flies haven't ruined. The huge egg plant is loaded with buds that will produce some fruit but once I last water it on Saturday it will basically be on its own if any of the buds turn into fruit, oh well. I mentioned to neighbor Bobby to harvest any if they make. I had an early lunch as I had to be at Sam's Club for a new tire install at noon.  I did some last minute shopping and gas fill up as well. That took about an hour and now we have new rubber on the truck. I'll give it a bath and wax job either today or on Saturday before loading it up for the trip north. Things are moving right along and now it looks as there will be plenty of gas for the trip albeit much higher than last year.

We headed out around 6:30 for our last Wednesday night prayer meeting at the new campus until next Fall. It seems the opening will be June 26th to the public. We are saddened we won't be a part of that event but thrilled the campus is opening for the first time as BridgePoint Seminole Campus. It seems the new pastor search is nearly complete and should be on staff for the grand opening. The renovations have come along and what a change from the old initial building.

I tuned into the Ray's game after getting home and they were down 5 runs but when I last watched they went up 9-6. I'll check their website for the final and then the Lightning will play in Tampa tonight (thur.) in the best of 7 series, Go Bolts. We got word that Bobby's team the Cardinals had to play a game last evening against the team they lost to on Monday night and they won 19-11. They are now the official Champs of their league and Gabe apparently hit a 3 run home run and pitched the game for the win. Way to go Gabe and Bobby as the team manager, LATER

Wednesday Morning May 19th

Well we are down to 4 days until departure for the cabin and it's our beautiful daughter Amy's birthday, wow 38 today. Where did that time go? We are so truly blessed by both of our children and seven grand children. Amy is such a great mom and role model for her kids and all of us .

Tuesday started out much the usual with a well before 6 roll out to my routines that start with the cup of tea while I post this ramble then I spent some quiet time with my Creator and Lord in thanksgiving and then lifting up several by name for comfort and for  healing for several. I've heard nothing to change the outcome of those prayers. I headed out on my bike to Rec for two hours of constant pickle ball play and left with a wet head and shirt. The ride home was against a stiff breeze which blew all day long; thus the temps were held down to the upper 80's. At times it was really comfortable to be outside in shade.

I piddled around in the garden and yards catching up on some last minute chores then took down all the luggage from the attic and brought in the plastic tubs Nancy will pack to take with us. We have to take some baby stuff as well as Rocky(Tyler's large puppy) cage as he will sleep better at nights in it, especially since we are watching him by ourselves for a couple of days. We of course take too much clothing but at least I now no longer plan on a before Fall trip to Florida to get winter clothes, so that means we will take all we need until November.

After lunch I read for a couple hours and then after supper set the yard sprinkler for a couple hours in the front yard. Nancy had her Bible Study class and left at 7 so I tuned into the both the Ray's game and the Lightning games. Dan came down and stayed for a couple hours watching the game with me as Carol was hosting the class. The Ray's were winning big in Baltimore and the Lightning were winning against a rough and tough Panther team in south Florida, when I shut the lights off,  Later

Tuesday Morning May 18th

 Well Monday was a busy day as we get ready to head out in 5 days but first I had to complete a project with the house windows which was started nearly a month ago with a local window service and then we headed to Brando for what now will be the second game in a playoff series with Bobby's team who Gabe plays for. The out come wasn't good last night so they will play again on Wednesday night.

I started the day much the usual with a before 6 roll out to my cup of tea while I posted this ramble and then some quiet time with my Creator and Lord giving thanks and lifting several up by name for comfort and healing. I've heard several are having some issues mainly due to age related and prior concerns. I headed out on my bike before 8 to the Rec. for two hours of pickle ball play and got in a good workout.

I hand watered and worked in the back yard clearing out more of the garden plants. Most of which have stopped producing due to heat and the season which everything dries up. I'm still getting a few large tomato's which the fruit flies haven't destroyed but the small tomato's are gone for this year and I removed the last of the plants. The seedlings I started from volunteers and have potted up seem to be holding as of now. I have just a couple plants left in the garden which are still producing; kale, basil and egg plants as well as marigolds which I'm hoping to bring some small ones with me from seedlings.

The window guy came an hour late but got the job done. He had to replace one window with new glass that had lost it gas between the panes which cost more than the original window some 30 years ago. Several new blances as well as screens, it was quite job and now we can open and shut them at will, oh well. I did some touch up paint on a few of the kitchen cabinets as well.

We headed out around 4:30 for Brandon via the cross town toll road and the drive once we got on it wasn't to bad for this time of the day. It took nearly an hour and half but we stopped at Bobby's house and played with the twins before heading to the ball field. Bobby's team had the game won with just one strike to go when the team fell apart with bad throws, errors and they lost the big game. They will have to play this team again on Wednesday evening but we are booked for time so we will just hear how they do. They were undefeated  in 9 straight games but they lost their swagger and the game, oh well. It was neary 10 before we got back to Seminole, LATER

Monday Morning May 17th

 Well we are counting down to departure which means 6 days to go. Hopefully this day and time next week I will be making this post from the cabin looking out into the wooded backyard areas with much cooler temps. I'm ready for some crispy morning with blue skies and bright sunshine days with no humidity.

Sunday wasn't too bad here for a change as a front moved in over the weekend and the breeze kept it quite comfortable even during the usually hot afternoons. We headed out to the Seminole BridgePoint campus after our morning routines for worship with about 40 plus or so folks to a good breakfast before hand. We will certainly miss all of our Life Group's that meet there on both Wednesday and Sunday's. There were lots of hugs and handshakes and some even promised to visit us this summer as well as the Nymark's which now have their place ready for visitors. We heard a good message from the disciple John who wrote the book and was a Jesus follower. It's all about love and what we will do with it to further the kingdom for GOD. The praise and worship music was awesome as well.

We came back and I hand watered the garden's before settling into the Ray's game on TV. They once again won after their bats came to life and swept the N.Y. Mets with good pitching and awesome power from their bats. There seemed to be more folks allowed into the stadium to watch the past couple of games. We ate some leftovers for supper as I skipped lunch due to all of the carbs for breakfast. One fellow remembered I love apple fritters and brought one especially for me from this awesome donut shop in Largo. What a thoughtful guy as we had blessed him and his wife a few weeks back with tons of fresh veggies. He will be our new first impressions leader for the Seminole campus and his wife is from West Jefferson N.C.

I did some hand watering the yards and even set the sprinkler for a couple hours on the front yard as the grass is turning brown. We need rain here in central Florida. Well I read for a couple hours then tuned into the Lightning hockey game against the Panthers on their home ice. It was a Florida match up and the Lightning won in a hard fought rough game 5-4. We got back two of our star players from injuries and they made a difference. Now we have to play this same team the best of 7 games to proceed on towards the finals and hopefully a repeat of the Stanley Cup victory, LATER

Sunday Morning May 16th

 Well this time next week I'm hoping we will have been on the road for two hours as we leave around 4 in the morning. Its now 6 AM here in hot humid Central Florida as I make this post. We had the whole family over last evening to celebrate Amy's 38th birthday with a sauerkraut, pork rib, kielbasa and hot dogs as well a smashed tater supper with fresh garden salad and biscuits. A chocolate cake with pink icing and two kinds of ice cream. There goes the spare tire but we sent the leftover cake home with Amy.

I started Saturday much the usual with a well before 6 roll out to my cup of hot green tea while I posted this ramble and then spent some quiet time with my Creator and Lord in thanksgiving and lifting several up by name for comfort and healing. I got ready and headed out to the Rec for two hours of pickle ball play and afterwards headed home to piddle around in the back yard and garden hand watering and harvesting tomato's.

There wasn't much to do except help Nancy get ready for the family around 4'ish so I read and then tuned into the Ray's game which came on the TV early. They won the game 12-5 as their bats exploded against a good Mets team from N.Y. Bobby and Amy's family all came about the same time and the house was full to say the least with toys every where. The twins love being able to mingle and go from room to room where at their house they are confined to one room due to the many step down stairs. The big kids each get a room where they share video games and and what ever they do at that age. We shared some cheese and crackers as well as some fruit of the vine before we ate around around 5'ish. The meal was delicious and even Betsy stopped by to eat with us on her way home from the post office. We sent a plate home for Gus as well.

Bobby gave the boys a bath around 6:30 then put them in their PJ's as they would go right to bed upon getting back to Brandon. Amy and the family left shortly as well but Betsy hung around another hour or two. I headed out to hand water and repot a couple tomato seedlings for the summer garden then settled into to UFC and hockey until shower time around 9'ish.

Today will be our last Sunday morning meeting at the new campus for BridgePoint until next November. We will miss all of our friends and the grand opening in June for the new campus but we will reconnect with our mountain friends and Cornerstone family there, LATER

Saturday Morning May 15th

 Well the count down is on with just 8 days until we depart for the mountains and some much cooler temps. The dog days of summer are here in Central Florida despite the last day or so with some pleasant temps. The a/c has now been on constantly due to the heat and humidity for the past several weeks.

Friday was a busy day that started out with a before 6 roll out to my usual routines that start with the cup of green tea while I post this ramble and then some quiet time with my Creator and Lord  giving thanks and lifting several up by name. Most all seem well as can be expected but one member of our Life group from BridgePoint is about to enter the Kingdom as she is on her final days. We are saddened but at the same celebrating her life's end in heaven. Everyone else seems to be holding due to their ages and medical issues.

I headed out on my bike a little before 8 to the Rec. for two hours of pickle ball and then a stop at the library before heading home to work in the yards and gardens. I hand watered and then mowed both yards all before lunch time. The grass is still growing but barely in the front yard with lots of brown patches. The back yard looks good as I water it nearly every day by hand when watering the vegetables which are about gone as well. I did harvest a couple tomato's and still have a dozen or so still growing and if the fruit flies don't ruin them I'll have some to take with us next week. The egg plant is nearly 5 ft tall and just loaded with blooms but I do not believe it will bear any fruit before we go unless it starts. I sure hate to cut it down but it could be a big problem for Tyler when he weed whacks the gardens later this summer.

After a delicious lunch of bacon, lettuce, tomato, sweet onion and mayo on a bakery bread we headed out to the local laundry mat to wash 4 large comforters. The place is just around the corner from our house and the attendant was just a sweet lady who is from N.C. She was very helpful on operating the machines and the place was very clean as well. It's not cheap to use one of these machines at 4.50 a wash and the dryers are now a .25 for 6 minutes, oh well. We hadn't washed these comforters in quite a spell and they would never fit in our machine at home. We sat and read while they washed and dried then headed home after a couple hours.

We had deer meat tacos which were very delicious. I think our meat supple from neighbor Gerald in the mountains is about gone. I'm hoping he will replenish our supply from last years hunt.  I headed out after supper and the clean up to hand water the gardens and yards. A small cut worm got inside one of the pots I had the small tomato seedling potted in and cut all three off, luckily I have several other volunteer seedling in the gardens so I dug up a couple more and potted them so as to get them ready for the trip to the summer garden. This has been a banner year for tomato's here in Florida and not only tomato's. I still have kale and collards growing as well as a jalapeno pepper plant which is producing and I will bring a sack of them with them me as well.

We tuned into the Ray's game against the Mets and they were losing through out the game but came back in the bottom of the 9th to win, wow what a game and a local player from Seminole High School made the winning hit for the Ray's, LATER

Friday Morning May 14th

Well Thursday saw us with some cloudiness and a small rain shower which didn't do much except hold the high heat down and barely settled the dust. But any and all moisture is welcomed. I started the day off with my routines of up before 6 to my cup of tea while I posted this ramble and then some quiet time with my Creator and Lord giving thanks and lifting up several by name. All seem as well as can be expected as I've heard nothing to the contrary. I drove to the Rec. for two hours of pickle ball a little before 8 as I had a VA appointment for my 6 month eye check up after pickle ball. 

The play was great and I left whupped and got to the VA several minutes early and they took me right in. Everything looked good and the eye sight is still 20/20 and no further progression on the issues I had first been checked for. The eye vitamins have really made a difference in the issues that had me being checked for in the first place a couple years back; glaucoma and macular degeneration. Thankfully everything is normal. I came back home for lunch then headed out to Sam's Club to pay for the new tires for the truck which still have the original tires when I purchased it in 2017. The Hankook tires have been awesome thus far with still plenty of tread at 50 K miles but since there was a sale on and I wanted new tires I decided to purchase them before we head out this summer. I left there and spent the next couple hours at the Ford dealership getting the truck serviced as well.

We had leftover lasagna for supper which was even better than when we first had it on Sunday. It seems the tomato sauces permeate the pasta and give it such an awesome flavor. I settled into the Ray's game after the cleanup and their bats finally came to life against the Yanks. That was about it for the day as most of the afternoon was spent reading while waiting on the truck to be serviced, LATER

Thursday Morning May 13th

 Well Wednesday was a busy day and yes another hot and humid one. We got word that snow was falling in the mountains, albeit just a snow shower but still in May. Where are the "earth is falling" scientists who make up these false global warming ideas. Oh well thats for another time.

I started the day out much the usual with a before 6 roll out to my cup of tea while I posted this ramble and then some quiet time with my Creator and Lord giving thanks and lifting several up for comfort and healing. I headed out a little before 8 on my bike for two hours of pickle ball and left with a wet head and shirt. The play was good. I made a stop at the library for a couple new reads and a true story titled AT ANY COST. Wow what a read and it takes you into the Jewish Family and culture in New York and how greed destroys a family with abuse and murder .

I piddled around outside until lunch time when it just got too hot, so I read the rest of the afternoon until 4:30 when we headed out to meet up with Steve and Sheri Nymark who are back in Florida for a couple weeks before setting out again since Steve has now retired. He worked for nearly a month at his property near us in the mountains. W met up for supper at Pholigious an eatery with Vietnam foods in the Seminole City Center. The owner is very friendly and gracious and the food was delicious and some what reasonable. I had the shrimp Pho and Nancy the vegetable Pho. They were skipping prayer meeting as two of the grand kids had games and wanted them to attend so we came back and I hand watered until it was time to head over to the Seminole campus for BridgePoint Church around 7. We had a nice crowd and the praise and worship was awesome and very inspiring. A couple newbies were there as well and the word is getting out the campus will open sometime in June to the public.

Well we got back around 8:30 and I watched an inning of the Ray's losing to the Yanks again so I headed to the shower and then some History Channel before lights out at 10 for me, LATER

Wednesday Morning May 12th

 Well 11 days until departure from this heat and humidity. I spoke briefly with Steve who just got back from the mountains and he said it was perfect working weather for most of the time there which was close to a month. We will have supper with him and Sheri as she got back last night, this evening(wed) before prayer meeting

I started the day out with a before 6 roll out to my cup of green tea while I posted this ramble and then some quiet time with my Creator and Lord giving thanks and lifting several up for comfort and healing. I've heard nothing to the contrary. I headed out on my bike around 8 for the Rec for two good solid hours of pickle ball play. We had a new gal player and she was great as well as most of our really good players. I left whupped with a wet shirt and head.

I made a quick stop at the library before heading home to hand water whats left in the garden as the heat and lack of rain has really caused it to dry up despite two a day hand watering. I harvested probably the last mess of collards and gave them away along with a sack of tomato's. The tomato's are still ripening and I doubt if they will last until we leave. I would like to bring some with me as they are delicious. 

I got the new tomato seedlings potted up and in the ground which will make it easy to get ready for the trip to the summer garden. I will take them out of their pots and wrap them in wet newspaper. They are about 4 inches in height and should be ready for setting out in the ground once I get the garden patches worked up. I decided to go ahead and put new tires on the truck so I ordered 4 from Sam's Club which are the same thats been on the truck for the last 50 K miles; Kankook Tires came with the new truck in '17 and thus far have been great. I also scheduled a service on the truck on Thursday after my VA eye appointment at the Ford place.

Well after a supper of chicken and yellow rice which helps Nancy whenever she is leaving the house after supper which she did to the Botbyl's for a Bible Study. I decided since its too hot during the afternoon to work outside so after supper I trimmed the shrubs and vines and got the yard ready for leaving. That kept me busy for close to two hours. I stopped a little before 8 and then hit the shower. Nancy got back around 9 and watched her show. I did watch the Ray's lose to the Yanks at home, LATER

Tuesday Morning May 11th

 Well the heat and humidity are back once again after a short break where it stayed away for a couple days. We are in need of rain as the grasses are drying up in the front yard but I gave it a watering last evening after supper, especially the Crepe Myrtle tree. It has leafed out but no blooms yet .

I started the day much the usual with a before 6 roll out to my cup of tea while I posted this ramble and then spent some quiet moments in thanksgiving with my Creator and Lord and lifting up several name for comfort and healing. A couple of folks in our life group are in a bad way as is our dear friend Kathryn who has one lung that is non functioning. I have no ideas how she will ever be able to travel and visit the mountains this summer.

I headed out a little before 8 on my bike to the Rec for a couple hours of pickle ball. It seems being off that week from this rigorous sport has left me just two weeks to get back into shape. It weird how quickly you get out of shape despite my working outside in the heat doing physical labor by putting up that backyard fence. I think the past weekend of eating out with lots of breads and desserts was the culprit, oh well. I have 12 days to shrink the belly roll and get back into mountain hiking shape as well as cabin working ready. I'll have a lot to do when we get there which is always the case, but so much nicer temps.

I finished a true story titled CRUEL DOUBT by Joe McGinnis about a family in N.C. The story which breaks your heart for the mother whose kids were complicit with killing her husband and their step father to the kids and nearly killed her for money. What a story and many of the those involved were and are highly respected in the criminal justice system as well as political world. Such a mother's love for her kids who almost destroyed her and did psychological.

Well I harvested more tomato's and gave away another 25 or so and I can see where the plants are starting to die from the heat. I did start some seedlings for both the large and small tomato plants and will take them with me to the summer garden. The two volunteer pepper plants did well after potting them up. I'll wrap them in wet newspaper for the trip north to the mountains.

The Lightning lost again to the south Florida team and its looking like they are the best team in their division. The stars for the Bolts are hurting and it's not looking good for a repeat for the Cup, oh well, LATER

Monday Morning May 10th

 Well Sunday was an awesome morning of worship with our Life Group which is getting larger each Sunday; actually there are two groups combining on Sunday to meet at the new church building which is taking shape. The food was plentiful and the fellowship was awesome. The sermon was a bit different with 5 ladies of the church expressing their joy, compassions and love for the Lord through this church as mother's on this day which honored mothers. The praise and worship music was awesome as well. We had a surprise visitor in house with the lead teaching pastor present since he wasn't at the main campus preaching.

We came home after our small groups( the tables where we sat to eat) shared prayer concerns and then prayed. I would say there were 40-50 folks or more in attendance which is more than some churches we attend while on vacations to the old home churches. We have such a lively group which is mainly seniors with a few 40's and 50's thrown in. We got back to the house around 11'ish and started on getting ready for both Bobby and Amy's family around 4'ish.

 I hand watered the gardens and picked up the last of the debris from the fence building project and raked the garden dirt level as I get it ready for leaving it for the summer to rest until next fall. The yard grass is looking good especially the back grass as it mainly St.Augustine whereas the front yard grass is many combinations. The Crepe Myrtle has yet to bloom but has leafed out.

Well the twins arrived and they are very mobil now and they love to walk and run around our house as it's flat with no stairs or steps. They were having a grand time and we sent the table and chairs home with them that neighbor Carol gave to us. We had some guacamole before setting down to a delicious huge meal of garden salad, crusty bread and lasagna. The fruit of the vine flowed freely as well. Amy has purchased a delicious chiffon cake with fresh strawberries on top for dessert. It was delicious as well. Bobby gave the boys a bath and had them in their PJ's around 6:30 as it was their bedtime and they would definitely fall asleep on the way home. Amy and family left shortly thereafter as well as it was a home work night for the kiddo's. The house was quit except for vacuuming and finishing up the dishes by 7.

We got to see the Ray's win out in Oakland after loosing the first game in their series and after they swept the Angles in 4 games in Southern California. I read until shower time and we both were yawning by 9'ish. I was in bed lights out by 9:30 as the weekend wore us out, LATER 

The boys are having a snack at their new table and chairs which they love.

Sunday Morning May 9th

Well what a day on Saturday. The temps were down about 10 or so degrees with a stiff breeze which kept it quite comfortable at the ball park in Brandon at Gabe's ball game. More on that later as I started the day much the usual with a before 6 roll out to my cup of green tea while I posted this ramble and then lifted up several during my quiet time with my Creator and Lord. All seem well except for Sandy one of our Life Group Members.  The last we heard she is in the hospital due to her stomach cancer and its not looking good according to Jim her husband.

I got back in Face book jail for 30 days after commenting the truth about how to react as a police officer when faced with a person holding a real pistol or a fake pistol and of course I said any idiot who does that should be shot. It's either my life or his/hers when comforted by that issue. I violated community standards according to the censors because they hate the police and want to do away with them. Anyhow I'm now on Instagram if anyone is interested but I'm so fed up with this means of social discourse and how its turning this society into a bunch milk toasts who idolize criminals while excoriating the police. They worship the Left and the defunding of the very folks who keep us safe from the thugs who burn, loot and murder. It's just another way to destroy the society and institute socialism or totalitarian control.

We headed out to Brandon a little before 10 and the interstates are packed with everyone moving to Florida. It's unbelievable how the real estate market has increased here with such higher prices caused by such an influx of folks from up North. Can you believe the house across the street from us is now selling for 400 thousand dollars where as it was sold a could years ago for less than 200. Anyhow the roads are jammed with folks coming here and none leaving.

Gabe pitched a great game for 20-5 win and he added several RBI's as well and his fielding was superb. He has become one of the top 2 players on his team that Bobby coaches. They are in the playoff's with this win yesterday and should wrap it up come Monday evening. We are having Bobby's family minus Annsley and Gabe today for supper to honor mother's day along with Amy's family. It will probably be our last family get together before we leave two weeks from today.

We ate supper out once again at the Outback with the Tracy's and then came back and played cards with the Botbyl's and them for a couple hours. Kathryn did really well but she is still on oxygen as she is functioning with just one lung.

That's Huck sitting with me at the scorers table and Gabe on the mound.

Saturday Morning MAY 8th

Well Friday started out very warm once again with it being 75 at 5:45 but as the day progressed a cold front moved into the area with high winds and no humidity which actually dropped the temps and made it very comfortable to be outside. Hard to believe after temps close to 100 for a couple days which usually doesn't happen here on the Suncoast; the low 90's is normal during the hottest part of the summer but last week was just miserable and now this cold front. I saw where Beech Mountain in N.C. had a dusting of snow over night.

I started the day with my usual before 6 roll out to my routines of hot cup of tea while I posted this ramble and then some quiet time with my Creator and Lord giving thanks and lifting several up by name. Sandy a dear friend from our life group was admitted to the hospital as she suffers from her stomach cancer. Its not looking good as now her organs are shutting down and they have called in the family; everyone else seems to be holding on as well as can be expected.

I headed out a little before 8 to the BridgePoint Seminole Campus for a work morning with a half dozen other volunteers. We worked in the office building painting for the 4 hours I was there. My arms, shoulders and legs are sore this morning from the repetition of the paint brush as I cut in two huge rooms and going up and down on a step ladder. We got a lot done and I made new friends from these new volunteers who are loving our church family as we worked together.

I got back around noon and we had a BLT sandwich which was awesome using those fresh garden tomato's. I harvested another dozen or so and gave away that many as well. They are still producing despite the fruit flies destroying a couple a day. I still have close to 50 or so ripening in stages as I harvest them when they just start to turn in color or the flies get them. I did dust with Sevin so that has helped to some extent. I read the afternoon away until we were picked up by the Botbyl's for a change as we headed over to the Texas Roadhouse eatery for a delicious supper. I had my usual chopped beef(roadkill) with mushrooms and grilled onions smothered in cheese with a sweet tater and broccoli. Their rolls are the best with cinnamon butter as well. Everyone said their steaks were great and Carol had the ribs which fell off the bone. A great meal.

We came back and play Euchre and the guys won after being down big time by the gals and then we played a game called OH -ELL which Nancy's folks taught us years ago and I won that and Dan came in close second. It was the guys night to dominate for a change. We are scheduled again to eat out with The Tracy's after getting back from Brandon this afternoon and then playing cards again with the 6 of us. Kathryn is out visiting friends and maybe just enjoying some part of her once enjoyable get togethers; but her one lung is not functioning at all. She is on oxygen constantly which really hampers her activities.

Well that was about it for Friday, the Bolts lost with a rookie in as goalie to the team they beat two nights ago convincingly, LATER

My white orchids are blooming and last count was 3 open fully and 6 more buds. I do absolutely nothing to get these beautiful flowers

Friday Morning May 7th

 Well Thursday was another busy day with me working in the back yard and then a night out to Keswick School to watch our grand daughter Ava Mae in a play; more on that later in this ramble. I started the day much the usual with a before 6 roll out to my cup of tea while I posted and then spent some quiet time with my Creator and Lord in thanksgiving and lifting several up for comfort and healing. All seem well as I write. Wednesday was the day I worked with another feller to put up 15 stockade panels of fence so I had to go back and clean up the back yard and try to save the garden dirt from resting against the bottom of the panels.  I wish I had made it higher than the ground but did try to match up another fence line in the neighbors yard, oh well.

That outside yard work kept me busy until lunch time and my clothes were soaked with sweat as the heat and humidity was rampart. I did manage to place concrete tiles and blocks along the fence to kept the dirt in all along the back fence; not only will that protect the wood from rot but will keep my good garden soil from washing away. I'm pleased with the construction and I did save a ton of bucks with me helping with the construction plus I burned away a couple of pounds around the belly. The muscles are a little sore  and some which I haven't used since leaving the cabin. I think this was a great warm up for the physical labor I'll be using later this month as I get the cabin ready for guests.

Ava Mae had several speaking and activity parts in her middle school play Beauty and the Beast. It was a very nice production that lasted over an hour an all of the kids were excellent in their first of three nights performances. I'm not allowed according to Nancy to ever put any pictures up of our grand kiddos again on this venue. She has become paranoid about folks who read this ramble using their pictures illicitly. I personally don't agree but what can I do. Their costumes for that play were superb and I was amazed and surprised of how authentic and colorful they were. If she took a stage picture of the play I will show that but I don't think she did, oh well.

That was about if for the day as I did ride out to the library on my bike after lunch for a couple of new reads. I spent the afternoon reading as it just got too hot outside until around 5 when it was pleasant enough to hand water the gardens. I gave away another sack of collards, kale and tomato's to a neighbor. We did learn the house across the street just went on the market for $399,900 dollars. Never would I have thought this 'hood would bring that kind of money after we paid 33 grand for ours in '79. Wow real estate here is fast becoming like California did back in the 80's, LATER

Thursday Morning May 6th

 Well Wednesday was one of the hottest days yet and it was one of the busiest work days for me in a long time as I assisted with another young man on putting up 15 panels of stockade fence in my yards. Wow what a job but the results were awesome to say the least and so far about half the costs of my closest estimate. I of course had removed the old fence and had the fence line cleaned out but there was still 16 post holes to be dug.

I started the day much the usual with a before 6 roll out to my cup of tea while I posted this ramble and then some quiet time with my Creator and Lord in thanksgiving and lifting several for comfort and healing. Nothing has changed as of now. I was expecting my fence man to come around 8:30 so I headed out to finish a few last minute old post removals and to clear some of the debris from our work areas. The main man left and his son in law who is 6' 5" and 250 pounds was the main installer. We worked great together as it really was a two man effort but he did the heavy work and led the way. He is married to one of Bobby and Amy's classmate from hight school and a really nice fellow. We worked almost non stop until 4 when we installed the last panel. I had just enough extra panels to run the fence along side neighbor Carol's yard. 

I lost a couple of sweat pounds throughout the day as we hydrated constantly with gator aid and water but the humidity was rampart to say the least. Most of the day was in partial shade which helped with the sun but the heat was miserable especially after lunch. I'n sure glad that job which hopefully will be the last time for me. The old fence I and a couple troopers put up some 25 years ago held up well despite many patch jobs. My neighbor(s) behind me said he would haul away the old fence as his contribution to the job which saved me some bucks as well. Now today (thur) I have some clean up and rearranging the garden to keep the soil off the bottom boards by using concrete blocks which will also help keep the soil from leaving the garden area.

I headed right away for the shower which was welcoming before supper and then we headed out to the Seminole BridgePoint campus for a prayer meeting with about 20 or so folks. It was a time of awesome praise and worship music as well as we lifted up several in prayers and then we took communion to honor and recognize the sacrifice that Jesus died for our transgressions on that cross. What a great time of celebration and remembrance this MAN/GOD did for humanity. We got back to the house around 8:30 and I tuned into the hockey game and the Bolts won again convincing over a Dallas Team. The Ray's also won in California for the third straight game over the Angles. I'm glad the bats are coming to life once again.

Well there is no pickle ball for the rest of the week because of Pow Wow at the Rec so its looking more like bike riding and physical work as I "summerize" the gardens. All of the family is coming here for Mother's Day on Sunday which will probably be our last family dinner before leaving for the cabin on the 23rd, LATER

Wednesday Morning May 5th

 Well the count down is on for the 23rd when we plan on heading for the mountains. After yesterday's heat and humidity I'm ready to leave any day. One thing did occur is I managed to bring home the material needed to replace the back yard fence and then late afternoon the fence man called and said he would be here around 8 in the morning (Wed) to start the replace. So that mean I had about a 1/3 of the fence to take down which I did last evening until dark. I sweated several pounds off during these much cooler evening hours.

I started the day out much the usual with a before 6 roll out to a cup of green tea while I posted this ramble then some quiet time with my Creator and Lord in thanksgiving and lifting several up by name. All are holding as I've heard nothing to the contrary. We did speak with our mountain mom Helen and she is holding as well despite the ache in her knees and legs which has been rather persistent over the last several years. She is one tough lady living alone and managing by her self. We are looking forward to seeing her again in a couple of weeks.

I rode with my fence man who happens to be a friend of Steve and Sheri's and his daughter graduated from high school a year in between Bobby and Amy at Indian Rocks Christian. He also has a place in the mountains about 30 minutes up the parkway in Virginia. We both are native to that state. Anyhow Home Depot loaded his flatbed truck with our material and we stored in the neighbors back yard until he had a period to install which we thought would take place next Thursday; but he called and plans have now changed to today which will give me more time to get the garden ready to summerize. The tomato's, kales, collards and eggplant are still looking good so I will either cut them down before leaving or leave them for the Ross's but they are leaving a week after me so just maybe I'll take them out completely(summerize). I'll check with the neighbors to see if they will harvest the fruit if not I'll take them down. Nancy had her hair trimmed and colored during the morning hours so she was looking younger. 

Well I was planning on pickle ball for Wednesday(today) but that changed with the fence building at the last minute. I read during the afternoon as it was just too hot to do anything outside until after a supper of leftovers. Nancy had her Bible Study class at 7:30 so she was busy all afternoon with those questions and then Toni and Mark came by for a visit as they sold out in Michigan and had put a bid on a house in New Port Richey. They found out later after leaving our house someone out bided them, so they are still looking once again for a place. The real estate is just too expensive here in the bay area so they are looking further north but it seems the biding war is occurring there as well, LATER

Here is the zucchini pie we had for supper and a picture of the lilac's blooming at the cabin which we never see except for pictures by neighbor Gerald.

Tuesday Morning May 4th

 Well Monday was another hot and humid day here in Central Florida with no rain in sight so I set the front yard sprinkler last evening in hope's of greening up the grass; of course I hand water the gardens and back yard daily. I started the day much the usual with a before 6 roll out to my cup of hot tea while I share these thoughts and activities and then honored my Creator and Lord with some quiet moments of thanks and lifting up several for comfort and healing. All seem well.

I had a fellow pickle ball player pick me up a little before 8 as we headed over to Bardmoor to play on the outside courts. There were 5 of us with 3 gals and 2 men and the play was raucous to say the least. Outside play is totally different from the inside play and then you have the elements to contend with. The biggest was the heat and humidity as we are use to an a/c gym and what we call a power game; outside it's a dink and soft game with more emphasis on placement. I like both games but this time of the year I like the a/c gyn, oh well. We played for 2 plus hours then I was dropped off back at the house as Nancy was supposed to go to a hair appointment.

I left and went to Home Depot and purchased my fencing and hope to pick it up today (Tue) with my fence guys flat bed truck and then get it installed later this week if all goes well. We still are planning on leaving on May 23rd which is coming at us quickly with so many chores to do but we will be ready I'm sure. Neighbor Gerald sent us a picture of the lilac bushes blooming at the cabin and oh how I love the smell along with the peonies. We spoke briefly with Steve who is still in the mountains near our cabin as he gets his place ready for their coming visits this summer and his bringing in his large motor coach which they will use in place of a cabin. He is waiting on the well drillers now that he has the septic system in place and his shipping container which he is turning into a storage place as well as an extra room for a living quarter. He is in love with the area and his land.

Well I read most of the afternoon catching up on some small chores later in the day and then Nancy made a delicious zucchini pie for our supper. Ripe red tomato's make the difference in this dish and I have tons of them. I'm still picking 6-8 a day that are beautiful and nearly that many who have been destroyed by the fruit flies. I have dusted twice and will do so again which does seem to help. On a good note little Huck's fall seem to have been just another saga of growing up. His knot on his forehead has gone down which looked rather bad on Sunday and he seems to be fine except for cutting another molar which had both boys with congestion and in some discomfort all day Sunday, LATER

Monday Morning May 3rd

Well Sunday was an awesome morning of worship at the Seminole Campus for BridgePoint Campus with our Life group with around 30 plus in attendance at 8:15. We had several new faces joining us for the first time as the campus is still being renovated. We are hoping for a June opening to the public but in the meantime we are meeting for breakfast and worship in the fellowship hall which is quite large and will hold several hundred folks.

We got back to the house around 10:30 and got ready for Bobby's family to arrive for lunch and then we watched the kiddos until he and Katie got back around 4'ish. Tyler came and picked up Annsley and Gabriel so they could play with their cousins at his house as we cared for the twins at ours. Bobby was leading a service for a deceased friend of Katie's family at a funeral home in St.Petersburg. I grilled hot dogs for them for a lunch before they headed out around noon.

The twins are cutting molars and are having some pain issues as well as all the effects of that event with some congestion. Tylenol seemed to help for a couple hours but they still were mostly happy and content but their love for food seemed to be on the decline with this event. They did eat but not nearly as much as we are accustom to their eating habits. Huck fell while playing outside after supper and banged his forehead which gave all of us scare with the knot on his forehead, but with ice packs he was back to his usual good natured self by the time they got home to Brandon.

Nancy had a leg of lamb roasting through out the afternoon and the delicious smell had us all mouth watering for the meal around 5'ish. Smashed tatters with the delicious best gravy ever, along with fresh broccoli, garden salad and crusty bread with Robert Redford for dessert. The fruit of the vine flowed before supper for us men. We did watch the Ray's and Bolts win their respective games since they both lost on Saturday.

After the clean up and bath time for the twins they headed out for home as did the Ross's as it was a school and homework needed to be attended too. We spent the next hour or so taking apart beds and putting the house in order. It's a chore when the twins and the rest of the family come for a dinner. My new friend and fence guy came by for some veggies and took a look at what I had done to get ready for the new fence. One of the problems now is getting the fence materials and its costs as the material is scarce and now twice the costs; anyhow I'll check out several building supply places in the area for fencing after pickle ball this morning, LATER

Sunday Morning May 2nd

Well the heat is back with temps in the low 90's for Gabe ball game in Brandon and maybe just a few degrees cooler in Pinellas County. The blue skies and bright sunshine with lots of humidity are prevalent once again which is typical for May. I'm really longing for some cooler temps in the mountains in about 21 days.

I started the day off on Saturday much the usual with a before 6 rollout to my cup of tea while I posted this ramble and then some quiet time with my Creator and Lord giving thanks and lifting several up by name. All are holding a I make this post. I decided since the Rec was closed for a week I would head out there for some pickle ball play. We had a couple of our regulars but then a couple who aren't the best players but it was a good workout for an hour and a half. I came back and hand watered the gardens before we took off to Brandon for Gabe's game at 1PM. Gabe pitched the first 3 innings and did hold them to a tie into the 4th inning when he and his team mates started hitting the ball and they won by 5 runs. It was extremely hot and everyone shared the shade of the big oaks behind and between the fields.

We made a stop at Sam's Club for gas and food items before heading home. Nancy wanted to watch the Derby Race so we had a frozen pizza for our supper around 6:30. I checked on the Ray's and the Bolts and they both lost games yesterday at home. The traffic was crazy on both the interstate and the toll road going and coming home. I really thought many would be gone after Easter but it seems more are here than ever and they drive like they do up north, oh well.

I read for a couple hours after supper until bedtime around 10'ish, LATER 

Saturday Morning May 1st

 Well here we are with a new month and only 22 days until we leave for the mountain cabin, wow I'm excited but also know there is much to do with the two big issues to complete before we go; the back yard fence and the window updates. Oh well, neither are life threatening at this point in time and a reason to abort the mission.

I started out Friday much the usual with a before 6 roll out to my morning routines which start with a cup of hot tea while I post this ramble and then spend some quiet time with my Creator and Lord in thanksgiving and lifting several up for comfort and healing. All are holding as far as I know. I headed out on my bike a little before 8 to the Rec for two hours of pickle ball with some decent players. We did have a couple intermediates which always slows down your game but they only get better when they play against better players so we did a good deed for the day. Next week the Rec is closed due to the POW WOW festival so we will have to go to different venues to play if we play at all. 

I stopped off at the library for a couple new reads before heading home to hand water the garden, pick tomato's and then dust the rest with Sevin Dust as the fruit flies destroyed another half dozen over night. I still managed to save at least that many they hadn't touched. I piddled around outside until lunch time then afterwards read the afternoon away until supper. We tuned into the Ray's game and they were getting blown out by Houston so I turned it off and read until shower time.

Today (sat) we head over to Brandon for Gabe's 1 PM baseball game which will no doubt be another hot one, so I'll head to the Rec this morning for a couple hours of pickle ball play since next week will be limited on playing time, LATER