Wednesday Evening June 30th

 Well Arianne and Family left this afternoon for Ohio and then Michigan. I must say it's been a trying at times a couple of days with these very active boys. I sure hope they out grow some of their actions towards each other and their parents. It was good to see Arianne and Errol and they are hoping to leave the Miami / Hollywood area for good as they are putting their house on the market. We had a better morning with not quite as much drama with the boys and their behavior. They are a handful at times and other times as sweet as can be.

Well there wasn't else to write about as we stopped and welcomed the quietness after two days and nights of non stop activity. We started putting the cabin back in order and then took off on the golf cart to pick black raspberries at the old Browning Place. The new owners contacted us about picking and using the berries which are ripening and would go to waste as they won't be bak for at least another week.. We picked about a gallon and even gave some away to their neighbor which we saw on our way back to the cabin.

We ate some of the delicious leftovers from last nights somewhat disruptive supper when the boys acted up. It was really hard to enjoy the meal but it was awesome in flavor tonight, LATER

Tuesday Morning June 29th

 Well it raining lightly this AM which is much needed by the gardens and yards as Monday was a bit on the warm side especially with guests arriving some time close 6:30 or after. We ate supper at close to 9 as the boys were wound up from being closed up in the car for hours. They are wild to say the least but it was the first time according to their mom they had ever played on real grass, saw trees and the mountains. I honestly do not know how their parents handle them on a daily basis.

We spent the day getting ready for their arrival which was 7 hours off their first mention of being here for lunch but they made it after all of the distractions and of course the severe back up on I-77. We did manage to get word to take an early exit onto 21 which took them through and around the back up. We did get in a hike to the top in the afternoon and I of course manage my non stop first thing hike to the top as I try to maintain.  

I grilled vegetables and marinated chicken breast for our supper as well as had corn on the cob and a fresh salad. We did have some fruit of the vine which helped as these two boys ran ragged first outside which was great to help tire them out but once they got inside it was like they ran ragged through the cabin. Standing in the windows 

tearing the couches pillows off, crawling on the table, running toys across the TV, flipping every light switch, throwing toys and just general mayhem. I'm ashamed I have to write about them but will be so glad when they leave hopefully on Wednesday, oh well. Errol mentioned they have never been called back for a visit from friends because of their behavior and I see why. They try their best to control them but these boys feed on each others hyper activity and general misbehavior. 

Well enough of my first impression of their visit. Hopefully they eventually will out grown this stage and settle down. Both are very intelligent but just hyper active and with out regard to any discipline. We had a good some what interrupted visit with Arianne and Errol at times when the boys were playing peacefully for 5 minutes. I did get to watch part of the Lightning victory in the first game of the Cup playoff. Son Bobby was at the game and it was a great home town/team win at 5-1. Go Bolts, LATER

Monday Morning June 28th

 Well Sunday was another beautiful day here in the mountains. Lots of sunshine with a cool morning although it been getting back to normal here for the summer. Nancy has the a/c on but mainly in the afternoons. I could go without it as its in the middle 70's but she has no tolerance for any heat or cold any longer. We had a day of worship both on line and at Cornerstone in Sparta. After the service we met with the Frankis Family for lunch at a new eatery for both of us on the Little River called Tex-Mex Riverside. I thought the food was very nice, fresh and delicious and moderately priced. That huge burrito lasted me the rest of the day except a late evening snack.

We did get in a hike to the top of the mountain and met with the Avant's briefly and then the Davis's for awhile longer before heading back down the mountain under the threat of rain which could be seen in the distance; but it stayed away from our side of the mountain. We did hit a rather strong rain shower on the way home from Sparta after lunch and shopping once again at Food Lion around 2'ish. We got a sprinkle which was enough to drip off the tin roof for about 5 minutes before the sun came out and dried up all the rain.

I watched the Ray's finally lose a game against the Angels for the first time this year in a close one where they were ahead at one time. I headed out to piddle around in the yards and gardens and transplanted some Swiss chard in the upper garden and some zinnias and marigolds into the portrait fence bed. For some reason that bed did not allow the seeds we sowed to germinate so I'm setting already seedling flowers into it. I have yellow squash set and hopefully by the end of the week we will be eating fresh squash in some form; although fried and in a casserole are my favorites. The cucumbers are loaded with blooms but none set as of yet. The warm nights should help with setting fruits after the cold nights of last week.

Well we are expecting niece Arianne and her family to arrive something later today(mon). She use to come here every summer with her friends and now she is bringing her family. We have always enjoyed her and her visits both here and in Florida over the years. She and daughter Amy were best buddies for years as was son Bobby and her brother Brett. They will be here a couple nights before heading on up to Michigan for a spell with her folks, Nancy's brother Eric, LATER

Nancy has the upstairs bedrooms all ready for guests.

Sunday Morning June 27th

 Well Saturday turned out to be another near perfect weather wise day with warmer temps, lots of sunshine and blue skies with a gentle breeze. It actually did get a little hot in the direct sunshine as we took our late afternoon hike together to the top of the mountain. The heat off the mountain caused all the long distance views to be hazy and nearly non existent. The folks who bought the Conley place came by around 6'ish for a visit and we gave them the grand tour of the cabin and they just loved our place and the yards and gardens.

I started the day much the usual with a before 6 roll out to my routines and then my early morning non stop hike to the top of the mountain before breakfast. Nancy usually gets up before I take off after spending close to an hour or more posting this blog, quiet times with my Creator and Lord and then checking emails and social media responses. The crisp morning air was delicious to say the least and its definitely away to start the day with some good exercise.

I came back and heated up the leftovers from last nights supper and added a couple cackle berries(eggs over easy) to the top with a jalapeno pepper and some Texas Pete. Wow was that ever delicious and that held me until supper time when we made fajitas with the leftover grilled London broil. I sauteed peppers and onions on the grill and then heated the steak in the mix and it made for a great meal with sour cream. After the cleanup we headed out to piddle around in the gardens and flower beds. We watched the Ray's destroy the Angels 13-3 at the Trop in St.Petersburg while preparing supper.

I had started a new read during the afternoon and decided since there were no sports on that I would hit the shower early and then read in bed for an hour or so until lights out at 10 for me. We didn't do a whole lot of big jobs except for getting ready for our guests to arrive on Monday for a couple days. I vacuumed the basement and cleaned up some areas under the porch where I do my repotting of seedlings. We did hand water the gardens again as we are in need of some rain but the grass looks good and will need cutting again this coming week. We have a baby rabbit living under the back porch and we see him often as he scoots in and out at times. He gave Nancy a scare the other day as she was pulling some weeds in the flower bed and he jumped out in front of her. I see a couple larger older rabbits all the time in the yards and they seem very tame, LATER

Saturday Morning June 26th

 Well Friday was a much warmer day finally. I know I will be complaining its hot again but after several mornings of the high 40's and low 50's I was ready to shed the flannel shirt. Our "mountain mom" will be pleased as well as every day when we speak with her she complains of the cold and I agree, oh well. We had plenty of sunshine and blue skies this day but the forecast is for wet weather starting on Sunday.

I started the day much the usual with a before 6 roll out to my cup of hot green tea while I posted this blog and then spent some quiet moments with my Creator and Lord in thanksgiving and lifting several up by name. All seem as well as can be expected. I did my non stop morning hike to the top of the mountain before breakfast and then settled in to a bowl of grits with butter to start the gastric juices flowing. That held me until we picked up our "mountain mom" and took her out to the Circle L eatery for an early supper around 4'ish. The food was a special on Friday's with flounder or shrimp. We all had the flounder and even brought some home. It was excellent with baked tater/ fries and cold slaw/salad and hush puppies/ Texas toast. We all had the fish but mixed up some of the choices. Its a small place not to far from us and this is the second time we've eaten there this summer as they place is under new ownership and they have made it very nice to eat inside or outside on picnic tables. Afterwards we took a couple country roads we had never traveled on before as both Nancy and her love to explore

We stayed and visited with her for awhile before heading home to take a golf cart ride to the top of the mountain. We had been to Galax to stock up at Lowes and Wal-Mart during the early morning hours as we get ready for our niece to arrive Monday as she and her family travel to Michigan. They will be here a couple nights before heading north. Gas prices have started to drop in Virginia. It was down 5 cents from last week but up nearly a buck or more from when this fraud potus took office, oh well.

We piddled around in the yards and gardens, pulling weeds and unwanted grasses from the beds as well as watering and hoeing. The grounds are looking great as are most of the veggie plants. I did get in a little reading on the porch before we headed out to supper and the warm sunshine was awesome. We tuned into the Rays game around 7:30 and then game 7 of the NHL playoffs to see who plays the Canadians for the Stanley Cup and the Lightning won the game 1-0 against a tough New York team. The Ray's also won over the Angels. It was a good night for Tampa Bay sports teams.

Well it wasn't long after the game was over that I was ready for some horizontal lab, LATER

Friday Morning June 25th

Well Thursday the temps stayed down into the 60's after a low 50's start. The sunshine was nice and warm when the clouds stayed away but I basically had a flannel shirt on while working outside during the day. We stayed around the cabin doing small gardening chores as well as getting ready for our evening guests for supper and games afterwards.

I started the day with my usual before 6 roll out to my routines that start with the cup of hot green tea while I post this blog and then some quiet time with my Creator and Lord in thanksgiving and lifting several up by name. All seem as well as can be expected due to ages and health issues. My hand is healing but not completely as its still tender and it maybe that way for awhile, but I'm now able to use it almost as much as before the cut.

I got in my non stop hike to the top of the mountain before breakfast and its so peaceful as I walk and talk with GOD on my hike. The sweet woods smell and the crispness in the morning air is intoxicating to say the least. Such beautiful mornings and it helps with keeping the body in shape as the steep trail takes some energy to do it non stop. Nancy and I took another long hike on a different route just before lunch and it to was nice. The long distance views were shrouded in fog and mist as we could barely see Pilot Mountain and no views for the buildings in Winston-Salem. We saw no one on our hike but did stop by Ann and Frank's recently purchased cabin across the way from us. Everything looked good there and we were amazed someone offered the owner and extra 65 K over the asking price from what she initially accepted to sell to our new friends, oh well.

The garden is holding as well are the flowering beds. I still weed everyday and now I'm back to hand watering the newly transplanted veggie seedlings. The grasses in all of the yards are loving this weather and since I limed it last week it a beautiful green. I did set the rocking chair off the front porch and into the driveway to get the full sun during the afternoon as the clouds really cool off the air and read for a couple hours until it was close to when the Frankis Family was to arrive around 5.

Skylar is such a cutie and will soon be walking. She does take a couple steps and is standing alone but loves to walk while pushing something. She is a great eater as well and is so dad gum cute and smart. She seldom if ever fusses or cries and has a smile when getting attention. She played great while we played two games of Euchre with the wins split between the gals and guys. The grilled marinated London broil was very tasty as was the squash casserole and broccoli. Katelyn brought a creamy cucumber salad and since they are on a low sugar/carb diet we had no bread or dessert which suits me just fine at times. We have enough meat for fajitas another day. I grilled it and sliced it like a flank steak  medium to rare and it was very tasty.

After they left around 8'ish as it was Skylar's bedtime, we cleaned up the dishes then I watched the Ray's play the Red Sox's on the MLB network on my laptop. There was no score until the bottom of the 9th when the Ray's won on a wild pitch. What a game against the team which is in first place. I hit the shower and was soon ready for some horizontal lab a little after 10, LATER

A front porch visitor which hides in between the rocks and boards.

Thursday Morning June 24th

 Well, one more week to go and June will be gone and so will be the long days of summer as we work down to the winter equinox. Time just seems to fly by the older we get. Wednesday was an uneventful day except we did make a Sparta run jut before lunch to the pharmacy, library and grocery store as we are entertaining The Frankis Family; Jake, Katelyn and Skylar for supper today (thur). We outside temps were quite cold this morning at 52 degrees and it did not get much out of the 60's for most of the day. On a sad note an old grade school girlfriend passed away on Sunday and I saw her obituary in the Winchester Star. I hadn't seen her in many years as she grew up on our bus route to Gore School.

I started the day with my usual before 6 roll out to my routines and the cup of hot tea was welcome on this cool morning. After my routines of posting this blog and quiet times to honor my Creator and Lord while lifting several up by name I donned a flannel shirt for my early morning non stop hike to the top of the mountain. I did run off a huge deer which was in the back yard after getting up. It was the first one I've seen in broad daylight in the yards thus far and it was very large. So far no deer damage to the plants.

I piddled around hand watering the recently transplanted beet seedlings in both gardens. They are one hard plant to replant but once they take they are a hardy vegetable. We love the leaves as much if not more than the beet itself. We steam the leaves or add them raw to our salads. I did noticed a couple blooms on the cucumber plants. I pulled weeds and grasses which grow where I don't want them from the flower beds. I have no idea why the zinnias seeds are not germinating as well as expected in the portrait fence flower bed. We have a couple seedlings up but last year the bed was loaded with flowering plants.

We got back around 1'ish from Sparta and popped a frozen pizza in the oven for our lunch. Nancy doctored it up with fresh mushrooms and it was delicious and held us until 6:30 when I fried up the last of the bass we caught a couple weeks ago along with a fresh garden salad. The tomato's I brought with us from my Florida garden are just about gone as I've been ripening them on the back porch railing. They stayed firm in the cool basement much like the ones we get in the store when they are harvested green. The flavor is not as good but these aren't bad. We did take a long hike to the top of the mountain and noticed the black rasp berries at the old Browning place are starting to ripen. Alysia the new owner did mention we could pick the berries if they are gone and the berries are not being used. We must let her know they are ripening.

Well after supper I tuned into both the Rays and then the Lightning games until nearly 11:30 when the Lightning game went into over time. They lost and now move back to Tampa for the final game. The Ray's finally came to life and beat the Red Sox, who are first in their division 8-2. It was a tough night for the Bolts as they suffered some injuries from dirty plays that was never called by the refs, LATER

Wednesday Morning June 23rd

 Well Tuesday started out wet and then it turn cooler and windy so much so I decided the weather wasn't the best to get back to playing pickle ball in the evening. We did get in a long slow hike out to the mail box and then a return up through the woods coming out at the Nymark's place before heading back up the steep drive to the cabin before supper time.

I started the day much the usual with a before 6 rollout to my morning routines that start with a cup of tera after my handful of Nutrilite Vitamins while I posted this daily blog and then some quiet time with my Creator and Lord giving thanks and lifting several up by name. All seem as well as can be expected due to ages and health issues. I didn't get in my usual non stop morning hike due to a lite rain which was needed and by the time it stopped around mid morning we had close to another inch. The gardens sure loved this rain despite a couple down pours. Neighbor Gerald once again used his tractor and scrapped the ruts out of the driveway.

I spent the morning reading and finishing up a couple small chores and then headed out once the rain stopped and the sun came out. I piddled around repotting some seedlings. The air cooled off enough for a flannel shirt until late afternoon when it did warm up to the 70's. The yards look so green from this much needed rain and the flower beds are beautiful as the large potted plants are blooming daily. I did head down the drive with the golf cart to help with packing the gravel into the wet dirt in hopes of hardening up the drive for easier drive up the steep incline. I loaded some large rocks to give the cart more weight in packing down the loose gravel as my two wheel truck usually loosens it. I may have to get a 4 wheel drive next time I trade for a new truck.

The book Beneath A Scarlet Skies by Mark Sullivan is a page turner based on a true story of an Italian teenager who helped with the resistance to the Nazi's during WWII. A great read and he is still alive when the book was published. My daughter turned me onto this story which is very interesting with many turns unexpected twists throughout the story and his life. One of the best true life stories I've ever read about the occupation of the Nazi's in Italy and how he was a driver for the general who was Hitler right hand man for Italy.

Well we had a large breakfast of an egg, sausage and cheese biscuit which was the best ever. I added some ground horseradish to mine to make it even more tasty which held us except a couple peanut butter crackers around lunch. We then had a skillet sauteed salmon fillet and fresh broccoli for our supper which was awesome as we are trying to shrink this belly roll. I even took my abbreviated hike which I missed in the morning after supper while we were out and about in the yards and gardens.

I saw my first daylight deer in the yards this morning (wed) after getting up. It was very large and must have been one of those we saw a couple evenings ago. We did see a couple yesterday evening on out hike out towards the mailbox but the first daylight deer was this AM. I sure hope they stay away from the gardens and the flower beds, LATER

Just a view of the cabin after its been mowed and groomed with the beautiful flowers in bloom.

Tuesday Morning June 22 nd

 Well Monday was a total work day after my early morning hike and we did get a cloud burst around 5'ish that dropped a quarter inch of rain in just a few minutes. It was much needed but a gentler soft soaking rain would have been much nicer, oh well.

I started the day out much the usual with a before 6 roll out to my routines that start with the 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. A few need prayers of healing more than others but thus far everyone is holding. Our nation needs healing with this incompetent bunch in control of the White House whose objective is to undo everything Trump did to put America first. It just infuriates me to see there are those so full of hate for this man they would destroy the country to destroy him. I just do not understand it. I have close friends and family who are in that boat, oh well.

I piddled around in the gardens until the grass dried enough to mow. The dew was light for this morning so I fired up the mower and did all of the yards before lunch and then after lunch weed whacked the property as well. It was a beautiful day with a nice breeze and some clouds which held the temps down into the 70's. I sat and read for an hour or so to cool down after that chore and then we started out on our together hike. We made it to the top of the mountain but heard thunder in the distance so decided to headed back down to be safe from any lightning and down pours. Well it wasn't long after getting back to the cabin the skies opened up for a few minutes and it rained torrential and even during the down pour the sun shined at times.

We cleaned up the left over Swedish meat balls, gravy and made new Jasmine rice for our supper, yeow what a delicious meal but a lot of prep work for Nancy. After the clean up we played some Kings on the Corner as it was too wet to venture out as a light rain crept back into the picture. I did head out between rain showers and killed several slug which come to life after a rain and will destroy a garden over night. I now have green beans up and I'm hoping this rain will bring on the zinnias seeds we sowed in the portrait fence bed. For some reason despite sowing lots of seeds that came up elsewhere in other beds they have not germinated in this bed.

We tuned into the Lightning game and they destroyed the Islanders with an 8-0 score to take a 3-2 lead in the playoffs. We must go back to New York on Wednesday and hopefully knock them out for good. What a game this was and a shut out to boot, Later

Monday Morning June 21st ...The longest day of the year

 Well Sunday was a fun day after a great morning of worship at Cornerstone. We were disappointed in the on line interview service at BridgePoint Church especially it being the grand opening for the new Seminole campus. That type of service needs to be on any day of the week but not when the Gospel is needed preached for a regular Sunday morning, oh well. I must vent my disillusion with the leader ship team which is running the church instead of a lead pastor. Cornerstone had a great message for Father's Day with how to defeat the spiritual warfare that is destroying families in todays society. Once again a great crowd and so many new faces plus lots of youths.

We came home to a lite lunch as we knew we were eating heavy later in the evening with Jake and Katelyn and her mom Karin and step dad, Frank They have a very unique place with lots of animals, gardens and flower beds. and a small stream that runs through their property. They have made their place warm and friendly and Skylar is just a hoot as she is starting walk. We really love being around them and her folks as we go way back when Katelyn was a just a teenager and several years before she became a mom. They both have adjusted after the loss of their first born son due to a fatal disease. We sat out on their deck and dined on burgers, dogs, casseroles and layered salad all delicious and then later pecan and lemon pie before we played the best of 5 in Sequence. Well the gals won the rubber game after a raucous fun game. It was after 9'ish when we decided to head for the cabin as darkness had not fallen completely.

We saw three of the largest deer ever in our back yard as the truck lights illuminated them after getting home. Wow, where they ever large. It was hard to tell if they were bucks but they must have been. I expect they had a good time in my gardens so I'll check later this morning. We are forecasted for some much needed rain from the storm which came inland from the Gulf. The temps have been pleasant although  the A/C in needed in the afternoons.

Both Amy and Bobby called to enlighten my heart with love on this special day set aside to honor dad's. I never knew who my real dad was but and uncle took me in when I was but a wee lad of 4 or 5 and raised me with his girls who all came along after I was living with him and my aunt Joann. She is gone but he still is living at the young age of 94 but is having some serious health issues which comes with that age. I called him at his daughter's house to thank him for being a surrogate dad but he was still sleeping which is what he is doing a lot of these days. I must say he was a hard worker and did teach me the value of hard physical work which I love to this day. Being raised on the farm was difficult at times but I could survive after knowing how to do many of life skills which I try to share with my kids and grands. Also living the biblical principle of you "reap what you sow" has been a life long goal of mine socially as well as professionally while being an officer of the court. I've been a blessed man from a country boy to a world traveler while in the USAF. I have two awesome kids and 7 even more awesome grands who recognize me on this day, LATER

Sunday Morning June 20th

Well Saturday was a fun day and we found a new eatery as well. More on that later in this ramble. I started the day much the usual with a before 6 roll out to my routines that start with a cup of hot green tea while I post the day before's activities and then spend some quiet time with my Creator and Lord in thanksgiving and lifting up several by name. All seem as well as can be expected due to age and health issues. I got in my non stop morning hike to the top of the mountain before a breakfast of oatmeal and fresh fruit. I headed out to hand water the new seedlings in all of the garden patches and to transplant some zinnias from one of the beds into another one which for some reason the seeds did not germinate. Nancy had promised the Luffman's we would come over to see and play with their horses  during the morning and what beautiful gentle giants they are and oh so beautiful.

We spent a couple hours or more petting and playing with these beautiful animals and their young offsprings. The Luffman's are into raising these Gypsy Vanner's as a business now after starting out as a hobby about 8 years ago and have become a leading breeder with selling horses as far away as Australia. Their stud is a magnificent gentle horse and is demand constantly for his siring great foals. We both just love how gentle and friendly these horses are. Kay blessed us with some of her garden lettuce before we left the farm and met up with Gerald and Mechelle at a small local eatery we pass every time we go to Sparta. The Circle L food was fantastic and very plentiful. I will definitely eat and share their good food with others folks. We notice every time we go by the parking lot was full but had no idea it had changed ownership which was for the good since the last time we were there years ago.

We made a stop at our "mountain moms" for a visit on the way home and brought her some of the night before supper of Swedish meat balls, rice and gravy. She is doing well for her age at 93, still drives to town but is now limited on some of her most cherish activities like riding her tractor and mowing. She is or was an outdoor gal and very independent. We promised to go over next week and help with some chores she is unable to do that requires some physical muscle. We got back some where around 2'ish and then after being so full from a lunch we sat and read until it was time for a hike around 4'ish. The hike was uneventful as we never saw or spoke with anyone on top. It was close to 5 before we got back so I piddled around in the gardens and then read until nearly 8. I skipped any supper except for a handful of nuts with my glass of red vino around 7 as the lunch still had me satisfied.

I watched the Lightning game and they were getting beat 3-0 when I hit the shower after the second period which was right at 10'ish. They did come back and make it a close final at a 3-2 loss so they are tied up in games at 2 each. Today is Fathers Day which will find us celebrating with a young family we have grown to know and love at their place for food and games. Jake and Katilyn have the cutest year old daughter named Skylar after losing their first born a son on this day 2 years ago. They are now the youth directors at Cornerstone and doing a fine job as well with a great youth department. They will be such a great help with the development of Skylar as she matures in the church. Both of them are go getters and embody the spirit of hard work, love of Jesus and family. We have been blessed with their friendship, LATER 

A few pics of their horses and the white one became my closet pal while there never leaving my side, she is a gypsy but a different color than most of their horses. Most of these in the pic are young horses but check out their size in comparison to Kay in one pic of a yearling. They are stout and broad backed as they were bred to be work horses.

Saturday Morning June 19th

 Well Friday started out a bit nippy but by late afternoon Nancy had the a/c on in the cabin. There was plenty of sunshine and blue skies throughout the day and a stiff breeze really dried the gardens out. We could use a little rain and I think some is in the forecast starting Sunday and into Monday. I just hope it not a gully washer rain like last week or so when we got 4 inches within two days.

I started the day out much the usual with a before 6 rollout to my routines that start with the cup of tea while I post this blog and then some quiet time giving thanks and lifting several up to my Creator and Lord for comfort and healing All are holding as I write. I took off with my non stop early morning solo hike to the the top of the mountain and then checked all of the gardens upon getting back. It was a quick oatmeal with fruit and nuts for breakfast and then I headed out to catch up on some small piddly garden chores. I'm hand watering the new seedlings twice a day with the hot sunshine and breeze which really dries out the gardens. I hauled a load of compost from last years pile and spread in around in the flower beds and gardens.

Everything is holding as of right now except one jalapeno pepper plants which is questionable if it will make. I did repot the sweet onion seedlings into separate pots, let's hope they make because the last time I did this they all died but three. I'm totally surprised the lettuce seedlings are doing so well. I did lose a couple hills of cucumbers but those were ones I started from seeds which were extra and not really needed. The beets are getting almost large enough to transplant. They are a tough vegetable to transplant because of their deep root but once they put on 4-5 leaves they do fine. We love the beet greens in a salad.

We were having our "mountain family" the Luffman's for supper and then Sequence afterwards. Nancy was in the kitchen making Swedish meat balls which were excellent along with Jasmine rice, green beans and a fresh garden salad. Kay and Mechelle brought crusty bread and a delicious peach cobbler. Afterwards we walked around the yards and then decided to play the game on the deck in the coolness of the evening. We had a great first couple of games with us guys holding but then it turned bad for us as the gals won the next 4 in a row. I had to play a Harvey Hand since there were only two guys vs three gals which is hard to do against these sharp highly competitive gals. It was a fun time and the food was excellent. They stayed until after 9'ish which is quite unusual. After they left we washed up the dishes and then it was shower time for me and soon some horizontal lab, LATER

Friday Morning June 18th

 Well Thursday was a mixture of work and fun with lunch out in Sparta at the Horizon Bistro. It was delicious but a little pricey. I had one of the specials that really was a gourmet dish of shrimp in a white sauce over a pasta, absolutely prepared to perfection and Nancy had a burger and fries which was also tasty. The chef is an old church friend as well as his mom who works there. They have several contracts daily with the senior center, sheriff department and now the hospital plus this small diner. Our server was  a local graduate and just a sweet heart of a beautiful young lady.

Well the day started with a before 6 rollout to my cup of hot tea while I posted this daily journal or ramble and then some quiet time with my Creator and Lord in humble thanksgiving and lifting up several by name for comfort and healing. We got word that Paw Paw was being released from the VA hospital after a serious bladder issue and gone back home with Pat in West Virginia. She has her hands full with him but is doing a great job while being a 24/7 caretaker which is more than I could do. I haven't any news on anyone else at this time especially no news on anyone passing on. Kathryn seems to be doing better according to Carol as they have now moved into their condo. Our neighbors across the street in Florida are moving out as they must have sold their house for close to 400K which is unbelievable. The small rustic cabin here in the mountain was sold to our neighbors sister for 125 K and the owner had an unseen offer of 185K but had already accepted the offer by our friends and stayed with the decision.

I did a little garden work early in the morning after my alone non stop hike to the mountain top before breakfast. Wow it was another chilly morning with temps in the low 50's but the hike was awesome. I set out 20 or so lettuce seedlings in the upper garden and hand watered everything a couple times during the day. A nice breeze kept the temps down but the sun was really hot and kept everything dried out in the gardens. It was basically a piddle around day before and after our trip to Sparta. We made a lunch, library, post office, Food Lion and Hawks produce stand stops before heading home. We did take another long slow hike up the back trail to the top of the mountain around 4'ish. We visited with Ann, Frank, Laura and Ben as they told us of the Huck's decision despite the huge cash offer on her cabin. They are so thrilled that we played a major part in them getting this cabin when all we really did was make it known it was for sale by the Huck's who were our friends on FB. Edith Huck is a person of integrity and a keeper of her word for sticking to the offer which she was asking initially.

We stopped and visited with Tommy and Carol who we hadn't seen in ages as they were visiting their place. Both of them have some health issues despite being much younger than we are. Their son Jeff was there as well and we met him and found him to be quite an enjoyable person. He runs a wedding venue in Hamptonville and shared some of his photos which is not far from the mountains. We headed on across the top and see where the Herron's are gone as the new big house was closed up. Well it was supper time by the time we got back to the cabin and we finished up some leftovers. Afterwards I walked around the yards and gardens as the shade finally gave some of the flower beds a reprieve from the hot sunshine. We had purchased some more bedding flower plants and I put them into the bed by the upper side of the cabin. The huge poppy plant had bloomed so Nancy cut it back and we put some salvia flowering plants in that space. The coneflower are heading up as are the daisy flowers. The beds should be in full bloom by the time Bobby and family arrive the middle of July.

I headed inside as dusk settled into the area and tuned into the NHL playoff game and the Lightning prevail in New York with a 2-1 wins over the Islanders What a hard fought game. I think the Rays must have been off for the night so they didn't lose for a change, LATER

Thursday Morning June 17th

 Well this month is now half gone and we are coming up on the longest day of the year on the 21st. It seems the days just started getting longer and now in another couple days they will start getting shorter. Life is just moving too fast the older we get, oh well. It sure beats the alternative.

I stated Wednesday with my usual routines with a before 6 roll out to my cup of hot green tea while I posted this ramble and then some quiet time with my Creator and Lord lifting up several for comfort for the loss of a loved one and for those who are still battling health and age issues. Nancy was still in the sack so I did my social media perusing while making my comments and quips. I'm surprised I haven't been censored again on FB as I threaten to sue them for violating my first amendment rights. I'm sure they laugh at that, but the governor of Florida has made it known they are liable for their egregious behavior.

Well I once again took and early morning non stop hike to the top of the mountain in the cool morning air. I actually needed a warm flannel shirt on this chilly morning. The morning ambiance was delicious to say the least with crisp fresh air, the woods smell and the quietness in the still of the morning. Once again I gave praises to my GOD for life and such an abundance of it which is promised in His Word. I came back and had some oatmeal then headed out to piddle around in the gardens and the yards. I heard voices through the woods over to the Hucks cabin which she decided to sell this year due to Jim her husbands health issues. We are friends on FB with Ms Hucks so we told out neighbors on top of the mountain who's sister has been looking for a couple years for a place to buy here. They were able to purchase it on Nancy's quick thinking and with our friendship with these new folks; Ann and Frank Withrow who are relatives of Ben and Laura Dais who bought the Sandy and Ann Cline property. 

They came by and gave us the run down on what was going on when all along Ms Huck's had made up her mind to sell to our friends family despite the realtor still showing it throughout the day with several prospective buyers. Long story short she wanted folks to have it who were known and who love the area as much as they did and we do. So we have new neighbors through the woods and come to find out Frank worked with the wife of one of my fellow troopers years ago. They will come and go as they will be like us keeping our Florida residency but visit mainly through the summer months. They are in our age range with both retired and now have relatives on top of the mountain as well.

Lowes delivered our new dryer in a huge truck which barely fit in our driveway, but they got it done in record time and even took the old dryer which still worked somewhat which was a blessing to me and hopefully someone else; I didn't have to get rid of it at the dump. We took a golf cart ride out to the mail box and stopped and visited with Mike and Linda who bought the Conley(Russ and Linda) place last year. We had a great catching visit with them and shared some numbers for work he wants done around his place.

We did take a long slow hike before supper to the top of the mountain for Nancy's benefit and once again stopped and visited with the new neighbors and the Davis's who were porch sitting. It seems several cars were trying to get down the back road which is impassable to the Huck's cabin which was originally on the market for one day. People are clamoring to get out of the big cities and relocate to the country and the real estate market here is jumping as it is in Florida.

We had leftovers for supper and as the evening chill crept back into the picture I piddled around working outside in the cool fresh air until 8'ish. Nancy was bundled up with a cup of hot tea while I was enjoying the cool temps. I managed to give drinks to the new seedlings and then did some hoeing to loosen the packed soil. I want to transplant the lettuce seedling into the upper garden today (Thur). We have to go to Sparta today as well as we are entertaining the Luffman's for supper on Friday evening and I have a couple of reads at the library ready to be picked up, LATER

Wednesday Morning June 16th

 Well Tuesday was another near perfect weather wise day with lots of sunshine and blue skies and the temps weren't too hot with the nice breeze which made for a perfect day of work. I love being physically active and working hard especially outside which is one of my favorite things to do.

I started the day with a well before 6 roll out to my routines that start with the hot tea after my handful of Nutrilite vitamins and supplements, believe me when I say these are the finest and my body knows the difference when you get good quality products. I'm still an IBO mainly to have access at a basic cost and if anyone is every interested give me a jingle. There is a new interest from Amway for expanding their base. I did my quiet time giving thanks to my Creator and Lord and lifting up those I know and love as well as those who are hurting and need some prayer. It's been a rough month for those I know with a couple passing on due to illnesses and old age. About half of my graduating class are gone and I feel so blessed to be able to hike this mountain first thing in the morning talking to my Creator along the way and then again in the evening with Nancy on a larger hike. We both have added a few inches around the midsection and are trying to shrink it with better eating habits and exercise.

I had a bowl of oatmeal with cinnamon, honey, pecans, walnuts and a ripe banana after getting back from my hike and then started the work day around 8'ish. The grasses were covered with dew so I loaded up a couple sacks of lime in the golf cart and gave all the yards a dressing. I couldn't do that when we first arrived because Rocky loves to eat the grass and we didn't want him to get sick. After that I headed inside to give all of the down stairs hardwood floors a wet mopping once again because Rocky drooled and had throw up a couple times. After the floor dried I used some hardwood floor cleaner and wax and dry mopped the entire downstairs. Wow, what a difference in looks but just walking barefoot on it was wonderful. We took all the rugs and hung then outside to air out as well and opened all the windows. I then loaded up the weed whacker and headed down the driveway to manicure it before lunch. I really worked up a sweat walking up the driveway while weeding.

After lunch I decided to change out the old fence around the upper garden patch and loosen up the ground for sowing some green bean seeds and setting out more cucumber seedlings which I had started from seeds. I now have a good row of radish seedlings and the lettuces are ready for setting out in the upper garden patch as well. I've had no luck with my kale seeds sprouting so I'll try again today as I've waited for nearly two weeds but they did not germinate well and neither did the Swiss chard. I have a couple seedlings but not nearly enough as we eat both of them almost daily in our salads. They are a super food which most folks don't know how wonderful they are for your diet. We have found that Nancy may have an intolerance to tomato's as she has been somewhat gastric pain free since cutting them out. Thats just too bad for her as she loves anything with tomato's in it especially a fresh garden salad, oh well I'll just have to eat her share.

We had deer tacos for our supper and wow is that not the best meat ever as its free of hormones and antibiotics and the flavor is fantastic to say the least; once again many thanks to neighbor Gerald who blesses us yearly with a batch of frozen ground venison. He harvests them on our properties and I'm sure they are the ones who frequent my garden at nights and thats why they are so tasty. After supper we took a long slow hike to the top of the mountain and saw Joe who now lives in the old Norman place with wife Debbie. He is working from home and loves being here in the mountain while Debbie still has to work in Durham. His in laws build the new huge house just down the road. He was walking his dog the same time we were walking across the top of the mountain. The far away views were so clear on this chilled evening. There was talk in the weather forecast for upper 40's for last night.

Well I tuned into the Lightning game and it was a hard fought game with the Lightning winning to even up the games played at 1 all with a 4-2 win over the New York bunch of thugs. We have to go there for the next two games and they should be exciting. The Ray's lost to the White Sox 3-0 but still have the best record in baseball as to date. We are supposed to get our new clothes dryer delivered today, LATER

Just a few evening hike pics.

Tuesday Morning June 15th

 Well its quiet around the cabin since everyone has gone especially on my early morning hike with out Rocky. He sure loved these mornings hikes and now Amy say's he is depressed since getting home to their small back yard and the heat and humidity. I can understand that as I too would be in the heat and humidity which comes to Florida this time of the year.

I started the day on Monday much the usual with a before 6 roll out to my routines, always after posting this blog and spending some quiet time with my Creator and Lord in giving thanks and lifting several up for comfort and healing. We loss another dear friend and great lover of Jesus yesterday and while at 86 seems old it doesn't to some I know who are much older. Skip was a great businessman and an ambassador for Christ his whole life. We shared many meals together at his beautiful home in Sarasota and got to know his whole family through Element Church where his daughter is a leader and a very close friend of our son Bobby. He suffered greatly this last year or so with some major health issues but was at the time of his passing seemingly getting better. He will be greatly missed for his sweet spirit and generosity as Heaven gained another saint.

Well its seems we wore out the old dryer over the years which was second hand to begin with, so off to Lowes in Galax for a replacement which they will deliver supposedly on Wednesday. We then did some grocery shopping at Wal-Mart while there before gassing up and getting back at the cabin. It was going on 3 before we actually set down for a sandwich for lunch and that kept us satisfied the rest of the day except for a bowl of pop corn popped the old fashion way on top of the stove with olive oil. Wow that's the first in ages and it was delicious as we ate it around 7:30. I piddled around outside during the afternoon until it was time to head out around 5 for a long hike to the top of the mountain. We stopped and visited with Ben and Laura who are from Jacksonville, Fl. and he too is having some major health issues. He and I are within a couple years in age with each other.

We checked out Steve and Sheri's place for any water damage as we had another storm during the night on Sunday leaving us another inch or more of rain. Thankfully it did not wash out our driveway again but that's been over 4 inches of rain this past week. I'm ready for some dry weather as I'm hoping to salvage some of my garden and get the upper patch planted. The squash and cucumber plants have survived the rain thus far and so has the tomato plants which one has bloomed. I now have radishes up and the lettuces if the slugs don't eat them over night are ready to be set out into the ground. I did purchase some green bean seeds and more Zinnias seeds yesterday.

We are getting the cabin back in shape and the laundry is starting to recede with the outside clothesline full with sheets and comforters yesterday drying in the full sunshine. That's the way I grew up and the fresh air smells to laundry is intoxicating. After dark I tuned into the Ray's game and they won again now we just need the Lightning to win tonight in Tampa against the Islanders, LATER

Just a shot of one flower bed and the cabin across the way from us through the woods is going on the market if anyone is interested. I believe she is asking 125 K on around and acre of land. Its rustic but does have a well and septic and its been there years before we purchased our property in '92. It's good for sitting on the porch as the land is unusable due to the steepness as you can see.

Monday Morning June 14th

 Well its all quiet here at the cabin except for the dew dripping down from the dormer onto the tin roof  this Monday morning since the Ross Family left yesterday. They are back safely in hot, humid Florida after several days here that required flannel shirts when they first arrived. The sound of Rocky snoring is missed as well. He really did quite well sleeping in his huge crate at nights but his snoring matched Nancy's at times. We always have such a grand time entertaining family and friends here at the mountain cabin.

After they left which was a little after 6 AM we stayed up despite getting up at 5 which is usually around the time when I awake each morning. We did some piddly chores before our usual morning routines and then getting ready for worship at our local church at Cornerstone in Sparta. Today was youth Sunday and this week is their annual mission emphasis with another youth group from Michigan who will be here all week staying at the church. We had a block party at the church last evening and we helped out with serving the food and other chores to accommodate a large crowd of a couple hundred folks from the community with free food, games and eventually a movie. We left after the cleanup and before the movie started. What a grand time once again renewing old friendships and loving up on these mountain folks and helping all folks get closer to GOD.

Well our old dryer finally kicked the bucket. We've had it second hand ever since we built the cabin and its been a good one but yesterday after drying a couple loads since getting home from church she was a no go, so its off to Galax and Lowes to see about a new one today, Monday. We try to dry as much as possible outside but we've had so much rain lately we haven't been able to and of course our company always uses the dryer. I grew up hanging clothes outside all my life and still do when the sun is shining. I did manage to get down the fences we used to keep Rocky out of most of the gardens. We decided instead of eating out after church which we usually do, since we were coming back around 5 PM to eat some leftovers from the past couple days. They were delicious and even better leftover was the roast chicken, taters and gravy.

I did manage to watch a little of the Ray's and Lightning games and the Ray's were winners again with the best record in all of baseball; but on a sad note we learned the Lightning lost the first game to the Islanders 2-1 in the best of 7 games to see who plays for the Stanley Cup. I watched the first two periods before leaving for Cornerstone and they were losing 1-0, oh well there are 6 more games and we still have a chance to repeat for the Cup.

Well that was about it as we got back to the cabin just before dark. The deer were out feeding and we saw lots of them. The sun was out for the biggest part of the day despite a foggy start and the temps warmed up close to 80 at one time which is usually about the hottest it gets here normally. The garden sure loved the drying heat but just about bedtime I heard a heavy rain shower on the roof. We've had over 3 inches of rain in the last 36 hours with gully washers. Neighbor Gerald scrapped the driveway during the afternoon and once again smoothed it out. Many thanks to him, LATER

Sunday Morning June 13th

 Well I'm up early as the Amy and Family are getting ready to head out for Florida this AM. They want to leave by 6 or before so as to get home before too late. Traveling with three kiddos and a large dog will cause them to stop more than usual. I hear them upstairs as they get ready to do some final packing. It's 5 AM.

We had a grand visit as always with them but the weather never was as good as it could have been with down pours throughout most of the day on Saturday. We did get a break for a couple hours just before lunch so we all took a hike to the top of the mountain and then across the flat area before heading back down just in time as the skies opened up once again and really never stopped until just before dark. What a soggy wet messy day so we stayed in and played games and watched some sports throughout the evening.

Well Amy just came down and let Rocky out of his cage. He is one happy dog in the mornings and goes around swishing tail and greeting everyone. We will miss him but not his failure to listen or his running through my flower beds. He took off yesterday afternoon when we let him out to potty and ended up down at neighbor Gerald's house causing some excitement with his family. He is such a large rather mean looking animal but has a great disposition except for being a puppy.

Well its off to church this morning and then we are to help with a mission group visiting for a week from Michigan which will help keep us occupied. I'm hoping the rain stays away so I can get some gardening now that the big puppy won't be around to run through the beds, LATER

Saturday Morning June 12th

 Well Friday was another busy fun filled day with the Ross Family. We guys went fishing at our "mountain moms" pond and had good results and the gals all went to the big town of Sparta and did some shopping. It did rain in the afternoon for about 30 minutes and the low clouds kept the heat at bay while we fished for a couple hours. Sam was the man with catching bass as he out fished the rest of us 2-1 as he put 8 keepers in the bucket to our 4. I cleaned and filleted them and we fried them up for our supper which was delicious to say the least.

I started the day much the usual with a 6'ish roll out 2 hours before anyone else made their way out of their beds; of course I hit the sack some where around 10'ish unless we are into a board game or a ball game on the tube. I did my routines that start with some quiet time with my Creator and Lord giving thanks and lifting several up for comfort and healing. All seem well as can be expected. 

I took Rocky on a hike to the top of the mountain for our before breakfast hike and he throughly loves the exercise as do I. I'm eating high on the hog with our family so I need the exercise. The hand is starting to heal where I can use it more every day and I'm looking forward to getting back on the pickle ball court sometime in the next week or so. I did piddle around in the gardens and noticed a cut worm cut off my basil plants. I have several new vegetable seed sprouts breaking ground and I'm anxious to pot them up into 6 packs for future planting into the garden.

I spent a good hour looking for fishing worms and managed to find a couple dozen for Sam to use. I used a plastic worm but we let him use the real thing and it showed up with his catching fish for our supper. He and Tyler must have thrown back another dozen smaller bass and I lost several before we could get them out of the water and into the bucket; they were in a biting frenzy I guess due to a storm approaching. Any how it was one of the high lights of Sam's vacation. He also chowed down on them thinking they were the best ever and can't wait until next year when he can fish again, LATER

Friday Morning June 11th

 Well the weather didn't cooperate for Tyler and Sam on the Appalachian Trail as severe warnings for lightning and flooding caused them to abort their goal of two nights and three days. They did get in a 6 mile hike before turning around and then coming back to the cabin. Maybe next year the weather will be better as they can try again. There was much disappointment but it's better to be safe than sorry especially when dealing with lightning storms and no shelter.

I started the day much the usual with a before 6 roll out to my usual routines while Rocky slept and snored in his cage in the same room. He can sleep through a storm and his snoring and Nancy's are definitely a number one. I did my blog and some quiet time to honor my Creator and Lord giving thanks and lifting up several; all seem as well as can be expected. I took Rocky on a hike to the top of the mountain once the light rain stopped around 9'ish It had rained through the night to the tune of nearly 3/4 of an inch of rain. At times it poured buckets and saturated the yards and gardens.

After breakfast I piddled around outside moving some plants into larger pots for the porch when Rocky leaves on Sunday. He is a busy body when it comes to things on the porch so I'll wait until he leaves. He has some really big sticks he has drug out of the woods laying around the yards that he likes to chew on from time to time. I did manage to work in the circle drive bed while the kiddos kept him busy inside and transplanted my cucumber plants. They did well there last year so I'll try them there again this year. I've noticed more and more zinnias are popping up in different beds that I've sowed with last years flower heads.

The herbs are doing great thus far as are the lettuce seedlings. I did lose a couple over night due to the down pours but most have added another leaf. I'll set them out as soon as Rocky departs the hill. We did lose power for some reason last afternoon for an hour or so around 4'ish. We did hear some thunder in the distance and some lightning must have been with it because it seems it was only in our area according to the folks at the call center, oh well. Nancy made a huge delicious pot of Zuppa Soup which all the kiddos love with a loaf of crusty bread made for an excellent supper.

After the cleanup we played a little of the Kings on the Corner with Amy  before I hit the shower around 10 and then it was lights out for me. They all must have stayed up late as there is no one stirring in the cabin as I make this post, LATER

Thursday Morning June 10 th

 Well Wednesday started out rather nice with plenty of sunshine but it clouded over and we got a rain shower that didn't last long but enough to bring in the recently hung laundry drying on the clothesline, oh well whats new here is the weather can change on a moments notice. It stayed bright sunshine the rest of the day until The Ross Family arrived somewhere around 4'ish then it poured rain again. Rocky was so excited to see them and nearly broke everything in the house wagging his tail. What a joyful reunion for them as well as they all hugged and kissed him.

I did take Rocky on a hike up the back trail before breakfast and he got a good workout as he ran and sniffed at every bush and tree in the woods. He slept off and on the rest of the morning an afternoon on the back porch until his family arrived. I did my usual morning routines that include some quiet time after a breakfast of oatmeal. I did manage to resow some kale and Swiss chard seeds and saved a couple sweet onion seedlings which most had died for some reason. I have no idea why I'm having such a terrible time with growing onions here this past couple years. My garlic patch is doing fine despite it being in the same family, oh well.

I noticed I have a bloom on one of the Celebrity tomato plant I bought as only one of the ones I brought from Florida survived the trip and a small green jalapeno pepper is already set as well. The recently repotted lettuce seedlings are doing fine and as soon as Rocky leaves I'll be setting them in the ground. I'm not sure why the kale and Swiss chard never germinated either. The zinnias and marigolds are up in several of the flower beds and most all of the bedding flowers did well despite some rather large paw prints evident among them.

Well last night wasn't a good night for the FSU women's softball team despite taking an early lead. The rubber game will be played today to decide the championship. The Rays also lost last night to the Nats. We watched the games after a delicious supper of roast chicken, smashed tatters, frozen corn, fresh carrots and gravy and corn bread. What a feed. Tyler and Sam head off this morning (thur) to hike part of the Appalachian Trail near Mount Rodgers for 3 days and two nights. The sad thing is its raining rather steady here at the cabin most all night and now its looking an all day rain, LATER

Wednesday Morning June 9th

 Well Tuesday was another beautiful day here in the mountains with lots of sunshine, a little rain shower and moderate temps in the upper 70's. We headed to Galax before lunch to stock up for the Ross Family who will be arriving later today(wed) from their week of vacation with the Tyler's family in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. It looks from the pictures they had a fun time with family for this past week.

I started the day much the usual with a before 6 roll out to my daily morning  routines while both Nancy and Rocky slept; both are snores and entertained me while I posted this ramble. I spent some quiet time after posting this ramble with my Creator and Lord in thanksgiving and lifting several up for comfort and healing. All seem as well as an be expected  as I've heard nothing to the contrary.

I took Rocky up the steep back trail before breakfast and across the back road to get him some exercise. He has been some what lazy this past week but we have noticed he isn't limping as much since he hasn't been chasing the kiddos around the yards; but that will change later today as they should be back here in the early afternoon. 

We gave neighbor Gerald a ride to Sparta to retrieve his truck while on our way to  Galax and then headed on in to town on a different route through the mountains. We ran into a very heavy rain storm as we entered Galax with water rushing down the parking lot of Food City. It cleared off and in an hour you would never have known it has water ankle deep in the parking lot. We then headed over to Wal Mart where I dropped Nancy off to shop and I headed to fill up the truck at 2.84 a gallon. I sat in the parking lot and read while she shopped. Well it was going on 2 o'clock before we got back to the cabin and had a bite of lunch after unloading and storing our goodie.

I decided since the say basically was shot not to do any physical work projects and I was really into my book to set on the back porch and read for the next couple hours. I'm close to the last couple of hundred pages to being complete when it was suddenly going on 6. Nancy pan fried a salmon steak which was delicious with some peas and a fresh salad for our supper then we settled into the Lightning game, the Rays and the college softball world series game. All of the Florida teams won as we had all three on the T.V. at one time; switching back and forth during commercial breaks.

The Lightning beat the Carolina team 4-1 in the bet of 7 games and now move on to the next round for the Stanley Cup. The FSU team best a good Oklahoma team 8-5 and now must play them again this evening to win the title and the Ray's beat the Nationals at home as well. A good day for Florida teams, LATER

Tuesday Morning June 8th

 Well it was an overcast misty wet damp kind of morning to start the day which for me was a before 6 start to the day. I had been putting off mowing on account of Rocky, but decided I wanted to get it done if the grass ever dried out but first I wanted to transplant some lettuce seedlings that finally broke through the ground. After my morning routines that always include after posting this ramble some time with my Creator and Lord in thanksgiving and lifting up several by name. All are holding as of this moment.

After Nancy got up before 8 which was early for her I had a bowl of oatmeal before heading out to work outside for most all day except after mowing which was early afternoon around 2'ish then I sat and read for a couple hours.  I'm half way through LONESOME DOVE which I love. I did transplant around 30 lettuces of two different varieties into 6 packs as they only had two leaves, once they get another two leaves I'll set them out in the garden proper. I moved some herbs into different areas of the garden and now the only one I'm missing is thyme which I love. The tomato' plants and peppers are doing well but I could not get kale yet to come up for some reason. I'll resow it again along with Swiss chard both of which are super foods and so good for you. We love them both raw in our salads and cooked as well.

I worked in the upper garden weeding it and getting it ready for the leafy greens once they get large enough to set out. I usually set out tomato's up there but decided to change it up this year. I also decided to not rotor till this garden as well as it was somewhat easy to loosen up with all of the compost I placed in it last fall. I noticed lots of earth worms and with rotor tilling it kills them so I did it by hand which kept me busy up to an early lunch at 11:30. After lunch I spent the next couple hours mowing the entire cleared property and boy does it ever look good and with the rain shower last evening it really perked up. It poured for a few moments then tampered off to a light soaking rain for about 30 minutes which everything needed.

We watched the college women's fast pitch softball world series and Florida Sate whupped Alabama as did Oklahoma did JMU in the early game. It wasn't long after the game I hit the shower and was soon ready for some horizontal lab. Monday was the first really hard working day since I injured my right hand which is slowly healing. I'm still band aiding it and wearing gloves but it starting to scab over which was a worry since I lost a chunk out of the hand between the index and the thumb. I sure hope it doesn't affect my pickle ball grip if I ever get to play again, LATER.

By the way my 30 days of FB jail is over for now but do not expect me to let these commie sensors off with not telling the truth. So as much as I love to comment I'm not their kind of a  basement dweller and I'm sure I will violate their community standards which is hate GOD, America, Family, Babies, Police and the rule of law and have a double standard for all liberal democrats who love them.

Rocky enjoying the fresh mowed yard in the sunshine and Nancy's poppy's are beautiful with 3 or 4 more to open.

Monday Morning June 7th

 Well Sunday was a good day of worship with both our on line BridgePoint Church service and then again in person at Cornerstone in Sparta. It was a great to see and hug so many necks of our mountain church family. The weather was perfect with warm temps, a breeze and blue skies. We could use a shower or two as we are hand watering our plants and vegetables.

I started the day much the usual with a before 6 roll out to my morning routines, posted this blog and then spent some quiet time with my Creator and Lord giving thanks and lifting several up for comfort and healing if it be His will. I'm totally blessed with two great kids and 7 grand kiddos and still able to hike the mountain daily, gardening and now that my hand is starting to heal I'm thinking of getting back to more physical work and even pickle ball with our neighbor Gerald and his friends in Elkin.

We are having a fun time with Rocky although he surprises us at times with his eating any and everything plus his dog food, treats and supplements. He must have eaten something after supper while we were walking around outside that caused him to throw up his supper in the house after we came in for the evening. Anyhow he is a big hand full and has a bit of a stubborn side at times but for a huge dog he is gentle until he gets exited, then he is like a bull in china cabinet with his excitement.

We took Jake, Katelyn and Skylar out to lunch at the pizzeria. We caught up on all thats been happening since we last saw them the end of October. He had cut down 5 large trees for wood for his stove that creates hot water for his house and we we so thankful for his needing the wood and us getting more sunlight into the backwoods yards. The grass has already looked so much better since he started taking out trees last year.

Well I tuned into the Ray's game and watched it on the laptop for most of the afternoon. The Ray's won again in Texas 7-1 after being behind the whole game until the bats came to life in the 8 and 9th innings. After the game we had a sandwich for our supper then I took Rocky on a hike to the back road and let him wonder around in the woods. He loves to explore but does have a tendency to eat whatever he smells as edible. I piddled around in the gardens as the evening came upon us as it was beautiful to be outside. I moved those pepper plants I brought from Florida to make room for the Roma tomato plants I bought here and then hand watered the gardens and a couple flower beds. The poppy plant has 7 blooms and three opened over night. They are a vibrant orange and so pretty. The marigolds are showing some color in the one flower bed as are the zinnias's. I want to set the cucumber seedlings into the ground as soon as Rocky leaves as thats one bed I didn't have enough fence to protect the plants from him.

Well I'm about half way through LONESOME DOVE and its getting very good. I just love this story and of course I do remember many of the events that happen and its just an awesome read, LATER

Just another look at the backwoods yard without the trees and a couple of the poses of Rocky. He will miss all of this outdoor adventure.