Saturday Morning July 31st

 Well here it is the last day in July which always meant growing up there was one more day of summer before school started in September; but all thats changed from way back when things were normal. Oh well. Friday was another warm one here in the mountains but not nearly as hot as down yonder. We saw the middle 80's which is a cold front this time of the year in Florida. There was some humidity but not terrible but now that we have a/c it makes no difference as we just flick a switch and it immediately starting to cool down. Such a blessing.

I started the day with my usual routines of a 6'ish rollout to my cup of hot 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 for comfort and healing. I lost another classmate and church member friend who had been ill for quite some time. She had already lost her husband years ago and was in steady decline for years but was only a year ahead of me in school and in age. I grew up knowing her through church and riding the school bus together for years. RIP Margaret Allamong(Hicks).

I got in my solo early morning hike to the top of the mountain before breakfast and then we got in our together hike just before lunch before it got to hot. We took a golf cart ride to the top later in the evening after supper and we could barely see off the mountain due to the haze from the heat. We stopped and chatted briefly with Billy and then the sisters Ann and Laura and hubbies who were all porch sitting in the shade across the road from him. Billy loaded me up with some sawed off pieces of lumber for the next campfire. We porch sat ourselves for a couple hours reading during the heat of the afternoon.

I piddled around in the garden loosening some packed soil and messed with the yellow jackets who once again invaded the garden. I've gassed them twice and did it again after dark. One stung me on the finger so I got revenge as they are a nasty aggressive bee. Hopefully this douse will do in the nest as I dug down to where it was exposed which got me stung, oh well. With all the land around why would they want to nest in my garden?

I watched the Rays whup up on Boston at the Trop 7-3 and now we are just a half game back from them as they lead our division. They have two more games over the weekend and let's hope our bats continue to explode with home runs and hits, LATER

Daisy's and Cone flowers are so beautiful as they grace our place.

Friday Morning July 30 th

Well Thursday found us with warmer than normal temps during the afternoon with bright sunshine and blue skies. No rain fell for another day so I drug out the hose and gave every thing a drink before sun down. I started the day much the usual with a before 6 roll out to my routines that start with the cup of tea while I posted this ramble 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 as some folks are on a day by day list for comfort and healing. Ava Mae was not affected by the huge earthquake in Alaska that rocked the area with an 8.2 quake and several after shocks. 

I got in my before breakfast non stop solo hike to the top of the mountain and we got in our long together hike before lunch. We stayed mainly on the back road in the shade as the front road was just blazing hot on top in the direct sunshine. I piddled around in the gardens harvesting more lettuces that were going to ruin if not cleaned and the spun dry and stored in the fridge. Everything else is holding and I see some color from the recently sowed Bibb lettuce seeds. They may not make as the heat is becoming a factor for leafy greens.

After lunch we chilled on the front porch and I had the Rays vs Yankees game on the laptop and muted the sound while we each read for a couple hours. The Rays won big 14-0 for a change and I finished a Lee Child book with Jack Reacher as the central character. A good and exciting read from this author. Nancy made one of my favorite casseroles for supper using zucchini's from the garden. We have enough leftover for either lunch or supper with a fresh garden salad.

We headed out to the mailbox on the golf cart after the supper cleanup and then up to pick blueberries from Dave and Alicia's place. Dave mentioned to pick them and we did and then Alicia showed up with a girl friend so we gave the berries to them as they will be here until Sunday. Their bushes are loaded as are ours but ours are late in ripening thus far, LATER

A delicious zucchini pie made with our bounty

Thursday Morning July 29th

Well Wednesday started out with pleasant  temps but by late afternoon we probably had our warmest day yet with temps in the 80's and lots of bright sunshine. Today (thur) is supposedly another day like yesterday. At least we skipped the rain for a day. I started the day much the usual with a 6'ish roll out to my usual routines with a cup of hot tea while I post this ramble, some quiet time with my Creator and Lord giving thanks and lifting up several by name. All seem as well as can be expected. Our "mountain mom" Helen is also doing better as she having some issues with coughing. We check on her daily by phone.

I got in my before breakfast non stop solo hike to the top of the mountain and then checked on the gardens and yards. I did harvest another nice mess of lettuces, kale, Swiss chard and beet greens for the salad bowl. I also pulled another couple of cucumbers and yellow squash. The tomato's are getting large but none ripening as of yet. The green bean plants are huge and starting to set little beans so we should have a mess within a few days. The nasty slugs are everywhere and continue to put holes in the leaves of the low hanging plants, oh well. I'm trying to stay organic with no pesticides.

We had out three more loads of laundry on the lines as it was a perfect day for drying outside on the clothesline. The afternoon was spent on the porch reading and enjoying the breeze in the shade. We never did take a hike together but did take a golf cart ride out to the mailbox after supper and then stopped by Ann and Frank's as they are putting their recently purchased cabin into shape with a new roof, new furniture and many up grades. The inside of the common/kitchen area is huge. They won't have to worry about grass mowing as they are nestled back into the woods. Its cute and quaint and they got a really good bargain but there are a few issues they will have to over come such as the basement which is partially still a dirt floor and the roof has lots of wood rot which is being replaced as well as the gutters and the fascia boards.

We got back just before dusk and I settled into the Rays game and I learned this AM they lost in extra innings to the Yank's oh well. The Rays are still several games ahead of them in the standings, LATER

Our butterfly bush is huge and so sweet smelling and attracting many beautiful butterflies. The pic of the Botbyl's and Tracy's is their night out at Bern's in Tampa. Kathryn is looking much improved after her bout with Covid and lung issues. Glad to see she is off oxygen 24/7

Wednesday Morning July 28th

 Well Tuesday found us back in Galax and Sparta after our morning routines as we catch up on our rest and sleep since we burned the late night oil over the weekend. I did take my early non stop hike to the top before breakfast and then loaded up the truck with bags of trash from over the week end as we made a dumpster deposit on the way to Galax. We shopped at the Wal Mart and the drug store in town which is the only one that carries some of Nancy's needs as we resupplied then headed to Sparta via the route which is opposite from the way we left the cabin. We just made a huge circle through the hills. We stopped by the library in Sparta to pick up books I had ordered on line then made a Walgreens stop for her scripts as well as our "mountain moms"script who is under the weather. We dropped them off for her then headed home for a late lunch around 2'ish.

I didn't do much the rest of the day as we got and afternoon shower and so I watched some of Jack Hibbs with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo speaking at Chino Hills Church in California. Wow what a patriot and a lover of Jesus. It was after 5 when we decided to get in a hike together to the top of the mountain. We stopped and chatted with Ben and Laura and her sister Ann and husband Frank who recently purchased the cabin through the woods. They are getting a new roof and finding out their cabin has some substantial rot in the timbers which they understood they would probably find. They got the place despite another offer of 60K more than their offer. But they are thrilled to have their own place here in the mountains.

We came back from the hike at 7'ish and had a frozen pizza after the late lunch besides we had some mushrooms that needed to be used. The pizza was delicious with fresh oregano out of the garden and I added a fresh jalapeno pepper to mine as well. We tuned in to the Ray's vs Yankees game on the laptop while we ate and then I watched the game which was close but the Yank's won 4-3 despite several chances to win the game. On a lighter note Tyler and Sam made it down off the mountain and was on their way home after showering and changing clothes. All is well that ends well. We got another storm during the evening with some heavy down pours. Its supposed to turn hot here for the rest of the week with no rain, LATER

Tuesday Morning July 27th

 Well the last of our company left around 9'ish for Woodstock, Va. after a fun filled 5 day 4 night stay with us and their daughter and family. At one time we had 6 adults 3 kids and 3 dogs sharing the cabin and while it seemed like a crowd it worked out and we had some great porch settin' conversations and some fine eatin' out on the deck as well as many card games. The weather and temps were ideal with cool morning temps and throughout most of the day with plenty of sunshine and blue skies and the meals were awesome to say the least.

We are now guest free for at least 3 weeks before we head up to Woodstock for a long week end visit with family and friends in that area. We will stay with sister Dee and Mike and attend the Gravel Springs Church picnic and reconnect with old family, friends and many distant cousins.

Tyler and Sam after a wet day and night on the Appalachain Trail at one time considered cutting their hike short have now dried out and are continuing their 4 day hike. They have made contact with us and are doing well except for their smell and the wet clothes smell. Ava Mae seems to be enjoying her stay at the youth mission camp in Alaska for two weeks.

We went to work after our guests left and started cleaning and doing laundry. The rain held off until after lunch when we got some brief but much needed rain showers. Thankfully no gully washers. I vacuumed the whole house for dog hairs and the usual dirt from kids and adults coming in from outside. I hung a load of sheets which nearly dried before the rain clouds formed so we used the new dryer to finish them up. We ate leftovers for lunch and supper as we have so much along with fresh garden salads. I harvested more cucumbers and zucchini's as well as lettuces to give away with sister Dee. The leafy greens are in abundance. The tomato's are maturing but none are ripening as of yet. I should have plenty for our use as well as to share and give away.

I took my morning solo hike and then we took a golf cart ride after supper to the top to deliver some black raspberry jelly to the new owners of the berry patch for letting us harvest these special delicious berries. Dave was most pleased and he mentioned to harvest the blueberries as they will be away from the cabin this coming weekend.and the next two weeks They are ripening as well and are plentiful. My blueberries haven't started to ripen as of yet so we will take him up on his offer.

Well in between rain showers I piddled around in the yards and gardens pulling weeds. The green beans are blooming like crazy and we should have a bountiful harvest if they produce beans like the blooms that are showing, LATER

Monday Morning July 26th

Well this weekend has been one filled with great family fun and fellowship and the eatin' was high on the hog as us country folks have  a saying. The Zander Family left just before noon on Sunday morning after a mountain breakfast of pancakes with a banana and blue berries in the batter along with some of the finest bacon ever that came with sister Dee from Edinburg, Va. The morning was beautiful with a nice breeze and lots of sunshine. After they left we sat on the porch and talked until it was time for a hike to the top of the mountain. The bright sunshine was a hot one but in the shade it was quite pleasant.

We snacked a little around 2'ish before settling in to some card games. We got in a game of Spades and gals won again as did they in Phase 10 with Nancy as the winner and then Dee pulled off a big win in chicken foot dominoes that took us up to close to midnight before the end. We ate leftovers and cleaned up several dishes for supper.

Dee and Mike leave this morning for Woodstock and then we go into the shut down mode as we get back into a routine with just the two of us. Its sure been a busy fun filled 4 days. On a different note Tyler and Sam got rained out once again on their Appalachian Trail hike in Georgia and Ava seems to be having a grand time in Alaska. We will be heading up to Virginia the second weekend in August for a reunion and a weekend with Dee and Mike.

On the garden scene I'm picking a few cucumbers, zucchini  and yellow squashes as well as lettuces, Swiss chard, kale and beet greens for the salad bowl. The tomato's are showing some size as well. The blueberries are ripening and close to harvesting as well./ We got a little rain last evening and then again a light drizzle this morning which is needed for both the gardens and yards, LATER

The last two pics are of Ava in Alaska

Saturday Morning July 24 th

Well Friday was a fun filled day with delicious eatin' to start the day which held most of us until supper time which also turned out to be a delicious meal with the old favorite beer in the rear smoked chicken. We once again partook of this awesome meal out on the deck where the temps were fine throughout the day. We did get in a little creeking as well as several corn hole matches in the afternoon and the kiddos flew a few airplanes off the deck. We got in several games of Euchre until midnight. We did smores after a supper until dark and then a few fireworks before the kiddos were bathed and soon put to bed. It was close to midnight before I hit trhe sack but oh what a fun filled day with family, LATER

Friday Morning July 23rd

 Well the Dillon and Zander clan arrived late evening after some slow downs but all got here before dark safely which was the main thing. We had a little fruit of the vine before we sat down on the deck to a delicious spaghetti and meat ball supper, wow I must say that was the tasty sauce ever and she has been making it for years. I think the difference was the fresh oregano and garlic from the garden.

The three kiddos are well mannered and a joy to be around. Such a sweet family. Well its a busy house all of a sudden and everyone is up so I'll cut this short, LATER

Thursday Morning July 22 nd

 Well Wednesday was another shopping day at Food Lion  and the veggie stand as we get ready for sister Dee and Family for a long weekend. Her daughter Kelly and family will also be here with their three kiddos and two dogs so we spent the day catching up on some chores and Nancy spent the afternoon in the kitchen baking a birthday cake and then making meatballs for the spaghetti supper we will serve today upon their arrival along with a fresh garden salad and garlic bread.

I started the day much the usual with a before 6 roll out to my routines of a cup of hot green tea while I post this blog, some quiet time with my Creator and Lord giving thanks and lifting up several for safe travels, comfort and healing. At this point in time all seem well and the Nymark's got back home safely as well. I got in my non stop before breakfast hike to the top of the mountain then had some oatmeal with honey and cinnamon and some pecans for breakfast. We headed to town Sparta for some shopping after getting a load of laundry on the clothesline. We were back home before lunch whereas when we go to Galax its at least a 3 hour trip with shopping. I didn't need gas where I usually purchase it there as its now cheaper here in N.C. than Va. for a change.

Nancy wanted the old well house painted and the half moon over the outhouse painted over since she purchased a large tin Daisy flower to adorn it last week in Blowing Rock. After the sun got off the upper garden I transplanted some curly leaf kale and fertilized the Swiss chard, beets and broad leaf kale. The beans are starting to bloom as are the marigolds and zinnias that I sowed from seeds. The other flowering plants are in full color display and look beautiful. The garden is starting to dry out finally and but I lost most all of the Bibb lettuce and radish seeds in the last 3 inch and hour gully washer.

I helped Nancy in the kitchen washing tons of pots, pans and utensils from her baking and cooking but did get to watch the Rays in a day game against the Orioles who were leading 4-3 into the bottom of the 9th by a run when the Ray's came through again with a come from behind victory 5-4. They head to Cleveland today for a night game and are still near the top of their division. We took a golf cart ride after supper to the top of the mountain and had a nice long visit with Michelle who is Tommy and Carol Brown's daughter. We talked for the longest spell as it was the first time we every met her and her son Walker. We showed them the wine berries in the area and he loved them.

Well dusk was coming on as we headed down off the mountain and the rabbits were every where in the yards eating clover. Thus far they have stayed away from the veggies. I think I may have wiped out the yellow jacket nest along the garden again as I've seen no activity since a night ago I dumped a little gas into their hole. They are a nasty bee. I settled into the computer and she with HGTV until it was shower time for me and then some horizontal lab around 10'ish. I'm sure we will be burning the midnight oil come the next three nights as these guests are game players like we love to do, LATER

Birthday cake for Dee and as requested spaghetti with meat balls for supper. They are a labor of love which make lots of dirty pots and pans for me to wash, oh well Family

Wednesday Morning July 21st

Well Tuesday saw us with overcast misty skies for the morning but it eventually cleared and we has some bright sunshine and warm temps by the late afternoon. Finally a day without rain and the yards and gardens are starting to dry out. This has been one wet month or the whole summer has been one with plenty of rain thus far. My rain barrel is completely full and running over.

I started the day much the usual with a before 6 roll out to my routines of hot tea while I post this blog and then some quiet time with my Creator and Lord giving thanks and lifting several up by name. Paw Paw is home with middle sister Pat and I've heard nothing to the contrary on any one else. The Nymark's leave this morning (wed) for a month as we have been pulling suppers since they have arrived a week or so ago. We've also played several different card games and had a grand time showing them the area. Their campsite is perfect for their motor coach and they usually hike up to our place some time in the afternoon and I run them home around dark on the golf cart. We did get in a long afternoon hike to the top of the mountain and they met Roddy and his dog Archer.

Sheri and Nancy took off to Sparta to run errands while Steve worked getting his place closed up for a month or so and I worked around the cabin tidying up some areas as we get three youngsters coming later this week along with sister Dee and Mike. We will have a full house with 6 adults and three kids and three dogs, oh well. We always have a grand time and cousin Kelly's family are so gracious and well behaved. We always enjoy them. We played one of the Nymark's favorite card games 5 Crowns and that Sheri is the luckiest ever at that game as she beats us every time. We played one game after a supper of cauliflower fried rice(the first ever for me) which was delicious along with Nancy's turnip casserole which was the first ever for them and chicken strips. Delicious meal.

The Ray's whupped up on the Orioles at home in St.Pete and I watched it on the computer and then I was off to the showers and some horizontal lab at 10. We will head to Sparta to stock up on a few items for the weekend and then its clean, mow and get ready for the weekend. We will certainly miss Sheri and Steve who are so much fun and always upbeat and willing to do most anything or go any where. They are not one to sit on the couch and play on their phones or devices, LATER

The rain brings out a variety of mushrooms. I only wish I knew which ones were edible. We saw tons of them on our hike this afternoon.

Tuesday Morning July 20th

 Well Monday was another overcast day with cooler temps as we saw very little sunshine but by late afternoon we did see some drying out after an overnight drizzle which left everything soaked. We headed to Galax around 10'ish and spent the biggest part of the day there. The gals wanted to shop Big Lots and Hobby Lobby while Steve and I headed out to Woodlawn to peruse the Harmon Museum for nearly two hours. We met a feller named Brad who went to work for the owner"Couch" Harmon when he was 17 and entertained us through out the visit especially when I mentioned I learned who my high school was named after from the letters found in this collection when we visited here years ago. He had actually worked on the land that Colonel James Wood owned in the area as a kid. What an interesting, funny and full of stories local country feller. The place also sells boots, clothing and tons of leather accessories.

We made a gas stop and then headed to Lowes for a few items before picking up the gals around 1:30 and heading home after a Starbucks stop for them at Food City. We decided to come home via Edmonds road so Nancy could visit the Handy Store which use to be the old Mountain Surf eatery at the junction with 18. Its a neat small store with a little bit of everything and even a lunch menu, much like the ole time country store from days of past. We never purchased anything and then headed on home and decided since it was going on 3 to make it our big meal for the day. We had brats, with sauteed onions and peppers, small taters and peas and it was delicious as we ate out on the deck. After the cleanup we settled into a game of 5 Crowns and then a game of Hearts which took us up to nearly 7. 

We had planned on a float down the New River on Tuesday but since we've had so much rain the river was high and muddy so we passed on that adventure until a better time when they come back into the area. They have lots to do to get ready to head back to Florida on Wednesday and we as well as we get ready to entertain family on Thursday until next Monday. We got word that Paw Paw is out of the hospital and back home with Pat and on a medication for the congestive heart condition.

We were planning a hike but had to wait until we digested but by then it was too late for a group hike. Luckily I had taken my early morning non stop hike before breakfast so I had at least some exercise but we were on our feet most of the day. On a less than good note the yellow jackets are back in a timber along the garden and the deer had a feast in the circle drive flower bed eating several of the flowering plants and the snow ball bush and the Rays lost at home to the worst team in baseball, oh well, LATER 

Nancy did a care package for Ava in Alaska and a shot of the Ding Dong's which actually was an inside joke on one of our excursions but they really taste good but not the best with tons of sugar and calories.

Monday Morning July 19th

Well Sunday was a good day of worship and fellowship at Cornerstone in Sparta and then we met Jake and Family at the Pizzeria for lunch which was awesome and filling. We ran a couple errands while in town before heading home to basically spend the afternoon playing cards and games while the Nymark's did laundry as they head out for Florida on Wednesday.

I started the day much the usual with a before 6 roll out to my routines and then a non stop hike to the top of the mountain before getting ready for church. We picked up the Nymark's at their camp ground and headed out. The skies were somewhat blue with some sunshine after the gully washer on Saturday. The driveway and roads coming in to the cabin washed but we were able to travel on it without any difficulty.

The lunch at the Pizzeria was delicious and held me for the rest of the day as we shared a large pie. Most everyone had some pizza, salad and a sandwich all of which looked great. I piddled around outside after getting back on the hill pulling a few weeds and loosening the packed soil. The gully washer did ruin some veggies as well as washed out the recently sowed radish seeds and Bibb lettuce seeds and broke off a nice green bean plant that was about to bloom. I believe we may get a mess of beans despite all of the rain. I did harvest another cucumber and there are tons of little cukes and squashes on the vine as well.

We played Sequence and the guys won the 11th game after being tied at 5 all. With just 4 people this game goes fast. We then played 5 Crowns and the gals won all three games and that took us up to dusk. Steve wanted to be home before dark as they are still somewhat apprehensive about the critters here after dark and I mean when it gets dark, its pitch black outside. Today Monday we will travel to Galax, dump some garbage, gas up and get a few items at Lowes and hopefully this will be the last day of heavy rain forecasted as tomorrow on Tuesday we want to float the New River on kayaks.

On a good note Bobby and Family are back safely, thanks for those prayers for traveling mercies and Ava Mae is safely in Alaska with the youth team for two weeks. Paw Paw is still in the hospital and we are recovering from the bug which I picked up from the twins, LATER

Sunday Morning July 18th

 Well Saturday was another warm and muggy day and with that came torrential down pours in the afternoon and evening with lightning and thunder. The first part of the day was nice with some some sunshine and blue skies but that changed as the day progressed. I piddled around in my yard and gardens and helped Steve with his attempt to get water from his well. I let him use my well bucket after first instructing him on its use. He is going to try to get water up from the ground using a method which I don't think will work and spread it out to three camp sites. I see a lot of myself in his attempts to make things happen on his own, oh well.

I got in my non stop morning hike before breakfast after my usual morning routines that start with the cup of tea and then some quiet time lifting up several for comfort and healing. Paw Paw is still in the hospital and now there is concern he may be developing pneumonia along with the heart issues. Bobby and Family got back home after a long trip that saw this diarrhea bug rear its ugly head among most of them on the way home. Ever since the bug surfaced with the twins vomiting on a couple occasions last week I've come down with both vomiting and diarrhea at times and Nancy with an uneasy tummy but so far she has escaped any of the bug. Ava Mae was enroute to Alaska with a mission team from her church for a week or so.

We met up with the Nymark's in the afternoon for cards before heading out to Muddy Creek for a supper with Neighbor Gerald and Phylis. Everyone's food was satisfiable but I do not recommend the fried chicken or at least not on this night. Everyone else seemed to enjoy their food. We came back and played spades until neatly 9 PM when they headed down to their coach. It was a fun day despite the heavy rains. The Ray's after winning the night before were getting whupped big time, LATER

Saturday Morning July 17th

 Well Friday was a day of adventures and we did some which were at times rather on the edge of danger or at least very thrilling as we traveled down the Blue Ridge Parkway to the Boone/Blowing Rock area, but first we continued through old down town Boone on 321 towards Tennessee and ended up on 105 a route that takes you into this rugged mountain area for about 15 or 20 miles. There is a huge lake across the road from our friends 81 acres which are mainly mountainous with almost straight up and down ridges. He has a beautiful stream of water that comes from several small water falls in the area as its being groomed for a park/camp ground for campers; both RV and tent style. We took a hike back to the waterfall and then some jeep rides up to the top of one mountain which was thrilling and at times considered dangerous by a few of the weaker occupants. We spent nearly 3 hours visiting and seeing this rugged part of the area as well as the many great building projects by our old friend from Florida and BridgePoint Church. He has settled down into a life style which fits his personality as a building contractor and it has great potential for success with his ideas and projects cantering to tourists and outdoor lovers. 

We headed back towards the Boone area around 2'ish and stopped at a barbecue house called Willy Brooks for a late lunch/early supper. The food was very good, reasonable but the dessert was a one huge slice of chocolate cake which satisfied everyones taste for sweets. We waddled out of the place and headed to Blowing Rock. This was the first time Steve and Sheri had ever visited this part of the mountains and they loved it especially the gals as they meandered along the quaint main streets many shops and boutiques. Steve and I headed down to see a local artist who happened to be a retired pastor from Florida and who knew one of our closest friends and pastor from Pinellas County and Indian Rocks Church, Charlie Martin. We chatted with him then headed up one side of the street to settled in the beautiful park area in the main part of town and sat and watched all the folks who had their dogs on leashes walking about.

It was after 6 before the gals had enough so we headed out towards West Jefferson and rode on the newly divided 221 highway which now goes into W. Jefferson; such and improvement from days gone bye. We cut over to Glendale Springs and rode the parkway home seeing a couple deer out already in the broad daylight. They loved the views and can't wait to show off the area to their family when they arrive later in the summer and fall. We dropped them off right at 8 and called it day. It wasn't long until I hit the shower after watching the Braves and Rays on the TV. The Braves were winning when I turned the lights off around 10 ish, LATER

Friday Morning July 16th

 Well Thursday despite some very dark rain clouds in the afternoon it stayed dry and quite pleasant with no rain except maybe a sprinkle as we hiked the mountain in the afternoon with the Nymark's. We basically spent the day with them at times before lunch and then again around 4 until bed time. They have a really nice setup with their motor coach and now we can call it the campground. It's in the shade with water, sewer and electric hookups for two additional sites for other campers with trailers or motor coaches.

I started the day much the usual with a before 6 rollout to my routines that start with the cup of green tea while I post this ramble then spent some quiet time with my Creator and Lord in thanksgiving and lifting several up by name. I did speak with Paw Paw who is in the hospital in Louden County, Va. where he is being evaluated for a catheterization procedure. He sounded good and Pat was with him. Everyone else seems to be well or holding their own. The Twins are doing well after giving a bug to everyone who threw up except for Bobby and Nancy.

I did my early morning non stop hike to the top of the mountain before a breakfast of oatmeal and fruit and then piddled around outside finishing the weed whacking and loosening up the soil around the packed vegetables in the garden. I did harvest a nice mess of greens for the Nymark's for their salad bowl. They had brought a bag of chicken breasts we were going to share with the Martello's when they arrived but since they cancelled we marinated the bag and then I grilled them for supper and for leftovers on a salad another day. They joined us on our hike and we met the bride to be who is a daughter of the Hands who bought Norm's old place and her grand parents built the big house on top. The wedding ceremony will be held on the porch of this big house on Saturday evening.

Well we settled into card games before supper on the deck and then another game we played with Bobby's family called Hit or Miss after supper. It was a hoot with lots of brain teasers. The gals won both games through out the evening. I drove them back to their camp ground around 10'ish in the dark and then it was shower time for me, LATER

Porch settin' on this beautiful pleasant afternoon

Thursday Morning July 15th

 Well this month is half gone already, wow and the days of summer are drawing towards fall. Even as I post this ramble the morning are quite cool and the afternoons thus far are very comfortable. We do have a little humidity but nothing like what Florida is experiencing this time of the year. I have a feeling it's going to be an early fall and a much cooler winter.

I started the day out on Wednesday feeling rather run down and trying to whip this bug which caused me to upchuck my dinner last evening and then some diarrhea throughout the morning hours. I managed to  get the stomach ache under control with some ginger and honey in a hot tea drink and then a couple Imodium's for the diarrhea. I just had some yogurt for breakfast as the tummy was still reeling from the many throw ups but I felt so much better than the last 24 hours that I wanted to do something outside. So I fired up the riding mower and gave the place a mowing since the rain, now almost daily has really brought on the grass. I did my usual morning routines before heading out to mow.

This morning after a good nights sleep has me ready to start back my non stop morning hike and then I want to weed whack the place and get it manicured. We scared off the folks who were supposed to arrive today due to the stomach bug and I don't blame them as they are visiting their rather sickly kin folks in Pennsylvania. They hope to maybe come another time of the year. We learned that all of Bobby's family has the bug and the throwing up has affected everyone but him and Nancy thus far. She and him have a nervous tummy but thats about it. We cancelled our get together with the Nymark's and Joines last evening for supper as we didn't want to contaminate them, oh well. We will have plenty of time for get togethers. The Dillion Family come next week for a long week end with 4 adults 3 kids and 3 dogs. That should keep us busy. At least these kids are a lot older than the Ryder and Huck so you don't have to be as on edge as you do with toddlers. This cabin is not a great child friendly place but oh so much fun when they get a little older and we love sharing it with family and friends.

We ate light for the day as both of us are somewhat afraid of the bug returning. We had stick soup (dried Liptons soup) for supper with some peanut butter crackers after eating high on the hog for days. I hit the shower around 8'ish and then read until 9 and then it was lights out for me as I want to get back to being full of energy and ready for adventures. I did harvest two colanders of lettuces and beet greens and cleaned and spun them dry for the salad bowel, but other than mowing and that small chore I didn't do a whole lot as I wasn't quite in tip top shape. I did sit and read for a couple hours during the afternoon after the hard rain which dropped a half inch of the wet stuff. We spoke with Bobby and he is whupped after being on child care after everyone else was sick.

That was about if for the day except sister Dee called and said Paw Paw was back in the hospital at the VA in W.Va due to a mild heart attack. He is being transferred to D.C. at Walter Reed where he will have a catheterization procedure today. I'm surprised at his advanced age they are doing this but I will say the VA has been more than generous to him for his short time of service in the military during the end of WW II, LATER

Thursday Morning July 14th

 Well Wednesday started out with nice weather and except for a few threatening clouds during the day we stayed rain free for a change. I rolled out before 6 to my up of tea and posted my blog before the boys came down around 7. It was non stop with them until they left around 11'ish for Boone/Blowing Rock. The evening found us entertaining the Nymarks for supper and for reason I developed a terrible tummy ache which eventually caused me to up chuck my supper and present me with a case of diarrhea. I haven't figured out the cause but it could have been because I cleaned all the pack and plays the boys throw up in the night before from some holistic cough syrup. Anyhow I haven't had that occur to me in years. Luckily I made it up from the table and down to the basement sparring our guests. They left shortly thereafter.

I took the boys and Gabe on a couple golf cart rides to keep them busy while Bobby and Katie packed and loaded their car/suv. It was a sad time as they pulled out of the driveway but we had so much to do to get ready for folks coming for supper and then to spend the weekend. All beds needed stripping and the wash machine and dryer never stopped for hours. I also hung 3 loads of sheets and blankets because of the boys getting sick. The pool needed draining and dried out as well as the boys beds needed scrubbed down and hosed off and then dried and put away for next time. The floors needed vacuuming and then cleaned. We never stopped until supper. We had a huge breakfast so I ate nothing until I pulled a few radishes and ate those around 4'ish. It was then my tummy started acting up.

We did go down to help Steve and Sheri in the middle of our work around 1'ish to get their huge motor coach into their spot and get it leveled off and set up. It's a very nice coach and its huge giving them plenty of living space and room for guests. They also have the pull behind trailer which sleeps several as well. They just got back from an out west trip with two of their grandsons for about two weeks or so. 

Well I didn't get much sleep with the tummy ache and the threat of diarrhea through the night and I'm hoping I'm better today as I have lots to do as well plus we are scheduled for a supper out with the Nymarks and Joines we know who has done a ton of work for them on their site, LATER

I did manage to kill the yellow jacket nest which had found a crevice in one of the retaining logs in the back garden. A little gas poured down their hole after dark, works wonders and no one got stung. These are mean and nasty bees and very aggressive.

The boys like this one cartoon site and it helped keeping them occupied after breakfast.

Tuesday Morning July 13th

Well Monday was a busy day after a fright full night which had both boys throwing up around midnight. After we got that settled down with changing out all bed lines for both boys we got to sleep and actually slept in until after 7. That was a change for me. The boys did great all day as they never showed any more effects as they ate great and each had several bowel movements. They can really put away the chow and each boy is different with their choices; Ryder is a meat eater and Huck a veggie eater  They both love fruits especially banana and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for lunch.

I took them on several golf cart rides and they love that adventure and of course they love to pick up the rocks in the drive way. They play well together and share well for two toddlers. Their two hour nap was great for them and us. Bobby took Gabe on a two hour horse back ride in Laurel Springs at the Burnt Hill Stables. They have a great time and were a little saddle sore after their ride.

We took the boys and Annsley over to visit our "mountain mom" Helen who was delighted to see the boys. They were a little frighten of her at first but we managed to get several pics of her holding them on her lap. It's was hard to get them settled down once they became use to her and her beautiful cabin. Once we got back Katie and I took the boys on a long golf cart ride to the top of the mountain.

Our old friend and now a man who works for Bobby and his company came for an evening visit and stayed close to dark. DJ Carlson, once was our youth pastor in Seminole, who has 3 curly haired girls and is now a grand father is a great friend and employee for Offerpad. DJ runs the Charlotte area for the company and he and Jenny now live close to Winston. He had supper with us then we talked and caught up on the girls and their activities. Bobby use to babysit the girls when he was in high school as we all went to the same church together before they moved to North Carolina.

Well after the supper and cleanup and DJ left for home we got into some Kings on the Corner with Annsley and Gabe and then the 4 of us played Euchre. Well it was the night for the guys to shine and we took them in two straight games. They really love the game as do we. They head down to Blowing Rock/Boone area after lunch to spend some time with Katie's family. We will surely miss them but our friends the Nymark's are coming in today and then the Martello's on Friday. We will be busy with them showing them the area and putting the cabin back in order today. Lots of laundry and cleaning as well, LATER

A few pics of our Helen loving up on the boys

Monday Morning July 12th

 Well Sunday turned out to be rather cloudy and some what overcast but there were moments of the beautiful weather with bright sunshine and blue skies and the temps weren't bad although there was some more humidity than normal. We did some porch setting as well as a long hike in the afternoon. The eatin' was once again high on the hog with pork tacos for supper. We took everyone to Cornerstone for the first ever and the boys did just fine in the toddler room with our sweet little Skylar and another youngster.

We had lunch after getting home and then we settled into the Ray's game on the front porch as the boys napped. It seems they gave Huck some homeopathic syrup the night before and he threw up during the morning hours and then again last night before bedtime they gave each of the boys a shot of the syrup thinking it would be a preventive for any colds and whatever would befall them. Well we all got ready for bed around 10:30 when Bobby came down the stairs with throw up clothes and blankets and sheets as both boys threw up several times after being in bed since 7. Well we decided it was this syrup that was the culprit. Anyhow that was a most eventful time around midnight as we washed clothes gave more baths and they held the boys until they settled down and then went back upstairs to bed, oh well.

I smoked about half of that large pork butt and Bobby did the other half in the oven for tacos which was superb in taste. We played a game titled Hit or Miss which the older kids loved as did we and then we played Euchre and the gals whupped us in two straight games, thus far they are 4-1 in games, such luck, LATER

The selfie was some what hysterical. The boys loved the creek and they loved grandma's black raspberry jelly