Tuesday Morning August 31st

 Well this last full month of summer is about to end and now we will start to see some Fall weather with cooler temps, leaves falling and changing colors and the cicadas showing up with their loud evening songs, oh well. Maybe I should preference these comments with here in the mountains as Florida will see one of her hottest summer months, oh well. What a difference 700 miles and 3000 feet in elevation makes with the climate.

I started the day on Monday with my usual well before 6 roll out to pitch dark outside and to my usual morning routines that start with the cup of tea while I post this ramble and then some quiet time with my Creator and Lord giving thanks and lifting several up for healing. A few on my list new a miracle especially nephew John. After checking the world news which is so disgusting and now frightening for America as we have left so much armament for the terrorist to use against US(A) as well as our allies. When you have an inept administration who controls the military we are now vulnerable to those who chant death to America and our way of life plus the internal misfits who are in the congress who want to now disarm us by taking away our right to defend ourselves and our loved ones. PLEASE GOD give US(A) your power and righteousness again and send these imposters packing from our nation.

I piddled around in the yards and gardens and now have good colors in the October beans I sowed a week or so ago. I did transplant a 3 volunteer tomato plants from the compost pile into the upper garden for late tomato's. I'm harvesting plenty of ripe ones now but finding several where the fruit flies how caused rot within. I threw away 8 yesterday that had rotted on the vine and I did notice the plants have quit blooming. The pepper are looking great and they are loaded with different sizes of fruit. These two plants were transplanted from my compost pile in Florida and have done great after nearly roasting in the truck on the way here. I did harvest a couple of beets and we had the greens as well as the beet itself for supper along with some fresh ears of corn. The squashes are history this year but the cucumbers are holding on with a few nubs and several blooms on the vines.

The flower beds especially the marigolds are doing fantastic, especially the ones up behind the fire circle. I want to as soon as this expected heavy rainfall from Ida passes by fill those beds with some of the topsoil from the piles along our road. I harvested another nice mess of blueberries which have finally started to ripe. I don't get enough sunlight this time of the year on the bushes, so they are ripening much later than most areas here in the mountains. They are really nice and juicy.

We took an afternoon ride down to Steve's place and helped him install his water pump into his well casing. Hopefully this will work for him and give him his well water for his camper and coach. He has a beautiful set up for when he has company coming a couple times during the year. We took him a piece of the carrot cake which Nancy made for the benefit on Sunday evening. I told him at 125 bucks for a cake to not waste the crumbs. We saw a cake down in Boone that went for some where around that price earlier this summer at an eatery which wasn't nearly as good as this one. Oh well it was all in good fun and helping out a fellow Believer at the same time.

Well I tuned into the Ray's game who are playing at home against the Red Sox's and once again the pitching and hitting was excellent with a 6-1 win. It's coming down to play off time and the Ray's are playing well. Hopefully they can go all the way with a win in the World Series in October, LATER

Monday Morning August 30th

 Well Sunday was another awesome day of worship both on line with BridgePoint and then again with our mountain family at Cornerstone and then again later in the evening with a benefit supper and auction for one of the members who is recovering from brain surgery. What a great turnout by the church and many from the community to help this family meet needs. It's such a blessing to be a part of folks who share the love that Paul speaks about with the first church in Corinth as folks come together.

I started Sunday much the usual with a 6'ish roll out to my routines of posting this ramble and then some quiet time with my Creator and Lord lifting up several by name for healing and comfort for many as well as those who are trying to escape the terrorists in Afghanistan. The good news is John is hanging on and fighting for his life against this insidious virus as are many throughout the nation. The folks on the Gulf Coast are also seeking safety from this awesome storm that is wrecking havoc on their homes and businesses. Hopefully they heeded the warnings and got out of the way of this Category 4 hurricane.

The weather and temps here are pleasant for now and we are forecasted for some of the remnants of this storm later in the week as it moves north. I got in my solo non stop morning hike to the top of the mountain once again calling on GOD to heal our land and lifting up these folks by name for comfort and some miraculous healing. Nancy and I have been so blessed thus far to escape this virus which I'm convinced was man made and let loose upon this nation and the world by the nefarious and vile Chinese gov't with the help of the corrupt dem's in our gov't. They caused this pandemic and now they are wanting US(A) to take their life changing vaccine which I think is vile as well. I hope I'm wrong to think there are such evil people in the world but the facts are starting to become clearer with the vaccines that are DNA altering and folks are dying after taking the shot(s).

Well Nancy made a beautiful carrot cake and a couple batches of chocolate cup cakes for the dinner at church.  I bought her cake back at a high price which we were donating to the benefit anyhow and now we will share it with Steve and our mountain mom Helen. We stayed until 8:30 and they were still auctioning off articles both in person and some on line. It was a great evening with a barbecue supper and Priority Blue had a reunion get together which sounded great with their Blue Grass Gospel Music. What a grand time of food, fellowship and family entertainment. Our nation needs more of this type of entertainment centered around the family and community with GOD's blessings, LATER

I did watch the Ray's sweep the Orioles in an early game and some Little League Baseball games before we headed out to the benefit.

Sunday Morning August 29th

Well Saturday was basically a do nothing day except visit our mountain mom Helen shortly after breakfast blessing her with some veggies and then again in the afternoon blessing the Luffman Family with a full meal as Kay recoup's from her near fatal accident a week ago with a horse that bolted with her hanging onto the rope. That drove her face first into the ground. She is very lucky she is in good a shape as she is with broken facial bones, 3 cracked vertebra, busted ear drum, brain bleed and severe contusions and bruises. It will be a while before she is back to her hard working self.

I started the day with my usual 6'ish rollout to the pitch black morning except for the moon shining brightly. The temps were awesome to start with but eventually warmed back up to a/c status by the afternoon. I did my usual routines after posting this ramble with some quiet time to lift up several but starting with my nephew John who is still not out of the woods with this virus and then for Ben on top of the mountain who is having severe issues with his blood cancer and of course Kay as she mends. The fiasco in Afghanistan is the result of a complete failure of leadership with an installed potus instead of the elected one Trump, who made an attempt to keep the terrorists in check and keep the world safe. Instead we have a bumbling idiot and his minions who are just as incompetent exposing the USA to the evil ones who chant death to America. I hope I'm wrong but I think this virus and this failed act of leaving Afghanistan is a conspiracy to help destroy US(A).

I got in my non stop solo hike to the top of the mountain just as Nancy was rolling out of bed around 7:30. I had my daily talk with my Creator and Lord during the hike which is becoming such a looking forward  conversation to ask HIM for intervention into all thats going on in this HIS created world. We need His presence once again in our nation if we are to survive these who want to destroy US(A) from within and now from abroad. I just do not understand why these hate America folks have even a voice in the gov't but they sure do and it becoming more evident daily. We GOD loving patriots better wake up before we are over run with domestic and foreign terrorists.

Friend Steve Nymark came by for supper after his two day trip from Seminole. He will work on his land getting the motor coach/trailer park ready for his family later in October. We fed him some of basically the same as what we took to the Luffman's which was baked ham, tater salad and broccoli. We had a nice visit with him and sent him home with a sack of ham, salad and tomato's. He will be here for two weeks working on his place and I'm sure we will have many suppers togethers. Today is corporate worship day at Cornerstone and then again in the evening a benefit supper and concert for one of our worshippers. Nancy made a carrot cake to be auctioned off so I'll bid on it as its one of my favorite desserts.

We tuned into the Ray's game and they won again in Baltimore after being behind for most of the game. There is a huge hurricane about to hit the gulf coast and those in harms way will need some assistance afterwards. I'm sure it will affect us in in the mountains later this week. We actually could use some rain but not the storm, LATER..GOD BLESS those in harms way from the storm and those in Afghanistan.

Saturday Morning August 28th

Well the weather was just fine for a Friday, actually its been over a week with out any rain so I had to hand water the gardens for the first time in a couple weeks. The ground down deep still has moisture but around the veggies it's dry. I'm still getting plenty of 'maters, green and jalapeno peppers and the beets are fabulous as are the greens. The dad gum worms are and have been doing a number on the kales so I will have to dust them again today, Saturday.

I started Friday much like every morning with it being dark outside when I roll out around 6'ish. It's becoming quite clear that summer is fading as the nights are longer and darkness falls much quicker. A nice breeze kept it comfortable until we got back from our long evening hike before supper then it was a/c time. We had a late lunch as we were in Galax shopping until close to 2 before getting back on the mountain. It was hot in town with bright blue skies and plenty of sunshine. We ran several errands then finished up at Wal Mart with another shopping cart full. Nancy is taking a full meal over to the Luffman's today(Sat) as Kay is home from the hospital after her serious accident with a horse.

I headed out on my solo non stop hike to the top of the mountain after my morning routines of posting this ramble, some quiet moments with my Creator and checking the news which is down right horrible. So many service folks were needlessly killed by the terrorists after the incompetence of this fraud potus as well civilians who are being slaughtered by these ruthless evil men. America is reaping just what has been sowed by the vile left and the lack of leadership by those in that party. GOD Help US(A).

On a somber and sad note nephew John isn't doing well as we last heard before bed time. He has one day of good results and then that goes away to only deepen his conditions. He has a bunch of folks lifting him up in prayer for healing. We also are saddened by the death of the wife of a friend who has visited these mountains many times from Arizona. She had some heart issues with a racing pulse/heart beat with procedures done many time before and needed it again. She passed as a result of some issues that occurred during the procedure. Jo was the sister in law to the Tracy's who just left here on Tuesday. She was such a great lady and will be missed by her family whom she adored.

Well we just snacked for supper and then watched the Ray's on TV as they were whupping up once again on the Orioles. It was 6-2 when I hit the shower and then read for n hour. I finished the book The Bastard Brigade which was a true story of how the physicists tried to keep the bomb from Hitler during WW11. What a great read and of course we know the results of their endeavors but the men and women of that class were dedicated to bringing about fusion for both him and the allies. What a story of all of the classified issues that were released after the war. Truly an historical book for academia and to be taught, LATER

Had a friend inquiring about this place on top of our mountain which we pass everyday on our hike.

Friday Morning August 27th

Well time is moving right along with this being the last Friday in August and fall will start next month. Thursday was a half work and play day with great morning temps but by late afternoon it had warmed up to where the a/c was back on especially after late afternoon before supper hike together.

I started the day much the usual with a 6'ish rollout to my routines that start with some quiet time after posting the ramble and then again on my solo non stop hike to the top of the mountain. It was such a beautiful morning in the stillness of the morning with the fresh air surrounding me as I had a one sided conversation with the Almighty Creator. Once again I lifted up several by name after giving thanks for my blessings and the healing of my family and close friends and mentioned nephew John needed a miracle healing. Well it seems that request was answered when they inserted a different chest tube during the day and already one lung has inflated again and his oxygen level has increased. Praise Be To GOD. Now we need HIS intervention with getting our citizens and military out of Afghanistan safely.

I came back and had breakfast after checking all of the gardens and decided to head down the roadway to where there are a couple of cutouts for rain water run off and dig up some of that great rock free dirt that has piled up over the years. I dug up and hauled three golf cart loads and then spread the dirt in several of the flower and veggie beds which kept me busy up to lunch time. After lunch I sat outside and read a true story about the physicists who were working both for Germany and the allies during WW11 to invent the atomic bomb which Hitler wanted to drop on England and the USA. This story is a page turner and its title is The Bastard Brigade, photos are included in this masterful told story of an elite group of scientists from several different countries and how their lives were built around this quest to invent this bomb. Lots of unknown history in the background of these characters that will surprise you and that leads right up to one of our Potus and his background in the war effort. It's a real page turner that brings all kinds of folks into this story and their allegiances to various countries and consciences in the war effort.

We both sat and read until nearly 5 when we took off for our together hike as the afternoon sun was quite warm. We saw nary a person on the hike and came back to turn the a/c on and to warm up some leftovers for our supper. We were aghast at the incompetent of Biden and his putting so many people lives in danger from his stupidity and non concern for citizens and the military in Afghanistan. We saw where several were killed and injured by the terrorist who are now controlling the country and the withdrawal efforts. America has lost once again any standing in the free world with this failure and our allies are keeping their distance of this incompetent potus and his administration, LATER

Leaves are starting change and the distant views were awesome.

Thursday Morning August 26th

 Well Wednesday was another beautiful morning and another dry day. I even hand watered some of the gardens veggies from the rain barrel. It did get a little warm and muggy by the middle of the afternoon when we took a nice long hike to the top of the mountain with friends Jill and David Peek. They have a place over in the next county and we have known them and her family for years at SFBC where Amy and family still attend. They are fine folks and now they are grandparents and empty nesters as their young daughter married last week and moved to Philadelphia.

I started the day with a 6'ish roll out to my routines that start with the posting of the ramble, then some quiet time to give thanks and honor our Creator and Lord and lift several up for healing. We need a miracle in nephew John's case as he turned for the worse again after a day or so of some good news with his lung issues from this virus. On the good news side both Bobby, Katie and Amy are doing much better and both are back to work.

I had a conversation with GOD on my early non stop solo hike first thing in the morning which is awesome in the fresh air and the stillness of the morning, lifting up several concerns, surrounding America and what is happening to our nation with these radicals in the gov't, the PC crowd and the desire by these  domestic terrorists who call themselves progressives to destroy US(A). We who are Believers are also being called racists and white supremacists for being patriots and supporters of the constitution which has made this nation like no other. They are trying to do away with our culture, our history and the rule of law all to promote their violent Marxist ideology which will usher in socialism/communism and make US(A) dependent upon them and their power. I sure hope and pray GOD will send these people to their just reward which is destruction in my book as he has done in the past. Every freedom loving American needs to be on their knees in prayer for this to occur.

I piddled around outside for most of the morning as we anticipated the arrival of Jill and David which was shortly after lunch. We showed them around the cabin with a grand tour and then headed out for a long slow hike to the top. We stopped and chatted briefly with Larry and Brandon who are replacing the deck and porch at one of the houses on top. Met Billy briefly and then settled in to the walk across the top. The heat from off the mountain had the long distant views in a haze and then we headed down the back road to the cabin. We had warmed up with the heat and humidity by the time we got back then settled in for the next couple hours as we shared our history of the area and the cabin which has brought so many friends and family to this neck of the woods.

They headed out a little after 6 refusing any snacks. They are leaving for Florida on Friday via a flight out of Concord as they helped move their recently married daughter to Pennsylvania and hope to be back towards the end of September when we made plans to visit their place. We so enjoyed their visit and their story as both are Christ followers, patriots and family loving folks and they just love these mountains, LATER

Wednesday Morning August 25th

 Well we are guest free for a few weeks, yipee. I know that sounds harsh but after a while you forget how it is to run around in your own place with minimum clothing or to be quiet in the early morning hours until late morning and not have to cook to satisfy your guests, oh well. We love to do it but this summer has been non stop. With family we love it and look forward to doing it again and soon. We enjoy our guests and friends as well but there is nothing like family here at the cabin as most of them enjoy being active.

Well I started the day on Tuesday with a before 6 roll out to my routines that start with posting this ramble and then some quiet time with my Creator and Lord giving thanks and lifting several up by name. It seems most all on our extended prayer list are doing some what better and now we learned our dear friend Kay is coming back home today after her accident with a horse on Sunday. She will be in rehab mode for many days due to the seriousness of these injuries but the brain bleed has stopped which is awesome and nephew John seems to be doing better as well from what we last heard.

I took off on my non stop early morning hike to the top of the mountain and continued my conversation with GOD on the backwoods trail, thanking, venting and asking how do we who honor and love HIM change this divide in America. What can we do to stop the corruption in politics, the destruction of our mores and values held so dear to so many who gave so much to make this a great place of freedoms, liberties and the place where we can worship freely and raise our families without gov't intervention. I've traveled all over the world and there is no place like America. I just do not understand these progressives who want us to become a socialist nation that destroys free will, free thinking and just plain freedoms. It's never worked anywhere in the world and yet there are those who come from cesspool countries who want the same for US(A).

America is not longer held in high esteem after this last fraudulent election and we now see the results of the incompetents he has put into positions of leadership with his administration. We are becoming more divided daily with the vile and evil MSM which is now a talking point for the radical/ Marxist left and this democrat party. WHY, I ask HIM every morning on my hike has this become evident in America. It's clear because we have forsaken out roots, our heritage and HIM. We have taken HIM out of everything; our homes, our schools and the gov't and let these radicals get their way. We who are Believers have stood by and done nothing to negate these changes. Many Believers did not vote or see just what was happening to our nation and left it up to social media to direct their thinking. So we are now reaping what we failed to sow. None of us are perfect but the folks who never voted to save the nation are seeing the corruption and ineptitude in our supposed leaders. Many supposedly Believers are actively taking part in this cultural change away from the commandments of GOD and the Bible and becoming a part of this Marxist philosophy to destroy the nation from within by division, LATER

Tuesday Morning August 24th

 Well Monday was another rain free day and the ground is finally drying out. The temps were moderate and quite pleasant during the morning hours but the afternoon found us with the a/c on once again. We took an afternoon ride with the Tracy's to look at property and saw some very nice places; and now they are having another appointment with a really nice realtor who will show them properties but I doubt they will ever buy here.

I started the day much the usual with a before 6 roll out to my morning routines that start with the posting of this ramble and then some quiet time to lift up many. Our kids and their family have turned the corner on this virus and most are back to school and doing some work. Nephew John is still in ICU and holding as I make this post. Our dear friend Kay is in ICU as well in Winston as she was knocked or pulled down by a horse which they had on the property for breeding purposes. She is suffering big time from the fall face down onto the hard ground. Every one else seems to be doing as well as can be expected due to health issues. Kathryn is doing better than I expected as she recovers from pneumonia and covid in this high altitude.

I got in my solo non stop hike to the top of the mountain before anyone else got up and the freshness of the morning is exhilarating. I've been having a conversation with GOD every morning and I love it on my hike. Patrick took his first hike with me when we got back from our afternoon jaunt to look at properties and he did the climb rather well. We stopped and talked with Billy for a few before heading on across the top of the mountain. We haven't any word on how Ben is doing with his health issues. Steve is supposed to come back to his campsite later this week for a spell. The Tracy's leave later this evening as they like to drive during the night. We had some friends who have a place in Jefferson who will visit on Wednesday for a hike to the top of the mountain, so we will be busy the rest of this week.

Well after a delicious supper that Kathryn put together with chicken and a sauce that took hours to make over linguini and then after the clean up we played several games of sequence and the guys won big time. Nancy had made a delicious cobbler of blueberries for dessert but I passed since I had two helping of the pasta dish. The Tracy's soon headed out for bed around 8'ish as Kathryn had tired out so we settled into the Little League Series and then it was shower time for me around 9'ish.

I finished the book WE WILL NOT BE SILENCED which explains in great detail what is happening to America with this radical progressive leftest agenda that is inspired by Marxist ideology. It's working folks as we have seen such an exploitation of our culture by those who want to destroy our history and our Judeo-Christian mores. We who are Believers in these values had better wake up and respond before their agenda takes over and we become a socialist nation. Please READ this book and get an idea of whats happening to America. This author lays out their agenda point by point with what is happening in our schools, the issue of using racism to divide us as well as their anti capitalist rant and then the identity of sex and what are no longer male and female to further divide and down grade our moral base. They are using  the Marist manifesto to make this happen and we who love America had better step up to the plate, LATER

Monday Morning August 23rd

 Well Sunday was a really nice day with perfect temps, lots of sunshine and NO rain for a change. A nice breeze made it perfect for some porch setting after church to watch the Ray's game who won again and to maintain their lead in their division and then we sat outside on the deck for supper and then again for a campfire later in the evening. Awesome day of worship first in the morning with my quiet time, then with my hike to the top of the mountain and then again with more fellow worshippers at Cornerstone where we had a packed house to worship and honor our GOD. It was truly a day of some highs and then we were stunned to hear a fellow friend an almost family member become involved in some sort of accident that sent her to Baptist Hospital in Winston Salem with some severe in juries.

I started the morning with a 6'ish rollout to my usual routines that start with a cup of hot green tea. I've noticed for the last several times I've incurred some stomach ache when using Bigelow green tea which I've come to learn is produced in China. I had green tea at sister Dee's house and no issues with the tummy and now for the first time in awhile I used this brand and had terrible almost excruciating pain and I began to investigate and found out it came from China. I got rid of anything produced by that country as I do not trust them. I eventually got rid of the ache by the afternoon.

I took my solo non stop hike to the top before the cup of tea, had a good hike and a one sided conversation with the Creator giving thanks that both Bobby and Amy's family have turned the corner on the virus. I listen again to a professional who is into immunization and he states DO NOT take the vaccine because it corrupts the lymph system which protects us from radicals in the body along with the destruction and changes to our DNA. I do not believe the gov't has our best interests at heart especially the CDC which is now run by politicians and quacks like Fauci.

We came back to the cabin after a great word about commitment to our family and to GOD from Pastor B and skipped eating out due to a family and friends get together scheduled for later in the evening. That all changed when we got word Kay was on the way to the hospital in Winston with severe injuries from an accident. I have no idea what kind of accident but I'm beginning to believe it was other than a vehicle or car accident on the highway, anyhow keep her in your thoughts and prayers as well as nephew John who is still in the hospital fighting this virus which has caused his oxygen levels to decline. It's strange how this virus attacks some folks lungs, others with nausea and headaches and others with no energy or desire to eat. Most everyone who maintains some sort of good health can fight this at home with some proper care and recover while those with some preconditions of ill health are hospitalized and they mostly will recover with proper meds and rest to help the body fight it. We are not taking this vaccine as its does more harm to the body and the autoimmune system than the virus itself, LATER

I must recommend a book that is telling us the truth about what is happening in America and a book ALL who are Believers in the Bible and Jesus should read as well as ALL who are patriots. WE WILL NOT BE SILENCED by Erwin W. Lutzer is a must read and it will explain what is happening to this nation with the "cancel culture" and this "Woke" attitude that is being influenced and propagated by academia and the radical Marxist in the democrat party and how they are gaining power and influence to change America and erase our history. PLEASE READ this book and get the facts of what most of US(A) already know is changing our nation and its NOT for the good.

A small campfire after supper for smores with our friends from Florida; the Tracy's. I almost forgot to mention we had our first Heavenly Blue morning glory showing off on the arbor this morning. I'll try to get a photo for tomorrow's blog. They 

Sunday Morning August 22nd

Well Saturday was rather nice all day until late afternoon when the skies opened up with another "gully washer" storm which dropped a half inch in just a few minutes. I'm wondering if the driveway washed away again as it usually does with these heavy down pours. The temps dropped as well along with the rain fall.

I started the day much the usual with a 6'ish rollout to my early morning routines of some quiet times after posting this ramble and then a solo hike to the top of the mountain. I did get in another hike after supper to the back road which is about half way up the mountain but doing the steep backwood trail is enough to classify as a good hike especially if you can do it without taking a rest stop. Most of those I lift up by name for healing during my quiet time are doing some what better at least for the moment. Let's hope they continue to show some improvement in their fight against this insidious virus which I still believe was turned loose on the world by less than honest people. The folks left in Afghanistan are still in harms way with these butchers who call themselves the Taliban and Isis who are back in the picture with their terrorist leaders as well. America is seeing just what happens on the world scene when you have an incompetent leader and his administration. They will show up here in America for sure with no border security.

The gals and Patrick all went to town around mid morning to shop and to the gym for him. I stayed back and worked in the gardens and yards as I took out the green bean plants since they had stopped blooming and harvested another nice mess of beans. I want to try and get in a fall planting after working up the ground for some October beans. The tomato's are falling off the vine due to all this rain and they are starting to turn as well. The Zucchini's are finished so I took out the dead vines but the yellow squash is still blooming and setting some fruit. I did sow some sun flower seeds to see if they were still viable.

I tuned into the afternoon Ray's vs White Sox game and once more the Ray's bats came to life after losing the night before in extra innings. They won 8-4 in a good game and still hold the lead in their division. Once they all got back from town and the rain had us in doors we played some Euchre and the guys prevailed in the first game before supper and then one game after the clean up. We had one of my favorite dishes for supper which is green beans and beef in a sauce over Jasmine rice, so delicious. Nancy made cookies for dessert with vanilla ice cream for them. I headed out to walk around and then took a short hike up the back trail. I'm trying to stay away from as much sweets as possible. I watched on You Tube some documentaries on Afghanistan and the terrorist who have invaded this nation over the decades until bedtime around 10'ish, LATER

Saturday Morning August 21 st

 Well Friday was a fun day all around as the weather was awesome with lots of bright sunshine and despite some dark clouds we never received any wet stuff. The ground is finally starting to dry out some what and I want to sow a row of October beans to see if they make before cold weather. We headed to Galax around 4'ish so the gals could shop before the shops close at 5 in the old town and we ate out for the first time at the Italian Garden on main street. The food was plentiful and delicious but our friends were finished with their calzone before ever got our pasta dishes. We then headed over to the Rex Theatre for some awesome mountain music and I even did a little flat footin' for a couple numbers.

I started the day much the usual with a before 6 roll out to my routines that always include some quiet time with my Creator and Lord, giving thanks for another day and the many blessings as well as lifting several up by name. Bobby's family is starting to do a little better from the virus and so does Amy's family. She and Katie seem to be have stricken the hardest but just maybe have turned the corner onto recovery. Our nephew John in W.Va. is in dire shape and is now septic as well as on a ventilator. He needs some miraculous healing from what we are being told.

I got in my solo non stop morning hike to the top of the mountain and then Nancy and I did our together longer hike just before lunch. We stopped and visited with the Crouse team on top who are replacing a deck for friends there. Ben and Laura are still in Florida as he is having some severe health issues as well. The walk across the top of wonderful and actually the heat from the bright sunshine felt nice despite it being in August. The mornings have been chilled to start the day with temps in the 60's and it may reach the low 80's by afternoon. I did get in some porch reading for a couple hours and the book titled WE WILL NOT BE SILENCED is right on to what is happening in America. The radical left want to destroy the culture and this heritage and remake into their socialist state. This is a must read for all who are real patriots who love our freedom, liberty, family and our choice to worship GOD. Do not be deceived by the left who use race, sex and now whiteness to destroy US(A) from within with the help of academia, and the MSM.

The garden is starting to rebound as are the flower beds after the nearly wash out from all the rain. I harvested a couple more cucumbers which are delicious and so good for you as well a hand full of jalapeno's. The kales, Swiss chard and beet greens are healthy and really to be harvested again. I'm fighting the slugs who just love this wet weather and the blue berries are ripening as I make this post. Well we came back early due to Kathryn health issues and I watched the Ray's come from behind once again, but lost in extra innings, oh well, LATER

The White Top Mountain Band at the Rex was awesome.

Friday Morning August 20th

 Well Thursday was another dry out day until late afternoon when the rains showed up once again with heavy down pours which thankfully didn't last. There is little chance of wild fires in this area of N.C. and down south of us there is tremendous flooding and even loss of life and property damage from this TS Fred.

I started the day much the usual with a before 6'ish roll out to my routines of quiet time with my Creator and Lord lifting up several by name. Our son and daughter and their spouses are suffering badly from this virus. Bobby and Tyler seem to be doing better but Amy and Katie and especially Amy are really sick with headaches, nausea and loss of appetite. Both seem to have good oxygen levels which is very important as this virus is hard on the lungs. Nephew John is now on a ventilator and he was to my knowledge in decent shape. All of the grand kiddos seem to be OK as I make this post and are in quarantine with their parents. We ordered some groceries for Amy's family last evening as they have no energy and no one to cook or shop for them.

I got in my non stop solo morning hike to the top of the mountain and the water finally quit running down off the top. Our friends and neighbors on top are having severe health issues and have been gone now for over a week back to Jacksonville. Keep Ben and Laura in your prayers as well as our kiddo's for healing and comfort. I piddled around outside for most of the morning in the garden and yards, hoeing and pulling weeds which have just gone crazy with all this rain. The slugs are having a field day as well in the garden and I've been sending a few away forever. The Tracy's have been sleeping in especially Kathryn as she is mending but still suffering from the effects of this virus with her lungs. She is still on oxygen but not constantly. We all went to lunch at the Mexican eatery in Sparta yesterday and the cuisine was much better than last years. The salsa and chips flowed constantly and my shrimp burrito was excellent as was Nancy's soft tacos plate.

We ate lunch rather late and that held us for the rest of the day except for some fruit around 7'ish. We tuned into the Ray's game when we got home and once again they whupped the Orioles big time in St.Pete at the Trop. We were planning a long hike around 5'ish with Nancy and I but she was trying to order groceries from Publix on line and have them delivered which kept her busy and then the rain fell once again. I luckily found the Little League World Series on ESPN and we watched three games up until shower time for me and then some reading until lights out around 10'ish. We did make a library run after lunch and then a couple other stops before getting back to the cabin around 3'ish, LATER

Thursday Morning August 19th

Well Wednesday was a drying out day as the water flowing from the top of the mountain down though our usually dry gulch/ditch stopped about mid afternoon. I did get in a non stop morning hike to the top of the mountain and water was standing as well as flowing down from the top. All of the ditches along side our driveway as flowing with run off from the top. The gardens took a big hit with the rain and wind but I was able to salvage most of it with some hoeing around rain soaked ground later in the afternoon. Several green tomato's were on the ground from the wind as well. I did manage to stand up several zinnias and black eyed Susan which had been blown over but we did lose quite a few that were broken off. Oh well it was an experience we had incurred in many moons here in the mountains. Lots of leaves and branches in the yards and the backwoods area is littered with down limbs and leaves. I know a tornado came close around the area with so much debris.

I started the day out much the usual with a well before 6 ish rollout to my morning routines of a cup of hot green tea while I posted this ramble and then some quiet moments with my Creator and Lord giving thanks especially sparing us and the cabin from the damage that comes with these storms. I lifted up several who are hurting from this insidious virus which has taken its toll on many in my family and friends. You will never convince me this was not a deliberate attempt my those who want to change this nation and see their beliefs of a one world order become evident and by those who wanted our Potus Trump to be defeated. I doubt we will ever know the truth how this came about but those in collusion with China are the culprits.

I worked outside all morning weed whacking and getting the outside back into shape. There were lots of little piddly chores because of the storm. Nancy was inside getting it ready for The Tracy's who arrived around 3'ish after a 12 hour ride from Clearwater. We visited with them as they got their mountain legs and bearings. Kathryn is doing much better although at times she is on oxygen. We sat and chatted until supper time when I grilled a marinated pork tenderloin which was delicious and along with green beans from the garden, some garlic butter pasta and a fresh garden salad we dined high on the hog outside on the deck which was perfect both with the weather and the temperature. Kathryn is on the wagon for good due to her health but I had a glass of vino and Patrick had a tequila drink. Nancy has abstained due to some health issues as well. We had a great meal and the setting was absolutely perfect on the deck.

Patrick and I washed the dishes and cleaned up while the gals enjoyed the ambiance outside. We came in just before 7 and watched the Ray's once again whup up on the Orioles which were on TV here. They headed up to bed around 9'ish after the early morning rise and I watched the game until nearly 10 when I called it a day. They made and arrangement with a realtor for lunch and then to see some properties. We will meet them in town for lunch and then go our separate way as they want to see some houses and then head to the gym, which is the Wellness Center so Kathryn can get some exercise, LATER

After a day of drying out and some work in the flower and veggie gardens the results looked promising.

Wednesday Morning ..August 18th

 Wow, what a storm that went through yesterday and most of the night. If this was just a tropical storm then surely I do not want to see a major hurricane come through these mountains. The rain was so strong at times we thought surely it was coming through the tin roof. We now have running water on the property as the dry gulch or ditch below the house is running with water coming down off the mountain. It's roaring like a river. The garden is still there but barely as the winds bent and sliced off most of those plants not washed away. I haven't been outside to check the rain gauge but we started the day with 2 1/2 inches and I know the gauge must be over flowing.

Well Tuesday except for a few brief moments in the morning was a total wash out. I did get outside early to walk around the property before the big storm struck around mid morning. We had tornado warning, heavy rains at times which looked like hail falling off the roof and then periods of gentle soft rain. The really heavy rain and winds came after I hit the sack at 10 PM and Nancy thought she heard a tornado in the area. I did manage a half way hike up the back trail before the rain came again during the mid morning hours but that was it except for stair walks and doing inside honey do chores.

I started the day out with a well before 6 rollout to my usual routines of a cup of hot green tea while I posted this ramble and then some quiet time with my Creator and Lord giving thanks and lifting several up for healing. Both of our kids and their spouses are suffering the effects of this virus and are quarantined in their homes. Amy seems to be suffering the most with no energy and a cough. My nephew in Virginia is in dire shape with being hospitalized and I now believe on a ventilator as they can not get his oxygen level up. So far we have not been affected. We do have guests coming from Florida today and both of them have been infected and are now over it, we hope.

Well I tuned into the Ray's last evening and they were blowing away the Orioles again with great hitting and decent pitching. The rain has stopped thus far this AM but the skies are overcast. I want to get outside and check on the gardens and get a hike in before folks arrive, LATER

Tuesday Morning August 17th

 Well its good to be back on the mountain after a great trip to then northern part of Virginia and of course we had a great time with sister Dee and husband Mike who is about to retire in November. They have a beautiful place nestled between the Blue Ridge Mountains  in the Shenandoah Valley. The old town of Woodstock from the 1700's is their city and she now works part time in the court house there. The valley is beautiful with huge farms, gardens and vineyards. The produce is amazing which is locally grown. I grew up in an area 30 to 40 miles or so north of Woodstock closer to West Virginia called Mountain Falls and while the mountains surrounded our small farm we weren't actually in the valley but more hilly and not nearly as fertile.

We just love visiting there with them and of course we eat "high on the hog" as the old saying goes. Sister Dee was the youngest of the three girls that Uncle Billy who took me in when I was but a wee lad of about 4 or so and raised me. The three girls came along about 6 years or so later and of course call me their brother when in fact we are first cousins. Uncle Billy or as we call him Paw Paw is in his 90's and is suffering from many health issues. Dee and I have always bonded and we stay with her when we are in the area. She and Mike have two daughters and now 5 grand children. They visit at least once a year and their grands love it here as do ours.

Well after getting back from our visit we made a stop in Galax, Va. to stock up for some Florida friends who are coming for a week. After unloading the truck once we got to the cabin around 3'ish I fired up the riding mower and commenced to mowing all but the steepest party of the backwoods yards. It grows the slowest and since we don't usually use that area I gave it a chance to grow a little more. The flower beds are in full bloom with such a variety of colors. I picked a nice mess of green beans, and picked 4 or 5 cucumbers as well as a zucchini and yellow squash which we love fried. I finally had a nearly ripe tomato but several were on the ground from the storms which dumped over 2 inches of rain while we were gone. We needed the rain but not the winds as the tomato plants were bent over but not broken. It's calling for rain all this week and its raining as I make this post. It's still pitch black outside which is an indicator that summer is waning and fall is upon us and soon cooler temps will prevail. We are over halfway in our 5 month visit here at the cabin.

Well thanks to those who prayed us back safely and for those in the family who are suffering from the effects of this insidious virus and the fear by the MSM to destroy our individualism. I do believe its been a political fiasco by the corrupt dem's to destroy all that our duly elected Potus Trump accomplished to save this nation from the one world order bunch who are pushing for socialism. Fear and division is the first step and the second is to disarm us and take away the rights established by the constitution. We have such a non essential millennial class of do nothings as well as a class of career corrupt politicians; its frightening and who will sell their soul for the promises of leisure and no work, LATER

Thats Paw Paw with sister Dee behind him and middle sister Pat who is now his care taker.

Monday Evening August 16th

 Well we just got back to the cabin after being gone since Thursday morning to the Woodstock area of northern Virginia. It was an uneventful trip on the road as we drove through the mountains up 221 through to Roanoke and then we got on I-81 which is usually loaded with 18 wheelers and many crashes. On Thursday it wasn't too bad for a change but the temps were 101 degrees, they definitely needed rain which did come on Friday night and then again a couple of afternoons.

We headed out to Cracker Barrel for a delicious supper with the youngest of my sisters Dee and hubby Mike who we stayed with the during our visit. We came back and played card games until nearly 11 with the gals beating us in Sequence. Friday found us running some errands and then we headed over to Wardensville, W.Va. to visit with Paw Paw who is the uncle who took me in at the young age of 4 and raised me and who is now under the care of his daughter who is the middle sister. He is 94 years young and has congestive heart failure but still gets around with a cane.

We came back to Woodstock for the evening after a couple of stops for some goodies and had a delicious supper of steak, taters, home grown green beans and fresh garden salad. We played Euchre until bed time and the guys were winners. We decided to skip the picnic on Saturday due to weather which had cooled down from 101 to the 90's which felt great but the rain shower and over cast skies helped immensely with the cool down. Sunday we visited their church which is a plant from Winchester and saw and heard a great message on the life of Jesus and his ministry. We came back and Dee prepared a tacos pie which was very good and filing. That held us until late evening when we had a sandwich as we once again played Sequence and a couple games of Euchre. We guys just could not beat the gals in Sequence but did well with Euchre. They also won 2 games of Spades. We did watch a little of the NFL preseason game during the afternoon.

I made a stop to see an old friend who runs the New Market Battlefield museum on our way back to the cabin this morning. She always blesses us with home made apple butter which is the best ever. We didn't get to visit with friends at the picnic as several are down with this virus strain and one of my younger cousins up there is in the hospital due to its effects. Well we got back to Galax, Va. to shop before getting back to the cabin around 3. It was non stop work from then on until supper time around 7'ish, Later

A look at Paw Paw and his two daughters which are like sisters to me and the view out the back door os sister Dee in Woodstock.

Thursday Morning August 12th

 Well we are getting the much needed rain once again as another thunder storm brought all the elements of a storm with thunder, lightning and of course some heavy down pours  It stayed cloudy and over cast right up until dark. Luckily we had got our hike out of the way during the hottest part of the day, however I did get some garden and yard work in before the clouds moved in after lunch.

I started the day much the usual with 6'ish roll out to my morning routines that start with the cup of hot tea while I posted this ramble then some quiet time to give thanks and lift up several to my Creator and Lord for comfort and healing. I even got a talk in with Him on my non stop solo morning hike to the top of the mountain. The sun was shining brightly and the fresh morning air was exhilarating as well and I was just so thankful I can still hike this steep backwoods trail.

I picked some fresh blueberries from my bushes which are starting to produce to add to my morning bowl of oatmeal with cinnamon and honey, delicious and fresh. I harvested more cucumbers and green beans and gave our old friends who are working on top of the mountain a sack full. Most of the folks on top are not fans of these and neither is neighbor Gerald. The Davis's had to leave to go back to Florida due to Ben having some health issues. We checked on them with Laura's sister Ann who lives just across the way and she mentioned his doctor took him off the meds to slow his heart beat. Hopefully he will recover and get straightened out.

We sat and read the afternoon away during the storm and Nancy was on the phone with her gal pals. The Tracy's are coming next week when we get back from Woodstock for a week so we will stop and stock up on the way home. We are looking forward to our 4 plus hour trip today(thur) through the Bent Mountain area near Roanoke and then we will take Rt 11 up the valley. It's supposed to be in the middle 90's the next couple of days in the valley. Wow, its been awhile since we have experience that kind of temps and daughter Amy said it was like that in Florida with high humidity as well. We have been spoiled with the low 80's for highs and high 50's for lows the past couple of weeks. I had to put on an extra flannel shirt after the rain storm as the temps dropped back to the 50's in just minutes, oh well.

I'll be away from this ramble(laptop) until next week as we will be visiting sister Dee and Mike in their beautiful Shenandoah Valley home in Woodstock, Va. for 4 nights and 5 days. We want to meet with several family members and friends who live near that area and maybe even take a day trip back to the old home place. Anyhow looking forward to games at night and some high on the hog eatin', LATER

Wednesday morning August 11th

 Well this month is moving right along and so it the amount of sunlight each day. Its now dark when I roll out in the morning before 6'ish whereas a few weeks ago it was day light and the evenings now are growing darker much sooner. The summer is waning it seems although you would never know that in Florida as it still hotter than a firecracker for most of the day.

 I started the day much the usual to my routines of a cup of hot tea while I post this ramble and then some quiet time with my Creator and Lord giving thanks and lifting several up for comfort and healing. All seem as well as can be expected and there has been what seems great improvement in Kathryn's lungs as she was on the phone with Nancy yesterday. She sounds much improved after several months of severe lung damage. I headed out around 7:30 on my non stop solo hike to the top of the mountain. Nancy and I never did take our together longer hike in the afternoon for some reason. Oh I know, because we had rain and a thunder storm during the afternoon and she doesn't like to hike any close to after eating for tummy reasons.

I piddled around the yards and gardens after breakfast until lunch time catching up on some honey do's and then we settled into reading outside on the porches before and during the rain after lunch. The temps dropped so quickly I had to put a flannel shirt and wore it until supper time. We had some of my fresh picked green beans along with pork tenderloin chops. We had a garden fresh salad for lunch with avocados, fresh cucumbers and radishes, yeow was that ever delicious. We definitely eat fresh from the garden with my lettuces, kale and Swiss chard as the base. The cukes are so sweet and tender an I'm picking several daily.

I tuned into the Ray's game vs Boston after supper and they were losing until the last couple innings when the bats came to life again and they won by 4 runs. We are now up 5 games over the Red Sox's, LATER

This pic was during the rain only after a huge down pour just moments before which looked like a sheet 

Tuesday Morning August 10th

 Well Monday started out with another beautiful morning and it stayed that way until late afternoon when it did warm up enough to where the a/c went on, especially for Nancy in the hot kitchen as she fried zucchini squash. Fried zucchini is as delicious as fried yellow squash and green tomato's; but all three are delicious. We always seem to make that the meal except this time I grilled a couple marinated chicken breast on the side. We always add fresh herbs from the garden as topping and the basil, oregano and fresh jalapeno pepper were awesome in addition to the taste of the squash.

I started the day much the usual with a 6'ish roll out to my cup of tea while I post this ramble and then some quiet times with my Creator and Lord both here at the computer and then again on my solo hike. The hike was fabulous as the fresh morning air was exhilarating to say the least with heavy dew in the grass. The freshness as well as the stillness is awe inspiring as I talk with GOD and give Him my concerns and cares and thanks for my good health and physical fitness. I'm still in shock from the passing our old friend Sam who passed away last December.

Well I took off the back porch screen door and took it a part to replace the screen which several dogs have contributed to its ripping. That kept me busy for a couple hours and then I touched up the paint on the door and several of the rocking chairs on the porches. I piddled around in the garden after the dew dried and then picked a basket of green beans as well as a couple more zucchini's and a couple cucumbers. I need to harvest lettuces again today as its bolting.

After lunch I sat and read for a couple hours on a true accounting of the attempt by the military to take out a bridge in North Viet Nam called the Dragon's Jaw. It was a non stop attempt for years which cost US(A) several jets and pilots both from the USAF and the Navy and tons of bucks. Such a wasteful tragedy which the politicians screwed up by their idiotic thinking and the civilians in the pentagon managing the war. Anyhow it was a good read and most of it took place while I served in Viet Nam from 1966-1973. I did experience some close encounters with the big cargo jet plane I was a crew member on in Pleiku and Danang when we were on the ground. The attacks were real with the hills on fire and explosions, anyhow folks do not know what a bungled mess the civilians did to cause the loss of this conflict and how we, who served were denigrated by the MSM and the milk toasts who fled to Canada.

We took a golf cart ride after supper to the mail box and then to the top of the mountain. A friend there is having some health issues with his heart and was taken to the ER on Sunday evening. He was back home but was experiencing some low blood pressure and dizziness still. He is on a medication the same as Nancy to slow down his heart beat and since he's only been on it for about 6 weeks we are thinking it may the culprit, oh well. He is not a youngster at 83 and there is concern since he does have some other health issues.

We came back and I settled into You Tube watching some documentaries on travel in Chile and the Sahara Desert. Very interesting and the scenery and the customs of those who live there are unique to say the least. We are so blessed in this country with modern amenities that we are spoiled beyond belief, LATER

A few views from our evening trip to the top and the picking from the garden patch.

Monday Morning August 9th

Well Sunday was another awesome day with great weather conditions, great worship and then out to lunch with our friends Jake, Katelyn and Skylar. We went to the The Pines for a change and had their buffet which was mainly fried and barbecue chicken, smashed taters and gravy, a beef patty in gravy and baked beans and boiled cabbage, rolls and all you cared to to eat for 9 bucks. They can not get help so the salad bar is no longer and we have learned due to this shortage of help several more eatery's have closed their doors in this town especially on Sunday's when most all church folks go out to eat. Such a sad situation. Their fried chicken was delicious which I seldom ever get at home and I had a couple pieces. That held us for the rest of the day until we had a lite supper of Caesar salad and a leftover brat around 6'ish.

On a somber note we learned of a once dear friend who had moved to the Nashville area in 2017 had passed away the end of 2020 in a facility due to a demential syndrome. Sam Carlan was a man who we met at Cornerstone Church along with his wife Marcia and they once owned the most historical log house in Elk Creek, Virginia. We knew and paled around with them starting in 2014 for a couple years before they decided to sell out and move to be closer to their son. We hadn't heard from them since they moved but one time in the beginning. Sam went down hill very fast to this disease which changed him completely from the person we knew causing him to be institutionalized until his passing less than 2 years after being diagnosed. Such a sad affair and we spoke with Marcia for an hour or so yesterday afternoon after getting a text the night before of Sam's passing. Marcia was looking at some pictures and saw us in them and decided we should know of Sam's passing and the circumstances. We are still in shock of that news especially since Sam was close to Nancy's age.

I started Sunday morning with my usual routines and then some quiet time on my solo morning hike to the top of the mountain. Worship was good both there, on line with BridgePoint and at Cornerstone as we met with a really nice crowd with lots of new faces among the group. We did see many familiar faces at the Pines eatery as well before heading home. I tuned into the Ray's game which was on TV since they were playing the Orioles in Baltimore. Once again the bats for the Ray's came to life in the later innings after being down for most of the game with a big come back win and swept over the Birds. 

After our conversation with Marcia we decided to eat a lite supper them take a golf cart ride to the top where we learned Ben was having some faint issues and was taken by ambulance to Sparta. He is on some of the same heart meds that Nancy is on for a racing heart. On a lighter note Paw Paw was being transported back home with Pat after an overnight stay at the VA in Martinsburg, W.VA. Everyone else seems to be doing fine or as well as can be expected due to their ages and issues.

I spoke with an old trooper buddy who was the best man at our wedding in 1979. He too had some serious almost grave heart issues a few years back but has now recovered completely. He has his first grand child and is in love. I'm trying get him out of the panhandle of Florida for a visit. He loves the mountains but as far north as he can get is Jasper Georgia where his son has some acres. He and his wife Jan are doing O.K. and love being grandparents. I broke him in as a rookie when he came on patrol back in the early 70's and eventually he moved away in 1980 to north Florida. Haven't seen him since and it was good to hear his voice on the recorder on my birthday after 40 some years. Wow, am I getting old or what, LATER

Sunday Morning August 8th

Well Saturday was another great day with temps in the 60's to start the day and it may have reached the upper 70's by late afternoon. We did get a nice soaking half inch of rain around supper time which caused the temps to drop back down into upper 50's by dark. You could almost see the greening of the grass with this much needed rain. I feel that we will have an early fall for some reason as the cicadas are already molting and making their presence known.

I started the day with a 6'ish roll out to my usual routines but cut short my social media updates as I attended the prayer breakfast with about 20 or so other men at Cornerstone at 8. I wanted to get in my solo hike before heading out around 7:30. The breakfast was delicious to say the least with gravy and biscuits, scrambled eggs, sausage and bacon, grits, sliced tomatoes and cut up fruit. What a feed and that held me until supper. We heard a great message on David vs Goliath and how GOD save him and the nation with this young lad who was a caretaker of the herd and not a warrior like his brothers.

I came back and piddled around in the gardens harvesting more cucumbers and squash and then I dusted my kale which seem to be the favorite of some insects that leave little holes in the leaves. The rain washed it off during the evening but I'm hoping enough stayed on to discourage their appetites throughout the day. We took off on a long hike to the top together before the noon hour and stopped and visited with the Ben and Laura and then headed on across where we visited with Roddy and Kathy who had their roof fixed by a fellow who lives locally by the name of Woodruff. He fixed the problem the builders failed to build properly and charged the owner less than 350 bucks. Wow what a job as we saw him on our walk the other day on the ladder reconstructing the area which had sunken in due to rain leaking in and rotting the sub roof. 

We came back down around 1'ish and Nancy had a lite lunch which I passed on except for a couple peanut butter crackers. We then both sat on the porch and read the afternoon away until 5'ish when I headed out to harvest some Swiss chard and beet greens for our supper. We sauteed them in water and then we had some yellow squash and a brat and some left over October beans. Everything was delicious to say the least and the harvested veggies were so flavorful.

The storm moved into the area and the much needed rain was a blessing to say the least and with it the temps dropped dramatically. We played some Kings on the Corner and a game of gin before the Ray's game came on TV and Nancy whupped me in both games big time. The Ray's whupped the Orioles big time as well and it was in the 8th inning I hit the shower and then some horizontal lab, LATER

Just a few views from our hike as we hiked up the scenic back trail

Saturday Morning August 7th

 Well I feel like a rock star after receiving so many big day wishes, cards, gift cards, phone calls and first thing in the morning being serenaded by beautiful voices singing the big day song. Wow do I ever feel blessed by all. It was a fun day with eating out with great mountain friends and then walking the closed down streets of Sparta listening to music and greeting old friends and the weather was perfect to boot.

I started the day much the usual with a 6ish rollout to my routines and then some quiet time with my Creator and Lord giving thanks and lifting up several by name. On a somber note middle sister Pat who is the care giver to my uncle who raised me and whom we call Paw Paw had to take him back to the VA hospital due to issues with his heart. He is 94 and has been having heart issues for quite some time and they admitted him again at least for overnight.

I got in my non stop solo hike first thing after posting this ramble and then we together got in a long hike just before lunch time. Nancy had made a delicious big day breakfast with blueberry cakes, sausage and eggs which held me except for a couple peanut butter crackers around 2'ish. I knew we were eating big around 6 at the Crave eatery in Sparta with the Luffman Family. I like to order something I don't usually eat at home so it was a pesto sauce over mushrooms and spinach and gnocchi balls with a bowl Italian wedding soup to start the juices flowing. Very delicious and Nancy had the salmon.

We headed up town to walk the streets and even there I got many hugs and well wishes on this day from many locals whom we have come to know over the years. We heard some good music with a variety of back woods country, blue grass and punk rock and even some elevator music in one coffee shop. It was a fun time to end the big day and then we got home to watch the Rays come from behind in Baltimore to beat the Orioles, LATER

Friday Morning August 6th

Well Thursday was my last day at 74 years young. I did some garden work in the morning and then sat on the back porch for most of the afternoon watching some documentaries before we had supper. We are off to Sparta today and the library as I ran out of books but I found some great stories on You Tube of Man vs Wild and of the hermits who lived in the eastern part of Siberia. 

I started the day much the usual with a 6'ish roll out to a cup of hot green 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 healing and comfort. All seem as well as can be expected. I took my early morning hike to the top of the mountains before Nancy got out of bed. The mornings are so peaceful and the fresh air is exhilarating to say the least and the non stop hike is helping with keeping me some what in shape. I harvested a couple more cucumbers and yellow squash and blessed our old worker friends, Larry and Brandon who are on a job on top of the mountain with a sack full when I went to pick blueberries at the old Browning Place. The new owners are gone for another week and mentioned to pick them before they fell off. I gathered a cup of berry's for our morning oatmeal as my berries are just starting to ripen with just a few a day ripe enough to eat.

I piddled around the cabin catching up on some small jobs, hoeing and weeding most all of the vegetable and flower beds until just before lunch when Nancy decided she was ready for a hike. The air was delicious to say the least and perfect for the steep backwoods trail hike. We did stop and visit for a few with folks on top before heading back to the cabin for a lunch of a fresh garden salad. 

We did clean up some of the leftovers for our supper and then we took a golf cart ride out to the mailbox where we saw a couple neighbors out and about. We stopped and chatted for nearly an hour before heading back to have a campfire. The air was chilly and perfect for an evening fire. You could feel the temps start to drop dramatically as the sun was setting below the tall trees that surround our place and the heat from the fire was perfect. After Nancy headed in I decided to burn some trash and then it was shower time for us and then some horizontal lab around 10'ish for me, LATER