Sunday Morning October 31st

 Well starting around 3 in the morning the Tracy's took an hour to leave the cabin and then at close to 6 the Botbyl's left, all of them for Florida. We will be quiet for a couple days and now the weather is looking like we may leave on Wednesday instead of Thursday morning. We were staying due to having the new range/stove repaired but that can wait until next summer when we come back in June. We do not want to be stuck here in bad weather and its looking like winter weather is on the way.

Saturday was another damp cool day with an occasional rain shower. The temps stayed down close to the upper 40's with very little sunshine. We had the heat on all day and evening. We ate an early supper of lasagna and salad which Kathryn had prepared a day ago and it was delicious and about half of it was leftover for another meal or two. I started the day with a 7'ish rollout and then an early morning hike to the top of the mountain having my morning talk with GOD. We never got in another the rest of the day as the weather was lite rain off an on. We did watch both Florida teams get beat except for an upset by Miami over a ranked Pitt team.

Everyone but me went house looking for the Tracy's which was a waste of time in my opinion as I very seriously doubt they will ever buy or build here anytime soon. I'm not a shopper of houses as I'm satisfied with the two I have and don't plan on a different one any time in the future. Nancy is an HGTV junkie along with Carole and Kathryn and is a big reason we are redoing the cabin kitchen.

Well I have lots to do in the next couple days if we plan on leaving Wednesday. We will attend worship at Cornerstone today and then lunch with Jake and Katelyn and then spend the rest of the time here winterizing the cabin, LATER

Saturday Morning October 30th

 Well Friday was another day with mixed temps and weather after a long day and night of constant rain. We had almost 3 inches that left us with wet soggy conditions and I noticed on my early morning hike the run off from the top of the mountain was evident with the fallen leaves being washed away on the trails.

I started the day with a before 7 roll out as it's so dark at 6 and still dark until 7:30. For some reason the internal alarm has been letting me sleep in until close to 7 which especially with tons of company here I don't awaken them. I did my usual routines of posting this ramble and then some quiet time before heading out on my hike and talk with GOD. It wasn't quite as cold this morning and I did see some streaks of sunrise despite the clouds and overcast skies from the past couple of rainy days as I approached the mountain top.

After getting back I had my cup of hot tea with some lemon balm herb while I perused the internet and awaiting for everyone to awaken. Nancy fixed a mountain breakfast of pumpkin pancakes, eggs and sausage with OJ and of course coffee and hot chocolate for Patrick and Kathryn. Howard finally awakened as his body is still on Arizona time which is 3 hours behind us. The meal was awesome and held me completely until the big meal of the day around 4'ish which was totally Mexican with chicken enchiladas, yellow rice, refried beans, guacamole and salsa all of which was very delicious. Kathryn is quite the cook and loves to be in the kitchen. I did the clean up as usual.

The Tracy's and Howard headed off to Galax to visit the Rex theatre and made a dumpster stop on the way as we had 3 huge bags of garbage despite me burning 3 bags the day before at the fire pit. We stayed back and did our devices as I watched some great documentaries on You Tube about the deserts in the world until the world series came on and they got back from their good time at the Rex. They all soon headed off to get ready for some bedtime and I soon followed once the water heated back up. I was ready for some horizontal lab around 10:30. I never heard when Nancy came to bed as she is a night owl with the Botbyl's, LATER

Getting ready for a delicious evening meal.

Friday Morning October 29th

 Well the rain did finally get here in the early afternoon and has stayed around all evening, night and the again this morning. The fog came in with it as well and the cool temps. The early morning yesterday was decent as I got in a hike early to see the sunrise and then again before lunch with Nancy and we made the long hike to the top. I did my early morning routines with some quiet time after posting this ramble and then headed out just at dawn for my solo hike. The sunrise was beautiful but the skies were showing overcast and cloudy and the forecast was for rain.

I burned trash and piddled around outside after my solo hike until it was time to head out to the Bluffs eatery on the parkway around mile marker 141. We had 3 PM reservations and it took close to 30 minutes to get there. The rain has started earlier and the fog was ever present especially on the way back to the cabin around 5'ish. Eating there was the first in years for us and while we had reservations they were short on help as it took forever to get waited on. The food was a little pricey and decent. I wouldn't go back again this season plus it closes in about 2 weeks for the season. Hopefully next season they will have more help as there were several folks eating there.

Well with the big meal early we mainly skipped any supper except for a black raspberry cobbler Nancy put together around 8 with vanilla ice cream, yeow was that ever delicious. A few of those in the crowd had some soup just before the cobbler. Patrick's brother Howard seems to be doing O.K. in the basement and is very happy to be here especially with the rain which they seldom have much of in dry Arizona. We tuned into the football game until half time then I hit the shower and was soon ready for some horizontal lab at 10'ish, LATER

The fog had moved in on our hike as no distant views were evident. More color each day and after the over night rain I doubt there are many leaves left to see.

Thursday Morning October 28th

 Well it was a cold one yesterday morning with wind chills down into the 20's and I bundled up like an Eskimo for my solo early morning hike which as I reached the top felt like a hurricane was in the tree tops, wow was it ever windy and cold. I came back via the Nymark's campground and everything looked good there with leaves and pine needles covering the ground.

I started the day much the usual with a 6'ish roll out to my routines that start with some quiet time and the posting of this ramble before heading out on my cold hike. Everyone but Kathryn was up when I got back and they had decided to head out to West Jefferson without Nancy who wanted to clean and put the cabin in order before Patrick and Howard arrived later in the evening. I decided to head over to the Luffman Farm for some horse manure and did so around 9'ish. Gerald gave me a hand in scooping up the material and I gave him a hand in loosening a hydraulic line on his bobcat. I was back home before noon and had unloaded the manure into the gardens before eating lunch.

We worked around the cabin and then took off on our together hike in the early afternoon and the weather had changed so much from a cold morning to a very warm nice afternoon. I actually sat outside reading in the warm sunshine for a couple hours until the sun shifted around behind the tall trees in the front yard. The guys got back from their trip and started making a pot of soup for our supper which was delicious along with a fresh garden salad and crusty bread. Nancy had made a fresh pumpkin pie for dessert.

Patrick and Howard came in around 8:30 after a long day in flight from Arizona. This is his 4th time to the mountains and he just lost his wife a couple months back to a surgeons mistake when her liver was cut during a procedure. She had serious heart issues which were being addressed when the mistake was made during surgery. They will leave on Sunday for Florida where he will visit for a week or so with Patrick and Kathryn.

Well we watched a little of the baseball game and the Braves were losing big and it was shower time for me around 10'ish, LATER

Wednesday Morning October 27th

Well old man winter is upon us as the temps are down in the 40's with a strong wind blowing constantly for the past 36 hours which makes it feel even colder. I guess you would say I'm ready to head back to warm sunny Florida and put in my garden, soak up some warm sunshine and play some pickle ball.

 I started the day much the usual with a 6'ish roll out to my abbreviated routines which is basically a handful of vitamins and supplements washed down with a glass of well water while I posted this ramble. I've been having my tea when I get back from my early morning solo hike as I like to pick some lemon balm from by herb patch for the morning cup of tea instead of having it early; plus I don't wake everyone up with the microwave. I did my quiet time before heading out on my hike just at dawn and got in a talk with GOD once I reached the back road after climbing the steep back trail.

I checked out the Nymark's camp ground on the way down and everything looked good after the strong winds overnight. I didn't do much after getting back to the cabin as it was really cold outside with the strong winds blowing. Everyone took off to Galax as I wanted to head over to the Luffman farm for some manure but they never called back until late evening so I'll head over today some time and get some for the gardens. I did stay inside and read most of the day until they got back from shopping. I finished the book on the Korean War as told by Jeff Shaara which is a must read for all who love history and who he interviewed many of those before they died who actually fought this somewhat stalemate event. Nothing changed as the 38th parallel still divides the country between the north and south. Such devastating temps for both sides which was mainly fought by the Chinese under Mao and the headline hungry MacArthur who stayed in Japan and directed the Marines and the Army with another general who was a sycophant of his. A great read as well as very historical and the decisions made by a fine Marine general to save so many lives after rebuking MacArthur sense of reaching the border of China to grab national headlines.

I started another book of his about the seize and the battles during the Civil War era at Chattanooga. The in fighting among the generals on both sides was very evident during this campaign and Shaara brings it out as well as the harsh conditions on both sides for the soldiers. He is such a through author and puts you right in the era and events.

They all got back around 3'ish so Nancy and I took an afternoon hike on a different route. We went up the steep back trail and then down the back side road to the main road and then up to the Nymark camp ground and then back up the steep driveway; we just made a large circle and the wind chill was just very evident. In some areas we felt no wind at all and in others it just penetrated out coats and faces. It felt below freezing with the wind but the sun was shinning and the skies were blue. Winter has come to the mountains and I doubt very seriously if many leaves are left on the trees with any color. There are still many trees with green leaves or there were before this front moved in.

I harvested a couple beets from the garden and Nancy had a frozen squash casserole she had made a few days ago and along with some leftovers that made up our supper. We played a couple rounds with the dice game before retiring to the TV to watch the world series which Atlanta was winning 5-0 when I hit the shower and then read until 10'ish. Some time during the night Kathryn woke us all up with a huge bang on the floor above us and then it was being awake the rest of the night. Today Patrick arrives with his brother from Arizona until Sunday. I sure hope he doesn't bring the virus from his airplane ride to the cabin, LATER

A picture of the astroturf dropped off at the Nymark's campground and then a shot of the old Ray Todd place just across the road from the campground

Tuesday Morning October 26th

Well Monday turned to be a rather nice day until late evening when the rain came in bringing a change for the area in the temperature. I'm looking at much cooler weather for us here on out until we leave in about a week or so for Florida. The Nymark's left during the morning in their large motor coach pulling their Jeep behind them and they made it safely to Savannah.

I started the day out with my usual 6'ish rollout to my morning routines that start with some quiet moments giving thanks and lifting several up for healing. All seem well as I make this post and then I took off on my solo hike to the top of the mountain having my talk with GOD and then down by the Nymark camp ground where they were busy packing and doing last minute preps to leave. I led them out the road in the golf cart so they could safely get to the hard top and then helped them hook up their towed vehicle and be on their way down the mountain. Steve and Sheri do this quite well together as a team.

I piddled around the cabin after they left burning several bags of trash and getting some of the flower beds ready for the winter. The Botbyl's took off on an adventure alone and Kathryn stayed around the cabin. The weather wasn't too bad until late evening when the rain came in and old church friend delivered a load of astroturf for the Nymark campground. Steve will have a project when he comes in March as this stuff is tough, heavy and very durable.

I headed over to the post office and picked up a package sister Dee mailed to us after lunch and all of the fields that are truck farmed have been turned under. Nancy and I took off on an early afternoon hike to the top of the mountain and spoke with Billy and then Dave at the old Browning place. He is renovating the separate cabin as well as the main house. The leaves showed their beautiful colors almost over night and the hills are beautiful. Our driveway is in full regalia with browns, golds, yellows and reds. Just beautiful and this front will surely put them at peak.

Well Kathryn was in the kitchen cooking a splendid supper for us with pan grilled salmon, linguini and asparagus; yeow so delicious. Afterward we settled into a game os spades and the gals whupped us once again, LATER

Monday Morning October 25th

 Well Sunday was an awesome day of worship at Cornerstone and then afterwards a delicious fried chicken lunch at the Pines eatery in Sparta. The weather was almost perfect for the day with cool temps to start and then short sleeves on our late afternoon hike. We all met later in the evening for games before retiring for the evening as the Nymark's are heading out for Florida this morning in their motor coach pulling their vehicle. We will we sad to see them go as they have been so much fun.

I started the day with my usual routines of a 6'ish roll out, quiet time and then an early morning solo hike to have my talk with GOD and ask HIM to save this nation for those who love HIM, love life and kids and grandkids and our way of life. Pastor B's message did mention many of these things I ask GOD to heal and make right again.

The lunch at the Pines was delicious with real smashed taters, fried chicken, gravy, swiss steak, green and pinto beans and rolls and it was all you cared to eat which was a bunch for me and held me the rest of the day and evening. We came back to the cabin and dropped the Nymark's off as the gals headed out to Galax to shop and Dan and I watched some football. I headed down at half time to help Steve put the finishing touches on the roof over his camper which he will leave here over the winter.

The Buc's won big over the Bears and after the first half we just listened while we all played games. The gals won again in the games we played which made them all happy. The Nymark's did laundry while we played and then headed out around 9'ish and then I hit the shower and read until 10'ish, LATER

Some of us hiked or rather rode the golf cart while some of us worked. The leaves are changing finally a little more each day.

Sunday Morning October 24th

 Well Saturday was another nice day after a cold windy start with temps in the 40's here on the mountain. We had plenty of sunshine and blue skies and by late afternoon it was short sleeve shirt on our hike with the Nymark's and Dan. Perfect day and the buildings in Winston were visible as well.

I started the day much the usual with a 6'ish rollout to my routines that included an abbreviated quiet time after posting this ramble. I had my good talk with GOD on my early morning hike to the top of the mountain witnessing the brilliant sunrise. I did the total hike down by the Nymark campground and back up the steep driveway. Wow what a morning hike. I picked some Lemon Balm from the garden after getting back and made a cup of morning tea while I did my social quips. All seems well except a friend of the family passed away after being fully vaccinated. He was 66.

I piddled around in the flower gardens while everyone went to Sparta dead heading the zinnias and one of the marigold beds and then covering them with pine needles. I did head up the mountain for another load of campfire wood which Billy on top of the mountain cut from his property and had no use for as his fireplace is gas. After a lunch of a leftover deer burger I headed out on the back porch in the sunshine and read for a couple hours until everyone got back from town.

I did have another fire to burn trash as we had several sacks from the picnic and of course with 5 people here and using paper products for all our meals it adds up quick. We walked down around 3'ish to the Nymark's and they hiked with us to the top of the mountain on a slow leisurely hike and then they came up around 5'ish for a supper of left overs. We still have enough for a day or so.

Today its off to Cornerstone and then the Pines for some fried chicken before coming back to help Steve set his roof cover on his camper and then we will probably watch a little football or play games once again. The gals won everything last night for a change in 5 Crowns and Euchre. After the Nymarks left we tuned into the Braves game and they won and now will play the Astros for the world series which should have been the Ray's but they chocked, LATER

Saturday Morning October 23rd

 Well Friday was a total fun day as we traveled down off the mountain to Mt.Airy and then up to Cana, Va. before heading back to the cabin the long way through the mountain. What a beautiful day with plenty of bright sunshine, warm temps and blue skies. We ran some errands, did some shopping and walked the streets and people watched. We ate out at one of our favorite eateries in Mt Airy and had a delicious meal at SO HO's just off the main drag in town.

I started the day with my usual 6'ish roll out due to Nancy snoring from 3'ish on. No more chocolate for her before bed time as she made brownies after getting back to the cabin while we played games until 9'ish. I did my morning routines and did a solo hike to the top just after day break. It was a bit nippy but the sunshine was beautiful breaking over the mountain. I had my morning talk with GOD once again seeking HIS fix to all that is happening to our once great country which is being destroyed from within by the radical Left and the corrupt democrats. When will we who love this nation, GOD, family and our neighbors say enough is enough and take a stand to take back the country from these who are fixated on destroying this nation and tun it into a socialist/communist place of misery and despair. We are already seeing shortages, high gas prices, crime rampart and more illegals entering without worry of being caught. Enough is enough and its times to go to war again against the liberal elites.

We took two vehicles on a trip with Nancy and I riding with Steve and Sheri. We dropped the gals off at Cato's in Mt.Airy then headed over to Lowes for a few items for Steve as he gets his campground ready as they  leave on Monday until next year. We then headed back to pick up the gals and headed down town for some shopping and walking the street until close to 2 when we headed over to SO HO's for a delicious lunch of several different foods but mainly Vietnamese. The PHO was awesome and plentiful as was the California sweet tater roll and fried rice. The owner, Charlie wasn't there and now has taken up another business in Charlotte with a nail salon. Seems he is quite the businessman as well. His place is first class with a very nice atmosphere, especially clean and the employees very friendly. Steve and Sheri brought half of their meal home as it was so much. Nancy and I split a shrimp PHO and a roll which left us satisfied.

 After eating we headed north on Rt 52 to Cana, Va. for some shopping at the really nice farmers market and then headed up to "mountain man" farmers market for what I thought would be some apple cider. Well it is no longer made there and the place hasn't changed from its third world like shopping atmosphere. They are a little cheaper on some items but the atmosphere is quite the opposite of the last place we shopped. There weren't many folks shopping there but in one of the rooms we found a life like card board statue of Trump. This whole area around Mt.Airy and southern Va. are very conservative and big Trump supporters with flags, signs and all kinds of clothing making it known who they support. I love it.

We came back through a mountain community called Lamsburg which is very mountainous, unlined narrow roads and lots of curves that brought us out to the Blue Ridge Parkway around Pipers Gap. We made a couple detours to show the Nymark's the Blue Ridge Music Center and then again an area which was recently denuded of any trees and sowed in grass. There must be hundreds of acres that had been cleared and ready for either truck farming, Christmas tree planting or just for the real estate market. It's beautiful how the developers cleared the land of any forests and left it very clean and green.

We got back to the cabin and settled into our social media devices before the Nymark's came up for snacks and game playing. We settled into Euchre with the guys winning 2 out of 3 games during the evening. Nancy made a huge bunch of brownies and with vanilla ice cream had our dessert for the day. Sheri and Steve left around 9'ish and I hit the shower and then read until 10'ish, LATER

This statue was found at "mountain mans" market.

Friday Morning October 22nd

 Well Thursday turned out to be a shorts and tee shirt day after around mid morning and perfect temps for the outdoor picnic or cook out we had for friends here on the mountain. I think we had around 15 or 16 in attendance for a smoked rib supper with all the fixin's which many brought and shared along with the many dished our gang prepared.

I started the day much the usual now which is around 7ish with my morning routines of a quiet time and then a solo hike to the top of the morning to see the sunrise and have my daily conversation with GOD on my hike. The morning was a bit chilly but not nearly so as the past couple of morning with temps in the low 50's. It did warm up by the afternoon to the low 70's with an occasion cloud. The rain that was forecasted never showed here but did in other parts of the county.

The day was spent cooking and prepping for this cookout which was tremendous with some corn hole games and then some sitting around a nice campfire until 8'ish. Most folks left by then except for Jake and Katelyn and they stayed around until 9'ish with cute Skylar who entertained us. I had the ribs on by 11 and then used a 3-2-1 recipe which meant they stayed on the smoker open faced for 3 hours then wrapped in tin foil for 2 hours and then open faced again for an hour. The meat fell off the bones and was succulent to say the least. We have enough for another meal for the 5 of us on Saturday with lots of leftovers.

We head down to Mt. Airy today in two vehicles to fram around and then eat out at SO HO's where we had such a great Pho meal and some sushi a couple summers back. The owner was very personable who is from Viet Nam, plus I'm sure we will do some street shopping and a stop at Aldi's before heading back up the mountain. Steve and Sheri leave on Monday for Florida and close up their campsite and then Patrick and Howard are supposedly coming later in the week until the 31st. We will have nearly another week before heading south and winterizing the cabin, LATER

Thursday Morning October 21st

 Well Wednesday turned out to be another beautiful fall day with cool temps in the morning and bright blue warm skies by the afternoon which had the bees and bugs in full activity. We had the windows and doors open in the afternoon but as evening approached it was cooling down once again and Nancy had the heat on overnight. Next week is supposed to bring more cooler temps but with the bright sunshine and blue skies, I say bring it on as long as its not wet  and overcast. Well it looks as if we will be here at least through the 3rd of November due to this convection oven problem. It seems the man who took the report failed to pass it along to the correction company after they never arrived on Wednesday which was planned or scheduled; so now its November, oh well. We were originally planning on leaving that week as well, so no big deal.

I started the day out with a 7'ish rollout because its still black outside at 6 and we have been burning the late evening oil with games after supper and once again last night was no exception until 9'ish with 2 game of OH--ELL. What a raucous game which is fast and there is some skill to how you play the game but luck does depend on a lot on how you bid. The boys won both games once again. I did my morning routines and then headed out for my solo hike to the top of the mountain. The sunrise was beautiful and blinding as you come up through the woods. I had my talk with GOD giving thanks and then venting about the conditions our nation is facing with this inept and corrupt administration, praying HE will do something to save US(A).

I worked outside after a lite breakfast of an apple which I must get back to having to start the day after downing a handful of vitamins and supplements initially. I'm doing as much as possible outside with company here but next week I'll put up the fences around the hydrangeas to keep the deer away and the black raspberry patch and hopefully get a load of manure from Kimberly's barn for the gardens. I cleaned up around the wood pile and restacked the wood before lunch. After a leftover deer burger I settled into reading the Jeff Shaara book on the Korean War which is a real page turner and based on historical archives. What a read and it should make every patriot proud of those who fought in this cold climate and never forget those who gave so much.

I grilled a marinated London Broil for fajitas for our supper along with fresh green peppers from the garden and onions. There was yellow rice and black beans as well and the Botbyl's picked up an apple pie from Becca's in Sparta for dessert and Kathryn made homemade whipped cream for the toppings. What a feed. Kathryn also made 44 jalapeno poppers for todays cook out from my garden plants as well which is a chore but oh so good, LATER

Wednesday Morning October 20th

 Well the weather has been excellent to say the least with cool mornings and warm afternoons and clear blue skies with just a slight breeze. Our guests are thrilled to be away from the heat and humidity usually found in Florida until next month when it starts to cool down some what.

I started the day much the usual with a 6'ish roll out to my routines of posting this ramble, some quiet time before folks start to awakened and then my solo hike to the top of the mountain then I have my vocal conversation with GOD praising HIM and giving thanks and venting about the state of the affairs this nation has become with such corrupt leaders. Why has this been allowed to take place when we were founded on Judeo-Christian principles in our constitution and why have we let the radical Left destroy everything that was good. No answer but I hope HE hears my daily plea for some action on these matters to save US(A) from total destruction from within.

I piddled around outside as the gals left for Galax once again for shopping until sometime around 3'ish. Dan was off to Sparta to work out at the gym so I fired up the golf cart and picked up Steve and hauled some tin roofing and lumber down to his place to use for a temporary roof over his small camper that I had saved from years back in storage. I then headed to the top of the mountain to haul another load of stacked firewood that Billy had no use for and invited me to take all I wanted. It's seasoned and perfect for campfires and we had a nice one last evening after a supper of salad and deer burgers which were fabulous to say the least which neighbor Gerald blessed us with. Such awesome pure meat and if I could get it daily/weekly that's all the red meat I would eat.

Sheri and Steve came up to dine with us and that was their first time for venison and they liked it once they got past the idea of eating wild game. They both were in the restaurant business years ago and had never experience this meat despite coming from a place noted for big game, Minnesota. After the cleanup we sat outside around the campfire until close to 9. The stars were appearing as was the nearly full moon and we heard a Barred Owl for the first time ever which gave us the chills. We googled the sounds of owls and decided this was the one we heard a couple times after dark, LATER

Tuesday Morning October 19th

Well Monday started out rather chilly and stayed that way until mid morning when it began to warm up with the bright sunshine and the wind died down which gave us another gorgeous Fall day. We actually sat outside in the sunshine reading during the afternoon waiting on the gals to get back from Elkin. Seems they hit the clothing store Cato's in Galax on Sunday, again in Elkin yesterday and now again with Sheri in tow today. Now ya'll know why I drive a pickup truck just to tote Nancy's clothes back and forth, oh well.

I started the day with a 7'ish roll out to my routines that start with a cup of hot tea washing down a handful of vitamins and supplements while I posted this ramble and then some quiet time with my Creator and Lord giving thanks and lifting several up by name for comfort and healing. While there are several on the list all seem to be holding as I make this post. The guests were starting to awake so I headed out on my chilly solo hike to the top of the mountain having my talk with GOD and then venting as to why HE hasn't put a stop to this insidious destruction of our nation by this inept and corrupt leader and administration. They are into the one world order but this is HIS nation and I'm praying things will change and we will honor life again especially for the unborn babies. I know many Believers have stood by and let this radical bunch of lefties have their way within the culture, but now the time has come to stop them before all is lost to those who hate this land and our way of life.

I piddled around outside raking pine needles and leaves and stocking the front flower bed with them which hopefully will help by composting over the winter and hold down the weeds in the spring. That kept me busy until lunch time. Dan was off to the gym and the gals were shopping off the mountain. I finished up Nancy's leftover sandwich from Sunday's lunch then headed back out to start taking out the dying veggie plants which the cold temps had stunned. The leafy greens seem to be O.K. for now but the beans and tomato plants were fried. I headed up the mountain to gather up two golf cart loads of wood that Billy had sawed and stacked and had no use for and took Steve a load as well as a load for myself. We will hopefully have good weather for a fire on Thursday evening when we have several friends over for our final get together for this year.

Nancy had a huge pot of spare ribs, sauerkraut and dogs cooking for our supper along with smashed taters and crusty bread. What a feast. Sheri and Steve came as well and then Jake and Katelyn were out here measuring for new cabinets for neighbor Gerald and they stopped as well and ate with us and then stayed until nearly 10 playing games. What a fun evening with awesome delicious food and games. The boys won everything this evening in Sequence and Oh -ELL. for a change, LATER

Just a look at the gang that hiked in the afternoon with delicious temps.

Monday Morning October 18th

 Well Sunday was rather chilly to start the day with temps in the high 30's but the wind chill had it down close to freezing or at least it felt that way and it stayed chilly all day long. There was plenty of sunshine but the wind stayed up there in the 5-10 mph zone with leaves and pine needles every where on the ground. It also was a day of worship at Cornerstone where we heard the personal experience of a man who nearly lost his life in a motorcycle crash gave credit to GOD and to those of us who kept him in food while he under went rehab at home. After the service we met Jake and Katelyn at the Pizzeria for a delicious lunch and then headed home to watch football for most of the afternoon and evening. The gals all headed to Galax for shopping the rest of the afternoon. 

I started the day much the usual with a 6 ish rollout to my routines while everyone else slept in and then got in a solo morning hike. It was a cold hike but oh so good to exercise and as I reached the top of the mountain the sun was breaking with brilliant colors. I had my talk with GOD as usual while I dodged limbs down on the trail and it was covered in leaves and pine needles as the wind was very strong overnight. I noticed the wind chill made the few remaining plants in the garden look as if they had been covered with frost. I did harvest about 30 jalapeno's for poppers for our cook out on Thursday before they were ruined.

The deer have just about eaten off all of the lettuce seedlings which usually sustain the cold but there isn't much left of them. We had eaten such a large lunch so that just a bowl of leftover soup was all we needed for our supper. We did get in a couple games of Euchre after Kathryn retired around 7'ish. The gals won both games, LATER

 

Sunday Morning October 17th

 Well its cold here on the mountain with our first taste of fall temps after a few days of almost summer like temps. The rain came in yesterday for a brief spell and then the winds preceded the drop in temps and this morning there is still some wind and cold temps in the 30's.

Saturday started out like most days with a 6'ish roll out to my routines that start with the 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 by name. All seem to be holding as I make this post. I got in my solo early morning hike where I once again had my verbal talk with GOD while hiking the mountain. It was a beautiful still morning with the bright sunshine breaking over the top.

Nancy made a semi mountain breakfast with pancakes and a banana in the batter and eggs. I had some homemade apple butter to dress the top of my cakes which held me until nearly suppertime. She had a huge pot of homemade beef vegetable soup on the stove which permeated the cabin and even down into the basement where I worked part of the morning getting it ready for company. I noticed the deer had a feast in my garden over night with whats left but they ate and trampled the new lettuce seedlings and ate the beet greens, oh well. It's been a banner year for the garden and I'm excited about getting back to Florida to get in my winter garden in a couple weeks.

I blew leaves out of the yards and the driveway but that made no difference when the front moved in with high winds and blew them right back in only much more from the surrounding trees. At one time it looked like it was snowing leaves it was that heavy with leaves and pine needles. There wasn't much to do but watch college football until the gang arrived from Florida at 3:15. It was quite a change for them with the gusty cold winds. After they got settled in they had a snack and we caught up on all that was happening in the hood and then we had some soup and salad for supper around 5:30. It was perfect on this cold evening.

Dan and I settled into football, baseball and hopefully some hockey but we never could find the Lightning on the tube after supper. Around 9'ish I hit the shower and then to read until lights out for me at 10, LATER

Carol and Nancy were messing around with some app on their phones that allowed you to change your real looks and make you younger or whatever. At least that kept them entertained while we watched sports.

Saturday Morning October 16th

Well Friday was just like a summer day until late evening when it cooled down a little. It was shorts and tee shirt temps with bright sunshine and blue skies. We were Galax most of the morning and afternoon and it nearly reached 80 degrees. The big change is coming in today first with rain and then cooler temps that are supposed to get down into the 30's by Sunday, Oh well.

I started the day with a sleep in since these mornings are pitch black until nearly 7'ish. I'm catching up on that 3 plus hour ride down the mountain on Wednesday I suppose and even today it was close to 6:30 before awakening. I'm not a big fan of these early morning darkness and then again the early evening darkness. I did my usual routines that start with the cup of hot tea while I post this ramble and then some quiet time to give thanks and lift several up by name to my Creator and Lord for comfort and healing. I found out yesterday on our way to Galax where we've been buying our propane for years the old feller had passed away as did his wife a couple months before him. His son in law was at the shop and did fill our tanks for us and gave us the scoop. He was a great lover of Jesus and Trump.

We ran some errands in town and once again loaded up with groceries for company coming today for two weeks. These will be our last this year before we get ready to head back to Florida sometime the first week in November. Once they leave we have tons of work to do to get ready for the kitchen redo over the winter. The new stove we bought 3 weeks ago is not working properly with the convection oven so a repair man is supposed to come on Wednesday and fix that problem. We did get in a long afternoon hike together to the top of the mountain and saw no one. I had my solo hike before breakfast and it was a refreshing one as the afternoon hike had me sweating for a change due to the heat.

The leaves continue to fall before changing colors and I'm hopeful we will see peak here with this rain and cooler temps starting this weekend. We finished up some leftovers for supper then headed down to the Nymark's campground for an evening campfire. We said good bye to Tracy and Carl who we met for the first time this week week and they are such a joy to be around. They and Steve and Sheri will head down off the mountain and stay two nights and attend the Viking game on Sunday in Charlotte.

Well that was about it as I started a new Jeff Shaara book on the Civil War after finishing the one on WWII which was a page turner, LATER

Not much to see except the nice fire pit Steve put together and the outside lights.

Friday Morning October 15th

 Well this month is half gone and we are still having almost summer like weather especially yesterday. It's beautiful out and with the leaves changes from green to various shaded of yellow's, reds and oranges. It will be peak here in a week or less especially with this cold front coming in tomorrow bringing rain and temps down into the 30's.

We started the day after a 7'ish sleep in from the demanding bike trail on Wednesday. The Nymark's did get up and do Stone Mountain which we were supposed to do but backed out as Nancy could barely do our mountain hike. Sure glad we didn't go with them but they had a great hike going over the dome and back to the waterfalls on a 7 plus mile hike. They are younger especially their kids. We did our hike just before lunch and it was stop and go all the way to the top. I piddled around outside after my usual routines that start with the cup of tea while I posted this ramble, some quiet time to honor my Creator and Lord giving thanks and lifting several up by name. I passed on my solo early morning hike as we had slept in.

I did some garden work and then unloaded the bikes and just piddled around while Nancy hung two loads of laundry outside to dry. It was starting out to be a perfect day for outside drying until 4'ish when some clouds moved in and dropped the temps back to normal. I sat outside after a lite lunch and read for a couple hours until the Nymark's came and brought supper prepared at their campground. It was a one dish meal of boneless chicken thighs with taters and veggies covered in melted Swiss cheese. DELICIOUS and there is enough leftover for supper tonight as they are leaving Saturday morning for two days and nights in Charlotte and the Dobson area. We did get in a couple cards games after supper as the guys whupped the gals in Euchre and then a 16 hand of Oh -ell which I won in a close finish. We had the Bucs game on in the back ground and they won in what turned out to be a close game in scoring but not in overall play as the Bucs dominated.

We will be off to town(Galax) to shop today at the supper Wal Mart and make several stops on the way as we do errands before our last guest of the year arrive Saturday evening, LATER

Thursday Morning October 14th

Well Wednesday was a great adventure once again as we headed off to Damascus, Va. with almost perfect weather as the early morning temps were a bit nippy but it did warm up to the upper 70's by late afternoon. It was the first time for the Nymark's and Steve and I have figured out a way to save lots of bucks next time we do the trip. More on the ride down the mountain later in this blog.

I started the day much the usual with a 6'ish roll out to my cup of hot tea while I posted this ramble and 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 at this point in time. I headed out on my solo early morning hike before breakfast and it was awesome to say the least except for just a bit nippy. The sun was coming up over the mountain and there were blue skies and the birds were singing almost like this was a spring morning.

I loaded up the bikes and had Steve bring his 3 bikes up so we could pump up the tires with my small air compressor. We weren't able to get on with Sun Dog in Damascus so they recommended another outfitter called Blue Brush which we found to be the same price but their amenities were so much nicer with a park just across the way with tons of parking, picnic table and rest rooms. They will be our go to from now on and they are just a little further along the trail. Very nice facilities and not nearly as crowded.

We were able to get on the 1 PM load in as everything was booked solidly for the shuttle up the mountain. It was close to 2 before we ever actually started down the mountain on bikes and it was chilly in some areas and warm in others. The leaves in this area was at peak with just gorgeous colors. We stopped on the way over to Damascus for some pictures with the beautiful colors in the back ground as we took our time for the usually hour and half trip.

I met a family from Greenville Tennessee who knew of my old USAF buddy who passed a couple years back. He was the same age as my buddy's boys and went to school with them. He knew of the Ball Plant that manufactured glass canning jars where my friend worked and retired from before he passed away from the effects of Agent Orange, we all were exposed to in Viet nam. Such a small world.

We got back to the outfitter around 5'ish after a good 3 hour trip down the mountain. Parts of it were still rough and rocky which vibrated your body but the ambiance was exhilarating to say the least and the leaf colors were just beautiful with many on the trail itself. We came back the same way and it was going on 7'ish before we hit Sparta. The Nymark's went on their way home and we stopped to pick up Chinese foods in town. Well that was our first experience as it was take out only but it was so busy there with 3 chefs cooking and we waited nearly a half hour after calling it in about 20 minutes out. There were people lined up inside and out and I got the message by them this place served great food but some what not organized. They did mess up my order and gave me the wrong dish as we discovered after getting back to the cabin but it was delicious and plentiful. One of the chefs also takes the orders over the phone and is cashier as well which takes only cash or check and packs up your order. Anyhow I know not to order around supper time again. In all the years we have been coming to the mountains seldom have I ever seen anyone coming or going into this small place but last night around 7 it was packed and everyone I spoke to loves their cuisine and I must say it was delicious and reasonable except for mixing up my order, oh well. It wasn't long after eating around 7:30 we hit the showers and then I read until 10'ish. We were both whupped from the ride as we did have to pedal more than I remember in the past. It was uneventful coming and going both on the road and on the trail thankfully, LATER

Just a few pics on the way over to Damascus and a few on the trail. The leaves were beautiful

Wednesday Morning October 13th

 Well Tuesday was about as near a perfect day as can be. It was a bit nippy in the morning but by the afternoon it felt like a spring day with plenty of sunshine and blue skies with temps in the 70's. I spent the biggest part of the day outside working, hiking and helping out neighbors.

I started the day much the usual with a 6'ish rollout to my usual morning routines that start with the 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 for comfort and healing. I took off on my solo hike before Nancy got out of bed, just after dawn which is coming later each day and the dusk is coming much earlier each evening. Soon it will be dark at 5'ish. We needed to get grand daughter Annsley's 14th birthday card in the morning mail so I fired up the golf cart and headed out to the mailbox and on the way saw where Linda and Mike were up at their cabin. I stopped and chatted for a few on the way back and saw he was putting up scaffolding to finish the rock work on his chimney. Well he needed some extra man power to reach the third and fourth levels so I came back after breakfast and helped him get them in place.

I fired up the riding mower and mowed the entire place one more time for this year which made for a perfect look after weed whacking as swell. That kept me busy beyond lunch time and then Nancy wanted to hike. We ran into Laura Davis and her daughter who were going to hike along with their son and wife and they all decided to return the pot we had taken soup to them before Ben passed. They decided to fire up the ATV and they drove down and we showed them our place and they were thrilled and wanted to know all about gardening as the one young recently married couple live in Utah. It was an interesting visit and now the daughter wants to do some renovations on the small cabin. We are thrilled Laura will keep the place after Ben's passing with the help of their daughter and family who are both in the medical field.

After they left Mike and Linda came by in their golf cart for a visit and then we got a call the ATV which was being used by another family member with 5 small kids were stuck on the back road so off Mike and I went to assist them and it was a small problem. Seems they had the ATV in 4 wheel drive and it over heated briefly so we checked it out and let it cool down and then followed them back to their place. 

We came back and had fried pork chops, broccoli and sweet taters for supper. After the clean up I settled into the first Lightning hockey game of the season they were down 2-0 in the second period so I hit the shower and then read until 10'ish. Today is a big day as we travel to Damascus, Va. for a ride on the Creeper Trail with the Nymark's. It will be their first time on this adventure, LATER

The heavenly Blue morning glories are in full bloom with any where from a dozen or two each day. The last mowing of the season made for a great showcase of the yards and I harvested a few jalapenos and a look at the last of this years crop of tomato's.

Tuesday Morning October 12th

 Well Monday was rather overcast to start the day and I slept in until 7:30 for a change after being up late on Sunday night, watching football and once again the Ray's lost in overtime or extra innings. I didn't get in my solo early morning hike but we did get in a long one just before lunch. After my quiet time and social media postings we had an egg sandwiches for our breakfast and then I ventured out to piddle around. It was a bit chilly with temps in the 50's and when the sun was covered by clouds the breeze really made it feel much colder.

I headed down to the basement to try and fix the broken pull out drawer and managed to reinforce and then glue the broken front which hopefully will last until we leave in a few weeks. I then got out our bikes from the shed and aired up the tires, greased the chain and wiped down the dust since we last rode them a year or more ago. We plan on heading over to the Creeper Trail on Wednesday with the Nymark Family for their first experience. The weather is supposed to be excellent for the day and for the rest of the week. The leaf color is becoming more evident daily but the roads are covered with dead fallen leaves as well. I blew leaves with the blower for an hour or so out of our driveway and backwood yards.

We got a sad note that our mountain neighbor Ben passed away from this life, Sunday night. He wanted to be here where he loved the mountains and his cabin with great views. He was surrounded by family per his wishes as they came in from Hawaii and Florida. He will be missed here on the mountain. I read the afternoon away sitting in the bright sunshine and the story for this part of the book is of the battle of the bulge and the conditions those soldiers were subjected to were down right in humane with trench foot, starvation and frostbite plus seeing their buddies blown away as they fought the Germans. The Germans were almost as evil as the Japanese in their treatment with civilians. General Patton was held back to give the British General Montgomery some standing which was purely political to appease the British press even though Churchill didn't really care for his general and his plans. Ike and Monty were at odds and of course Patton thought he was a detriment to ending the war much quicker.

We cleaned up some leftovers plus some fresh Brussel sprouts for our supper and then we headed down to the campground to sit by the fire pit with the Nymark's family. They had popped corn the old fashion way as we do which was delicious. We got word the Ray's were down 5-0 during the first couple of innings. We left the fire around 8:30 as the evening coolness and dew fell and headed home to turn on the faux fireplace which gives out some heat. After our showers we watched the Ray's tie the game but the big hitters failed to produce and the Sox won in the bottom of the 9th and eliminated them from any further play despite having the best team in all of baseball this year, oh well. The Lightning start their season on TV tomorrow which will lessen the effect of the Ray's no longer playing this season, LATER

On our hike today. Still a lot of green but some colors showing. Our first newt in awhile after all this rain.