Thursday Morning June 30th

 Well say good bye to June and hello to July. Time just flies by as you grow older especially when your in a beautiful part of God's creation as we are here in the mountains of N.C. Thursday was a work day and then we did a little visiting with several folks in the neighbor hood. We had an unexpected visitor(s) whom we have known since coming to this area for nearly 30 years or more. More into them later.

I started the day much the usual with a before 6 roll out to my morning routines that start after posting this ramble with some quiet time to honor my LORD and give thanks for another day and lift up several by name. All seem as well as can be expected due to ages and health issues. Nancy seems to be getting better daily with her achilles. I'm keeping her off the stairs for awhile which may become an issue in the future but she can always walk around and down to the basement. I headed out on my solo hike to the top of the mountain finishing up my talk with GOD as I voiced my thanks and concerns out loud. What a beautiful morning as I topped the mountain to see the bright sunshine before heading back down. I get a good workout on the up hike and then again with up the driveway as I finish. Right now I'm doing just the one hike until Nancy can hike once again later in the day after she is cleared with the achilles issues.

After a breakfast of cereal for a change I headed out to work in the gardens and checking on the deer damage over night. They stayed away last night as we put out an old scare crow and I added several pie pans to give some motion in several areas of the yards. Deer do not like motion's it seems. I transplanted more zinnias in the circle bed and some beets into their final area in the upper garden. I have another 10 or so to transplant in the lower garden as well as some Swiss chard which we add to our salads raw. Delicious and so good for you. I finally have a few lettuce seedlings up which I have a tough time growing here due to the clay soil which compacts. The rest of the gardens are holding and would really take off with a good steady soaking rain.

I was trimming the huge blue spruce trees in the front yard when a car came up the driveway and it was Ray and Audine Todd along with Carson and his girl. Ray was the builder of this awesome cabin and we have been friends for years and Carson turned out better than expected. He is now the strength coach for Texas A&M and hopefully will continue with this college after this years internship. What a great visit and then after supper we visited with Ann and Frank who we can see their place through the woods when the leaves are off during the winter months. They are constantly doing improvement on their place. What a great day as the temps were very comfortable after a cool start, LATER

Wednesday Morning June 29th

 Well this month is just about gone and we have been here just a little over a month, where has that time gone. Tuesday was rather chilly to start the day with temps in the 50's and it stayed rather pleasant all day long. I think it may have reached the middle 70's by late afternoon. I worked outside most all day except for a nice visit with Shirley Heglar during the afternoon. We did take a long golf cart ride to the mailbox and then after supper to the top of the mountain. We saw no one out and about.

I started the day with a before 6 roll out as usual to my routines that start with some quiet time to honor my LORD and to give thanks and lift up several by name. All seem as well as can be expected and then I finished that quiet time with a rather out loud talk with Him on my solo hike. What a beautiful cool morning and the fresh air was awesome. Well the deer love these nights of foraging especially in my garden and flower beds. I had to put back up a fence around the black raspberries patch as they have just about ruined them by eating all of the new growth. We had to hang pie pans around the back yard as well hoping that will help keep them away. I also sprayed some insect poison around some of the flowers in hopes that will discourage them as well from eating all of the new blooms, oh well I'm having deer burgers for supper again so I guess we are even.

Not much to report except we need rain as we are watering daily. My tomato's are starting to set fruit as are the bell pepper plant and the squash and cucumbers. Lot of the seedlings are maturing enough to set in the garden proper. We have been staying outside until 9'ish and then hitting the showers and I watched a little of the Ray's game which had the manager losing the game again with pitching changes, oh well, LATER

Tuesday Morning June 28th

 Well Monday was basically a work day except for after supper when we visited the Luffman Farm and played and petted the many baby Gypsy Varner horses as well as their mommas. The pasture was full of horses which are built like tanks but oh so gentle.

I started the day out with a before 6 rollout to my usual routines that start with some quiet time after posting this ramble and then headed out on my solo hike to the top of the mountain completing my morning talk with GOD. The woods were quiet and the fresh smell in the morning is exhilarating to say the least. Such beauty with the blue skies and the bright sunshine for the beginnings of another day here in this awesome setting. We did have a few sun showers which did settle the dust but we need a little more rain to quench the thirst of the gardens and yards. I'm hand watering at least once daily depending on the maturity of the seedlings. I must say its been a banner year for wild flowers and the seeds I've sowed from last years marigold and zinnias seeds. Now if I could just keep the deer out of and away from the gardens and their nightly forays into both, oh well.

I did weed whack the yards as grass and some weeds have shown up but I'm holding off on mowing as its still very dry and I have too large of yards to water by hand. Just edging the yards has made a difference in the look of the yards. That kept me busy for over an hour and then I cut off the wine berry runners as this time of the year they send then out to start new vines. I want to keep them confined to the spaces they are already in. The berries haven't opened yet but it seems to be a banner year for them as well with lots of berries on the vines. The blue berry bushes are loaded as well and we are getting a few black raspberries to put on our cereal in the mornings.

We took a long golf cart ride in the afternoon to check on neighbors on top of the mountain and across the way from us as Ann and Frank are trying to widen their driveway which is very small. Most delivery vehicles can not get in and turn around in their small driveway and most will not attempt to make a delivery so they want to take out some large trees and stumps and widen it. We headed out to the mail box and made a run through Steve and Sheri place and took pics of a lonely deer standing there. We have seen lots of deer this year and of course seen the effects of their nightly feedings, but we had deer burgers for supper which were delicious that neighbor Gerald blessed us with. So they eat my garden and flower beds and then we eat them. That's a good trade off.

Since Lightning is finished for this year and the Ray's were off we stayed outside until after 9'ish then hit the showers. It wasn't long afterwards I was ready for some horizontal lab by 10. Nancy is a night owl and sleeps in after I'm up in the mornings, LATER

Monday Morning June 27th

 Well Sunday saw us with a little moisture through out the biggest part of the day. It was a good soaking rain but just not quite enough to make up for all those dry hot days. It did cool down the day and this morning which was greatly welcomed. I believe more is in the forecast which the yards and gardens will welcome.

I started the day with my usual routines of rolling out before 6 to my quiet time after posting this ramble to honor my LORD and give thanks for another day while lifting several up by name. I continued my talk with GOD on my solo morning hike. On a sad note the Lightning lost last night to the Colorado team and a 3 repeat is gone after winning the prized trophy the past 2 years. However they had a great season beating some of the best teams this year but I believe they were tired and just worn out and it showed in the last period. On a high note the Ray's swept a good Pirate team yesterday afternoon at the Trop in St.Pete.

The church service was good and we had a large crowd to hear Pastor B's message and the worship music was awesome as well. Lots of his family was in town for his surprise 50th birthday party and we saw all of them again at the local Mexican eatery where we ate for the first time this summer. The food was good as it always is. We made a stop at Food Lion next door and then again at the meat shop for some half runner green beans as the local vegetable stand is closed for what looks like good. Not sure why but that family that runs it has had issues with drug use. So sad as we knew the patriarch of the family who started the business and was a hard worker. We stopped at our mountain mom Helen's place to bless her with the beans on the way home and visited for awhile. I cleaned out her a/c filter/vent for her as it hadn't been cleaned in a year or more as I had cleaned out ours which hadn't been cleaned since last year.

After the Ray's game I took another solo hike to the top of the mountain and across the top. A few folks were up enjoying the cool temps and the light rain which gave everything a small drink. I had enough rain in the gauge to pour out but not enough for a good measure. I chilled the rest of the evening as we spoke with son Bobby who was on his way to California on business for this next week.We had such a large lunch that I passed on any supper except for a glass of vino, LATER

Sunday Morning June 26th

Well Saturday was a fun day except for some morning chores and to do things around the cabin, nothing major except Nancy was in the kitchen preparing huge dishes to take to the surprise birthday party for our pastor here at Cornerstone. There was a good turnout for the party and tons of food leftover. We donated what we had prepared and was left over for the youths on Sunday night.

I started the day much the usual with a before 6 rollout to my routines that start after posting this ramble with some quiet time to honor my LORD and give thanks for another day as well as lift several up for healing. Nancy's achilles seems to be improving with rest and not going up and down the stairs and staying away from hiking. I did my solo morning hike having my talk with GOD venting my frustrations with what's going on in the world and within our country. I find it so hard to believe so many think its perfectly find to kill babies in the womb and to denigrate those of us who think its murder and just plain wrong, unbelievable.

I was cleaning out the basement to make room for our old table when I found out that I had a spare electronic ignition for my grill which broke or wore out years back. Well I took the old one off which was a chore and installed the new one and it worked first try, which seldom occurs with most projects like this. I also got the old walkie talkie to working with new batteries as well which we hadn't used in years. I was batting a thousand so far in the day. I also spied some yellow jackets building a nest within the railroad timbers surrounding my back garden so I poured a little gas in a squirt can and stuffed some paper towel in the hole to keep the fumes in and kill the nest and then managed to swat down those bees that were left outside the timber and once again never got stung. Still doing well for the day.

I did watch the Rays in a day game come from behind in the bottom of the 9th in consecutive days to win over the Pirates. Wow what a game. We headed out a little before 5 as we had to stop on the way to the church to pick up some Roma's for the pasta salad. There were several already at the church when we got there and Pastor B made a showing at 6. We surprised him with all kinds of noise makers, balloons and of course tons of food from fried chicken, barbecue, several salads, mac and cheese, baked beans and what looked to be delicious desserts. Once again I refrained from the sugary delights. He was 50 on this day and we had him wearing a funky head band which was hilarious. There were several folks we never knew and several came from the east coast for this special day. Brian is a good Godly family man and we have known him and his family for 30 years and since he started Cornerstone way back when. It was a fun evening and we helped with the clean up before getting home before dark, LATER 

Saturday Morning June 25th

Well Friday started out with dense fog but no rain. The fog lasted for a couple hours but eventually burned off to blue skies and bright sunshine. We got our new table and chairs delivered before lunch by Jake who did a fantastic job on both. The walnut table is the finest piece of workmanship I've ever seen and finished fabulously. Nancy is thrilled with both the 8 chairs which Jake finished as well. He stained the seats to match the table top and the rest of the chair is white which is what the table trestles are painted. These go great with the green cabinets.

I started the day with a before 6 roll out to my routines that start with some quiet times to honor my LORD, give thanks for another day and lift up several. Nancy seems to be doing a little better and my shoulders are I think starting to heal or at least I'm becoming more tolerable to the pain. I'm still able to do lots of work but just not as long. I finished my quiet time on my solo hike to the top of the mountain and came back to check on the gardens. A deer visited during night leaving the tops of my dill plants on the ground and some hoof prints on some seedlings. They ate some of the flower tops in the circle bed as well.

After the table and chairs were delivered I settled into cleaning out some areas in the basement to make room for the old table which I will use to store items on. That kept me busy for a spell then I settled into some down time on the porch reading and cat napping. We were having the Luffman's for a spaghetti supper and the smell of the sauce was delicious to say the least. Caleb came as well now that he has mustered out of the USAF and into the active reserves. He made a peach cobbler for dessert and I passed on it as I'm determined to stay off desserts until at least November. It looked fabulous along with vanilla ice cream and everyone proclaimed it was awesome.

After eating we cleared the table and played the best of 3 games of sequence and the guys won for the first victory of the summer. Sure makes a difference when Harvey isn't on the guys team and Caleb takes his place. They left before 8 as he was on a coyote hunt with some buddies. We washed up the dishes then settled into the Lightning game in Colorado which was hard fought and the Bolts stayed alive after being down 3-1 in games. They head back to Tampa for Sundays game 6. The Ray's also won in extra innings last night over the Pirates. A good day for Tampa sports teams and an even better day for babies as the terrible court case Roe vs Wade was finally over turned by the SCOTUS. I'm hoping this will be the start of getting rid of the evil that has plagued US(A) over the pass decades and that we will honor GOD and his commandments upon which this nation was founded on and that He will heal our land. GOD BLESS AMERICA, LATER

Friday Morning June 24th

 Well Thursday was basically a run to Sparta day that started around 10'ish and it was close to 1 before we got back at the cabin. I did do some gardening chores and raking some of the driveway where the gravel had pooled after breakfast and my solo hike to the top of the mountain of which I went by Steve's place and said goodbye again. He was packed up and putting the finishing touches on locking down his camper and the Cube as well. He pulled out shortly thereafter and made it to Brunswick Georgia where he spent the night before heading to Seminole some time this morning.

I started the day with a 6 ish roll out to my routines that start with some quiet time honoring my Lord and then giving thanks for another day and lifting several up by name. Nancy seems a little better with her achilles since she has been resting and icing them a few times during the day. She sat on the front porch and read for a couple hours during the after noon and has stayed away from the stairs and any hiking. She tried to make a doctors appointment but that failed and now she thinks she's getting better with my recommendations of R.I.C.E.  Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. So far so good.

We stopped at the library and I picked up 4 reads and the we headed to Food Lion for a couple of items before gassing up for the truck and a can to go at nearly a hundred bucks. Triple for what the cost should have been. Biden has sure but the hurts on us middle class folks with high food costs that are out of site as well. I sure hope all those who did actually voted for this idiot into office are thrilled.

Well Jake called and said he was delivering our table and chairs this afternoon. Nancy is as happy as a pig in slop plus we are entertaining the Luffman's for supper so she will be able to show case this addition to her new kitchen. Hopefully this will fulfill her changes for awhile to the cabin, LATER

Thursday Morning June 23rd

Well Wednesday was a total work day except for the early solo morning hike as I worked in out yard trimming the huge blue spruce trees and then I headed down to Steve's place around 10'ish and worked until supper time then we went back down for another hour or so to finish up as he leaves this morning for Florida. Wow, what a job that turned out to be with equipment less than satisfactory for doing the job.

I started the day with my usual before 6 roll out to my routines that start with some quiet time to honor my LORD, give thanks for another day and lift up several by name. All seem as well as can be expected due to ages and health issues. My Nancy needs some healing in her feet and ankles as she has strained them for not being use to the stairs and the unlevel ground here in the mountains. I have her using ice packs a couple times a day and no longer hiking with me up the steep trails and staying away from the stairs. Hopefully with rest and ice she will get better as we have guests coming around the 4th of July.

Steve and I along with a Kubota tractor moved 6 huge rolls of artificial turf which weighed over 800 pound each in and around the trees of his place. What a job and he wanted a fork lift but was sent a bucket tractor which meant we had to chain the rolls to the bucket. They were so heavy and full of the sand and rubber it was impossible to move by hand plus putting it into place between the hilly terrain and trees required some maneuvering to say the least. But once they are settled into place they will cover up the roots, rocks, etc and make it a clear path to navigate the less than level landscape. It will give the place a look of grass and will never wear out as its that tough. He will use a come along to finish putting the rolls into place. The rolls were 60 feet in length and needed to be unrolled first and then cut to fit the areas that needed covering and then rolled back up using the tractor bucket and then chained to the bucket and carried into the area and then unrolled into place once again using the bucket to push and unroll the grass. What a job and I was whupped come bed time.

I stayed up to watch the Lightning lead most of the game and then it was tied by the end of regulation so I headed for the sack only to learn they lost in overtime and now are down 3-1 in the best of 7 games. They go back to Colorado on Friday night which will probably be their last game, who knows, maybe with some luck they can pull this out for a third cup win in a row. LATER

Wednesday Morning June 22nd

 Well it got hot again after two day where one day Nancy had the heat on. What's with these crazy temps. The morning was quite pleasant with 60's, blue skies and bright sunshine but by the time we got back on the mountain it was once again close to 90 on the back porch. We need some rain as I'm hand watering the gardens daily and sometimes twice. The cucumber and squash are blooming so they need wetness as are the tomato plants setting fruit on some plants. 

I started the day with a before 6'ish rollout to my routines that start with some quiet time with my LORD giving thanks for another day and lifting up several by name. All seem well as can be expected. I headed out on my solo morning hike while Nancy was still snoring away. I saw a couple of very large deer in the yard and on the back trail. The gardens looked good over all and I handed watered them before waking up Nancy after getting back from my hike. The grass has grown some but its so dry I hate to mow until we at least get some rain. We got ready and headed to Galax for shopping at Lowes and Wal-Mart and several other stops.

It was after 1 before we finished up with two shopping carts of item which was close to 500 bucks, as we stock up for company coming around the 4th. The price of things have gone crazy as well and I know that is the largest bill ever at one time and we bought no meat except for some Italian sausage. The price of gas there is now the same as here in Sparta at 4.59 a gallon.

We came back and put away our items then had a bite of lunch and the heat became obvious from the past couple of afternoons. The cabin was relatively cool despite the outside heat. It was close to suppertime before we turned the a/c on for the night. We did some porch sitting and reading then cleaned up some leftover for supper. We took a golf cart ride to the top of the mountain and then down to Steve's place to visit briefly. He has been working on his place and it looks great. I'll help him today once he gets a tractor to spread the artificial grass or turf around and over the hauled in 6 loads of fill he had delivered a day or so ago. He spread most of it by hand and has done a super job.

We came back and Nancy iced her achilles and I tuned into the Ray's and they held on to win over the Yankees at the Trop, LATER

Tuesday Morning June 21st

Well believe it or not Nancy had the faux fireplace on for most of the day. It was chilly but not that cold to my way of thinking especially after being in the 90's just a couple days ago and its supposed to get in the upper 80's the rest of this week. We need rain desperately as I'm hand watering the gardens daily. 

I started the day with a before 6'ish rollout to my quiet time to honor my Lord, giving thanks and lifting several up by name. All seem well. I headed out on my solo hike to the top of the mountain but never got in a second hike as Nancy is nursing her achilles as its been aching. She isn't use to these stairs and this hiking and I think she has strained it so I'm not pushing her to hike or use the stairs. After a hearty breakfast I headed over to our "mountain mons" beautiful cabin and did some honey do's for her which took me up to lunch time or a little after. She rode the golf cart with me as we hauled a couple loads of brush and yard clipping to her burn pile. It was a great day for working outside.

I set in the garden proper some beet and Swiss chard seedlings and then found a couple of horned worms on one tomato plant that had small green tomato's set already. Most every thing is doing well except the lettuce seedlings never germinated, oh well. I did set and read for a couple hours on the porch occasionally moving into the sun as the breeze was chilly. We had leftovers once again and then Steve came up around 6 and we played card games and dice. He won all three dice games and Nancy won Phase 10. I was skunked last night.

After Steve left before dark as he is afraid of the boogie man( lol) we tuned into the Lightning game and they finally started scoring and won 6-2 over the highly talented Colorado team. Hopefully they can even up the games on Wednesday night in Tampa, Later 

Monday Morning June 20th

Well Sunday started out with temps down into the upper 40's,  wow what a change from being in the upper 70's just a couple days ago to start the day. We are supposed to be in the cycle once again later this week. It's in the low 50's here this morning to start the day and when I looked into the backwoods yard 2 huge does were grazing on the clover which is starting to take over that area of the yard. Steve saw a new fawn yesterday afternoon while working at his place so it must be that time of the year. I don't think they got in the garden yet but hopefully they will stay away and just eat the clover.

I took an early morning hike after my usual routines in the morning missing the Rocky dog as it was quiet on this cold hike, lifting up my praises and sharing my concerns with the Almighty GOD while giving thanks for another day and lifting up several by name. All seem as well as can be expected. I think our mountain mom's sister is back in N.C. and will probably be retained in some care facility as she took off and drove out of state and had no idea where or why she was there.

Church worship at Cornerstone was once again right on with his message for fathers on this day of celebration. Pastor B is turning 50 this week and we are surprising him with a party at the church next Saturday. He is a good man and we have know him and his family for over 25 years. He is a blessed man and always puts what would JESUS do.

We took Steve out to lunch at the Pizzeria for their lunch special which is always delicious and then stopped at the Food Lion for a few items before heading back on the mountain. It was a delightful day with bright sunshine but the breeze was some what chilly in the shade. I sat on the porch and read for most of the afternoon while getting calls from both Amy and Bobby and then some face time with him and the twins. It was so hot in Florida that even the pool was hot. They were heading to Katie's folks for supper. Sam was off to camp at the WORD of LIFE conference for a week. 

I got in another hike before Steve came for a supper of smoked chicken, garden salad with tater salad on top and then he and Nancy had cookies and ice cream. I'm maintaining my desire to stay away from desserts and its tough but getting easier each time as I do think I maybe dropping an ounce or two weekly. We played a couple card games and then we showed him Dice a new game which is very fast with the luck of the roll. He always leaves before dark so I headed out to hand water some of the garden beds before dark and had to wear a flannel shirt as the temps were dropping quickly after the sun started to set. Nancy even had the faux fireplace on which gives off some heat while I hit the showers. The Ray's loss again and the Lightning aren't looking good after the whupping on Saturday night, oh well. They play in Tampa tonight (mon) and if they get beat its over I'm afraid, LATER

Sunday Morning June 19th

 Well Saturday was a work day until the late afternoon and then it was an outing over to Jake and Katelyn's property for a visit that included a great meal, cooked out side on a grill and then fire circle chatting with them and her mom Karen and Frank. Of course Skylar entertained us as well with her sweet antics and one of their dogs Ozzie. The weather had really cooled off and the wind was almost at gale speed at times. Thankfully it laid down over night for this morning with a cool morning down into the low 50's as they camped out on Friday night and then again on Saturday. Their 22 acres are fantastic for both camping with a small creek in front and their future house sight further up the hill. We walked the perimeter and stopped by his shop and saw the progress on our new dining room table Jake is making out of walnut.

I started the day much the usual with a 6'ish rollout, its nearly daylight now at 6 whereas it has been dark first thing in the morning. I did my quiet time after posting this ramble then headed out to the top of the mountain alone to continue my talk with GOD while getting my stamina back on this mountain hike and to work on losing some of this spate tire. It was a work morning after getting back and having leftover cakes for breakfast. I spent the rest of the morning outside piddling around in the gardens, hand watering all of the garden and flower beds since this strong wind dried the last of the rain a couple days ago. I have a squash blooming as well as several tomato plants and cucumbers all showing colors. I worked on the marigold bed behind the fire circle taking out the now dead iris's and planting 3 Heavenly Blue morning glory seedlings I started from seeds.

I gassed up the weed whacker and headed down the driveway and then over to Steve place and cleaned his driveway as well. My arms and shoulders feel it this morning as I'm still aching from falling back in January with bursitis, oh well. It's manageable with some topical creams and Tylenol at night.

We had such a fine meal at the campsite as Nancy made tater salad and cookies and Karen brought a delicious layered salad and Jake grilled rib eyes to perfection, what a feast. We sat around the fire until 8:30 and headed home as the temps dropped with the sun setting. I watched the first two periods of the Lightning game they were getting blown out by Colorado 5-0 and the score ended up 7-0, WOW. It not looking like a three repeat for the cup this year.

Well its off to Cornerstone this morning for worship and then lunch out at the pizzeria and then we will have Steve over for leftover beer in rear chicken for supper on this Fathers Day, LATER

Saturday morning June 18th

 Well Friday was a sad morning as our daughter and family left for hot Florida. Thanks to all who kept them prayed up for safe travels as they got home around 6'ish after 12 hours on the road. I'm sure Rocky will be sad for a few days since he will be limited to his roaming the woods and having so much free space.

We spent the morning after they left doing our routines that start with some quiet time to honor my Lord, giving thanks for another day and lifting up several. Afterwards I took my solo hike to the top continuing my talk with GOD out loud voicing my concerns for our nation. I finished up some milk with cherrio's which was starting to age and then got busy vacuuming the down stairs of the Rocky hair, then damp mopping and later waxing them. Rocky had left his hair and slobbers. Nancy was upstairs putting it in order, changing the bed's and cleaning . We did that until noon plus washing several loads of clothes and hanging some sheets out on the line to dry. What a breezing hot day with temps one again hitting 90 on the back porch. Great for line drying. We had the a/c on all day until we got home from our visit with Daisy and family

The afternoon saw up with a front passing through with dark clouds and wind that was very severe. Just a couple of sprinkles though, but it sure looked like tornado's were evident. We headed out around 4:30 to visit with an old friend who was renting a huge house in High Meadows and the trees were whipping back and forth with such velocity we were afraid they may fall on the truck. Luckily nothing happen but the drop in temp's, which made it quite pleasant to eat out on their deck looking down off and onto the mountain ranges in the distant. Wow was this house ever beautiful but the vistas were even more impressive.

After the grand tour some of the teenagers wanted to play me in ping pong so I gave them a lesson or two whupping all of them. I hadn't played in years but Courtney told the boys I would whup them and she was right. That kind of humbled them that this old man still had it. We had a picnic supper of burgers, dogs, tater tots, baked beans etc. Nancy brought a huge platter of brownies and a carton of ice cream. I passed on the latter two. It was a fun time reminiscing with Daisy and her girls Nikki and Courtney whom we have known since before both were were out of high school. Both now have families with teenagers and a second marriage for Nikki. We stayed until it was close to dusk as I wanted to get back before the deer starting out for the evening plus I had found a paper hornets nest by the well in the hydrangeas which had both Tyler, Rocky and myself suffering their stings. I took an old rag doused with some gas and burned the thing out after dark, LATER

Friday Morning June 17th

Well the Ross Family just pulled out for Florida and Rocky made sure he was on board. He will be sad when he get back to the heat and humidity and the small back yard. Keep them in your thoughts and prayers for a safe trip.

Thursday was a busy day that started with a close to 7 rollout. Nancy had a huge mountain breakfast with pancakes, sausage, bacon and eggs. That held me until supper when we cut into 2 large whole chickens with a beer in the rear plus shrimp on skewers along with a grilled veggie basket, jasmine rice and a salad. Afterwards every one but me had brownies and vanilla ice cream. I'm managing to stay away from sugar thus far passing on peanut butter cookies, brownies , nutty buddies and vanilla ice cream. I still haven't lost the spare tire but after two long hikes  to the top of the mountain and then one down to the creek I had no trouble sleeping and was soundly this morning with Nancy awakened me at 5:30 as the Ross Family started to leave. They had breakfast and got away a little after 6:30.

We will surely miss them and Rocky. He had his moments but for a big dog he is relatively gentle unless he coming charging down the mountain from the rear. He ate great at times and then other times barely ate, oh well. He loved being in the creek with kiddos playing and jumping in the cold mountain stream. He is a snoring so he and grandma had lots in common. Let's hope the a/c in the car works with out any break downs or freezing ups. It will need to go in the shop next week.

We hiked down to introduce them to Steve who was busy building a deck for the "Cube" which is the shipping container that he has turned into a tiny house. He has done a great job and his work is exceptional. We invited him up for supper but he was busy and hated to stop working. It's time to clean the cabin and get ready for family over the 4th of July, LATER

Thursday Morning June 16th

 Well Wednesday was another hot day here on the mountain with higher humidity than normal. We spent the day after running into Sparta to grocery shop for the nights next two suppers as the Ross Family was due in around 6'ish. The rest of the day was getting ready for them. 

I took Rocky for an early morning hike after my usual morning routines that start with some quiet time, giving thanks for another day and lifting several up by name. One of our close friends who has has some severe health issues the past couple of years here now has some mental issues as she ended up in my home town several hours away and has no idea why she went there. It's time to take away her car. Luckily she survived as that is not an easy drive through the mountains and with all of the truck traffic on that route.

I hand watered some of the new veggie seedlings as they are holding despite this heat and dry conditions. We took a golf cart ride to the top after locking Rocky in the cabin where he spent most of the day in the a/c. It got up to 90 on the back porch which is a rarity for here but did cool down after sunset to make it bearable for the kiddos as they ran and played with Rocky. Nancy had a huge supper for them with almost half left for leftovers when they leave Friday morning for Seminole. They had no issues coming from hot Kansas except the a/c in the car which is still not functioning properly. Hopefully it will get them home to Florida and back in the shop.

We tuned into the Lightning game in Colorado and in over time the Lightning lost by a goal. They played well after being down two goals a couple times to tie and go into sudden death. The Ray's lost to the Yankees as well. Not a good night for Tampa Sports teams, LATER

Wednesday Morning June 15th

Well this month is half gone already, wow! Tuesday was an almost do nothing day as I've caught up on most everything except for mowing and weed whacking; but I will wait until Rocky leaves Friday morning as he doesn't like the sound of the golf cart, mower and most anything mechanical. We did take him to the top of the mountain on a leash to see Billy and Paula who were amazed at his size and strength. Once we got off the top we let him loose to roam free but we have to keep in sight as he loves to take off through the woods or even down the hill toward Gerald's place like last evening.

I started the day with my usual around 6 'ish roll out but mostly closer to 5:30. Rocky now likes to come in the room and greet us with his tail wagging and hitting the bed and wall. He is a "bull in a china closet" for sure. I did my routines that start with some quiet time to honor my LORD, give thanks for another day and lift up several. Amy and the family stayed over night in Missouri and the car did fine thus far and they should get here around 7'ish this evening. Rocky will be thrilled as will the kiddos. We will miss him and them as they leave out Friday morning for Seminole.

We got a nice soaking rain on early Tuesday morning but the wind came up through out the day and dried it out. It did get a little warmer than usual but with the A/C we stayed comfortable. I put Rocky in the basement after our mid morning hike and he loved and then again when we took the golf cart to the mail box later in the afternoon  He loved the cool floor and the temps in the basement. I sat on the porch and started a new Vince Flynn book for most of the afternoon.

The garden is holding and I already see some new growth on several of the plants and herbs. The flower beds are showing all kinds of color that we sowed with seeds. It's looking like all of the seeds have germinated and are filling the beds with seedlings except Rocky now likes to take short cuts through one bed in particular. 3 of the 4 cucumber plants have blooms already and hopefully will soon set fruit. I have Swiss chard and beet seedlings up and hopefully will set them in the garden proper in a couple days. The lettuces seeds haven't germinated and neither did the kale so I must resow them again today after we get back from Sparta and shopping for Amy's family, LATER

Tuesday Morning June 14th

 Well at present we are having a thunder storm with some lightning flashes and heavy down pours. It started out rather moderate but has gradually progressed into a major storm. The lights went out momentary as well. Rocky came in to awaken and greet us at 6 when I usually rollout but has retired back to his pallet with his head under the blanket. I suppose he is not a fan of storms. The rain is beating on the tin roof but has now slowed down somewhat but lightning is every where as the storm hopefully passes on through the area. The rain was much needed and while it came down hard hopefully not gully washers.

Monday was one of our warmer days with more humidity than normal. There was a nice breeze  which kept it quite comfortable to set on the porches and read. After lunch I finish a Vince Flynn book right up until we started supper. Steve was coming to eat with us. Nancy on the front and I on the back porch. I grilled deer burgers which were fabulous that neighbor Gerald blessed us with and then Steve stayed for a couple of card games. He won the first 5 Crowns game and I the second then I smoked both of them in Phase 10 with only 5 points. I nearly went the whole 10 phases with out scoring any points which is amazing to say the least. Steve headed home just before dark as he doesn't like to be out alone in the night, he is so funny.

He and I took off to the local landfill(dump) in Sparta as I showed him where it was located plus I had the pass you need to dump. The pass comes with your tax bill which you need to have to use. We made a couple of stops on the way home as he needed some supplies for his projects as he finishes up the shipping container into an apartment. He really has done a great job making it livable.

I took Rocky for an early morning hike before breakfast and then again just before dark around the property. I did take him down into the basement where it is really cool a couple times during the day as he get rather over heated due to his size. He loved the cold floor and headed down there a couple times through out the day wanting in. We have the a/c on inside the cabin since before supper. I started the day with my usual routines that start with my usual quiet time to honor my LORD, give thanks for another day and lift up several. Keep the Ross Family in your thoughts and prayers as they leave Kansas this morning and head back here until Friday morning when they head back home to Florida. They have an a/c that briefly freezes up on their vehicle so it works only part time after spends tons of money on it. Hopefully the shop that did the original job will once again get it right, LATER

Monday Morning June 13th

 Well we have been here 2 full weeks and already this month is near half gone, wow does time ever move on the older we get. Sunday was a great morning of worship at Cornerstone and we received so many welcome back hugs and hand shakes and then we met up with the Frankis Family for lunch at the Pizzeria for a delicious lunch special of a salad and a personal pizza, very good. Our dear friend Mechelle came by and met with us for a couple as well. Afterwards we stopped by the grocery for both Steve and us before heading back on the mountain where we chilled the rest of the day except for taking Rocky on his second hike of the day. I took him first thing in the morning and he pulled one of his now becoming famous take off for a few through the woods and making me call him for about 10 minutes. Nancy is having a fit and kept him on the leash for most of the evening hike, oh well.

I watched the Ray's vs Twins on the laptop now that I have the MLB network live in real time and they won 6-0. The Lightning won on Saturday night and will now play the Colorado team on Tuesday night for the Stanley Cup. Let's hope the Tampa Teams win again. I did piddle around in the gardens hand watering the recently set out tomato plants and the small seedlings of beets and Swiss chard. Most everything is looking good and I have two small tomato's set on the one tomato plant that survived from the Florida garden that was a volunteer.

Not much else going on as we are supposed to get some rather hot temps into the middle 80's. We do have the a/c on for Rocky but its really quite pleasant else wise with a slight breeze usually through out the day, LATER

Sunday Morning June 12 th

 Well Saturday was another beautiful day with cool temps in the early morning with lots of bright sunshine and blue skies. It wasn't much of a work day although I did some small gardening chores but unfortunately 4 of the 8 tomato plants I brought up from Florida wilted and died, so I removed them and was planning on stopping at the produce stand and purchase 4 more on our way home from church; but on our afternoon hike to the top with out Rocky, neighbor Billy had several he had started from seed and could not use them so he blessed us with all that I needed to replace the 4.

I started the day out with a before 6'ish roll out to my usual routines that start with some quiet time after posting this ramble to honor my Lord and give thanks for another day while lifting several up by name. All seem well. Bobby and Annsley and Gabe got back to Florida during the afternoon after being away to camp for the kiddos and he from Arizona with his job. The Ross Family have one more week in Kansas before heading home next week end after a couple of days here at the cabin.

I took Rocky for an early morning hike and then again later in the day. Nancy had clothes outside on the line which was a perfect day for drying. I piddled around in the garden after breakfast which held me until suppertime except for a lunch time snack of peanuts and an ice tea. We had a great hike without Rocky visiting neighbors on top for an hour or more catching up on all thats happened with them the past 7 months. All have aged and are getting over some health issues but seem in good spirits.

Nancy watched the big horse race and then we watched the Lightning win the fourth game in the hockey playoffs to advance to the Stanley Cup finals. Wow what an exciting game and to beat the favored N.Y. team in Tampa. Awesome win for the local team. Today we will pick up Steve at his place as he has been busy finishing the CUBE  as an apartment for them to stay in at times. We will probably eat out in Sparta after church , LATER

Saturday Morning June 11th

 Well we could not ask for better weather; cool mornings and a nice breeze during the afternoon with bright sunshine and blue skies with little or no humidity, Ahhh.. summer in the mountains is awesome thus far.

I started the day much the usual with a 6ish roll out to my morning routines that always start with some quiet time to honor my LORD, giving thanks for an other day and lifting several up especially those we know who are hurting. All seem as well as possible. Our son and his two oldest kiddos will be traveling back from camp not far from here today back to hot muggy Florida. Our dear friend Steve made it here yesterday from Florida and we had him over for supper last night and a couple of 5 Crown card games, unfortunately for him Nancy and I won both games. We always enjoy both Steve and Sheri as they will now soon be living just a couple doors down from our daughter in Seminole. They bought the land that our other friend owned just down the hill from us here in the mountains and Steve is here getting it ready. They will be traveling a lot this summer to Minnesota with grands kiddos as well in their large motor home plus entertaining family here in the mountains from time to time. They are on the go it seems most of the time but do love the mountains. 

Nancy had a hair appointment around noon so I dropped her off and headed to the library for a couple hours then we stopped and shopped at Food Lion, the vegetable market and finally the meat market as we stocked the freezers and fridges. I skipped lunch as it was close to 3 when we got back on the mountain and I took Rocky for his second hike of the day. He just loves it here as he wonders around the yards and loves sleeping on both porches. He is really a good dog unless someone comes and then he is your lap like a bull in a china closet with energy.

I grilled bone in pork chops we had the meat market cut from a loin for us and they were huge and oh so delicious along with smashed taters and cooked carrots as well as a fresh salad. They both had nutty buddies for dessert. I passed again as I'm trying to stay away from desserts.

Well after Steve left before dark I tuned into the Rays game and the Twins were beating them badly, oh well. The Lightning what we hope is playing their last game with N.Y. tonight and move onto the finals for the cup, LATER

Friday Morning June 10thWe

 Well Thursday was basically a fun day except for some small garden and yard chores. It was cool to start the day but a front came through bringing a stiff breeze through out the day and evening. It was a great day for drying clothes outside on the line. I got in two hours of pickle ball play in the evening with some old friends at the country club and when we called it a night we all were tired with a wet shirt.

I started the day with a before 6 roll out to my routines that start with some quiet time with my LORD giving thanks and lifting several up by name. All seem as well as can be expected. I knew I was playing around 6 in the evening so I wanted to conserve my energy so I held off on the early morning hike with Rocky and we took him together before lunch.

I piddled around hand watering the new seedlings and transplanting some flowers as well as hoeing weeds and getting the upper garden ready for seeds that had germinated. The flower beds are exploding with new seeds showing colors as well.

We had a semi mountain breakfast of left over cakes, sausage and eggs, yeow was that every good and it held us until lunchtime which we just ate a small salad. I wanted to eat early for supper since I was on the court at 6 so we shared a small frozen pizza. The play on the court was with just 4 of us and of course some of the players were 30 year or more younger. I stayed with them winning several games with different partners but I could tell I'm stronger first thing in the morning. I lasted two solid hours with out a break and was whupped when I got home.

After a hot shower we settled into the Lightning game in N.Y. and they pulled out a third straight win after going down by 2 games. It was a hard fought game and they will have a chance to close out the series on Saturday in Tampa. The Ray's swept the Cardinals at home in St Pete, LATER

Thursday Morning June 9th

 Well Wednesday was a little different as we headed out about mid morning to Jake's cabinet shop off Air Bellows Parkway which is about 12 miles or so south on the parkway. What a beautiful setting and they are intending on building their dream home on those 20 some acres they purchased a couple years ago. They have a small trout stream that runs around the front of the place. What a great place to raise their family albeit its a ways out of town but perfect for its beauty an ambiance. We checked out the walnut wood Jake is making our dining room table out of and the 8 chairs he is going to put together after painting the seats walnut to match the table top. The rest of the chairs will be white to match the trestle legs of the table and chairs.

I started the day with a before 6 rollout to my usual routines that start with some quiet time to honor my Lord, give thanks and lift several up for comfort and healing. Amy and Tyler finally got on their way around 2'ish and headed for Tylers folks place in western Kansas, what a trip they won't forget about for some time to come. It now seems the car is running great except for the a/c problems they had from the beginning of their trip.

I took Rocky for an early morning hike and then Nancy and I took him for another longer hike before supper. We did get some lite rain shower a couple times during the day but nothing serious which was perfect for the garden and flower beds. I noticed the beets seeds have sprouted and lots of the zinnias and wild flower seeds are showing color as well. All of the flower beds are all showing color's. Most all of the seedlings and plants I bought and brought will make it although a couple tomato seedlings are still showing signs of shock from being uprooted in Florida. I'm hoping for a banner year. I watched the Ray's blow out the Cardinals at home in St.Pete before heading off to the shower and then some horizontal lab, LATER 

Wednesday Morning June 8th

Well the Ross Family is having their misfortune while traveling to Kansas. They broke down again in Kansas with the alternator going bad and leaving them stranded to get a tow truck 20 miles from any city and 3 1/2 hours from Tyler folks. They did get a tow truck but the rest of the family was dropped off in a town called Emporia by a good neighbor person who saw them stranded along the road. It maybe time for a new vehicle as the a/c went out on the way here from Florida despite spending thousands of bucks at a local automotive shop, then a spark plug stranded them and now this.

I started the day much the usual with a before 6 roll out to my quiet time to honor my LORD and give thanks as well as lifting several up by name. All seem as well as can be expected. I took Rocky for hike to the top of the mountain before breakfast and then we took him again later in the afternoon. So far he has been great after mopping around the first day since his family left him with us. It's a good thing because he would have been a problem with the break downs.

I didn't do any major chores during the day, piddling around in the gardens and yards as it sprinkled from time to time through out the day with overcast skies but just after supper the skies cleared and the sun came out for the rest of the evening. I tuned into the Lightning came and they won again and will head back to N.Y. for game 5 in the best of 7 games . The Colorado team won and will play in the finals against either the Lightning or the Rangers. Go Bolts, LATER

Tuesday Morning June 7th

 Well Monday was another cool day with down right chilly temps to start the morning and when ever the clouds covered the sun the stiff breeze was cold. We did sit in the sun from time to time when we weren't working or hiking. I got in a morning hike with Rocky after The Ross Family left around 8. We had a huge breakfast for them as they started out to western Kansas for an 18 hours trip. They were stopping overnight to break up the trip but had an unscheduled stop for vehicle repair in Tennessee which was an emergency as the check engine light was flashing red. That required a new plug and coil and 115 bucks but it was a miracle they found a mechanic to repair it right away. It also set them back a couple hours and it was close 9 before they stopped for the night.

I worked around the cabin, yards and gardens the rest of the day and then we all three took a slow hike to the top of the mountain. Rocky did alright but he mopped around the cabin porches through out the day looking for his family. But he ate great and eventually snapped out of his doldrums especially when neighbor Gerald came around to borrow a ladder. He just wanted some company and quickly came to life only to mope around after Gerald left. He basically chilled laying on both porches through out the day.

We cleaned up some leftovers for lunch and supper. I did set on the porch and read for a couple hours as most of my chores are done for a week or so before I need to mow again. We settled into the Fox News later in the evening and to some hockey playoff games. I did burn trash after supper as we had several bags and cans full after being here a week. I hit the shower around 9:30 and was soon ready for bedtime by 10'ish. Not sure when night owl Nancy finally came to bed but the extra blanket felt good over night, LATER 

Monday Morning June 6th

 Well Sunday was another beautiful day after a chilly start with plenty of sunshine and blue skies. We had a full day with the Ross Family and it was a fun day with hikes, golf cart rides and good eatin' as well tons of fun time with the grands and this bull in a china closet, Rocky the bull mastiff. They did visit with our mountain mom later in the afternoon as well but mainly we stayed at the cabin and chilled.

I got in another long hike with Tyler and Rocky as the kiddos stayed back and went with Nancy on a golf cart ride. Tyler took Rocky again just before dark for another hike and I stayed back as I was whupped. We did get to see the Lightning come from behind to win the third game at home against a tough N.Y. team 3-2 with just minutes to go. What a hard fought game and the Ray's weren't as lucky with lost to the White Sox.

Well The Ross Family leave out this morning after breakfast for their 2 day trip to western Kansas and we will keep Rocky while they are gone. He is just a big fun loving dog and clumsy at times then snores all the time with slobbers. He is a hoot and the kiddos just love up on him all the times while having him chase them around and up and down the yard. He will get a good rest while they are gone. I'll hike with him daily and he loves to explore the woods and carry around limbs, sticks and chunks of wood.

Well these kiddos have me whupped by 10'ish as well, LATER

Sunday Morning June 5th

Well Saturday was spent for the most part getting ready for Amy and family to arrive from Florida. They did get in around 5:30 after a long ride and most of it with out the a/c working properly. They spent thousands of dollars with a local shop and its still not working properly. Hopefully they can make it to Kansas with out being over heated as it freezes up about every 45 minutes, unbelievable.

I started the day much the usual with a before 6 rollout to my routines that start with some quiet times to honor my Lord, giving thanks for another day and lifting several up by name. All seem well and the Ross Family made it here safely. They loved the cool air after being in hot sticky Florida and Rocky never stopped running around until bed time. He is a huge animal but almost too friendly as he plows you over at times with his wanting to be in contact and close to you. 

I had two racks of pork ribs on the smoker since 1'ish and they were cooked to perfection along with oven taters, half runner green beans and a fresh garden salad. Nancy had a fresh batch of ginger snaps which the grands devoured. We ate outside on the deck as the evening was awesome with cool dry air. Actually everyone put on a sweat shirt except Tyler and Sam. After supper and the cleanup we took our first hike to the top of the mountain and Rocky ran through the woods and had a grand time romping through out the hike.

I got a camp fire going after our hike and the kiddos along with Nancy and Amy had smores. It was a great time for everyone and as darkness fell so did the temps. Around 9:30 I hit the showers and soon called it a night as it was shower time for everyone. I had put in a full day of weed whacking, mowing and putting up a couple new blinds and several trips up and down the yards through out the day and hand watering the gardens and flower beds, LATER

Saturday Morning June 4 th

 Well Friday was a total work day except for the after supper golf cart ride. I started the cool morning out around a 6'ish rollout to my routines that begin with some quiet time to honor my LORD and give thanks while lifting several up by name. This morning I'm adding the Ross Family as they begin their vacation on their way here for a couple days and leaving their big dog Rocky before driving on to Kansas. They will then come back in a couple weeks for two more days and pick up Rocky before heading back to Seminole.

Friday morning was down right chilly which required long sleeve shirts through out the day and the temps hovered around 70's through out the day. It was a perfect day for working outside which I did and got a lot done especially after lunch when its usually to hot but not today as we actually sat in the sunshine at times to warm up. The gardens and yards are shaping up and I will mow again the morning to catch up some spots that were not mowed clean on the first cutting and then  weed whack again. 

I tore down the nearly broken down arbor as we decided to not rebuild it again. It takes a lot of effort every year to rebuild it back and we could seldom get any flowering vine to cover it during the summer and the weather takes it toll on it while we are gone for 7 months. There were other piddling chores as well too numerous to mention.

Well it was a sad night for the Lightning as they loss again to the Rangers and now are down 2 games out of 7 to be eliminated from the playoffs. Hopefully coming back to Tampa will give them a boost as they have already beaten two of the best teams in the league. The Ray's however finally put back to back wins together. I transplanted the collards and onions into the ground as well as some marigolds into the hollow tree stumps that Jake cut down over the winter. Most all the oaks have a hollow center and are useless for lumber but do make good firewood which Jake uses in his water stove. I give him the wood he just has to cut the trees to claim it, LATER

Friday Morning May 3rd

Well Thursday was another shopping day as we headed to Glax, Va. to Lowes and Wal-Mart to stock up for what it seems like the summer of course we are just starting the visiting season of family and friends plus our locals. It's so much fun to entertain and share this beautiful place with so many. I started the day with my usual well before 6 rollout to my routines of quiet times to honor my Lord, give thanks for another day and to lift up several by name for healing. I didn't do much before we headed off the mountain except load the garbage and check on the gardens and flower beds. Thus far they are starting to take hold.

We left the cabin at 9:30 and it was close to 1:30 before we got back to the cabin. The only draw back to living here is the distance to shop, oh well. We had a quick bite to eat then I headed over to our " mountain moms" beautiful real log cabin with her majestic views. I picked up a couple smaller geraniums for her and Nancy made a small batch of chocolate chip cookies for her as well. We chatted for a few and she is holding at 94 and still lives on her own. She still drives but only to the hair dressers, doctor's and grocery store. We have been like family for over 40 plus years. She and her late husband Roy are the very reason we came to the mountains.

We were having Jake and Katelyn along with their precious daughter Skylar for supper. Katelyn is 7 months pregnant with a son whom they are naming Tucker. Jake is our kitchen remodeler and they attend Cornerstone where they are team leading the youth ministry. Skylar is much like our twins being so smart and she warmed up to us immediately. We had so much fun with them and after a delicious supper of chicken fajitas, black beans and jasmine rice with salsa and guacamole.  Katelyn brought a delicious layered pea salad and some fresh fruit salad for dessert. Everything was awesome and then we played 2 rounds of Euchre and it was a split. It was going on 9 ish before they headed out.

We put the kitchen back in order with the dishes being washed and put away then I hit the shower and was soon heading to some horizontal lab around 10:30. What a full day, LATER

Thursday Morning June 2nd

 Wednesday was another work day and the place is shaping up. I still have tons to do but nothing major as I await the seeds to germinate. I worked up the last flower bed and sowed seeds but did find to my amazement some marigold popping up in the bed they were in last summer. I'm wondering why that would occur especially after the hard freezes and snow here during the winter. I did also find some cilantro and dill seedling in the backwoods garden, oh well.

I also finished turning over the upper garden which I will fill with the leafy greens. I also put up a wire fence around the cucumbers plants in the circle drive in hopes Rocky the Ross's bullmastiff will not decide to lay or roll around in it. He does that in Florida. We will get him this Saturday and keep him for 2 weeks. That should be fun as he is a sweet dog but still just a puppy.

I did some small chores around the cabin and kept busy through out the day. We did take a golf cart ride after supper and stopped to chat with the Patrick's on our way to the mail box. No mail yet from Florida, oh well.

I tuned into both the Ray's game which they lost again and the Lightning game and they were getting blown out by New York in the third period in the first game of best of 7, oh well. They had been off for 9 days and were not sharp at all.

We go to Galax today and stock up at Wal-Mart and then Lowes. Both are super stores in this small town and we do most of our shopping there. The bad thing is half day is lost going and coming as its close to an hour each way, oh well. The ride on the parkway is very nice and some times we eat lunch out, but today Jake and Katelyn are coming for supper so we won't tarry, LATER

Wednesday Morning June 1st

Well Tuesday was another work day that started around 6'ish and lasted until dark, but I finally finished  the mowing and weed whacking. I did work up a couple flower bed and the last half of the back woods garden. I have the other half on the upper garden to work up so I can sow my seeds; beets, radishes, lettuces, kale. We had to go to Sparta to run some errands to the library, Food Lion, Hawks produce and finally to gas up at 4.29 which is cheaper by 30 cents than Florida. We made it back on the hill around 11'ish and had a bite of lunch before I started weed whacking. I did manage to pull out the weeds around the garlic patch which has some beautiful stalks. The tomato plants wilt during the hottest part of the day but do straighten up at night. They are in shock from being uprooted but I do believe will make.

I started the day with a 5'ish roll out as my mind awakens me to all I need to do outside. I first gave honor and thanks to my Lord with some quiet time, lifting several up as well as my shoulders which has contracted bursitis or arthritis from the fall I took in January. Im able to function but not nearly as well as I want to be. I'm hoping with all this physical activity it will help work out this pain in both sides. We picked up produce and 6 packs of seedlings at Hawk's. Two kinds of cucumbers and two kinds of squashes as well as parsley and onion seedlings. I haven't found any onion sets but hopefully when we head to Galax on Friday they will have some.The Food Lion stop found us loading up on some items as we stock up for company this Saturday.

Well after supper when the sun left the beds for the seedlings I put them in the ground and we then sowed a wild flower mixture along with Zinnias in 3 of the front beds. Everything is looking so great now that we can see them after mowing. I have a feeling this maybe a banner year as all of the perennials are looking great. The blueberries, black raspberries and wine berries are loaded with fruit to be ripened. Nancy has the cabin put together and Jake came by a fixed the issue with the drain in no time. We actually turned the a/c after dark as it got a bit sticky from the upper 80's during the day. At least it's nothing like the high humidity now in Florida. 

Well I tuned into the Ray's game and they were getting whupped agin due bad pitching. The Lightning will play tonight in new York against the Rangers who eliminated the Hurricanes, LATER