Sunday Morning July 31st

 Well July ends today and did this month ever just fly by, oh well. August starts tomorrow and the final summer month before Fall sets in and with it cooler temps here in the mountains. I'm not a big fan of the cold but do like the cool mornings with the dew drippings from the tin roof top onto the dormers. Saturday was a total work day as I weed whacked the entire property and then mowed all of the yards. That is a job especially walking up and down these yards, thankfully I have a riding mower which I have learned to use on these hills. It can be tricky at times when mowing sideways but mainly I keep it up and down except for a few places where you can mow across. That usually takes me from start to finish about 3 plus hours.

I started the day with my usual before 6 roll out to my routines that start with some quiet time with my LORD after posting this ramble, lifting up several by name for comfort, healing and safety. All seem well and all are home after being away. It was a week ago that Bobby and family left the cabin for their long 12 hour ride back home and a couple days ago Tyler and Sam left the Appalachian Trail for home. We are thankful are are home safely.

I took my solo morning hike and once again vented to GOD about the conditions this corrupt administration is having on our nation. It's disgusting the MSM has no conscience about truthfulness in their reporting of this party in power. They are destroying our culture and way of life all to appease the radicals and the wealthy who want a One World Order. We Americans fought two world wars to stop this and this administration is throwing those patriots away. Our political system is ruined and the evidence is clear with this inept man who was selected instead of elected fraudulently, oh well. I get it out of system each morning on that hike and I hope GOD hears.

The yards and gardens are beautiful if I must say so. The flower beds are bursting with so many different colors and the veggie plants are producing a little as well. I'm harvesting some leafy greens for salads along with a few cucumbers, peppers and squash and plenty of herbs. I have lots of green 'maters but none ripe to eat; however we do love green ones fried. We did take a couple hours in the afternoon to set on the porches and read. What a lovely setting with the breeze and the smell of fresh mowed grass. I catnapped a few times during the afternoon until supper time.

Today is church day and we will head out to Cornerstone in Sparta and make a drop pff at the library before stocking up at Food Lion after a lunch at the Pizzeria before heading home. The forecast is for rain which we have now gone 3 days with out any and things are getting back to normal, LATER

Saturday Morning July 30th

 Well this month has just slipped by as tomorrow will be the last day of the month. Wow, time just flies by when you're having fun. Friday found me doing the morning routines after a 6 ish roll out to some quiet time to honor my LORD after posting this ramble and then my solo hike to the top of the mountain as I finished up my talk with GOD. We attended a study group at Cornerstone Church at 6 and enjoyed the 8 folks who attended as we delve into the issues that christians are facing today in our culture as well as how 2 Peter advises us how to handle those issues. We knew 4 of those attending and the leaders of the group.

I finish putting spacers in all of the cracks which I thought a bat may make it's home in on the west side of the cabin which is where they seem to like. Hopefully this will deter them from living there and using our deck for a latrine which gave us the notice they had taken up residence again. We love the bats as they eat tons of insects and especially mosquitoes but just do not like them on that side of the cabin. That chore or project kept me busy until Nancy decided she was ready for a hike to the top of the mountain.

The day was a bit on the warm side but a breeze kept it quite comfortable as we hiked to the top. We took the long way around stopping off at Ann and Frank's place. We took some pictures and sent them to her in Lakeland and she is anxious to get back up here as they had a health issue and now a fence issue for some of their cows. Hopefully they will make it on Monday. She was tickled to see the pics and how good everything looked despite the gully washer down pours. We stopped on top and visited with Laura, Ann's sister who had some health issues but is doing much better after cracking her tailbone. She is now into therapy and doing much better.

Well that was about it for the day as we had our big meal around 1 with shrimp and rice and so when we got home from the Bible Study I popped some corn the old fashion way to tide us over. I watched the Ray's lose again and their hopes go down the drain for making the playoffs, oh well, LATER

Friday Morning July 29th

Well Thursday was basically a work day that started with my before 6 roll out to my usual routines that start with some quiet time after posting this ramble to honor my LORD, give thanks for another day and then lift up several by name. All seem as well as can be expected. Tyler and Sam gave up on any further hiking on the trail and are now back home as is Bobby from Kansas. All is well with my immediate family. I finished up my talk with GOD on my solo hike to the top of the mountain. It was a beautiful morning with what looked like the start of a beautiful day with plenty of sunshine and no rain here on the mountain. We got a bed covering on the clothesline to dry through out the breezy day. Nancy and I got in a hike with her before lunch as her achilles seems to be getter better.

I piddled around outside in the gardens before breakfast then afterwards I went to work on stopping the bats from once again living on the side of the cabin. I had them living before in the covering for the a/c units on the side of the cabin as they squeezed in between the covering and the boards but blocked them but some how they squeezed in between the boards around the upper bedroom window frame. They can get into tiny opening and I counted 5 the night before leave just at dark from the area. I thought maybe they got back inside the channel but none were present when I once again removed it. I did locate some noise inside one area and decided after dark to block that area after getting home from Katelyn and Jake's last night. They are usually out all night eating bugs which I love them doing but just not living above the deck which shows their droppings, oh well. I'll replace the coverings today and fill in some more areas they might try to make their home today.

I did sit and watch the Ray's lose another afternoon game against the Orioles losing 3 out of 4 against a much better come back team from a year ago. They were 18-1 last year but not this year as I think they are even in wins and loses. The Ray's have so many starters on the injured list and I doubt they will come anywhere close to winning the division as the Yankees are winning big time.

We had a delicious supper and such fun time with the Frankis Family. Skylar is so smart and has potty trained herself but is cutting molars which is always tough. I can remember those were some of the toughest times for 2 year olds with a low grade fever and runny nose. We taught them Skipbo and Katelyn won with 6 straight rounds. It was after 9 when we headed for the cabin and saw deers, a calf in the road and several rabbits on the way home. Hopefully the calf made it back in the fence as we had no one to call. After getting back I did climb the ladder and stuff spacers in the areas where I think the bats were staying. Hopefully they have found another home over night, LATER

Thursday Morning July 28th

 Well Wednesday was basically a work day and mostly rain free for a change although there was threatening clouds and occasion thunder in the distance but no rain except for a 1 minute sprinkle in the late afternoon. It was a good porch sitting for reading the afternoon away and we both did that for a couple hours.

I started the day with my usual before 6v roll out to my routines that start with some quiet time after posting the ramble to honor my Lord  and give thanks for another day while lifting several by name. Bobby got home from his business trip to the midwest and Tyler and Sam got off the trail to spent the night in a motel before resuming their trek to reach the N.C. border by Saturday. They were rain free for a day as well.

I did my solo hike to the top of the mountain then we had a large mountain breakfast around 9 which held me the rest of the day until supper time with a hand full of nuts around 2'ish.  I had piddled around outside until breakfast and then afterwards I fired up the golf cart and headed down to a pile of large rocks to fill in the gap in the driveway caused by the rain runoff a couple days ago. The ditch was a couple feet deep and extending into the main driveway. I put 3 golf cart loads of these large rocks into the gap and just as I finished neighbor Gerald came back from his vacation and fired up his tractor and smoothed over the whole driveway. What a blessing he is with his tractor and box blade. I later blessed him with a gift card for supper out at one of his favorite eateries which is one of ours as well.

I fired up the large weed whacker which is a 4 cycle that Mike no longer used and blessed me with and took down all of the weeds, briars and ferns growing on the steep gully behind the cabin. It was becoming an eye sore to me and that helped clean up the backwoods yard. That is one powerful machine and it has attachments for several different jobs. That plumb wore me out until later in the day when we started out on a hike to the top of the mountain where we met Kelly who is Shawnee's sister in law. She mentioned Shawnee was attacked by 3 pit bulls on her run along Mountain View Road and luckily was rescued by a passing motorist. These dogs are vicious especially in a pack. She will recover but has several injuries.

Well we had a salmon fillet and broccoli for our supper and then later I broke down for a bowl of ice cream that was getting old from when the kiddos where here while watching the Ray's game. They blew the lead in the regular game but did come from behind in extra innings to finally winning the game, LATER

Wednesday Morning July 27th

Well we are back in the rainy season once again with down pours that cause gully washers and we had another one yesterday afternoon. I'm surprised we aren't having mud slides as the ground is that soaked. Thankfully the gardens are on a slant as they do drain after each hard rain.

I started the day out with my usual routines of up before 6, the posting of this ramble and then some quiet time both here in the cabin and on my solo hike to the top of the mountain. It was beautiful on top of the mountain with tons of sunshine so when I got back I put in a load of sheets and then hung them out to dry, but the sun soon became shaded by clouds and I eventually took them off the line when we headed out to town and finished drying them in the dryer. The forecast is for this kind of weather all week. At least its not into the upper 80's but we still keep the a/c on due to the moisture in the air.

I piddled around the cabin checking on the gardens and noticed tons of small green tomato's, jalapeno's are starting to produce as well are the leafy greens. I picked a mess of beet greens, collards and some kale to add to the store bought lettuces for our salads. I transplanted another couple volunteer tomato plants into the garden from the compose pile so we should have plenty of fruit up until frost hits in October. The cukes and squashes are producing but not nearly as quick as I would like due to the soggy circle drive where I have them planted. I think they are getting too much rain and its not drying out quickly enough due to the shade, oh well.

The blue berries are slowly starting to turn so we should have a decent crop along with neighbor Donnie's bush. I checked on it and they are getting a lot more sun and I think they will soon be ready for picking. I noticed some type of worms on the branches and they are eating away the leaves but at least they are in clusters so I just break off the branch they are on and send them with my shoe, oh well.

We made several stops in Sparta as I need to pick up some library books after a stop at the garbage dump. We had lunch at the Pizzeria and then a stop at Food Lion and the produce stand before getting back at the cabin. I read until supper time then watched the Ray's lose again to the Birds and then it was shower time and some horizontal lab, LATER

Tuesday Morning July 26th

 Well Monday was a total work day except for my solo hike to the top of the mountain after my morning routines. The weather held although it was cloudy with the threat of rain until the afternoon when we got another heavy rain. I did manage to hang two loads of laundry mostly sheets after stripping the beds up stairs so with the early morning sunshine and gentle breeze they dried `quickly outside on the clothesline. The towels and bed spreads were dried in the dryer. I vacuumed the whole upstairs after taking apart the separate beds the twins slept in. I suppose that will be the last time they will be in them and so we will give them away to some one or donate them to Alleghany Cares.

I started the day with a before 6 rollout to my routines that start with some quiet time giving thanks and honoring my LORD  after posting this ramble. I took my solo hike and the sun was out and shining brightly on top of the mountain. It was a beautiful morning to start the day. After a breakfast of strawberries which were on the verge of going bad since the twins didn't eat them along with some cherrios. I soon headed out to the basement to bring up the vacuum and get started. Climbing those stairs is a work out in themselves and I did that several times loading the washing machine, etc.

After vacuuming the downstairs I applied a cleaner and a wax to all of the down stairs floors and let that dry while hanging some sheets. Nancy was busy with putting the small things in order as I took care of the big cleaning issues. After lunch of leftovers I headed out to work in the gardens. I had one tomato plant I brought from my Florida garden that just wasn't going to make it so I transplanted a couple volunteers from my compost pile here in its place and then tied up several of the large tomato plants. I moved my bell pepper plant away from the small tomato plants from Bobby's garden which have exploded with growth into an area where the radishes were which never made.

I headed out to the mailbox and brought a bucket and hoe to dig up a wild butterfly bush which was in the drain of the big hill and was nearly washed away by the last storm. I transplanted it into the circle drive. It is a blue one whereas the one we bought a couple years back is a pink one. Hopefully it will make. I think they were sowed there by the wind or birds but somehow it just showed up in a rocky area in the ditch.

Well we cleaned up more leftovers for supper and then settled into the Ray's game which was on TV here against the Orioles which are always telecast. They lost once again but have the most players on the injured list in all of baseball, LATER

Monday Morning July 25th

 Well Sunday found me up around 3'ish as I was concerned about the heavy rain storm that dropped nearly 2 inches in a couple hours which usually washes ruts in the driveway and I thought maybe they would give Bobby a problem when they left in the dark; so I was down the the steep driveway with a flash light checking out the hill. It had washed but not nearly as bad as I thought which was great so off they went a short time later for Florida in the pitch black of the night/morning. They made it back safely after 12 hours on the road.

We headed out to Cornerstone around 9:30 and was surprised at all the leaves down in the road and on the parkway. That was some storm over night and the creeks we crossed were still muddy as well. We don't need any more storms like that as most people we spoke had their power interrupted. Thankfully it was just briefly enough so you had to reset your clocks and appliances a couple times. Pastor B had a great message on defeating sin and addictions that cause sin and then the youth were sponsoring a First Responder Appreciation Day at the high school parking lot at 2. We decided to attend so off we went to the Pizzeria for lunch and then to the event which was delayed by rain. We were bushed after being up early with Bobby's family departure so we donated to the cause then left for home where we chilled until early evening and the threat of rain was over.

I watched the Ray's lose for a second day in a row against the Royals whose record wasn't good but they played lights out against the Ray's with great hitting and pitching. We decided around 6 ish to take a long hike to the top of the mountain and only saw a few folks there. It was a good hike and Nancy's feet did O.K. with her bone spurs that irritate her achilles tendon. She needs to hike every day and do her stretching as well.

Well since we had a great salad and a small personal pizza for lunch we weren't really hungry so I popped some corn on the stove and it was delicious to say the least. We watched a little of the college baseball tournament and the U.N.C. was slaughtering N.C.State so I decided to head out on the deck and read in the nice evening temps until dark then headed in to take a shower and then read until 9:30 when it was lights out for me, LATER

I can not figure out why I can not post pics again from Nancy's phone, anyhow we had lots with the family here but if your our friend on FB they are there,

Sunday Morning July 24th

 Well Bobby and family left around 5 ish this morning and I didn't sleep well after the storm blew through last evening. It felt like a severe hurricane for a couple hours and we lost power a couple times but just for a minute or less. We received almost 2 inches in that time frame and of course I woke up around 3 thinking maybe the driveway was washed out. So I headed down the drive with a flash light to check it out and while it did wash the ruts weren't large enough to give them a problem heading out in the predawn hours.

Saturday was a fun day that had me on two hikes. Bobby and I took the before 7 AM hike to the top and then across the mountain and then again we took the whole family back to the waterfalls at Stone Mountain. That hike was a 4.5 mile hike and believe me it was hot and sticky, but everyone survived the event. We all took off our shoes at the waterfall and cooled down in the water as it really was refreshing on this day after that up and down hike. There were lots of hikers as well at the falls.

We got back around 1 and had some lunch then put the boys down for their naps as they packed and got ready for leaving this morning. After the boys napped we did some shooting with Katie and Gabe as well. Gabe did great for his first time shooting with a pistol and both of them did good with the AR15. We must have shot a couple hundred rounds into several different targets.

We had a Mexican theme supper with tacos, refried beans , salsa and all the trimmings. Delicious. We did get a brief shower to cool things down but nothing like the evening storm that passed through around 7:30. Yikes at first it felt like a hurricane then maybe a small tornado as the winds whipped the rain against the windows and sides of the cabin.

Well it's quiet around here and it looks bare after they packed up all their belongings. We will head to Cornerstone this morning and probably eat lunch out and then start putting the cabin in order. I think we are guest free for a couple weeks. Keep Tyler and Sam in your thoughts and prayers as they are in Georgia starting out on a hike on the Appalachian Trail. They want to hike at least 50 miles this week, LATER

Saturday Morning July 23rd

 Well Friday was a fun day once again as we all stayed on the mountain except for Bobby and Katie who after lunch and the boys went down for their afternoon, naps headed out. They visited Shelton Vineyards and then headed down town to Mt Airy to shop and visit the area and had an early dinner at one of the eateries. We cleaned up some of the leftovers for supper and had the boys bathed and in their Pj's when they got back on the mountain around 7'ish. We had a great time with all of the grands. 

Nancy had prepared a huge mountain breakfast which cared most of us except for some snacks the rest of the day with fried tatters, bacon and eggs as well as some fruit and juice and toast. What a feed. I had already hiked the mountain the first thing after doing my usual morning routines. The weather was perfect to start the day but by the afternoon the heat and humidity was rearing its ugly head so the a/c went back on. I had to actually hand water some of the garden veggies as its been dry the last couple of days despite the threat of some showers. The breeze has been steady which really helped to dry out the gardens as well.

Well today is their last full day and they want to do the slippery rock at Stone Mountain as well as do some shooting. I am sure there will plenty of golf cart rides as well as we took a rather long one after breakfast yesterday. We visited some folks on top we hadn't visited in years who are thinking of selling out in the near future.

After the boys went down for the night we played some games then tuned into the Ray's game via the computer and they were winning when I hit the sack around 10:30, LATER

Friday Morning July 22

 Well Thursday was a total fun day as we traveled to Boone which wasn't exactly fun with the detours off the parkway to Tweetsie which is a a great family park especially for the little one, even Annsley and Gabe had enough rides to keep them entertained. We then had an old family friend and one of his daughters and grand daughters for supper which was perfect for the twins as the little ones ran and played until dusk.

I started the day out with my usual morning routines after posting this blog with some quiet time however I'm missing my solo hike to the top but I got plenty of up hill walking at Tweetsie. We wanted to leave by 8:30 to make the opening of the park at 10 and could not ask for better weather conditions in the Boone/Blowing Rock area. We got there in time to open the park after several detours and road work stops.

Everyone had a fun time however the twins were thrown off schedule while missing their after lunch nap. They did well and took a brief nap after leaving the park. We rode the big steam engine train a couple times as well as the ferris wheel and then they rode many of the kiddie rides. I even rode the merry go round as well as the sky ride and then of course the petting zoo where the boys had a fun time playing with the baby goats and other animals. 

We left around 2'ish and while Bobby and family headed to Blowing Rock for some special ice cream we headed home after a stop at Publix for some items. It was 4 ish by the time we got back and then went to work to get ready for the Carlson's who were coming at 5:30 for supper. I scrubbed tatters and cut up the broccoli as well as harvested herbs for the chops and tatters. Nancy was doing her thing with a fresh salad prep as well as her usual prep for guests.

Nora the 3 year old grand daughter fitted right in with the boys and they played well together running around the porch and deck. Huck had a melt down until she arrived and then he was all better the rest of the evening. After the clean up they were bathed and into bed an hour or so later than normal but went right out to sleep. We played a couple of card games with the bigger kids until 10:30 then I hit the sack as well after a shower. What a busy fun family and friend day, LATER

Here is a shout out to baby sister Dee on her 64th birthday. Happy Big Day love ya lots.

Thursday Morning July 21st

 Well Wednesday was another busy fun day as we ate well and spent some time in Sparta at the park, shopping and getting haircuts and then a delicious lunch of pizzas at the famous Pizzeria where we have been enjoying their fare for close to 30 years. Its changed hands a couple of times and has a new location but the pizza has always been the best. I think it's the mountain water that makes it so good.

I started the day out with a 6'ish rollout to my usual morning routines that start with an abbreviated quiet time after posting this blog as I do miss my extra talk with my LORD on the solo hikes. I checked all of the gardens for any deer damage and except for the circle drive plants which they keep eaten down the other plants seem to be getting larger and starting to produce. I harvested 3 cukes today.

The rain barrel stays full and running over and the driveway is showing some of the effects of these almost daily down pours. The temps were tolerable for most of the day and after the twins naps we headed over to visit our "mountain mom" Helen for a few minutes. She so wanted to see all of Bobby's family and the twins giving her some love had her laughing. We stopped at the small creek on the way in and let the boys play in the oh so cold water. I took Nancy back to the cabin and let Annsley drive the golf cart down to the creek and brought all of the kiddos back as well. I then took Gabe on the golf cart and let him drive to the top of the mountain and back. Both he and Annsley did better than expected driving as its a little tricky going down hill as you have to brake somewhat as well as keep the engine running. The evening turned out to be beautiful.

We used the couple leftover steaks and made Mexican them food for supper with guacamole, salsa, grilled onions and peppers from my garden on a tortilla, delicious with chef Bobby touch. After the cleanup and the boys bath's we played a game of 5 Crowns and Annsley won. Both Gabe and Annsley are game players. 

Today we head to Boone to Tweetsie Railroad Theme Park with everyone and then when we come back and old friend of the family and now an associate of Bobby's in Offerpad is coming for supper with a daughter and her baby girl. Should be a fun evening, LATER

Wednesday Morning July 20th

 Well Tuesday was a fun day for everyone as the the big kids along with Bobby and Katie did the 3 hour zip line course in Boone and Nancy and I had the twins all day at the cabin and then Skylar came by for a visit with her mom Katelyn. The boys and her played well together and she stayed for lunch as well. I took the boys on an early morning golf cart ride to the top of the mountain where they met Bertie and Billy as well as Rick at a distance. Nancy and I took the boys after their lunch nap once again to the top of the mountain on the golf cart and then Katie and I took the boys on an after supper ride to the mail boxes.

The rain stayed away and the humidity was non existence so we opened the cabin all day. There was a gentle breeze which made it quite pleasant and fun to be outside on the porches as the boys ran around outside playing. We had a large breakfast and a lite lunch and then I grilled steaks for our supper around 7'ish. After the cleanup we settled into a couple card games and ended up playing Clue which Katie won.

I started the day with my 6'ish roll out to my routines before the twins awakened and came down to watch the Gazoom cartoons on my laptop which shortened my morning routines. Huck is crazy about spiderman and Ryder isn't all that much in love with superman. What a difference in each of their preferences. Ryder loves swords or stick which he pretends is a sword and fights the dragons.

They took close to a 3 hour nap after lunch which gave us some down time on the porch reading and they sleep 12 hours or close to it every night. Such fun with them as well, LATER

Tuesday Morning July 19th

 Well Monday found us with all kinds of weather from down pours to lots of heat and blue skies. It changed through out the day but we still found time to make a major hike to the top of the mountain as well as played with remote cars and helicopters through out the many periods of clear skies. We had an inch of rain in a short time and then a nice soaking rain and finally another hard rain after dark. I do believe we now have enough of the wet stuff for a week or two.

I started the day off much the usual with a before 6 roll out to my daily morning routines except I missed the solo hike due to grandsons awakening before 7. They are a bit off schedule and it showed a couple times through out the day but basically they ran and played when possible to be outside. They loved the golf cart rides and chasing the remote car as well running around the porches. We all ate well as grandma was on cooking duty and then I put two slabs of ribs on the smoker for about 5 hours and we nearly devoured both at supper.

It was a fun time with the all of the grands as well as board and card games in the evening after the twins went down for the night. We will keep the twins today as Bobby takes the older kiddos along with Katie on a zip line affair in Boone. I did it a couple years ago and its a big deal. We will have Skylar come for a morning play time with the twins so that should be interesting, LATER

Monday Morning July 18th

 Well THANKS to all who kept Bobby and family in your thoughts and prayers for safe travel as they arrived around 5'ish from the Tampa area. It was a pleasant trip with no events especially when traveling with two small boys who did a lot of sleeping but when they arrived it was non stop running outside and on the porches until supper time.

I started the day with my usual 6'ish roll out to my routines that start with some quiet time to honor my LORD after posting this ramble. I continued my talk on my solo hike to the top of the mountain. The morning was near perfect with bright sunshine and blue skies. We soon headed off to Cornerstone for worship around 9:30. There was a full house and it was good to be back among this group as we missed last week. After the service I dropped Nancy at Food Lion for some last minute items then ran some errands to the library and Walgreens before joining her at the grocery where we loaded up once again before making a stop at the produce stand on the way out of town.

The beautiful morning turned ugly with dark clouds and heavy rains before we made it back on the mountain. It poured rain for another couple hours before clearing off and the sun appeared once again. The skies let the sunshine in just an hour or so before Bobby arrived which made for good outside fun for the kiddos as they emerged from the packed car. Yikes what a lot of luggage in the car top carrier but when you have 6 people it takes a lot.

Well I hear the boys upstairs and it close to when they awaken in the morning so I'll cut this short, LATER

Sunday Morning July 17th

 Well our son Bobby and family are on the road to the cabin.  as I'm making this post. Please  Keep them in your thoughts and prayers for safe travel.

I started the day on Saturday with a before 6 roll out to my morning routines that start with some quiet time after posting this blog to honor my LORD and give thanks for another day and lift up several by name. All seem well as can be expected. I continued my talk with GOD on my solo hike to the top of the mountain venting at times why America has allowed such evil to invade our nation with corrupt people in power who want to destroy our culture which was founded on the Judeo-Christian principles. I ask HIM what has happened to US(A). I think I know when we displaced GOD with this liberal philosophy of political correctness and now "woke" we have turned our back on Him and what he gave us with the Ten Commandments and Jesus. I fear for my grandchildren and the future of our nation.

I piddled around the cabin and the gardens after a lite breakfast of cereal as I has done most of the heavy work on Friday. I did loosen up the soil around the plants and hand watered some of the potted plants and flowers. Nancy was busy as she always is getting ready in the cabin for company and in the kitchen as she preps ahead. I sat and read after a lunch of left over flounder on a sandwich for the next couple hours before tuning into the Rays game which they let get away after leading 3-1 only to lose in extra innings 6-4 to the Orioles.

Today is church day at Cornerstone and then we shop for some last minute items before heading home to finish up with some last minute cleaning and preps for when they arrive hopefully before 6. Nancy has their asked for meal of spaghetti and meat balls supper ready except for boiling the noodles in the fridge, LATER

Saturday Morning July 16th

 Well Friday was a total work day as we both kept busy anticipating Bobby and family arriving on Sunday evening for a week. Nancy was busy in the cabin and I was outside. It was a perfect day for being in both places as the early morning temps were a bit chilled and by late afternoon we were still below 80 with little or no humidity. (Katie will freeze here with those temps)

I started the day with my usual before 6 roll out to my routines that start with the posting of this ramble, then some quiet time with my LORD honoring him both here at the cabin and then on my solo hike to the top of the mountain. I'm a blessed man with the ability work hard and still hike these hills at my age after suffering some severe effects from covid. I was on my feet for most of the day and finally sat on the porch and read around 4'ish. We decided instead of eating at home to head over to Saddle Mountain Cafe for some fried flounder, a baked spud and Cole slaw. It was good and we each brought a filet home which I will eat for lunch.

 I first weed whacked all of the property even down where the wine berry bushes are still producing berries. I'm sure Annsley and Gabe will want to pick some when they get here on Sunday. The area had grass knee high and then I mowed all of the yards which took a couple hours. We had a lite lunch after a hearty breakfast then I piddled around in the gardens loosening the rain packed soil in all of the gardens. I harvested another zucchini and a cucumber and tied up some tomato plants which have burst forth after all this rain. All of the plants have set some fruit. I harvested some beet greens and collards for the salad Nancy was making for the next couple of days.

After the supper out we walked around the beautiful gardens and one of our new neighbors came by in their golf cart for a short visit. They live off the mountain and only come up for short periods of time. Nancy settled into her pictures she took and I watched the Ray's once again come from behind to beat the Orioles until shower time. It wasn't long after the game I turned in for the night, LATER

Friday Morning July 15th

 Well Thursday was an awesome day weather wise with 60's to start and the high 70's by late afternoon with lots of sunshine but some rain clouds but thankfully it stayed dry for a day. There was a heavy dew to start the day. I didn't do much work except clear out a nest of yellow jacket bees which were nesting under neath the the front porch stairs. One made itself known during the process and its still irritating my  ankle this morning. I waited until after dark then sprayed them and broke up their nest. They are a dangerous bee and not only sting but bite. That was the second nest I've destroyed this summer but only my first sting.

We headed to Sparta to run errands to the landfill, library, Walgreens and Food Lion and finally the post office. We got back a little after 12 and had a bite of lunch. I read after lunch on the front porch and thats when I noticed the bees flying in and under the steps. One actually buzzed me which caused me to further to check out their nest building and then I knew they would be a danger if I let them build further.

We invited the Nymark's with their two grandsons up for supper and games. They came around 4'ish and we taught them Skipbo and then after a supper of Costco hot dogs which were a 1/4 pound each they brought. Nancy made tatter tots, Cole slaw and baked beans with all the trimmings for the dogs. We sat outside on the deck and ate and it was quite pleasant. We played several games lasting close to dusk when they headed out. They were doing the Creeper Trail this morning in Damascus so it would be a good long drive over and they wanted an early start. Well I tuned into the Ray's game and they came from behind to sweep the 4 game series, from the Red Sox's, LATER

Thursday Morning July 14th

 WOW did we ever get two cloud bursts yesterday with over an inch of rain in each event. The driveway is washed out with deep ruts so I may have to wait on neighbor Gerald with his tractor to straighten it out its that rutted.

Wednesday was a great day until the storm which blew through during the late afternoon. Mild temps and perfect for drying clothes outside and for hiking. I did some garden piddling and some small jobs around the cabin after my before 6 morning start of the day. I did my quiet times to honor my LORD and then finish that with a talk on my solo morning hike. ALL seem as well as can be expected. Nancy took a long hike before lunch with me and she is doing better since seeing the doctor and knowing what she must do to keep the achilles tendon stretched across her bone spurs in each heel.

We cleaned up some leftovers for lunch and then again for supper and then took a golf cart ride out to the mailbox. We stopped to greet the Nymark's who arrived around 6'ish for a week with two of their grandsons. We helped them unload then made plans for a wennie roast this evening. They have their week planned out with a trip down the Creeper Trail, kayaking, etc.I'm sure Steve will put the place in order with the help of the boys.

Well it wasn't long after getting back to the cabin when the skies opened up again with another down pour for at least an hour, yikes did it ever pour. I tuned into the Ray's game and they won again against a tough Boston team. The Yanks sill have a huge lead in our division going into the ALL Star break.

We are off to Sparta today to run errands and hopefully the storms will hold off for a couple of days, LATER

I lost the method of adding pics to my blog that Mike had set up for me for some reason, oh well.

Wednesday Morning July 13th

 Well Tuesday saw us down in Elkin to see a foot doctor for Nancy's achy heels and ankles and she learned after seeing the x-rays she has bone spurs on each heel and the achilles tendon is rubbing them and giving her pain. The spurs at this time are not serious enough to operate if she follows the doctors orders to stretch a couple times daily which will lengthen the tendon. I gave her the same prognosis except for the spurs and that stretching would help her, oh well.

I started the day with a before 6ish roll out to my routines now that we are company free until Sunday when Bobby and family arrive. I did my quiet time to honor my LORD then headed out on my solo hike to continue my talk. The morning was beautiful as there was a coolness to the early morning hike. I noticed after getting back to the cabin where a deer had run through my garden but didn't see where it ate anything for a change. I harvested a couple zucchini's and a yellow squash and we had the zucchini's for supper as a boat filled with ground fresh turkey and herbs. Delicious.

I hung two loads of laundry and piddled around in the gardens and yards until lunch time then we got ready to head off the mountain. It was close to 90 in Elkin and we made a couple stops there and one was to fill up at 4.09. That's the cheapest I've seen in many moons. We made a stop at the Wall-Mart and loaded up once again as we get ready for family on Sunday. Another big stock up event and the cupboards and freezers are full.

After supper we walked around the gardens and then I watched the Ray's on the computer win again. Our neighbors from Lakeland, Florida brought over some of her plants for us to care for while they are gone back for doctors appointments. They have really done some fixing up their cabin and driveway and she is quite the gardener as well, LATER

Tuesday Morning July 12th

 Well Monday morning saw the last of our family on my side leave for Woodstock, Va. It had been a week since they had arrived and it was filled with good times, fine eatin' and lots of card games. We so enjoy Dee and Mike and they will be back sometime in September for another visit.

After they left we got busy and stripped beds, did laundry and vacuumed the whole house as their daughter and family were also here over the weekend with two dogs that slept in the basement and one shed really bad. So we kept busy until lunch time and then took a hike before eating. This was Nancy's first hike up the mountain in weeks and she did really well after having her heels and achilles being sore. We are heading down to the mountain to see a foot doctor this afternoon which will tell her just what I told her; rest, ice, elevate and compress the achilles and the gradually reintroduce hiking which we did yesterday. My opinion has no merit for her, oh well.

We came back and had a sandwich for lunch and then I piddled around in the garden and harvested my garlic bed. I got some really nice heads and put them out to dry and will once they have dried shell them into individual kernels. I did harvest a couple radishes and some oregano for my sandwich which was excellent. For supper we finished up the ribs and had a nice garden salad. I did do some deck reading now that I have the umbrella as the outside temps were on the cool side but under the umbrella it was warm and shaded.

I potted up a couple tomato volunteers from the compost pile as the one Roma volunteer I brought from Florida is not looking good. It has fruit as large as golf balls but the leaves are turning dark, oh well. We took a golf cart ride to the mailbox and then to the top of the mountain after supper and then I tuned into the Ray's game and they were winning when I hit the shower and then the bed around 10'ish. The old back is still suffering a little but I slept decently. I twisted it or over did some exercise and its a bit stiff and painful, LATER

Monday Morning July 11th

Well we have more than enough rain for awhile as it rained all day on Sunday and the temps dropped noticeably down into the cool range. We never saw the sun at all and the rain gauge was emptied a couple times through out the day. Kelly and family left mid morning so it was just the 4 of us who spent the day playing games and eating. Our behinds became so sore that we looked up cushions on the internet for the new chairs.

 We had one unusual occurrence when we found a small alive bat clinging to the tire of Jordan's van as they got ready to leave. I donned a pair of gloves and took it from the tire and headed up in the woods to place it in the bat house after showing everyone the teeth this small animal had in its mouth. It was full of small teeth and of course look vicious.

There wasn't much else going on except we cleaned up leftovers and played games after watching the church service from Calvary Church in Chino Hills with Jack Hibbs as pastor. It was a good message as it always is from him. The rest of the day saw us playing all kinds of card games and listening to music, LATER

Kelly's daughter Johana celebrated 7th birthday on Saturday

Game playing with Jo and Eli

Sunday Morning July 10th

 Well Saturday was a fun day in between rain showers and storms and it back to raining again as I speak, so we are now caught up. We now need some cooler temps and dry days. I know I'm hard to please but I will miss my hike this morning due to the rain, oh well. We still have a house full of guests and its been fun with great meals and games through out the day and evenings. It will be a sad day today as Kelly and her family leave back to Fort Bragg. We did celebrate her middle child's 7th birthday last evening with a cook out during the dry evening She is a beautiful girl with blue eyes and so bright.

I did get in a great hike with the guys and Bonnie as we traveled the long route once again the first thing in the morning. Little Eli came down stairs at 6'ish and wanted to hike with me, Mike and his dad . It was no easy hike either but he ran several sections as well and never stopped through out the day. He is a game player as well as are Johana the birthday girl.

Well we ate well and I must say I stayed away from a decadent chocolate birthday cake which was a hard thing to do but I need to lose another inch or so and a pound to get to my goal this summer. The garden is now producing a couple of cucumbers and two squashes. The deer ate off my beet greens in the one garden and trampled it but I think it will survive if and when the rain stops. Seems it been raining most all night, LATER

I'm finally able to post a couple pics and here is the newest scare crow.

Saturday Morning July 9th

 Well Friday was a mixture of fun and work as we got ready for niece Kelly and family to arrive from Fayetteville which did happen around 7:30. I started the day wit my usual 6'ish roll out and then after  posting this ramble Mike Bonnie and myself headed out to a long hike across the mountain. It was a perfect morning for a long hike as the temps were fine and the humidity had lessen.

I put t racks of ribs on the smoker around noon and then Mike helped me install the new umbrella for the deck which will now allow us to eat supper or whatever outside. It was easy to attach it to the side of the cabin for stability and easy for putting it up and taking it down. 

I did a little burning from the left coals from the burn from the day before and piddled around in the gardens. We did some porch setting and played several games of a new game we had purchased but never played before called Skipbo. 

Nancy made twice baked tatter as well as half runner beans along with garlic bread and a fresh garden salad. It was close to 8 before we ever sat down to eat and then by 10 I was ready for the showers, LATER

Friday Morning July 8th

 Well Thursday was a work day for me as the gals headed to town around mid morning as the gals spent the biggest part of the day shopping. Mike helped me put the covering back on the A/C vent after a sawed spacers and painted them to keep the bats from resettling into the small spaces between the boards covering the outside walls of the cabin. They can get into small spaces and I wanted to prevent that from happening again.

We took a long hike with Bonnie to the top of the mountain first thing after posting this blog and doing some of my morning routines. I' missing my morning talk with GOD on my solo hikes but we are all getting in some time to honor our LORD through out the day. We had a huge mountain breakfast with grits, eggs and this awesome bacon they bring down from Virginia along with toast and apple butter. What a way to start the day. Mike and I skipped lunch except for some crackers and cheese.

I had built a bat house years ago and had it hanging underneath the front porch so with Mike's help we took it up into the woods and hung it from a tree in hopes the bats will stay around but decide to nest in this house. I decided since it was so hot and humid to try and burn the huge brush pile down in the gully behind the cabin and finally got it going. I got a little warm from the outside temps as well as the heat from the fire which kind of left me whupped until after supper.

For supper we had a pot of October beans which we called bird egg's along with a delicious corn bread and fresh garden salad and a glass of vino. After the clean up we settled into a new game called SKIPBO which took some explaining but eventually got the hang of it. Dee won 4 games in a row and then Mike finally won the last game. We soon called it a night around 10'ish after hot showers we headed for some horizontal lab, LATER

Mike finally showed us how to get back to sharing some photos on my blog. This is a picture of the new couple Jennifer and Andrew who are Mike and Dee's friends from Winchester who now live in Mountain City Tenneessee

Thursday Morning July 7th

 Well Wednesday was a fun day as we traveled down the parkway to West Jefferson to meet with church friends of Dee and Mike from the Winchester, Va. area. We shopped and walked around the city and then had a delicious lunch at the New River Brewery which must be one of the hot spots in the city as its off the main track but was hopping with business. I would definitely eat there again.

Mike, Bonnie and I got in a long early morning hike to the top of the mountain down the back road through Steves  Place and up the steep driveway. Wow what a great exercise hike plus all the walking in the city streets. We ate big ay lunch and then just snacked for supper . It was close to 5'ish before we got back at the cabin the roads were wet and we did get some rain but not much later in the evening but any and all rain is welcome. The gardens seem to be showing some growth as well as the grass is finally greening up.

I did my morning routines before anyone awakened and came down although I missed my morning talk with GOD on my hikes. We spoke with Bobby before taking off on our journey and all is well with him and the family.We didn't hear from Amy today as they are busy and of course we are busy with company. We played games well into the evening and called it a day around 10'ish. Such fun we are having with Mike and Dee, LATER

Wednesday Morning July 6th

 Well Tuesday was a busy morning as we got ready for Dee and Mike to arrive with some last minute cleaning and food prep. They got here a little after 12 from the Fort Brag area. We had some lunch and settle into catching up and then Mike and I discovered what we thought was mice in the a/c outside duct only to find out once after removing it 20 bats came flying out. I don't believe they had been in residence very long so hopefully they will find another home. I'll seal the areas in between the fascial boards with either a spacer or caulk, oh well. 

The clouds were building and eventually the rain fell from skies in a good soaking rain so we brought out the games and played until supper time and then afterwards until after 10'ish. We ate good with baked salmon along with spinach and corn on the cob and a garden salad. Nancy baked cookies for dessert which I passed, LATER

Tuesday Morning July 5th

 Well there weren't many fireworks around here on Monday but we did go shopping in Galax and then it was a work day all day here at the cabin as we get ready for youngest sister Dee and Mike, along with Bonnie their dog to arrive this morning for a week.

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 several up by name, after posting this ramble. All seem as well as can be expected. I finished up my routines with a solo hike to the top of the mountain once again having an out loud talk with GOD. The morning was beautiful with fresh crisp air and the rain we had the day before just cleared out any pollens as well.

We headed out around 9 for the trip to Galax with a trash stop along the way. We loaded up once again for company and then made a couple of stops for fresh fruit and half runner green beans. We were back on the mountain before lunch which was a record time in and back from Galax. We had a salad for lunch then I started on some yard chores which took a couple of hours. The breeze was nice but the sun was very hot. Nancy was stuck in the kitchen with her preps which included salad making, as well as cookie baking and everything else she does to get ready for guests.

We were outside on the deck before coming in for the night and we heard a critter inside the tin a/c covering on the deck. At first I thought it might be bees but I'm inclined to think its a mouse building a nest in there. I may have to take it apart which will require some doing but doable or I may spray some insecticide in the covering, oh well. 

I cut up a whole roasting chicken to make room from the freezer for more items and wow was it ever the best on the grill; from now on thats what I will use instead of fryers to grill. The meat was so moist and delicious with the extra weight and fat. One chicken will feed several. We have so much left over from this one bird.

Well we took a golf cart ride to the top of the mountain and saw only a couple folks. We did hear some fireworks after dark over towards the Roaring Gap Club. I was ready for some horizontal lab shortly after my shower and read a chapter or two before saying "goodnight John boy", LATER

Monday Morning July 4th..Independence Day

 Well Sunday was a total fun day after church as we chilled after getting home and then we headed over to the Frankis House around 4:30 until close to 10'ish for supper and games. We finally got some more rain in the area which was very dry. I'll mow this evening after we get back from another shopping trip to Walmart in Galax.

I started the day much the usual with a before 6 rollout to my routines that start after posting the ramble with some quiet time to honor my LORD and give thanks while lifting several up by name for healing and comfort. All seem as well as can be expected. I finished up my morning talk with GOD on the solo hike to the mountain top on this beautiful morning. The temps were in the low 60's to start the day and never got much out of the middle 70's.The rain came in the afternoon on the way home from church and a shopping stop at the Food Lion in town for some items.

I watched the Rays during the afternoon before heading out to Jake and Katelyn's place. Skylar is such a sweet and entertaining youngster. I can't wait for her to meet Ryder and Huck in a couple weeks as we will try to get them together to play at that park in Sparta. Katelyn is such a country girl with lots of animals and great gardens and an awesome cook as well. She made twice baked taters along rib eye steaks and we brought a salad and corn on the cob for a fantastic meal. Afterwards we played 5 Crowns, the Dice game and then Euchre. They are game players as are we and we laughed and had a fun time while amazed at how quickly the evening passed. It was a dark ride home with just a finger nail moon.

Well we are getting family this next coming week; first with baby sister Dee and husband Mike and their pup Bonnie until Friday then their daughter Kelly and family arrive for the weekend and their two pups. Should be a fun time with great eatin' and game playing, LATER 

Sunday Morning July 3rd

 Well Saturday evening finally saw some much needed rain in the area and in town as we visited the monthly "music on the main" when the town closes down and several different styles of music entertain the town. There is always a head liner which performs once the small or other bands shut down and it now starts an hour earlier.

I started the day much the usual with a before 6 roll out to my routines that start with some quiet time to honor my LORD after posting this ramble. I continue with my talk on my solo hike to the top of the mountain giving thanks and then venting my concerns about our nation. I must say it was a splendid morning with the birds singing and the fresh air as I headed up the steep incline trail that runs up through our property and then along the back road to the other steep incline and then down the golf cart trail to the main road and then down to the hoarders place where I cut through to our driveway and then up the steepest part although not nearly as long as the other two inclines to the circle drive. What a great way to start the day after some stretching before heading out. It takes me about 20 minutes or so as I never stop talking and walking. Occasionally I jump up a deer, turkey, rabbit and squirrels along the way but no bears yet.

After a mountain breakfast of huckleberry pancakes, sausage and eggs I headed out to piddle around in the garden. The huckleberries we picked last evening from a patch of bushes near our blueberry bushes and they come back every year. So tasty but very small. I noticed what looks like the same small deer in the back woods yard which we saw during the afternoon eating near our circle drive. She seems very tame and I have to clap my hands to get her to take off. I sure hope she stays away from the gardens but it seems unlikely as her hoof prints are seen a lot here lately, oh well. She or it do make for some great burgers in the fall.

I did some piddling until lunch time which we just snacked on some nuts after the big breakfast as we sat on the porch reading until it was time to head out to Sparta around 4. We ran some errands and then met Kay and Gerald at the Muddy Creek eatery for supper. Afterwards we walked around town and listen to a couple of bands. The rain came in town off and on for an hour or so but we managed to stay dry under some awning and then it cleared off for the head liner which we just two guys who made awesome music. They were on the Grand Ole Opry the night before and both had good voices and played guitars. Very talented. We headed out before dark and noticed we did get a little rain here at the cabin. Now I can mow as it been so dry I haven't mowed in two or more, LATER 

Saturday Morning July 2nd

 Well Friday was a busy fun work day as we made 4 different scare crows; 3 small ones and 1 large stand up type in hopes it will distract the deer from eating our plants. It turned out to be a bigger project than anticipated plus I had to get out both my cutoff saw and the table saw to complete the task. I also wanted to build a system to hold our half umbrella which will give us some afternoon shade so we can start to eat again on the deck. We had Jake take out the big pine tree that usually gave us shade but it was huge and leaning towards the cabin and an attractor for lightning.

I started the day much the usual with a before 6 rollout to my routines that start with some quiet time after posting this ramble to honor my LORD and give thanks for another day as well as lifting several up by name for healing, traveling mercies and for our nation which is slowly being destroyed by those who hate christians and GOD which this nations principles was founded upon. So sad to see such blatant corruption among those in the gov't and in the main stream media. We must pray that GOD will have mercy upon US(A) and start to heal our land now that we no longer mandate the killing of babies is a national issue. Praises for those who honor the constitution in the judicial system which has become a shield for the corrupt and the criminals that have infested the nation and specifically the democrat party and most liberals on the Left.

Well the temps were quite nice until the afternoon when the humidity arose it ugly head. The basement stays around 60 which is a welcome relief when working under the side deck and the a/c is a relief for those hot sticky nights. We had leftovers for supper and then took a golf cart ride to the top of the mountain and stopped off at our Lakeland friends just across the way from the cabin. Frank has been working on widening his driveway and that meant taking out several tree stumps. He has been using a small Kubota tractor with a bucket and a backhoe and has done a good job. They have no yard as they are on the side of the mountain and a small driveway just large enough for a single vehicle; now they will at least have enough room for delivery vehicles to enter. The Rays lost again and are slipping further down in their division, LATER

Friday Morning July 1st

Well the summer is moving right along and yesterday was no exception as we were busy with a work day both helping neighbors and getting ready for an evening of food and fellowship with close friends.The weather was decent with temps vey comfortable for most of the day but by evening it got a little sticky so we turned the a/c with a house full of guests.

I started the day much the usual with a before 6 roll out to my morning routines that start with some quiet time with my LORD after posting this ramble. I continue with my talk with Him on my solo hike to the top of the mountain and what a beautiful time of the day. I jumped up a small deer just north of my backwoods yard and then we saw either that one or another small deer during the afternoon just outside our circle drive. They are so tame this year but of course they like the buffet here with so many different plants to choose from in my garden and flower beds and of course I love eating them as well.

Neighbor Frank has been dealing with a double stump from two oak trees and has done everything possible to get it out of his driveway and down his steep yard. I just happen to have a large "come a long" which I let Steve use and he moved a huge shipping container with ease with it so I took it over to Frank's in hope we could remove the stumps and get it to the edge of the drive and then push it with the small tractor down the hill. We worked and sweated a couple hours to no avail but did manage to move it a little. I was dirty and whupped after lugging these heavy chains and gave up close to lunch time. I'm afraid unless we can get them apart he will need a bulldozer to move it, oh well.

After lunch I piddled around in the yards and garden and helped Nancy get ready for our guests for supper. She was making a delicious shrimp pasta with a fresh salad, Karen brought a delicious yellow squash casserole and Katelyn a strawberry short cake with whipped cream, Yeow everything was so good and I broke my diet on desserts as everyone thought I was getting to thin. I did it for over 30 days and now except for specialty desserts I'll try once again to refrain from the sugary cookies and cakes, but fresh any kind of fruit desserts I may give in.

After supper we got into some Sequence and played until close to 9. It was 3 games each as the gals came back from a 3-1 deficient to tie. It was close to dark before they pulled out of the driveway. What a grand time we had with excellent eatin' and game playing, LATER