Friday Morning Sept 30th

Well our daughter and family left this morning at 4:30 for Florida to try and beat Ian coming north into N.C. They were heading over to Atlanta and then south instead of our usual more direct route to avoid the storm which is a couple hours longer but hopefully more safe. Please keep them and all of Florida in your thoughts and prayers.

I started the day on Thursday with my usual 6'ish roll out to another cold morning with temps in the low 40's. It did warm up to the 60's by days end with tons of sunshine and blue skies. The kiddo's were so enjoying this weather as they played outside along with their dog Rocky. I did my morning routines while everyone was still in bed that start with some quiet time after posting this blog and finished up on my solo hike to the top of the mountain with Rocky along me. I got in three hikes for the day; this one and one with Tyler at lunch time and then another one with everyone before supper. It was a beautiful day with the building visible in down town Winston-Salem.

The big gals went to town around mid morning after a hearty breakfast of delicious french toast with fruit while Tyler worked in the basement. Sam and Lele played with Rocky in the backwoods area and I piddled around doing some small projects as the morning warmed up. The girls were gone until lunch time and we all had a bite to eat before once again heading outside in the sunshine. We had the heat on for the morning and then again in the late evening as the temps fell with the loss of the sunshine.

I grilled chicken breast and with the leftover fried taters, steamed fresh green beans and a garden salad we feasted once again. Afterwards the kiddos took the golf cart

on a last run of which there were many over these 4 days and then after dark they began to pack their SUV for the long trip home to Florida. Baths were taken and then we sat around until it was bedtime. I watched the Ray's lose a game they should have won to secure a playoff berth. It looks as if thats slipping away from them as the must play the Astros for four final games before the playoffs start, oh well, LATER

This is Sam's creation for a shelter in the backwoods and a rough looking spotted lizard .

Thursday Morning Sept 29th

Well Wednesday was another beautiful day here in the mountains after a rather chilly start. It did warm up into the low 60's for a high. There was plenty of sunshine and blue skies and the Ross Family loved it especially the kiddos and Rocky who spent most of the day outside playing. I spent a lot of time in front of the TV watching the storm that struck south Florida. This storm devastated the west coast and inland as it moved very slowly into the interior of the state. It by passed us in the Bay Area for the biggest part and our neighbor told us our place was safe and so far had not lost power. THANKFULLY

We hiked a couple times and Ava and the other two grands we entertained by her and the golf cart on several trips up the mountain. Tyler worked in the basement until lunch time when we all took a long hike. The eatin' was fine throughout the day with Nancy in the kitchen doing her usual thing of cooking. I washed dishes a couple of times and piddled around outside at times. 

After supper we had a campfire until 8'ish when it got rather chilly even by the campfire then it was shower time for all in shifts. Tyler and I watched the Ray's lose again which they really need to win and get into the wild card slot, LATER

Wednesday Morning Sept 28th

 Well Tuesday was another busy day as we were expecting daughter Amy and family to arrive around 5'ish from Florida . They were escaping the hurricane which originally was forecasted to strike the Bay Area with a force of wind and rain as we live only a few miles from the gulf. Our son Bobby lives closes to 40 miles from the water so he has planned on riding the storm out. The last forecast was for the storm to make land fall south of the Bay Area thus avoiding a direct strike. We will see as this thing has wobbled all over the place.

I started the day much the usual with a 6'ish rollout to cool temps. I did my usual routines that start with some quiet time to honor my LORD, give thanks and lift several up by name after posting this ramble. I finished up my talk with GOD on my solo hike to the top of the mountain where I was greeted with a beautiful sunrise. I didn't see any critters except for one squirrel.

Nancy had a 10'ish hair appointment in Sparta so I loaded up the trash and then items we were donating to the Alleghany Cares while she was getting her hair done and then I headed over to the public library to read for an hour or so. We have a very nice library for this small town and community. We made a stop at Food Lion to stock up for the Ross Family who will be here through Saturday or until they get power back at their residence in Florida. Hopefully they will not any suffer any damage or loss of power from this storm.

Nancy was in the kitchen all afternoon making soup, cookies and preparing for their arrival which occurred around 5'ish. We decided after they settled for a half hour to take a hike to the top of the mountain as they had been in their car for 12 hours or so. They left around 4 in the morning and had no issues along the way except for potty and food stops. Their big dog Rocky was a hoot when they let him out of the car. I think he remembered being here in June as he ran non stop around the yards and up the mountain on our hike. Sam brought his drone and flew it was several minutes which takes beautiful pics and video of the mountain. It was up there several hundred feet and came back and landed on the starting pad, amazing the technology today.

We ate a huge delicious supper of left over ribs, tortilla soup and parsley taters and some leftover cake as well. Afterwards we settled into the Ray's game as the kiddos got their baths and they watched some HGTV while Tyler and I watched the Ray's on the laptop. They all hit the sack around 10' ish as did I after a hot shower on this cool evening, LATER

Tuesday Morning Sept 27th

 Well its looking like Hurricane Ian is heading to Florida especially towards the gulf side so daughter Amy and Family are leaving out for the cabin. Son Bobby is more inland so he and his family are riding it out once he gets back home from a business trip this morning. Lots of prayers are needed for them and the folks in harms way of the storm.

Monday started out much the usual with a 6'ish roll out for me as we were excited about seeing old friends in over 5 years who were coming for the day. I did my usual routines of posting this ramble and some quiet moments to give thanks and lift up several for comfort and healing as well as my solo hike to the top of the mountain finishing up my talk with GOD. I got the smoker ready for 2 slabs of St.Louis ribs after getting back and got them on by 8 AM. Bruce, Norma, Sandy and Bob were arriving around 10:30 after they stopped at Cracker Barrel for breakfast down in Hickory.

We had a grand time renewing friendships that we have had for decades. I had several years of friendship with them before meeting Nancy as we were once in laws and I helped raise his son while he was in Viet Nam back in '74. We of course caught up on all the family members, their where about's and what they were doing as well as sharing our story as well with them. We soon got into playing games which started around noon with Sequence before eating around 3'ish and then afterwards playing again until 7:30 with chicken foot domino's; both games were new to them and they seemed to really enjoy playing them. We had ribs, baked beans, collard greens, tater salad, corn bread and they surprised us with a delicious store bought cake for dessert which was decadent to say the least. They left the cake and kiddos will really enjoy it when they come today as well as the leftover ribs. What a grand time we had with them and now its my turn next year to visit them next summer.

Well we are praying the storm doesn't destroy our houses and cause any loss of life to our friends and neighbors in Seminole or any where in Florida but we know there will be loss of power and of course some flooding around the beaches. Our house is about 8 miles from the gulf or less so we know if its a direct it there will be damage from the wind and water. Let's hope and pray it stays off shore and blows itself out. We may get some of the effect here in the mountains as well as we have before with the wind and rain from other named storms but nothing major. It will be good to see the Ross Family but not under these conditions. Keeping PRAYING for those in harms way and for traveling mercies for them as they left around 3 AM this morning, LATER

Monday Morning Sept 26th

 Well Sunday was an awesome day of corporate worship at Cornerstone with nearly a full house with many first time faces. It's always good to hear a good sermon and the praise music was uplifting as well. We met up with our dear friends the Frankis Family at the Pizzeria for a delicious lunch and then made a stop at the Food Lion on the way home before stopping briefly at our mountain moms place to drop off something she needed as well. We were back at the cabin around 2'ish.

 I started the day much the usual with a 6'ish rollout to my routines that included some quiet time after posting this ramble, giving thanks and lifting up several for healing and comfort. I finished up my talk with GOD on my solo hike to the top of the mountain. That was my only hike for the day as when we got back from town I settled into the NFL which lasted until I hit shower around 9:30 and then some horizontal lab at 10'ish. 

I watched the Panthers win their first game and the Buc's loose a close one in Tampa. The late game was close as well with the Broncos losing at half time. We didn't do much at all after getting home and just snacked for supper. We did get a storm during the evening that brought some strong winds and much needed rain however the morning skies are bright with stars shining. We are having some old family friends who we haven't seen in years for the day today (mom) for some fine visiting and eatin'.Should be a fun time of remembering from years past. We were in the USAF together back in the 60's and were in laws at one time. Great folks and they live about an hour and a half away in Hickory, N.C. LATER 

Sunday Morning Sept 25th

Well this is the last Sunday in September so that means just 4 more to go before we leave for Florida. This summer has just flown by and so has the hot weather. We had another cool morning but not cold like the last couple of ones. It was cloudy and a few sprinkles happened a couple times during the day but it cleared out in the late afternoon enough that we got in a long hike through the woods. We skipped the usual hike to the top and wondered around a couple old logging roads on the way to the top. The building were not visible to day as haze had them covered.

I started the day with a little later rollout and once again saw the mother deer and her twins in the back yards. The twins are nearly as large as the mother and they just grazed the clover while I watched them during the posting of this ramble. It started to rain lightly then they headed off into the woods. I did get in my solo morning hike as the rain lasted just a few minutes before quitting so after posting this blog and a some quiet moments I headed out on my hike. The sun was trying to break through as I climbed the back trail and it wasn't as cold as the day before. I didn't do much outside until later in the morning as it drizzled again for just a few minutes.

After breakfast of eggs, bacon and French toast I vacuumed the whole house then used a floor cleaner and wax on the main floor which kept me busy for a couple hours as Nancy worked upstairs getting it ready for our next house guest visit next month. We have old family friends visiting on Monday for just the day as they live near Hickory. I settled into some college football for the next couple of hours after a lite lunch of cheese and crackers until it was time for our extended afternoon hike which lasted an hour or more. The weather was nice with temps in the low 60's and some sunshine at times. 

Nancy put a couple pork chops in the oven and along with some Jasmine rice and sliced beet we ate hearty for supper. After the cleanup we walked around the yards for a couple as darkness began to fall so I settled into the Ray's game and she on her I pad. The Ray's loss to the Blue Jays after winning the first two games in this series and are now 1 game behind them for the playoff wild card slot. Today is church day and then lunch out with friends, LATER

Saturday Morning Sept 24th

 Well Friday started out with temps in the low 40's put felt like in the low 30's with the stiff breeze. It was our coldest day thus far this fall. My eyes watered on my solo hike to the top of the mountain after finishing up my quiet time to start the day. Yikes it was cold and I had to don my first long pants for the day except of course on Sundays for church as well as an extra long sleeve shirt. It was that cold and stayed that way until noon when the wind died down. Nancy had the faux fireplace on which gives out a small amount of heat and I closed the upstairs hallway with a curtain to keep the heat down stairs. Winter has arrived here in the mountain or at least this is a Florida winter.

I didn't do much around the cabin outside except for some piddly little jobs but I did hand water some of the gardens from the rain barrel. We were supposed to get some rain with this cold front but got nary a drop and lots of the plants and flowers are still producing as the wind really dried out the ground. Those 7 inches or so we got over a week ago have dried up. I did dead head many of the dried up flowers which were looking bad and then I harvested another mess of small tomato's. Those two plants are still producing but looking sad as their end is near. They gave us hundreds of small salad tomato's which are delicious in taste. The larger tomato plants are just about dead with some green ones hanging on but they too look about ready to be pulled out of the ground and disposed of in the compost pile.

We did a late morning hike after it had warmed up enough which made it tolerable to be outside. The views off the mountain were clear and we saw the building in down town Winston-Salem clearly for the first time this summer. I'll post a picture of them from the top of the mountain. I had three deer in the back  yard while posting this ramble eating the clover. They haven't for quite awhile eaten anything out of the gardens but do trample around in them as I notice their hoof prints almost every day.

We had a late large lunch as we finished up the deer burgers and some frozen pot pies as we try to eat down the freezer. We have a little over 5 weeks to go and hopefully will not take much back with us in coolers. We headed over to our mountain mom's place and swept her breezeway which had some leaves blown in and then plug her leaf blower in to charge. Its a small lite weight blower one that she can handle but the battery was dead and she couldn't get in out to be charged. We visited for awhile then headed to town to the library for some new reads and then headed to church for our Friday night Bible study with7 of us in attendance. We love our small group and the discussions and of course about the dire shape the country is in with this "wokeism" that had infiltrated our culture and society. It was after 8 before we closed and headed home.

The cabin had cooled down as the outside temps were dropping but the small electric fireplace soon made it warm as Nancy watched TV and I on my laptop watched the Ray's win again. These two last game wins are keeping them in a wild card slot for the playoffs, LATER

These small blimps in the distance are the huge building in down town Winston 70 or so miles away from the top of our mountain

Friday Morning Sept 23rd

Well yesterday was a milestone in our marriage as we celebrated 43 years together. I thought just that age was old but to be married that long was ancient, oh well. I have to admit I'm a senior citizen whether I want to or not, I just don't have to act like one. We had a good day as we ran errands in Galax,Va. which is triple the size or more of Sparta as we did some shopping and used up an Applebee's gift card we've had in our wallet for months. The fare hasn't changed much which is usually eatable at best and yesterday Nancy's broccoli in her dish was bad so she didn't eat it. We are glad that card has finally been removed and no new ones are there.

I started the day with my usual 6'ish roll out to my routines that start with some quiet time after posting this ramble. I finished up my quiet time on the solo hike giving thanks for another day and honoring my Lord as well as lifting several up by name for comfort and healing. All are holding at this time. I loaded up the truck with several garbage bags and dropped them off on the way to Galax at the dumpsters at Cumberland Knob and then we ran errands to the post office, bank, Lowes and finally Walmart where we loaded up again. Afterwards it was going on 2 'ish so we ate at the AppleBees in the area of Walmart and then stopped for gas before heading to our mountain moms place. She needed an item and then we brought her supper. We visited for a few as the temps dropped outside from in the low 80's to the upper 60's. A strong wind made it feel even colder as the day wore on.

It was going on 4'ish by the time we got back to the cabin and unloaded everything so we decided to read and digest the rest of the afternoon and evening. I was full from the late lunch and that held me the rest of day whereas Nancy has some snacks since she didn't eat all of her lunch(I helped her with her's). Initially the appetizer was tasty and then the entree looked great and tasted good to me and her at first but her bad broccoli put a stop on her eating so I picked at her leftover dish, oh well.

She was on the phone with a friend from Florida both Bobby and Amy called with congrats as well as over a hundred friends wrote their well wishes and congrats on FB. I tuned into the Ray's vs Blue Jay's game and they won as well. It was a fun day and we even congratulated ourselves on 43 years together, LATER

Thursday Morning Sept 22nd..Anniversary of 43 years

 Well yesterday was another gorgeous day with cool temps in the morning and then it warmed up to the 70's by late afternoon with no rain and lots of blue skies and bright sunshine. We actually could use a little rain shower which I think is coming later today and then the temps drop down into the 40's for a low, oh well. It's that time of the year as the leaves are already showing on the ground along with acorns every where. I believe it is the sign of cold snowy winter which the almanac is predicting.

I started the day out with a before 6 roll out to my usual routines that always start with some quiet moments to honor my Lord and give thanks for another day and lifting several up by name after the posting of this ramble. All seem as well as can be expected. I finished up my talk with GOD on my solo hike to the top of the mountain and jumped up 3 deer along the way. They are really changing colors from a tawny brown to a darker shade of brown as their diet changes to eating acorns from what I've been told. I came back and piddled around in the gardens and flower beds until breakfast time. I had a couple tomato's showing some bad spots so I cut them out and then up into a bowl of grits with a chopped jalapeno and a couple cackle berries on top over easy, yeow was that ever tasty and held me until 1'ish when we got back from our together hike. We took a different route up by Anne and Frank's and stopped and chatted with them for close to an hour. They are leaving 2 weeks or so before we do for Florida. They have their place looking good.

 We came back and had lunch then did some porch setting and reading. Neighbor Gerald and his squeeze came back from their trip out west which was cut short because both contracted covid. He came by for his mail and seemed to be in good spirits and healthy looking. We chatted for a few before he rode off on his new toy; an electric bike. They will be here for a few days before heading down to her place in Winston. A couple from down the road came by on their golf cart while I was napping on the back porch so I never met with them. Nancy spoke with them for a few as she reads on the front porch and me on the back porch, oh well.

We fried up some fish I had caught at our mountain moms lake a few weeks back that we had frozen and they were as good as the day I caught them. I freeze them in water and that holds their flavor and texture. Since we had a late lunch we decided to eat lite with just a can of peas to accompany the fish. After the cleanup we headed out to walk around the yards and flower beds. It was a beautiful evening. I headed in as darkness came on to watch the Ray's lose again after being ahead in the late innings. It's looking like Houston will win our division as they swept the Ray's once again with great hitting and pitching . At least we did score a couple runs after being shut out the night before, LATER

Wednesday Morning Sept 21st

Well Tuesday was nearly another perfect day weather wise with tons of sunshine, blue skies and warm temps after a cool start of the day. This is why we come to the mountains 5 months out of the year. I started the day with a 6'ish rollout to my usual routines that start with some quiet time giving thanks for another day and lifting several up for comfort and healing by name. All seem as well as possible considering ages and health issues. After posting this ramble I headed out just after day break to continue my morning talk with the Almighty on my solo hike to the top of the mountain.

I piddle around outside after getting back from my hike to check on the gardens and flower beds; still no morning glory blooms. The vines are the best ever this year and I was hoping to see those beautiful Heavenly Blue flowers while Dee and Mike were here over the weekend. What a beautiful weekend we had with them and all of the laughter that goes when they visit.

I decided to cut back the lilacs when had gotten out of hand from 8 feet down to 4 feet or so. What a difference that made as we look off the back porch. I decided after a lite breakfast to not only cut back the lilacs but to redo the fence around the black raspberry patch which kept me busy up until we decided to hike the mountain together. What a beautiful day for a hike and it was really hazy off the mountain. We got back and settled into a chicken salad for lunch with roasted pecans, fresh grapes, onions and celery with home grown tomato's on the side. It was so delicious as we sat outside on the front porch in the slight breeze.

After lunch I loaded up some tools and headed up to the back road and redid the hand rain from our steep backwoods trail onto the back road. The hand rail had rotted on the end so I redrilled the rail and refastened it to a maple tree which helps getting up the steep embankment. I decided to read for the next couple of hours and cat napped at times as I digested. We decided to use up some canned refried beans for burritos for supper which we both love; of course they were doctored up with sweet onions, jalapeno's on mine with sour cream and salsa. Delicious to say the least. We piddled around in the yards after the cleanup and then had a campfire for only the second time this supper. The air was perfect and the heat actually felt good as the evening temps dropped. After the campfire which lasted to dark we headed in and I tuned into the Ray's game and the Astros were winning again for the second night in a row, LATER

Tuesday Morning Sept 20th

 Well Monday was saying good bye to sister Dee and Mike as they headed back to Woodstock, Va. around 9'ish after an early morning hike to the top of the mountain and then a huge mountain breakfast of blueberry cakes, bacon and eggs, Yeow was that ever delicious. We sure had a fun time with them and their dog Bonnie.

I did my quiet time and social media updates then we stripped the beds and put in a load laundry and I hung them in the bright sunshine and cool breeze. It was a perfect day once again with tons of sunshine and blue skies. The forecast is for warmer temps for a couple days and then a front moves in with some rain and then a cold blast down into the 40's. Yikes, I remember a couple years back we had snow the first week in October. We have noticed the leaves changing colors and a couple trees off the mountain were totally red.

We took a long hike together before noon and saw no one on top. I left a sack of jalapeno's for neighbor Billy on his door as he and Paula must be in Winston with her 104 year old mother. After a lite lunch around 1'ish we did some porch setting and reading. What a glorious afternoon until 5'ish when I grilled a couple deer burgers for our supper along with a fresh garden salad. After the cleanup we took a golf cart ride to the mailbox and then wondered around the property taking note of things to do before our next company arrives with the flower beds. Many of them need to be cut down and cleaned up with dead flowers. Its been a banner year for flowers but I'm still waiting on the morning glories to bloom, oh well. I hated them growing up as they came back every year in the gardens and climbed the beans and corn rows, now I can not get them to come back or even bloom.

I tuned into the Ray's game on the laptop and they lost to Houston and watched a little of two NFL games which both seemed to be a blow out when I headed for the shower, LATER

Mike helped me once again with putting some pics on this blog. Just before sunset a look back towards the cabin from what the deer see.

Monday Morning Sept 19th

Well Sunday was another beautiful day with a cool temp's throughout most of the day. Fall has arrived except there is another couple warm days in the forecast to the upper 70's and even the low 80's. It also was worship day at Cornerstone and we were there to honor our Lord among several folks and now lots of new families who have moved to the area. Afterwards we headed over to the Pizzeria for a delicious lunch.

I started the day with a 6'ish roll out to my routines that start with some quiet time after posting this ramble to give thanks and lift up several by name. All are holding as of right now. I took off with Dee, Mike and their dog Bonnie to the top of the mountain as they joined me on my solo morning hike. We never did take another hike the rest of the day as we were digesting our lunch watching the NFL and napping until supper time and then games afterwards until bed time.

The Bucs and the Rays both won their games and grandson Gabe was in attendance to the Ray's game in St.Pete along with my other grandson Sam and his dad Tyler for his 12th birthday celebration. We watched a couple games here as the Panthers lost to the Giants and the Cowboys won with a backup QB who looked better than their original QB who got hurt in the Bucs game last week.

We cleaned up some leftovers for supper and then settled into a "chicken foot"domino game and I won big time as well as Mike and I won in Euchre over the gals. There were lots of moaning from them throughout the evening games. Well hey leave this morning for Woodstock and of course she is back to work on Tuesday as Mike has now officially retired. They will do some traveling with their new pull behind trailer out west and of course down to Florida in the coming months. I don't believe we will get up to northern Virginia this summer as we have too many guests scheduled to visit here until we leave next month, LATER

Sunday Morning Sept 18th

Well Saturday was another near perfect day after a chilly start. It was a fun day as we ventured into Sparta for the Heritage Festival and the town was hopping with lots of vendors and folks. We walked the streets looked at lots of crafts and then had lunch at the Muddy Creek before heading back on the mountain around 3'ish.

I started the day with a 6'ish rollout to my usual routines that start with some quiet time after posting this ramble, lifting several up for healing and comfort and traveling mercies as the the Nymark's headed out early in the morning. Mike and Dee were up early as well and we three walked down to see them off and while we were down that way took a hike down the back trail to the Heglar's and then back up the road to see them pull out with their motor home on the way back to the cabin. It was a beautiful morning with lots of sunshine and a great hike.

We were planning on heading to Sparta around 10 and eating out so we worked on a loaf of zucchini bread which held us until around noon. We had a really tasty meal and left full until around 6'ish when we heated up the Zuppa soup along with a fresh garden salad. Later in the evening after playing some Euchre we finished up the pumpkin cheese cake. We played a round of Spades and it was the guys night to win both Euchre and Spades. We did watch a little NCAA football during our rest period after getting back from Sparta.

Today is church day at Cornerstone and then lunch out at one of the local eateries. Mike and Dee will have to leave on Monday as she has to get back to work on Tuesday. We've so far had great weather for porch sitting, hiking and eating out on the deck, LATER

Saturday Morning Sept 17th

Well Friday was another gorgeous day but with a chilly start  some where close to the 40's. Nancy had the faux fireplace on which gives out some heat and the look of a real fire. We of course have no chimney but do have the mini split which not only gives us cool air but heat when needed.

I started the day much the usual with a 6'ish rollout to my usual routines that start with some quiet time with my Lord after posting the ramble to give thanks for another day and lift up several by name for healing and I finished up my talk with GOD while doing my solo hike to the top of the mountain. The sunshine was bright on top with blue skies which made for another great day. We piddled around the cabin as we got ready for baby sister Dee and Mike to arrive some where around lunch time. I took the golf cart down to the Nymark's camp ground so he could use it to move dirt, gravel and rocks around his place. 

After lunch and everyone settling in and digesting we took a hike down so Dee and Mike could meet Sheri and Steve for the first time and see what they had done for the day. It was a beautiful day for a hike and while we didn't take the whole hike what we did was awesome. A slight breeze kept it quiet comfortable even in the direct sunshine. We sat on the porch and chilled until it was supper time and I put two cut up chickens on the grill and Nancy put together vegetables to be roasted in the oven. The Nymark's came around 5'ish and we had a glass of vino then settled into a game of Euchre on the deck while the birds cooks. The guys won that game big but that was the end of our winning the rest of the night as they wiped the floor with us in more Euchre and Sequence after supper. Nancy had made a delicious pumpkin cheese cake for dessert and I broke the diet with it.

Well the Nymark's leave for Florida this AM and will be missed however they are coming back October the 1st for nearly 2 weeks. They are a lot of fun and will be living just a couple doors down from Amy and family in Seminole. We all had a grand time last evening and the food was delicious as we sat outside on the deck and ate. Food here just tastes so great and we devoured the chicken with just enough leftover for lunch. Today Saturday we will visit down town Sparta for the Heritage Festival  with Dee and Mike. Should be a fun time in town and the weather will be awesome as well with highs in the 70's and no humidity, LATER

Friday Morning Sept 16th

 Well Thursday was another near perfect day weather wise here at the cabin with a low of 49 and a high somewhere in the low 70's with tons of sunshine and blue skies with a slight breeze. Just beautiful not to brag much like a November day in Florida when its freezing here in N.C. I started the day with a 6'ish roll out to my routines that start with some quiet moments with my Lord after posting this ramble and then I finish up with my solo hike to the top of mountain voicing my praises and concerns out loud on my hike.

I piddled around in the gardens after getting back and then had a lite breakfast before starting some piddly chores and jobs most of which was outside in the yards and gardens. I hung a load of sheets outside on the clothesline and then harvested and cleaned some greens for the salad bowl; beet greens, Swiss chard, kale and collard greens all from the upper garden which was crisp from the cool morning dew and temps. Around mid morning we took off on a hike to the top of the mountain together and saw no one on top but several on their golf cart coming up the back road. We got word from Grant and Shirley that his bladder cancer has shown its ugly presence again We will definitely keep him and her in our thoughts and prayers for healing and comfort. Seems his doctor failed to check his results for 5 months when it should have been every 3 months and the cancer returned and may have spread.

I mowed the afternoon away after we visited with Sheri and Steve at their place and they were working outside spreading the load of rocks as well and trying to straighten out their artificial grass which comes in rolls that weigh tons. They want to cover the areas they will walk along their campers and shipping containers he has turned into an apartment. We had them up for supper around 5'ish and then played cards again. This night belonged totally to the guys as we finally whupped them in Euchre and Spades. They headed out around 9:30 for their place and I hit the shower and read a little until lights out around 10:30, LATER

Thursday Morning Sept 15th

 Well this month is half gone and that means 6 weeks until we leave the cabin for Florida. A little Florida warmth would have felt good yesterday morning as the temps got down close to the 40's but it eventually warmed up to the upper 60's with lots of bright sunshine and blue skies.

I started the day with my usual 6'ish roll out to my morning routines that start with some quiet time to honor my Lord after posting this ramble, giving thanks for another day while lifting several up by name for healing and comfort. All seem as well as can be expected due to ages and health issues and I finished up my talk with GOD on my solo hike to the top of the mountain.

We headed to town(Sparta) after a lite breakfast to run errands and catch up on some grocery items as we are expecting sister Dee and Mike for the weekend plus Sheri and Steve are eating supper nightly with us and then playing cards. We haven't turned the TV all this week except for MNF. We have tons of fun and last night was the latest as we got into a Spade game which lasted close to 11. The guys came from behind and won best 2 out of 3 while the gals cleaned our clock in Euchre again.

I picked up a new battery for a widow on top of mountain's golf cart and installed it for her. Birdie is the sweetest lady and we just love to hear her talk her southern accent. She was so thrilled to once again ride the mountain and visit with folks. She is 80 years young and has a small cabin with a huge view on top of the mountain. We knew her husband Barry who passed several years ago but she loves her place and kept it as well as a place off the mountain. She came by after I got back to the cabin and I loaded her up with some tomatoes. She then headed down to visit with the Nymark's as well. She owns a couple lots across from their campground and they maybe interested at a later date of purchasing her lots.

Nancy was in the kitchen all afternoon making a cheese cake as well as putting a salad together and then a pot of Zuppa soup for our supper as well as making bruschetta which is a fav of mine. My basil is growing out of control this summer as it the cilantro and dill, LATER

Wednesday Morning Sept 14th

Well we have finally gone a day with out any rain or rain clouds. Today there was plenty of sunshine and a stiff cool breeze enough so we had to don long sleeves shirts and in the shade of the trees it was chilly. It was in the low 50's to start and maybe reached 70 for the high.

I started the day with my usual 6'ish roll out to some quiet moments to honor my Lord after posting this ramble and then I finished up with my solo hike to the top of the mountain voicing my thanks and concerns for this nation out loud among the trees and the animals. What an invigorating time among this creation breathing air never breathed before and lifting up my concerns to GOD alone. I piddled around outside in the gardens after getting back while Nancy did her morning rituals and quiet times. The deer left their tracks in most of the gardens but didn't seem to do much damage. The grass has grown with all this rain so I fired up the weed wacker after a breakfast of oatmeal and cleaned up all the areas around the yards I can't reach with my mower. I'll mow on Thursday afternoon which will give it a nice clean look for sister Dee and Mike this week end. That kept me busy until lunch time.

We decided to do our together hike around 3'ish and after lunch set in the sunny areas of the porches and read for a couple hours. Nancy had a load of laundry on the clothes line which was a perfect day for that venue. I love seeing clothes on the line drying plus it saves a few bucks as well. We walked down to the Nymark's on our afternoon hike to see all they have been doing and wow what a change they have made in the shipping container as they have transformed it into an apartment for when they don't have the motorhome with them. Their place is awesome and has a campground effect. We stayed just a few and then headed up the back road and eventually to the top for an extended hike before heading back down and eventually starting supper. The Nymark's were bringing a scallop tater and ham casserole which was excellent and Nancy did a stir fry of squashes and pea pods to accompany the casserole. After the cleanup we settled into a couple of different card games.

The gals won Euchre again but the guys won two games of Spades and the last one had the gals in the minus column at the end. What a fun evening and it was nearly 9 before they headed out for their place just down the driveway. I'll do a good deed today as I head to Sparta to run some errands and then pick up a new battery for Bertie's golf cart on top of the mountain and install it for her. Nancy has some shopping to do as we get ready for company this weekend plus the Nymark's will be here until Saturday when they head out for Florida. They will be back around the middle of October for a few days when we have all kinds of company during that month. Should be a fun time as we start to close down the cabin for the winter, LATER

Tuesday Morning Sept 13th

 Well Monday was really a nice day with lots of sunshine for the most part of the day until the late afternoon when that forecasted rain came true with heavy showers through out the evening and into the night. Hopefully the forecast is correct for the rest of the week with no rain, lots of sunshine and highs for the low 70's.

I started the day much the usual with a 6'ish roll out to my routines that always start with some quiet moments to honor my Lord, give thanks and lifts several up by name after posting this ramble. I finished up with my solo hike to the top of the mountain giving rise to my voice in the great outdoors as I vented to the Creator about my concerns for the nation. I certainly hope and pray HE hears me and the many christians who also have grave concerns to what is happening to America with this corrupt administration in power.

I piddled around outside in the gardens while Nancy did her quiet time and then we had a breakfast around 9 of grits, eggs and a tomato with a jalapeno for me. Which held me until 1'ish when we got back from a together hike to the top of the mountain. It was a long hike as we first walked down the Nymark's campground and then up the back road to the old Joe and Jetta place then across the top and then stopped and chatted with Laura and Anne before heading down the steep backwoods trail. Nancy is still feeling her bone spurs in both heels but hopefully these hikes will help her achilles adjust with this exercise.

We didn't do much after lunch except sit and read on the porches until supper time when Steve and Sheri arrived. We do supper together and they brought some Walleye Pike he had caught while in Minnesota with his son a couple weeks ago. There were 4 nice fillets and when you cut them in smaller pieces to fry it made for enough for everyone to have plenty with one piece leftover. I made a beer batter for it and my oh my was it ever delicious along with some peas, creamed cauliflower and some leftover scallop tatters. We were so full they skipped any mention of dessert. (I'm off desserts again for at least a week, lol)

We played a game of 5 Crowns after the cleanup and gals won and then two games of Euchre which the gals won for a change then they headed back to the motor home just down the driveway around 9'ish. I watched a little of the NFL before hitting the showers around 9:30 as Nancy was on the phone with her buddy Carol from Seminole until I don't know when, LATER

Monday Morning Sept 12th

 Well Sunday saw us with no rain but lots of clouds and fog and the temps stayed down into the low 70's. I checked the rain gauge and it had another 2 inches so that makes around 7 inches this past week or so. The forecast is for more today but its supposed to dry out towards the end of the week. I'm so looking forward to that and some cooler temps.

I started the morning with my usual routines that start with some quiet time to honor my Lord and give thanks for another day and lift up several. I did take my solo morning hike to finish my talk with GOD and then we headed out around 9:30 for Cornerstone with the Nymark's. Afterwards we met up with Jake and the family at the Pizzeria for a delicious lunch of salad and a personal pie. That held me the rest of the day. We made a stop at Food Lion for some items and stopped by to visit with our "mountain mom" Helen and take her some goodies. The Nymark's at one time attended the same church in Seminole that she and her late husband Roy attended for years. Helen remembered some names that Sheri mentioned to her. It was their first time to see her and her place and Helen seemed to really enjoy meeting them. 

We watched some football after getting back and digesting our lunch while the Nymark's worked at their place and they came up around 5'ish for some snacks and to play some Euchre. Well the boys won 2 out of 3 games for a change. Nancy and I between football games did get in a hike together to the top of the mountain. They left around around 8 just as it got dark as Steve is not a fan of the night and darkness. We kid him all the time about Big Foot here in the mountains. After they left we settled into the Bucs vs Cowboy game and while it wasn't a high scoring game Tom Brady led the Bucs to a victory. I hit the sack around 11 which is an hour past my normal bedtime with the Bucs up by a couple of scores with just a couple of minutes to go. The Ray's were losing big again in N.Y. and letting their wild card slot pass them by with terrible pitching after being so good for several games, oh well, LATER

Sunday Morning Sept 11th..A day in infamy

Well Saturday was a complete wash out with rain that started predawn and continued through the day, evening and night. We are so wet and soggy once again with at least several inches of rain but at least no danger of wild fires like the western part of the country. This will definitely bring the water table up once again. We had a fun evening with friends for supper and games despite the wet weather and the coolness of the evening.

I started the day out with my usual routines of quiet time after posting this ramble to honor my LORD and give thanks for another day. I sure missed my solo hike to the top of the mountain but did do the stairs several times to get the muscles tuned up and keep the heart and lungs working with that exercise. I didn't do much around the cabin inside except help with getting it ready for company around 4'ish when Sheri and Steve came. We got in a game of Euchre and gals won but later in the evening after supper we played 3 games of Sequence and the guys dominated 3-0 big time. 

The Jake and Katelyn came around 5 and we visited before setting down to steaks on the grill, scalloped taters, salad and cole slaw with bruschetta to start the process. Nancy had brownies with vanilla ice cream topped with whipped cream to finish off the evening.  Wow everything was delicious and we all had our share of loving up on Skylar and holding 5 week old Seth. He is growing so fast and she is so smart.

They all left about the same time which was around 8'ish as the kids were getting a little fussy near their bed time. I tuned in the Gator vs Wildcat football game and the Gators lost to a good Kentucky team. I did watch the Texas vs Alabama game and that was the best game of the day with 'Bama still number 1 in a close one. I was up until nearly 11 watching football and now pickle ball tournaments are on the TV. I sure miss playing but hope to get back into the swing of things in November when we head back to Florida. That was about it for the Saturday and now today Sunday is worship day at Cornerstone, LATER

Saturday Morning Sept 10th

 Well Friday found us with decent weather but a little on the cool side with overcast skies and some fog to start the day but no measurable rain but that has changed this morning with a light rain already to start the day, oh well. I did my usual routines of posting this ramble and then some quiet moments to honor my LORD and give thanks for another day then finished up my talk with GOD on my solo hike to the top of the mountain. There was some blue patches of blue sky but off the mountain it was a fog bank and eventually it cleared off around lunch time.

I worked outside after a mountain breakfast of blueberry pancakes, sausage and eggs which held us until around 2'ish. We were having our Bible study small group at 6 so we decided to eat early and skip supper. I headed out in the golf cart down to Steve and Sheri's place with the weed whacker and trimmed up the areas where they would be using right away and then along the road as they were heading in for a week or so and while I was heading down the drive way it needed some raking of the ruts from the washout down pour a day ago. This has been a summer of extremes; weeks without rain and then days where it rains with gully washer down pours. I think we've had close 5 inches of rain this past week and its raining lightly as I write this post, oh well.

We made a couple stops after eating our big meal as we visited with Grant for a few who has the first cabin on our road into the cabin and then to visit with the Nymark's after they got in with their large motor home. Grant mentioned that George who has a cabin also on our road is suffering from Alzheimer and is in bad shape and his wife Gail is legally blind and can not drive. That is why we haven't seen them this summer. So sad to hear this news as they live close to Grants place off the mountain. It was great to see the Nymark's and they have spent the summer on the road with family in Minnesota,Tennessee and Nevada. They will be here for a week or so before going back to Floridas and then up to Minnesota and back here at their place in October for a couple weeks. Wow they keep us worn out with their travels.

Our small group last evening was awesome but several were out with traveling and some sickness and we plan on attending next Thursday's small group as we are expecting the Dillon family over the weekend and will miss Friday's class. Both Friday and Thursday's group are led by the same folks yet studying different topics. We really enjoy the folks as we are all with the same mindset about the truth of GOD's word and has its being watered down with this progressive wokeism in todays society to fit their agendas, LATER

Friday Morning Sept 9th

 Well Thursday morning found me taking our "mountain mom" Helen down to Elkin for a doctors appointment and so my morning routines were interrupted as we had to be there at 8:30. I did roll out with my usual 6'ish time frame and did everything but take my solo hike to the top of the mountain to complete my quiet time and talk with GOD. 

We made good time going down the mountain and got there a few minutes before our appointed time despite getting behind a huge truck going down the 28 curves on US 21 into Elkin. After the appointment we headed over to Wal-Mart for a couple items for both of us and then we headed back up the mountain and made a gas stop on the way as well and then stopping by our cabin for few items for her from my garden. I was back home after taking her home and exchanging out her car which is so much easier for her to get in than my truck by 11. Nancy and I did head out shortly on a hike to the top but once there we noticed rain falling on another ridge so we headed back down the trail and made it before getting wet.

After lunch I piddled around outside until another much longer rain shower sent me to the shed where I stayed while another 30 minute down pour dropped nearly a half inch of rain. We are rained out or just over the rain for awhile as the rain barrel is full once again. The lettuce and kale seedlings are getting washed out and I have just a couple surviving as I write. We need some sunshine and a breeze to dry out the gardens. The flower beds seem to like the rain and we had to cut off some of the towering cosmo wild flower who had reached over 7 feet in height.

We finally got enough sunshine that I could work one of the beds in the backwoods yard which I had sowed zinnias's in. They were bloomed out except for a couple so I took them out and transplanted some marigolds which are just beautiful as well. I had volunteers in the fire circle gravel so I took them out and put them where the zinnias's were. I have tomato plants which are starting to die from too much rain despite being planted on a slope which drains easily. Hopefully we will get a few days of no rain as they are loaded with green 'maters.

Well we had salmon cakes for a change which is a favorite of ours as well as the frozen filets but the cakes are so different in flavor which we like occasionally along with a couple ears of corn I cut off the cob for our supper. Delicious. After supper we piddled around outside walking the yards and pulling some weeds and grasses in the beds which continues to grow with all this rain. We learned the queen of England passed at the young age of 96. Must be good genes in that lineage. That was about it as I did watch a little of the first regular season NFL game and it was tied at half time, LATER

Thursday Morning Sept 8th

Well Wednesday was another work day here at the cabin and eventually we got lots of sunshine. The temps were quite nice with a nice breeze after a some what chilly start to the day. I started the day with my usual 6'ish rollout to my routines that start with some quiet time after posting this ramble to honor my Lord and give thanks for another day and to lift up several by name. I got word and old neighbor lady and friend passed away at the young age of 90 on Monday. I hadn't seen her in years but she was quite the character growing up not far from where I did.

I did my solo hike to the top of the mountain to finish up my talk with GOD and then Nancy and I took a together hike later in the morning. We stopped and talked with Billy on top of the mountain who is a good guy with his wife and they care for her mom who is 102 and lives in Winston. They take turns staying with her along with her sisters so they are gone from their place a couple of days a week. We haven't seen Ann and Frank or Laura as she is recovering from a broken butt bone as they are on the go all the time. We walked across the top of the mountain and saw Rick who lives in his mothers old cabin at times but he sometimes goes away for months working with fire disasters and FEMA.

We headed back to the cabin for a lunch of fresh garden salad with tater salad on top and sliced tomato's from the garden which are delicious, yeow. I sat and read for a couple hours after hauling a load of dirt and spread it on some low places in the yard during the morning. I did some piddly chores around the cabin as well. We got word the Tracy's left a day earlier than scheduled for a stop in Murphy, N.C. They really enjoy this area but are always looking for the right place. I don't know if they will ever purchase a place in the mountains as he is not an outside yard person.

Well I'm to take our "mountain mom" Helen to Elkin this morning for a doctors appointment to get a shot in her knees. She can barely walk as its bone on bone and the shot giver her some relief. She use to get it in Sparta but the doctor no longer comes up the mountain to see patients.

We cleaned up a leftover for supper and then took a golf cart ride out to the mail box. I came back and walked the yards then settled into the Ray's game which they won again, LATER

Wednesday Morning Sept 7th

 Well Tuesday was a rain less day here on the mountain although there was some rumbling of thunder and rain clouds around us but we stayed dry after nearly 24 hours of rain that dropped close to 4 inches on us. It was a total work day for me as I was busy rebuilding some of the outhouse which is now a small shed for storing garden stuff, chairs for around the fire pit and some dry wood when needed for camp fires which we haven't had many this summer. When the weather turns cooler at nights we will start them again.

I started the day much the usual with a 6'ish roll out to my routines that start with some quiet time after posting this ramble to honor my LORD, to give thanks for another day and to lift up several by name for comfort and healing. All seem as well as possible due to ages and health issues. I finished up my quiet moments on my solo hike to the top of the mountain after missing it on Monday due to rain. The sun was barely visible above the fog lying low off the mountain but overhead there was blue skies so I figured it was going to be a clear day which was perfect for working outside and in the gardens and yards.

Nancy was off to meet Kathryn once again in Galax where they shopped the old town and had lunch out. She was gone for about 5 hours or so which gave me some alone time which is nice for a change. I worked steadily through the morning until lunch rebuilding the door on the outhouse and some other major issues with rot from the weather. This old shed has been around for nearly 30 years as our dear friend Roy built it before the cabin was ever constructed. It has served as an outhouse for the girls while we would dream about what a cabin would look like on this piece of clear property back in 92 and 93 before we ever built. I love it and its a major talking point when first time folks come to visit when they immediately know what and outhouse looks like. I mentioned it is the bathroom and immediately they want to know about lodging in the city. I use to have a white painted half moon over the door but Nancy has had me replace that now with a large tin flower, oh well.

I was able after lunch to give it two coats of red paint over the newly replaced boards and it looks fantastic. Hopefully this renovation will give it more life for several more years. After painting I sat on the back porch and read until Nancy got back on the mountain around 4'ish. She had a late lunch and I had a huge garden salad with a scoop of tater salad and some Greek dressing so I was good until 6'ish when we had fresh corn on the cob, a leftover dog and some tater salad with sliced garden tomato's. Yeow now that was some fine eatin'. Kathryn cleaned out her fridge as they leave tomorrow for Floridas after being here 5 weeks so she blessed us with some items which we will hopefully use before we leave the end of October.

I tuned into the Ray's game and they won again over the Red Sox's 8-4 and then hit the shower and read until the sandman calleth, LATER

Tuesday Morning Sept 6th

 Well Labor Day was a wash out with over 3 inches of rain and there is more in the forecast. The yards and gardens are soggy and they are on a decline thankfully or they would be standing in water, oh well. All our plans were cancelled due to the weather and some personal issues with the Tracy's as a family member passed on Kathryn's side. It was expected due to health issues but it always sad when you loose a family member especially on a holiday weekend.

I started Monday out with the rain pelting down on the tin roof of the cabin and while we did get a brief stoppage around 9'ish I headed out to check on the driveway which did wash but I can correct that with raking and shoveling since neighbor Gerald is gone for a couple weeks on vacation out west and the use of the tractor will wait until he gets home. We had 2 1/2 inches over night and then close to another inch during the day and I haven't checked the gauge since mid morning. It's sure has been a wet summer at times and to start summer it was very dry, oh well.

I did my morning routines that start with a before 6 rollout to some quiet time after posting this ramble and I sure missed my solo hike to the top of the mountain finishing up my time with GOD. We settled into our respective social media comments and shared some pictures and comments. We had half of the picnic cookout at our place and the Tray's were bringing the rest but Patrick contracted pink eye and they were on their way to Galax to pick up a script for it and then coming here to just eat but all that changed when a family member passed so with the rain coming down and no sunshine it became a dismal kind of day for all of us. We were going out to Jake and Katelyn's place to show the Tracy's their land and building site which Jake has been working on with a back hoe but the heavy rains washed that event away, no pun intended.

Well we read the rest of the afternoon and evening away. I did watch the Ray's come from behind and beat the Red Sox's in St.Pete. I started a new author Daniel DeSilva who writes some what like Vince Flynn  which to my interest is exciting and a real page turner into espionage during the start of WWII. He has several books and I'm going to read them in order and really it is an historical novel as this first book is title The Unlikely Spy. It's a great read and I read until lights out around 10'ish. The rain seemed to have slacked off during the night, LATER

Monday Morning .Labor Day

Well its pouring rain as I make this post and has been most all night long, so its not looking good for a cook out as of right now but that could change as the day progresses. We were supposed to meet the Frankis at their place on the mountain to see all the work Jake has been doing with a back hoe as he makes the land ready for building their new house in the future.

I started the day out on Sunday with a 6'ish roll out to my usual routines that start with some quiet time after posting this ramble and then a solo hike to the top of the mountain finishing up my talk with GOD. The sun was barely breaking through the fog which had the off mountain views shut down completely. It eventually cleared by the time we got to church and it turned out to be a nice day temp wise. Later in the evening we got a shower which didn't amount to much but this rain now is a gully washers and will probably wash out my new lettuce and kale seedlings, oh well.

We headed off to Cornerstone Church to worship and heard a good message on being real as a christian. There were several new faces who have just recently moved to the area with many small children. Afterwards  we met up with the Tracy's and Frankis's at the Pizzeria for a delicious lunch of salad and pizzas. I got to hold little Seth who is now 3 weeks old and growing as he awakened just as we finished eating. He is such a cute little boy as is his big sister Skylar who is adorable. We made plans to meet them on Monday afternoon if the weather permitting at their land off the parkway where they plan to build their dream house. Jake is such a "do it all" type of person and very talented with most every thing he sets out to do.

We made a stop at the Food Lion for a few items as we start to wind down our stocking style as we have just 7 weeks to go here at the cabin. Our freezers are nearly full so we want to start eating them down as well. We still have several guests coming over this summer/fall which will help as well. I settled into the Ray's game and they loss 2-1 to the Yankees on a bad call by the ump but still they remain in the hunt for a wild card slot, LATER

Sunday Morning Sept 4th

 Well Saturday turned out to be another gorgeous day all day and evening long. It was a mixture of some work and mostly play as we headed out around 2'ish to run some errands after a stop at our mountain mom's place and then over to the Tracy's for what will be our last rip to that rental place ever as the Tracy's head back to Florida next week. Kathryn had a delicious supper for several of us and then we headed down town Sparta for the Music on the Main which featured three guys on guitars as the head liner. There were a couple of bands and we listen to Crossfire which featured a friend of ours on the banjo.

I start the day much the usual with a 6'ish roll out to my routines which include some quiet time after posting the blog and then I finished with my solo hike to the top of mountain and my talk with GOD along the way. We spoke with our son in Florida who has the twins by himself this weekend as Katie is with family out of town. He also had his first ball game of this season and they won 12-2 and his son Gabe played great and is the leader on the team both pitching and batting.

I piddled around in the gardens and yards until lunch time when we ate lite as we were eating large around 4:30, of course we had finger foods when we first arrived around 3 at the Tracy's and got in two games of Euchre before every one arrived at 4. The boys whupped the gals two games in a row once again. We ate outside on their deck after all the introductions. Mechelle's new boyfriend seems like a good feller with a sense of humor. He is a logger with his dad and grew up in the county and he and Mechelle went to school together. Caleb came but his girl had to work at the country club as a server. We already knew her from Cornerstone and he is just a few years her senior. He likes his new job putting saw mills together which is big business as there are only 2 plants in America manufacturing these saw mills.

Gerald and Kay were their old selves as we have always liked them except for Kay's politics which is beyond me how she can support the democrats. After eating and socializing we headed to downtown Sparta for the evening which lasted until nearly 9. This was the first time we ever stayed until the end as the Texas Hill group were very entertaining. They have been featured on several TV talent shows and were great vocalist but also very talented guitarist as well. Nancy bought one of the CD's as well.

Well today is church day and then lunch out at the Pizzeria with the Tracy's and tomorrow is Labor Day with Patrick and Kathryn coming for the afternoon of cards and a cook out. They leave in a couple days and will look for another place next year to rent, LATER

Saturday Morning Sept 3rd

 Well Friday was another work day for both of us here at the cabin. I mowed, hauled mulch for the raspberry patch, transplanted some seedlings and harvested some 'maters as well as picked blueberries again and did some other piddly chores while Nancy was in the kitchen once again preparing for Saturday's supper at the Tracy's. We did get in a mid morning hike together which is good for her achilles which seems to respond to exercise and stretching.

I started the day with a before 6 rollout to my routines that start with some quiet time after posting this ramble to honor and give praise for another day and to lift up several by name. All are holding except we learned the mother of a dear friend passed away at 62. We are so saddened by her passing. Everyone else that we know of is holding. I did my solo morning hike to the top of the mountain finishing up my talk with GOD out loud so only the deer and the woods hear me vent about whats happening to our nation with evil and corrupt politicians in this administration who are dividing and destroying our nation. I continue to pray that He will heal our land and expose the corruption among those who are supposed to represent this nation.

I didn't start to mow until after lunch as the grass was wet with the heavy nightly dews and it was close to 3 before I finished all of the yards. The grasses in the back woods yard has really come in this year now that it's getting plenty of daily sunshine. I did set and read until suppertime on the back porch while Nancy talked with folks on the front porch. She too read until it was time to prepare a stir fry of pea pods, squashes, fresh mushrooms and onions over Jasmine rice, wow that is the best ever for a meatless meal. After the cleanup we took some 'maters to neighbor Tim at the foot of our driveway and then headed out to the mailbox in the golf cart. We decided to check out the vistas on top of the mountain as well and while Winston wasn't clear we did see Pilot Mountain.

That was about it for the day as dusk now comes around 7:30 and by 8 it's almost completely dark. I settled into the Ray's vs Yankees on the laptop while Nancy and Seminole neighbor Carol talked for over two hours, oh well. The Ray's were up 5-0 when I turned in around 10 after a hot shower, LATER

Friday Morning Sept 2nd

 Well Thursday was a perfect day weather wise with cool 50's to start the day with tons of sunshine and blue skies and highs in the 70's, yeow a nice gentle cool breeze kept it perfect with little or no humidity. It was a work day for me except for late afternoon when we cleaned up and headed to Sparta to run some errands and then out to the Tracy's for supper and games. I started the day with my 6'ish rollout to some quiet time after posting this ramble then off on my solo hike to finish up my conversation with GOD on the trail. Wow was it ever a chilly hike but of course hiking up the steep back woods trail warms you completely. I saw no critters this morning for a change.

After a mountain breakfast of eggs, a leftover Italian sausage, a tomato and jalapeno for me with a piece black raspberry jam toast and juice I headed out to work in the yards and gardens and eventually fired up the weed whacker and did all the yards. That in itself took over an hour or so and a whole tank of gas. I'll mow after lunch today since it takes that long for the grass to dry. The morning dew has been heavy which makes up for some of the lack of a shower. The grasses this year have really benefitted from all the rain and we could use a shower which I think is forecasted for Sunday. I worked in the garlic bed and sowed many bulbs and noticed three volunteers I missed when harvesting my crop. They had 3 to 4 inches in height already. They will grow all winter and hopefully give me a crop sometime in July that I will take back with me and use now when needed. After a stop at our mountain moms to bring her some goodies and then post office and finally the library we got to the Tracy 4'ish.

Kathryn had beef enchiladas, yellow rice and refried beans  and of course some finger foods before setting down to her Mexican theme dishes, delicious. We always enjoy her cooking and eating from her kitchen. We sat outside their cabin on the porch and ate watching the farmers on the next hill raking and baling hay. We played Skipbo and then Euchre. Kathryn was the winner in Skipbo and boys whupped the girls in Euchre. We left around 6:30 and took some back roads home instead of our usual fast route which usually takes a good 30 minutes as they rent a place on the other side of Sparta. This will be their last rental with these folks as the lady who handles rentals seems to be bi-polar and has been very rude to them after being close friends for several rental years. Oh well. Hopefully next year they can find something a little closer to the parkway and us, LATER

Thursday Morning Sept 1st

Well the touch of fall was in the air all day yesterday with a cool breeze and a chilly start to the day with temps in the 50's. It was a total work day for me as Nancy was gone off the mountain with her friend Kathryn down to Mt.Airy for shopping. I had a wonderful day with no supervision except I wasn't allowed to use any power tools or even the riding mower; but I got in enough physical work with the shovel and the rake filling the front circle drive with three golf cart loads of dirt and then raking and filling several large trash cans with pine needles from the back woods and covering the circle bed. I've learned the dead pine needles keep grass and weeds away plus they break down for great compost at planting time next summer.

I started the day much the usual as my internal alarm goes off between 5:30 and 6:00 daily and then if that fails Nancy's snoring awakens me. I did my quiet times after posting this ramble giving thanks for another day and lifting up several by name. All are holding as I make this post. I finished up my talk with GOD on my solo hike to the top of the mountains with nothing around me but creation and several large deer. I had two pairs of different deer jump out of the woods and head off the mountain. They are huge this year for does.

I piddled around outside while Nancy does her morning quiet time checking on the gardens. The wild flower beds have some cosmo's that are 8 feet talk and many new plants with some beautiful blooms. I'll try to dry the seeds for next years sowing. The dew was extremely heavy as it has been the last several mornings and the use of my gum boots is a plus. It takes all morning to dry off which has the grass needed mowing again and I'll do that today before heading over to the Tracy's for supper. They have one more week before going back to Florida and want to clean out their fridge; makes good sense to me plus she and Nancy are great cooks. I finished up the last of the leftover collards for lunch and oh my were they so delicious. Can't wait for another mess. The tomato's are ripening over night and now I have more than enough to give away along with blueberries which are still producing but have slowed considerably.

We had a frozen pizzas for supper along with a garden fresh salad I harvested for the salad bowl; I added some of my lettuce, beet greens, kale, collard greens and Swiss chard and Nancy added cucumbers the last of mine and some store bought lettuce plus radishes and carrots. A delicious salad to accompany the pizza which she added fresh mushrooms to the top. After the cleanup we walked around the yards and gardens admiring all of the many different colorful blooms this year. So many vibrant blues, yellows, reds and pinks. I purchased two pots of mums at Walmart and moved them into larger pots and placed them on the front steps which adds more fall color to the mix. The zinnias are out of this world this years with awesome colors in their beds.

I tuned into the Ray's game in Miami and they won again in extra innings for a sweep. It they continue on this winning streak with lots of their key players injured they should make the playoffs which are coming up this month and into October. It's hard to believe we are in September and next month we head back to Florida on the 30th, LATER