Tuesday Morning Oct 31st

Well Monday was both a work and play day and still another very hot afternoon after a pleasant morning and evening. 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 to lift several up by name for comfort and healing. All are holding as of this post and I found out yesterday one of my daily persons who had been suffering cancer was now cleared and free of this awful disease. Praise GOD for she is a believer and He is the great healer.

I headed out on my bike around 8 for the Rec and got in an hour of continuous play and really played well winning once again after not playing or even picking up a paddle for over 5 months. It felt good and I decided an hour was just enough for the first time. I pedaled home and decided to work for an hour in the gardens loosening the heavy packed grasses and raking them free. I finally finished up the second garden later in the afternoon as the large oak gave me some shade from the sun. I now have only the small patch on the side of the house to free the grass from and then it will be ready plant. I now need to take the mower and mulch all of these grasses I've dug out and use it for compose and as a side dressing to hold in the moisture. I'm watering the bare soil in hopes the earth worms will come back as well.

The seedlings are all doing well except the one tomato plant I purchased that had two in the pot, so I decided to separate them and get two for the price of one. I'm not sure either will make, but thats the chance I took, oh well. I hand watered everything and noticed I have marigolds seeds up from ones I brought from the cabin. They are such a beautiful orange and yellow mixed colors.

Not much else going on except I listen to the U. N. speech by the delegate from Israel and his speech was right on about the Hamas terrorists. They must be eradicated or they will be after US(A) next. They already have the college idiots on their team and it scary to think this is the next generation for America. Their goal is Islamic jihad and they are making their presence felt not only among the idiots in colleges but in the congress of this nation. Wake Up Patriots. We need a strong America First Potus, close our borders and produce our own energy and get this economy growing without inflation and pay down the debt and honor our GOD in reverse order to start with, LATER

Monday Morning Oct 30th

 Well this month is gone and as the winter months approach us its still rather hot here in Florida as of yet. There was a nice breeze yesterday but mid day found us with temps in the upper 80's once again. We skipped our local church but did worship on line with Cornerstone Chapel from Leesburg, Va. as we were to attend grandson Gabe's game in Clearwater. That was the main reason we left a week or so early from the cabin. I eventually later in the evening watched the sermon from our local pastor at S.R.B.C. and he had a great message on one job we all can do when and where ever and that is sharing the gospel of Jesus.

I started the day with a 6'ish rollout to my routines before getting ready to head out to the game and that starts with some quiet time to honor my LORD, give thanks for another day and to lift up several for comfort and healing. All seem as well as can be expected. The drive up to the game took about 30 minutes or less and the game had already started early. Gabe got a hit and played well and on Saturday they had beaten this team but what a difference a day makes as we lost the game by 4 runs, oh well. It was single elimination today so they were out of the tournament which was OK for everyone as Bobby was flying out for business early this morning and we had spent most of the day Saturday at the ball park.

 Next week we will try to make the game on Saturday after watching the twins in T-ball in Brandon as Gabe's team is in Plant City. Ava's basketball season starts in a few days as well so we will attend many of her games which will keep us busy in the evenings as well. Too many sport events to attend but it is fun and we so enjoy watching our grands participate. I just wish they they didn't play on Sunday when the youths need to be hearing GOD's Word in church which all of America desperately needs.

Nancy took off with sister Betsy during the afternoon shopping as she is on vacation for a month from her post office job. She needs to retire as her health isn't very good with all kinds of issues. I watched football after a large lunch of leftovers and skipped supper except for a handful of nuts. I set the sprinkler on the dried out front yard and let it run for a couple hours during the evening, mostly after dark. We need rain as this is the driest I've seen in years. The Bucs didn't play as they played and lost on Thursday night so it was whatever team the channels showed that I watched. Around 9'ish I hit the shower and got ready for some horizontal lab at 10.

This morning I head to the REC for some pickle ball after being away from the game for over 5 months. I need the exercise and then I'll work in the gardens the rest of the day getting it ready for the planting season, LATER

Sunday Morning Oct 29th

Well Saturday was a total fun day with mainly family and it was a blast although it little hot outside as we watched a couple of ball games with son Bobby and family as Gabe was playing in a tournament. They lost the first game in the last inning but won the second game and now today Sunday they will play a single elimination game which could be two more games at most. They all came back to the house for a delicious supper Nancy had prepared a day ahead of lamb shepherds pie and a double chocolate cake as we celebrated both Gabe and Annsley birthdays.

I started the day with my usual 6'ish rollout to my routines that start with some quiet time to honor my LORD, give thanks for another day and to lift up several by name for comfort and healing. All seem to be holding as I make this post. I had some fruit for breakfast then headed out to hand water the new seedlings and put them in the ground in their pots until they get established, then I put them in the ground proper. I decided to take a 5 mile or so bike ride through the hood to get some exercise which isn't quite like hiking the steep driveway but it did get my respirations up and gave the legs a work out. I came back and ran the vacuum cleaner over the whole house and helped Nancy with having every thing ready for when the family comes for supper after the ball game.

We headed out around 2ish for the ball park in Clearwater and wow what a nice complex but we were in the sun for most of the game. Thankfully there was a breeze and an over head covering that helped with the hot direct sunshine. Nancy and Katie with the boys headed out after the first game so us guys with now Tyler and Sam stayed for the second game which didn't finished until close to 6. Annsley also went with the girls and the little guys.

Well supper was awesome and has to be the most favorite of everyone as all the plates were cleaned and we had enough leftover from the two huge pans Nancy made to give everyone another helping for later. We also sent the cake home with the Ross's despite it tasting so good. I'm off desserts unless its a special occasion for awhile as I need to lose a few pounds. I'm already down a pound or two since getting home but I think that is water weight despite drinking lots during the day because of the heat. Well after Bobby gave the boys a bath they all headed out for Brandon and of course the Ross's live close by. Annsley was driving Katie big Expedition and Ava was driving her dad's truck home. Annsley is now solo driving so she is a big help in the mornings while  driving her brother Gabe to school and then herself. Ava hasn't got her permit and has showed no real interest in driving alone. Sam and Gabe have just about reached equal in height and of course Leelee or Eliza still mothers the twins who are now maturing as well. It was great to see them and of course lots of hugs and they all love and enjoy each other.

After they all headed out somewhere around 8'ish we put the house back in order and I hit the shower and watched the World Series until 10. Arizona was winning when I turned in for the night but that was the same scenario last night but the Rangers won in the extra innings, LATER

Saturday Morning Oct 28th

 Well Friday was another quite warm day with temps in the upper 80's and little humidity which made for great working outside in the gardens and yards. I started the day with a 6'ish rollout to my routines that start with some quiet times to honor my LORD, give thanks for another day and to lift several up by name for comfort and healing. All seem to be holding as of this post. I need to lose a few pounds so I'm eating lite through out the day but drinking lot of water as I work outside.

I did manage to get one side of the garden weeded and all of the grass raked free and now its the other side that needs to be cleared of the same tough grass and weeds. I did make a trip to Sam's Club to gas up at 3.04 and then stop at Lowes for plants. I bought collards, romaine lettuces, jalapeno plant and two tomato plants; one Roma and one celebrity as well as an egg plant. I had sowed some old celebrity seeds but needed to get at least one plant started right away to produce, oh well. If all my seeds I sowed make I will have a garden full of veggies.

Well that was about it for the day as I hand watered the seeds a couple of times during the day now that my well is working great. The yards are so dry and burnt from no rain this summer that I may just leave them for now. I've been hand watering the shrubs and can see some new greenery in them already. Nancy was off once again shopping not once but twice today, oh well.

The GAB(great aunt Betsy) came by during the afternoon for a visit and she and Nancy took off shopping. We cleaned up most of the leftovers from the night before for our supper which was excellent. I love salmon prepared anyway and especially cold with mayo and onion on a sandwich. After supper we watched a little of Fox news and then I hit the shower and retired to the bedroom to watch the World Series. The Diamondbacks were winning when I called it a night around 10. ish, LATER

Friday Morning Oct 27th

 Well Thursday was a catchup day of honey do's and small chores around the house with most of it being outside in the yards and garden areas. It was a hot one with temps in the upper 80's and very little humidity with a nice gentle breeze. I started the day with a 6'ish rollout to my usual morning routines that start with some quiet time to honor my LORD and give thanks for another day while lifting several up by name for comfort and healing. All seem to be holding with this post.

I headed outside after a lite breakfast of oatmeal and raisins to check on some plants in the front yard that needed watering. I had left all of our frozen water bottles around them over night to melt and give them a drink. It was garbage pickup day so I had two large cans of debris from the back yard oak tree that Amy and Tyler had collected over the summer plus we had some garbage that I wanted to get to the curb. I headed back in to work on the spare bathroom sink which had become unusable due to the drain plug frozen. I took apart the assembly and got it working again which had been holding water all summer. Next I worked on the outside spigot for the well which needed new seats as it was dripping slightly causing the well pump to come on when I had the power to it. 

I kept busy with some small chores and then decided to water the back yard, letting the well run while I dug up a path for seeds in the garden that I wanted to see if they would germinate. Tyler had weed whacked the tall grasses in the gardens which made it easy to dig up and shake out the dirt. I'll mow these grasses up for compost later which will help hold the moisture. Nancy was off to two stores for stocking the panty. We didn't need any meat as I brought two coolers home from the cabin of every meat but lamb which the grand kiddos requested in a shepherds pie supper on Saturday after the ball games, which is the reason we came home early to see Gabe play.

I did make a trip to the library for a couple of reads and then listened to an hour or so of Jack Hibbs and Amir Tsarfati give real updates on the war with Israel that you will not hear about on any of the biased MSM. The Bible prophecy is coming true not only in the Middle East but here in America with the evil that is enveloping our culture. So sad to see brainwashed college kids taking the side of evil with the Palestine terrorist who are sub human in their desire to destroy the Jewish folks. They are worst than the Nazi's in their killings and torture.

Well Nancy fixed a nice salmon filet along with some orzo and cooked spinach. I need to cut way back as I tipped the scales at 200 pounds. I'm hoping to get back to pickle ball on Saturday morning and I'm hoping by working in the gardens and yard to sweat a few pounds off as well. The water at the cabin is so sweet and it makes everything taste so great, plus we had so many guest this summer that we prepared for as well. So much to be thankful for, LATER

Thursday Morning Oct 26th First post from Florida

 Well I must say the warmth feels good after so many cold morning at the cabin. The a/c here is in full mode but I can always cool off when it gets too hot. We made it back safely after a 4 AM departure. The temps at the cabin weren't too bad but as we drove down off the mountain an into the middle part of the state it was 10 degrees colder, whats with that. It was sad to say goodbye to the mountains but at that early morning we didn't see much except some deer both alive and dead along the highways and it wasn't until we reached South Carolina with a sunrise we got see the landscape which included lots of farming with many cotton fields.

It took us right at 12 hours to make it back with the first 5 hours traveling a different way as we wanted to leave on a work day instead of Sunday morning. The traffic around the Charlotte and Columbia area would have been congested so we came down through the middle of the state which was right at 38 miles longer. It was mainly interstate until we reached the bottom of N.C. and then it was two lane roadways in and around Darlington S.C. which was back roads until we reached I-95. Then it was smooth sailing the rest of the way until we reached Ocala where a crash had us delayed for close to 30 minutes as FHP was working a motorcycle vs car. After that we hit stop and go in Tampa. We saw more vehicles in 30 minutes on I-275 than we had seen all summer long. Oh well welcome to Florida.

The house was in good shape as was the yard. Tyler and Amy and the grands take care of the place and it was live in ready. many Thanks to them. The rain fall here has been very short this summer and the yards were burnt to a crisp. The garden area had been weed whacked but did have lots of grasses and weeds to be dug up before any planting. We unloaded and started putting things back in place before walking up to the Botbyl's for supper. Amy usually makes supper but she was busy with church so Carol and Dan volunteered. It was a delicious pot roast  with smashed tatters and green beans and apple crisp for dessert. I had skipped lunch after two egg and bacon mac griddles around 8'ish in S.C. that held me until supper. I did make a stop for Nancy at Wendy's for a chicken sandwich for her around 2'ish near Ocala.

Well its great to be back here with winter coming on in the mountains but sure miss our mountain mom and the many neighbors and friends we have made there. But we are sure blessed to be back here with our son and daughter's families close by as well as the many great neighbors here as well. I have tons to do and of course I'm excited to get back to pickle ball next Monday as well and of course our church here where we will serve . Thanks again to all who remembered us in your prayers for safe travel. GOD is good, LATER

Tuesday Morning Oct 24th..My last post from this location this year

 Well Monday after a chilly start turned it turned out to be rather pleasant with temps up into the low 60;s after a 40's to start the day. I was up around  6'ish to start the day with my usual routines that begin with some quiet times to honor my LORD, give thanks for another day and to lift up several for comfort and healing. We got word that Eddie isn't doing to good and that Grant is having some issues once again with his cancer. Everyone else seems to be holding and that Joe at 96 years young is on the mend but bored in the rehab center. Hopefully we will see them all next year when we come back to the mountains.

I worked outside after breakfast and a hike up and down the driveway three times to get the respirations up and work on this belly fat. I dug and hauled two loads of fine dirt from the gully in the back yard and spread it on the upper garden and in the yard than raked and hauled three more loads of pine needles to finish the garden beds and then weed whacked down the last of the flower beds along side the cabin. Everything is now ready for spring and summer when we get back up to sow and plant for next summer. 

It sure is beautiful around the cabin as now most all trees are showing their colors and a couple of trees are almost bare of leaves as the high winds took most of them down especially the beautiful Maple by the fire circle. I took the battery out of the mower and stored it in the basement and now today I'll do the same with the golf cart which has been a great friend and work horse for me. We will take a trip to the dump and then over to our mountain moms place to say goodbye and bring her some goodies from the fridge, etc.

We took a ride out to the mailbox and then stopped and visited with Grant and Shirley for a few and learned about Eddie and then Grant mentioned he is needing another procedure due to issues from his prior cancer treatment. They are hoping to move up to the mountains permanently next year if all goes well. It was sad to say goodbye for this year as it always is when we leave these fine, GOD fearing folks whom we have grown to know and love over these past 30 plus years. We came back and took our last hike to the top of the mountains and the views were awesome once again and then we stopped and chatted with Laura who has come down with bronchial pneumonia and is being driven back to Jacksonville by grandson David on Wednesday as well. Seems she and the family were planning on spending Thanksgiving at their cabin but that has all changed now with her illness. We missed saying goodbye to Billy and Paula as they in Winston with her 105 year old mom. We didn't get to tell neighbor Gerald goodbye but we do keep in contact with him via email and texts. He is in Winston with his honey who has a place there and comes back almost weekly and looks after our place. He is a great neighbor and friend but we see less of him since he and she have become a couple, oh well.

Well there is still lots of small things to do then pack the truck for an early morning departure around 4'ish. I'm going to take a new route because we are leaving during the work week instead of on Sunday when the traffic is lite so we will by pass Charlotte and Columbia and cross the middle of the state. I think its about 30 miles or so longer but way less congestion and less road construction and of course less morning rush hour. Hopefully its the right decision. Keep us in your thoughts and prayers for traveling mercies. LATER

Monday Morning Oct 23rd

Well Sunday turned out to be rather nice by the late afternoon after a chilly windy start to the day. It was down into the high 40's but the wind made it feel even colder. There was plenty of sunshine with deep blue skies. It was the day sister Dee and Mike left for Woodstock after a hearty breakfast of French toast, link sausages and eggs. They headed out after we worshipped with Cornerstone Church in Leesburg, Va. as we skipped out local Cornerstone Church as our regular Pastor B wasn't preaching, plus I'm always tearful when we say good bye for the season.

After they left we went to work catching up on some chores to make leaving early on Wednesday much easier. I finished putting up the porch furniture in the shed and took down the picnic tables and stored them on the back porch. The Frankis Family came by around 1'ish for a last visit and we gave them our porch flowers and some little things for the kiddo's as well as some items from the pantry that doesn't travel well. They visited for an hour or so then we made arrangements for them to mow at least once or more the yards before we come up in Mayor June. Jake will come and measure once again for the slide out drawers for the cabinets which will make it easier for Nancy to get items from under the cabinets as we get older with getting up and down from the floor. They are a great young family that we have adopted as our mountain family. We will surely miss them and their two youngsters. Seth is now walking up a storm and Skylar is doing well with her broken arm.

We took a hike around 4'ish and saw the neighbor to Steve and Sheri place as well as saw the Taylor's pull into their driveway. We introduced the Rose's, Keith and Melody to Donnie and Martha and we chatted awhile before heading back to the cabin through the hoarder place and noticed she or someone was there placing old tires across the driveway on the upper side. What a shame they have and are using this place as a junk hole and we noticed the door was opened again, probably from the wind. It had been closed for a couple of weeks for the first time all summer. It must be invested with critters.

We came back and had some leftovers for supper and then I watched some NFL while Nancy chatted away to several folks and then it was shower time and some horizontal lab around 10'ish for me. We have two more wake ups in the cabin this year as we leave early Wednesday morning for Florida, LATER

Sunday Morning Oct 22nd

 Well Saturday started out cold and very windy with severe gusts that blew everything off the porches and of course denuded several of the beautiful trees around the cabin. Old Man Winter was evident once again to the area. We did get in some great laughter and fine eatin' as we took a trip the West Jefferson area around mid morning. Mike and I got in an early morning hike to the top of the mountain which was great for the body, but nose running along the way from the wind chill. We could hear the towers singing from the wind as it whipped through and around them on top.

I started the day with a before 7 rollout to my routines that start with some quiet times to honor my LORD, give thanks for another day and to lift up several by name. All seem to be holding as I make this post. We had a lite breakfast of fruit salad and banana bread before heading out on the cold windy morning. The ride through the mountains was beautiful as we saw some of the beautiful colors of the trees along the way. The town of West Jefferson was over flowing with folks and the cheese factory was unbelievable in the crowd there purchasing the many varieties of cheeses. It was wall to wall people with three lines of checkouts; of course the warmth in the buildings was awesome and a hit as well. We saw all of the eateries packed with at least an hour wait so we headed back the way we came and stopped of at a place where a year ago we ate and the food was awesome. The Coppermine Grill is a must if ever your in that area. Both the food and the service was excellent.

 We made a few extra stops on the way home and found a place in our neighbor hood that is now a cider and mead winery. It was a grand opening this weekend but we didn't stop but now know where its located which is just down the road from our mountain moms place. We came back and got into a game of hand and foot and the guys won but later in the evening the gals won both games which gave us a tie in wins for the weekend. We will have to settle the score this December when they come to Florida for Christmas.

Well they leave this morning so we will have lots to do once they are gone. We will have a large breakfast before they leave and then Jake and Katelyn will come by for the flowers after church. We will skip church since its a mime group who will do the service, plus we won't shed the tears that come with the last meeting this summer with these awesome church folks, LATER

Saturday Morning Oct 21st

 Well Friday was a damp cold day with some rain at different times through out the day but mostly in the morning. The wind is doing a number on the trees with leaves falling like snow at times. Sunshine was sparse at best with even some rain showers while it was shining. Mike and Dee and us headed to Sparta for some shopping around mid morning and then came back and had some lunch after a breakfast of bacon, eggs and fruit salad.

We spent the rest of the day in the cabin playing cards having some fun times eating up some soup and sandwiches for lunch and then ate left overs for supper in between card games. It was a great evening of hand and foot and while the guys won every game on Friday it was 2 to 1 for the gals last night. We called it a night around 10:30 and then it was shower time for me and some horizontal lab by 11'ish. Their small dog Bonnie who is 15 in years has a leg injury so they had to carry her up and dopwn the stairs but she seems to be doing better as well, LATER

Friday Morning Oct 20 th

Well Thursday turned out to be an exceptionally beautiful day with short sleeve temps by late afternoon and evening, although its supposed to turn cold again over the weekend. It was a work day for us until supper time when Mike and Dee arrived and we ate high on the hog as the old saying goes with smoked baby back ribs, fried tatters, black eye peas or something similar, corn bread and a fresh salad. We skipped any dessert as first we are getting fat and second we were stuffed despite the pumpkin pie Nancy put together.

I started the day with my usual 6'ish rollout to my morning routines that start with some quiet moments to honor my LORD, give thanks for another day and to lift up several by name. All seem to be holding as of this post. Since my hiking buddy Steve was fixing to leave and head back to Florida, I hiked up and down the driveway 3 times which gave me some exercise and got the respirations up. I did that again later in the evening while waiting on Dee and Mike to arrive.

I put two racks of ribs on the smoker for 7 hours and they were perfect to say the least and we have a whole rack yet to eat over the next couple of days. I dug and hauled 4 loads of dirt for the lower yard and spread it as I want to even out the hill for the mower next summer. It should fill in over the winter months and spring. Nancy was busy in the kitchen once again prepping for guests with making soup, salads, baking pie, etc. She is a workaholic when it comes to entertaining for guests and family.

It warmed up enough to turn the heat off for the evening as both Mike and Dee like it cooler than most and now that we have the extra layer of fat it felt good to be a little cooler, however Nancy had the heat on over night. We did get into two games of hand and foot and the guys swept both games boldly. I hit the shower a little after 10 and was soon out while Nancy lingered until later in the evening. I think today we are heading over to West Jefferson to fram around, LATER

Thursday Morning Oct 19th

Well Wednesday morning wasn't quite as cold as the past couple of days with lots of sunshine and blue skies. It made for a great hiking weather in the afternoon and that's just what we did with Sheri and Steve. It was our last day and evening with them as they pull out for Florida pulling their 20 some foot camper. We did the Sparta thing as Nancy was having her hair colored so I ran to the dump, the post office and then the library while she was there and then we did a grocery run before getting back on the mountain.

I started the day with a 7'ish rollout to my routines since its still so dark at 6'ish starting with some quiet moments to honor my LORD, give thanks for another day and to lift up several by name for comfort and healing. All seem to be holding as I make this post. It's hard to believe this is our last 6 days here at the cabin and while we still have lots to do we are entertaining sister Dee and Mike for a couple of days. What a year for entertaining and my waist line shows it. We had the Nymark's for supper and cards afterwards and it was once again the guys night as we won all three games with the second game a tie in points with over 6 thousand each, so after leading big into the fourth sect the gals made a come back as I had 4 red threes in my foot which was 1200 points but we won by 20 points, wow what a game. 

I grilled marinated chicken breasts and Nancy used up some leftover smashed tatters into fried cakes  along with a fresh salad and some leftover mac and cheese as we are trying to clean out the fridge. Tonight I have two racks of ribs I'll put on the smoker today and then whatever with a salad. We will eat high on the hog again for the next couple of days with them here and of course some more hand and foot card games.They are always fun and of course family, LATER

Wednesday Morning Oct 18th

Well Tuesday was another cold morning to start the day but it did get up to 51 by late afternoon and then back down in to the 40's after dark.I started the day much the usual to my routines that begin with some quiet time to honor my LORD, give thanks for another day and to lift up several by name. Joe has been moved to a rehab facility so he is on the mend and everyone else is holding as I speak. This time next week we will be away from the cabin and on our way back to hot sunny Florida which after these cold days will be a welcome. I spent the biggest part of the day wintering the gardens and flower beds with once again raking pine needles and loading the beds with them to help with the grass and weed problems next summer. What a difference they have made with getting the gardens and flower beds ready for sowing seeds and seedlings.

Nancy is starting to pack up and inventorying what we will take back with us and I'm storing away items in the sheds and what we will leave in the basement. We took a mid morning hike down by the Nymark's and visited for a few as they too get ready to leave with their camper on Thursday morning for Florida. They are excited about the prospect of buying the tax property on top of the mountain and renovating it, so Steve will be back on the 31st to put in a bid. We had a good hike and the views were so clear on this chilly morning.

We headed out around 5'ish to visit with the Frankis Family and have supper and then play cards with them until 9:30. The guys won both games but on the last of the four sessions which the gals were winning going into it. What awesome and fun couple they are and Katelyn is like a daughter since we have known her since she was a teenager. She is a great mom  with two adorable kiddo's and Jake can just about built or fix anything. He is a great dad as well. We so enjoy them and their family.

Well we entertain the Nymark's this evening(wed) for supper and cards and then sister Dee and Mike are expecting to arrive on Thursday evening for a long weekend. It will be pushing us to get things accomplished for the departure on Wednesday but it will be fun none the less as we will eat high on the hog and play cards until the wee hours of the morning. Such is the life of a retiree, LATER

Tuesday Morning Oct 17th

Well Monday was another work day as we mainly did small chores that will last until next summer and as we get ready to head out for Florida in about 8 days. It was another cold day with the temps in the 30's to start and stayed in the high 40's for most of the day. There was a wind which made it feel even colder. We had the Nymark's for supper and cards as their family flew back to Florida, so we picked up where we left off. They are heading out Thursday morning pulling their camper as it needs some work on it this coming year. We still have sister Dee and Mike coming for the weekend so we want to get as much done before they come as well.

I started the day with a sleep in until 7'ish as it still so dark outside at 6 and the warm bed with the extra blankets feel so cozy. I did get in a hike with Steve around 7:30 and then again with Nancy mid afternoon when it had warmed up some what. We checked the temp as we hiked at 3'ish and it was still 47 degrees, yikes. The small mini split heat and AC unit really keeps the cabin warm and cozy and its not messy. I did my morning quiet times to honor my LORD, give thanks for another day and to lift up several by name. All are holding at this time.

Nancy made breakfast when I got back from my early hike and then I settled into working out side clearing the large zinnia beds and covering it with pine needles and leaves from the woods. I then put up the nylon fence around the front porch hydrangeas to help keep the deer from eating them down this winter. I then cleared all of the front porch furniture away and stored them in the shed down below where I keep the tractor and golf cart. The golf cart is a life saver when it comes to this chore as I use to hand carry each chair, etc down. That kept me busy until it was hike time as we skipped lunch due to the large breakfast except for an apple.

Sheri brought up some ground beef they weren't able to use so Nancy made a huge meatloaf and mac and cheese as she used up some leftover cheese sauce as we are trying to eat down the fridge and freezer. We gave them enough for another meal as we will be eating with the Frankis family this evening and playing cards with them. It's sure been a busy summer with tons of guests and lots of fun with this new card game called hand and foot. Everyone we have introduced this game to is addicted as are we, LATER

Monday Morning Oct 16th

 Well Sunday came in with some much cooler temps and lots of wind and clouds. Winter is here for us Floridians and I'll be happy to be back in the sunshine state in 10 days despite I know some hot days. I do like the change in seasons but hate to be cold except it does make for great sleeping under an extra blanket at nights. We headed out to Cornerstone in Sparta around 9'ish after our morning routines that start with some quiet times to honor our LORD, give thanks for another day and to lift several up by name for comfort and healing. All are holding as of this moment. I did get in 4 trips up and down the driveway in place of a long hike up to the top of the mountain which is probably a better workout than the long hike. We skipped lunch out and came home to eat up some leftovers as we were supposed to meet up with the Nymark clan for supper and games but they got stuck in Damascus as their grands took extra long on the Creeper Trail.

I watched sone NFL until 7'ish after we ate a frozen pizza for our supper as we are trying to eat down the freezer before leaving next Wednesday for the winter and head back to Florida. We spoke with sister Dee and they are still planning on coming on Friday for the weekend which will require us to start packing early and at least finish up with the gardens and flower beds as well as the porch furniture this coming week, oh well. It has been a non stop summer of family and friends visiting here. Not much else is going  on except we have a supper date with the Frankis Family on Tuesday and then its stay at the cabin except for church next Sunday, LATER

Sunday Morning Oct 15th

Well Saturday started out to be almost as nice a day as Friday with near perfect Fall temps, but that started to change by late evening as the temps began to drop with the steady wind. The leaves also turned overnight and many were falling with the wind. We headed out to Cornerstone around 9'ish after a 6 ish rollout to my usual routines that start with some quiet moments to honor my LORD, give thanks for another day and to lift up several by name. Joe our mountain mom's brother who is 96 fell and broke his ankle and under went surgery and is in the hospital in Elkin.

Our neighbor in Florida and dear friends the Botbyl's left around 7:30 for home, so we are guests free for a couple of days until sister Dee and Mike come for the last weekend here until summer. It has been a busy summer with family and friends enjoying our place. I did manage three trips down and back up the driveway which is quite a workout, that I took in the place of a long hike up to the top of the mountain. We headed out around 9'ish to the conference we attended at Cornerstone which was awesome with several testimonies of elected and officials here in Alleghany County and several who are seeking state wide election, but running on Biblical principles which America desperately needs. There was decent attendance with several pastors in the area for the breakfast and then locals came to hear the speakers after some praise and worship music. The turn out was better than I had expected despite several who promised to attend which never showed up. They sure missed just what America needs to hear about leaders who take their love of GOD seriously and want to restore the nation back to what the founders envisioned for the nation in government.

We got a surprise visit from and old Mountain top friend whom we had grown to know and love. Her husband Joe has passed away about 3 years or so, but Jetta drove down from the Cleveland area alone and looked to be in good shape for her 80's after a knee replacement in April. We also visited with our mountain mom Helen on the way home from church and brought her some stuffed peppers and met Joe's daughter Patricia who had been at the hospital visiting her dad Joe, after his surgery. I winterized her garage for her since her son won't becoming until later in the Fall.

Well that was about it for this Saturday as I watched the developing war in Israel and the aftermath of what the barbarians did to innocent folks in Israel. They are sub humans and I hope the IDF destroy everyone of them along with all of the muslim radical terrorists, LATER

Saturday Morning Oct 14th

 Well Friday was just another beautiful day here in the mountains but off the mountain it was down right hot. I suppose since we are leaving in less that two weeks we had better get use to the heat once again. We will surely miss this awesome weather this past week with the highs in the low 70's and the lows in the upper 40's to start the day.

I missed walking or hiking with my buddy Steve who spent the night in Mt Airy with family that flew in from Seminole over night so after my morning routines that start with some quiet time to honor my LORD, give thanks for another day and to lift up several by name for comfort and healing, I headed down the driveway three times to get some exercise and hopefully keep up the effort to get back into shape for pickle ball in a couple of weeks. I've added a few pounds this summer with all the great eating which tastes so good here with the clean water and fresh air, oh well.

The Botbyl's decided to leave a day early so we headed off the mountain to the Fall Festival in Mt.Airy for a couple of hours and had lunch at a favorite spot called SOHO's just off the main drag. The owner wasn't there once again as we had so much fun speaking and visiting with him as he was born in Viet Nam to an American GI. The food was very good and then we saw the Nymark Family come in to eat as well. There are 7 of them and just this morning we heard the rain falling on the roof so they will be cramped inside their camper and shipping container as they were planning on the 17 mile bike ride down the Creeper Trail. Hopefully the rain holds for them.

I grilled steaks for our last night with the Botbyl's and the Dan had a piece of meat that wouldn't go down initially so he spent the next couple of hours walking outside and trying to get it to go down. He has had trouble in the past but thankfully he manages to finally get it down or throw it up, oh well. The walk around town in Mt Airy was very hot so we cut it short after a couple of hours and headed to Canaan, Va. for some apples and other veggies for them to take back to Florida. We head out this morning for Cornerstone where we are hosting a conference on Bold and Courageous about bringing GOD back into our lives on the political scene. We are hopeful many will attend especially after what happened this past week with the war in Israel, LATER

Friday Morning Oct 13th

 Well Thursday was just a beautiful day weather wise with warm temps  after a chilly start to the day. I had shorts on until bed time despite wearing a flannel around the evening camp fire with friends. We had a cook out around 5:30 with 14 folks here for our final get together at the cabin this year. Another couple couldn't make it due to sickness. I piddled around outside all morning and most of the day as Nancy and the Botbyl's headed to Old Galax to shop. I decided shopping wasn't for me so I raked leaves and pine needles and covered three more gardens patches getting them ready for the winter and next summers planting.

I had started the day with a 6'ish rollout to my routines that start with some quiet times to honor my LORD, give thanks for another day and to lift up several by name for comfort and healing. All are holding as I make this post and of course we all need to pray for Israel who is at war with terrorists that are inhuman, who butcher babies and women and children. They are pure evil and GOD only knows what they did with those captive women before killing them. There is a place only so low in hell for these evil monsters.

I grilled burgers and dogs and we had a veggie casserole, tater salad, Cole slaw, baked beans and a delicious dessert. We played a round of corn hole and my partner Gerald and I whupped the youngsters two games in a row. That was the first time this summer I had played corn hole. I also managed to beat Dan in an earlier game before the guests arrived. We sat outside by the campfire for a couple hours with the Frankis Family until 8:30. Jake measured the cabinets for pull out drawers which he will install next summer and Katelyn will mow at least once for us before we arrive next year as well. They are like our kids and we consider them family.

Well we watched a little baseball and the NFL game before I quickly became sleepy so I hit the shower and was in bed by just a little after 10. I had a busy day with the early morning hike with Steve at 7:30 as day broke and then up and down the yard throughout the day, LATER

Thursday Morning Oct 12th

 Well Wednesday was a little warmer day despite the high overcast skies with very little sunshine. We saw the Tracy's off around 10'ish and then learned our small group leader contracted covid, so that class was cancelled and we instead had the Nymark's up for games and snacks. The game status was one game a piece in hand and foot and it was raucous to say the least, especially with the gals winning the second game.

I started the day with a 7'ish rollout as the cold morning and warm covers made it ideal for sleeping in. Steve and I headed out at 7:30 for a long hike to the top of the mountain after my quiet times that start with honoring my LORD, giving thanks for another day and lifting several up by name for healing. All seem to be holding. We were able to see the building in Winston-Salem clearly for the first time in many moons from the top of the mountain. It was an invigorating hike, non stop for a mile or more in the brisk cold morning air.

Nancy made a large breakfast of scrambled eggs and avocado's which held me until 4'ish when we had our big meal thinking we were having our small group meeting at 6 PM, which changed just about the time we were to eat. Anyhow we had leftover zuppa soup and Italian bread which lasted until snacks around 8'ish during the game playing. We broke up around 9:30 and watched Pastor Jack Hibbs give an update on Israel and what is happening with the terrorists.

We need to be vigilant as the radical muslim terrorist are calling for all muslims around the world to a jihad against humanity this Friday 13th and we know from what they did in Israel they are inhuman beasts. Wake Up Patriots and get armed to protect yourself and your family, this is a call to arms, LATER

Wednesday Morning Oct 11th

 Well Tuesday turned out to be with very nice temps after a chilly start with lots of sunshine and blue skies. I even put on shorts and a t-shirt after lunch. It was a morning where I had alone time as the gals all went to Galax for shopping and the guys went to Sparta to the health center to work out, so I worked out or up 4 flower beds cutting down them down with the weed whacker and then covering them with pine needles I raked up from the back woods areas. That kept me busy until after lunch which was just an apple. Everyone showed up before 3 so we all went on a hike and a couple road the golf cart to the top for a group photo.

I started the day with my usual 6 ish rollout to my routines that start with some quiet times to honor my Lord, give thanks and to lift up several for healing, all seem to be holding but now Israel needs our prayers as they have been attacked again my radical terrorists. It's brutal and evil what they have done to these folks with the beheading of babies and the slaughter of women and children.

We had a huge supper of delicious stuffed peppers, salad, smashed tatters and home made bread Italian style and a dessert that was also homemade with and almond flavor. We were stuffed as we played a rowdy game of hand and foot with the guys prevailing on the last hand. I soon hit the shower and was ready for some horizontal lab around 10'ish.

We will miss both the Nymark's as they are off to pick up family today from the airport and the Tracy's are off as well this morning back to Tennessee to visit friends there as well. So it will be just us and the Botbyl's for a couple of day as they leave Sunday morning, LATER

Tuesday Morning Oct 10th

 Well Monday was down right cold once again to start the day and even by late afternoon you needed a jacket to be outside. We've had the heat for most of the day until we get 8 people inside then their is enough hot air among all of us we turn the heat off. It was a fun day with plenty of good eating especially the beer can chicken for supper which was super moist and delicious with just enough smokey flavor. We nearly ate two birds that were over 7 pounds each, of course there are a lot of waste, but we have enough for sandwiches for another day.

I started the day with a 6'ish rollout to my routines that start with some quiet times to honor my LORD, give thanks for another day and to lift several up for comfort and healing. All are holding as I make this post. Israel really needs our support and prayers for this war they are in by the radical terrorists who have kidnapped and slaughtered innocent women and children. Lots of things are coming true about these day prophesied in the Bible of the end times, so one must be aware of the dangers we all face without a strong and true leader that we have here in the USA.

Steve and I got in two hikes one early in the morning and one later in the afternoon. Dan accompanied us on the last hike which was a good thing as he has some health issues. He did well. I'm hoping to get in two hikes a day until we leave here in just over two weeks as I need to get back into shape for pickle ball and gardening. I'll have a huge job getting the garden ready for planting when I get back.

We did play a game of hand and foot and the guys finally prevailed with a win. Kathryn still has some health issues and goes to bed early and sleeps for 12 hours or more or at least is in the bed for that long resting. We watched a live video on whats really happening in Israel with a christian Jew, Amir who was in the USA when this terrorist attacked occurred and was trying to get back home but did contact an American pastor Barry Stanger and gave us the real scoop on whats happening in the war. So sad to see American congress folks supporting the terrorists and their attacks on Israel, LATER

Monday Morning Oct 9th

Well Sunday started out in the upper 30's, no frost a steady wind kept it much colder to the body. It did warm up to the middle 50's by late afternoon with plenty of sunshine but the wind still kept it cold. It was a corporate worship day both on line and at Cornerstone. Afterwards we headed to the pizzeria for a delicious and filling lunch which held me the rest of the day. Everyone else ate a supper of soup and salad but I was content despite Steve and I taking two hikes during the morning and afternoon hours.

 I started the day much the usual with a 6 ish roll out but got very little sleep as Patrick had a noise machine upstairs over our bedroom which kept me awake for most of the night, thankfully he changed positions for it last night which allowed me to not hear if so I slept well after a hot shower around 10'ish. We played an afternoon game of hand and foot and the gals whupped up and the it was just 6 of us the rest of the evening as Patrick and Kathryn headed up stairs to their bedroom. We played Euchre and the gals won two games and then another game of hand and foot which the guys prevailed. 

The leaves are falling fast with these cold temps and windy weather  but at least its not snowing or raining. There isn't much outside time except for Steve and I hiking which I love and so does Steve. I can only spend so much time in the cabin especially with folks who are on their device constantly, oh well. 

Today its beer can chicken on the smoker and thankfully not as cold, LATER

Sunday Morning Oct 8th

 Well winter is here for us flatland Floridians almost over night as the front brought in wind, some rain over night but cold temps, however we did see some sunshine despite the high clouds. If it stays this cold I'll be thrilled to leave in about 3 weeks or less. Our company arrived around 3:30 or so from Tennessee and it was a cabin full quickly. We did head into Sparta around 5'ish and found out they had cancelled Music on the Main due to the wind and cold temps so we did get a seat in the Muddy Creek Cafe for dinner. We met Steve and Sheri there as well and then we all came back to the cabin for card games.

I had started the day much the usual with my routines, however I slept in until after 7'ish then did my quiet times to honor my LORD, give thanks for another day and to lift up several by name for comfort and healing. All seem to be holding as of now. Steve and I took a nice long hike to the top of the mountain and saw a dozen or so wild turkeys along the way. Nancy had prepared a mountain breakfast which held me until supper. I headed outside to piddle around in the garden and flower beds as well as took out the now dead sun flowers. I cut them up into small pieces for composting. I just have 3 other flower beds to take down and winterize with pine needles for composting and to help with the weed control for next year.

Well we taught the game of hand and foot to Patrick and Kathryn and they soon picked up on it and the guys prevailed despite lots of jawing and cutting up. I'm sure we will have several games in the next couple of days. I'm up early because Kathryn had some kind of machine running all night upstairs and it kept me awake. We will have to do something tonight to stop or at least quiet that constant noise coming from above our bedroom, LATER

Saturday Morning Oct 7th

 Well Friday wan an adventure as we traveled to Mountain City, Tennessee to visit an old church friend who moved about a year ago from Seminole. She and her husband bought a fixer upper and turned it into a very nice place on an acre of land. It was about a two hour drive through the mountains on this bright sunshine warm day. I wore shorts and a short sleeve shirts but all that changed weather wise over night when we got so light rain last evening and a front blew in with wind and much cooler temps. We did our morning routines that start with some quiet time to honor my LORD, give thanks for another day and to lift up several for healing as well as pray for a safe trip on this adventure. 

We rode with Sheri and Steve and then made a couple stops to and back from there. It was basically an all day event as we took this couple out to a small cafe in town for lunch and then stopped in Jefferson at an Ingles store for some last minute shopping before two other couple join us for the weekend. We got back on the mountain and I hiked around the yard and driveways a few times to get some exercise and then the Nymark's came up around 6'ish and I popped corn for our evening snack. We had such a large late lunch in Tennessee that held us for the rest of the day.

We played 3 games of hand and foot and the gals won 2 out of 3 once again in very close games. They left around 10'ish for their place and I hit the shower and was soon asleep under an extra blanket. It was raining softly through out the evening and at times just dripping off the roof. This morning there is quite a change with the driveway covered in fallen leaves from the wind and the temps down in the 40's. There is a chance of frost tonight according to the weatherman, oh well. We have about three weeks before we head south with the birds and just maybe I'll be looking forward to it, with this cold weather, LATER

Friday Morning Oct 6th

Well Thursday was a mixture of work and play both inside and outside as we get ready for two couples this weekend. The weather wasn't bad either except for an occasional cloud with moderate temps which will soon go down this coming weekend as a cold front moves in from the Great Lakes bringing some rain but mostly cold and wind. The leaves are already falling and this should bare up many trees that have changed in color which seems to be almost hourly.

I started the day much the usual with a 6'ish roll out to my routines that start with some quiet times to honor my LORD, give thanks for another day and to lift up several by name for healing. All seem to be holding as I've heard nothing to the contrary. Nancy had the faux fireplace on which does take off the chill an adds some warm ambiance to the cabin. I soon headed out to meet Steve at the bottom of the driveway for an early morning hike which took us up the back road to the top of the mountain, across it then down to his place and back up the driveway for me. It was a complete circle around the the mountain which was probably a good 2 miles or so but so steep in a couple of areas. Needless to say I needed this hike and then later around 3'ish we walked or hiked up to the top of the mountain again and down through some property that is being sold on the court house steps on Oct 31st for taxes. It's 18 plus acres with an abandoned house but the views are awesome.

We came back up the driveway and settled into some internet time after taking down the clothes drying outside on the line. Steve wanted to prepare dinner for us with kielbasa, tatters. onions and peppers along with an Asian salad. It was delicious and we cleaned up every bit before we started on a marathon card playing night. The gals won all three games, albeit by just a few points on the last hand. It was going on 10 when they headed out.

Today we will head over to Tennessee to visit an old church member who moved from Seminole last year and bless them with lunch out. They have had their share of misfortunes and some health issues since leaving Florida but love the land and their new church family, LATER

Thursday Morning Oct 5th

Well Wednesday was another summer like day which is unusual for this time of the year, but its supposed to change dramatically this weekend with cold temps and some winter like weather. The leaves have really started to show their colors despite the mild temps. Yesterday was a work day for me up until lunch time which we did a combined lunch/supper at the Saddle Mountain Cafe with the Nymarks then came back and played some cards until it was time to head to Sparta to run some errands before our 6 PM prophecy meeting at Cornerstone. We had 9 in attendance with a couple missing as we get ready for the big conference on the 14th. Most all of us are involved in the Culture For Christ group that is supporting this Faith and Freedom movement happening here in N.C.

I started the day much the usual wit a 6'ish rollout to my routines that start with some quiet moments to honor my LORD, give thanks for another day and to lift several up by name for comfort and healing. We have one former member of our prophecy group that is having back surgery this morning in Charlotte. John is his name and of course there are many more we pray for daily who are under the weather in many different ways. We are in need of a praise and worship group to lead this conference on the 14th and thus far we have struck out finding such talents. 

Keep us and the conference in prayer for someone to step up for maybe 30 minutes to get the program going which is only a two hours totally with several speakers emphasizing the important of our freedoms and how our faith is needed now in this nation to preserve that freedom. So many Believers are reluctant to stand up for how GOD has blessed this nation especially those who preach the WORD as they have been brain washed by the Left that politics has no need to be spoken by our religious leaders which is just the opposite of the commandments GOD gave Moses for us to live by. All of those laws are being broken daily and we need to be reminded especially by our political leaders of their duty to uphold those laws.

Well we had a delicious meal at the cafe which held me the rest of the day and evening. We came back and the guys won the first game of cards and then we started a second game with the gals winning the first of the four events in one game. We will finish this evening that game and I'm sure several more. The Ray's lost two straight wild card games and now are finished for the season after a remarkable start. They had too many injuries to the roster as well. The Lightning are winning thus far as are the Bucs so our area is well represented in the sports column, LATER

Wednesday Morning Oct 4th

 Well Tuesday turned out to be another almost summer like day after a chilly morning with temps in the 50's but tons of blue skies and bright warm sunshine which the weather folks are telling us this will be last couple of days like this for some time. A front moves in this weekend bringing much colder temps down into the 30's, oh well its to be expected as we start to see some leaf colors throughout the areas.

I started the day with a 6'ish roll out to my routines that begin with some quiet times to honor my LORD, give thanks for another day and to lift up several by name after posting this ramble. All seem to be holding as I make this post. I piddled around outside after a breakfast of oatmeal, honey, cinnamon, pecans, banana and some home grown blue berries. Yeow was that ever delicious which held me until 1'ish when I and Steve got back from fishing in our "mountain moms" pond. I dug or looked for fishing worms in my compost pile, but either those cold days or the dryness the past week or so drove them out and I barely found enough to take with us. So I used artificial worms and managed to land 3  bass large enough to give them a taste for supper. They had never eaten fresh water bass and they loved them. We caught several bluegills but returned them to the water as they won't hit the plastic worms. It was a perfect morning with no bugs biting you.

We came back and finished up the pasta fosule soup as the gals were off to Galax to shop. We tried to get the head off my weed whacker to no avail but Steve later saw a video on You Tube how to get it off and restring it. I'm excited for learning how to do it as it a powerful 4 cycle whacker. I fired up the riding lawn mower and almost got all of the yards mowed before the Nymark's came for supper. I'll finish the last mowing for this summer later in the afternoon today after the dew dries up. We had fried bass along with a broccoli, baked tatter and all the fixin's and a salad; once again all delicious. After the cleanup we settled into "hand and foot' for the next 3 plus hours and this time the guys prevailed in the last game. It was after 10 when I hit the shower. On a sad note the Rays lost their first playoff game at home against the Texans. Our son in law Tyler was at the game and said they played the worst he had seen all season, LATER

Tuesday Morning Oct 3rd

 Well Monday turned out to be another near perfect day after a chilly 50's start that ended up some where around the middle 70's. Beautiful clear blue skies with tons of sunshine. It was basically a work day as I spent the morning and most of the afternoon outside tending to the gardens and flower beds, winterizing them for next years planting as well as cleaning up the truck with a bath during the afternoon when it was the warmest.

I started the day with a 6'ish rollout to my routines that start with some quiet times to honor my LORD, give thanks for another day and to lift up several for comfort and healing. All seem to be holding and doing as well as can be expected. Nancy made some breakfast burritos which held me with all the physical work I was dong until we had a fresh garden salad for lunch and then some grilled chicken thighs with taters and broccoli for supper. The food tastes so good here and I'm convinced its the water she uses in cooking and drinking.

After supper we took a golf cart ride to the mail box and then got word the Nymark's were back from Concord where they took their son and grandson for a flight back to St.Petersburg. They came for the Viking vs Panthers game over the weekend and had a great time so much so they are coming back with the whole family in about 10 day or so for a long week end visit.

Well we got in to "hand and foot" and the guys won the first game handily but them the gals took over and wiped the floor with us in the next two games, oh well. I wasn't on my game as I had worked too hard and was rather yawning and being tired, anyhow they left a little before 10 so I hit the shower and was soon out for the night until 7:30 this morning. I never got up for 9 1/2 hours which is a first for me in many a moons, LATER

Monday Morning Oct 2nd

 Well Sunday was another fine day after a some what chilly morning with some fog but by the time we got to church around 9:30 the fog had burned off and the sunshine and blue skies were evident and for most of the rest of the day with a few high clouds. Temps reached the low 70's for a high by late afternoon. Fall is definitely in the air and we are seeing more leaf colors daily. I'm not excited about the early darkness in the evening and how dark it stays in the morning but seasons are what make for a difference unless you live in Florida in the fall and winter. Its hard to believe we have just about 3 weeks or so and we will be back in the sunshine state for the next 7 months or so, oh well. I'm looking forward to getting my garden in there as its just about finished here.

I started the day much the usual with a 6'ish rollout to my morning routines that start with some quiet time to honor my LORD, give thanks for another day and to lift up several by name after posting this ramble. All seem to be holding and our 3 year old seemed much the normal at church after a nasty fall from a shopping cart last week. We heard a good message at Cornerstone in Sparta as well as from Cornerstone in Va. on line before heading out. We skipped any lunch out as we had a supper invite to the Luffman farm around 5:30 so we ate lite with just a salad after a stop at the Food Lion and then at our mountain mom's place on the way back to the cabin. We brought her some soup and the last of the green beans from the garden which she loves. I had already snapped and stringed them as well. She is still getting by albeit much slower with her legs and knees in such a bad way, but at 95 years young she is remarkable and still lives alone.

We got back on the mountain around 12:30 and had a salad then I tuned into the NFL and the Ray's game on the laptop. Our friends the Nymark's were at the Panther vs Viking game in Charlotte and saw their team the Vikings come back from 10 points down to beat the Panthers and the Ray's won big in Toronto. The Bucs also beat the Saints in New Orleans and now they are leading their division. The MLB playoffs start on Tuesday in St.Pete, Go Rays. I'll be watching some what as we have company for most of the rest of the days here albeit just for supper some of the time; but card games most every evening.

We had a delicious supper at the Luffman's then checked out their new property/pasture land for their horses just a few minutes from their already farm. It's beautiful, mostly flat land with a small creek running the border. Such magnificent pasture and they keep some of their beautiful magnificent Gypsy Vanner's there. What awesome horses they are and so gentle. They are actually work horses with their strong compact bodies and beautiful manes and feathers, but oh so docile.

We got back to the cabin just as darkness enveloped the area and settled into some reading and watching NFL highlights before a hot shower and eventually some horizontal lab around 10'ish, LATER

Sunday Morning Oct 1st

 Well our last month here has begun and the weather has been perfect the past couple of days with low 50's and 70's for a high with tons of sunshine and blue skies. Just absolutely beautiful and we are starting to see some leaf colors as well. Saturday was a work morning for me then a fun afternoon with a mid morning hike to the top of the mountain and then cards with the Nymark's including their son Justin and grandson Owen until after 9 in the evening. We took(Steve and I) the grandson who is 11 on our team and we whupped the gals in two straight games.

After my usual morning routines that start with some quiet time to honor my Lord and give thanks for another day as well as lift up several by name I headed out to work in the back yard gardens. I turned the ground over and got it ready for next summers planting then took out the half runner beans which were done for this year. I did harvest enough to give our mountain mom Helen a mess as she loves these beans  and enough for a mess for us as well.

Nancy was putting together a huge salad so I harvested some kale and Swiss chard for her. I still have some small lettuce seedlings the slugs haven't eaten, so I'm hoping I can add them to the salad bowl eventually. About all thats left in the gardens are jalapeno and Bell peppers which the deer have eaten off the leaves but now I've covered with the mess I use on the blue berry bushes, some kale and Swiss chard and a couple of herbs. I still have a half dozen beets which the deer have eaten off the leaves but they are coming back as well and I hope to add them to the salad bowl. It's been a great garden year and we have given away tons of fresh veggies as well as have eaten some excellent fare. The blue berry bushes are still producing every other day and they too have just been excellent this summer.

The heavenly blue morning glories have tons of buds but none have bloomed yet and have covered one side of the garden fence and the fence behind the marigolds which are still showing beautiful colors. The sun flowers are not looking great for the most part and are on their way out as are the small zinnias in the back woods beds. They have been brilliant this summer and I'll start to take their heads for next years planting. The butterfly bushes in the circle drive have set several small seedlings and I've transplanted 3 into different areas of that bed. Next year I'll take all of the veggies from that bed and move them to the backwoods beds along the dry gully which gave us the best production of cucumbers this summer. They have just about died but I still have tons of blooms on the nearly dead vines. They are not a fan of cold temps but with these warm temps the rest of this week we may get a few more fruits as I picked two yesterday.

That was about it for the day and evening as the Nymark's are huge Viking fas and they are playing in Charlotte against the Panthers and will be in attendance. We are scheduled for supper with the Luffman's Sunday evening so will skip out Pizzeria outing after church this day, LATER