Well Sam and Tyler got back last evening around 9 after hiking 40 miles or so on the Appalachian Trail ending down near Franklin, N.C. after starting in Georgia on Sunday. They were pumped but did have an odor about them and were glad to be back at the cabin and in a soft bed.
I started the day on Thursday with my usual roll out around 6'ish or a little before to my usual morning routines that start with some quiet moments to honor my LORD, to give thanks for another day and to lift up several by name for comfort and healing after posting this ramble. All seem to be holding on as of now. I headed out to check on the gardens and so far the deer have left it alone but now the Japanese Beetles have decided to eat on everything, especially my bean plants. I've been taking a plastic bucket with a little water in the bottom and knocking them off into it where they curl up in a ball and then dispatching them with my foot while laying them on a rock; I'm not a fan of pesticides and I'm not sure they would die from using them, but this way I'm sure.
I piddled around outside working in the gardens pulling some weeds and hoeing around some plants. I hauled some mulch and rocks from the backwoods yards to build up a barrier along the new patch that is growing cucumbers, radishes and zinnias. Next year I want to put my squashes in this area as they aren't doing well in the circle drive. I don't believe they are getting enough direct sunshine as the fruit that has been set are drying up despite the plants looking pretty good. I did add some bonemeal around them hoping the lack of calcium maybe the issue, oh well.
I didn't do much except enjoy the grand girls as they took several golf cart rides through out the day and then we all except grandma took a nice evening hike to the top of the mountain after supper. I tuned into the Ray's vs Orioles and the Ray's are now in second place after losing at home to the Birds. Terrible lack of no hitting with 2 on in the bottom of the 10th with no outs and could not score, oh well, LATER
