Well I'll combine two days posts into one. First let me say to all who thought of us and prayed for safe travels from hot, humid Florida yesterday it worked and we are so thankful and to get here after being gone for 7 months and it was a real treat. I had started the day with a 3 AM rollout and we actually left the house at 4. It was so humid and sticky and we were both amazed at that hour it was 81 degrees outside. The travel was good and we broke in the new Ford Lariat pickup and got 23 + mpg at times but mainly stayed in that area which I thought was great. It rides so much nicer with the leather seats and all the bells and whistles. We made several stops in our usual places except I took a different route, by passing Columbia and Charlotte and went through Darlington and into Winston Salem. Its just about 20 or so miles further but the drive is so much more pleasant despite some two lane roads through the countryside. We made two Sam's Club stops one for just gas in Georgia and then again for gas and some goodies in N.C.
While I usually post the next morning about the day before I didn't post about Saturday's events. That started out with my usual before 6 rollout to my routines that begin with some quiet times to honor my lord, JESUS, give thanks for another day and to lift up several for comfort and healing. All seem to be holding. I headed out to the Rec for one last workout on the pickle ball court since I had completed most all my chores outside on Friday. I got in a workout winning most all of my games with different partners. There were a couple new faces in the crowd who played rather nicely. It was sad to say so long until November but all the regulars made me feel missed.
I worked around the house after pickle ball getting it ready for a 3 AM departure on Sunday and we pulled it off despite the heat and humidity. It came on suddenly this past couple of days and now we know why we look forward to the mountains which is 700+ miles from our Florida residence. Our daughter Amy prepared a delicious supper the night before our leaving. The Rays won their game on Saturday but lost on Sunday, so I'll watch the games on the internet here in the mountains and of course its Atlanta Braves country around here. The Rays are seldom on TV here unless they are playing the Braves.
This morning its 57 degrees and we slept with a heavy blanket on the bed overnight. I hear the dew dripping down onto the tin roof from the dormer and no other sounds as it so peacefully quiet. No sirens or road traffic noises that we hear daily. Its almost eerie its so quiet. I almost never sleep well when first getting here as I have tons of chores to do and this has me awake, despite being up since 3 AM on Sunday morning. I did get a few things done here after unloading the truck and unpacking. The cabin was in great shape with the exception of a few dead flies. Nancy covers everything inside with old bed sheets and spreads, so it stays very nice. The appliances, internet and TV were working as well and our dear friends Jake and Katelyn mowed for us, so I didn't have to make hay right away. The gardens and flower beds need tons of work but thats what I love to do. One thing which was different is there are no volunteer tomato plants in the compose pile, oh well. I did bring 3 cherry tomato plants with me from my compost pile. I notice a couple volunteer potato plants in the upper garden patch, anyhow there is lots to do and I like working from early morning outside until dark with these great temps.
We called ahead and had a chicken dinner ready for us at the Cracker Barrel at the foot of the mountain and brought it home and now have enough leftover for another meal or at least a lunch on the chicken. Amy and family are now coming next Sunday for just one night before leaving Rocky their big dog and heading on to Kansas to visit with family. We will shop later this week for them and us and I want to get some seedlings in the ground ASAP. I did pull some weeds in one bed and it very damp from all the rain. There is still water draining down the usual dry gully below the cabin from the top of the mountain.
The blueberry and raspberry bushes are loaded with green fruit so thats a plus for later this summer and fall when they ripen. The peonies are beautiful and there are still lots of unopened heads for blooming, I just love their smell. The lilac bushes did bloom as I noticed several dried up blooms. It will be a busy few days before the Ross's get here next Sunday evening. We will get to visit our local church family and friends this next week as well.
Well I can't say enough how thankful we were for traveling mercies yesterday and how happy we are to be here in the cool mountains, despite all the work that needs to be done. We got a good handle on it last evening and while Nancy stays up late and sleeps in, I'm up and ready to work come daylight. I did get the golf cart started last evening which is a plus as I use it for some many chores, LATER
