Biker Babe Bren's

2010-04-28T17:23:00.000-07:00

This is a snow pea blossom in the garden. I have pulled them all out now, but we picked a bountiful bunch!

My party sign, (One of them!)

2010-04-28T17:15:00.000-07:00

This is the "road kill" we had for the party......along with burgers and shrimp, and fish. AND........several other mouth watering foods! The road kill is a wild turkey Ken happened to hit with the car on his way back from the "land"......(Cedar Key, FL) It also was delicious!

Uncle Ken and Rachel.............she will be 14 in December. A straight A student!!

2010-04-28T17:10:00.000-07:00

Party time!

My beautiful 4 layer chocolate cake!! SAME lady made this as did Ken and MJ's wedding cake. It is BEAUTIFUL and tasted WONDERFUL.

2010-04-28T16:56:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday was a surprise birthday and Mothers Day party for me!! at Ken and MaryJo's. Yes, it's early for my B day (in June) but we are never in FL at that time. 50 helium balloons everywhere! Alice and Garry came, Jake was there and of course, we took Rachel who we are "babysitting" for 2 weeks while her parents are on a European cruise. Keith was supposed to come and I found out today that he was in the hospital for 4 days!! and didn't tell us. What's a mother to do??

This is the toy hauler! The back comes down like the 5th wheel we had, but the room is also a bedroom. It has a Murphy bed in it! How cool is that? A large slider that holds a couch and the dinette. It's really neat.

2010-04-28T16:46:00.000-07:00

This is a banana bloom at the LazyDays RV where we bought our new toy hauler! Yes, we are going to "travel" again. Don't know where or when but it is going to happen!

2010-04-11T20:10:00.000-07:00

This is my rosemary bush! The more I cut it, the bigger it grows!! It sits under the ruby red grapefruit tree that is still loaded. Was a COLD winter and the tree didn't do much till late in the year.

My sister's broken radius!!

Garry, my sister, Alice, cousin Joan from IL, and Rock. I'm in the mirror! This was around Valentine's Day.

2010-04-11T19:40:00.000-07:00

I planted snow peas this year, first time since the 70's!! I have to pick EVERY DAY they are growing so fast! Froze some today. They are sooo good!

Here's Sam sitting in his favorite place in the kitchen, on the counter! He looks out at night also, as we find him there at all hours of the night!

This is "Blue", a resident heron. I have never seen the inside of his mouth till this shot was taken. Quite interesting,eh?

2010-01-29T18:42:00.000-08:00

Last night our "resident" racoon attacked a car. He decided to die on our front lawn! This morning, his friends came to take him away!! but Rock helped move him further down the street!

When I can't do this any more, I'll give it up!! (I worked in the dirt today!)

Latest pic of Sam and Babe. Our BABIES!!!! they have turned into real LAP CATS! My sister saw and shook hands with OBAMA and BIDEN yesterday in Tampa. She went with a friend who had GREAT tickets, they sat in 2nd row (in front of Tony Bunge!!) Was exciting for her. I remember seeing IKE on the back of a train in Kalamazoo one night with my Dad. Then Nixon later on train. Skipped part of school (after lunch) to stay down at train station. Don't remember getting into any trouble!!

2010-01-20T10:35:00.000-08:00

Birthday bash last Sunday for my sister and daughter-in-law. Made a complete Chinese/Thai dinner! Must have been good as there wasn't much left! 9 people.

Lisa, Rock, Kathy, Garry and Alice. Flash is me! Cake on left is gluten free....from scratch. Chocolate truffle cake has 3 ingredients! 3 cups choc. chips, 6 eggs and 1/2 lb. butter.!!!!! Soooooo good, but heavy, like fudge. They took them home so we wouldn't have to eat them!

2010-01-20T10:24:00.000-08:00

The bathroom is DONE. Ken hooked up the sink/water Sunday. It turned out beautiful! Just taking off the door made a big improvement. Rock took out the walls as they had mold on them. Started from scratch! I love the beadboard.

This is same shot as first one only up higher. He made shelves inside wall, covered with mirror. Nice touch! (my idea!! lol ) I strung some shells for the corner.

Color is a bluish/gray. There was a wall where curtain is for shower. Is wide open now, and much bigger! A glass cat hanger with glass fish hanging in window. Shower stall is all white tile. Rock did ALL tile work too. He's glad that project is over but he will find another one soon, I'm sure! (he cleaned out the garage yesterday!) Weather is warming up now......finally.

2010-01-06T18:30:00.000-08:00

Just a short note. We are freezing here in Florida!! Rock pulled all the plants in under the patio, we covered a few in the garden (lost a gr. pepper last night and tops of 2 tomatoes, the rest are in buckets on patio), BUT, it will be good for the grapefruit tree! They are sweet now, but will be much sweeter in the next few weeks.
Christmas and New Years was great. #3 son, Keith is moving to Weeki Wachi, FL at end of Feb. Will be 1/2 hr. away so we can see him more often.
As waiting for my cousin to come down from the frozen north to stay with us for a while too. Her room is ready!!
The cats, Sammy and Babe are becoming REAL LAP CATS !!!! Even Babe, who was the scardy cat for so long. I'm just waiting for it to warm up......like FL is supposed to be! May all of you out there have a beautiful new year and great things happen for you. I know Rock and I plan on it!

2009-12-06T14:57:00.000-08:00

Many things can be done with a veil!!

Cute!! Dec. 5, 2009........tying the knot!

Rock and Marlis (MJ's best friend)......wonder what he is worried about! lol

2009-12-06T14:47:00.000-08:00

This is probably the BEST chocolate cake I hav ever had!! Notice the beautiful flowers on top......and they were good too! :*)

Hasn't my grandson, Jake, grown?? And a great haircut (for a change)!!

Great ring shot.....I always like to take those. Ken's is "indestructable".......even to plumbing!!

2009-12-06T14:37:00.000-08:00

Cutting the cake! The purple bags were for the guests! Wonderful little goodies in there! MJ's dress is HEAVY......with beautiful sequins, etc.

Ken doing what he does best!! Remember the Burt Reynolds movie?? He was doing what he did "best". !!!! lol

Mary Jo's parents when they were young. The rings were there also. Quite a tribute.

2009-12-06T14:26:00.000-08:00

The wedding was last evening in Sarasota,FL. The weather was "cool" but no rain like the day before! Toasting the first glass of an excellent Champagne, Ken and MaryJo Burgess.......# 1 son. (woman behind is server) The first kiss after vows said. Cala lilies everywhere, beautiful.

Just before the ring part!

2009-10-14T18:07:00.000-07:00

Earlier this year, I posted a pic of the dogwood in bloom. This is how they look now! Tiny little red berries that even the birds do not eat! All the trees are starting to turn now. It is cooler out, with lots of rain....in fact, it has been a very rainy summer.

This is where we spent a week.....another short vacation in DE with my sister and her boyfriend. The house sits on a canal that goes to Chesepeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean.

These BIG chairs are cute, sitting on Coastal Highway. They attract lots of attention.

2009-10-14T17:54:00.000-07:00

Gee, this is "burnt chicken off the grill' but it tasted great under that skin! Maybe it was the sea air! lol

This is the Chesepeake Bay Tunnel. It is soooo long and in two sections with bridges inbetween. $12.00 to use one way.

Lonesome BIG gull on Atlantic. LOVE the water.

2009-10-14T17:43:00.000-07:00

Rock and Garry in kayaks.

this is what is left of LOTS of crab. I must admit, I do miss the Dungeness though!!

Rock,Me,my sister Alice,and Garry on So. Bethany Beach, DE.

2009-10-14T16:53:00.000-07:00

Here I am, waiting for KING CRAB in South Bethany Beach, DE last week. We spent a week with my sister, Alice and her boyfriend, Garry at his home there. The cats went along (what good travelers) and had a ball running up and down the open stairway!

The "bare beach" we walked. Now that the season is over, not many people come down here. This is a submarine watch tower that was built (with many more along the seashore) to search for subs during WWII. Some want to preserve them, but many just want to tear them down.

2009-09-28T19:34:00.000-07:00

Jannie, I know you will be thrilled! I finally caught up. lol

2009-09-28T19:21:00.000-07:00

I got 8 of these beautiful plates at the auction......they are O L D, and much smaller than the dinner plates they make now. I like to use them.

Our first red raspberries!!!!!! and they tasted sooooo good!! There are only a few for this year, but so many new canes for next year! I can't wait. Aren't they beautiful, Suze? :*)

2009-09-28T19:09:00.000-07:00

My Morning Glories are blooming like crazy now. I just hope we don't get an early frost here. We are 1,000 feet up here.....and the mornings are beginning to be quite cool.

Car all fixed!! New hood, rt. light, grill work, etc. All new.

I finally made the "cake in a mug".....It was delicious! and such fun to watch in the microwave. I had a bite and Rock finished it!

2009-09-28T18:59:00.000-07:00

My leeks have finally been totally eaten! This is a blossom from one. Delicate and beautiful.

Big Red wouldn't start one morning, so he went bye bye on the tow truck!! Just up the road a piece to the Chevy dealer. It was the starter. It's the 1st thing that has every been wrong with this baby! (except for 2 new batteries and tires)

Sammy is helping me cut material for the curtains for Florida patio. He loves playing with the measuring tape, esp. when it zips back inside the holder fast! I have enough material for pillows, 3 stool covers and cover for glider. All pinned so far!

2009-09-28T18:28:00.000-07:00

These are heirloom green tomatoes, shut eyes, and they taste same as red ones!!

Couple of birdhouses we got at the auction! so cute, and one has a real light in the top, using a battery, of course!

The RED heirloom tomatoes. Notice small areas of seeds! Very meaty.

2009-09-04T17:47:00.000-07:00

I know, I haven't been on here for some time. We did go on our New England trip......home last Monday evening. Keith had fun "cat sitting" for Sammy and Babe......then he went on to Michigan for some bass fishing! We are back to our "normal" routine, whatever that is!
Waiting for Ken and MJ to come up next Sat. for some bow hunting. I won 2 tickets to the Atlanta Braves vs. Philadelphia Phillies on the 20th in Atlanta. Not far for us to travel.....will be fun and so different for a change! No, not taking the murdercycles!

2009-09-04T17:39:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful time we had with our good friends in Lafayette! And I always find something different when we go shopping there! Also, saw Julie and Julia, a great movie! Now, I want her cook book! lol I gained 2 lbs. on this vacation, but have lost it already! Back to CURVES, my favorite place here in GA! hahahaha I go around the circuit 4 times, takes about 1 hr. Feel sooooo good!!

Illinois has oodles of windmills! They are so big!! In face, while at Joan's, (she lives on main street of "little" town) 3 tractor-trailers went through with one propeller on each bed. They were gigantic! Outside of town on way to IN, they were putting them together , ready to hoist up onto the column. It was first time we were so close to one.

2009-09-04T17:28:00.000-07:00

This is an Heirloom tomato!! My cousin has several kinds in their garden in IL. The stripes are so pretty, and they taste good too!

Two different kinds of Heirloom tomatoes. In case some of you don't know what these are, they are the "old fashion", NOT HYBRID tomatoes from long ago! They are getting very popular now in home gardens. I am saving some seeds for # 2 son, Kelly, and I to plant this fall in FL. They cover a big area and are very prolific!

This is a cute touch in Joan's garden! I didn't look inside! lol

2009-09-04T17:16:00.000-07:00

A few apples in my cousin Joan's back yard in IL. Good for applesauce as they don't spray them!

As most of you know, we hit a deer in IL on back road between corn fields and woods. 2 came across the road, Rock braked for the first one, but the rump of 2nd one hit directly in front, split the hood, etc. All I saw was DEER in my face! If we had been going faster, or in a "higher" car, it would have come through the windshield! As it was, it sailed over us, and down along side my side of car. What a mess. Police and insurance company called!! Only outside damage, everything else works!

Rock and his Dad in PA.

2009-09-04T17:07:00.000-07:00

This is the "nursing home" cat (1 of 3) where Rock's Dad resides. We spend time with him in PA before going on to IL and IN to visit Joan and Lorraine/Roger.

A beautiful rest area planting. Most were very nice in New England.

This is a wall of granite in New Hampshire.....The Granite State!! It is beautiful.

2009-09-04T16:38:00.000-07:00

This bridge is in Maine, where we spent some time on our vacation. It is exactly like the Skyway Bridge in FL, only smaller!! On Hiway 1, along the coast. We are on our way to Arcadia National Park.

Rock is eating his first "lobster roll" in Maine. (along with some wonderful onion rings!) Lobster, a bit of mayo and roll, that's all! and soooo good. We had HOT weather every day in New England, up to 90 degrees!

THIS is why we were in Maine! I didn't get my fill, but really tried! lol

2009-08-12T12:09:00.000-07:00

The leeks have just about had it!! They have been handy for most of my cooking! Use instead of green onions. Lots more to pull though.

This is one of the glorious morning glories that have started to bloom! THAT makes me very happy!

This is present pic of "front" of cabin! We have had some HOT weather lately also.

2009-07-29T18:52:00.000-07:00

This was taken at Biltmore Estates in Asheville, North Carolina! the bush was absolutely beautiful, and I just changed my desktop image from the spring dogwood trees to this!! SaraJean, take note!

This rose was there too. It smelled gorgeous also! It's my favorite flower.......and color for this year! lol

2009-07-14T19:44:00.000-07:00

This is "lab lab", a green vine that deer love to eat!! Ken sent a package up, and I planted it next to several trees and in this planter. It is getting really big now, have to take a new pic! It vines up trees, fences, etc. has flowers.
I researched several "sprays" for the cherry trees for deer repellent and found that ALL of them have cayenne pepper as the first ingredient!! one has cinnamon oil also. I decided that I can MAKE IT much cheaper than $18.00 for a small spray bottle!! One of the owners at CURVES said she has 2 different hot peppers that are ripening and will give me some. I will put them in the blender with cinnamon, vegetable oil, whip them up and strain the "juice" and spray my trees!!! Back to basics, as usual!! Prob. put a little dish detergent in too. Will not hurt trees, and by the way, squirrels HATE pepper......but it doesn't bother birds, so will start sprinkling pepper on our bird seed. Rock still has a pesky squirrel pestering him! lol

2009-07-08T18:50:00.000-07:00

One of my purchases at the Saturday night auction! Off to Florida for them......will go on back patio. The auction is real entertainment up here in "Georgia country"!! Lots of laughs and lots of junk and occasionally something of questionable value. lol I had never been to an auction, but feel pretty good at it now after going several times. Come visit, we'll all go and YOU can go home with some junk!

2009-07-08T18:33:00.000-07:00

This is the first loaf of bread in my $2.00 breadmaker! Have made 2 loaves since and they ALL turned out great! Put the "old" one in the attic. Rock is very happy!

Rock's Nieman Marcus chocolate chip cookies!! Sunday morning was cool, so baked, and baked, and baked!! The recipe makes MANY cookies! Darn good too.

The firewords in Blairsville were nice. Close up, this is blues, etc. Louie's are much better!! BUT, I did manage to get the almost full moon in.

2009-06-30T19:42:00.000-07:00

This is Helen, GA. It is a Bavarian Village, HOT most of the summer as it sits where the wind doesn't blow much! Buggy rides available. Pretty little town, all tourist oriented. Great little grocery store where we buy our black bean dip!!

2009-06-30T19:19:00.000-07:00

Chicken cookin' on the grill last Sat. night. John,Julie,Rachel and her girlfriend, Emily stopped for short visit overnight. Rock cookin' and girls watching!

We visited 3 wineries near Delonaga, a ride over Blood Mountain. Looks just like California, eh?? LOTS of great wines, as we tasted quite a few!! Even Rock liked them! Have more to visit some time. I didn't know there were so many here in GA.

Rock and John patiently waiting for us to select our wines!! MY hat!! and he has it on backwards!!

2009-06-25T17:27:00.000-07:00

This is flower of Mexican Petunia......beautiful!! I always start my own every year. You know how frugal I am! lol

2009-06-25T17:16:00.000-07:00

Rock found this turtle on our steps!! Cute little thing, wonder where he was going as there is no water near here except the stream waaaay down from cabin.

I couldn't resist putting this one of Sammy on!! He is soooo cute.

Mid picture, on either side are the two new cherry trees! NOT real big, but should have cherries on next year! Stones are around the bottom of both.

2009-06-21T08:59:00.000-07:00

This is a macro shot of pink baby's breath. I've never seen pink before! It's papery already!

Macro shot of a daisy!! Isn't it beautiful?

My favorite flower............a rose!!! Is also the June flower! I always loved June in Michigan, as all the flowers were finally in full bloom.

2009-06-21T08:38:00.000-07:00

My Birthday bouquet fro MJ !! What a nice surprise!! It came from another town near here......delivered by the owner in a car! Unusual, but anything goes up here in "Georgia".

Rock took this pic......don't think I want to eat it though!!

After much trouble trying to get my cherry trees from Field's, they said it's too late to ship AND, they are out of them anyway!! I guess I learned my lesson, buy local!! Sooooo, we went to AceHardward here in Blairsville, and bought 2 sweet cherry trees! A Rainier, the yellow with pink blush, and a black one, forgot the name at the moment. They are IN the ground now and we will have cherries next spring!! I hope they like filtered sun! If not, they will be pretty anyway! sure wish we would have planted them many years ago!

2009-06-11T19:15:00.000-07:00

A different view of the deck! Had a rainstorm today.....lots of small tree limbs, leaves all over the place. I drove home in it from CURVES.

The asparagus is "ferning".....still need to fill in the trenches. All of them came up which is a feat in itself!

A friend gave us this composter!! It is B I G ......but will have lots to put into it!

2009-06-10T19:04:00.000-07:00

The morning glories are finally getting there! I can wish for BIG flowers, but think that small ones will be the norm. We'll see.

These are allyssum plants I planted 3 days ago! WOW, talk about a fast budding! Have some clematis seeds from Pennsylvania to plant too.....they will grow here better than FL probably.

Rock's black chair!! Doomed to the front porch.....Personally, I would have given it away to "someone"!!!! It IS comfortable though.....The new ones are a comfy leather also.

2009-06-10T18:49:00.000-07:00

HURRAY..........our chairs came today!! On right is Rock's lounger.....they are decadent!!

We brought these from FL.....they just keep blooming!!

The new little leaves on the pear tree!! IT"S ALIVE !!!!!!!!!!!!!! Still waiting for the black cherry trees to arrive.

2009-06-06T18:18:00.000-07:00

The sun shining through the trees ........view from the deck. Everything is soooo green after all the rain.....it's beautiful.

These are the tiny "buds" that come after the dogwood blossoms fall. Later, red berries will form.

2009-05-31T18:09:00.000-07:00

Rock is waiting for our summer visitors!! Where A R E you'al??? :*)

this is the new Seckel pear tree we just planted. It has been dormant, obviously, and it should start sprouting leaves in 4-6 weeks (per instructions). It is a grafted tree, so should do quite well. Not a lot of sun there either, but who knows?? (tree is on the left!!)

Rock ready to grill!! How do you want your steak??

2009-05-31T17:39:00.000-07:00

The morning glories are reaching out for the trellis. They don't get a lot of sun, but hopefully, enough!

Finally, my asparagus is coming up!! Hurray. Several have popped through. They will grow and fern, and cut back before we leave for FL, then come up ready to EAT in the spring.

I LOVE these lilies!! They came from Rock's folks home in PA. So delicate.

2009-05-24T18:16:00.000-07:00

This is where I spend an hour every day now! In Blairsville!! 12 different pieces of equipment, works the whole body. I feel GREAT !!!!!!

this is an orchid that I have been trying to kill for many months. Guess it won't die, so I leave it out on the porch and douse it once in a while. We have had so much rain, I guess it likes it. I'm waiting for my asparagus to pop up, will prob. be another week or so.

2009-05-24T17:58:00.000-07:00

Our latest pic of Babe and Sammy!

Rock hung the pics the other day. He refinished the top one. sorry the flash hit the glass. He purchased the tapestries in Turkey, when he was in the service.

Another dead tree, coming down!!

2009-05-18T18:37:00.000-07:00

We went for a bike ride the other day, got caught in the rain!! FUN. Bought a new light fixture for the spare bathroom. Rock poured another section of wall in the basement, and I went to CURVES........what a great workout. I go around 4 times, takes about an hour, and I feel sooooo good! Will take a couple of pics tomorrow. Is quite interesting the way they do it. SJ, you have to go back!!!!!!

2009-05-18T18:21:00.000-07:00

I planted this lettuce a couple of days ago! It's in the "upside down tomato" planter. Black seeded leaf lettuce. Doesn't the dirt look yummie?

My giant blue morning glories (if I can keep the squirrels out of them). The trellis goes up tomorrow. They grow so fast. We are supposed to have a slight freeze tonight. HOpe not!! have to cover the tomatoes at least.

My asparagus plants came today! More than 10 in a bundle too! Planted one bundle today. Will have some next spring as these are 2 yr. plants. They don't look like much now, but just wait!!

2009-05-10T19:45:00.000-07:00

We found a couple of dead trees on the property that have to come out along with 2 others to "make more sun" on the enclosed garden. Rock will use the roto-tiller for the asparagus bed next to the enclosure. Decided that is best place to put it. Need to find out when it comes up in the spring. Prob. before we get here!

2009-05-10T19:07:00.000-07:00

This is the planter MJ gave us for Christmas. There are 4 holes in the bottom (of the top part) to plant tomatoes upside down! They go in tomorrow, along with lettuce seed....and a couple of flowers to attract bees! this is the sunniest place, in driveway!! The area behind we raked yesterday.....about 6 inchs deep in compressed leaves since Rock has never blown those or raked them. I will plant the corms Kel/Lisa gave us....cala lilies. Hopefully they will grow there.

The present Kelly/Lisa gave us.....works like a charm! Easier for me to work on the deck rather than in the red mud!!

My Mothers Day bouquet! It is beautiful....from Kelly and Lisa. Rock grilled chicken and I made pineapple/coconut coleslaw.

2009-05-07T20:21:00.000-07:00

This is the way Rock and Sammy spend their evenings!! Sammy is a lover and Babe is FINALLY being a lovie cat! She has been so scared of everything but now lets us pet her when she is just lying down on the chair or couch. ALSO, they both have spent 2 nights on their "blankie" on the bed between my legs! Keeps my feet warm all night! btw......the goldfish are swimming in the "lake" behind the Florida house!

This is the new growth on the blue spruce we transplanted a couple years ago from our other cabin up the hill. It is beautiful.

I don't know what these are called but they are growing wild in the side area of garden. So pretty, they resemble violets, but look at the leaves......quite different.

2009-05-07T20:12:00.000-07:00

I'm finally here!! In Georgia! and the dogwood is beautiful right outside out door! We have one pink one and the rest white, several on the property.

Here are the white ones right off the back porch.
Hey, Louie, how about my macro shot!!

2009-04-02T16:55:00.000-07:00

My two fish. They eat like pigs.

The carpet is IN. and so nice to walk on!! Cats like it too.

Rock checking it out before we put all the furniture in!

2009-03-30T17:58:00.000-07:00

I know, I promised, but aren't they cute???? and getting big! They still love their condo!

Sammy just "hanging around".

BEAUTIFUL BLUE EYES---eat your heart out, Frank!!

2009-03-30T17:47:00.000-07:00

One of my treasures! A vine plant that Z gave me a few years ago. It travels to GA also!

Another kind of lettuce I planted this year. It isn't bitter either but looks it! Had lots of kinds this year and am waiting for the spinach to get a bit bigger to pick. All are in planter boxes.

My ruby red grapefruit blossoms! The bees are everywhere!! and it smells sooooo sweet.

2009-03-30T17:17:00.000-07:00

These are leeks I planted a few weeks ago. Have to thin them out cuz they get so BIG !! Will take to GA.

These are yellow bean blossoms! Should have beans real soon!

This is my garden! Beans are left side along rt. edge. Broccoli in rt. garden along rt. edge. It is still producing little floweretts that I pick every 2 days! The gerbera dasies still bloom since I don't pay any attention to them! LOTS of herbs, lettuce, etc. Tomatoes done. Made sauces, a fresh pizza tonight! Even did the dough in the bread machine! Little miss homemaker! haha

2009-03-15T18:17:00.000-07:00

How about this???? Me drinking a beer! It was pretty good too. Was in Cuzamel, Mexico.

I'm busy doing taxes this week and last! Gave me a migraine! The weather has changed to WARM now, around 80 daily! and lots of sun! Took the car for a drive with top down--glad I have short hair now!

2009-03-15T18:01:00.000-07:00

Rock standing with the "GREEN MAN" in Cuzamel!! Cute, huh??

We went "zip lining" in Costa Rica!! What a blast! this is rock making a landing! We did he same thing in Chile last year on our cruise with Suze and Jonathan.

Rock all dressed up in his "garb" for zip lining! What fun!!

2009-03-10T15:15:00.000-07:00

We still have to look for new carpet---when we feel better! Keith (# 3 son) babysat the kitties while we were gone on cruise. He sold his house!! Pretty good in this market! My mother died while we were gone. A mass to be said on St. Pat's Day in Tampa. My brothers are flying in from CA and TX next week.
The garden is doing great! Weather has finally warmed up and doors are open daily! Lettuce all over the place, and tomatoes ripening daily! Yellow beans will be flowering soon. I planted leeks for the first time ever! They just look like young onions.
Have lots more pics to put on, will take a bit of time......sorry, Jannie! lol

2009-03-10T14:54:00.000-07:00

Look closely, there is a termite next in the tree! We are in Columbia, So. America on an "ecological tour" in OLD wooden canoes, at least I think that is where this pic was taken! lol Suze, Jonathan, Rock and I went on an 11 day cruise in west Carribean. Was fun but I ended up with a sore throat about 5 days out and Rock 7 days out! We are still sick and coughing but I am feeling much better.

They call these white thingies "oysters" on the mangroove roots. In same canals.

We stopped at the guide's "friend" house in the country, he has this "pet" sloth. Of course, Suze and Rock had to hold him! He IS cute!

2009-02-15T19:17:00.000-08:00

This is what Rock has been working on for some time now!! The slab underneath is NOT even, he has tried to level it 3 times to no avail! It came up yesterday, put back into the trailer and will go to the cabin for our bathroom! Carpet will be put down when we return from our cruise! ENOUGH!!!!!!!

A great Valentine's Day!! Cousin, Joan from IL is here for 3 weeks and we are having a ball. The weather finally turned nice and warm (for 3 days, anyway) and tomorrow we will "tour" JoAnn's Fabrics for the day! lol Got my sewing machine out for first time since year ago Christmas! It does everything but start the coffee! Notice my haircut! LOVE it.

Added more pets a few weeks ago! Ken put a catfish in 2 weeks ago, but I took him out today and put him back in the water in back where he belongs. the golds really didn't like him!!!!!

2009-01-31T19:06:00.000-08:00

Babe is getting bigger too! She is such a cutie pie, but still scares easily. Only when she is VERY sleepy, and laying on couch can we pet her. Hope she changes as she ages!!

Cats LOVE to climb!! Every night at 11pm, they are on "night patrol"!! for at least 2 hours! Sammy has "helped" Rock in the bedroom every day! lol

Sammy looks like a vampire here!

2009-01-31T18:41:00.000-08:00

The kitties are getting big! They're in top of condo, is getting smaller and smaller for them! It's warm up there by the ceiling, so they like it!

Ken and Rock getting our bedroom closet finished in 2 days so we can move all our "stuff" back out of the spare bedroom! My cousin was arriving in 3 days and the house was a mess! Trying to put down wood floor in bedroom, the floor is soooo off that Rock has to put down cement to even it out before the wood can be put down. WHAT A JOB !!!

There was asbestos tile under the carpet that we had to take up. OLD. Looks like we won't be doing the bathroom this year!!

2009-01-16T19:33:00.001-08:00

Can't leave cupboard doors open here!! Babe is left, but hard to see in this pic.

2009-01-16T19:21:00.000-08:00

Rock and Rachel having fun with her new WII on Christmas Day. It was quite a workout for both of them!

Rock is "playing" baseball here! Amazing how that WII works. (I think that is the way it's spelled!) or maybe WEI how about WEE haha

2008-12-21T19:04:00.000-08:00

These are ibis that frequent our area and eat all the bugs in the lawns!! All are white except for one that is multicolored. Don't know how that happened!

The tomatoes are growing fast!! I used all new dirt this time and new buckets. They have blossoms already!

Our "new" rug for dining area! LOVE IT.......and it matches really good.

2008-12-21T18:50:00.000-08:00

Suze and I had a weekend of baking cookies!! What fun. Hundreds later, we are beat!

Needed these when we finished!! Yummy!! Took a big batch to the men at Rock's fire station. they LOVE cookies!! Bagged up others to give away, and company that came Sunday, decorated the sugar cutout ones and brought lots of FOOD !!! We are cookied out this year......and have plans for next year already!

2008-12-21T18:09:00.000-08:00

Something new for the back fence this year. I have a moon, but haven't put it up yet!

2008-11-23T18:19:00.000-08:00

I guess having 2 new kitties is worse than having new babies!! I promise I won't show tooooo many pics of them! They are getting more familiar with the house daily and taking over the living room!!

Little Babe is letting me hold her now, and doesn't run away ALL the time! She purred for the first time today! Hurrah!!

Here they are on top of their condo! Ain't love grand! I call a vet tomorrow to "fix" Sammie!! before it's too late!! What he doesn't know, won't hurt him, or us!

2008-11-18T17:23:00.000-08:00

Sammy is growing f a s t !! Cats are a bundle of fun now, but Babe is still a bit afraid--she plays in the living room now though and they "roam" during the night!

One guess at what this is!! Rock's problem kidney stone!! He feels fine now----of course! It isn't a crystal like usual, but breaks up, so is calcium.

2008-11-15T17:55:00.000-08:00

Went to Home Depot and got my bedding plants today. These are 2 upside down cherry tomato plants!! I hope to get hundreds of tomatoes from them! They sure are heavy!

This is a night blooming cerus cactus that a friend gave me a few yrs ago. I planted it hoping the yard man wouldn't destroy it!! It has done well, and smells glorious! The blooms last one day only, and close even if you pick them!

Here's how it looks now. We had 3 palm trees, but the middle one died this summer. Rock pushed against it a little and it fell over!! Good thing it didn't fall against the house!

2008-11-11T18:46:00.000-08:00

Here they are!! Sammy the Siamese and Babe the Tolkinese!! They are "fraidy cats" at the moment, but will come around tomorrow! They love being petted and fussed over, but of course, are in a new environment and it will take a little time to get used to it. The Tolkinese is half Burmese and half Siamese. What fun we are about to have!!!!!!!!!

2008-11-08T18:23:00.000-08:00

Oh, dear, I just repeated a picture!! I knew I was getting older, but not THAT old!!! hahahahahahaha

2008-11-08T18:10:00.000-08:00

Ken gave us the loin of the deer he got in GA---we ate it last night! Had a little sweet potato and fresh apple with it! It MELTED in our mouths! Ken knows I only like the "best part" of a deer!! Rock even liked it, as you can see he has a large portion!

This is the first picked ruby red grapefruit in our backyard! One of our numerous key limes here also. The grapefruit will be SWEETER in December and later! BUT, this one isn't too bad! and never more than 2-3 seeds!!

2008-11-01T14:47:00.000-07:00

Rock and Roger on the deck swing! We spend a lot of time there!

Back in FLORIDA!!! and sunshine, warm, and water, and shore birds, and, and, and!!!!! Our ruby red grapefruit--first one picked today, and it was delicious! Another month or so, and they will be MUCH sweeter!

Many key limes on the ground now-will take a bag full to the "retiree's picnic" Sunday---(from fire department) Baked a pineapple upside down cake too! Looks yummy!

Our last days at the cabin----Lorraine and Roger's visit was great! Went places with Lorraine that I have wanted to go to for quite a while---knew Rock wouldn't like it! Even made a few purchases!

2008-10-26T19:35:00.000-07:00

This is my friend that I grew up with and went through 10 years of school with!! She and her husband left this morning for IN after spending over a week with us here in GA. We all had a great time, and I went places I have never been before! haha (Men don't like to stop in some shops!!) Rock and I are packing now to return to FL, as it is COLD here and I don't do cold well!! It's time anyway!

A pic of Space Needle with sun directly behind it--beautiful!!

We were in a "gift shop" in Delonaga, and found this!! Cute-it's a toilet paper holder!! Even has "Joe the Plumber" on it! hahahahaha (the head comes off so you can put rolls down the wood)

2008-10-08T09:09:00.000-07:00

Today is a gloomy, rainy day! Think we needed a bit of sunshine here.
Today is also Rock's birthday! He'll get his favorite for dinner, pasta with shrimp and coconut cream pie!! Twin gerbera dasies! Love them!
The hay seats we sat on at the folk fair, smelled so good! This is not Rock and I but someone in front of us!! lol

2008-10-06T11:50:00.000-07:00

We went to the fair at the Folk School in North Carolina yesterday. It is a yearly event where many artists of all kinds show their work. Some are very clever in what they make. Here is a group of dancers, all holding flat, metal bands, a very interesting "dance". They never let go of them. I don't know which country it comes from either.

Here's a group of musicians (yee haw type!!) in performance. 2 bangos, 1 violin, 1 base, 1 guitar (extra one is a "singer" helping out! They played banjo pickin' music, very good!

2008-10-06T11:39:00.000-07:00

Here are my three little red raspberry plants! Doesn't look like much for the $$ I paid, but they will multiply fast! I hope!! They are IN the ground, a mixture of sand, mushroom compost, clay and planting soil. I think they have grown an inch already!
This is sage I brought from FL and a new little rosemary plant, that will grow through the fencing, which is ok with me!! It will grow BIG!!

2008-10-06T10:35:00.000-07:00

This is my new "garden" in GA!! Thank you Suze!! Rock has these posts buried in cement! Of course, they are all perfectly spaced and square and even!! I had ordered 6 raspberry bushes, and 3 came 3 days ago. I will also plant lettuce, etc. there. Rock extended the deck out to the entrance of garden. With the red clay here in GA, it is slippery and gooey when wet!
The screening is up, (I helped!) and the gates on! No deer will get to those berries! Can't paint the wood till next year, Suze, it's pressure treated! Paint would roll off. But you better know, it will get painted!

2008-09-25T10:31:00.000-07:00

Up in the treeeee, on treestand, (used for deer hunting) and taking off a large limb that is infringing on our satellite dish reception! Is a healthy tree, so the whole tree stays! Rock checking out how to "work" the tree stand! I didn't try, but there IS a knack to doing it!
All turned around , this is usual position for "waiting for deer" to come along! haha (but a lot higher on the tree than this!)

2008-09-25T10:06:00.000-07:00

These are 3 rock fountains on WHidbey Island we looked at while at the nursery where Suze bought her 4 cherry trees! Rock thinks he can make one for the side yard in GA-and I think he can too!! This is on way home from WA leaving Chicago and "tipping" around to go south! What fun-as I LOVE flying (esp the going up and down part!)
This is the CHicago skyline with Lake Michigan in the background, VERY polluted! but beautiful from the air! I can almost see Oprah's place! hahahaha

2008-09-20T16:24:00.000-07:00

This is a crossword puzzle we put together at Suze's--talk about a mixture of colors! Was fun though. This is Louie's cat, Amy! We "babysat" her and Buzz for 3 nights while David and Louie were on a trip. She is so attentive!!
Another beautiful sunset from Suze's porch!

2008-09-20T16:08:00.000-07:00

While walking in Langley, WA one day, a bunch of these flowers bursting with color lit up the landscape. They were absolutely beautiful, and I don't know what they were! Rock and I drove to the mainland via going north to the end of the island, crossing over Deception Pass, a most photographed bridge! The tides are treacherous, but the place is beautiful.
This is down the road from Suze's, a flea market one Saturday morning. Looks like fun!

2008-09-16T11:22:00.000-07:00

This really IS JOY, seeing and walking through a lavender farm on Whidbey Island, WA Suze and I enjoying every minute!! and both of us taking lots of pics.
There are many kinds of labyrinths--------this is one!

2008-09-16T11:09:00.000-07:00

Lavender Fields, forever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Rock on the neat driftwood bench!
Making words from driftwood !

2008-09-16T10:49:00.000-07:00

Finally, I'm back to my blog!! I'll start with a pic of Mt. Rayonier from our airplane on route to Seattle to visit Suze and Jonathan! Lucky we were on the left side of the plane as we could see Mt. St Helens, Mt. Hood, Mt. hhmm, and the "3 sisters" mountains. How beautiful a site it was! Going across the Rockies was absolutely beautiful too. This is lavender! We visited a lavender farm on the island and took many pics! It smelled heavenly! I could live on a place like this!
They are "distilling" lavender oil here. Quite a process-the woman is shaking the blossoms off the plants (they are not dry) and they follow through all these steps till the oil drips out into the jar! THAT is why lavender oil is expensive, and all other oils that might be more rare than this one. They were 2 weeks behind so were working day and night. They even sell lavender ice cream! and an assortment of soaps, mustard (I couldn't resist that one) creams, etc.
Took several pics of the farm, will post those later.

2008-08-08T17:57:00.000-07:00

These are flowers at a roadside rest area on I 75--------They looked as perfect in person!! The colors and intricate blossoms are beautiful-who said there isn't a God!!
Here is one busy bee!!

2008-08-08T17:52:00.000-07:00

We returned from our "northern trip" Monday evening---had a wonderful time visiting friends and saw Ken and MJ in Kalamazoo!! Took lots of pics, of course. Getting ready for our BIG TRIP now!! More friends!

2008-08-08T17:41:00.000-07:00

This is a good one!! Rock was munching his potato chips last night and look-----a WHOLE POTATO in the bag, all french fried!! This is the first time we have bought this brand, and it will be the last!! I fully expect to find a mouse or two next time! That sure isn't quality control at it's best!!
Sorry, this is blurry!

2008-07-29T18:35:00.000-07:00

On our way back to PawPaw, where we are staying for 3 days, I called Ken and he was just 2 minutes away! We stopped at a hunting store and met up with him and MaryJo! Spent time looking at guns, hunting stuff, etc. then on to St. Julian Winery in PawPaw for wine tasting! After about 10 samples!! all went back to motel. They are staying about 15 min. away with family for a week. We will see them again in Sept. when bow season opens!!!!
We are supposed to meet up with old friends tomorrow at a lake here.

This should make you feel good! Look at the price per gallon! We went to the Gilmore Car Museum in Hickory Corners, MI today. Gilmore Brothers Dept Store was the biggest store in Kalamazoo back when I was very young, and my mother worked there! The car museum is out by exclusive Gull Lake. 90 acres total, with several BIG beautiful barns holding a multitude of cars from the earliest through the 50's and 60's.

This is Rock by a Pierce-Arrow. He took a ride with Mr. Pierce in Appleton WI many years ago when he was building fire trucks! I'm glad I didn't start riding motorcycles back in 1917 ! This one is pretty rough! We looked at a couple new Honda's today, near our motel.

2008-07-23T07:43:00.000-07:00

This plant is a "miniature" spirea. Very flowing, but it is not doing well in my CLAY garden!! Don't know what the problem is, but some things do not do well in clay! (even with added good soil) I'm trying to plant all perennials. This is the sage I brought from Florida, and it won't stop!! I stuffed a turkey breast and a chicken yesterday (for company) and used LOTS of sage and parsley. I put 2 ripe pears cut up in the drsg also, and was it GOOD!!
This is the sink Rock put in himself!! Even has hot water! Now he comes up from his "hole" clean!

2008-07-18T13:06:00.000-07:00

Rock is still busy "plastering" the basement wall! The gloves he uses when doing cement (protects his beautiful hands!) :*) He will paint it all white when done so will be lighter "down there" in the bowels of the cabin! These are "starts" I planted a while ago and just planted in the strawberry jar today-below is the giant plant I snipped them from-it never gives up!!

2008-07-16T08:50:00.000-07:00

HORRAY!!!!!!!!! Rock found the camera under the bed! It must have fallen after I set it there when taking out one contact to go riding on bike! What a $$ savings! This small basket next to back door of cabin now holds 4 white eggs with red speckles! I started to take it down to check on it and a chickedee almost hit my head flying out! She scolded me for 5 minutes sitting in the tree! I leave it alone now! This is one egg, 2 days before. Sorry it's fuzzy!
You can't miss our place here in "heaven"........ I filled the washtub after Rock drilled a few holes in the bottom. Good thing as we have had so much rain lately.
Made 12 fresh blueberry muffins from scratch this morning.......soooooo good!! Need to plant more starts that have rooted really good in the new big pots I bought yesterday! Took a ride to Blue Ridge to a Rose's store. They carry all kinds of "stuff"! Envy the raspberry pie and ice cream Suze and family had for their 2nd wedding anniversary!!

2008-07-14T13:48:00.000-07:00

We went to pick blueberries today!! Was hot, but easily managed to get 20 quarts!! Froze most, (didn't want many after eating my breakfast there!!) Easy picking-$2.00 pint. ($3.50 in the stores!! and at produce stands) this place pays $4 a gallon to pick for them. Kids could make a lot if they wanted to work!! A good picker can pick 5-6 gallons in an hour! Not bad $$
Last year all the blueberries, peaches, etc. FROZE, so this year it seems to be really good. The white peaches are really sweet and juicy! All the rain has helped, and continues to fall almost daily (nightly too!)
Jannie, this is your week! Enjoy it to the fullest! It gets better and better, as you will find out! :*)

2008-07-13T12:29:00.000-07:00

BIG PROBLEM !! Lost the camera yesterday (SAT). No pics for a while till we hit SAMS, that is either in Gainesville, GA or Chattanooga, TN !! both 1 and half hr away!
Took bikes to Amish farm for produce, and peaches on way home. Nothing like Georgia peaches!! Have had much rain and we need it!
Will pick blueberries this week at U Pick place (and eat all you can stuff in!) Haha
Blackberries still available down by the creek and we pick those every few days! Freezer getting full!

2008-07-05T19:39:00.000-07:00

We visited friends at the lake today for dinner. They live in St.Pete,FL and come up here occasionally. The pool shark having fun! This is the delicious chicken we ate! I took ziti with home made sauce. Haven't had "charcoal" cooked chicken for years.
Sunset on way home, from top of ridge at about 2000 ft. It IS beautiful here in Georgia! It was about 9pm.