ahhh!

Now THIS is October weather! We're finally getting it although it's November 4. I've got the windows up and all our pillows out in the sun and fresh air! love it! love it!

Third annual bonfire

We recently painted the front porch a dark brown. Tons of work considering all the nooks and crannies and we had to do two coats, but it was worth it. When it was white it absolutely blinded me when I was in the living room. We had our third annual bonfire/hayride. Steve "roasted" his cinnamon roll over the fire while the rest of us had hot dogs, marshmallows and s'mores. I love hot cider on a chilly evening. A neighbor's dog (we call him blue) showed up for the festivities. It was great weather for it this year.

Well...

I went to the doctor today and he decided we are waiting another month in hopes the ovarian cyst will take care of itself. He encouraged me by saying although I'm losing a lot of hair, I won't go bald. Whew! We had the chance to get out on the boat for a quick ride, we saw two bald eagles and great fall colors.
I've got to seriously get over my cold, get my housework caught up, pay bills, bake an apple pie for dinner with the Smith's tomorrow night, and go buy the remaining items needed for the hayride saturday!!!!!!! I'm tired just thinking about it all. Still struggle with my tiredness somewhat. Pray for me. : )

Autumn colors

Went for a short drive today. The first day in quite a while that the sun is out. I simply adore the trees turning color!

We're planning on going to the Elkins game tonight and (hopefully) finish painting the front porch this weekend!

Bison wrangling

Just another typical day at the lake wrangling bison....
Cybil, who lives near here, got out and took a trip over to our place. She rocked a neighbor's truck as they honked at her, so we hurried out to feed her our "deer apples" until Jim (her owner) could get here. She went through an entire bucket of apples so I took the bucket back up the hill to the house to fill it again and everyone started yelling. I turned and she was following me with the yellow bucket up the hill to the house! Thankful it went fine and Jim came soon to walk her home.

Autumn!

Oh how I love this time of year! We're getting ready for the hayride coming up in a couple weeks. It's been a bit more of a struggle than normal. My energy level isn't what I want it to be and last week the doctor found a few issues with my health but I'm sure each will be taken care of soon. This week is Steven's week off of work (and of course it rains!) and it's also his birthday Thursday!
We're trying to enjoy and soak up every minute of every day. We bought pumpkins at Vanzant's- it's looking more like fall around here!

September is here!

Autumn is getting closer and closer! Uncle Hubert is doing well- so very thankful. Steven and I are getting ready to help start the new 10:55 worship hour at church- beginning sept. 27. I am on the follow-up committee, steven is a decision guy and today we were asked to be co-leaders and the director for the new connection group meeting before worship. We're excited about the opportunity to serve and pray many people who've never known the Lord will come.
Tonight we filled in as leader for a Financial Peace University class. It was fun!
On the garden front: the tomatos just didn't do well this year, but my birdhouse gourds are looking good. Looking forward to the changing of the seasons-

AHHH cool weather

A cold front went through yesterday and it is LOVELY today!
I had my trigger point injections and two nerve blocks yesterday. It went well- no complications; now I must have bedrest-- just when the weather turned. I'd love to be piddling in the flower beds and planning to go on the boat instead, but I'll enjoy this weather even if it's from my room. Hello open windows and fresh air!

Whew!

What a month! Uncle Hubert went into Regional for his second and third heart cath last week. He has a total of 5 stents and thankfully all is well! Seriously, with all that could've happened, I'm so thankful he is home doing well now. I caught Steven and Hub sitting the same way watching TV in the room. I had to sneak a picture of that. ha ha!
Last night our baby deer found his way behind the fence around our garden and we had to help it out. Wish I could've got a pic of that.
Today I saw our crabapple tree full with berries. I am SO ready for autumn! I took the dog for a short walk and the cat followed, as usual. I've never seen a cat "go for a walk" his his owner before but this one does. ha ha
Look what I just saw in my front yard- a doe!

wonderful weekend

The weather was fabulous this weekend so we took full advantage by heading out on the boat early saturday morning. Later, we cleaned up the veggies picked from our garden. Sunday after church, Steven grilled chicken kabobs and Nikki came over to eat with us, then Steven and her suited up to check out the bees. Later, Steven and I went back to the boat dock to unplug the battery charger. The weather was delightful and the sunset was magnificent!

Visitors

Take a look at our visitors this morning. Momma deer has been around here for a couple of years. Last year she had twins and this spring she had twins AGAIN!

Fireworks at the Crosses

Sunday nite was fantastic! The weather was perfect, Andy saved us a fabulous spot, the band rocked, the fireworks were phenomenal! Steven and Karen rode a segway. That was pretty cool! The helmet didn't fit Steven's head so it sat on top of his head. ha ha! Pastor baptized over 100 people under the crosses, isn't that wonderful?

Casting Crowns!

Ok, I really didn't feel up to going, but I pushed myself and it was so worth it! The casting crowns concert was a worship experience! Not only is their music thought provoking, but his book, "Lifestories" is good as well.... one of my favs.

Summer has begun!

Wow! I really don't enjoy the heat of summer. We've been eating from our garden, which I love. Delicious salads with cucumbers, green beans and yellow squash (fried, not in our salad). The zucchini and tomatoes are growing quickly. Our grapes were doing very well, but apparently deer and/or birds like them so may not end up with very many. I accidently ran into the gray fox the other day while taking alex down to check the mail. Yeah, scary. Although, the little fox seemed as scared of me as I was of him.

Steven's brother Lee, Sandy, and Joness came to visit from Alabama. We took Joness to his first baseball game. I think he loved the ice cream best. ha ha
Steven took me over to the field where Cybil the bison is, because she came and let Steven pet her and I REALLY wanted to do that, but she and her baby wouldn't come to the fence to see me.

Last week was challenging, physically speaking, but I am full of hope that this week will be better. I'm looking forward to prayer time with "my girls" tuesday morning.
The best thing about it is no matter how I feel each day, God is here beside me and He's given me His Comforter who truly helps me throughout it all- at least handle it with some grace.
Sunday was father's day and Steven's dad came over for a visit. It was a great time for Steven. They checked out the garden, bees, the storage building steven built. I'm glad he could come over.

Berries!

Our strawberries are beginning to ripen and so are our blueberries! Yum!

Home this spring

I'm so grateful to God for this wonderful home He has provided for us. Just wanted to share some pictures with those of you who can't travel to see us.

Torch Lily

Simply must post a photo of my torch lily! Magnificent!

Finished Porch

Steven finished the back porch. It looks very good. I love it because it isn't so bright all day with the sun on it. Now we need to have everyone over and BBQ outside! Steven also stained my birdbath.

June!

What a beautiful morning! I took alex for a short walk and sat on the front porch this morning before the humidity and heat got too much for my liking. The wildflower bed is full of black eyed susans. White lilies are blooming down at the driveway and the veggie garden is growing. Thank God. Last year, we had no veggies and I hated it. Our potatoes are blooming. I'm anxious to harvest fingerlings and purple potatoes.

blueberry pie

Just had to share a photo of my first blueberry pie I made last week. It was GOOD! Steven and I had a blast on his vacation, even though we did a ton of work around the house. Still tons to be done!
It has turned to summer so quickly. We missed spring with all the rain.
Thankful for our home, the trees, quiet and peacefulness God has blessed us with.
Ok, now don't lean over your keyboard while checking out the pie-- you'll drool. ha ha

porch project

Steven began staining the porch this week, when the weather finally cooperated. He's not quite finished, but it is looking good!! Steven trimmed on low branches this week and also cleaned up around the storage building. We got to see the Naturals play too! Kept busy for sure. The bees are doing well. We have six hives now, thanks to the swarms this spring.
I got a bad case of poison ivy this week. What a bummer! The prednisone is kicking my tail! We had a great time going to garage sales too!