tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-138757792024-03-07T02:38:49.661-05:00blueberrypatchmreddiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06866616193923580617noreply@blogger.comBlogger781125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13875779.post-64168126679784622022016-12-22T10:27:00.001-05:002017-01-05T21:11:11.149-05:00Audience<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Most, if not all of us, feel the
need of an audience, whether the listeners be many or few – or even just one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I see this played out most often in the
persons of our Gruntmonkeys – the ‘Grand’ ones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The competition of these younglings is keen for the informal dais – this
to regale their audience with whatever is in the forefront of their mind at the
moment – and at times this discourse is simply to add to or subtract from a
previous young speaker.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This Pop-pop
smiles inwardly and outwardly as they bask in the momentary glory of having
someone to listen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">This brings to mind the fact that we
always have someone willing to listen to us – be it tales of woe or of joyous
happenings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God always hears us because
he loves and cares for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have you
spoken to Him today? ec<o:p></o:p></span></div>
mreddiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06866616193923580617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13875779.post-68770161194558791032010-08-04T09:35:00.000-04:002010-08-04T09:36:05.507-04:00Fire at the Fort.A few evenings ago the local grandsons were over for much fun riding the small electric truck and playing on the trampoline and swings. After hotdogs, SSIL, GM3, GM4, GM6 and I went down to Fort Gruntmonkey at the pond. It was dark and even though it was still very warm we cranked up a small bonfire within the Fort walls – made of stacked firewood.<br /><br />They were fascinated by the fire but more interested in throwing rocks in the pond. A major effort on the GMs part was to be able to skip a stone. The oldest, GM3, finally got a few to skip and he was appropriately proud of his achievements. The other two young ones were just happy to see the splashes. May they always enjoy the simple things of life and not complicate everything like grownups.<br /><br />The GMs were quite fascinated by the several toads we found hopping about in the dark. I’m sure these insect eaters were wondering about the bright flashlight shining on them while they were on their evening hop. SSIL even espied a shoulder-less creature that slithered into the firewood stack when it was discovered.<br /><br />It was quite likely non-poisonous since it didn’t get all belligerent and such – I will be on the lookout just in case. If it is poisonous, it will likely wake up dead one day soon – if not it will be live and let live. It was soon time for the young ones to crash but I got the distinct feeling that they enjoyed their stay on Blueberry Hill.<br /><br />All relationships, particularly the family ones are such a blessing from God. I equate relationships more to wealth than I would any monetary consideration – I consider my family and friends real riches. ecmreddiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06866616193923580617noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13875779.post-78011590369970066222010-07-31T12:53:00.001-04:002010-07-31T12:53:53.358-04:00BBH 486Blueberry Hill report #486 – Even in the midst of summer’s heat I have found many bright and encouraging spots, not that the dark places are absent; they are just not worth mentioning. To start with my blueberry harvest was phenomenal but I finally quit picking because the rest of the fruit was scattered, small and of poor quality.<br /><br />The final tally of blueberries was 137 zip-loc quart containers in the freezer. The same day the blueberry picking was called off I picked 10 gallons of figs – from one tree. Four of the remaining fig bushes are very small and the medium sized one hasn’t been picked yet. Most of my fig and blueberry bushes/trees need to be weeded and mulched – on a much cooler day.<br /><br />One of the four paw-paw trees bore fruit this year and now I have finally tasted this slightly odd delicacy – it’s like a mild fruity custard. The three hazel nut trees on the south end of the house are struggling, too much sand and not enough moisture I think. The three pineapple quava trees are OK but still too young to bear fruit, as are the three pomegranates.<br /><br />The two jujube trees are a different story. They are bearing fruit this their first year – they were purchased as larger trees. This is another fruit I have never tasted but am looking forward to doing so. The single pear tree has some fruit but not loaded like last year, this is because I pruned them so severely last winter.<br /><br />The hazel nut trees on the northeast end of the house are doing well – much better soil. Just below them, the muscadines have many grapes but are not quite ripe – that happens between now and Labor Day. Little work has been done at Fort Gruntmonkey due to the heat – even though I did work about three hours down there a couple mornings ago, splitting and stacking firewood. Afterwards I came in soaked in sweat.<br /><br />Praise God for His provision, I enjoy this place we call Blueberry Hill and am grateful for it. ecmreddiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06866616193923580617noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13875779.post-66775980934834840602010-06-03T12:10:00.001-04:002010-06-03T12:10:28.534-04:00BBH 479Blueberry Hill report #479 – Things happen fast in the spring around here. The garden is doing well and near production of veggies – small cukes and green tomatoes are nearing ripeness. The squash are blooming and the okra is growing well but will be a few weeks in putting out the pods – they like hot weather. The blueberries have many berries in place but are about a week or so short of ripeness.<br /><br />The thorn-less blackberries are mostly ripe and many have been consumed – showing the true meaning of the phrase ‘living hand to mouth’. The hazel nut trees are doing well as are the pomegranates. This latter will be a couple more years before they achieve fruit bearing. The jujube trees are well and I noticed small green fruit thereupon – one more than the other. I planted larger trees and I may get to taste the fruit this year.<br /><br />The pear tree was in a condition of misshapenness back in the winter due to the huge amount of fruit last year and I pruned it back severely for the health of the tree. It is now doing well and a small amount of fruit is in evidence. The main fig tree has green figs galore but it will be several weeks before they get ripe. The muscadines have bloomed and set fruit – they get ripe in the latter part of August.<br /><br />Down close to the pond a small hickory tree had began its life under several large pine trees. These pines have been cut and the small tree pruned – it is now flourishing because it no longer has to compete with the larger trees for nourishment. I’m letting three wild persimmons grow just to see if they will bear fruit – don’t know all I need to about them. The three small fig trees I moved down into the ‘wild’ area are doing OK.<br /><br />For various reasons I have cut many trees this spring and brought the wood down to Fort Gruntmonkey. A redoubt wall is being built to take care of the excess wood – it is built with some of the wood split and the rest un-split. It will be a cluttered area until the stacking is finished. The new sunroom is completed on the outside (with the storage room beneath it) but the inside will have to wait a few weeks.<br /><br />Life is good because God is good. Heartaches and/or other bad things may come but God has always helped us through the rough places and He always will because He doesn’t change!!mreddiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06866616193923580617noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13875779.post-68410985253564427622010-03-01T23:19:00.001-05:002010-03-01T23:19:40.243-05:00BBH 472Blueberry Hill report 472 – Wow, it’s hard to believe it is nearing spring again and I haven’t finished pruning all the fruit or nut bearing entities. Over the last month or so I have finished pruning all 7 of the muscadines. The vine growth from last year was trying to take over that part of the ‘hill’. Many of the vine runners that were cut off were up to 20 feet long.<br /><br />The lone pear tree was severely pruned as it had been so heavily laden last season that the limbs were weighted to the ground. The fig tree was also cut back harshly because it was growing too big. This tree almost always is a heavy bearer; the only exceptions would be the few times that a late freeze has hit the area. All three of my blueberry patches need attention and there seems to be too little time in the day.<br /><br />The hazelnut bush/trees have yet to be started on and they are way overgrown – they put out shoots and these have to be cut back to 5 or 6 main branches every year. The pineapple guavas seem to have survived their first year on the place with one actually blooming last year, although no fruit resulted. Only one of the pomegranates is left alive – I plan to replant these shortly – or it will be too late.<br /><br />My main occupation (or preoccupation) at the moment is repairing and rebuilding the back porch. The end goal is to make a sunroom out of it and since it is on the upper floor level this will also recreate the storage room beneath the porch. This area of the house had been neglected for years now to the extent that much of the support lumber had rotted places in them – to the point of having to be replaced.<br /><br />My bro and I had constructed a cement pad and a room beneath porch several years ago and that part was still good since the studs were out of treated lumber. Almost all of the upper support parts had to be torn out and this has been done and some wood has already been replaced and braced to the point that it’s almost ready for the floor joists – it has taken much longer than I thought at first.<br /><br />Still and all, spring is my favorite season by far because God’s creation really puts on an awesome show of buds and blooms – God is so good to me, and to us all. ecmreddiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06866616193923580617noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13875779.post-19576002076547575072010-02-04T17:28:00.000-05:002010-02-04T17:29:00.224-05:00battleJust beyond the well cared for shrubs and such of the doctor’s office parking lot – in which I waited for the Spice – was a whole other world. This was an untended strip of land betwixt and between several commercial plots. This area was a war zone of epic proportions, albeit the actions were very slow moving – or more accurately, slow growing – and it seemed that none save I noticed the desperate struggle.<br /><br />Many species of trees and plants were involved in the conflict – types of coniferous, evergreen and deciduous growths were in the competition. My main focus was the four large trees in front of my vehicle. Three of which were of the same species and the other was a pecan – seen so because of the remaining nut hulls on the limbs after the drop of the trees nutty produce.<br /><br />These trees were being set upon or attached to by at least three kinds of vines. One of these had attached itself to the bark and was probably more of a threat to people than to the trees – this since I took it to be poison ivy. Another type of vine was a briar, which had grown its way nearly to the top of all the trees and was competing with the trees for sunlight.<br /><br />The third and most ominous of the vines was wisteria – identified by the legumes still attached. Wisteria is a deadly beauty because the flowers are beautiful but left to its own devices it will eventually grow to the top of the tree and choke – or shade – out the sunlight necessary for the life of the tree. This truth was shown because one of the trees was already dead with most of its limbs rotted and fallen.<br /><br />The irony was that the dead limbs couldn’t even fall to the ground because they were so tangled in the vine growths. But this is the way God made these natural formations – only the strongest survive. I am always amazed at the way God created this natural world to continue no matter what we humans do. I’m also awed by the way He loves us and made a way that we could be saved from ourselves – and our wrong doings. ecmreddiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06866616193923580617noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13875779.post-74960476187352757452010-01-31T00:28:00.002-05:002010-01-31T00:35:37.754-05:00TX 0110-5Looking back in time to finish the narrative on our TX trip, we awoke on Tue., Jan 12th, without a lot to do except to wish our visit could last longer. The Spice and I did go back to the acupuncturist for treatments but spent the rest of the day just being together. Next morn was the one of our departure and we arose to do last minute packing while OD got GM2 off to school. We took GM5 to K4 on our way out of town.<br /><br />It was a sad leaving day from our TX dear ones but just one of the emotional speed bumps of life. We did our serious hugging before we left the house and applied the finishing hug after OD deposited us at the airport gate at Hobby-Houston. We went through security without problems – except for long lines. Then on to Atlanta and enough time to get a bite to eat – not thinking to check to see if our gate had changed.<br /><br />We went over to another concourse only to find the gate had changed back to just a few gates from the one at which we had arrived from Houston. We did not miss the flight but we were one of the last ones to board – the up side was that we got much exercise changing gates. It was then on to Augusta and BIL transported us home from the airport. Our SC home place really felt good that night.<br /><br />Fast forward to Friday, Jan 29th, to the arrival of our 7th grandchild - a girl weighing in at 8lb and 3oz and 19 1/4 inches long. Our youngest daughter was the Mom and the Spice and I took the two oldest of her young ones to see the babe.<br /><br />On Sat, Jan 30th, We went to the hospital in the afternoon and took all of YD’s progeny to see their little sister. They all got to hold GM7 as did Granna and Pop pop. It had been many years since our girls were born and several since the last gruntmonkey came into the world and it seems that I had forgotten how quickly a very small human can wrap it’s tiny fingers around my heart.<br /><br />As I held this precious one in my hands and gazed into her miniature face I was awestruck with emotion. It doesn’t take much to rattle my cage in that respect and I couldn’t help but think that if I had actually witnessed her birth moment I would have been a real basket case. When my girls were born the fathers were locked out and were just accessories after the fact – I would rather have been there. God still does all things well. ecmreddiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06866616193923580617noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13875779.post-32270481959086052372010-01-28T18:23:00.001-05:002010-01-28T18:23:49.928-05:00TX 0110-4Still relating the TX trip. With the Spice and I having our various grunts and groans on Thurs. we both went to an acupuncturist that she had visited on a previous trip – my hip had been cramping the whole time we had been there. The change was slow but it did seem to help and it started to get back to somewhat normal. Other issues of upper respiratory natures had started to manifest themselves to me as well.<br /><br />Friday came with an opinion expressed from TX that there should be a rule somewhere that a person can’t be afflicted with the upper respiratory crud when they are visiting this far away from home. It’s no fun trying to play with the “grands” while feeling like tepid toad spit. Not that I am an expert on amphibian salivary excretions or the ramifications of the various temp thereof, it’s just the worst thing I could think of.<br /><br />Saturday, Jan 9th, came and I was glad to be feeling some better – also glad that toad spit didn’t have to be in the description of my condition. Chinese herbal meds really helped my throat. Even got a few of the small projects completed for OD that PM. Sun, Jan 10th, happened and although nobody was feeling like going to church, I received my pastor’s sermon via computer. Awesome word concerning relationships.<br /><br />Our church’s web page is a real blessing in that one can not only receive the sermon live but can also enjoy other recent sermons at any time. I had to chuckle at myself in that the Sun sermon showed a pie chart for an illustration – great chart but I found myself thinking of the fruity dessert from which it got its name. I refocused quickly and got back on track with the message.<br /><br />Monday came and though still a bit snorky I was feeling much better and charged ahead to complete all the projects on my requested to-do list. The last and the most time consuming one was completed in the PM. With the loan of a motorized miter saw from their friends I was able to custom cut some braces for their rickety ottoman. The braces worked when installed and it was sturdy once again – God is good! ecmreddiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06866616193923580617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13875779.post-35927817090490209352010-01-28T00:03:00.001-05:002010-01-28T00:03:48.749-05:00TX 0110-3Reaching back once more to the annals of our recent TX trip, I bring more details to light. It magically became Monday, Jan. 4th and I did a solo walk today – OD had errands. It was cold in TX but not as cold as back home. Later I finished taking down the outside Christmas decos and started the storing process. With this and keeping company with GM5 the day sped by.<br /><br />Chilaxin’ is defined in the urban dictionary as a combination word that carries the meaning of chilling out and relaxing. On this trip I was searching out the depths of the word to see if anything can be more laid back than that – I didn’t find anything, unless I made up a new word – I have done that before. But somehow I did miss the outside work back home – I think Ethyl (the chainsaw) is just pining away for me.<br /><br />Then another relaxing day burst into the present tense in TX even if I did get up feeling a little below par – I came close to achieving metaphorical par later in the day. Two thirds of my lady folk in TX went shopping this day – two young ones were in institutions of learning and FSIL is still out of town. The afternoon contained a few chores, sitting with GM5 and the holding down of the home fort.<br /><br />The most difficult of the things accomplished this day was the cleaning out of burned residue in the bottom of a pot used for rice pudding cooking – and no, I didn’t do the burning. I tried comet cleanser, pot scrubbers, scraping with a knife and finally got the last of it with a sharp putty knife – tough stuff! Didn’t walk this day – got enough exercise with the scrubbing. Besides I was not feeling very perky.<br /><br /> “God’s call on a life is specific, extensive, thorough, and eternal. A life set apart by God cannot remain the same. Moreover, when we respond to God’s call, the kingdom of God will not remain the same.” We are all called to be a witness of what God has done for us. We don’t need a PHD, a lot of money or to be very talented – simply do what you can, use what you have, say what you know and start where you are. ecmreddiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06866616193923580617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13875779.post-48745583545851348942010-01-26T22:18:00.001-05:002010-01-26T22:18:37.815-05:00TX 0110-2Still relating past history of our TX trip. Saturday, Jan. 2nd, came as another work day for FSIL since he is in the accounting area of his firm and the end of year/beginning of year stuff had to be done. After b’fast OD and I went for a walk using interval training methods – i.e. – rotating normal walking with as fast as possible – in intervals of course. It was invigorating even if I did have a hitch in my gitalong.<br /><br />The ladies went shopping for most of the afternoon with GM5 and I holding down the home front. Interaction was involved, as was college football and snacking – the young lad was not as much into football as I but he definitely enjoyed the snacking. In fact the snacking is the secondary reason I do the walking. If I snacked without the walking then I would not be able to get through the door to do the walking.<br /><br />Sunday, Jan. 3rd, arrived and was only lighted by indirect sunlight due to the overcast skies and that lasted the whole day. FSIL left for a busines trip to his company’s headquarters this AM and we will be keeping OD and clan company for the next week plus. I didn’t leave the house except to go on a two mile walk with OD – was able to walk despite the hitch still being in my gitalong.<br /><br />The evening meal was great, OD being the good cook that she is, but as usual there was something missing at the end of the meal. I knew this would be the case so I had made a banana pudding to fill in the missing part. Is there anything that can fill even the slightest void in the stomach like an old-fashioned, made from scratch, warm banana pudding? My stomach and I both smiled during the filling of the void.<br /><br />Got a hitch in your spiritual gitalong? Could it be that you are focusing more on your faults and failures or even on what a rotten sinner you were in the past? Follow through with God’s forgiveness through Christ and forgive yourself. Only then can you walk forward in victory and be the spiritual warrior you were created to be. Fulfill God’s purposes and not those of the enemy. ecmreddiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06866616193923580617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13875779.post-81428245904498188882010-01-25T23:36:00.000-05:002010-01-25T23:37:07.692-05:00TX 0110Looking back in time just a bit, the Spice and I had been on an emotionally exhausting ride since the passing of her Mom. So many things to do and so many things to bring to a conclusion concerning that. With most of the urgent matters taken care of we put the rest on hold and were going to get out of Dodge – actually Clearwater, SC. We were going to TX to visit with OD and clan for about two weeks.<br /><br />On the last day of ’09 we loaded up our luggage in the van of BIL and he drove us to the airport. I was a bit apprehensive about going through security after the scare up north but we breezed right through. The plane out of Augusta was on time and we arrived in ATL on schedule. The flight to Houston was uneventful except for being a little rough in spots. The view was awesome above the clouds – God does all things well.<br /><br />OD, along with GM2 and GM5, met us at Houston-Hobby and drove us the hour south to their home. 4PM Texas time found the Spice and I in Lake Jackson for a 13 day visit with our TX clan. This would be the first time in several years that we would welcome in the New Year with these loved ones. We watched the ball drop in NYC – on TV – and I crashed for the night, even though it was still only 11PM in TX.<br /><br />We celebrated the first day of 2010 in a very low-key manner, even though we did use part of it to also celebrate the Christmas we missed with them. I mostly just sat around and ate – OK, I did watch a lot of football. I didn’t mind the great vittles but some more moving around would be necessary for the maintenance of the physical parts of me. Also involved was much needed relaxing.<br /><br />I entered the new year with the thoughts in mind of Phil. 3:13b-14 – “. . . forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” In Christ alone do I find hope for tomorrow. ecmreddiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06866616193923580617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13875779.post-79167726611147375472009-12-12T00:51:00.001-05:002009-12-12T00:51:47.052-05:00MemaThis was the honorary title given to the Spice’s Mom when her first grandchild – our OD – was born. She was also known as such by our YD and the two daughters of the Spice’s bro. The title continued as the great-grands came along – our six and BIL’s three. My two daughters basically felt like she hung the moon and there wasn’t anything she couldn’t do – and there wasn’t a lot she wouldn’t do for her grands.<br /><br />Before she was Mema I knew her as the Mom of the first girl I ever kissed – the girl that today is my wife and the Spice of my life. Our family moved to the Augusta area in 1949 and a few years later I started seeing the Spice’s family at church. A few years after that I started to notice that girls were different from boys, a fact of which I greatly approved – although I was scared witless of this “fairer sex”.<br /><br />The future Spice and I started dating sometime in 1957 and I got to know the future Mema a little better and held her in the highest esteem. Through a misunderstanding with the future Spice, I fell to the bottom of her dating list but I still came around to chat with Mema when I had a chance. Then came HS graduation and with the army draft looming in my mind, I chose to join this branch of the military for 3 years.<br /><br />Mema and my Mom had been friends for years and both wrote to me – Mema would notify my Mom when she got a letter from me and vise-versa. The Spice would write me polite letters because it was expected of civilians to write to service men they knew. My wondrous army experience concluded in 1962 and I started coming around again to chat with my future MIL. She was like an older sister and we talked of many things.<br /><br />During this time the Spice would hardly give me the time of day. It seemed that her best friend had claims on me, feelings that were not mutual – and the Spice would not trespass. When I shared with Mema about a new girl I was seeing, she passed this along to her daughter, along with the advice that if she wanted to see me she had best get a move on in that direction. This happened and we were wed June of 1963.<br /><br />Five years later our oldest daughter came along and the title of Mema was given to the Spice’s Mom. She carried the title well and joyfully through the other three grands and all nine “greats”. Then Mema had to journey through the passing of her life-long companion in March of 2006. Then almost imperceptibly her health started to wane also – although it happened slowly until this year.<br /><br />In April of this year Mema went into the hospital, and then until September she was back and forth from the “skilled nursing facility” to hospital. Then we purchased a hospital bed and she came to our house. It was then back and forth from here to hospital until November 16th when they sent her home because they could do nothing more for her. On November 17th she was put on hospice until her passing on November 24th.<br /><br />The day of her death was her 85th birthday and although she couldn’t respond, several had called to wish her happy birthday and the phone would be held up to her ear. Our oldest daughter had just sung happy birthday to her by phone when she breathed her last – OD’s voice was probably the last human one she heard on this earth. Her passing has left a large void in all of our lives but God is faithful to comfort.<br /><br />In the 46 plus years the Spice and I have been married – and even before that – I have known Mema as a godly woman and faithful Christian and we are looking forward to seeing her again on a day of our Lord’s choosing. Even in the sadness of our loss I say with heartfelt conviction – God is still good, all the time! ecmreddiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06866616193923580617noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13875779.post-80353188178096648152009-11-12T00:51:00.001-05:002009-11-12T00:54:01.616-05:00A fire<div>Several months ago I purchased an odd looking torch, it was made for burning grass and weeds in the cracks of sidewalks and such. It has actually been used for that purpose but only in a minor part of its role. The major part of its usefulness has been in the control and extermination of a very annoying and painful species of pismire – better known as the fire ant. This process irritates them very much – but not for very long.<br /><br />A new role has emerged for this tool. It is now also used as a fire starter, or sometimes in my case, a bonfire starter and has been used many times for this. Sometimes the fire comes from the burning of a pile of weeds, grass and pruned limbs – I wait until the pile is dry and no kindling is needed. But for the campfires down at Fort Gruntmonkey, kindling is necessary – it is split into small sticks and placed under the other wood.<br /><br />My normal method of campfire prep is to place some larger chunks of wood on the ground, put kindling on top of that and build a sort of tepee over that with smaller sticks. Then once the lit torch nears the kindling, a roaring fire is just minutes away. The kindling I use under the wood for a quicker start of the fire is “fat lighter” – found here on the property in the stump holes of long dead and rotted pines.<br /><br />The local gruntmonkeys are out of town this week but after my evening walk a couple of nights ago I got a hankering for a fire. I changed into bummy clothes, got the torch, a folding chair, some cutting tools and wandered down to the pond all by myself. In the lingering light of sunset I pulled some large fallen branches up from the water’s edge and chopped up part of these to put atop the pile of wood already in place.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5zvztjn5togRNrakc6SbM0l5DiVgo5QGQe6kQNcasolDmtGUGnV9tIFpyIyf9zC7RxJSJ11CIhacWNcuCeALRbiSvb03nCTP4sIh2zg2alfOmQux48Xl1v7C6wdhBmh0xxGgylw/s1600-h/IMG_0237.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403091140351986018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5zvztjn5togRNrakc6SbM0l5DiVgo5QGQe6kQNcasolDmtGUGnV9tIFpyIyf9zC7RxJSJ11CIhacWNcuCeALRbiSvb03nCTP4sIh2zg2alfOmQux48Xl1v7C6wdhBmh0xxGgylw/s320/IMG_0237.JPG" /></a><br />As darkness began in earnest I unfolded the chair and placed it in the midst of Fort Gruntmonkey. The torch was fired off and shortly the kindling was ablaze with the rest of the wood following posthaste. Then the fire enjoyment started. I just sat and watched the dancing flames, soaking up the sounds and warmth of the fire. If I had been troubled with stress it would have been dissipated in the peacefulness of this ancient scenario.<br /><br />I watched the sparks fly upwards with the breeze carrying them toward the pond that I could just make out in the darkness behind the fire. The crickets were giving a serenade all around me and occasionally I could hear a frog trying to break into the song with a bass note or two – even though it is a bit late in the year for this noisy critter. Soon all that remained were glowing embers so I gathered my stuff and headed back to the house.<br /><br />It was a good time of reflection, pondering many things and communing with my very best Friend. How else can I say it but – God is good, all the time. ec<br /><br />PS: The photo is of the ‘burner of grass in the sidewalk cracks/ant torch/bonfire starter’.</div>mreddiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06866616193923580617noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13875779.post-45119766354830416982009-11-10T13:18:00.002-05:002009-11-10T13:22:37.041-05:00Fort GM<div>Fort GM<br />On our side of the pond there is a small point of land that in the past has been known as Stump Peninsula – I hereby change this to Gruntmonkey Point. The reason for this is because I have started building fires down there for the “grand” ones – better known as the gruntmonkeys. On an evening a few days back I had GM3, GM4 and GM6 over for one of these fires, to just sit around it and tell stories.</div><br /><div><br />As we made our way down to the point the young ones noted that my stacks of firewood looked like a fort. We went on with the adventures of the evening but the thought stuck in my mind. After the fire and their efforts at defending the ‘fort’ we went back up to the house and did some late night swinging and sliding. They later went home very tired but happy little boys – I remained at my house a very tired but happy old man.<br /><br />Time slid on through Halloween, the dawgs lost and we had exactly zero little goblins come to our door to get treats – both bummers! We live in the last house on our side of the street and the candy we would give evidently is not deemed to be worth the energy expended to take the extra steps to get to our place. It also poured down rain during most of the best time for those ventures.<br /><br />Time wandered on through Sunday with a combined service – with inspired singing and a very meaningful message. We then exited to the upper parking lot for what we called Hope Fest – our substitute for Halloween festivities. We also had a chili cook-off and I was one of the many tasters and sampled several before I cast my vote. This voting narrowed the chilies down to six with three judges deciding the top one.<br /><br />The event was massively attended with many events for young and old – also with lots of food. The Spice and I visited with lots of folks – some for the first time in a while. We finally wore down and headed for the house. Later that evening my stomach questioned my wisdom of tasting so many types of chili.<br /><br />Monday arrived and I decided to act on the thought I got from the GMs – to build a ‘fort’. Three large trees shade this particular shore of the pond so I used these as supports for the firewood I stacked to make walls for the fort. I simply restacked the wood that was already there – I did so but still needed more to complete the ‘construction’. The solution was to split more wood to finish up the walls – so I did so.<br /><br />The completed project was three walls stacked about 5 feet tall. The forth side was left open in order to feel the warmth of the fire. It has been named Fort Gruntmonkey. They were over again a couple of days later and imaginations ran wild. They had stopped by with pizza; we took it down to the Fort, chowed down and built a fire. With the amount of firewood down there this tradition could continue for a while.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTx7YZ47_hDytN5ZVz4GqHAECeqmLolb_tFTcXj1zR7LRMjkENglgLnHr0rQfjDbuAlXvvrnEZgFddjabJ_2nZIIgNN6aAe7bNwX1xUTxVerrQkWbM6NVjYPkceJISXP07b0fSLg/s1600-h/IMG_0241%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402541822313856994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTx7YZ47_hDytN5ZVz4GqHAECeqmLolb_tFTcXj1zR7LRMjkENglgLnHr0rQfjDbuAlXvvrnEZgFddjabJ_2nZIIgNN6aAe7bNwX1xUTxVerrQkWbM6NVjYPkceJISXP07b0fSLg/s320/IMG_0241%5B1%5D.jpg" /></a><br />Even though we as Christians are front line soldiers in a spiritual warfare, we need a ‘fort’ or safe place to go to rest or find help in time of need. We have this safe place in the presence of God and He wants us to come to Him anytime but especially when we have reached our limits of endurance. I’m so thankful He is always there to comfort and guide – we sometimes hesitate to go to Him – not sure why because God is good, all the time! ec</div>mreddiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06866616193923580617noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13875779.post-38275110900617042009-10-26T22:47:00.000-04:002009-10-26T22:48:21.747-04:00splittingToday was a day like many others but only in the respect that the sun came up and was actually visible for a short while until it clouded over again. It started out with the taking of nourishment of physical and spiritual natures. Then I loaded up the trash and ‘trucked’ it to the gathering station. I stopped by the post office for the mail then it was on to Wally world. Upon arriving I tried to find a cart without bumpy wheels – almost did.<br /><br />Picked up several odds and ends and a few grocery items – came to over 30 bucks – cheap from the usual. Back home the Spice and I dined on leftover chili – still very good. Then I kicked back in the recliner, had a dessert of vanilla frozen yogurt with walnuts and apricot preserves on top – yum! Then I had a cup of hot Ovaltine in their chocolate malt flavor and gathered my thoughts and energy for some outside adventures.<br /><br />I decided to split some firewood – I do this by hand – or more correctly said, I use a manually operated splitting maul and wedge. This went well but the stack was getting tall and a bit shaky, so I went to find a scrap pipe to drive in the ground to steady the stack. I found one with the diameter of 1½ inches and picked it up to see if it was long enough. To my great surprise and shock, a snake fell out the other end!<br /><br />My brain instantly recognized that it was non-poisonous but my feet were not listening to the message sent to them and they were doing their weird little escape dance. By the time I had got them under control I was unable to find the snake and was never able to see it face-to-face to identify it – if they really have faces. With the heartbeats back to normal I drove the pipe into the ground and it braced the stack nicely.<br /><br />With the light nigh unto fading, I quit this effort, went in the house, changed to walking gear and went for my evening walk. With a near perfect temp for this endeavor, I put the legs in nearly top gear and finished my three miles in a second under 45 minutes. Exercise of this nature helps keep a person active – even if it does take a few minutes to recover from it. A little later I went to the basement for exercise of a strengthening nature.<br /><br />FYI – The Spice’s Mom is still in the hospital and still needs prayer. She seems to be slightly better but has a long way to go to get back to where she was. If you didn’t know, she is living with us now and went to the ER last Wed. Not a fun time but a part of life and you never regret the time spent with loved ones like this. Even in this God is still good, all the time. ecmreddiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06866616193923580617noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13875779.post-10183380146576882952009-09-04T00:37:00.003-04:002009-09-04T00:41:55.313-04:00summer 09 recap continues<div><br /><br /><div>Our Florida kin departed for home on Saturday, June 20th and on Monday the 22nd OD and her young ones arrived from Texas – FSIL was unable to come due to work. Then the massive family type stuff began with all the gruntmonkeys. GM1 spent several nights with us to be with GM2 and they seemed to have the most fun that could be had in the allotted time in which they had to have it.<br /><br />All the gruntmonkeys had a great time together with much loudness and laughter, as is the norm. We had several occasions of family times during the week and as much fun as a barrel of monkeys – or more accurately, a basement full of gruntmonkeys. Their time together ended on Saturday when YD and crowd left town for MI to visit with SSIL’s folks – an annual event of siblings gathering with their parents.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3_jJu3Ekfp2RDTw8qhcX2T-nAi6w1B9pwTbNqitFRfVFfjFA3bxAbt9No9xVZeXuGtr_h0UvDfrYYc-5Nh3kqr0BtzzvWpmxnOR8qLX3TNERAcShaIgepOclCiATGJD5l2FBwzw/s1600-h/IMG_0168%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377467569736426498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3_jJu3Ekfp2RDTw8qhcX2T-nAi6w1B9pwTbNqitFRfVFfjFA3bxAbt9No9xVZeXuGtr_h0UvDfrYYc-5Nh3kqr0BtzzvWpmxnOR8qLX3TNERAcShaIgepOclCiATGJD5l2FBwzw/s320/IMG_0168%5B1%5D.jpg" /></a><br />It was determined that I should take GM5 on his first adventure of fishing. The rods and reels had to be dusted off and prepared for the venture with hooks, weights and floats applied. Having not fished for some time and not wanting this to be a fruitless adventure, I called our neighbor and she suggested a certain spot on their pond where bream could readily be caught. Then it was to the bait store to purchase some crickets.<br /><br />With all the prep made, I put the equipment in my garden cart and included a 5-gallon bucket for the caught fish – an act of faith. GM5 and I made our way down to the pond and a baited hook was cast forth upon the waters. Our wait was short and with my help the young one was soon reeling in his first fish. After the 3rd or 4th fish, the attention span of the 4 year old started to wander and after a total of 7 it departed for other adventures.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJYBwSVTpT-hSV4XucBTv4PfWqA-LEKD7ZKzH1ngJffFI_-7tdcp6md9tNkZt6dQ7zi6iYJI8pnuaEtNwYGgfKTmb2yWA8JNUR2zy_WQAVlS680vYYj-0ThqDTwVnspiYdeZ-WrA/s1600-h/IMG_0174%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377467563066507618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJYBwSVTpT-hSV4XucBTv4PfWqA-LEKD7ZKzH1ngJffFI_-7tdcp6md9tNkZt6dQ7zi6iYJI8pnuaEtNwYGgfKTmb2yWA8JNUR2zy_WQAVlS680vYYj-0ThqDTwVnspiYdeZ-WrA/s320/IMG_0174%5B2%5D.jpg" /></a><br />OD came down for some photo ops and we asked the young one what he wanted to do with the fish. He didn’t want to eat them or throw them back in the pond from which they came and finally decided to put them in our pond – just below the one in which we fished. I carried the bucket down and he poured them out to be re-caught another day. We gathered all the gear and trekked back to the maison, happy for the event and photos.<br /><br />A smile is the quickest and best way to improve your looks – I don’t think I have ever seen an ugly smile. TBC ec<br /><br />PS – Photos are of GM5 with one of his ‘catch' – and the other is of all our gruntmonkeys.</div></div>mreddiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06866616193923580617noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13875779.post-19561108722810787462009-08-29T22:25:00.002-04:002009-08-29T22:32:03.928-04:00son of summer recap 09<div><br /><br /><div>If the events of a summer are not written about, did they really happen? June 15th arrived, as did our aunt, her daughter, her SIL and grandson. This aunt is the sis of MIL and she came to visit with us and check up on her sis in the “skilled nursing facility”. They stayed the week with us and it was a hoot!<br /><br />This was the same week that “the saw” came to Blueberry Hill to stay. The aunt’s SIL, my cuz, helped in the putting together of “the saw” and after purchasing oil and fuel, we set about cranking this new chain saw. We were unable to bring it to life that day, next day I found out that one step in the instructions was misunderstood and when I tried the proper way, it roared to life with a vengeance.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU3iL-vDtUh4YDRq_TT-Xcwq5sSD7yA93LFTHqkYH6AKKQl1TduFhH4IXDSulNmXsZ5XJy_BC8JLr7In1ijNfmiU8dViNNC5KthqvFqGxx_SMgQyMsDX6vZNVq20VJDXjvPvF13w/s1600-h/IMG_0182%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375578114711690194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU3iL-vDtUh4YDRq_TT-Xcwq5sSD7yA93LFTHqkYH6AKKQl1TduFhH4IXDSulNmXsZ5XJy_BC8JLr7In1ijNfmiU8dViNNC5KthqvFqGxx_SMgQyMsDX6vZNVq20VJDXjvPvF13w/s320/IMG_0182%5B1%5D.jpg" /></a><br />Of course any important tool at Blueberry Hill has to have a name – and one this awesome had to have a special one. I ‘saw’ right off that this tool was a real ‘cut up’ so I named it Ethyl – no particular reason for this choice, it just seemed to fit somehow. Ethyl’s first victim was an oak that was hollow and leaning over the pond. With my Florida cuz aiding and abetting, we managed to pull the tree sideways and dropped it on the pond bank.<br /><br />The saw was working great and was cutting the tree like a hot knife through butter. That is it was until I got the end of the bar into a small, unseen mound of dirt – if anyone ever asks if dirt will dull a chainsaw, you can tell them that it definitely does. The day of cutting was finished out with a dull chain and next morning, with the help of the same cuz and BIL, we dropped a large pine that had been troublesome for years.<br /><br />The troublesome part was the fact that it dropped pollen, sap and pinecones on the driveway and car parked there. The tree was just over the line in the neighbor’s yard but with their permission it was cut. The somewhat amazing thing is that it fell in the exact spot I wanted – this was due to planning, two people on a rope and maybe a little luck. It was slow going with a dull chain, so I took it to the equipment place for sharpening.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjolXCd0q0WVkD94w9GYbL8njrqVO5fFlHylEzEIbkYfJXkfknyEsCmfo4QX0-2IO_TT12OzHTtrszrLOPexkmgrS0Pm4Pd0TgoaU8VtkYiMM5lcGiFIpdpcdwN158Q3bFTVGPyhw/s1600-h/IMG_0165%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375578112139625890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjolXCd0q0WVkD94w9GYbL8njrqVO5fFlHylEzEIbkYfJXkfknyEsCmfo4QX0-2IO_TT12OzHTtrszrLOPexkmgrS0Pm4Pd0TgoaU8VtkYiMM5lcGiFIpdpcdwN158Q3bFTVGPyhw/s320/IMG_0165%5B1%5D.jpg" /></a><br />With a sharp chain again, the large pine was disassembled limb by limb and the slow process of cleanup was started. The whole tree was hauled – piece-by-piece – to a large pile down next to the pond to be used for campfires with the gruntmonkeys. It took about a week to get the limbs, straw, cones and such cleaned up.<br /><br />If what we chase in life is happiness, it will not be caught – but if we follow hard after God, He can not only be found but also will abide with us – and then the happiness we chased will overtake us. TBC ec<br /></div><br /><br /><div>PS – The photos are of “Ethyl” and one of her ‘victims’ – and two Florida cousins, the twins and son of NWT</div></div>mreddiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06866616193923580617noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13875779.post-70008532390051065182009-08-23T23:01:00.003-04:002009-08-23T23:03:29.471-04:00summer recap 09<div>The filmy, flimsy wings of summer are beginning their whisper beats of departure and yet my personal narrative of such has not been completed. My hope is that my busy time is mostly over, at least the part that precludes writing about it. There is still plenty to be done about the place but some of the most pressing issues are past.<br /><br />Going back to June 12th – we returned from the beach shortly after my cousin and her husband arrived to stay a couple of days with us – YD came over and allowed them entrance. They came to attend our annual family reunion out at my bro’s place. We had a great time renewing kinship and even laughed a fair amount.<br /><br />Next morn we arose to put the finishing touches on the dishes we were to take and I constructed a banana pudding by “popular demand”. We loaded up and made the 30-minute ride to the bro’s. Some kin were already there with others arriving all along. Dishes from loving hands populated several long tables and none asked which were low calorie – those concerns were mostly suspended for the day.<br /><br />During and after the time we were possibly eating a bit too much, we talked and laughed followed by conversing and chuckling – we even did some gabbing and guffawing with a bit of chatting and chortling thrown in. The crew was a little smaller than usual but just as much fun anyway.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpxGcqqEoxwpun64Erx85dyPKOj3eqHTTFOMgEHTfUaKEX0dsjKSBahLuIGWX3q8Q1rRRiCkOFV1XQr8bzncSF396u9QvibrkB0GjMsjt8mMwU1xV5KKt14IHVJ-7T7YT0TRRVEw/s1600-h/IMG_0155%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373360317178314450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpxGcqqEoxwpun64Erx85dyPKOj3eqHTTFOMgEHTfUaKEX0dsjKSBahLuIGWX3q8Q1rRRiCkOFV1XQr8bzncSF396u9QvibrkB0GjMsjt8mMwU1xV5KKt14IHVJ-7T7YT0TRRVEw/s320/IMG_0155%5B1%5D.jpg" /></a><br />All good things seem to come to an end and this happened to us as folks had to leave for home. We headed back home also and continued enjoying the presence of my cuz and her hubby another night. Next morning they went to church with me – the Spice went to stay with her Mom at the “skilled nursing facility”. Excellent service as always and after we came home and had lunch they departed for their Tennessee residence.<br /><br />In everyday life we tend to overlook the extraordinary things because they are so well mixed with the ordinary. Plus some of the ordinary is in fact part of the extraordinary. Make an effort to find these really great things and give God a chance to wow you. TBC ec<br /><br />PS – The photo is of the whole “motley crew” at our June ’09 reunion in Augusta.</div>mreddiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06866616193923580617noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13875779.post-85675373964548957412009-07-28T23:56:00.002-04:002009-07-28T23:59:24.147-04:00MB 0609 2<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1g-UEjIR99NHjgYEnABIcdYpG54nvFsAmf5X6HUxjO7XtoOd0USl8unoENDnuAbCX6RKN6RrqiFCoLvQTOf3ky2OZiuaTwXeY1gOyHaI4ujAyyaaKZ9OsM5A5AkSOarwHUwYPFA/s1600-h/IMG_0146%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363726666099484802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1g-UEjIR99NHjgYEnABIcdYpG54nvFsAmf5X6HUxjO7XtoOd0USl8unoENDnuAbCX6RKN6RrqiFCoLvQTOf3ky2OZiuaTwXeY1gOyHaI4ujAyyaaKZ9OsM5A5AkSOarwHUwYPFA/s320/IMG_0146%5B1%5D.jpg" /></a><br /><div>Although our beach trip is ancient history now – many very busy factors being involved – I feel compelled to finish the story and narratively get us back home.<br /><br />Tuesday, June 9th, found me on the 7th floor balcony of our temp residence overlooking the beach and ocean in Myrtle Beach, SC. And although I was looking intently eastward, I still was unable to glimpse Europe – has to be fog or something. The time was early afternoon and the day was clear. I was ensconced on the shaded side of the building and just soaking in the fresh air and enjoying the sounds of the ocean.<br /><br />One could hear the occasional calls or squeals of young ones enjoying the beach – and even the voices of older ones urging them to not do what they were doing because they would hurt or do away with themselves. Many games were being played, waves were enjoyed, skimmer boards were ridden and/or fallen from and birds of several types were flying and calling to each other – probably discussing the human critters on the sand.<br /><br />Kites were flying to one degree of expertise or another. One particular one was ‘piloted’ very well indeed, with loops and swoops toward the sand, yet without colliding with the beach or any occupier thereof. A game was being played on the shore – Bocce ball – and this reminded me that I intended to buy one of these for the home front last year. Of course my normal tendency is to straightway forget this after I return home.<br /><br />This was another relaxing day for us both, the weather was sunny with a light breeze and although I had a garden to tend and blueberries to pick back home, I just soaked up the peacefulness. Several small planes flew by, paralleling the beach and towing advertising signs behind them. Also an old red bi-plane flew down the beach and back a couple of times – probably rented by someone for the ride.<br /><br />A full moon rose over the ocean on Sunday and Monday nights and was absolutely awesome. Tuesday evening found the moon hidden by clouds and showed the lightning of an approaching weather front – awesome also. The balcony contained two rocking chairs and if properly employed these can be much of a stress reliever.<br /><br />We ate out a few times but mostly ate our meals at the condo – more relaxing. The rest of the trip seems a blur now – we did go shopping another day – relaxing for the Spice, not so much so for me. Early afternoon on Friday, June 12th, found us packed and headed back to our home once again, having enjoyed the getaway but needing to continue our normal lives back at the home front.<br /><br />During this trip I found and viewed with awe many extraordinary things – these amazing things are hard to find because they are so mixed in with the ordinary parts of a day and have to be searched out. I remain convinced that some of these were made by God just for me to enjoy – God is good! ec</div><br /><div><br />PS – The photo is of a small island of landscaping between the condo and beach.</div>mreddiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06866616193923580617noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13875779.post-57735683005349455122009-07-08T00:16:00.002-04:002009-07-08T00:20:27.861-04:00MB 0609<div><br /><br /><div>The busy summer season thus far has come to pass in the following manner. Pre-summer began back in April and May with the planting and tending of the garden – with the Spice occupied with her Mom, first in the hospital – one month – and then moved to a “skilled nursing facility”- six weeks now. Besides mostly taking care of the home front I have been a backup sitter and/or caregiver for MIL.<br /><br />Then with the garden well on the way and a full schedule of sitters arranged for MIL, we took off the first full week of June for Myrtle Beach. Leaving early afternoon on June 6th, we stopped by to see MIL and then eastward and beach-ward we went. We stopped in Columbia at Fuddrucker’s for a hamburger and to relax a while. Then uneventfully we continued on to the ocean-side condo for some much needed R & R.<br /><br />We checked in, moved a van full of “stuff” inside and shortly headed out to Wally World to get some groceries. Arriving there it suddenly dawned on me that this might not have been the best plan in the world because it seemed everyone else within many miles had the same idea. But I have learned over the years to go into vacation mode and even wall-to-wall people couldn’t upset my peace of mind.<br /><br />Back to the condo and just simply relaxation – the Spice had been under much stress caring for her Mom and my main goal was to see to it that she rejuvenated during our time away. It probably didn’t help that our dishwasher “bit the dust” the morning we left. We called and ordered another on the way down to hopefully be delivered when we got back. We had replaced the trash compactor just a short time before this.<br /><br />We put all that aside and just enjoyed doing nothing for a while – we just vegged out that first night. On Sunday we didn’t leave the condo except to go out on the balcony and once to retrieve something from the van. This seventh floor view was outstanding and very calming with the waves and light breeze. This balcony faced east but try as I might I never could see Europe – probably smog or something.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh26TYJMUDfXOtns_ApJizSyTDUHhjqR3Ct7ycXObn9j3q7CGE6TiZvaeQz4aPBVF_DsSUbtqAAO1qKWOXaYMx-3_FdmfEkV2g7tfx0hbVESvtnrDWMtk2GHwBW-Wwd7pJp4xZ2Eg/s1600-h/IMG_0144%5B1%5D.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355939058709675426" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh26TYJMUDfXOtns_ApJizSyTDUHhjqR3Ct7ycXObn9j3q7CGE6TiZvaeQz4aPBVF_DsSUbtqAAO1qKWOXaYMx-3_FdmfEkV2g7tfx0hbVESvtnrDWMtk2GHwBW-Wwd7pJp4xZ2Eg/s320/IMG_0144%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />We arose on Monday morn, took nourishment and headed out for a day of light shopping – not shopping for lights but as opposed to heavy shopping – although any shopping is heavy to me. On one of the few occasions I was able to get on the web, I determined all the places she wanted to go were roughly in the same area. We stopped by McAllister’s for a bite to eat, then to Hamrick’s, Kohl’s and on to the mall for Belk’s and others.<br /><br />My dislike for shopping comes from the fact that I don’t have a meandering gait – unless it is a place selling hardware and such. I wandered about to find something to interest me and we kept in touch by cell. And though I tried to stay with the Spice in her last place of shopping, it soon became too much for my feet and back. Then just outside this store, what to my wondering should appear but a couple of recliners.<br /><br />These were left there for advertisement purposes and we had one very similar at home so I found great joy in ensconcing myself in one of these until the return of my dear one. As we made our way back to the condo I could tell that the Spice was starting to unwind. Unwinding is good and God is good in allowing us a time and place to do so. TBC ec<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-p_JERGg7ghlkJfTSCcTQYx7jmuZmOgwj4Mm9p6aiSHkwJ9LdfDe3BgUSDpN58i0zAEl0_5iEFPF5_GDCCrtoC22auDO2mf3urUink-04ZaMbuvYMZUjnqtz1mDF61k6x3cwrMg/s1600-h/IMG_0142%5B1%5D.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355939053608539186" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-p_JERGg7ghlkJfTSCcTQYx7jmuZmOgwj4Mm9p6aiSHkwJ9LdfDe3BgUSDpN58i0zAEl0_5iEFPF5_GDCCrtoC22auDO2mf3urUink-04ZaMbuvYMZUjnqtz1mDF61k6x3cwrMg/s320/IMG_0142%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />PS – The photos are of the beach and of the fresh water stream that runs beside the condo into the ocean.</div></div>mreddiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06866616193923580617noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13875779.post-80735240417292882352009-05-10T15:44:00.002-04:002009-05-10T15:53:45.722-04:00sproutsThe definitions of sprout addressed in this writing are – a) a new growth from a seed, rootstock, or the like or b) something suggesting a sprout, as a young person. As mentioned in other writings of bygone days, my favorite season is spring and a large part of this favoriteness is the sprouts that burst forth on plants, bushes and trees. And a major part of the sprouts that are looked forward to are the ones coming forth in my veggie garden.<br /><br />This garden is always a part of my year and I only remember one year in the last 39 that I didn’t plant one. The year was 2000 and I was working a lot of overtime plus the fact that my ancient tiller was very non-cooperative in the area of cranking. Next year a new one was purchased and the gardens continued. This year the garden was planted and every time I glanced that way I was expecting sprouts to be breaking the ground.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-aTDfXbDwu0zlliQAtCVupfyF2DveQgANggLspzE65dh5WSdOvFFn4_8mHJHeNgXWQpJhpfcVSoVCztbq8b-tANOR2IYmM8pWETViPHJKO7zQ8l9nC92u8patQ4VuVTzQKbArHA/s1600-h/IMG_0096.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334284848732012066" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-aTDfXbDwu0zlliQAtCVupfyF2DveQgANggLspzE65dh5WSdOvFFn4_8mHJHeNgXWQpJhpfcVSoVCztbq8b-tANOR2IYmM8pWETViPHJKO7zQ8l9nC92u8patQ4VuVTzQKbArHA/s320/IMG_0096.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />About a week after the planting the first seeds started doing just that – sprouting. Unless you are or have ever been a gardener, it is hard to imagine the feeling this gives the planter thereof. I guess it would be a feeling somewhere between the emotions of Christmas and July 4th when the seeds germinate and send their shoots exploding slowly upwards through the soil – of course there is the disappointment if some don’t sprout.<br /><br />So far this year the okra seeds and cucumbers have started out well with hardly a missing plant – the squash are another story with about a fourth of them needing to be replanting. The tomatoes are also being troublesome this year with several of them dying straightaway. I planted 24 of them and had 4 spares, now the spares have been planted and it looks like I am going to need a few more – not sure what is causing this.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJccn_4uRngjLhGmqXzQyTUVkfLulTc2ijbs3KulFDnTcst1bhQs8QAZSkZAybaGFBanNqFp_G1EebVttb0wW8PxgimHiSIWTEVHLqZ-tEHvSwLeYyeed15eGqaC_I9AkoPl2eQw/s1600-h/IMG_0095.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334284840617135954" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJccn_4uRngjLhGmqXzQyTUVkfLulTc2ijbs3KulFDnTcst1bhQs8QAZSkZAybaGFBanNqFp_G1EebVttb0wW8PxgimHiSIWTEVHLqZ-tEHvSwLeYyeed15eGqaC_I9AkoPl2eQw/s320/IMG_0095.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />The 4 new pomegranates are also having some difficulties – I was told when they were bought that they were very late to sprout leaves and they truly are that. I am now seeing sprouts on two of them and possibly a third but the fourth one looks to have bitten the dust. I gave them all this past week to come to their senses or they will be replaced – my nursery has agreed to replacement plants but I wanted to be sure of their demise.<br /><br />This brings us to the other definition of sprouts under consideration. These are the locally residing and Texas living gruntmonkeys of OD and YD and they are sprouting well – of course their sprouting takes a lot longer and many more emotions are involved. Some of these are good and others not so much so. Our desire for all our sprouts is that they grow up healthy and produce good fruit – or veggies. Sprouts are good and so is God. ec<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6HO74_EmA6oAYokZawFw4yYT_KMuUjSY-rfKBjqv9OoSlhxZCn3kkGrkqmJ7afokH6UFQcY_ujvUHHm_VpL1Q7a9Bdc1-2S6N4hfI3dKXMzGBhqmK0esoYOOXje7Pmn87V2cJvw/s1600-h/IMG_0076.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334284830148209554" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6HO74_EmA6oAYokZawFw4yYT_KMuUjSY-rfKBjqv9OoSlhxZCn3kkGrkqmJ7afokH6UFQcY_ujvUHHm_VpL1Q7a9Bdc1-2S6N4hfI3dKXMzGBhqmK0esoYOOXje7Pmn87V2cJvw/s320/IMG_0076.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />PS – The photos are of cucumber sprouts, okra sprouts and boy sprouts.mreddiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06866616193923580617noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13875779.post-47924128976642885322009-05-02T13:35:00.003-04:002009-05-02T13:49:05.808-04:00BBH 465<div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Blueberry Hill report 465. Much has happened in the last couple of weeks in the vast (?) and joyous estate I like to call Blueberry Hill. The spring prep has been so occupying my time that I have been mostly away from the computer – and away from any writing. Meanwhile spring has definitely sprung in spite of a light scattered frost that threatened several of my plants but only nipped back my fig bushes – one of these is tree size.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlTy-C4loYTMF-PRIxnEUKjab-rGH-qJvg9vpT1qUVKsV5SDATz2kDdH8seElmKJQ1dtYhMYQZeodV1ycZCDIlDLJheug82XvIhvTR_IMjPPRwSXMilbnfm1Dpn4aScbowZsG1AA/s1600-h/IMG_0100%5B1%5D.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331283817404953490" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlTy-C4loYTMF-PRIxnEUKjab-rGH-qJvg9vpT1qUVKsV5SDATz2kDdH8seElmKJQ1dtYhMYQZeodV1ycZCDIlDLJheug82XvIhvTR_IMjPPRwSXMilbnfm1Dpn4aScbowZsG1AA/s320/IMG_0100%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />About two thirds of the leaves of my largest fig were killed but now, a couple of weeks later, new ones are even forming on the limbs of the dead ones. This is a common spring ailment of figs since the leaves are very tender and susceptible to a late frost. The blueberries have blossomed, been pollinated by the bees and now the little green berries have formed – they were unaffected by the frost and normally ripen in the first part of June.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgneFQ1PYNwaAmHzWK41Ip1Aq_-WrrL-osIT2WGY27osyLK6AlwRWGBOHrOccCkz7_Kx7AjTUy4-04tdZXXUr7ohKq-DRjqqQ985P5uowXD3Z7qm01OwJGuktSlDo2jAfSMTNqYvg/s1600-h/IMG_0099%5B3%5D.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331283820436724498" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgneFQ1PYNwaAmHzWK41Ip1Aq_-WrrL-osIT2WGY27osyLK6AlwRWGBOHrOccCkz7_Kx7AjTUy4-04tdZXXUr7ohKq-DRjqqQ985P5uowXD3Z7qm01OwJGuktSlDo2jAfSMTNqYvg/s320/IMG_0099%5B3%5D.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The paw paw trees have now put on leaves – they are always late to do so. Most of the blooms are gone and several fruits have formed – all of the four have at least one small fruit forming, with one having several. Big hopes that this will be the year that I get to taste a paw paw fruit. Both the Cornelian cherry trees have leaved out but they still haven’t made an effort at forming fruit. The Juneberry trees have blossomed and leaved.<br /><br />The very tiny pecan tree has yet to put on a leaf – it is always late to do so – hopefully it hasn’t croaked. The hazelnuts on both ends of the house had to be extensively pruned back and they are now in almost full leaf. This brings me around to the spot in which four fig bushes resided and were struggling due to last year’s frost. I decided to move them down the hill toward the pond and put other plants in their place.<br /><br />Three were moved and one was discarded. In their place I purchased and planted four pomegranate bushes and three pineapple guava. They are very small and it will be two or three years before any fruit is realized. Still on the bedroom end of the house there are the two blueberry rows. Major efforts have been made in the last couple of weeks to get all the weeds and grass out and straw placed. Also a border around one row is now complete.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3CNO6LgWlZ0Tvd4Z1dc3pzEUNFAaz6dWahuAvtabMjXGTMR7xL5RWT4-u1nSgovKAA7wTmQym8Y4S_UnBMnsmOF2sEQWi8EW3run6bdLK6nGhYoU77CXTwvw4TZc0SPVbM5vlPA/s1600-h/IMG_0102%5B1%5D.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331283810553643954" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3CNO6LgWlZ0Tvd4Z1dc3pzEUNFAaz6dWahuAvtabMjXGTMR7xL5RWT4-u1nSgovKAA7wTmQym8Y4S_UnBMnsmOF2sEQWi8EW3run6bdLK6nGhYoU77CXTwvw4TZc0SPVbM5vlPA/s320/IMG_0102%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The weeds and grass had quite a hold on this area but they had to let go – the bushes that have been cleaned around are starting to look healthier. Behind the house the pear tree has bloomed, leaved and fruit has started – I may have to cull some of it so the branches won’t break. The muscadines are putting out new leaves and vines and seem to be doing well. The older blueberry patch needs some attention but that will come later.<br /><br />Meanwhile the garden has been tilled and was planted on April 17th. The cucumbers came up first, with the squash close behind – the okra is even breaking through now. The tomato row has 24 plants residing therein but several of them don’t seem to be doing well – I have four spares if they croak. The two varieties I planted this year are Celebrity and Better Boy. Today I saw a few blooms already formed – the plants are still small.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu9KooJecy_ZQ44KFB5aLTSQYhOoaAFkEasqe0DCMSEp_durIk1r5-jeDHkxAXrdJCF88eG-ZS4-NQWlcTB_0TA6aJEkHxi_2OEKqauxuTJ2uVgpXZX8zXYWv3nC-dFLSAwm1oTA/s1600-h/IMG_0101%5B1%5D.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331283819827194402" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu9KooJecy_ZQ44KFB5aLTSQYhOoaAFkEasqe0DCMSEp_durIk1r5-jeDHkxAXrdJCF88eG-ZS4-NQWlcTB_0TA6aJEkHxi_2OEKqauxuTJ2uVgpXZX8zXYWv3nC-dFLSAwm1oTA/s320/IMG_0101%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Have I mentioned to anyone that spring is my favorite time of year, the time when all of God’s creation comes back to life and I am constantly awed by the viewing thereof. ec </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>PS - The photos are of green blueberries, baby pears, fig tree with leaves of various sizes due to the frost and the blueberry beds on the bedroom end of the house - with one row cleaned out and strawed - the second row has barely been started.</div></div></div></div>mreddiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06866616193923580617noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13875779.post-79851165112918971692009-04-26T22:56:00.003-04:002009-04-26T22:59:31.008-04:00MS 0409 3<div>This is to bring the saga of the MS trip to a close – about time since we have been back for over two weeks.<br /><br />We had found out a bit of history on Sunday while chatting with the cuz about a hill on the way back to the sis’s place – it had been a confederate army camping area. SSIL went hunting in that area for bits of memorabilia on Monday and I helped him a bit in the digging when his equipment indicated something but we found nothing significant. There was actually a hand-drawn map of this area but we must not have found the exact location.<br /><br />GM1 went back to my aunt’s with us to spend that night and come Tuesday morn the Spice and GM1 slept in while the aunt and I caught up on conversation. My aunt had someplace to go, so while the Spice and GM1 were showering and the young one was doing some homework, I went back over to my sis’s. YD and crew had gone down to the community center, SSIL to hunt for buried stuff and the young ones to the playground.<br /><br />Tuesday was a good day of “family stuff” that most families either don’t have time or at least don’t take the time to do. We ate supper at the sis’s that evening and we went back to the aunt’s in time to catch the only TV show I watch regularly, American Idol. After this I had to get to bed for a hard day’s driving next morn – Wednesday, April 8th. The ladies stayed up and chatted about many things and details – much longer.<br /><br />My aunt was to wake us up next morn in time to get ready and YD’s crew were to drive over and all would leave together. Wouldn’t you know that I woke up about an hour ahead of time and couldn’t get back to sleep. I finally got up and had my devotions early. We were all packed up and ready when the other bunch arrived. YD was determined to clean up everything at my sister’s place before they departed.<br /><br />The two other GMs that didn’t ride in our vehicle on the way down loaded up with us and we departed. A pit stop and a fuel/pit stop found us in Birmingham once again. After we got back to I-20 we didn’t try to stay together – except by cell phone – and met back up at the Georgia welcome center for another picnic lunch. The young lads were able to let off a little steam and this oldster enjoyed the restful break of the trip.<br /><br />We loaded back up and once again headed for our respective SC homesteads. We arrived at YD’s shortly after they did - our only ado was a couple of rest stops and a minor traffic delay when we got back to the Augusta area – Master’s Golf tournament congestion. We dropped off the two GMs we had and headed home – the trip was good but as always, it’s good to walk into one’s own premises. God is good! ec<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcyxVgf036OiTPzJEm4qcm88nULDANLcI0AcaFRDcJnjkygTfS94cGCCIxKE9U3VrxOifuhMl0oz1MIZd4qCLioANqbm9T9dSRxwOc88H_8JkNRu6CCbSl_svaRj5FH3BSZG3djQ/s1600-h/IMG_0071.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329199970183335842" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcyxVgf036OiTPzJEm4qcm88nULDANLcI0AcaFRDcJnjkygTfS94cGCCIxKE9U3VrxOifuhMl0oz1MIZd4qCLioANqbm9T9dSRxwOc88H_8JkNRu6CCbSl_svaRj5FH3BSZG3djQ/s320/IMG_0071.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />PS – The photo is of YD’s young ones at the tombstone of my Mom and Dad. GM4 is on my Dad’s side of the marker because he was named after him (as well as some other family members). If my folks could have seen this scene I know they would have smiled much.</div>mreddiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06866616193923580617noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13875779.post-77979320037191829512009-04-19T22:01:00.002-04:002009-04-19T22:04:58.439-04:00MS 0409 2<div>Monday morn (04-06-09) came and I went over to my niece’s – now living in the old home place – to fire some weaponry on a range the nephew had set up out back of their house. This nephew is ex-army and ex-law enforcement, hence the interest in weapons. We fired a couple of .22 pistols, a rifle of the same caliber with a spotting scope, a 9mm Glock pistol and an M15, the civilian version of the M16 army weapon.<br /><br />It has been a long time since my army days and I was a bit rusty but did OK for an old codger. It was a good outing and a type that I don’t get to do much at home because of the nearness of civilization. I have fired my shotguns down around the pond, but the pellets don’t travel far at all and wouldn’t endanger others.<br /><br />Later in the afternoon I took GM1 back over and she got to fire most of the same weapons – she was very impressed – she had been babysitting the first session. Between these two sessions of exploding ammo we took the young ones to my cousin’s saw mill to show them what this was like. The GMs and I hiked back through the woods on the aunt’s property to get to that location. YD and SSIL drove the van to bring them back.<br /><br />The last time I saw his business it was not operational since it was still under construction. This time it was in full operation and the young ones were very impressed as well as mesmerized by the operation of this large piece of machinery. My cousin operated the saw with joysticks in a control room overlooking the saw. The logs were loaded on a frame that pulled them in to be loaded into the sawing clamps one at a time.<br /><br />I had not seen one of these saws in operation either and very was impressed as well. The width and thickness of the sawed planks were determined by a computer and were only limited by the size of the log from which they were sawn. The logs are bought by weight and the boards sold for several purposes. One of the main products he cuts is crossties for railroad tracks – other products depend on the size of the sawed boards.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf15ummlXE70w0RtYkTKa3Y7jo7VictjTL0FFvsh5ov9P1uYBe5EIWc1EiD0ja3ar35OzZOfK0Y79ty-V3EBqaJ1cwxdtdJ2oQe9TD8Zl6yWxFhnJ_1hoVyNyMMjTIWB8CqUVZtA/s1600-h/IMG_0070.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326588416405414306" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf15ummlXE70w0RtYkTKa3Y7jo7VictjTL0FFvsh5ov9P1uYBe5EIWc1EiD0ja3ar35OzZOfK0Y79ty-V3EBqaJ1cwxdtdJ2oQe9TD8Zl6yWxFhnJ_1hoVyNyMMjTIWB8CqUVZtA/s320/IMG_0070.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />All rode back in the van except for GM4 and I – we hiked back through the woods just for the adventure and exercise of it. They met us at my aunt’s and after a visit there; they went back to my sister’s. Betwixt and between all the adventures, I chatted much with my aunt as well as my sister. My uncle passed away a little over a year ago and although she is 88, my aunt is managing fairly well and lives there alone.<br /><br />Family relationships can be a wonderful blessing from God and our visit continued to be blessed. TBC ec<br /><br />PS – The photo is of GM4 – the adventurer – up an old plum tree.</div>mreddiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06866616193923580617noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13875779.post-17594509518775708522009-04-16T23:35:00.003-04:002009-04-16T23:39:44.823-04:00MS 0409<div><br /><br /><div>YD and her family wanted to go to the area in Mississippi from which I emanated – on what would have to be considered a “roots” journey. She wanted me to go to show her family many of the places I knew back when I was a young sprout – as well as visiting some kin that are starting to get older. We decided to take two vehicles because one would be too crowded and nobody wanted to ride tied to the top of the van.<br /><br />When we arrived at YD’s on Saturday AM, April 4th, two young ones were appointed to ride with us on the way out and the other two would do so on the way back – which was fine with us. Our route was via I-20 most of the way and by some sort of miracle, our first stop was at the Alabama welcome center, about 200 miles from home. YD had packed some items for sandwiches and we had a picnic there at one of the outdoor tables.<br /><br />This stop also allowed the young ones to expel some of the pent up energy that is always part of a long trip for young ones. Next stop was for fuel and other necessary functions just on the other side of Birmingham. Only one other stop was made, this was about 10 miles from our destination and it was to allow GM1 to drive the last few miles for practice, since she is approaching 16 and time for a driver’s license. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3pnF_7GwMFmGM8yQXkuq_IVY-4qYnFux9oGfje0SiTXsXbdYXAfgF5BAAdjN-cFkO1Dx3R-lyRTLLMuRLfIY5jYsc5j2aIj1vk-CeAM_ZIfN1lUOxzgk-X7ghp6VxZGPrXtkUsw/s1600-h/IMG_0075%5B1%5D.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325499444394056306" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3pnF_7GwMFmGM8yQXkuq_IVY-4qYnFux9oGfje0SiTXsXbdYXAfgF5BAAdjN-cFkO1Dx3R-lyRTLLMuRLfIY5jYsc5j2aIj1vk-CeAM_ZIfN1lUOxzgk-X7ghp6VxZGPrXtkUsw/s320/IMG_0075%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Our first stop was at my aunt’s house to let her see the three young lads that she had never seen – she had seen the younger version of GM1 several years earlier. After a while we went on over to my sister’s place for an evening of visiting and had supper with her. YD, SSIL and their four young ones stayed there for the night and the Spice and I went back to my aunt’s place to bunk.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibV3ysucZoM5AlLbwfkNtXEEONmtAaJXMXsW4JX3KqrwX5vjfO1wdJ3PBoc73bw7aX_LQjJa6aZLPmZcENX8I1p2xZ6WxGpGpTcIMYltRl9ZUv0QjrIZ8bZI8vUNAa2jyqmQGsTw/s1600-h/IMG_0069%5B1%5D.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325499441804308786" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibV3ysucZoM5AlLbwfkNtXEEONmtAaJXMXsW4JX3KqrwX5vjfO1wdJ3PBoc73bw7aX_LQjJa6aZLPmZcENX8I1p2xZ6WxGpGpTcIMYltRl9ZUv0QjrIZ8bZI8vUNAa2jyqmQGsTw/s320/IMG_0069%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />On Sunday afternoon we went to the country cemetery where many of my kin are buried. We started at my Mon and Dad’s grave site and continued with my grandparents and great-grandparents. Several great uncles and aunts are also interred there, including one great uncle that got killed along with a friend of his in some sort of train accident. There were possibly traveling as hobos and were in the wrong place at the wrong time.<br /><br />We wandered all over the cemetery looking for kin for several hours. SSIL had brought his metal detector and searched around the old adjoining church for any lost objects underground. The young ones tired of this adventure and since we brought both vehicles, the ladies took them back to their place of stay and I took SSIL to the rural community center built on the site of an old grammar school to check for buried stuff there.<br /><br />In the evening we visited with my cousin – the one that years ago introduced me to the girl that later became Tammy Wynette – she was an excellent singer even back then and we saw each other most every day for the two weeks I was down there. We spoke of these things and many others, past and present. The day ended with a multitude of memories tumbling through the mind. But God is still good and that all the time. TBC ec<br /><br />PS – The photos are of YD and family seated on the hearth of my aunt’s fireplace and of GM3, 4 and 6 clowning it up a bit at the old home place. The aforementioned fireplace is made from field stones found on their property years ago.</div></div>mreddiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06866616193923580617noreply@blogger.com4