June 1, 2007

I am still basking in the sweetness that comes from spending special time with good friends. I had lunch a a super restaurant just off I 64 near my former home. Two dear friends drove over from Staunton and Charlottesville to dine with me. Bash went too but stayed in the car in a shady spot nearby. He had a vet appt. this afternoon so rather than drive all the way back to Ashland, I took him along. He was fine sleeping in the front seat of the car. We had an incredibly delicious Sweet Red Pepper Crab Bisque that stole the show. Then we split sandwiches. If that wasn't enough, we shared a home made Creme Brulee. The sugar on the top had been carmelized with a torch and the custard was very light. Yum! We parted with the promise of spending more time together in the fall when I return. I have several other friends in the VA mountains that I haven't been able to connect with in over a year. I have lots of catching up to do in the fall.

I am very excited and grateful to see the rain moving into Florida and Georgia. I mentioned in my previous blogs how dry it was and the many fires I saw as I rolled up through that area. They may get 5" out of TS Barry.

Good news this morning. The insurance company called to say they would cover my loss all but the deductible. Sigh!! That worry gone. Now it is time to begin checking air pressure in the tires of Bearfoot as well as the car (toad). I need to go out to NAPA and pick up some oil and coolant just in case I need a little. I have already added coolant. The hot weather and the mountains combined to make Bearfoot need a bit of fluid. That old Diesel thrives on heat but it does need to drink occasionally.

Went to my Granddaughter's broadway show choir spring concert last eve. What a thrill to experience the talent of this new generation of high school students. I do believe that they have evolved over the years as I have watched. The talent is of a quality nearing professionalism and in some cases is over the top. The American Idol's are right here in our back yard. Most of the kids in this group which is approximately 80 students are going on to pursue music degrees.

Bash checked out at the vet's with a blue ribbon health check. He has gained a couple of pounds. We think that is due to the new very healthy food I am feeding him. I thought I was feeding him the best for the last 5 years but he kept getting ear infections. I blamed them on the groomer not drying his ears but turns out it was an allergy to corn and wheat. We switched to Nutro which is even more expensive but it doesn't have any corn or wheat. It is made with brown rice, chicken, lamb, veggies and fruits. He likes it but the vet said he is utilizing more of his food now, therefore the weight gain. I cut him back. Gee, I wish someone would cut my good food back when I gain weight.

I will post again before we the big wheels roll again on Tues.

May 30, 2007

My time here in the Commonwealth is winding down. Seeing friends, family and doctors. Yuck! But necessary not just at my age but at every age. I only pass through this area twice a year. I tend to stay longer in the fall. I am not as eager to go further south in September. I have not been able to connect with many friends on this trip due to the repairs I had to make but will do so on the flip side.

I found this quote sometime ago and wanted to share it with you. "Nothing is dead for sure, for it is I, not my bones that endure." I like it very much.

I am expecting a dear friend from the past for lunch today. I put the tablecloth on the picnic table under my awning. I think we will eat out there since it is cool until about 4p.m. when the sun comes in there. The temps here now are higher than normal at about 88 degrees late in the afternoon. No rain in sight. I am trying to get an appointment for Bash to have a bath and clip before we go north next week. He is wearing a little bit of everywhere we have been since his last bath which was in Tampa over a month ago.

We had a Prevost coach come in here last night that was 45' long but almost 14' high and hauling a huge Hummer. The whole thing was brand spanking new which we don't always see with a Bus. Very often they are older and have been refurbished since they are almost indestructable. This also has two huge slide out rooms. The compartment doors underneath are taller than I am. The windshield goes all the way to the top of the coach. It looks like a two story. They had a difficult time getting in here without hitting branches. She said they were headed to Westpoint Academy. I can't imagine who they could be or why they would want something like that. The whole package is well over a million dollars. Even if I had the money, I wouldn't want it.

I want to share this photo of Red Hot Pokers I took in the mountains of TN. I didn't know what they were until my friend told me. They are amazing plants. I went for a sleep over with a dear friend here the other night. Bash went with me. We were walking outside admiring her gardens when I spotted a bright yellow bird in the bush. Turned out it was dead. Apparently, the victim of hitting a window glass. We took it inside, got out the books, measured it and admired the beauty of it. It was a Yellow Breasted Chat. Very, very lovely. Very sad to have that happen.

Have a wonderful Wednesday. Hump day, right? I guess it is for all the working folks.

A tribute to the Hokies

Driver and Navigator aboard the Bearfoot V in line for repair last week.

May 28, 2007

Prayer and honor to our troops everywhere!!
I am sitting outside watching Live on my outdoor TV (A TV that was mine but loaned to my granddaughter who really didn't use it) and receiving free WiFi from some good soul nearby. Whoever it is shut down for the weekend. I was desolate but they are home again and turned on. Thank you! I went for a nice bike ride this morning in the nearby industrial park. It was quiet since they are all off today. I have been transporting my several plants that I had in FL all winter. Everywhere I have stopped, I move them outside. I have been here a week and noticed this morning some large ants on the picnic table near the plants. Upon moving the plants, a nest of ants was revealed undernearth. I shook them out and swept them away but am still a bit squeamish about having had them in the shower during the trip. If they were there, they must have stayed put since I haven't seen them before. The question is what to do with them now?

I want to share my photos of the Pow Wow at the Chickahominy and Mataponi grounds southeast of Richmond down on the Mataponi River where Chief Powahatan reined in the 17th century. Capt. John Smith and Pocahantas also spent time there. It is powerful sacred ground. The pictures I have are of the fancy dancers. Their costumes are very meaningful and personal. I also have a video/audio of the drumming but not sure I can share on this site.