We had a fairly productive day yesterday. The weather played in our favor - so - we took advantage of it all!
While Dwayne was on his trip to Home Depot - I managed to get two loaves of Zucchini bread baked. While that was in the oven - I got the country style ribs set up and soaking in the marinade I put together.
The pups and I headed off for a walk around the hay field before Dwayne made it back. This was the first day I’ve tried turning Carlie loose with the radio collar. I took her other collar and leash - just in case. But she did absolutely wonderful!
I got a couple loads of laundry done and a little cleaning around the house. Afterwards - I headed out to the tractor-mower and hit the areas that Dwayne hadn’t mowed - yet. He was busy with the construction of the base for our chicken coop.
Here’s the view I posted yesterday.
Here’s the view I shot this morning. The sun has just come up and Dwayne’s waiting for a bit of all the dew to dry before heading back out to get more construction completed.
These are what was left after Hubby and I finished eating last night! What better way to welcome a gorgeous day - other than yanking out that smoker! I posted the recipe for my marinade used on these Country-Style Pork Ribs and you can get the recipe by clicking right here!
Time to get in gear. We’re having another gorgeous day! I’m shocked! Time to get ready and cram as much on the list as I can!
Okay now - get a good look - and lock it in! Because it’s going away today!
Hubby’s probably just now walking inside Home Depot to buy lumber. He’s going to frame out our new chicken coop today. And this is the spot where our cluckers will be residing!
Well - when they’re not out and about in the portable chicken tractor so they can free-range.
We took a better look at the plans we printed out from the University of Tennessee Agriculture Department. This hutch has no means for being able to remain outside to collect eggs without disturbing any Biddies that might be brooding. I’m just not into the idea of a fur ball fight with some bird - because I’d win. I might be a tad bit scratched up. But I’d win - because I wouldn’t be the one going into the freezer!
Anyway - we figured out how to tweak some changes into the plans that will enable me to remain outside - and simply open a little door and reach in to collect the eggs. That will allow - even the bitchiest - hen to live a little longer. Aren’t we being sweet!!
We’re having a gorgeous morning. If we had three in a row - I don’t think I’d be able to stop myself from behaving like some tween-age girl at a Jonas Brothers concert.
We spent time viewing a few other weather maps on the Internet yesterday. WBIR’s weather team has swapped out their entire radar map program with some other “ new and improved “ program.
In essence - it falls right into that category very well! Or have you heard? The definition of “ new and improved “ has changed! It now means “ newly enhanced with concentrated amounts of BTFU compounds. “
You figure it out.
We felt the need to do so - before coming to the conclusion that it just might be safe enough to thaw out some country-style pork ribs. Yeah - we are so ready to yank out that smoker!
So - this morning I mixed up some of my own concocted marinade to soak the ribs in until we get ready to plop those puppies on the smoker rack this evening. I want to get a shot of the finished product before I share on my recipe page. That comes tomorrow!
I had two loaves of zucchini bread in the oven while I mixed up the marinade and prepped the ribs.
I had breakfast before I’d even began putting the bread batter together.
And THAT - entitled me to this piece! Hey - I compromised. I didn’t smear any cream cheese all over a whole side!
The recipe I used called for raisins or nuts - which were optional. I left out the nuts - Hubby turns into a 3 yr. old when it comes to nuts - “ I don’t like it ! “ But I did trade the raisins for dried cranberries! And Hubby pigs out over that idea!
Well - off to swap loads in the washer and dryer. Have a great day!
Yesterday morning - I sent out a prayer request for one of the girls I keep up with. What would some of us do without Blog Lists - especially Jessika?!
If you’ve ever had the experience - it’s like riding B.A.R.T. - in the Bay Area of California - to get from Pleasanton to San Leandro. Each morning - many bloggers wake up to a cup of coffee and sitting down to enjoy reading the daily postings from fellow bloggers. Only - with everyone having their own schedules - which vary in ways that have their own leavenings and spice - I find myself going back and forth to my list to see who else has accomplished hitting that “ Publish “ button.
Seems like only minutes separated Jessika’s two postings for yesterday morning. I’d enjoyed reading the first one - only to come back to see if there was a fourth ready from someone else - when I was surprised by finding her second posting - with an absolutely alarming plea.
Knowing the recent trouble she’s had with one of the many heifers that have calved - so far this year - my first thought was possible disappointment that something had reversed into total mayhem or seriousness with that situation. And believe me - it was a situation - unique enough that there are many women I know whom would not have such courage. It takes a lot of courage to have a heifer giving birth for the first time - practically beating the hell out of you on a daily basis - with her hooves - not understanding that you are simply trying to show her how to nurse her baby - and participate in this new - and normal - experience of - milking.
This on top of other chores - other animals - more fur babies being born - having a husband - five children - and one toddler with Type 1 Diabetes.
There’s more to the story behind this woman and the commitment of her heart - soul - and efforts that she stitches into her daily life. And that’s why the reason for compounded concern - even ten times more - when her 3 year old baby girl with Type 1 Diabetes ends up in danger - and the world must stop while she is rushed to the hospital.
Mind you - they live out in the country - with a serious drive to town.
So many times - I feel like folks in my immediate circle take it personal if they do not hear from me - or - don't understand when I seem to have dropped off the face of the earth - or - become totally detached from the world.
The truth is - committing to moving out of the city and way out into the country can be like moving to another planet. With living in the country and developing the intended self-sustainable existence comes great responsibility for the care of animals and more.
The job can eat all of your time - and at times - rob you of precious hours meant for sleep.
When you have livestock - you cannot find babysitters. And you cannot leave them unattended overnight. It's far from having children.
Such existence is approaching in my life - very, very soon.
There was an eleven hour spread between the post requesting prayers and the posting with an update of Jessika's terrible situation - which came late last night.
Besides reading the update found here - I ask you to take time going back into Jessika’s previous posts. I promise you - a moment will come when you realize you’ve been shaking your head without even knowing. And you’ll be asking yourself - “ How in the world does she do all this ? “
I will give you the answer right here.
It’s Love - inside the Heart of a woman.
I could listen to this man sing this song all day long! Only He would understand that one. How long has it been since this one came out? Hmmm... seems like it was only last week. Sounds like it - anyway!
It's not. This is the view from our back porch. We can see all the way to Cookeville and down to Chattanooga.
Already - the winds have become so bad that the dogs shied and begged to come inside the house.
If the winds become any worse - we'll need to step out onto the front porch and take down the porch swing. We've already had a couple of close calls threatening the living room window!
This mess could end up bringing out the red flags in today's NASCAR race preparing to start in Martinsville, Virginia.
Needless to say - it puts nothing but kinks in our hopes for a day of getting anything accomplished outside.
I'm sure glad we're not planning on ordering chicks until June. But this sure is putting a cramp in my side over not being able to layout the garden sections to prepare for planting.
Too many times - I hear bloggers making the comment that they prefer to stay away from discussing politics and religion in their postings. Some prefer to keep it all wrapped up pretty with a bow - even if it is ticking.
For me - I prefer to stand tall on the philosophy of - “ To thine own self be true. “
And if there’s something eating at me - I’ll be damned if I’m gonna sit there - leaving it in my gut until it eats me alive. I’m an American. Nuh- uh! No! Not me! I’m gonna take advantage my right to freedom of speech.
Remember that phrase, “ Use it - or - lose it ! “
I’m not gonna be one of those refraining from using it - giving perfect excuse for some creep to come take it away!
This past week has been such an eye-opening experience for me. I no longer resent the isolation from living out in the country - which has worked really hard at attempting to drive me nuts.
I really don’t care to find myself in massive crowds of people - ever again - considering the behavior that has taken place - coming from the souls of assumed “ Grown Adults “ in this country - simply because they’ve been slightly removed from being able to hold others down and out.
This behavior is wrong. And we all know it’s wrong. The ones choosing to behave badly know - especially - that it’s just - wrong.
Instead - I’m learning to count my blessings three times more than usual. And I’m seeing necessity in working even harder to turn this place into a self-sustainable existence for Hubby and I - quickly as possible.
The depth of dirty - ugly - uncalled for - criminal behavior happening out there is - insane. Every grown adult participating - even all the political figures in this country - should consider the fact that they have spit on their parents - their grandparents - and all others before them.
Our past family members - going all the way back to the first boat load that showed up - NEVER had intentions of this kind of behavior - EVER - becoming the reason for living in this country.
I have been considered a Registered Republican. Not any longer. That fact was blown out the window by the antics that came through my television - and into my home - over this past couple of weeks.
I will no longer be voting for any Republicans - period.
And it remains to be seen - whether or not I will be voting Democrat. At this point - I’m ready to take my vote away from both parties.
Health care is not the only issue needing serious reform in this country.
We got a lot of souls in this country - in high social - corporate and political places - missing something in their lives.
Otherwise - this terrible behavior would not be happening.
There's a link at the bottom of this post for comments. You'll find it just under today's video that I'm sharing. I would appreciate hearing from folks about how all this behavior has them feeling. Is it having an effect on your voting preferences? If so - how?
This morning has brought me to an experience with a thought - well - more like - a question. Yeah. I guess you could call it a question - one that came to me for examination from a direction I never even dreamed would ever happen for myself.
At some point in life - most of us examine the question, “ Where would you like to be five years from now ? “
Well - this morning I was pondering, “ Where were you five years ago - before today ? “
My answer - “ Wondering where we’d be in five years - after that day. “
Are you keeping up?
Let’s try this.
Five years ago - around this very month of that year - we were renting a home in an historic neighborhood inside Maryville, Tennessee. In fact - we lived on the same street where Senator Lamar Alexander (R) Tennessee was born and raised - only a few houses away.
I’ve always carried the philosophy that it doesn’t matter if you rent or own the house you're living in. Above all else - it is your home - where you dwell on a daily basis. Therefore - take care of it as your home.
The yard was huge at this house. And bare. Being the avid gardener that I am - it drove me nuts - living in this house - with a totally empty canvas - just waiting for someone - like me.
And it was spring 2005 - when I put my foot down and decided to set up this flowerbed.
I don’t think Hubby and I will ever forget the infuriating challenge of dumping that “ topsoil “ from the back of our 4x4 to get it piled and spread into this shape. It was wet. It was heavy. It was a pain in the…
Anyway.
I decided to make sure I got photos of progression through the seasons. I always love looking at the before - during - and full fledged bounty effects from my gardening labors!
The fruit of our labors became even more special - when we opted for using it as a back drop for the Senior Prom that my youngest daughter - Jennifer - attended.
Her date’s name was - Tommy - the Bad Boy. No - I’m just kidding! ( Hey - I’m excused. I’m the girl’s mother ! )
( There's another photo with Tommy leaning sideways - into Jen - like he's gonna fall over. Too funny ! )
And they went with friends.
And I - still - thank God - because He held a particular hellacious thunderstorm at bay - long enough for us to get all those fun photos! And because my daughter made it home safe and sound - after - Prom Night.
This shot was taken at the point of spring thinking about moving into to summer.
( The fuzzy stuff under the canopy of the tree is the sprinkler - sprinkling ! )
And this shot was taken around the first week of September in that year!
And then - the owner’s daughter drove by.
And then - the end of October came.
And then - we were given thirty ( 30 ) DAYS to get the hell out of that house. They said the daughter liked what we’d done with the yard so much that she wanted to buy that house.
But we know the truth.
Mommy and Daddy had lots of land - and houses - and - no more money.
Moral of the story - “ If you don’t believe in Karma - you better become familiar with it. Because - it happens - always - and always ten fold. “
We ended up leaving behind the swing that Hubby built. But - we also ended up coming out on the better end. That’s all I’m gonna say about that.
As for the question - the answer is obvious. We’ve come a long way, Baby!!
It's that time of year. The List - it begins to kick in. Our eyes begin to focus on the skies even more so.
" What can we get done today ? "
The top of our list includes the following -
Upright Freezer / Beef -
Currently - I’m keeping my eyes peeking into listings at Craigslist for a commercial size used upright freezer.
We’ve found Webb Family Farms in Middle Tennessee. The rancher of this farm raises “ All Natural “ beef . He’s a very responsible guy - with a lot of knowledge.
He’s one already teaching about the “ loopholes “ that the food producing industry has already taken advantage of - by jerking the customer around with - buzz words - that have nothing behind them to back them up - honestly.
He educates visitors to his website about the differences between “ Organic “ versus “ All Natural “ with some very disturbing facts.
We’ve decided to buy a side of beef from him - off the hoof - after we find a freezer - as soon as he has steers ready.
He will butcher and package whichever way we choose. We also get the option of keeping any of the carcass. And his prices are fair enough that we save money in the long run - compared to the prices we’re currently paying at the grocery stores.
Chicken Coop / Yard -
I would imagine this will be the project that will be taken care of during this next run of days off. The only barrier we could come up against would be - rain.
We found a really cool set of plans from the website for the University of Tennessee Institute for Agriculture. This coop will hold 25 - 40 layers.
Chicks / Supplies -
The schedule for this issue is up in the air. But we do know we’ll be buying our chicks in late spring. I have some personal issues in front of me - ( one of them being surgery ) - that are coming up and / or are already going on - which cannot be ignored.
We have no family - or - friends / neighbors - located here and / or able to watch over our place. It’s just the two of us - which makes it pretty rough when something like surgery comes up. We may have to unplug from the universe for a while. But the world will survive - same as us.
Portable Chicken Run -
We have an issue with a neighbor neglecting pasture beside our property. Coyotes seem to have discovered a perfect place for squatting.
We - also - have plenty of red tail hawks - as well as other varmints. They consider poultry to be - their - fair game.
In order to find compromise in our wishes for raising free-range poultry for meat and eggs - we’ve decided to construct a protable PVC chicken run ( like this one - only bigger ) that can be moved from place to place.
This enables the birds to have a constant supply of bugs and such for their diet - not to mention a change of scenery for avoiding boredom and anxiety.
Like a daytime baby playpen at McDonalds - only - in the Chicken Version!
We may get this project accomplished shortly after finishing the chicken coop. But we have plenty of time. In fact - we’ll have several weeks of time even after the chicks arrive. Babies must spend some time in a heated brooder until they’re big enough to make it on their own.
Gutters / Water Recovery -
This is an issue for me. Water is precious here. With two huge metal roofs on a log home and a barn - what better source!
We’ll be contracting a company that comes out to the location to custom measure and cut seamless gutters for the front and back of the house. From there - we’ll be concocting our own water recovery source for the rainwater to travel and store.
Tractor / Trailer -
This is the “ Biggie, Jr.” - as I call it. We won’t have time to bust dirt for extending the garden this year. But we’ll be able to start preparing for next year.
Once the second cutting of hay has been taken care of - we’ll begin busting up the hay field.
I’m not sure when - exactly - but at some point - Hubby wants to contract a bulldozer to come in and clear the fence lines. Attempts to do so by hand have proved futile - considering the fact that there’s so much more on the list to resolve - and there’s only the two of us.
Pressure Canner -
I’m ordering one of these from WalMart - sometime before any harvest begins this year.
And I’m a tad bit anxious about this one. I’ve never canned with anything but a water bath. However - my goal in moving on to a pressure canner is for more than one reason.
I’m able to can so many more veggies. I'm able to can many more jars at one time. I’m able to can so much more variety of foods - such as soups - meats - stews - tomato sauce - spaghetti sauce - alfredo sauce - you name it!
At the same time - pressure canning allows us to store food in ways that keep from needing so much freezer space.
And the best reward I’m looking forward to with this goal - the taste of the food is absolutely wonderful - and so much more delicious - compared to anything in a metal can. No more metallic taste in the foods! Ahhhhh !
Wood-Burning Stove -
I lost this fight last year. I will not lose again. And I think this year’s utility bill just may have helped me out. Hubby wasn’t too pleased with the game played this year.
The cost for electricity jumped in our area. The price for natural gas took a serious dive - all opposite of what happened last year.
But we do know that electricity is going to soar - even more - insanely more - in the near future.
We have a governor that just has no backbone and does not follow through with supporting and leading the people of this state. He gets a law passed that's intended to prevent TVA from passing the bill on to its customers. And then - turns his eyes away from the viewing stand.
" But it looks good - doesn't it ! "
Naturally - the mind of Satan takes the lead. TVA is forcing customers to eat the billions of dollars in debt they created - themselves - with their coal ash spill nightmare. Once again - our wallets end up being legally raped by capitalistic thieves!
I intend on fighting them at their sickening game.
We’re looking more favorably at a soapstone wood-burning stove. Click here to check it out. At the same time - scroll down their page further to see the sink and counter tops I want put into our kitchen!
Tear Down Barn / Relocate -
This project has become - more or less - one of the markers in our journey through buying this place.
And that will be covered in another post!
But for now - this helps manage all the other projects. It helps others see the enormity in the challenge we’ve taken upon ourselves.
This goal of moving our barn shows the rhetoric that the seasons demand of our time and commitment. There is no time for folly - only necessities to complete - and - necessities to repeat.
The beauty in our goal of moving the barn - there are other creative measures we can take advantage of - for being able to go forward with in our wish for bringing on the goats - and maybe - rabbits!
For now - I think the list is long enough! We still need more sunshine and dry air before we can groom our garden for planting!
While taking the offer of sunshine and 69* temperatures yesterday - compromising with acceptance of the pesky chilly breezes - I managed to get out and clean up a portion of one of my flowerbeds.
Despite the pleasant warmth of the sun - the soil was a force to be reckoned with. We have a blend that can become a problem - sandy - mixed with clay. It is a clay used for making pottery - the most dense - the most infuriating for any gardener.
And that clay works hand in hand with - rock - the kind with a size for sitting upon - the kind that could challenge the macho of - several - 4x4 redneck pickup monster trucks.
( For those of you that have been to our place - Notice anything different ? )
You tread softly when this soil is totally soaked. Mess with it too much - it breaks down to nothing but solid brick when it dries. It will bring roots to the point of screaming - ear piercing sounds that come boiling from below the ground surface. This broken-down clay brick rises - in jubilation - with a howling laughter that sends cows running for the barn - and their blankie - upon the sight of teardrops and fainting from lush flowering plants and shrubs.
And then the mind - totally consumed with gardening fears - wakes up from that nightmare - and waits for April 15th before planting anything in East Tennessee!
It’s as if winter had one last major round of pissing enough to soak the soil’s water table six feet deep. And that only tells me one thing. Mother Nature knows how to push my buttons. And if she’s not careful - I will cover every inch of this ten acres with something that will fire back on her - and bless me ten-fold!
( Notice the tree between the barn and the front of the truck. )
It’s absolutely amazing - how much you can change a view - with a chainsaw.
It’s amazing how much a felled tree can save you money that would - otherwise - be spent on truckloads of fill-dirt! Ah - but will it survive long enough to cover it up?
Or - will it meet with the wrath of swaggering rednecks holding aluminum cans in one hand - and matches in another - for a July 4th Bonfire?
We shall see. We shall see.
For now - we take pleasure in knowing we are responsible for ridding this world of one more junk tree that only maintained a loyal friendship to the Woolly Aphid - major opponent doing great damage to the population of those beautiful Eastern Hemlocks in our Great Smoky Mountains.
Take that, Mother Nature!
More brush and small trees were removed from the front area of our property to keep our main power line safe. And Hubby put that little John Deere tractor-mower to the test out in the hay field. I should have gone out there to shoot photos of that challenge.
We always keep the edge of the hay field mowed down for walking. However - we had a round of growth following the second cut of hay - last year - that turned the entire field thick. I can just imagine that tractor-mower looking like it was bouncing on a pile of pillows.
All in all - yesterday allowed us to get a few things accomplished - and went very well - until I got a phone call. Not to worry - wasn’t the person that called, what-so-ever. Love getting phone calls from that one!!!
Naw… it was the subject matter. Sometimes - digging deep to grasp one’s sense of humor can rescue them from tears - even loads of tears - caused by holes - for a while - anyway.
But - it will be nice - when we - finally - get that tractor.
And it will be nice - when we get this barn moved....
from here...
and - from here...
to the other side of this hole - so we can fill it in and proceed with all our other plans.
It’s a time in this year when all we can do in this household is - shake our heads.
The weather - finally - takes a manageable turn that will facilitate allowing us to accomplish building our chicken coop.
But - Hubby has to go back to work.
His days off will come back around.
And watch. It will pour down rain - again - as usual. Maybe even throw down more snow.
We have no choice.
For us - when the allowable weather shows up - we must drop everything else - and cram our list - as much as we possibly can - down the throat of a single day.
So far - we’ve not been so fortunate. And it’s frustrating.
We’ve only managed to get a turn of dirt in the garden - which occurred a few weeks ago. Finally - we just gave up on Mother Nature’s bout with hormones and pruned our fruit trees. Thank God - they’re too young for fruit and their growth is all we need concern ourselves. We managed to get some junk trees and brush removed from our utility pole and the fence line in the front of our property.
It will be a few more months before we can buy a tractor. Hence - we’ve had to arrange letting Terry and his parents cut our hay this year - again. We’ll be getting a portion of bales for the chicken coop and garden this time.
I can only hope we manage to get our planting done in time this year.
More and more - Hubby's comments about having somebody just bulldoze the fence lines for the hay pasture are beginning to win my vote.
Weekends are precious around our home. With Hubby’s work schedule rolling - we don’t get to count on weekends.
So - it’s always a treat when those particular days off come around! Especially the ones with gorgeous weather - which makes 'em even double rare - almost raw - around here. ( inside joke )
The earth stops. We start checking for events - unless they fall into our laps. Such was the case with this weekend’s event. It came to find us - and - what else can I say? We just got lucky!
March Madness has been going on for NCAA College Basketball. Our beloved UT VOLS have been blessed with both - the men and the ladies - making it in for all the fun!
And this year - Knoxville got the chance to watch their ladies - right from home - as they began their little road trip to take on the challenge of making it to the Final 4.
The date: March 20, 2010. The Time: 12:15pm The Place: Thompson-Boling Arena
And we were there!
Lots of photos here. Not even half of all that I shot - of course! But here goes!
The weather was absolutely gorgeous! So - we parked at the very top of the Neyland Stadium parking garage. Gave me perfect opportunity to get photos of some wonderful views!
That 3-story building is the UT Boathouse in the center. For those of you that don't know - yes - that's the Tennessee River! You can sure tell it's not Football season - yet. Otherwise - you'd see a sea of boats - all tied up with one another - tailgating on Game Day!
Here’s our favorite guy - Smokey!! Jus’ hangin’ out with the Cheerleaders. You should see this guy dance. This Dog can bust some groove with that - tail!
I could not resist! Our girls played the Austin Peay Governors for their first game. All I’ve been able to surmise since my eyes landed on this sight is - “ It takes a serious sense of humor to be an Austin Peay Cheerleader ! “ (Yes - it's pronounced 'pee'. )
It wasn’t so easy to get pics during the second half. But I tried! Ball in! ( You go, Girl ! )
Smokey doing a log roll. All the guy cheerleaders rolled him down the entire length of the court - and then back down, again! This was coming back!
And here she is - the Matriarch! I simply adore this woman! Pat Summitt reminds me - in an odd way - of the kind of mother I felt like I always had to be. Tough - and forever thinking five miles ahead.
This was after the game. We always have a tradition of having both teams meet in the middle of the court to pray together.
And the final score -
We beat the socks off of ‘em - 75 to 42 !!
Getting out of the massive mayhem and getting back to the freeway was easier than it looked like it could have been!
Next stop before heading home - Texas Roadhouse Steak House at Turkey Creek - followed by a stop by Petsmart - of course.
What would we all do with ourselves - if we could wake up one morning to lives never having one single - not even the slightest - hiccup?
For me - the mere thought - literally - gives me goose bumps. Seriously ! Especially after this morning.
I opened my eyes and put my glasses on before seeing the time posted on the cable television box - 6:30am. Instantly - electricity runs through my body - which sets off every nerve in my mouth - and voice box.
Following that - a domino effect. The stream of jolt transfers to Dwayne.
I don’t know. It initiated such a totally different effect on him - enough that it almost pissed me off! Only a few - quiet chirps - half words - gibberish - I dunno. Mellow mumbles! Yes! That’s what they were.
But I do have to give props to the man. His animation was something I would never be able to compete with!
We jumped out of bed and went nuts. All I could get out of my voice was - “ Find your phone ! Call Jay ! “ And in between all the mumbles and running around like some chicken with its head cut off - Dwayne kept spurting out “ Darrell didn’t call me ! “
Not sure about that one. This is not La Quinta Motor Inn.
I made it to the kitchen - only to find things going - blink - in the night. Clocks on the microwave and stove were blinking. And the real pisser - no lights - on the right side coffee pot.
Not a good thing for anyone waking up at 3:30 every morning to get Hubby out the door by 4:30am. But I started the coffee pot - regardless.
Or - so I thought I did.
The coffee was already made. The clock on the pot was lit up when I first walked into the kitchen. But - the little arms for the time piece were not showing. That’s when I knew - for sure - that our power had gone out. ( I hate having to reset that darn thing ! ) Yet - the coffee was already made. Hmmm….
Apparently - we’d had a power surge - or - a short outage for a couple minutes - after ( Thank you, God ! ) - the coffee was made.
Only thing left to do in the press - get somebody to answer their phone! Stan’s lucky number must be 7! Or - would that one be Dwayne’s?
Either way - we survived and Dwayne made it out the door with lunch and everything else - despite this being a morning when a puppy going through post-surgery - of all days - decides to threaten to yank your every last nerve until you go nuts - if you don’t move the baby gate out of her way.
The benefit in this crazy situation - I get to start supper a little later! Dwayne will hang over at work to make up the time.
This is supposed to be our Friday. You’d think it was Monday.
Carlie has had a big day today. She arrived at Dr. O'Brien's office around 7:30 this morning - to be spayed.
I was really surprised to see how spunky she was by the time I got there. She'd only been awake for about an hour.
She also got her rabies shot taken care of. Picked up another heartworm pill for this month. And we had her micro-chipped.
She's had a good chance to become pretty cranky - unless they did all the pricking while she was still down!
I'm keeping her in the front bathroom for the next few days. I expected to get some static out of her when I led her to the bathroom and put up the baby gate. But to my surprise - she was ready to spend some time in her comfy bed!
The photos in this posting were taken in May, 2002. At the time - I used my Minolta 35mm and had the film processed at WalMart.
It was during the latest fad of that time - being able to have your photos processed onto a CD - as well as being able to download them in zip folders from their website.
Isn’t it so amazing - how far the technology has advanced - and removed all the grainy grit! LOL
These photos were taken on the river - down from Bald River Falls in Cherokee National Park. I love driving down the river roads! And on this particular day - we just managed to get lucky enough to catch these guys having a blast!
While talking the other night on the phone with daughter - Britni - she mentioned wanting to go kayaking when she and Kevin come up with the baby next year. While all the “ Huh ? “ was running through my head - these photos came to mind. I told Brit I would get them posted for her to see.
During our conversation I mentioned details pertaining to the skills it takes for facing this stuff. Very unpredictable. Things change from year to year with the seasons - depending greatly on weather and the amount of melt-off from snow.
By the time I’d finished talking with her - and later - talking with Hubby - we came to the conclusion that it may be - canoeing - Brit would actually have in mind!
I mean - why would anyone that’s never seen such beauty before - want to spend this first chance fighting with a paddle and trying to keep from rolling upside down?
Imagine all the scenery to be completely missed!
I am so ready for spring! I’m even ready for summer!
I'm posting two videos this morning. The last photo above is one of " Baby Falls " on the Tellico River. The first video shows the fun going over this little hump!
Note** You MUST do this!!! Hit the square made by arrows - down on the right end of the toolbar for the videos. Next - Click anywhere on your desktop to begin the video. BEFORE YOU DO THAT - hit your " Esc " button on the top left corner of your keyboard to get back here after viewing the video!
The second video I'm posting this morning is of a guy spending a day with a group on the Hiwassee River! There's actually two videos - and you should be able to get to Part 2 from here.
Get ready! It's gorgeous. And it's amazing how relaxing it is to watch this video!
Now you can see why I just love living in East Tennessee!
We had a fairly productive day yesterday. The weather played in our favor - so - we took advantage of it all!
While Dwayne was on his trip to Home Depot - I managed to get two loaves of Zucchini bread baked. While that was in the oven - I got the country style ribs set up and soaking in the marinade I put together.
The pups and I headed off for a walk around the hay field before Dwayne made it back. This was the first day I’ve tried turning Carlie loose with the radio collar. I took her other collar and leash - just in case. But she did absolutely wonderful!
I got a couple loads of laundry done and a little cleaning around the house. Afterwards - I headed out to the tractor-mower and hit the areas that Dwayne hadn’t mowed - yet. He was busy with the construction of the base for our chicken coop.
Here’s the view I posted yesterday.
Here’s the view I shot this morning. The sun has just come up and Dwayne’s waiting for a bit of all the dew to dry before heading back out to get more construction completed.
These are what was left after Hubby and I finished eating last night! What better way to welcome a gorgeous day - other than yanking out that smoker! I posted the recipe for my marinade used on these Country-Style Pork Ribs and you can get the recipe by clicking right here!
Time to get in gear. We’re having another gorgeous day! I’m shocked! Time to get ready and cram as much on the list as I can!
Okay now - get a good look - and lock it in! Because it’s going away today!
Hubby’s probably just now walking inside Home Depot to buy lumber. He’s going to frame out our new chicken coop today. And this is the spot where our cluckers will be residing!
Well - when they’re not out and about in the portable chicken tractor so they can free-range.
We took a better look at the plans we printed out from the University of Tennessee Agriculture Department. This hutch has no means for being able to remain outside to collect eggs without disturbing any Biddies that might be brooding. I’m just not into the idea of a fur ball fight with some bird - because I’d win. I might be a tad bit scratched up. But I’d win - because I wouldn’t be the one going into the freezer!
Anyway - we figured out how to tweak some changes into the plans that will enable me to remain outside - and simply open a little door and reach in to collect the eggs. That will allow - even the bitchiest - hen to live a little longer. Aren’t we being sweet!!
We’re having a gorgeous morning. If we had three in a row - I don’t think I’d be able to stop myself from behaving like some tween-age girl at a Jonas Brothers concert.
We spent time viewing a few other weather maps on the Internet yesterday. WBIR’s weather team has swapped out their entire radar map program with some other “ new and improved “ program.
In essence - it falls right into that category very well! Or have you heard? The definition of “ new and improved “ has changed! It now means “ newly enhanced with concentrated amounts of BTFU compounds. “
You figure it out.
We felt the need to do so - before coming to the conclusion that it just might be safe enough to thaw out some country-style pork ribs. Yeah - we are so ready to yank out that smoker!
So - this morning I mixed up some of my own concocted marinade to soak the ribs in until we get ready to plop those puppies on the smoker rack this evening. I want to get a shot of the finished product before I share on my recipe page. That comes tomorrow!
I had two loaves of zucchini bread in the oven while I mixed up the marinade and prepped the ribs.
I had breakfast before I’d even began putting the bread batter together.
And THAT - entitled me to this piece! Hey - I compromised. I didn’t smear any cream cheese all over a whole side!
The recipe I used called for raisins or nuts - which were optional. I left out the nuts - Hubby turns into a 3 yr. old when it comes to nuts - “ I don’t like it ! “ But I did trade the raisins for dried cranberries! And Hubby pigs out over that idea!
Well - off to swap loads in the washer and dryer. Have a great day!
Yesterday morning - I sent out a prayer request for one of the girls I keep up with. What would some of us do without Blog Lists - especially Jessika?!
If you’ve ever had the experience - it’s like riding B.A.R.T. - in the Bay Area of California - to get from Pleasanton to San Leandro. Each morning - many bloggers wake up to a cup of coffee and sitting down to enjoy reading the daily postings from fellow bloggers. Only - with everyone having their own schedules - which vary in ways that have their own leavenings and spice - I find myself going back and forth to my list to see who else has accomplished hitting that “ Publish “ button.
Seems like only minutes separated Jessika’s two postings for yesterday morning. I’d enjoyed reading the first one - only to come back to see if there was a fourth ready from someone else - when I was surprised by finding her second posting - with an absolutely alarming plea.
Knowing the recent trouble she’s had with one of the many heifers that have calved - so far this year - my first thought was possible disappointment that something had reversed into total mayhem or seriousness with that situation. And believe me - it was a situation - unique enough that there are many women I know whom would not have such courage. It takes a lot of courage to have a heifer giving birth for the first time - practically beating the hell out of you on a daily basis - with her hooves - not understanding that you are simply trying to show her how to nurse her baby - and participate in this new - and normal - experience of - milking.
This on top of other chores - other animals - more fur babies being born - having a husband - five children - and one toddler with Type 1 Diabetes.
There’s more to the story behind this woman and the commitment of her heart - soul - and efforts that she stitches into her daily life. And that’s why the reason for compounded concern - even ten times more - when her 3 year old baby girl with Type 1 Diabetes ends up in danger - and the world must stop while she is rushed to the hospital.
Mind you - they live out in the country - with a serious drive to town.
So many times - I feel like folks in my immediate circle take it personal if they do not hear from me - or - don't understand when I seem to have dropped off the face of the earth - or - become totally detached from the world.
The truth is - committing to moving out of the city and way out into the country can be like moving to another planet. With living in the country and developing the intended self-sustainable existence comes great responsibility for the care of animals and more.
The job can eat all of your time - and at times - rob you of precious hours meant for sleep.
When you have livestock - you cannot find babysitters. And you cannot leave them unattended overnight. It's far from having children.
Such existence is approaching in my life - very, very soon.
There was an eleven hour spread between the post requesting prayers and the posting with an update of Jessika's terrible situation - which came late last night.
Besides reading the update found here - I ask you to take time going back into Jessika’s previous posts. I promise you - a moment will come when you realize you’ve been shaking your head without even knowing. And you’ll be asking yourself - “ How in the world does she do all this ? “
I will give you the answer right here.
It’s Love - inside the Heart of a woman.
I could listen to this man sing this song all day long! Only He would understand that one. How long has it been since this one came out? Hmmm... seems like it was only last week. Sounds like it - anyway!
It's not. This is the view from our back porch. We can see all the way to Cookeville and down to Chattanooga.
Already - the winds have become so bad that the dogs shied and begged to come inside the house.
If the winds become any worse - we'll need to step out onto the front porch and take down the porch swing. We've already had a couple of close calls threatening the living room window!
This mess could end up bringing out the red flags in today's NASCAR race preparing to start in Martinsville, Virginia.
Needless to say - it puts nothing but kinks in our hopes for a day of getting anything accomplished outside.
I'm sure glad we're not planning on ordering chicks until June. But this sure is putting a cramp in my side over not being able to layout the garden sections to prepare for planting.
Too many times - I hear bloggers making the comment that they prefer to stay away from discussing politics and religion in their postings. Some prefer to keep it all wrapped up pretty with a bow - even if it is ticking.
For me - I prefer to stand tall on the philosophy of - “ To thine own self be true. “
And if there’s something eating at me - I’ll be damned if I’m gonna sit there - leaving it in my gut until it eats me alive. I’m an American. Nuh- uh! No! Not me! I’m gonna take advantage my right to freedom of speech.
Remember that phrase, “ Use it - or - lose it ! “
I’m not gonna be one of those refraining from using it - giving perfect excuse for some creep to come take it away!
This past week has been such an eye-opening experience for me. I no longer resent the isolation from living out in the country - which has worked really hard at attempting to drive me nuts.
I really don’t care to find myself in massive crowds of people - ever again - considering the behavior that has taken place - coming from the souls of assumed “ Grown Adults “ in this country - simply because they’ve been slightly removed from being able to hold others down and out.
This behavior is wrong. And we all know it’s wrong. The ones choosing to behave badly know - especially - that it’s just - wrong.
Instead - I’m learning to count my blessings three times more than usual. And I’m seeing necessity in working even harder to turn this place into a self-sustainable existence for Hubby and I - quickly as possible.
The depth of dirty - ugly - uncalled for - criminal behavior happening out there is - insane. Every grown adult participating - even all the political figures in this country - should consider the fact that they have spit on their parents - their grandparents - and all others before them.
Our past family members - going all the way back to the first boat load that showed up - NEVER had intentions of this kind of behavior - EVER - becoming the reason for living in this country.
I have been considered a Registered Republican. Not any longer. That fact was blown out the window by the antics that came through my television - and into my home - over this past couple of weeks.
I will no longer be voting for any Republicans - period.
And it remains to be seen - whether or not I will be voting Democrat. At this point - I’m ready to take my vote away from both parties.
Health care is not the only issue needing serious reform in this country.
We got a lot of souls in this country - in high social - corporate and political places - missing something in their lives.
Otherwise - this terrible behavior would not be happening.
There's a link at the bottom of this post for comments. You'll find it just under today's video that I'm sharing. I would appreciate hearing from folks about how all this behavior has them feeling. Is it having an effect on your voting preferences? If so - how?
This morning has brought me to an experience with a thought - well - more like - a question. Yeah. I guess you could call it a question - one that came to me for examination from a direction I never even dreamed would ever happen for myself.
At some point in life - most of us examine the question, “ Where would you like to be five years from now ? “
Well - this morning I was pondering, “ Where were you five years ago - before today ? “
My answer - “ Wondering where we’d be in five years - after that day. “
Are you keeping up?
Let’s try this.
Five years ago - around this very month of that year - we were renting a home in an historic neighborhood inside Maryville, Tennessee. In fact - we lived on the same street where Senator Lamar Alexander (R) Tennessee was born and raised - only a few houses away.
I’ve always carried the philosophy that it doesn’t matter if you rent or own the house you're living in. Above all else - it is your home - where you dwell on a daily basis. Therefore - take care of it as your home.
The yard was huge at this house. And bare. Being the avid gardener that I am - it drove me nuts - living in this house - with a totally empty canvas - just waiting for someone - like me.
And it was spring 2005 - when I put my foot down and decided to set up this flowerbed.
I don’t think Hubby and I will ever forget the infuriating challenge of dumping that “ topsoil “ from the back of our 4x4 to get it piled and spread into this shape. It was wet. It was heavy. It was a pain in the…
Anyway.
I decided to make sure I got photos of progression through the seasons. I always love looking at the before - during - and full fledged bounty effects from my gardening labors!
The fruit of our labors became even more special - when we opted for using it as a back drop for the Senior Prom that my youngest daughter - Jennifer - attended.
Her date’s name was - Tommy - the Bad Boy. No - I’m just kidding! ( Hey - I’m excused. I’m the girl’s mother ! )
( There's another photo with Tommy leaning sideways - into Jen - like he's gonna fall over. Too funny ! )
And they went with friends.
And I - still - thank God - because He held a particular hellacious thunderstorm at bay - long enough for us to get all those fun photos! And because my daughter made it home safe and sound - after - Prom Night.
This shot was taken at the point of spring thinking about moving into to summer.
( The fuzzy stuff under the canopy of the tree is the sprinkler - sprinkling ! )
And this shot was taken around the first week of September in that year!
And then - the owner’s daughter drove by.
And then - the end of October came.
And then - we were given thirty ( 30 ) DAYS to get the hell out of that house. They said the daughter liked what we’d done with the yard so much that she wanted to buy that house.
But we know the truth.
Mommy and Daddy had lots of land - and houses - and - no more money.
Moral of the story - “ If you don’t believe in Karma - you better become familiar with it. Because - it happens - always - and always ten fold. “
We ended up leaving behind the swing that Hubby built. But - we also ended up coming out on the better end. That’s all I’m gonna say about that.
As for the question - the answer is obvious. We’ve come a long way, Baby!!
It's that time of year. The List - it begins to kick in. Our eyes begin to focus on the skies even more so.
" What can we get done today ? "
The top of our list includes the following -
Upright Freezer / Beef -
Currently - I’m keeping my eyes peeking into listings at Craigslist for a commercial size used upright freezer.
We’ve found Webb Family Farms in Middle Tennessee. The rancher of this farm raises “ All Natural “ beef . He’s a very responsible guy - with a lot of knowledge.
He’s one already teaching about the “ loopholes “ that the food producing industry has already taken advantage of - by jerking the customer around with - buzz words - that have nothing behind them to back them up - honestly.
He educates visitors to his website about the differences between “ Organic “ versus “ All Natural “ with some very disturbing facts.
We’ve decided to buy a side of beef from him - off the hoof - after we find a freezer - as soon as he has steers ready.
He will butcher and package whichever way we choose. We also get the option of keeping any of the carcass. And his prices are fair enough that we save money in the long run - compared to the prices we’re currently paying at the grocery stores.
Chicken Coop / Yard -
I would imagine this will be the project that will be taken care of during this next run of days off. The only barrier we could come up against would be - rain.
We found a really cool set of plans from the website for the University of Tennessee Institute for Agriculture. This coop will hold 25 - 40 layers.
Chicks / Supplies -
The schedule for this issue is up in the air. But we do know we’ll be buying our chicks in late spring. I have some personal issues in front of me - ( one of them being surgery ) - that are coming up and / or are already going on - which cannot be ignored.
We have no family - or - friends / neighbors - located here and / or able to watch over our place. It’s just the two of us - which makes it pretty rough when something like surgery comes up. We may have to unplug from the universe for a while. But the world will survive - same as us.
Portable Chicken Run -
We have an issue with a neighbor neglecting pasture beside our property. Coyotes seem to have discovered a perfect place for squatting.
We - also - have plenty of red tail hawks - as well as other varmints. They consider poultry to be - their - fair game.
In order to find compromise in our wishes for raising free-range poultry for meat and eggs - we’ve decided to construct a protable PVC chicken run ( like this one - only bigger ) that can be moved from place to place.
This enables the birds to have a constant supply of bugs and such for their diet - not to mention a change of scenery for avoiding boredom and anxiety.
Like a daytime baby playpen at McDonalds - only - in the Chicken Version!
We may get this project accomplished shortly after finishing the chicken coop. But we have plenty of time. In fact - we’ll have several weeks of time even after the chicks arrive. Babies must spend some time in a heated brooder until they’re big enough to make it on their own.
Gutters / Water Recovery -
This is an issue for me. Water is precious here. With two huge metal roofs on a log home and a barn - what better source!
We’ll be contracting a company that comes out to the location to custom measure and cut seamless gutters for the front and back of the house. From there - we’ll be concocting our own water recovery source for the rainwater to travel and store.
Tractor / Trailer -
This is the “ Biggie, Jr.” - as I call it. We won’t have time to bust dirt for extending the garden this year. But we’ll be able to start preparing for next year.
Once the second cutting of hay has been taken care of - we’ll begin busting up the hay field.
I’m not sure when - exactly - but at some point - Hubby wants to contract a bulldozer to come in and clear the fence lines. Attempts to do so by hand have proved futile - considering the fact that there’s so much more on the list to resolve - and there’s only the two of us.
Pressure Canner -
I’m ordering one of these from WalMart - sometime before any harvest begins this year.
And I’m a tad bit anxious about this one. I’ve never canned with anything but a water bath. However - my goal in moving on to a pressure canner is for more than one reason.
I’m able to can so many more veggies. I'm able to can many more jars at one time. I’m able to can so much more variety of foods - such as soups - meats - stews - tomato sauce - spaghetti sauce - alfredo sauce - you name it!
At the same time - pressure canning allows us to store food in ways that keep from needing so much freezer space.
And the best reward I’m looking forward to with this goal - the taste of the food is absolutely wonderful - and so much more delicious - compared to anything in a metal can. No more metallic taste in the foods! Ahhhhh !
Wood-Burning Stove -
I lost this fight last year. I will not lose again. And I think this year’s utility bill just may have helped me out. Hubby wasn’t too pleased with the game played this year.
The cost for electricity jumped in our area. The price for natural gas took a serious dive - all opposite of what happened last year.
But we do know that electricity is going to soar - even more - insanely more - in the near future.
We have a governor that just has no backbone and does not follow through with supporting and leading the people of this state. He gets a law passed that's intended to prevent TVA from passing the bill on to its customers. And then - turns his eyes away from the viewing stand.
" But it looks good - doesn't it ! "
Naturally - the mind of Satan takes the lead. TVA is forcing customers to eat the billions of dollars in debt they created - themselves - with their coal ash spill nightmare. Once again - our wallets end up being legally raped by capitalistic thieves!
I intend on fighting them at their sickening game.
We’re looking more favorably at a soapstone wood-burning stove. Click here to check it out. At the same time - scroll down their page further to see the sink and counter tops I want put into our kitchen!
Tear Down Barn / Relocate -
This project has become - more or less - one of the markers in our journey through buying this place.
And that will be covered in another post!
But for now - this helps manage all the other projects. It helps others see the enormity in the challenge we’ve taken upon ourselves.
This goal of moving our barn shows the rhetoric that the seasons demand of our time and commitment. There is no time for folly - only necessities to complete - and - necessities to repeat.
The beauty in our goal of moving the barn - there are other creative measures we can take advantage of - for being able to go forward with in our wish for bringing on the goats - and maybe - rabbits!
For now - I think the list is long enough! We still need more sunshine and dry air before we can groom our garden for planting!
While taking the offer of sunshine and 69* temperatures yesterday - compromising with acceptance of the pesky chilly breezes - I managed to get out and clean up a portion of one of my flowerbeds.
Despite the pleasant warmth of the sun - the soil was a force to be reckoned with. We have a blend that can become a problem - sandy - mixed with clay. It is a clay used for making pottery - the most dense - the most infuriating for any gardener.
And that clay works hand in hand with - rock - the kind with a size for sitting upon - the kind that could challenge the macho of - several - 4x4 redneck pickup monster trucks.
( For those of you that have been to our place - Notice anything different ? )
You tread softly when this soil is totally soaked. Mess with it too much - it breaks down to nothing but solid brick when it dries. It will bring roots to the point of screaming - ear piercing sounds that come boiling from below the ground surface. This broken-down clay brick rises - in jubilation - with a howling laughter that sends cows running for the barn - and their blankie - upon the sight of teardrops and fainting from lush flowering plants and shrubs.
And then the mind - totally consumed with gardening fears - wakes up from that nightmare - and waits for April 15th before planting anything in East Tennessee!
It’s as if winter had one last major round of pissing enough to soak the soil’s water table six feet deep. And that only tells me one thing. Mother Nature knows how to push my buttons. And if she’s not careful - I will cover every inch of this ten acres with something that will fire back on her - and bless me ten-fold!
( Notice the tree between the barn and the front of the truck. )
It’s absolutely amazing - how much you can change a view - with a chainsaw.
It’s amazing how much a felled tree can save you money that would - otherwise - be spent on truckloads of fill-dirt! Ah - but will it survive long enough to cover it up?
Or - will it meet with the wrath of swaggering rednecks holding aluminum cans in one hand - and matches in another - for a July 4th Bonfire?
We shall see. We shall see.
For now - we take pleasure in knowing we are responsible for ridding this world of one more junk tree that only maintained a loyal friendship to the Woolly Aphid - major opponent doing great damage to the population of those beautiful Eastern Hemlocks in our Great Smoky Mountains.
Take that, Mother Nature!
More brush and small trees were removed from the front area of our property to keep our main power line safe. And Hubby put that little John Deere tractor-mower to the test out in the hay field. I should have gone out there to shoot photos of that challenge.
We always keep the edge of the hay field mowed down for walking. However - we had a round of growth following the second cut of hay - last year - that turned the entire field thick. I can just imagine that tractor-mower looking like it was bouncing on a pile of pillows.
All in all - yesterday allowed us to get a few things accomplished - and went very well - until I got a phone call. Not to worry - wasn’t the person that called, what-so-ever. Love getting phone calls from that one!!!
Naw… it was the subject matter. Sometimes - digging deep to grasp one’s sense of humor can rescue them from tears - even loads of tears - caused by holes - for a while - anyway.
But - it will be nice - when we - finally - get that tractor.
And it will be nice - when we get this barn moved....
from here...
and - from here...
to the other side of this hole - so we can fill it in and proceed with all our other plans.
It’s a time in this year when all we can do in this household is - shake our heads.
The weather - finally - takes a manageable turn that will facilitate allowing us to accomplish building our chicken coop.
But - Hubby has to go back to work.
His days off will come back around.
And watch. It will pour down rain - again - as usual. Maybe even throw down more snow.
We have no choice.
For us - when the allowable weather shows up - we must drop everything else - and cram our list - as much as we possibly can - down the throat of a single day.
So far - we’ve not been so fortunate. And it’s frustrating.
We’ve only managed to get a turn of dirt in the garden - which occurred a few weeks ago. Finally - we just gave up on Mother Nature’s bout with hormones and pruned our fruit trees. Thank God - they’re too young for fruit and their growth is all we need concern ourselves. We managed to get some junk trees and brush removed from our utility pole and the fence line in the front of our property.
It will be a few more months before we can buy a tractor. Hence - we’ve had to arrange letting Terry and his parents cut our hay this year - again. We’ll be getting a portion of bales for the chicken coop and garden this time.
I can only hope we manage to get our planting done in time this year.
More and more - Hubby's comments about having somebody just bulldoze the fence lines for the hay pasture are beginning to win my vote.
Weekends are precious around our home. With Hubby’s work schedule rolling - we don’t get to count on weekends.
So - it’s always a treat when those particular days off come around! Especially the ones with gorgeous weather - which makes 'em even double rare - almost raw - around here. ( inside joke )
The earth stops. We start checking for events - unless they fall into our laps. Such was the case with this weekend’s event. It came to find us - and - what else can I say? We just got lucky!
March Madness has been going on for NCAA College Basketball. Our beloved UT VOLS have been blessed with both - the men and the ladies - making it in for all the fun!
And this year - Knoxville got the chance to watch their ladies - right from home - as they began their little road trip to take on the challenge of making it to the Final 4.
The date: March 20, 2010. The Time: 12:15pm The Place: Thompson-Boling Arena
And we were there!
Lots of photos here. Not even half of all that I shot - of course! But here goes!
The weather was absolutely gorgeous! So - we parked at the very top of the Neyland Stadium parking garage. Gave me perfect opportunity to get photos of some wonderful views!
That 3-story building is the UT Boathouse in the center. For those of you that don't know - yes - that's the Tennessee River! You can sure tell it's not Football season - yet. Otherwise - you'd see a sea of boats - all tied up with one another - tailgating on Game Day!
Here’s our favorite guy - Smokey!! Jus’ hangin’ out with the Cheerleaders. You should see this guy dance. This Dog can bust some groove with that - tail!
I could not resist! Our girls played the Austin Peay Governors for their first game. All I’ve been able to surmise since my eyes landed on this sight is - “ It takes a serious sense of humor to be an Austin Peay Cheerleader ! “ (Yes - it's pronounced 'pee'. )
It wasn’t so easy to get pics during the second half. But I tried! Ball in! ( You go, Girl ! )
Smokey doing a log roll. All the guy cheerleaders rolled him down the entire length of the court - and then back down, again! This was coming back!
And here she is - the Matriarch! I simply adore this woman! Pat Summitt reminds me - in an odd way - of the kind of mother I felt like I always had to be. Tough - and forever thinking five miles ahead.
This was after the game. We always have a tradition of having both teams meet in the middle of the court to pray together.
And the final score -
We beat the socks off of ‘em - 75 to 42 !!
Getting out of the massive mayhem and getting back to the freeway was easier than it looked like it could have been!
Next stop before heading home - Texas Roadhouse Steak House at Turkey Creek - followed by a stop by Petsmart - of course.
What would we all do with ourselves - if we could wake up one morning to lives never having one single - not even the slightest - hiccup?
For me - the mere thought - literally - gives me goose bumps. Seriously ! Especially after this morning.
I opened my eyes and put my glasses on before seeing the time posted on the cable television box - 6:30am. Instantly - electricity runs through my body - which sets off every nerve in my mouth - and voice box.
Following that - a domino effect. The stream of jolt transfers to Dwayne.
I don’t know. It initiated such a totally different effect on him - enough that it almost pissed me off! Only a few - quiet chirps - half words - gibberish - I dunno. Mellow mumbles! Yes! That’s what they were.
But I do have to give props to the man. His animation was something I would never be able to compete with!
We jumped out of bed and went nuts. All I could get out of my voice was - “ Find your phone ! Call Jay ! “ And in between all the mumbles and running around like some chicken with its head cut off - Dwayne kept spurting out “ Darrell didn’t call me ! “
Not sure about that one. This is not La Quinta Motor Inn.
I made it to the kitchen - only to find things going - blink - in the night. Clocks on the microwave and stove were blinking. And the real pisser - no lights - on the right side coffee pot.
Not a good thing for anyone waking up at 3:30 every morning to get Hubby out the door by 4:30am. But I started the coffee pot - regardless.
Or - so I thought I did.
The coffee was already made. The clock on the pot was lit up when I first walked into the kitchen. But - the little arms for the time piece were not showing. That’s when I knew - for sure - that our power had gone out. ( I hate having to reset that darn thing ! ) Yet - the coffee was already made. Hmmm….
Apparently - we’d had a power surge - or - a short outage for a couple minutes - after ( Thank you, God ! ) - the coffee was made.
Only thing left to do in the press - get somebody to answer their phone! Stan’s lucky number must be 7! Or - would that one be Dwayne’s?
Either way - we survived and Dwayne made it out the door with lunch and everything else - despite this being a morning when a puppy going through post-surgery - of all days - decides to threaten to yank your every last nerve until you go nuts - if you don’t move the baby gate out of her way.
The benefit in this crazy situation - I get to start supper a little later! Dwayne will hang over at work to make up the time.
This is supposed to be our Friday. You’d think it was Monday.
Carlie has had a big day today. She arrived at Dr. O'Brien's office around 7:30 this morning - to be spayed.
I was really surprised to see how spunky she was by the time I got there. She'd only been awake for about an hour.
She also got her rabies shot taken care of. Picked up another heartworm pill for this month. And we had her micro-chipped.
She's had a good chance to become pretty cranky - unless they did all the pricking while she was still down!
I'm keeping her in the front bathroom for the next few days. I expected to get some static out of her when I led her to the bathroom and put up the baby gate. But to my surprise - she was ready to spend some time in her comfy bed!
The photos in this posting were taken in May, 2002. At the time - I used my Minolta 35mm and had the film processed at WalMart.
It was during the latest fad of that time - being able to have your photos processed onto a CD - as well as being able to download them in zip folders from their website.
Isn’t it so amazing - how far the technology has advanced - and removed all the grainy grit! LOL
These photos were taken on the river - down from Bald River Falls in Cherokee National Park. I love driving down the river roads! And on this particular day - we just managed to get lucky enough to catch these guys having a blast!
While talking the other night on the phone with daughter - Britni - she mentioned wanting to go kayaking when she and Kevin come up with the baby next year. While all the “ Huh ? “ was running through my head - these photos came to mind. I told Brit I would get them posted for her to see.
During our conversation I mentioned details pertaining to the skills it takes for facing this stuff. Very unpredictable. Things change from year to year with the seasons - depending greatly on weather and the amount of melt-off from snow.
By the time I’d finished talking with her - and later - talking with Hubby - we came to the conclusion that it may be - canoeing - Brit would actually have in mind!
I mean - why would anyone that’s never seen such beauty before - want to spend this first chance fighting with a paddle and trying to keep from rolling upside down?
Imagine all the scenery to be completely missed!
I am so ready for spring! I’m even ready for summer!
I'm posting two videos this morning. The last photo above is one of " Baby Falls " on the Tellico River. The first video shows the fun going over this little hump!
Note** You MUST do this!!! Hit the square made by arrows - down on the right end of the toolbar for the videos. Next - Click anywhere on your desktop to begin the video. BEFORE YOU DO THAT - hit your " Esc " button on the top left corner of your keyboard to get back here after viewing the video!
The second video I'm posting this morning is of a guy spending a day with a group on the Hiwassee River! There's actually two videos - and you should be able to get to Part 2 from here.
Get ready! It's gorgeous. And it's amazing how relaxing it is to watch this video!
Now you can see why I just love living in East Tennessee!
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