Quarantine Log, June 14 - June 20

Sunday, June 14

Bill helped me with the garden fence.  We put the deer string around the top.  It needs to be a barrier about 6 ft high.  The string is more a visual barrier than physical, but it seems to do the trick.  The rest of the day was quiet and peaceful as Sunday should be.

My new FitBit was delivered mid-day, so I got it set up and going.  I am always excited to have a new tech toy. I can now easily read the time and other data.  The new one has GPS and tracks my flights climbed, so it is a big improvement over the old one.

Nationally, we have seen continued peaceful protests and increased incidence of COVID in the south and west, including locally.  Just heard someone say that this election cycle is about the 3 E's - Epidemiology, Equality and Economy.  Rings true!

Numbers:
NY Times - 10:30 am
Global: 7,788,500 cases; 430,216 deaths
US: 2,086,958 cases; 115,472 deaths
TN: 29,683 cases; 465 deaths; 601,161 tested; cases +415
LoCo: 196 cases; 167 recovered; 3171 tested
          6.1% pos rate; 5.9% tested

In five days, LoCo has increased by 26 cases, but active cases have remained steady at around 25.


Monday, June 15

We started the day with a walk up the hill and past the Brocks.  New FitBit said it is 1.7 miles, same as our usual Melton Hill route, but it doesn't seem as far.  It is one long hill instead of up and down.  FitBit said it was 14 flights of steps (10 ft vertical/flight).

In the afternoon I worked on masks and started some bread to be finished tomorrow.

Tuesday, June 16

This morning I delivered about 20 masks to the church.  I am now making them in small, medium and large sizes.

Today, I used the last page in my hand-written book, so I'm looking for a new book.  Since people are out more, there is less of a "feel" of quarantine.  I'm also finding the daily discipline more difficult to maintain now that the weather is better.  It is often hot in the afternoon, so I'm more inclined to do some activity outside in the morning and put of quiet activities, like writing, until the afternoon (or not get to them at all).  I will maintain my "Q-log" through June and then reassess.

Numbers:
TN Dept of Health, 3:15 pm: 31,830 cases; 493 deaths; 639,722 tested.  The state is now at 10% tested with a little more than 5% pos rate.
LoCo: 210 cases


Wednesday, June 17

At 10 am we set off on another adventure, this time to Lake Tansi near Crossville for 2 nights.  We hope to go to Fall Creek Falls for a hike on Thursday since it is a short drive from Lake Tansi.  Starting mileage 96,708.  We arrived at Lake Tansi (60 miles exactly) before lunch so we had time for a visit with Laura and the girls before they left for home.  The rest of the day we did very little.  Late in the afternoon, we walked around the little Lake Hiawatha, really a settling pond.  Dinner was take-out from the restaurant almost next door.

LoCo count today was 214.

Lake Hiawatha (big pond)

Thursday, June 18

Lake Tansi is in the Central Time Zone, so we woke up early local time.  We were on our way to Fall Creek Falls by 9 am local time.  The drive took abiyt an hour.  Our first priority was to hike to the base of the Falls. The trail down is less than 1/2 mile, but vertical drop is more than 250 feet.  The height of the Falls itself is 256 ft., the highest free-fall waterfall east of the Mississippi River.  The water flow was very low.  It may be the least we have ever seen.  The water flow is controlled from the lake.  It took us about 30 minutes to get down.  We enjoyed the cool and the view for a little while before starting back up, about 40 minutes up.  Fortunately, it was a cool day, so I made it with no problems.

We enjoyed our picnic at the Nature Center.  Behind the Nature Center, the Cane Creek Cascade was also carrying very little water, just a trickle over the Falls there.  The Swinging bridge is out and being rebuilt.

Overlooking Cane Creek Falls behind Nature Center

Swinging Bridge has been removed to be rebuilt

Cane Creek Cascade

Fall Creek gorge

We are near the bottom, resting on a huge boulder

Proof!  My new hiking shirt: Left Foot, Right Foot, Breather - Pat Summitt

Just a trickle of water coming over the Falls behind Bill

The trail is steep, but so beautiful

My favorite view.  You can barely see the water today.

Friday, June 19

Happy Birthday, Bill! 74 today.  Juneteenth is being celebrated this year as never before. BLM movement, protests and Trump's crazy tweets have brought much needed attention to the "Black 4th of July"

We made it back home before lunch.  We followed through with our plan to get ribs from "Taste of Texas" in Loudon for the birthday supper.  Very Good and enough to eat again.

Today there are 226 cases in Loudon County, with 41 active.  The number of new cases is not diminishing. Lots of places around the state and country are reporting daily record high of new cases all this week.  TN had 1188 new cases today! Knox Co is up to 604 and Sevier has jumped to 387 since reopening.

Saturday, June 20

Nothing much going on this Saturday.  First green beans will be ready to pick tomorrow or Monday.  First squash picked today along with some Swiss Chard.

Bee Balm with Bumble Bee

Quarantine Log, June 7 - June 13

Sunday, June 7

Happy Birthday, David.  I texted him early and set a time for a Zoom call just after lunch.  I spent about 1 1/2 hrs in the garden to finish the last of the mulching.

After our Zoom visit with David's family, the afternoon was too hot to do much of anything.  Kathy and Wayne cancelled plans for happy hour on their porch because of the heat.

We watched a lot of news about the demonstrations all over the country.  There are peaceful protests everywhere.  Seems like the agitators and looters have run out of steam but the righteously indignant persist.


Monday, June 8

We were up and out early to take Amanda to a gold match at Williams Creek golf course just east of downtown Knoxville.  We walked the 9 homes with her, up hill and down.  She shot a 36 and won her division (5 other girls). She was pleased and so were we.  It was not by the time she finished.

First Place Medal - Way to Go! Amanda

I made a few masks to take to our 1st church finance/admin meeting since the shutdown.  A big part of the discussion was about plans to resume on-site services.  I will be part of the 5-person task force to develop the plan required by the conference for approval to reopen.  About 20 people showed up and 15 stayed until the end.


Tuesday, June 9

Happy Birthday, Jake.  We hope it won't be the last, but fear it might.  He is 85 today and has had a remarkable survival of glioblastoma brain cancer.

Bill and I went for a walk before it got too hot.  Then I worked on bread.  I made two batard shaped loaves.  They turned out pretty good.

Fried Eggplant and Shrimp Remoulade Salad for supper:

Numbers:
TN Dept of Health, June 8 data
tests: 512,763; 26,944 positive cases; 421 deaths
about 7.5% of population has been tested, the pos rate if 5.3%

Loudon County: 170 cases; 140 recovered; 2179 renagive
pos rate 7.2%; 4.3% tested

I read this morning that states should have a rate of positivity at or below 5% for 14 days before reopening. (WHO recommendation reported by Johns Hopkins). I think that rate should also be a benchmark locally for us to consider reopening.  That is what I will look for to begin going out more widely.  A very high pos rate probably indicates insufficient testing.  The target (according to a Harvard report) is 5% or less positive to assure that testing is broad enough. Closer to 2% is ideal, when 10% of the population has been tested.


Thursday, June 11

We left at 9:15 am (mi 96,555) headed for Bald River Falls and Indian Boundary in the mountains of Monroe County near Tellico Plains.  Our first destination after gassing up and getting snacks was Bald River Falls.  The drive on the Cherohala to the Falls, along the Tellico River was beautiful.  The river had plenty of water so there were lots of rapids and riffles.  The Falls also was flowing full.  We made the short hike to the top of the Falls where there is another cascade and above that calm pools.

From Bald River we drove to Indian Boundary, a National Forest Service Recreation Area in the Cherokee NF just off the Cherohala Skyway.  Indian Boundary Lake is as scenic as we remember, nestled between the mountains and trees.  We have never camped here, but have picnicked here several times.

Today, after our picnic lunch, we decided to take the 3.1 miles hike around the lake.  The trail was easy, following the shoreline, and took us 1 3/4 hrs.  We are slow, because I like to stop for pictures along the way.

The weather was perfect for our day trip, in the mid-70s in the mountains with low humidity, clear sky and magnificent views.

Tellico River

Bald River Falls

Bald River Falls

Hiking above the Falls

Cascade above the Falls

Along the Cherohala

Indian Boundary Lake

Hiking around the lake

Almost there!

For more picture: https://photos.app.goo.gl/ipSmnmxUQDzn4cSq6


Friday, June 12

Before our video project began, I met with some of our re-opening task force to determine how many our sanctuary can accommodate and what our procedures might be.  After the recording session, I met with Pastor Kristie about the same.

As I've done recently, I stopped by Bonnie's for a visit and then went to the grocery before getting home.  These are my regular outings for the week!

In the afternoon, I worked on masks.  I actually have a request for 4.  And I worked on the A/V project of the Jim Whitaker recording.  I have made the AV but I haven't been able to export it.

Late afternoon we picked up LeRoy to dog-sit while the Matzeks have a few days get-away at Lake Tansi near Crossville.

Burgers on the grill to celebrate Friday night!


Saturday, June 13

After breakfast, I worked in the garden for a couple of hours, weeding and laying soaker hose.  It is dry enough to require watering today.  I worked some more on the AV project and alternated that with working on masks.

Yellow Squash, soon

Green Beans

Late afternoon we picked up LeRoy to dog-sit while the Matzeks have a few days get-away at Lake Tansi near Crossville.

We grilled tuna and corn-on-the-cob.

Quarantine Log, May 31 - June 6

Sunday, May 31

Beautiful clear cool day just like May should be.  Bill finished some mowing and trimming while I finished work on the flower beds near the house.  As we were eating late lunch on the deck, Bill and I decided that we would change our plans.  Indian Boundary doesn't open until June 4.  We decided that the weather was perfect for a trip to Roan Mountain SP and a hike to Jane Bald.  We haven't been in several years.  

Laura came for a visit mid-afternoon but we were not able to connect with David today.

Mid-day, I decided to take out steaks and have Bonnie over for dinner because the weather is so perfect and I always love a grilled steak. Bonnie does, too!  Kathy came a little after 5 for mint juleps and Bonnie arrived a little after six.  We had a great time talking about life and the pandemic and the protests.  I was shocked that it was nearly 10 when Bonnie left.  Kathy went home before supper.

My bread-making today produced another flat failure.  I am determined to master this!

Riots over the killing of yet another black person at the hands of police or vigilantes have erupted all over the country during the past few days. In Knoxville they have been mostly peaceful but not in Nashville and other major cities.  Trump has been hiding out in the White House tweeting his malicious messages that just inflame a bad situation.

Over the weekend, Knoxville had its biggest spike in Covid in weeks.  Loudon County has inched up to 143.

Monday, June 1

I was excited to start an adventure this morning.  We got away about 9:30 in the RV (mi 96,122), and arrived at Roan Mtn SP campground before 2.  We stopped for a picnic lunch at Sycamore Shoals SP in Elizabethton.  We have visited and toured this history site on a previous trip.  It commemorates the history of the "Over-mountain Men" in the initial settlement of Tennessee by non-natives.

After setting up camp we though we would take a short walk along the Doe River which runs through the campground and park.  There are trails on either side.  We went a short way on one side, then went back to the road and crossed over to the path on the other side, known as Fred Behrand Trail.  Instead of going a short distance and turning back, we just kept going.  From our trail map we new that the trail looped up and around the campground with a short connector back to the camping area.  What we didn't know was how long or hilly the trail would be.  The trail was in good condition (better condition than I) and we saw a nice stand of mountain laurel near the top still holding their blooms.  Rhododendron were not blooming yet.  The park if famous for its rhododendron and nearby Roan Mountain has a rhododendron trail and festival every year in late June. (cancelled this year because of Covid-19). This turned out to be more of a hike than we planned - up, up up over the ridge and finally down to ford a creek before finding the connector which took us back to the campground.  My phone and FitBit both say about 6500 steps or about 2 1/2 miles for both trails.  I'm glad I had at least one of my trekking poles and my hiking shoes.  I don't think I would have attempted it without either.  It was a solitary walk for the two of us.  Our campsite is peaceful but not really quiet.  The night is cool enough for a campfire.

Roan Mtn site 12A

Doe River

Up, up, up

Mountain Laurel

Fording the creek

Cool enough for a campfire

Tuesday, June 2

The morning started with a hearty breakfast of steak (left-over from Sunday), eggs, grits and toast.  We need lots of energy for the hike ahead.  By 10 we had made our way up the mountain to Carver's Gap (5500 ft) at the NC/TN state line and Appalachian Trail.  The parking lot was almost full but we got one of the last slots.  We saw that the road up to the rhododendron gardens and overlook was still closed.  That nixed our picnic lunch plans.  We hike on the AT 0.6 mi to Round Bald, elev 5827 ft, then down Engine Gap and up to Jane Bald (elev 5806 ft). The climb was challenging for me but I eventually make it!  

You may notice that the banner/background photo for this blog is from Round Bald several years ago.

Given our long hike yesterday, we decided not to continue to Grassy Bald, (elev 6100 ft and another 0.4 mi).  We did that once and while the views are beautiful they are really not different. The 360 degree views from the balds, overlooking NC and TN are spectacular!  The wind was fierce and chilly when we started, but slowed to a nice breeze later.  It was a perfect had for hiking: clear and not hot!

Carvers Gap

Not to Round Bald yet

Round Bald, Elev 5827

On the AT going down to Engine Gap

Jane Bald is the next goal

Many steps

We made it.  Beautiful!

More pictures are on Google photos album for Roan Mountain 2020.

After our hike, we drove down the mountain to the park visitor center for our picnic and then into the little town of Roan Mtn to get some lighter fluid.  On the way back we detoured to the Miller homestead, a charming historic farm with family cemetery still in use.

We made it back to the camp by 4:30.  I was pretty exhausted, so relaxed by kicking back and trying to ID some of the trees around me without a tree guide.  In the overstory, I know white oak, poplar, maple and maybe sweetgum, possible beech and ash.  The understory is mostly rhododendron.  BBQ for supper, so not cooking, just relax and reheat.

We've been without any news since Monday morning.  Unplugging is good, but also a little unnerving when I'm used to news reports at least 3 times a day.  The campground is supposed to have internet and I show that I'm connected, but I'm not really connected to anything.  In a way, I'm glad to be forced to unplug from the daily stream of bad and worse.  The virus and now the civil unrest have shaken the country and even have shaken me, the eternal optimist.

Sitting here in the mountain camp, hiking on Roan Mountain, the world has seemed far away.  The people we've encountered are just enjoying being outside, walking, playing, being family, communing with nature and with each other - all appropriately distanced mostly.

Wednesday, June 3

We broke camp and left the part at 9:45 so we could get home in time to get a birthday card in the mail for David.  I took us an hour to get from the park to I-26 at Johnson City and another hour to get to I-40 junction.  We were home before 1:45.  Ending mileage 96,485 - 363 miles round trip.

Thursday, June 4

Today was bread-making day.  I will eventually master the sourdough.  This loaf wasn't out of the oven until after 8 pm, so I will wait until tomorrow breakfast to cut into it. It looks better, but it is crusting over before fully rising.  The dough seems too wet and soft and it is too soft to make a proper slash. I used the dutch over again and let it rise some before putting it in the hot oven.

Claire and Amanda came over mid-day and washed windows in the front.  The Patterson repair man cam later and replaced the burner controls on the range.

Loudon County is up to 157 cases.

Friday, June 5

Recording day.  Today's was a great message, for June 7 service.  Kristie spoke out against racism and finished with a beautiful Franciscan blessing.  Here is the link.

Yesterday's bread is much better, but I'm not there yet in quality.  More trial and hopefully not too much more error is needed.

We spent some time watching and listening to memorials for George Floyd and Black Lives Matter protests.  The protest and movement have exploded around the country but have become more peaceful.

Loudon County has jumped to 165 cases of  Covid.

Saturday, June 6

Bill installed the AC in the front bedroom at my request and I did a little rearranging.  I made a brief trip to Tractor Supply for bird seeds and Home Depot for straw mulch and landscape fabric for the garden.  Both I had ordered online for curbside pick-up.  Worked like a charm.  I hope that stores keep this going!  I am considering boycotting Home Depot.  It is family owned and the family are big Trump contributors.  I hate to contribute to their wealth.  I know my boycott won't make any difference to them and it would be inconvenient to me.  It is just the principle of it!

My main project for the afternoon was making a digital recording of an audio cassette that Anna sent Bill.  It is of Jim Whitaker talking about his WWII experiences.  After Bill reviews it, I will try emailing it to her or posting on YouTube.

Loudon County reported 168 cases today, an increase of 28 over the past week; with 133 recovered

TN - 26,071 cases and 417 deaths.

Quarantine Log, May 24 - May 30

Sunday, May 24

We enjoyed toasted waffles for breakfast.  They are still very good!  Before breakfast, I worked the bread dough and left it to rise.  Bill agreed to help me in the garden this morning.  His job was to spread hay around the tomatoes.  I planted the last of my bedding plants - cucumber, zucchini, green pepper, orange pepper and tabasco pepper.  I need to get seeds and replant okra and purple hull peas that didn't germinate.  

After the garden work, I was ready for a quiet afternoon.  Of course there were several steps to complete the bread.  Late afternoon, Kathy called and brought over some bourbon.  We enjoyed mint juleps on the deck.  Another Sunday afternoon party!

Unfortunately, the bread rose horizontally, not vertically and was not acceptable.  I had used the new technique and recipe for "Extra-Tangy Sourdough Bread" from King Arthur.  It was extra tangy, just not light enough.  I think the soft dough needs some kind of container for the final rise and bake.

President Trump has declared that churches should be open today.  He would like to be able to order it but he doesn't have that authority.  Of course, he spent the morning on the golf course (video evidence) as usual and not in church as usual.  Methodist churches will not open yet.

Monday, May 25 - Memorial Day

When we are home most of the time and not getting together with Matzeks or Brocks very much, it is hard to properly celebrate a holiday.  I got into the garden a little earlier, but not early!  I weeded and mulched the bean fence and weeded the bush bean row.  Early sugar snap peas are forming.  Soon they will be on the menu.

Laura, Claire and Amanda came over for a visit.  I was in the midst of making a batch of crackers from my starter discard and getting starter ready for bread tomorrow.

This being Memorial Day, the traditional start of summer, I took out the rack of ribs that has been in the freezer for months (well sealed). Thaw, rub with my special mix, wrap in aluminum foil, slow cook in the over for several hours.  Brush with Sweet Baby Ray sauce and finish on the grill.  Dill potato salad made with olive oil instead of mayo. Perfect holiday meal!

Best Rib Rub:

1/2 cup kosher or sea salt

1/4 cup granulated garlic

1/4 cup paprika, half sweet, half smoked

1 Tbs chili powder

1 Tbs ground red pepper (adjust to taste)

1 Tbs ground cumin

1 Tbs onion powder

2 tsp dry mustard

2 tsp black pepper (adjust to taste)

1 tsp cinnamon

Combine and store in airtight container.

Tuesday, May 26

I threw out Sunday's bread and started a new loaf.  Bill and I went to Ace Hardware and Home Depot for supplies.  Later I worked on masks.  Today's bread at least turned out to be edible, but not as good as the first two loafs.  I think maybe the oven temperature may be a culprit.  It seems to be running about 25o hot according to the grill thermometer.  I have ordered a new oven thermometer and a few small kitchen gadgets. Also this was a very humid day, which is not good for baking.  

Fried rice for supper with leftover shrimp and chicken.

Numbers:

NYTimes, 2 pm

US: 1,679,945 cases; 98,600 deaths

TN: 20,776 cases; 334 deaths

LoCo: 136 cases

Johns Hopkins: US: 1,683,381 cases; 99,332 deaths

TN Dept of Health: 20,965 cases

LoCo: 136 cases, 64 recovered

Discrepancies are due to the method of collecting data and time of reporting.  CDC numbers lag other stats, but TN Dept of Health seems ahead of NYTimes.

Wednesday, May 27

Cindy requested that we record her piano pieces early, so we met this morning at 10 and got that done.  I made a trip to Walgreens on the way and went straight home after.

I put together a picnic and Bill and I headed out to Frozen Head SP for a picnic and short hike.  Despite the drizzly rain when we started, we did not get wet.  Being out in the woods, hiking along a mountain stream was delightful.  The trail followed Emory Gap Branch for about 1/2 miles to Debord Falls.  The trail was muddy because of recent rains, but not difficult.  This was the last hike we made before my surgery last summer, so fitting that it was the first one of this year.  It seemed much easier this time. 

We got home in time to watch the historic SpaceX launch sending 2 American astronauts to the space station from Cape Canaveral - the first manned launch from there since the last space shuttle launch in July 2011.  Unfortunately, the launch had to be scrubbed because of weather.  The next attempt will be Saturday afternoon and we hope to be watching.  We finished the ribs and potato salad for supper.

By Wednesday evening, Johns Hopkins reported 100,411 deaths, but cautioned that the tally might not be complete because so many deaths occurred without testing.  100,000 represents a significant physical and emotional toll.  People are tired of quarantine and things are opening even when illness and deaths has not decreased.

Thursday, May 28

The momentous even of the day was getting a haircut!  R&Co  and Vicki my stylist followed proper protocols.  Scheduled appointments only. No entry without a mask. All employees wearing masks. A signed health self-assessment and temperature check required to get past the front desk.  Vicki did a great job.  I observed another stylist sanitizing her chair after her client left and the cashier sanitized the pen before offering it to me to sign the receipt.  The protocols made me feel safe and I expressed my appreciation.

I worked on more masks in the afternoon so I could take them on Friday to share.  Fixed chicken with a side of left-over fried rice and eggrolls.  I used the air fryer to cook the chick and egg rolls.  Both came out good.

This week we have been watching the 3-part miniseries about Ulysses S. Grant.  He was portrayed an as ordinary man who rose to greatness on his merit, as an exceptionally gifted military tactician and not as given to alcoholism nor as corrupt as he often been portrayed.  In the public schools of Mississippi in the 1950s and 60s I was taught that he was a cruel butcher.  His campaigns - from Corinth to the burning of Jackson to the siege of Vicksburg - devastated not only the army of the Confederacy, but destroyed much of the countryside and killed civilians, too.  It was difficult but fascinating to learn of his exploits from a different perspective and to appreciate his many accomplishments.

Friday, May 29

The video recording today was just the spoken words - Pastor Kristie and Joel reading scripture.  Today's recording is for Pentecost Sunday.  The church alter looked beautiful with the "flaming tongues" (mother-in-law or snake plant spray-painted red.)  Pastor Kristie's sermon was very inspiring.  I am still enjoying the connections each Friday. 

After lunch I spent a quiet afternoon catching up on my Q-log.  As I get busier, the discipline of daily writing gets harder.  

Then afternoon fades

 to early evening which 

fades into bedtime.

Numbers:

NYTIMES 4:15 am

US: 1.730,200 cases; 101,635 deaths

TN 21,763 cases; 351 deaths

LoCo: 137 cases.  We have held steady since early this week.

NYTimes 3:17 pm

US: 1,743,700 cases; 102,365 deaths

TN: 21,909 cases; 353 deaths

LoCo: 137 cases

TN Dept of Health, after 4 pm

22,085 cases; 360 deaths

LoCo 142 cases; 98 recovered

Loudon County added 5 cases today and 10 for the week (since last Friday)

Saturday, May 30

After breakfast of pancakes and sausage, I determined to work in the garden.  Of course, it was 10 am before I got started but I got in a solid 2 hours of work.  Replanted the okra and purple hull peas, weeded and mulched the asparagus and laid the soaker hose on the bean fence row.  I picked sugar snap peas and the remains of the lettuce.  Tomatoes are blooming and pole beans are running.  It looks like agarden!  A little blue-gray gnatcatcher paid a visit.  He/she looks like a miniature mockingbird.  

    

                 

Tarragon is somewhere in the dill forest.

I prepared my started for making pizza dough.  The pizza turned out ok but I'm still not satisfied with the crust.  I think I can do better.

The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with manned Crew Dragon successfully launched from Kennedy Space Center, Cape Canaveral, Florida at about 3:20 pm, becoming the first manned space flight from the US since 2011, bound for the International Space Station.