Flowers and Feathers: Pandemic Times, August 30

Sunday August 30

I love being able to start the week with a walk in my beautiful neighborhood. I wondered as we started up the hill to the overlook if I would be able to notice anything different. I looked and listened, but everything seemed the same as usual. We had seen a doe and fawn about to cross Woodlawn Rd. just as we entered the road. We always thrill at the sight, no matter how often we see them. And I noticed that the little daisies from last week were gone because a neighbor had mowed the roadside. So I guess I had noticed a couple of things already!

The park is always well manicured and clean, leaving less room for wildness - except for these giant mushrooms that had recently popped up. Two of them were about 10 inches across. Bill stuck his 12 inch foot in the picture for scale.

We extended our walk past our driveway, around the corner and up the next hill, making 2 1/2 miles total.

The day was getting hot, so other than filling the bird feeder I stayed in and worked on making a focaccia from a sourdough recipe. We were going to the Brock's for an anti-pasta supper and the focaccia would be featured. Our visit was cut short when Aiden called with a car emergency - a tire and not an accident, thank goodness!

Monday, August 31

Another walk. What will I find today? The past few days I have noticed that the tall fall wildflowers are beginning to bloom. Even though the days are hot and muggy, the purple ironweed and bright goldenrod give promise that cooler days are coming. So far, these blooms appear here and there, but soon there will be a profusion of roadside color where the mowers have not been at work.

My garden this morning produced about a dozen green beans and a handful of PH peas, enough for supper tonight. As I was shelling and snapping, Connie emailed me the "my row" of green beans was ready to pick again. I went right away because rain was imminent and even beginning a light sprinkle. I got the green beans picked before getting we, enough for several meals. I appreciate her generosity. We didn't end up with much rain after all.

Bill and I spent time after lunch researching condos for a possible week or two at Orange Beach in October. We talked with David about it, but have made no decisions. Laura's family has decided that they (minus Claire) will rent a small place near Wind Drift Oct 8-12. We are looking at Wind Drift or Jubilee Landing.

I made a loaf of banana bread and just as it was about done, Amanda came driving up with Laura. We enjoyed a snack of hot-from-the-oven bread and tea.

Numbers:

TN: 154,933 cases; 1754 deaths; 0-10, 7665; 11-20, 19,010

LoCo: 952 cases; 237 active. Thank goodness there have been no new deaths in months;
case rate: 18.10

Only a few counties in TN are below the case rate threshold of 10. The nearest is Anderson (Oak Ridge)

Tuesday, September 1

I always consider September 1, not Labor Day which falls on the 7th this year, to be the start of fall, even though it is just as hot and muggy as ever. I am writing from Laura's front porch watching the rain. She is at work today at Tate & Lyle and has workmen here. That is why I'm here just in case anything is needed. Amanda is in her room "at school." I miss having a porch to sit and watch the rain. While watching the rain, I worked on the budget for the GSC grant and was able to get it done. Amanda and I took a lunch break to Chik-fil-A. The workmen quit earlier that expected so I was home by 2 pm.

Later in the afternoon, Pastor Kristie texted me that she had suffered a fall. She got tripped up while walking her little dog and fell face first on the pavement. The picture was not pretty, but she was not seriously injured, just scraped and bruised. She asked me to lead the service again this week. Of course, I said yes, but I let her know that we would be going to David's next weekend and I would not be available. I went to bed wondering what I would talk about.

Wednesday, September 2

I had to be at the Matzeks' again by 8:30 this morning so no walk, again. This morning, the porch was too sunny to sit, so I settle on the sofa and Amanda did her schoolwork in her room. She admitted that when her mom is home she works at the dining room table. Claire said I could have 3 of her painted pots for transplanting some basil, so I selected those.

Sometime in the night I had settled on a Labor Day theme for my Friday/Sunday message. That turned into "Essential Work." I tied it to this week's lectionary passage from Romans which continued the these of loving our neighbor. The research and writing kept me busy all morning.

Amanda and I decided on sandwiches from Ruby Tuesday for lunch. When we go back, the workmen were leaving, so after we ate I went home, too. The rest of the say was spent writing and revising.

Thursday, September 3

As planned, Bill and I took the boat out for a spin. We've not used it this summer. We rode all the way to the reactor bend. We felt like we had our own private lake. A boat ride is always good for my soul!

We booked a unit at Wind Drift for Oct 5-15. All of the kids and grands will be there Oct 8-12. I'm looking forward to that time.

The afternoon was mostly spent polishing my sermon and prayer for tomorrow. Claire was expected home for the long holiday weekend and Laura let me know that they would come over after supper. I made my favorite blueberry crumble cake to serve. I didn't take any pictures, I'm sorry to say.

Friday, September 4

Today was a typical Friday, with the video production in the morning. We've been doing this for 6 months and this is the 4th week that I have lead the service and delivered the message. - "Essential Work" posted under Sermons and Essays.

I stopped by the Matzek's briefly on the way home. I don't think I accomplished much useful work in the afternoon because I felt fatigued. I was glad for some leftover chicken to make supper prep easier. I found enough PH Peas in the garden to shell out for the meal and 2 ears of leftover corn to cut and fry. Not Bad!

Saturday, September 5

We turned the AC off and opened the window during the night. We woke to a delightful 65. After a very late breakfast we set off on our walk. Soon, I was feeling unusually fatigued. In fact, I was not able to make it all the way back home. Bill had to get the car and rescue me. I rested off and on during the day while getting ready for our Derby Watch and cookout with Bonnie and the Brocks.

Bill set up the TV on the deck so we could watch and celebrate safely. Even though the afternoon only got to 83, it was hot on our sunny deck. We brought over an extra umbrella and the fans and by 6, it was comfortable enough.

Bonnie provided sweet corn and the excellent tenderloin, which Bill grilled to perfection. Kathy brought a salad, watermelon and wine. I made mint juleps for Kathy & me and the others enjoyed their beverage of choice. We had a delightful evening.