Pandemic Times, September 27 - October 3

 Sunday September 27

The day started with a big family breakfast - biscuits, scones, pork tenderloin, applesauce and orange slices.  After breakfast, we started packing for Fall Creek Falls.  There was a lot of food to organize and pack for 3 days and 2 nights.   David and Mike got away at ten to make their 11:30 tee-time.  Trisha and the kids and I finished up the leftover burger patties and pizza for lunch.  Laura and Amanda drove up at one and helped with the final loading of the RV and van.  They left at 1:30 and Bill and I followed about 20 minutes later with Amanda, Allison and Owen in the RV. (RV mi 98,947)

We all met at the FCF main playground, including Claire who had driven over from MTSU for the afternoon.  We were able to check in to our cabin #24 when we arrived.  First order of business was to rent bicycles for Bill, Claire, & Trisha. Amanda, Owen and Allison had their own bikes.  We dropped cyclists off at the lake trail and the rest of of the proceeded to the cabin.  Mike and Laura got the kayaks launched after we unloaded everything.  David and I hung out with Evangeline & John until the cyclists called for pick-up.  The cyclists had ridden on the lake trail to the falls overlook and in the other direction as far as the lodge construction. Mike and Laura had paddled to the pick-up spot, too, so they gave Owen & Allison a kayak ride back to the cabin.  David took Bill's bike and he and Trisha rode bikes to the cabin while Bill and I took the other kids and bikes to the cabin.

Once we got back to the cabin, the fishing began.  Our cabin deck overhung the lake, making it fun and easy.  We were lucky to get such a choice location. The cabins have been refurbished since our last stay and are still basic, but very nice.  

The Matzeks left before supper.  We had ham, sweet potato casserole (prepared ahead and baked there) and broccoli. Fishing continued until it was too dark and then it was bedtime.

Monday, September 28

Monday started off beautifully, but we knew we would get rain before the end of the day.  After breakfast of scrambled eggs, ham and biscuits, we loaded in the van and RV for a hike down to the base of the falls.  It is much to strenuous for the two little ones, so I took them to the playground while all the 'big kids' hiked.  

Owen the Adventurer (takes after his Dad) set off around the back of the falls and David had no choice but to follow.  I remember David doing the same thing as a kid.  Everyone made it back safely and met us at the playground.  We went back to the cabin for more fishing, lunch and kayaking. 

Ready to hike (except Evangeline and John)

Owen the Adventurer was sure that he could handle the kayak on his own.  He did!  He paddled around while David gave rides to Evangeline and Allison.  Then later Owen and Trisha paddled all the way across the lake - no small feat for a nine-year-old.

Not long after the kayakers returned the sky began to turn dark.  That didn't deter the fishing, however, and even after it started to pour, the fishermen kept at it.  They caught a few bluegills with Bill and Owen competing to see who got the biggest one.  Pumpkin carving capped the afternoon.  After a taco supper, a nice fire was in order with s'mores for dessert.

Bill had us supplied with enough wood and kindling for a fire in the fireplace both mornings and both evenings.

Tuesday, September 28

We had a 10 am checkout so after breakfast we got busy packing and were out of the cabin at exactly 10.  Some early fishing may have occurred.  We decided to all go for one last waterfall.  We hadn't yet been to Piney Falls.  The overlook was great and right off the parking lot, but the trail to the swinging bring was closed for construction.  We also went for one last look at the main Falls.  

Piney Falls in the background

Classic shot of Fall Creek Falls

As Bill and I drove away, we saw David's van headed around the scenic loop drive.  They fit a lot of activity into their short stay!

As always, we were glad to get home to our comforts.  Unpacking is never much fun, but we managed without much trouble.  When and where will our next adventure take us?!

Wednesday, September 30

A morning walk through the park established the normalcy of life after 5 exceptional days.  Thank God for the exceptions that make me appreciate the normal.  Often after a trip or company, I have a compulsion to "nest."  Today it took the form of laundry (of course) and cleaning out my center desk drawer, a job that I've needed to do and put off for years.  It may be years before it's done again, but for awhile I'll enjoy an orderly desk and neat drawer in which I can find things.

Ot was too nice of a a day to spend much time at my desk.  In the afternoon, I picked pears.  The trees are loaded and the pears are dropping fast.  The deer and squirrels are delighted.  I weighed out 2 trays of 10-11 pounds each and another of about 6 pounds.   The recipe for pear honey call for about 10 pounds of pears (3 quarts ground) and 12 cups sugar plus one can of crushed pineapple.  We went to bed watching the 1st Presidential debate.  Trump was shameful and Biden was just adequate.

Thursday, October 1

I picked up Amanda from softball workouts and we went to the grocery. She was shopping for the ingredients to make a coconut cream pick with graham cracker crust.  She planned to take the pie for her family's trip to Tim's Ford State Park this weekend.  She will be competing in a golf tournament.  Claire plans to join them.

More nesting as I cleaned out my closet floor.  I made a new chicken dish for supper that was quite good - and was enough for Friday night, too.  

The main activity of the day, though was making a batch (3 loafs) of sourdough.  The prep started Wednesday night before bedtime with making the levain.  I did the first mixing before picking up Amanda.  The final proofing was in the refrigerator by 3:30 and the first loaf went into the oven at 8:30, after supper.  The other two loafs stayed in the frig overnight.  It was one of the best I have ever made.  I cut back the hydration for 75% to 70%.  I think that will work better for me.

Friday, October 2 

I got up early to bake the two loafs that I left rising in the refrigerator overnight.  I though that they were over-fermented and they did not rise as well as the first one.  Our recording session went on as usual this morning and I went to Bonnie's after.  

Holston Conference gave Trinity 50 masks to distribute free.

We changed our routine and went to Calhoun's on the lake for lunch.  I owed her a lunch after all the times she's fixed for me.  Of course we ate on the outside patio.  It was the first time I've eaten out since the pandemic began.  My serving of 'Rocky Top Potato Skins' topped with pulled bork and BBQ sauce was twice as much as I could eat, so I shared with Bill for part of our supper.  After lunch we went to the Democratic 'Headquarters' in the park for Bonnie to get a campaign sign.  We volunteered for next Friday, noon-2 pm.

Numbers:

NY Times, 4 pm

    Global: 34.4+ million cases; 1.0+ million deaths

    US: 7,345,200 cases; 208,371 deaths

TN Dept of Health

    198,403 cases; 2,515 deaths; 0-10 - 9,807 cases; 11-20 - 26,497 cases

Loudon County

    1,249 cases; 134 active; 7 deaths

    25.1 case rate, 7-day avg

    11.1 daily new cases, 14-day avg

    10.3% pos rate

Late this afternoon President Trump was transported to Walter Reed Hospital.  He had announced early this morning that both he and Melania had tested positive.  Very few details are being released at this time.

Saturday, October 3

We had a lovely start to the day.  I had some prep to get ready to go to the Brocks for UT's 2nd football game of the season. I took sliced ham, leftover from the Whitaker weekend, iced tea and some of my sourdough bread, sliced.  Bonnie joined us and brought deviled eggs.  We had a fun time, but probably didn't practice good safe-distancing.  We sort of consider ourselves a family group.

We were home from the game by four.  The afternoon weather was so nice that we went for a walk and had a salad for supper after heavy snacking during the game.

Pandemic Times, September 20 - 26

Sunday, September 20 

Bill needed to use a drill press for the boat rail project, so we walked up to the Brocks.  Bill and Wayne went to Wayne's shop and Kathy and I had a good visit.  It was almost lunch time when we got back home.  I puttered around in the afternoon and completely forgot to Zoom in for the Smoky Mountain District Conference.  I was nominated for a District At-Large slot for the Holston Annual Conference in June.

Bonnie came over for steaks on the grill.  The weather was perfect for sitting outside but cool enough as the sun was going down that we decided to eat inside.  Perfectly delicious meal!

Monday, September 21

Today, Amanda started 7:30 am strength-training workouts with her softball team.  My job and pleasure will be to pick her up at school at about 8:15 am and take her home.  Bill had an appointment with a doctor so we didn't take a walk. I had a mid-morning meeting with Pastor Kristie followed by lunch with Bonnie.

In the afternoon I had a long conversation with Gwen.  She hasn't been well and we haven't talked in a long while.  I was (am) aware of our political differences, but that didn't pose an issue. I called her to talk about our Sunday School class since I learned from Pastor Kristie that she and Mickey are retiring from teaching and from most other church duties due to their age and health.  We talked mostly about her health.

This evening Bill and I started a new Masterpiece Mystery series - Van de Volk.  It look like one that we will enjoy.

Tuesday, September 22

The big event of the day was kayaking on Melton Hill Lake.  We thought we would get out on the lake by late morning, but with one thing and another it was almost 1 pm by the time we were launching.  Bill had to run an errand in town, then get the kayaks from the Matzek's house, then get crickets for bait.  I spend all morning looking for my fishing license and then finally gave up and ordered a replacement.

Being on the lake in the kayak was a great joy.  The weather was perfect, just slightly overcast.  Fishing was poor but I was mostly interested in paddling.  I went into the first cove across the lake and just sat - looking and listening.  I watched a pair of kingfishers fighting over a prime fishing spot, but I wasn't able to capture their picture.  Bill caught several bluegills and a small smallmouth bass.  Catch and release is our motto!  

The lake was peaceful and shared that peace with me.

My little blue-gill

Bill's favorite spot

Bill's small smallmouth

My favorite cove

Numbers

TN Dept of Health: 185,148 cases; 2,261 deaths; 0-10 - 9062 cases; 11-20 - 24,462 cases

Loudon County: 1,121 cases; 101 active; 17.8 case rate; 7.4% pos rate

US: 6.9+ million cases; 200,443 deaths

Wednesday, September 23

In the morning, I made 3 sunflower print masks, one each for Laura, Trisha and me. Right after lunch I had a dental appointment with Dr. Barbee. 

I made my menus and shopping list for the Whitaker family visit and trip to Fall Creek Falls.  They will arrive in time for supper on Friday and we will be together through breakfast on Tuesday.

Thursday, September 24

After I picked up Amanda and took her home I went back into town for groceries.  I had the biggest list I've had in months as I anticipate feeding the family for five days.  I will start will hamburger steaks, gravy, mashed potatoes and green beans for Friday's supper.

I spend the rest of the day baking and prepping.  I made gluten-free blueberry scones from scratch, which was somewhat of a production.  The apple-cinnamon-oatmeal cookies were a little easier.  I used dried apricots instead of apples and added some golden raisins to sweeten the cookie a bit more.  The kids love them.

For Bill's supper, I cooked a pork tenderloin that I had on-hand, knowing that the leftover would be great with biscuits for breakfast on Sunday.

View from my favorite chair

Friday, September 25

The morning was consumed with video recording and a short lunch with Bonnie.  The afternoon was spent getting ready for THE arrival.

They arrived a little after 6.  I already had most of the supper prepped.  The evening was nice so we had some outdoor time before supper.  The little ones were glad to be free to run around.  Laura, Mike and Amanda came over after supper and brought apple pie for dessert.  Amanda is becoming quite an accomplished baker.

Saturday, September 26

Saturday started with the traditional breakfast of pancakes and bacon (gluten-free, of course). After breakfast and clean-up we took a walk to the overlook with Owen and Allison on their bicycles.  We spent the afternoon just playing and hanging out outside.

The Matzek's came over for supper.  I had gotten several Papa Murphy $5 large cheese, sausage and pepperoni pizzas and each person added their favorite toppings. 

Owen had gathered some rocks and made a fire ring.  After supper, he and Amanda were able to make a small fire despite the recent rain.  We had a grand family evening.

Pandemic Times, September 13 - 19

Sunday, September 13

We left the Missouri Whitakers before breakfast.   We were a little concerned about David & Trisha having been to a wedding Saturday night and wanted to get on the road early in any case.  The drive home always seems so much longer.  In a way, it is, because of the time zone change and also because we do not have the anticipation of the visit ahead.

We are always happy to be leaving on a trip. We look forward to breaking our routine and enjoying different activities, people and food, especially if our little ones are involved. We are always just as glad to be back home to our comfortable chairs, our comfortable bed, our comfortable routines - all the comforts (and quiet) of home. 

Monday, September 14

Bill had his annual physical this morning so I had the house to myself until almost noon.  After breakfast of banana bread and peanut butter (we are out of eggs), I did my yoga routine.  I have done yoga in months and I'm feeling stiff, especially after a long drive and not enough excersize.  I enjoyed puttering around, filling the feeders, doing dishes, picking okra and Purple Hull peas and prepping supper.  The peacefulness of a slow moving day has been good for me.

Numbers:

TN Dept of Health: 174,274 cases; 2097 deaths; 0-10, 8526 cases; 11-20, 22665 cases

Loudon County: 1049 cases; 98 active; case rate 15.72; pos rate 10.6%

Tuesday, September 15 

Happy Birthday Trisha!

I spent the middle of the day, 10 am until 2 pm, as a volunteer at the Loudon County Democratic headquarters.  This year  instead of the usual storefront we are 'headquartered' at Lenoir City Park on the lake, shelter #5.  With me were Melanie from Trinity and Paula, a newcomer to Loudon County living in Tellico Village.  Most the the volunteers are villagers. We had about a dozen 'customers' and gave out all our yard signs as well as other paraphenalia. Buttons were the most popular item.

Melanie and her little Jubal

I left in time to get Amanda to Mike's office a little before 3 pm.  They were headed for a golf practice at Egwani in Alcoa.  The district tournament is there tomorrow.  

I forgot to write that Claire was sick last weekend with a stomach bug.  She had to get a Covid test and spend Saturday, Sunday and Monday in an isolation dorm, really an efficiency apartment. Laura went over to help her.  Her test came back today negative (as expected) so she moved back to her regular dorm rooms.  She is better but not completely well.

Numbers:

TN Dept of Health: 175, 231 cases; 2127 deaths; 0-10, 8556 cases; 11-20, 22,785

Loudon County: 1054 cases; 92 active; 6 deaths; case rate 16.91; pos rate 11%

Wednesday, September 16

Hurricane Sally came ashore at Orange Beach/Gulf Shores, AL early this morning after sitting off the coast and dumping rain for a couple of days.  I was a Cat 2 but damage from Mobile to Pensacola was significant because it was so slow moving.  Our friends have significant property damage and we are waiting to hear about the condo we have book for Oct 5. By contrast, our weather has been beautiful with cool nights and mild days. 

Dogwoods are beginning to turn

Amanda felt like she did not do well in the district golf match.  In fact, she was #6 in the field with a 93 on 18 holes, and only 2 strokes behind the #5 girl and 12 strokes better than last year.  That has been about her average score. Only 5 girls advance to regionals.  She was not too upset about that.

I had a new bird at the feeder closest to my easy chair this afternoon.  It is a rare delight to add a new bird to my life list.  This little Red-Breasted Nuthatch looks almost like his/her cousin the White-Breasted Nuthatch that I see regularly.  He/she is smaller and has a bold black eye streak, which is what caught my attention. Amazingly, I was able to get a picture through the blinds.

Red-Breasted Nuthatch

Thursday, September 17

I woke up today with the intent to make my favorite blueberry streusel cake as muffins to take to our monthly lunch.  We met again at Connie's house.  Before I got too far in the process, Bill decided that he wanted to go for a walk. We abbreviate our route so I would have time for baking.

The muffins were ready before Kathy was there to pick me up.  We had good conversation as usual while we ate our sack lunches.  Based on Connie's recommendation, I am now ready "The Last Ballad" by Wiley Cash.  It is about a woman involved in the union organizing in the Caroline textile mills in 1929.  I was able to check it out through the Tennessee Electronic Library system.  I've already forgotten the other two titles that I was interested in.  Kathy was the photographer this week, so she is not pictured.

After supper, I listened in on the Loudon County Dems monthly Zoom meeting.  I don't write much about politics, but is consumes a good bit of my time and thought.  I believe, along with so many others, that Trump is a clear and present danger to our democracy, but his defeat is by no means certain.  I am trying to do my small 'for what it's worth' part to change the trajectory that the country has been on for the last few years.

Numbers:

TN Dept of Health: 178,140 cases; 2164 deaths; 0-10, 8,698; 11-20, 23,290

Loudon County: 1074 cases; 85 active; 6 deaths; case rate 18.8

Friday, September 18

Video recording went on as usual.  The Bishop has announced that churches can re-open for indoor worship beginning this Sunday.  Four of us met to plan for re-starting worship.  We decided to have the outdoor singing as planned on September 27 and continue with that for the following 3 week, through October 18.  We hope to resume indoor services on October 25.  We will continue to record on Friday at least until then.

As I sit quietly on my deck in the afternoon, the deer come, not afraid. 
Today, they are eating the fallen persimmons.

Renee Hoyos

The Loudon County Dems hosted candidates Renee Hoyos and Marquita Bradshaw at Lenoir City Park at 5:30, so I went back into town for the event.  We are fortunate to have 2 outstanding nominees, both female, both environmentalists. What a miracle it would be to send both of them to Washington - Hoyos to the House and Bradshaw to the Senate!

Marquita Bradshaw

A pretty good turnout

The very red sun is caused by the high level smoke from the extensive wildfires in the west.  Taken from "Sunset Point" near the Brock's house, but this is not an ordinary sunset red. Notice the Ayers house in the center.

Saturday, September 19

We woke up to a 60 degree cool clear morning so of course a walk through the park was at the top of our agenda.  We are enjoying sleeping with the window open we haven't used AC in several days. Bill spent a lot of time working on the boat rail project.  He is modifying the bow rail so he can install a trolling motor.  If we want to keep fishing, we need a trolling motor. The anchor is too much to deal with for fishing.

I did a few household chores but not much except making fried rice for supper.

Numbers:

Nationally, we have hit 200,000 Covid deaths.

TN Dept of Health: 181,436 cases; 2,216 deaths; 0-10, 8863; 11-20, 23,878

Loudon County: 1099 cases; 94 active; 6 deaths; case rate 17.17/100,000

Pandemic Times, September 6 - 12

Sunday, September 6

I didn't feel too well again today so despite the great weather with morning temperature in the mid-60s and low humidity, we didn't walk.  I managed to get the dishes done from last night's party and the bird feeders filled, but not much else.  We had one small steak left over, so I made pepper-steak with rice for supper.

Monday, September 7

Today is officially Labor Day Holiday.  I still didn't feel up to walking.  I hate missing the chance to be out on such lovely mornings.  Mid-morning we drove over to the Matzek's to say good-bye again to Claire as she head back to MTSU.  She is returning refreshed, I think, to tackle the work ahead.  It is so good to see her positive attitude.  I pray for her safety and for all the students who are having a very different kind of first year of college.

For lunch, I made myself some french onion soup.  It was just what I needed.  For supper, we cleaned up all the left-overs.

Tuesday, September 8

I went to bed last nigh with a sense of feeling better at last and woke up the same this morning,  but we still did not attempt a walk.  I went about normal activities today.  It is easy to forget how good "normal" feels.  No special activities or outings other than picking okra at the Green's this morning.

Numbers: TN Dept of Health - 165,754 cases; 1896 deaths; 0-10 -8171; 11-20 -21,062
LoCo: 986 cases; 96 active; case rate 17.04

Wednesday, September 9

In the morning, but not too early, I took Bonnie to Park West for a "procedure." On the way, the tire indicator light was on, so after dropping her off, I took the car to the KIA dealer.  They just filled the tire with air.  When we left the hospital, we decided to pick up lunch at Ruby Tuesdays and take it to her house.  I had just enough time to eat my "New Orleans Seafood" plate (baked tilapia with shrimp & sauce) and make it to get Amanda for her golf match at Avalon.  I decided that I had been productive enough for one day, so I spent what little was left of the afternoon reading.  I'm currently reading "A Horseman Riding By," a novel set in early 1900 rural England.

Thursday, September 10

We left in the RV at 10:15 heading for Cape Girardeau.  We got there at 5:30 to an enthusiastic welcome from the grandkids.  Trisha had planned a taco supper, which is a family favorite.  I think Owen at 4. After supper, Allison and Evangeline gave us a ballet recital.  They love dance.. We settled into our basement room for an early bedtime.

Friday, September 11

Trisha had a morning MOPS meeting at her church (Mothers of Pre-Schoolers.) We took the four children to the 'bumpy slide' park, their favorite.  It is a playground designed to accommodate handicapped children.  The bumpy slide is a roller slide.  Even John enjoyed it!

We were back to the house in time for lunch and spent the hot afternoon doing indoor activities like painting and play-dough. After supper we all took a long walk to another playground.

Evangeline

Allison

Owen

John David

Since we saw them last July 4 weekend, John has gotten much better at walking and is trying a few words.  Evangeline has a good imagination and often plays on her own.  Allison has gotten much better on her bike and little scooter.  Owen is seriously into "How to Train Your Dragon." He had made construction paper cut-outs of the different kinds of dragons and a chart of their names and "fun facts."

We made no commemoration of 9-11.

Saturday, September 12

After breakfast we went downtown to for our ritual of throwing rocks in the river.  It was pretty hot, so we didn't last too long.  We walked around the downtown farmer's market for a little while before heading home. Owen bought a wooden 'battle ax' to go with his wooden sword, all part of the "HTTYD" fantasy. 

Another hot afternoon kept us indoors watching episode of "How To Train Your Dragon," much to the kids delight. (while John slept). David and Trisha left a little after 3 pm for a wedding so we were on our own with the kids until bedtime.  Pizza and a movie is always a winning combination.  We watched "The Secret Life of Pets 2." Even John got into it because he loves dogs and dog is one of his favorite words.  

Bill talked to Anna this morning and she told him that she and Jake are planning to move back to Newport this fall.  We wish them well.  She is excited about the possibilities that Newport offers.

 

Pandemic Times, August 30 - September 5

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. 

Almost forgot the Saturday Numbers:

TN Dept of Health: 162,362 cases; 1862 deaths; age 0-10, 8,025 cases; age 11-20, 20,478 cases

Loudon County: 965 cases; 102 active; 4 deaths

The state has redefined inactive/recovered cases.  I think the result is to reduce the number.

Knox County has more than 1000 active cases