Pandemic Times, October 11-17

Sunday, October 11

We had our outdoor church inside this morning because of rainy weather.  About 22 people were there and everyone seemed to enjoy it.   Regular services and Sunday School are scheduled to resume on October 25.  I am glad for a rainy afternoon to catch up on blog posting.  I'm behind online having not posted since September 20 - 3 weeks!

As the numbers attest, the rate of Covid cases in Loudon County is increasing and we are in the Red Zone.  We are not safe, yet somehow we think we are.  The President returned to the White House earlier in the week and he had not been humbled by his experience.  He is scary!

Numbers:

Johns Hopkins - Global: 37,300,677 cases confirmed (many more likely); 1,074,412 deaths

                        - US: 7,733,258 cases confirmed; 214,599 deaths

TN Dept of Health from Oct 10
            212,649 cases, +1646 since yesterday; 2,758 deaths; 0-10 10,525 cases; 11-20 28,356 cases

Loudon County: 1396 cases; 190 active; 9 deaths
            case rate 37.0/100,000; pos rate 12.0%

Monday, October 12

As I write this, it is Thursday morning.  My goal is to write each morning about the prior day's activitiy, while I can still remember. But too often I get up with another more urgent task to be done and I don't get around to writing the log. It's not that I'm that busy all day, but it is a matter of focus and attention.  If you've followed my blog for a while you know that it is not a journal of personal reflection, although I occasionally wander there.  It is not record of politics of the nation, although I occasionally mention current events other than tracking the progress of coronavirus. I started this daily log as a way to keep track of my daily life when everything "normal" was put on hold by the quarantine.  It has been very helpful to remind me that I do something useful and different every day; that "normal" is not really normal; and that life is an accumulation of small moments, not big events.

Monday, as usual, was a day made up of small events.  Most of my time was spent posting last week's blog which included the trip to Cataloochee and lots of pictures.  Going through pictures and choosing a few favorites from more than 50 is time-consuming.  There were pictures and video from both the camera and phone to upload and sort. Even more time-consuming is working with video and I got side-tracked on that. Also, today I began an online course through BeADisciple for Lay Servant certification the the UMC. The book arrived mid-day and I read the intro and complete the first assignment. 

 

For supper I made pork chops with fresh cut corn and fried okra.  Thank you Bonnie for the vegetables from the Farmer's market.

The Matzeks got home from their beach trip late this afternoon and we took LeRoy home just before supper.

Tuesday, October 13

We talked about going for a walk, but the early morning was cool and foggy. We decided to make a needed trip to Walmart instead.  It was the first time that I've been shopping in Walmart since the end of February when I stocked up on supplies in anticipation of quarantine. Later in the day, we never found time for that walk.

The online course that I'm working on is called, "The Method of Our Mission - United Methodist Polity and Organization."  It sounds a bit dry, but the facilitator is skilled. I've taken one of her courses in the past. I expect to spend an hour or two each weekday on the course - reading, writing a response to discussion questions, and responding to the online discussion board.  I like that it is asynchronous and I can work on it at my convenience.

I picked some more pears in the afternoon and had a delightful encounter with my two little neighbors, Tucker and Lincoln, under the pear tree.  They even followed me home and Papaw Bill had to follow on his 4-wheeler to retrieve them.

Supper was fried rice using the leftover pork chops.

Numbers:  Loudon County- 1459 cases; 43 hospitalized; 9 deaths
                  case rate, 7-day avg: 37.0/100/000; pos rate 13.4%; continuing in Red Zone and getting worse

Wednesday, October 14

Our morning walk was put off again.  The pears that I picked last week were ripening fast, so I decided to can them.  From about 12 pounds of pears, I filled two quart jars and four pint & half (24 oz) jars.  I quarter them and cook them slightly in a light syrup and process in a water bath. It took about 4 hours.

Working on my course plus other odds and ends consumed the rest of my day until it was time to make supper. Tonight's menu was hamburger steaks & gravy, mashed potatoes and green beans.  I had the TV on while working in the kitchen and listened to some of the Supreme Court nomination hearing for Judge Amy Coney Barrett. She is a very conservative person and judge being pushed through by Senators McConnell and Graham, even though the election is underway.  Early voting started today in Tennessee and many other states.

The rate of new Coronavirus cases are trending upward in the US, in Tennessee and in Loudon County.

Thursday, October 15

I decided today that if I wanted to get some face masks made for Halloween, then I'd better get busy.  Claire is expected home for the weekend and I want to be sure I have one or two for her to take back to school.

I took time out for a boat ride up the lake with Bill.  The fall colors are not at peak, but beautiful nonetheless.  Maybe we'll be able to do it again next week.

Osprey in the tree-top

Working on my online course takes at least an hour every day, maybe more if the reading is longer.  It is not exciting, but may prove useful when we face a pastoral change.

Friday, October 16

This is the last Friday recording session.  Next week, on the 25th, we will meet in-house and record live for posting on the following Tuesday.  We now have 2 video cameras and new tripods, so my phone camera and tripod will no longer be needed.  I will probably be needed to turn one of the camcorders on and off. We have also just gotten approved a bid for installing some extra lighting in the sanctuary. And the conference came through with a $3000 grant to help us.  Finally, they have done something good for us.

I had a good conversation with PK after our session and then lunch with Bonnie.  She and I will have to make a new plan!  Not long after I got home, Claire and Amanda cam over for a visit. Claire needed to print a worksheet for a class assignment.  After they left, I finished the masks for Claire and Amanda. They are all reversible. 

I had picked up a piece of tuna at the grocery which went well with baked sweet potatoes and asparagus for supper.

Saturday, October 17

Today was another perfect fall day.  We went to the Brocks for noon football, Bonnie, too. UT suffered a disappointing loss to KY, but the Subway sandwiches and the company were good.  Kathy made a pear upside down cake which was very good.

I finished several more masks while Bill took a post-game nap.  We took them over to the Matzeks and had a nice late afternoon visit.  We were in the mood for a simple supper, so I make Ramen noodles.  I used the cheap package, but subbed some beef broth for part of the water and added chopped onion, carrot, celery, sweet red pepper and left-over peas.  It was very satisfying.  

Tonight gave us another beautiful clear-sky sunset.

Pandemic Times, October 4 - 10

Sunday, October 4

If not for Hurricane Sally two weeks ago, we would be leaving today for Orange Beach for a 10 day stay at Wind Drift, with the Matzeks and Missouri Whitakers joining us for a long weekend.  Our condo cancelled all rentals because of the wind and water damage.  Instead, I went to Trinity's 2nd outdoor gathering this morning. It is not a full worship service, so we aren't calling it that.  The weather was perfect.  I gave the devotional, a 5-minute meditation on Communion because today is World Communion Sunday.  I didn't write a full text, just notes, so I haven't included it in my "Sermons and Essays.  The gist of is was that Communion is a coming together and finding unity that supercedes our differences and World Communion is an opportunity to look for and celebrate diversity in our community. About 20 people attended.

Sunday afternoon was restful as it should be. I did find time and energy to mow the garden and I needed that bit of exercise.

Amanda did not play up to her own expectations in the golf tournament, shooting 100 both days.  She said that on the 2nd day of 18 holes she just ran out of steam.  However, it was a good experience to compete in a statewide match.

Monday, October 5

Monday started with picking up Amanda from softball workout before breakfast.  After breakfast, Bill and I had a nice walk, taking our usual route through the park.  

The big project of the day was making pear honey from some of the pears I picked on Wednesday.  Ten plus pounds if pears peeled, cored and coarsely chopped took me about an hour.  The pears were then put through the food processor in small batches and put into my big pot.  Twelve cups (6 pounds) of sugar was stirred in the cooked "until clear."  We are not making jelly, so not pectin or sure-jell is required.  Pint and half-pint jars were run through the dishwasher while I was working on the pears.  When the pear/sugar mixture was cooked enough, it was ladled into the jars and processed in a water-bath to sterilize and seal.  The recipe produced 7 pints and 7 half-pints.  I don't know how my grandmother did it without the modern conveniences that I have.  She worked on a small gas stove and until later years did not have air-conditioning in Mississippi. 

We are not making jelly, so not pectin or sure-jell is required.  Pint and half-pint jars were run through the dishwasher while I was working on the pears.  When the pear/sugar mixture was cooked enough, it was ladled into the jars and processed in a water-bath to sterilize and seal.  The recipe produced 7 pints and 7 half-pints.  I don't know how my grandmother did it without the modern conveniences that I have.  She worked on a small gas stove and until later years did I don't know how my grandmother did it without the modern conveniences that I have.  She worked on a small gas stove and until later years did not have air-conditioning in Mississippi. 

I fixed an early supper of pork chops and lima beans before heading off to a church meeting to finish a busy day.

Tuesday, October 6

Another beautiful fall day!  Temperatures are trending closer to normal after being cooler for several days.  This is the first year since I retired that we have experienced an East Tennessee October.  I am really enjoying the early fall change of season.  Our morning walks are crisp and we see more change of color every day.

Today's project was to get ready for our trip to Cataloochee tomorrow for one overnight in the RV. Laura, Mike and Amanda are heading to the beach at Destin tomorrow afternoon to arrive on Thursday.  Ironically, Hurricane Delta (we've run through the alphabet have are on the the Greek names) will be impacting the Gulf Coast this weekend.  If we were there, we would likely be impacted.

Numbers:

    US: 7,519,600 cases; 210,500 deaths

    TN: 205,375 cases, +1676 since yesterday; 2,621 deaths; 0-10 - 10,181; 11-21 - 27,436

    Loudon County: 1319 cases; 171 active; 8 deaths
            31.7/100,00 case rate for last 7 days, The case rate has increases for the last 2 weeks
            11.1% pos rate, 7-day avg  

        Loudon County is in the Red Zone as defined by White House guidelines.  All trends are getting worse

Wednesday, October 7

We always like to record the time that we leave and the mileage when we start a trip.  We often forget to record the time and mileage when we get back home! Today we left at 9:17 am (mi 99,181) in the RV for the Cataloochee Valley on the North Carolina side of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park.  We travel on I-40 into the mountains and get off at the Maggie Valley/Lake Junaluska exit #20.  At 11:46 am we were exiting the interstate and embarking on the adventure (mi 99,293).  After a brief stop for gas and firewood, we started down Cove Creek Rd at noon.  The road goes from paved two-lane to paved one-lane and then to gravel. We steadily climbed the narrow switchback and reached the park entrance at the top of the mountain ridge (mi 99,299.6).  The road going up drops off steeply on the outside (passenger side).  It is a very uncomfortable experience for me being on the edge of the cliff, especially when we met a car coming down.  Fortunately there were enough wide places to pull over.  We made it across the gravel switchbacks and down to the pavement at 12:39 (mi 99,301.3).  The three miles of gravel took about 20 minutes drive time.

After a brief stop at the scenic overlook, we checked into our campsite #13 at 1 pm, just in time for a lunch picnic of salmon spread and apples. Our campsite was spacious and scenic.  

From my recliner
Green and blue in harmony
The view is awe-filled.

At 3 pm we left for the area of the valley where we hoped to hike and/or see the elk.  Our plan had been to drive to the end of the paved road, then continue for another mile on a gravel road where we would park and walk another mile to a restored homesite, the "Woody Place." We hoped to see elk in the fields or woods along the way.  Last year they were almost in the road where the paved road changed to gravel.  

We found that the gravel road was blocked, closed to vehicles because of road repairs. So we walked the mile to the trailhead, not seeing any wildlife.  There were plenty of people, though. After a short rest beside the Cataloochee River (Creek), we continued on the wooded trail, walking alongside the river for about a half mile to the first log bridge.

A rock to rest on
Called me. Unexpectedly
Beauty captured me.

About half way back on the gravel road, we spotted a herd of elk which included a large male moving through the field ahead of us. We finally caught up to them, a dozen or more including cows, calves and two young males.  Another small herd with its bull was moving away into the next field and was quickly out of sight so we stayed put. We watched the elk and took pictures and video for almost an hour.  They didn't disappoint.  The bull was very active, bugling and chasing after on or another of the cows.  When he was in pursuit, his tongue was out and licking is lips. He never succeeded in mounting one.  He chased off the two younger males who he must have thought were getting too close.

For more pictures and video go to https://photos.app.goo.gl/CYseiVkpiqpgVMoP6

On the drive back to the campsite, we passed a great crowd of people on the roadside watching a herd, probably the one we had seen earlier.  This herd was very close to the road.

Finally back at our campsite, Bill build a nice fire and we relaxed and enjoyed the fire before supper.  I brought a home-made veg-beef soup and corn muffins that just required reheating on the camp stove.  We ate by the fire and continued to appreciate its warmth.  With no electricity or running water, bedtime was early.

Thursday, October 8

We had a comfortable night, not too cold. Bill turned on the new "Little Buddy" propane heater early in the morning to knock off the chill.  It worked great but the new propane coffee maker was a complete bust.  it took over an hour to drip a scant cup of coffee and that too strong was not hot.  Bill finally got up, braved the chilly morning and started a fire and the camp stove to heat what little coffee we had, diluted to two cups.  It was almost 10 by the time we finished breakfast and were were packed and leaving the campsite by 11.  We drove back to the school house area where we had seen the elk yesterday, but they were not there.  We went searching to the other end of the valley at the Palmer House, but no luck there either.  We went through the house and barn.  By noon we were back on the gravel switchback on our way up and over the ridge.  We pronounced the trip a successful Cataloochee/elk experience.

Friday, October 9

A busy day started with video recording at church.  At noon, I went to the LoCo Dem 'headquarters at LC Park to meet Bonnie and work until 2 pm.  There were 3 other workers there, all from Tellico Village.  One woman had Mississippi Delta roots and MissState car tag.  There had been a lot of traffic from 10 am until noon, but after noon we had just one customer.

When we finished, Bonnie and I had Subway sandwiches at her house, then for me a round of grocery, pick up LeRoy at the vet, go by the Matzeks to get his things and tend to the cats and finally home at 4:30.  I really hadn't done much physical work, but it seemed tiring nonetheless.

Laura, Mike and Amanda are enjoying a short beach trip to Destin and we are dog/cat sitting.  They hope that Hurricane Delta doesn't veer east.

Saturday, October 10

Happy Birthday, Anna!

This day started rainy and continued rainy, not heavy just a steady drip that did not affect our game-watching plans.  I spent the morning baking two loaves of banana bread and one pumpkin sourdough loaf.  After the breads came out of the oven I put in the chicken wings that had been marinating all morning in a sweet teriyaki sauce.  While the wings cooked, I prepared our favorite crunchy cole slaw which I will toss together just before serving.

We got to the Brocks in time for 3:30 kickoff and in the first half the Vols looked really good.  Kathy had baba ganoush and bean dip for snacking and I brought veggie sticks to supplement the bread and chips for dipping.  At half time, we began our main course of ribs, wings, slaw and caprese salad.  The food was great but, unfortunately, the Vols playing was not!  They ended up loosing 21-45.           

            

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.