The Journey Continues...Golfing with Amanda, May 31 - June 6

Monday, May 31 - Memorial Day

When I looked out of my kitchen window early this morning, my first thought was, "What a bright sunshiny day!"  Isn't that a song lyric? I found the song on YouTube and we listened to it as we started on our walk through the park.  (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrHxhQPOO2c)   I Can See Clearly Now - Lyrics by Jimmy Cliff

I can see clearly now the rain is gone.

I can see all obstacles in my way.

Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind.

It's gonna be a bright (bright)

a bright (bright) sunshiny day.  Look all around, there's nothing but blue skies. Look straight ahead, there's nothing but blue skies.

The sun was warm and the air a cool 50, which Bill described as a 'Pocono Day.' My walking reflection:

The moment, right now Holds all the past and future This moment is ALL.

After our walk, we continued to enjoy the cool morning as we worked outside.

To celebrate Memorial Day, we went to the Brock's for a "cook-out" which turned out to be a "cook-in." It was sunny and hot outside on their deck. I made crunchy (oriental) cole slaw, Kathy made potato salad and we cooked burgers. We had a fun and delicious celebration. We realized that although 3 of the 4 of us were veterans, and many family members in previous generations served in the military going back to the American revolution, we had no record of family members killed in warfare.

Tuesday, June 1

Amanda had her first golf tournament of the summer on the Sneds Jr. Golf Tour. She was due at Green Meadow Country Club in Louisville (Maryville) for a 12:30 tee time. It was a warm day, but not too hot. I walked the 1st nine holes with her and Mike arrived later to finish and bring her home. Even though it took a little over 2 hours, we covered only about 2 1/2 miles. I took my little folding stool so I could sit in the shade during the wait-time.

Amanda getting in some practice swings before the match

Wednesday, June 2

I was at my computer a lot today. I worked on assembling pictures for a photo book project for Pastor Kristie and did reading and research for my upcoming Father's Day sermon. It will center around Joseph the early father of Jesus. There is much speculation and Joseph and few clues in the New Testament or other early writings. My thesis is that we can know what kind of father Joseph was by looking at how Jesus talked about God, the Father.

We took the boat for a trial run all the way up to Reactor Bend. It ran fine and we enjoyed the ride. When we got back, I discovered that deer had jumped the garden fence and mowed down most of my green beans. I love the deer, but they need to stay out of the garden! Usually I add 3 rows of twine above the wire fence to deter them, but I had been procrastinating, so its really my fault. The deer were just doing what deer do and my tender beans must have looked awfully good to them! I had just enough twine to put up one row above the fence. I'll have to buy more.

I didn't have to cook because we got Ruby Tuesday's BOGO salmon dinners.

Thursday, June 3

Amanda had another golf tournament. Today we went to Whittle Springs course in northeast Knoxville for a 12:15 tee time. Rain and thunderstorms were predicted but fortunately we had only a few very light sprinkles all afternoon. Again, Amanda played in a 3-some with 2 other girls about her age. They were the only girls in their division today. With the prospect of walking a very hilly 18-hole course and the threat of rain and potential lightning, I got up the courage to rent a golf cart. It was my first time to drive a cart. I was glad I had it even though I didn't get very many steps for the day. Amanda played well except for an unfortunate encounter with a creek and some geese on hole 10.

Amanda in the dark shirt, contemplating her putt.

If you look closely, you can see the geese on the right

The girls were evenly matched and good sports.

Friday, June 4

After yesterday's rain (it stormed at home while we were in Knoxville), we were expecting a nice morning. We got ourselves going for a walk and were glad we did. We both needed it! After, I went to church to pick up plastics for recycling, took them to the center and then went to the grocery.

In the afternoon I worked on the photo book project. Earlier in the week I had come across a recipe for grilled shrimp, so that what we had for supper. It sounded so good, with new potatoes and red onions finished on the grill and served with a freshly prepared roasted red pepper sauce. We at it, but I threw away the recipe. It was not as good as it sounded and certainly not worth the effort!

We took a different path this morning

A new perspective

We had our own encounter with a family of geese.  Daddy was a little bit aggressive.

Saturday, June 5

This morning I finished the photo book (on-line) and sent it (electronically) to Walgreens to print.  It is to be a going away remembrance gift for Pastor Kristie. After lunch, I went to Walgreens to pick it up and to Home Depot for some more twine, two spools of bright yellow nylon. I need 450 ft to make 3 rows around 3 sides of the garden.  None is needed on the shed side.

The Belmont Stakes was to be run late this afternoon.  Kathy and I planned a fish-fry.  She supplied 3 filets each for them, including Aiden, and I added 3 each for us.  Each filet I cut into 2 lengthwise pieces, so I had 36 pieces to dip, bread in cornmeal and fry, 3 at a time. I fried all the fish as well as okra and hush puppies and we took it up there for 6 o-clock.  She made a delicious cucumber salad and drinks. We enjoyed another feast!  We watched the race a most of us (not me) picked the favorite who actually won for a change.

Sunday, June 6

After church we had a covered-dish dinner to celebrate Pastor Kristie and say good-bye. I made my crunchy cole slaw (again). I passed around the photo book for everyone to sign and presented it to her with a few appropriate remarks. We had a great turn-out and, of course, wonderful food. I brought home enough for a simple supper.

After a good rest, I was able to put up 2 rows of twine string around the garden. I'll need Bill's help to do the 3rd row. I hope it will keep the deer out as it has in the past.

Throughout the day I worked on a batch of bread. I began right after breakfast with making the levain so it could proof for about 6 hours. During the afternoon, I went through the steps of mixing, folding and rising. Loaves went in the refrigerator to proof overnight.

The Journey Continues...Fishing & Gardening, May 24-30

Monday, May 24

We started the day with kayaks.  We were on the water at 8:15 am for a little fishing expedition.  At Orange Beach we go for the BIG redfish. On Melton Hill Lake we go for the LITTLE bluegills.  We paddles across the lake and fished the north bank.  I always like to paddle at least as far as the first cove just to see what I can see.  Not much stirring this Monday morning, but I was serenaded by many birds.  I caught 4 little bluegills and Bill caught 3, nothing keeper size.  I guess we won't be having fresh fish for supper tonight.

Ready for the day's adventure

I love this beautiful lake on a quiet weekday morning

Bill enjoys fishing, for bigs or littles

The water was very clear this morning

Six of our catch looked just like this one.  One was even smaller

Deep in the cove

I planned on making strawberry jam in the afternoon. However, I discovered that the berries that I bought on Saturday had molded.  After culling and trimming, I didn't have enough for jam.  I put them in the freezer stead, reserving a few for cereal this week.

Since I was set on fish for supper, I found some tuna steaks in the freezer.  I marinated them in my favorite dressing, sauted them and served them with new potatoes & salad.

Tuesday, May 28

Back to the garden this morning, or rather, the flower beds. Bill continued his pallet by pallet cleaning and repainting the deck.  Each afternoon, he scrubs 3 pallets. The next morning, he paints those and then cleans 3 more.

This short 8 sec video is of my garden companion. You can hear the cicadas singing.  https://youtu.be/ib3kob1eFTY

Cicadas are everywhere, singing loudly

I met Bonnie for lunch at Ruby T's and then went to the grocery.  The last errand was to pick up LeRoy from the vet.  We will keep him until the Matzeks return from vacation on Saturday.  I came home with chicken thighs, so that what we had for supper, air-fried, served with the last of the purple hull peas from last summer and salad from our garden lettuce.

Wednesday, May 26

I more or less finished weeding the flower bed this morning while Bill continued his work on the deck.  After lunch I made some progress cleaning off my desk, filing and tossing papers.

For supper we had Ruby's Salmon.

View from my garden bench

Rosemary enough for the county and beyond

Herbs -Purple sage, Parsley, Thai basil, Holy basil, St. John's Wort

Thursday, May 27

I went back to the garden this morning for a couple of hours of odd jobs. After cleaning up, I went to town for groceries and errands.  I needed to buy supplies for a mission food bucket and deliver them to the church.  These buckets are shipped to Africa to support a children's school ministry.  

After lunch, Bill took the boat for a spin up the lake to make sure it was in good running order for summer.  I enjoyed the ride-along on a hot afternoon.

Every day for the last week, afternoon highs have been 90+, more like mid-summer than late spring.  No rain for more than 2 weeks, but it's in the forecast for tomorrow.

The SEC Baseball tournament started yesterday with Vols losing to Alabama after a controversial call.  If it had gone differently, we would have won. This morning, we beat Mississippi State by 10 on a run-rule call.  I heard the game off & on on the radio.

Fried rice with chicken and pork loin was tonight's supper choice.

Lettuce & spinach.  A bell pepper is near the stick

Friday, May 28

The day started just a bit cooler and cloudy, with a cold front on the  way. Rain is predicted and badly needed.  We had made plans with Bonnie for streaks on the grill and Vol baseball later this afternoon.  Because of predicted storms, the game was moved up to 11 am.  Accordingly, we moved our steak dinner up to lunch and Bonnie came out for the game.  Bols had a great win over Alabama to revenge Wednesday's loss. The game ended by run-rule after 7 innings.  As soon as the game was over, Bill put the steaks on the grill.  I had new potatoes and salad ready.  We enjoyed the game, the meal, and visiting with Bonnie.

No need for much supper after that big lunch.  We got some much needed rain late in the afternoon and overnight.

Saturday, May 29

Overnight rain brought an end to the heat wave and drought.  Today's high will barely break 60, as low as recent overnight lows.  We average low 80s this time of year, so we've been +10 and now -10, right on average! We didn't plan any outdoor work for the day.  Watched another mid-day baseball game.  This one was a victory over Florida.  We move on to the championship game tomorrw.

I had a recipe for Crock Pot Carnitas that I've been wanting to try.  That is a dish I've never made.  Earlier this week I bought a whole port shoulder roast. This morning, I cut and trimmed it and started the crock pot with onions, lime & orange peel and juice, garlic, oregano and cumin. By the end of the day, the port was tender and delicious.  I shredded it and served it on corn tortillas with fresh pico-de-gallo. The pork shoulder made enough for me to put 3 packages in the freezer for future meals.

Sunday, May 30

I led Sunday School again.  Today's topic was the Trinity and I also talked about the Nicene creed, its history and relevance.  I gave a sermon on Trinity Sunday back in 2013 that was relevant. I used it as the basis of today's discussion.  If you are interested, it is called "In for a Penny" on this blog https://flowersandfeathers.blogspot.com/p/in-for-penny.html

Mid-afternoon brought another baseball game for the SEC Championship. Unfortunately, the #2 Vols lost to #1 Arkansas.  Nevertheless, both teams will play again and host NCAA Regional tournaments.

We had air-fried catfish for supper.  It didn't brown as nicely this time. Maybe I didn't use enough spray oil.  It was good, though, with sweet potatoes and purple-hull peas.

The Journey Continues...Gardening, May 17-23

 Monday, May 17 - Travel Day

I got away from Melanie's before 9 am but not before having a good egg & toast breakfast.  Thankfully, the drive was uneventful and I made good time, getting home before 5.  I'm always excited to go on a trip and always glad to be home.

The catfish travelled well, too, and was not thawed. We repacked it, 3 filets (3-5 oz) per quart ziplock.  Fifteen pounds made 18 packages plus 3 filets to cook for supper. I tried a new technique.  I soaked the filets in a milk & hot sauce mixture before dredging lightly in cornmeal mix and cooked it in the air-fryer for 16 minutes.  It was served with steamed spinach and new potatoes.   YUM!!

Tuesday, May 18

With hot dry weather predicted all week, I decided I should get my soaker hoses laid and vegetable beds mulched.  I know that my Mississippi people think upper 80s is not THAT hot, but for East Tenn in May, we will be 5-10 degrees above average.

I had one soaker hose left from prior years and had bought 3 new 50 ft hoses.  After getting the old hose laid out, I decided that it was not working well enough. I ended up taking it out and then did not have enough new hose to finish the work.  I had to buy 3 more hoses.  Working with these hoses is harder than it seems. Enough outdoor work for one day!

I found two already cooked boneless chicken breasts in the freezer.  I made a gravy and served them over rice, with leftover spinach.

Wednesday, May 19 - Happy Birthday Heather

I started the day in the garden.  First, I got all the soaker hoses laid.  Using a leftover bale of straw, I was able to mulch the tomato row. It doesn't sound like much, but before putting down the straw, I put down back landscape fabric.  Otherwise, grass grows up through the straw.  It is upside down work and time-consuming.  I worked about 2 1/2 hours with ample water breaks.

Ruby Tuesday has the BOGO offer only on Wednesdays now, so we are changing our practice, too.  We each had a salmon dinner and each of us had a small amount of fish leftover.

After an early supper, I had a Zoom Loudon County Democrat Exec Committee meeting.  I will have to decide in the next couple of months as to whether I want to continue to serve on the County Committee.

Thursday, May 20

Amanda had a 9:15 hair cut appointment in Turkey Creek so her driver (me) was out early. I used the wait time to go to the grocery.  When she was finished, we went to Panera for a breakfast treat.  We each had a cinnamon bagel with cream cheese and tea.  We found a table outside to enjoy our treats.  Of course, we took a bagel home to Claire who doesn't work on Thursdays.  Her summer job is child care at a gym that offers the service for their morning classes.

We were home in plenty of time for me to make a salad and go to Kathy's for lunch.  This is the 3rd Thursday, reserved for our little group of neighbor friends.  It is always a pleasure to gather, catch up on news and share ideas, observations and talk about books we've read since we gathered last.

I actually had some chicken left from last night and about 1/2 cup of rice.  I used it to make enchiladas.  Surprisingly, there was enough for 6 enchiladas, my usual recipe. We had 2 apiece and one left for lunch.  Those 2 chicken breasts stretched a long way.  We are enjoying salads from the beautiful buttercrunch lettuce in the garden. We better eat it quickly considering this heat.

Friday, May 21

Back to the garden this morning to mulch the last bed.  I had plenty of landscape fabric to lay between the peas, squash and peppers.  I finish out the bale of straw but was just short of completing the row.  I knew that by the time I got back from Home Depot with another bale of straw it would be too late (hot) to finish the job.

I spent most of the afternoon researching Pentecost and the Wesley Brothers to prepare for leading Sunday School this week. 

On Friday, Papa Murphy's has a $5 special on single topping pizza,  We got a pepperoni and dressed it with our favorite toppings for a Friday night treat.

Laura, Mike, Claire and Amanda left this afternoon for a week's vacation in Orlando.  They have tickets for some of the Disney attractions and have booked a condo on or near the attractions. LeRoy will be at the vets until we pick him up on Tuesday.

Saturday, May 22

I finished the last of the mulching this morning - an easy task compared to previous days.  I probably used only 1/4 of the bale, so I have lots of straw on hand for the next job.  I also weeded the green beans row.  It is too closely spaced to mulch.  I'll have early peas in a couple of weeks.  I was through early and went to the farmer's market in search of strawberries.  I didn't find them there, but bought some at Pope's at the junction.  I hope to make some jam.

Back in the house, I made 2 loaves of banana bread and 2 foccacia loaves.  The baking took all afternoon. In between risings, I had a long phone visit with Anna. The cicadas were singing loudly from my right and the katydids were buzzing loudly from my left. A battle of bug bands.  I was quite loud.

Sunday, May 23

We both woke up early - 6:30 seems to be it these days, as soon as the light filters in through the blinds.   We had time for a walk before I had to get ready for Sunday School and church. Since I was leading the class, I could skip!  The lesson went well and church is getting back to normal.

For a few weeks, I'll just watch it grow and pull the occasional weed.

The Journey Continues...Mississippi Family, May 9-16

Sunday, May 9

Of course, I am always a little nervous before speaking in church, but a little bit of nerves is a good thing to keep my attention focused.  In teaching, we said that it was important to raise the student's level of concern to get and hold their attention., not too much as to make them anxious, but just enough. 

My morning message was well received and is online on YouTube at https://youtu.be/2PceCWN7VAc  and on this blog at https://flowersandfeathers.blogspot.com/p/mother-earth_10.html

Later in the afternoon we went to the Matzeks for Mother's Day supper prepared by Claire, Amanda and Mike.  Claire made Fettuccine Alfredo (her speciality), Amanda made the salad and Mike grilled salmon filets.  We had a fun visit which included getting to play with the four little kittens that they are fostering this summer.

Claire with one of their foster kittens

Laura and Me

Almost got a picture of Amanda

David's family showing off their new furry family members

Monday, May 10

Fun Fact: every gallon of gasoline burned produced 8.89 kg of CO2, about 20 pounds.  Therefore our RV trip of 685 miles, at 10 mpg, burned 68 gallons of gasoline and produced 1360 pounds of CO2.   Every miles that we drive the RV releases 2 pounds of CO2 into the atmosphere.

An average tree absorbs 31 pounds of CO2 per year.  We would have to plant 15 trees per mile to offset our CO2 production.  Since we have owned the RV we have put about 52,000 miles on it, or about 5200 miles per year.  We owe the planet about 13,000 trees just for our annual RV use and 130,000 trees to make up for the last 10 years. WOW!  It really adds up.  The Vos Family Foundation will plant 1000 trees for every $100 donation.  By my convoluted calculations, we need to donate $1300/year to the Vos Foundation to offset just our annual RV use.  It would take a $13,000 donation to make up for the past 10 years. 

Well, you can see how I spent several hours of this day!  For our supper, I made Thai Coconut Curry.  I thought I had enough for 2 meals, but it was so good that we had just a scant serving leftover.

Thai Chicken Coconut Curry

Tuesday, May 11

I am excited that I have a haircut scheduled for 12:45 today.  I used the morning to start getting the front bedroom, my sewing room, ready for Melanie's visit.  I also started a batch of bread with the intention of having a long bulk rise while I am out.  After my haircut, I went to Mayo's and got the last of the herbs I wanted, lemongrass and chamomile.  I also stopped by the wine store to stock up.

After I got home I was able to move the bread dough along the process of folding and kneading and be ready to proof overnight.  

Wednesday, May 12

Baking bread was first priority this morning.  I had to have it all done by 10:30.  I made just 3 loaves this time to shorten the total baking time.  Same amount of dough, larger loaves.

I left home in time to pick up Claire at 11 for a trip to Chattanooga for a momentus occasion.  We are meeting Melanie to bring her home with us for a short visit before I take her back to Jackson.  I'll stay in Mississippi until Monday and celebrate her birthday on Sunday.    We haven't seen each other since March of 2020 because of Covid.  She has been with Chris and family in Chattanooga since Sunday.  We met at a local cafe that they like and had a fun lunch.  Little Solis has grown up into a little girl.  She is just a couple of weeks older than John David.

After we got home and settled in, wee enjoyed wine and pimento cheese on the deck.  The best part was just being together! Bill grillled a pork tenderloin for us which we had with sweet potatoes and green beans.

Thursday, May 13

With leftover tenderloin, we had to have biscuits for breakfast.  What a treat!  Melanie and I had a whole day to spend as we wished.  After breakfast we (and Bill) went for a walk across the river.  We hoped to see the eagles and we saw a pair of what we thought were juveniles in flight over the tailwaters.  

After our walk, Melanie said she would like to do some shopping which surprised me.  We went to Honey Blossom in downtown Lenoir City in search of leggings and tops.  We each bought several outfits.  After lunch and a rest, Kathy can over for mint juleps on the deck.  We had lots of fun talking and laughing.  Before she left, Laura arrived, so the talking and laughing continued.  All before supper!  Early, I had put some chicken wings in the marinade in Sweet Baby Ray's Teriyaki sauce.  They were delicious with potato salad and green peas.

Friday, May 14 - Travel Day

We got on the road before 9:30 am and had an uneventful travel day - the best kind when traveling a long distance on the interstate.  We got to Melanie's house in about 8 hours, 425 miles. Gas has been in short supply for a few days, but we were able to find what we needed in Trussville when we stopped for lunch.  For supper, we ordered Mexican from a cafe that Nathaniel and Jayna like.  It was very good.  And we enjoyed more talking & laughing with them over our meal.

Front entrance

Living room

Back deck

Back yard

Saturday, May 15 - Wolf Lake

After breakfast Melanie and I took her little chiweenie (chiwawa/dauschound cross) for a walk around the arboretum where they walk regularly.  The weather was perfect.  We had an early light lunch of leftovers and hit the road again.  Our destination was park & C indy's lake house (rental) on Wolf Lake near Yazoo City.  We got there about 1:30 and soon after went for a pontoon ride up and down the lake.  Wolf lake is a long narrow oxbow lake formed by a cutoff of the Yazoo River.  The weather continued to be perfect.  Not long after we got back, Erica, Drew and Sandling arrived, then Elizabeth a little later.  Some neighbor friends of theirs showed up also with 2 kids about Sandlings age - his good buddies.  Park had smoked at least 3 racks of ribs, as only he can do.  Cindy made black beans and a kale slaw which she says comes in a bag from WalMart.  Of course, it was all delicious.  

The lake house is a single wide trailer mounted on poles to raise it above flood level.  It has an upper covered deck and a concrete pad below that they use as a patio.  Park has even made an outdoor kitchen with a full size side-by-side refrigerator and a large gas grill. Cindy has furnished the patio with plenty of tables and chairs with comfy pads. They lease the house from April - September and make it their summer home.  Park works nearby in Yazoo City and Cindy travels all over the state, so it works well for them.

The crowd left about dark.  Park treated us to a night cruise on the lake.  What a great day!

Sunday, May 16 - Happy Birthday, Melanie!

Melanie and I shared a room and woke up early.  Sitting on the upper deck with a cup of coffee in the early morning cool, watching the hummers and other birds was delightful! Park soon joined us, then Cindy. Park fixed us a hearty breakfast and we continued our visit until about 11 when it was time for Melanie and me to load up and return to Jackson.

Park was able to get 20 pounds of catfish from a local processing plant.  My cooler was exactly full and I hoped the fish would stay frozen until I get home tomorrow night. We got back to Melanie's and ordered Chinese for a late lunch, Nathaniel's treat.  We rested most of the afternoon. 

Melanie, Nathaniel and Millie

Inspired by my bulk catfish purchase, we fixed oven-fried catfish for supper.  I was glad for an early bedtime after staying up late last night.  Tomorrow will be a long travel day.