Early September

 It is hard to believe that this is our third Autumn in the mountains! Because of this we are becoming accustomed to some of the rhythms of the area as well as some of the seasonal beauty. While there are a few leaves changing here and there, one of the most beautiful happenings right now are the "fields" of zinnias blooming beside Hwy 64, the main road to Franklin, a place many are familiar with. On our way back from a recognizance mission to locate a home that we were invited to later in the week, we drove by and of course we had to stop. Well, maybe it was just me that had to stop, but ever the accommodating husband, Bruce pulled over.

As we move through this post there will be more "pull over" moments to come.

Speaking of zinnias, one thing that many people don't realize when they come across this blog, is that it began as mostly a space where I could share photographs. Stories were featured, but they were not the star of the show back then. Speaking with a friend the other day, she mentioned that she barely looked at the photos and focused on the stories. I wonder who else does the same? Yet here I am, still experimenting with light and photography.

We are all decorated for Autumn!! The placemat above was a very handy thrift store find. Isn't everything around here? Not everything, but a bunch!

A few weeks early, I just could not wait! 

Remember last episode's bat story? Here's a better look at the area to give you some context. Bruce was facing me and the bat was to his left in the white siding.

Should you be wondering about the hanging pickleball, it is to keep us from running into the screen!  To the left of that is the garden bench cubby which has turned out to be amazing. Bruce fertilized last year, adding grass seed and it is looking so good it is hard to imagine. He's also painted the back steps and while they were fine before, they are better now. One little detail about this time of the year that we could do without are the dropping chestnuts and their spiny containers. Oh my goodness they are SO SHARP!

Not only are they sharp, they are PLENTIFUL as well! On the day pictured, I picked up two buckets full. Over the weekend Bruce picked up two buckets full, and just yesterday another two buckets. The bad news is there are so MANY more still in the tree. The same holds true for the magnolia tree which has hundreds and hundreds of seed pods just waiting to drop. Aren't most things like that? Both good and bad? While we love the shade the trees provide, the price to pay for that can be somewhat unpleasant. 

Speaking of trees, let's keep track of our Japanese Maple tree as it changes color. Doesn't that sound fun?

The photo below is for documentation purposes so that together we can follow the color changes Eventually I will begin to learn when things changeand will be keeping track in this very space.

While it is still warm in the day, the nights are definitely cooling down. This morning it was 54 degrees on the back porch and it remains cool in the house, It has been weeks since we have had to use very much air conditioning, something that pleases me.

Last of the tomatoes are ripening now.

I picked probably the last cucumber yesterday afternoon. An impatient planted in a tea tin is thriving, even in the afternoon sun which for a Floridian is shocking.

Something else that is shocking, or maybe I should describe it as a pleasant surprise? A pizza crust that I made worked so beautifully and that is most definitely not the norm for me. On that evening, the crust was so pliable and spread like magic, unlike many times when I have had to tug and pull to get it to fit the pan. Happy days!

Something just around the corner from the spot above is a palm in the dining room. I had such high hopes and for a time this large plant was thriving and then, much to my dismay, it began heading in the other direction. I don't know why I did it but I ran my hand over one of the fronds and discovered a brown, sticky substance coating the back of the fronds. Do you see what I found?

Spider mites were sucking the life out of the plant and I cut off the declining fronds, as well as washed the remaining ones, in hopes of saving the plant. Isn't it easy to assume one is over-watering or the reverse when a plant begins looking sad? From now on, searching for bugs is going to be my first thought when a plant begins declining. 

Before we head over to Chattanooga (!), I am including a photo taken in town that shows the work being done there now. Additionally, the tall (!!!) brick building is the one made famous for the chimney swift hotel. Haha!

There is great hope amongst the folks around here that the construction of the new parks, lighting and paving will be done by Christmas, maybe in time for the town Christmas tree? I will keep you posted.

So what is this about Chattanooga you ask? When we got up on Friday morning I never imagined that within a few hours I would be getting a message from D'Anna about a retreat that she and her sister were meant to attend. I knew that she had driven down to the Atlanta area to pick her up on Wednesday, but I had no idea that Carol began feeling unwell and canceled on the retreat, leaving D'Anna to go alone. "Can you please go with me for the weekend to a ladies retreat with my church friends from Kennesaw?" Never having done anything like that before we thought, why not? 

Furthermore, the Drury Hotel was the location and we now know how much the Pecks love a good Drury Hotel. No, seriously, that was a plus, but there was absolutely no reason not to go. Well I could think of one and that was my darn ankle, swollen and miserable from what we are now thinking was chigger bites. I have had a heck of a time this summer with bites which for many people are a nuisance, but that is not how my body responds. She brought some lotion that David swears by; coating my ankle, I put on some thick socks to help me not scratch my leg and off we went. 

I discovered that she is as accommodating as Bruce in the pull over department. Our first stop as we drove through the Ocoee gorge was the park where, well you can read the sign!

Some folks were enjoying what water there was.

Next time you go white water rafting, this is what you are rafting over once they release the water from the dam!

That night for some reason I could not get enough of this Krystal out our window.

After two days it came to me that what is so striking is the complete lack of landscaping. Just a red and white Krystal in a very large parking lot.

We had meals together, and a great speaker named Abby who told us much about her life that has been filled with many unexpected turns.

Seeing the keyboard you know that we sang a bunch, as well as made some prayer beads. Well actually the pretty lady that sat to my left did most of mine, in part because her young eyes work better than mine.

She was a lovely Ukrainian woman who has lived in the states for 10 years after marrying an American. Thankfully, they are able to house her parents after the destruction of all that they knew and loved in Ukraine during the war.  

After lunch on Saturday four of us went downtown to explore while many others went to the Tennessee aquarium, striking buildings as pictured from the bridge over the Tennessee River.

Bridges seem to be a theme because here's another one that aside from looking good seemed to have no purpose.

A huge rainstorm an hour earlier had cleared up enough for our excursion. We discovered some changing leaves,

a chalk alley,

and a beautiful free carousel to ride.

Oh and a really cool fountain that featured some elephants, a theme Abbie had used in her Friday night talk.

Walking back to the car I had to stop and photograph this pretty wall art.

The building across the street has rock climbing on the upper part! 

After dinner at the hotel we had another session with singing, another Abby talk, door prizes and a movement exercise led by D'Anna. I heard over and over how much they miss her and I can't say that I blame them! 

Following breakfast and communion, we all made our way home, but first we stopped at a few stores that, while I have gotten used to not having, I still miss, including Trader Joes and HomeGoods. Once we were settled with shopping we headed back through the river gorge on our return to North Carolina, only about sixty miles away, if that. Murphy is a little further, but the drive was very scenic and pleasant. Here is one scene,

and here is another.

Just think in a month's time all that green will be clothed in reds, oranges and yellows! Apparently since we went through on Friday, they released the water onto the riverbed in order for folks to go rafting.

The scene below is so unique and the few times I have been this way I have tried to capture what it feels like to see these random trees rising from the water. 

I am still not sure I have captured it to my liking but I am getting closer.

Arriving home around 3PM, Bruce was happy to see me and show me how he had held the fort down in my absence! Laundry done, house clean and tidy. What more could one ask for? We bubbled over with stories before D'Anna headed home to take care of her chickens and dog. David had left earlier Sunday on a motorcycle trip to Maine! 

Lastly our hummingbirds!! They are so busy before they migrate to Mexico and Central America, an unfathomable distance for such a tiny bird! 

Like the trees above, I may take a lot of the same subject before I am happy with the results. Finally I got this one showing off the tiny ruby throat. Maybe when they return in the Spring I will have success with one with a big red throat!

Now that they days are getting cooler I am walking more. Pickleball is a given but walking in the afternoon sun has really not been my idea of fun. With the cooler weather, I have been seeing more birds than just those in my yard like this pretty Mockingbird, the same species that five states claim as their state bird and as far as I know, is the favorite of very few folks. Not like a bluebird or a cardinal that so many love for their vibrant colors.

That makes me think of how so many people use a gray palette while decorating their homes.  I seriously don't get that, but I suppose that is what makes life so interesting. We are all different and yet the same. That is really saying something, isn't it?

your friend,

Gail

A New Toilet and a Shower Head Too!

While it may sound strange to lead with a toilet story, in reality it is a life changing event! The upstairs bathroom's toilet worked fine but Bruce thought there was a crack in the bowl. So, there was that. More importantly though was the height and length. Not as low as a child's toilet, but pretty darn low which while we had grown accustomed to it, from experience let me just say that higher is better. And now it is done without too much fanfare. 

Plenty to talk about before all that happened so off we go!

Following church a week ago Sunday, I finally used my gift card to The Crown, a restaurant in nearby Brasstown that I have mentioned in the past.

As a matter of fact, a year ago this past week we sat in the room above for Tom's birthday while they were visiting from London that I wrote about here. There is a very funny picture of Nancy in that post, well several actually, that will bring back fond memories for some. Okay, where was I? The gift card was from Matt and Tom for my December 31 birthday so as you see, it was about time to put it to use! From there we went to Randy and David's new under construction home that I wrote about here.  To say that things have changed dramatically in the month since we visited is putting it mildly!

In a month's time, a house has appeared! They are moving at lightening speed and the "boys" could not be any more thrilled, especially so when Randy arrived with some very good news to share.

Their A-frame has a buyer! Although it had just been listed, there were showings already set up, however, a friend overheard a conversation between two women, one of whom was saying she wished she and her husband had a place near the Folk School. Now they do! Talk about happening at lightening speed. The folks offered to pay cash and who says no to that? On a side note, D'Anna brought her "chicken boots", the ones she wears when cleaning out the coop, because she thought it would be messy.  In truth, it was neat as a pin.

Bruce loves nothing more than visiting a construction site! 

Back on Campbell Street, Bruce had his own project underway. (Since I took the photo below, he has it all patched up and the evidence that three holes were cut into the plaster is impossible to detect)

He is making a drawing of how he wanted Danny to complete the connections. Danny arrived on Tuesday morning, albeit a little late. I was just beginning my five minute walk to the church for some volunteer work when he arrived. Two hours later, as I walked up the hill to our house, I noticed that his truck was not out front.  Already done? Nope. He left for lunch! Nevertheless, he returned and is on his way upstairs for the new toilet installation. Those who have been here know that the stairwell is narrow but he managed.

The exciting news is that in the photo he is leaving the downstairs bathroom having successfully installed a shower head and controller! 

It is very basic as we don't expect it to get a lot of use. Bruce installed the waterproof backing to the wall behind the fixtures and we are still working out ideas on how to protect the wooden window frame. Because of the new material we had to paint, or should I say Bruce had to paint. Finding paint to compliment that tile was a chore and without the help of my neighborhood Sherwin Williams store I was mostly guessing. She sent me home with the fan deck and finally we came up with a color scheme. Fortunately Lowe's had a shower curtain we could use which pulled it all together. 

I made something new to decorate this very small bathroom.

Sooner, rather than later, they will find their way to the wall. 

Here is something not nearly as pleasant and that is what happened one afternoon. On the patio outside the basement sits the furniture made by John that we bought last year at the Big Brothers fund raising auction. Bruce is very fond of that spot, oftentimes resting there after yard work or better yet, just enjoying the yard which looks pretty darn good thanks to him. Anyway, I was facing him and said, what the heck is that behind your head. Oh my goodness friends, it was a bat whose wing caught in the wall slats!!! Yikes. I cannot believe I was only just noticing it! To tell you the truth, I am out there more than him because I am always needing to either water my flowers or fill the feeders! First I will show the flowers so you have time to prepare yourself for the bat.

Soak it in a moment....

Over the years I have photographed so many, many things, but if my memory serves me well, which of course is a bit of a leap, but nonetheless, I don't think that there is a bat in my photo library. Now there is, albeit..

Sorry!! Sorry!!  It is definitely a mystery. 

Let's jump quickly back to pretty. My neighbor Sandy's beautiful sunflowers.

Whew...that's better! 

Now that we are on the subject of birds, if you can imagine I have some news on that front. Look at this cutie who has daily been resting on the trellis adjacent to the feeder. It just sits there for minutes at a time, something I am not accustomed to seeing as they are normally constantly in motion.

So cute, right?  In more bird news Laura introduced me to a woman who is involved in Mainspring Conservation Trust, which you can read about should you care to by clicking on the link. In short order, when I talked to her she wanted to know if I knew any places where Chimney Swifts were roosting. Although we have them here at our house, and the height of our chimney surely must hold a bunch at some times of the year, she wanted more! I believe it was Laura who was ultimately able to help. The main roost is only a few blocks from here in downtown so last Tuesday night I walked over and met her in front of the church. She stayed behind to count while I walked toward the roost.

It was a lovely night with a crescent moon and hundreds of birds swirling overhead. To your eyes they will look like tiny specks in the photo and in real life it is much the same. One thing to note is that I noticed the bulb not working in the street lamp so after consulting with you know who, I called the power board to report it and by golly a day later we happened to go by when they were fixing it. 

Anyway, Wednesday night I returned after scoping out the way to actually get to said chimney during the day. Walking over at deep dusk I found Laura and Alina on the roof adjacent to the chimney.

And while I went up there briefly I wanted to watch it from below. 

For someone fascinated by bird behavior, this ranks right up there. Pictures from inside chimneys available online show birds stuffed in the chimney like gum balls in a gum ball machine. It's a wonder they can breathe. She is looking for folks to count the birds but frankly they move so fast I don't think I am a good candidate for that job. I am, however, a great observer for pleasure. 😁

Another day I spent time photographing the church from every angle imaginable for Judi who is working on a new website for the church. 

A beautiful blue sky makes everything look good don't you think? Speaking of church, we are in the last week of our year long Bible reading project! Three chapters into Revelation, a book that everyone is dreading to be honest as it is so hard to understand. Nevertheless, it has been a very worthwhile journey made even more special because of doing it as a group.

The weather is changing my friends! Fall is coming!! The downtown merchants are ready.

It has been mostly in the low 80's or middle 70's, a welcome relief to this heat-intolerant gal. 

Have I shown you this plant that is a complete volunteer in our yard?

It just appeared one day and it has kept growing and growing with a beautiful lush color that is not fairly represented in my photograph. AI searches do not agree on what the heck it is. 

And just when you begin to think that my growing efforts are stellar, take a look at this.

I was making a cucumber salad and I kept tasting them and they were so bland well, you see where they ended up.

The front door picks are narrowed down to green. Which one is still up in the air.

Our friends, Curt and Nancy, the ones with the pickleball court in their driveway, remember them? I'm pretty sure I've mentioned how sick Curt has been for months and months. Well, his health is somewhat improving and one thing that helps his spirits is having folks out to play while he watches. They put together a group of six men who played round robin style. Bruce rode out there with Cobby and Diane picked me up in the middle of the morning. I totally forgot I was going to have the pleasure of seeing deer again.

That, of course is easy for me to say because they don't eat my flowers like so many folks we know.

Everyone had a great time including Curt who was distracted from his pain for a few hours. I do remember being in his shoes way back when.

The day was meant to be cloudy, but as you can see from the above, it was anything but.

We were delighted that he felt well enough for the get together and pray he finds answers for his spinal cord leak in Colorado next month!

In other news, I did some first day of school portraits of the new preschool class along with their Moms one morning. 

Meanwhile in Orlando our beautiful grandson Christian just turned nine months old last week. I would show you a recent photo, but I've only received videos lately because friends, he is on the move!! Crawling around like nobodies business and using things to pull himself into a standing position. It is hard to say, but I suspect he will be walking by the time we get there at Christmas time.

Here's a little something that deserves to be documented and that is the auction closed for the wrestling card sets (two) that David was selling through an auction house. I learned later that this happened at the same auction.  While David's cards did not sell for nearly 13 million, he was very pleased with the outcome. When he began, 15 or more years ago, laughed at by many, he kept collecting, especially when prices were very low. His set of 36 cards, along with a smaller set returned a very big margin on his money. Not to worry, he has plenty, and I mean plenty more in stock! 

This is happening on the back porch and doesn't it look pretty?

All different hydrangea cuttings. What it also looks like is someone who is still learning about living in a much colder climate than was customary. Last year we did nothing with all the plants outdoors, but this year we have a better plan to preserve what we can. Overwintering is the term I've heard and I hope we can have some success with that this year. I have managed to root two new plants, one in a pot and one in the ground and wouldn't it be fun to watch these grow next year? Heck yea it would!!

Grayson played pickleball with us this morning as did Laura. Yep, you heard it here first. She's been thinking of doing it for a while and now she has. School has begun here in Cherokee County which means Grayson is busier than ever so some of he and Bruce's time together will be over a deck of Uno cards. That said, he not only loves pickleball but is getting so darn good at it so that will continue to be in their repertoire. 

Me, I will just keep on taking photographs for anyone who asks!

Happy Labor day from,

your friend,

Gail

p.s. Could our Florida State football team be back? If this past Saturday was any indication, it might be true.