Saturday, July 11, 2015

Planes, Trains and Automobiles



We are taking more time than usual this summer to visit with family and travel around the US.  Floyd Gene was generous enough to drive us to the airport in the wee hours of the morning (4:30 am) to catch a flight.  Our first stop is New Mexico, where we have family members who have suffered injuries and illnesses.  We help out where we are able.  Whether it is help or not, I am having fun baking.  I made a key lime pie and have since tried all kinds of new recipes:  Coconut cream pie, banana cream pie, chocolate pie, and even a three layer Italian Berry Cream Cake.  That last one, just recently consumed, was so rich that I am going back to my standard oatmeal cookies for a while in hopes of averting mass family diabetes.

We bought my dad’s van, a Toyota Sienna.  We also bought pads to put in the back because we use it like a truck.  We are very thankful to have it.  Transportation is a must in these parts.  There are a couple grocery stores about 30 minutes away and any serious shopping is 1.5 to 2 hours away.  Lists are key.

Myron has been helping my dad get a 1949 Ford 8N tractor going again.  When he took off the head, there were wasps, snails and unknown creatures living inside.  




We have also been doing a few projects around the farm.  So far, it has been a much needed break from living on the boat.  If we talk of missing the boat, which we do, we temper that homesickness by reminding ourselves that it is 70 – 80 degrees here during the day and 50 to 60 degrees at night.  Another world compared to the brutal heat in the Chesapeake Bay or Jacksonville, Florida.  What a joy that there is no need for air conditioning in the house.

A walk on our mountain property revealed only a little of the dreaded thistle, but that horrible thistle has its benefits.

When I get another spare moment, I will share more photos and associated tales.

In the meantime, stay cool.  We are!

Love to all,
Dena