Camping Trip!

      Yes, we finally got to go camping! We had a great weekend with some great people! The weather was so nice, too! It was on a lake so there were lots of boats and people. At least everyone acted right, no wild parties or anything. Sometimes you don't know if the people around you will be nice or whatever. Our son went with us and had a great time as well. He actually helped take care of a little two-year-old who was with us. Her Mommy is about to give birth to her little sister in three weeks, so we kept a close eye on her. Mommy didn't go into labor or anything and seemed to enjoy herself in spite of herself. Camping is a wonderful way to connect with people and nature and we had a good combination of both. I didn't know my camera card was almost full (imagine that) so I didn't get to take very many pics. I got some good shots, though.


      Well, the weather has finally turned hot again after a week or two of spring-like weather. That's how I'm able to be inside this time of day writing a post. I actually came in at 11:30 burning from the sun with a sweaty forehead. The weather changes so abruptly here that one hardly has a chance to adjust! I don't think I'll ever adjust to that burning sun! It's 87 degrees! We seem to be experiencing a drought for this time of year. I don't like droughts! Our lush green grass quickly turns brown when that happens. There doesn't seem to be very many clouds so I don't think there's much chance of rain for today. At least when it's cloudy, the sun doesn't burn as bad. I'm discouraged about my garden because the green bean seeds and the cucumber seeds are not coming up. Neither are the straight neck squash. I'm concerned it may be too late to replant. I'll have to check with garden center and see if they have any more  of these seeds since WM didn't.


      I was going to post on Friday since that was the one year anniversary of the tornadoes that came through our state, and other states. I posted last year  with photos, so if you'd like to look in the archives under May 2011, you can see what happened just a few short miles from my home. Actually, it was just over that small mountain across the street! When I think about that day, I get really upset because so many people lost their lives and/or everything they owned! We came through that area on the way home from the camping trip and it still looks like a tornado came through! It will take a lifetime for all of those trees to grow back! Some people have built new homes, others chose to move away! Lots of trailers were destroyed and the people moved somewhere else. I can't blame folks for not wanting to live there! We were very fortunate that only a small twister came through our back yard and took down several large Hickory trees. I was so thankful they fell away from the house since it happened right next to our bedroom where I was still in bed! If the tree had fallen in a different direction, I might not be here to write this post! God spared our lives that day, and I want to serve Him and do whatever He has for me to do! Ya'll have a great week! I hope to be posting again this week! Blessings from Bama!

Cooking Ketchup!

One and a half pints of Ketchup.

Delicious Baked Potato Soup!

Can you believe this was growing on the side of the camper? And that I caught a hornet flying up to it!

This is what it looks like in real life.

He found the hornet's nest when he went to wash that side.

Hubs to the rescue!

This was the largest one that fell out. Could it be the queen?

What beautiful smiles!

Happy family!

What a way to start the day!

Second nature!

Look what he caught!

Bass Pros!

You don't expect me to believe that story! (He really didn't catch this fish; only dragged it in at the shore. It had just been released and looks like it's dying!)

She throws them and he picks them up!

Are we having an early Spring?

      With temps. in the lower seventies yesterday and lower sixties today, one would think so. Especially after the early morning tornadoes that came near this area yesterday! Some places were hit hard and several deaths have been reported. Nothing like April 27, 2011, though. I am thankful once again that we were spared during this weather! It happened at like 4:00 in the morning this time and some folks slept right through the tornado sirens! I don't know how they could, because the sirens are loud! Anyway, it's scary now when those sirens go off! Hubby got up and watched James Spann the weather man, in Birmingham, and at one point, the tornado was predicted to come right through our town. It weekend, however, as it encountered cooler temps., therefore dying down to just severe storms. I don't like talking about this kind of weather, so on to other things!
      I have been in the kitchen all day, loving every minute of it! I finally got the carrot cake made! It's delicious! I also got out my Vitamix and filled it with delicious veggies and turned them into a soup. Yes, the Vitamix cooks! It also freezes! I love my Vitamix and plan on using it a lot this year! The food prepared in it is whole food, meaning you use the whole vegetable, or fruit. I ESPECIALLY love smoothies made in it! I just ate my soup, along with a piece of homemade oatmeal bread baked in my bread machine. That is the best bread I make! Guess what else I'm going to make after I work out with weights? Strawberry jam! I walked outside, today, since it's so warm, then I ate my soup. Now, while it's digesting, I'm writing this post; then I'll go upstairs and use my weights. Next, I'll make my strawberry jam. I got the strawberries at Aldi for $1.99 a quart. My friend made some and gave me a jar and it was the best strawberry jam I ever tasted! Now I've got to make my own! Isn't it nice to have friends and family to share your food with? I'll have to give most of this carrot cake away so I won't eat too much of it. Would you like a piece? Thanks for reading, following, and commenting! Blessings from Bama!

Soup in the Vitamix!

Served with homemade oatmeal bread!

Yummy strawberries waiting to be turned into jam!

Can you believe I'm dressed like this in January, outside?

The sky is so clear and beautiful!

Yes we have chickens, ducks, and geese! I love our fresh eggs!

It's time to blog again!

      I hope this time my DSL is here to stay! I'm not going to hold my breath; but we'll see. I sure have missed writing, and reading other blogs! So much has happened since I last blogged, I don't know where to begin. The heat is first and foremost on my mind because it is preventing me form doing the things I need to do. Now it's too hot to even go out! I have to wait until 5:00 just to water everything. We went from cool spring days and rain, right into hot, humid summer. Can you tell I'm a little upset? My tomatoes sure do like the heat, though. Hubby had a dump truck load of dirt brought in so I'm not having to go down into the woods anymore and dig. Maybe today the bugs will leave me alone while I load my wagon with dirt to be placed into a raised bed. Hopefully, my garden will be finished before summer is over. The temp. is 95 and rising as I write this. It was this hot yesterday and is expected to be even hotter the rest of the week! In spite of all the crazy weather we have, I love Alabama and would not want to live anywhere else, except maybe, Elijay or Hiawasee, GA. They are beautiful places to visit. I have pics coming in the next blog, hopefully. No, I wouldn't want to live there because they are a tourist attraction.
      I keep being reminded of the recent outbreak of tornadoes because of the specials on Discovery and because we drove through some areas that were hard hit. Ya'll may get tired of me talking about that but I can't get it off my mind. I do pray for those who are trying to restart their lives and put pieces back together. I'm so thankful for volunteers who take time out of their busy lives to help those in need. Trees are being cleared by the truck load and some folks are planning on rebuilding on the same sight. Some have left. Hopefully we'll never have anything like this again.
      Enjoy these pictures. I hope to have updates soon.

Can you believe I got this at Walmart for $10?

Mountain across the street the tornado went by.

Volunteer Cherio tomato plant along fence.

My Mom and her three great-grand-daughters.

Tomato plants inside pipe and block, taken a couple weeks ago. Notice sunflower coming up.

Also taken a couple weeks ago, tomato plants inside cages.

Blackberries in bloom, a couple weeks ago.

My niece with her two daughters.

My other niece with her daughter and my son.

Graham Thomas rose.

Beautiful daylillies!

I just love this picture!

Drying banana slices.

What's for dinner?