Monday, August 2, 2010

The Lane Kids Visit Brought...

white water rafting adventures
soaring through the trees on a zip line
driving the lawn mower up and down the streets
sleeping on the floor in Mimi & Poppy's room
snuggles in bed for old times sake
hiking in the woods
going to the movies
driving Poppy's truck on an old dirt road (yes that's true...Emily really did drive Poppy's truck)
giggles
telling jokes
rocking on the front porch like old people
going out for ice cream cones
cooking
baking and decorating cakes (Jessi & Emily are taking cake decorating classes)
making smores
camping
campfires
just talking
pedicures
bracelet making
AND A TIRED MIMI AND POPPY
You can see that we had loads of fun packed into such a short visit.



"golden hugs"

Michael made his first visit without his sisters.
isn't that the largest vase you've ever seen
I had my own chefs and bakers!
girly stuff
Jessi and Emily had their first experience flying alone. 
Unfortunately they had a five hour delay.
We passed the time away playing hangman
and other assorted games, eating chocolate
covered pretzels and Cheez-its!

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Virginia Creeper Trail

The Virginia Creeper Trail is an old railroad bed that has been converted to a multiple use trail by the Rails To Trails Association.  It runs 34 miles from White Top Mountain to Abingdon, VA.  We just rode the 17 miles to Damascus, VA.  Most of the trail is down hill along a rushing stream across old railroad tressels. 
Visiting the old town of Abingdon, VA



Sunday, July 11, 2010

Our First Crop...

What a surprise discovery!!!  We have our first crop of string beans and we can't wait to have them with dinner tomorrow night.  They are even yummy raw so I'm confident they will really be good when they are cooked.  They were actually very easy to grow.
1st I noticed three beans...

...then with further investigation I ended up with a bowl full!

Our tomatoes are not quite ripe yet,
but soon we will have more than
we can eat.

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Back On The Trail Again...

Despite the record breaking heat we are still out hiking every week.  It's one way of staying in shape.  I can honestly say that I feel retirement has put me in the best shape every.  Other than a few aches and pains and morning stiffness I feel wonderful.  In fact I feel better when I'm moving than when I just sit around.  So I'll keep hiking those trails!!

A refreshing stream on a hot summer day.
lunch break
Candy with the shimmering stream in
the background