Author: rvingwithapurpose

Saturday, December 9, 2017

We still have snow. It was cold last night but only 28, not the 24 that was was predicted. The sun was out bright and shinny this morning, the first sun we have seen for several days. The snow was gorgeous with the bright sun. Definitely needed sunglasses. The temperature rose into the 40s by early afternoon and a lot of the snow melted. Tonight we still have 3 inches on the deck but the deck doesn’t get much sun. Tonight’s low is predicted to be 22.

Our day started with the camera and more pictures of the snow. Then Max prepared a wonderful birthday breakfast for Anne. We had sausage and cheese omelets. After breakfast Barry and Donna picked us up and we headed to Guntersville for a hike on the Honeycomb Trail from the TVA recreation area at the dam. There were geocaches along the trail so we got a little caching in today too. It’s been too long since the four of us have had time hiking and caching together. We found 14 caches.

It was a wonderful day that was topped off by dinner at The Top O’ The River restaurant in Guntersville. We were so hungry by the time we got there. They serve you cold slaw and cornbread while waiting on your entree. It was the best. We have always enjoyed their slaw and corn bread but today it was especially good. Our shrimp and catfish were also excellent. The hike the company, the food. All made for a really fun birthday.

Friday, December 8, 2017

So we usually start with something about the weather but today that’s about all there is. It started snowing before 3:00am because when we looked out we had about ½ inch of snow. Hmm. That’s about what was predicted so we went back to sleep. It was still snowing at 5:00 and 7:00 and continued to snow until around 3:00pm. We had 5 inches here on Pine Mountain. Much more than was predicted but other places got upwards of 10 inches. Totally not what was predicted and way more snow than we usually see this far south. It was the first time in over 23 years that we both could stay home and enjoy the snow. Max just smiled because he didn’t have to worry about the safety of all the Blount County citizens. It was so pretty and 31-32 degrees with very little wind, so not too cold to be out taking pictures.

Our work plan for today was to empty Juno’s storage building. NOT! What’s that about God laughing when we make plans. I know all our northern friends laugh but we couldn’t get out our driveway – well we could if we had to get out. The pine trees and privet hedge were so weighted down with snow they blocked the drive. Barry and Donna walked over and we all walked out the drive together. It was nice to have some unexpected time with them. The drive was very pretty but glad we didn’t need to go anywhere. We just relaxed and enjoyed our quiet day. It was an unexpected blessing. Another huge blessing is our uninterrupted power. There have been many outages throughout the state but so far we are fine. Of course we can always go to FRED and turn up the furnaces and stay toasty warm. Another blessing. The storm is continuing north east so hope our family and friends in Georgia, South Carolina and on up the east coast are all warm and safe. Everybody be careful out there.

Thursday, December 7, 2017

We are still stuck in gray, cloudy days. It was another cool, damp feeling day but we did get to see four deer crossing our dam this morning a another three in the field when we were coming in this evening.

But we are headed much colder. The low tonight is forecast to be 32, with high tomorrow of 36 and ½ inch of snow. But we aren’t expecting any problems because the ground temperature is too high. Then we will be in the twenties for a few nights. That is below average for our area. We will have to bring out the heavy coats. YUK!

Today we both had dental appointments for cleanings so we went into Trussville this morning. When we finished at the dentist we did some shopping and went out for an early birthday lunch and then on to more shopping. We didn’t get home until after 4:00. We checked the weather forecast again and decided we had to give in and winterize FRED. We really didn’t want to do it but today was the warmest day we will have for the next week or so. The 23 degree forecast for tomorrow night is a little below our comfort level. Of course, since this is our first winter in FRED 2, the process was a little more challenging than the last few years. But we remember the first time we winterized FRED 1 and this was easier than that. It’s all done so now it probably won’t get very cold. Hopefully we didn’t forget anything and now we won’t be checking the forecast every five minutes and will hopefully sleep better tomorrow night.

Tonight we watched a History Channel special on Pearl Harbor an it reminded us of our visit there in 2012. A very sobering experience. Thank you to all our service men and women!

 

Wednesday, December 6, 2017

Another gray day. We left home at 6:30, headed to Tuscaloosa. The the traffic was heavier than expected that early in the morning, but fortunately no wrecks so we made it to Tuscaloosa in time to get Mama Ruby to her 9:00 appointment. We have scheduled her venous ablation treatment on the right leg for next week. The cardiologist feels she needs the procedure now, before she develops another ulcer on her leg, which he is sure she will have if left untreated. We went by her house house for a few minutes to pick up some items. While we were at the doctor’s office Max got her big puzzle clock working again so Mama Ruby was a happy women. Max is her favorite (only) son-in-law. We all went to lunch then returned to the assisted living and did some online shopping, and reviewed her procedure instructions. The home health nurse came to change the dressing on her leg. It’s improving but still has a way to go. While that was going on, Max toured the halls looking for the winners of the door decorating contest. There were some nicely decorated doors. Mamma Ruby has her Christmas puzzle she and Ralph made on her door. It looks really good but she didn’t place. Oh well, maybe we will do something more elaborate next year. It was then time to head back to the mountain. We had a couple of stops to make and stopped to check on the LOLs before returning home. That’s it for today.