The HOA got us a new haybale, and Patty and I went down on Friday, and transformed it into "Folk Art."   We tickle ourselves!!!  

 

This is just a temporary picture until Fall actually happens;  we couldn't just leave it undecorated for nearly two weeks.

 

Then we'll go all out for Autumn:  Scarecrows, pumpkins, and Halloween, and a surprise.

 

HAPPY DAYS IN FIVE FORKS!!!

 

Today is Jon's birthday.  He is 73.  This picture is from last year on his birthday.  He was up on a 28 foot ladder!!! 

 

Fortunately, the stain that he used is good for five years.  So, this is NOT how he will be spending this birthday.  We will do something less exciting.  Something a little safer than maneuvering a 28 foot ladder.  

 

I am hoping that the next time the house needs to be stained, we can get Tim to do it.  He's a lot younger than we are.  Maybe he will be available by then.

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JON!!!

 

We were walking in the Park on Saturday and my friend texted me that she and her husband are still suffering the effects of Covid-19. Her words were, "my skin hurts."  Oh dear, what can you say for gentle support?  "I'm sorry."

 

Just as I stopped to text back (I can't walk and do that) Jon noticed this sweet little wildflower blooming right on the ground at our feet.  So I sent her this picture.  She texted back that it made her smile.  My brand of medicine.  It works, if only for a moment.  

 

STAY WELL!!!

 

Here it is!!!  My favorite tree in Meeks Park.  It is on the backside of the trail around the mountain.  

 

We believe it is an Indian Trail Tree.  They are nearly always White Oaks.  When the tree was just a sapling, it was bent and stuffed with moss at the "nose."  Then it was allowed to grow for years, creating this interesting bend.  Often these trees were bent like this to point toward sources of water, or to neighboring camps.  It is a fascinating subject to explore.

 

We have several Indian Trail Trees here in Five Forks.  The first one you notice is at the Creekside Trail trailhead.  There are two big vertical branches on a massive White Oak Tree.  The next one is at the next big curve in the road.  And the third one is on Beaconhill at another major curve.  Interesting.  Were they here before the community, and the developer used them to route the roads?  Are they all pointing toward water?  How old are they?  So many questions.

 

Be on the lookout, you may find others.  If so, tell ME!!!

 

HAPPY GARDENING!!!

 

 

 

OK!!!  I found out that this gnome has NO name.  Let's have a contest.  Name the no name gnome.

 

Submit your ideas for a name for this guy, and we can vote, and ultimately let Roxanne have the final say.  

 

You can text or email me, or use the comment section to enter your thoughts.  :D  

 

HAPPY GARDENING!!!

This is just too cute to not share.  Hahaha!!

 

Can't wait til we get enough snow to make a fun sculpture.  

 

HAPPY WINTER STILL!!!

 

Wednesday was such a beautiful day, we went up to Blood Mountain for our daily walk.  The trailhead is about 5 miles past Vogel State Park on 19/129.  Blood Mountain is part of the Appalachian Trail, about 30 miles from the southern terminus at Springer Mountain.  We often see through-hikers on this trail.  And on a spring or summer weekend day, we have seen hundreds of people.   But on Wednesday, we hardly saw anybody;  I counted about 20 people over the 4.3 miles.

 

I took this picture to show you the terrain of the trail.  This IS the trail.  The whole trail isn't this rocky, but a lot of it is just like this.  A little different than walking the Five Forks loop.  ;D   We hike up about 2 miles, and it takes about an hour and a half.  We rest at the top, then the trip back down only takes an hour.  Easier going downhill than up.  But a really nice hike either way.

 

Next time you're looking for an adventure, go to Blood Mountain, it's a great hike in all seasons.  

 

HAPPY HIKING!!!

 

It didn't take very long to do, so we thought we wouldn't get caught.   But at the very end of our painting, two cars drove by:  we were caught in the act of graffiti art!!!  Oh well...it was FUN!!!

 

And, she makes me smile.  Reminds me of Carmen.  

 

HAY SWEETIE AND ME!!!

 

Jon and I started repainting the haybale snowman on Thursday.  Mike put away the folk art snowmen, and brought me enough spray paint to graffiti the entire neighborhood.  I promise I won't do that, but I do intend to repaint the haybale.  Just waiting for another nice day.  Stay tuned...

 

I'll take a picture of the new/old haybale.  Maybe we can make this thing last til next winter.  

 

I miss Patty and her creative ideas, but if you have any suggestions for seasonal decorations, let me know.  I'm open to all ideas.

 

HAPPY VALENTINES!!!

 

We walked down to the mailboxes last week, and took this beautiful picture from the meadow.  

 

You can see the houses at the top of Five Forks Drive, and if you look to the left you can see another hill.  That's where our house is, just under those pine trees.  You can't see our house, but those trees are next to us.

 

You sure can't see this in summer, when everything is green.  Thought you'd like to see a pretty picture of winter.

 

HAPPY WINTER!!!