It's Whats For Supper

Chocolate Chunk Zucchini Bread

This was my first attempt, so, I'm not sure if this is how it was supposed to look or not. Kinda looks like a refugee from a tootsie roll factory, doesn't it. Anyway, above is a snap of what we had for dessert last night, after the cooked mouth-watering yellow squash, zucchini, and green beans with basil from the garden. The bread was also very yummy. (Thank you Simply Linda for the idea!) The recipe is from the Pioneer Woman's website (Ree's recipes are the best) and it is super easy to make.

We're off to a far off land dubbed by Indians the Okefenokee Swamp to do a little bird watching before the weather turns too miserable to enjoy.

I do apologize for not responding more to y'alls comments. My laptop is in the shop making computer access a bit difficult. Hopefully, this will be rectified by week's end.

'Til then, have a blessed day folks.

Bounty From The Garden

Oh. My. Goodness. Look at what Hubby picked in the garden this morning.

Looks like we're going to be eating a lot of squash, zucchini and green beans this summer. Anybody wanna share some recipes? Quick! *lol*

The Skinny

Some things that happened during my convalescence:

It's been profitable to rest the arthritic wrists, as they seem to be improving a bit, but I've been giving the body a good workout every morning. The "new" NordicTrack was a real bargain. It was a purchase from a local auction for a fraction of it's original cost. Hubby and I have been using it diligently. Already I've dropped an inch, increased my stamina, my legs have quit aching and my sleeping has improved. This may prove to be my best purchase to-date.

For ill or nill I voted early last week. The pundits say that my candidate won't win, but at least I got to voice my opinion.

An Aunt of a dear friend passed into glory last week. She was elderly and her medication, that was suppose to improve her life, actually took it. I missed the funeral due to a minor illness, but the wake was enjoyable. Yeah, enjoyable. People where laughing, respectfully, of course, sharing happy memories and photos. You know dear reader, when a believer passes it's a time to be joyful. They are with the LORD, we are the sad ones because we're left behind. I don't know how unbelievers get through a day. I would live in constant fear of dying if it wasn't for the promise of life ever lasting with my blessed LORD Jesus Christ.

Hubby and I are enjoying attending the First Baptist Church. These Baptists sure like to eat. (Not complaining) *grin* The motorcycle group that's part of the church, F.A.I.T.H. Riders, seems to feature an event of some sort just about every weekend. It's been wonderful to hang out with other like minded Christians and not feel like a freak because I ride. They are always eager to share the message of Jesus Christ, which is what we're suppose to do. I've learned to love and trust these dear saints very much. I am so very blessed. They have really made both of us feel at home.

The weather has been perfectly lovely. I think our Spring garden is going to be fruitful this year. We're trying a new technique which I will try to share later.

And with that ...

I will go rest my wrists again. I hope your days have been blessed. I know I am because God loves us so very much and you are my friends. Thank you for popping by.

Ride Safe,

Taking A Blog Break

Hubby fixed the zero turning radius mower. We're back in business! *lol* The weather has become so nice that I might take a few days off from posting or commenting. I just wanna go outside, play in the dirt and go riding. And I'm feeling much improved in the hip department. Thank you for your prayers.

I pray everyone has a lovely week.

Wordless Wednesday: Abandoned Blue Bird Nest

Delta Breeze Was My Need

The day started gray, cold and still. After a near sleepless night, fraught with worry about real or imagined medical concerns*, the sky fit my frame of mind.

Irregardless of the physical circumstances, it was time to feel Delta wind on my knees. After a quick rundown of all the mechanical essentials to ensure safety the metal steed was ready.

We had made arrangements to meet up with a new friend 'Nemo' for a lunch feast from the Honda CB1100 Forum that my husband participates in. 

Redbirds (Hubby) and Nemo

Of course, the first words out of my mouth at the restaurant parking lot was "Did I find Nemo?" Being the great guy he is, Nemo chuckled warmly and, on that happy note, we all enjoyed a scrumptious hot meal at the Steffens Restaurant in Kingsland, Georgia.

Satilla River

near Folkston, Georgia

After the noon repast, induced by a picture perfect sky my state of being improved.

Yours Truly with my

2012 Suzuki V-Strom DL 650

After 150 miles of twisty piney flats, abandoned farm houses, flowing rivers and swamp overlooks, I was beginning to show signs of fatigue. I parted ways with my companions and headed back to the stable to enjoy hot tea and snacks.

By the end of the day, we had an orange tinged sunset with thin streaks of gray set against a stunning azure blue sky. What a magical way to close the day.

*By the by, I am happy to note that the Duavee is working splendidly!

Thank you everyone for your prayers, concern and encouragement.

You are appreciated more than words can express. xx

Wordless Wednesday ~ Lakeland, Florida

Hancock Road, Lakeland, Polk County, Florida USA

Motorcycle: 2013 Honda CB 1100

A Day Trip To The Big City

Isn't life just like this. I set off to do one thing, and end up doing another.

Yesterday, to lighten the mood, Hubby and I drove to neighboring big city of Brunswick to buy a Halloween costume for me (I love Halloween ... just a big kid really), and ended up toting home something entirely unrelated.

This bedspread is called the "Cassandra" from JC Penney. They where having a Big Sale and I couldn't say No. It looks quite nice in the room, don't ya think? These colors and pattern compliment the new carpeting, in my opinion.

So, I'm a little bit poorer but still must find, or come up with, some kind of costume that does not entail any masks for our Second Annual Halloween Party. Any suggestions? Which holidays do you enjoy the most?

Mischievous Country Wickedness

We suffered a mild vandalism last night. Our house sits 350' from the dirt road on almost 7 acres of tranquility. Many years ago, I had an electric gate, lights, etc. installed at the entrance to insure privacy. And because I try to always exhibit community pride, there are pretty decorations and flowers meant to please all who pass by.

It’s my little Corner of Zen and a friendly wave to all.

Last evening someone on a UTV (like a 4 wheeler but can seat 2 or more) tore my husband’s hand painted bird gourd down, flinging it with great force at the gate entrance. Then proceeded to leave 3 beer cans and container. Thank heavens the Carolina Wren's are done nesting or I would have went ballistic in every Irish sense of the word and sought the villains out to do unspeakable things to their body parts. I still was SO ANGRY at first but have pretty much calmed down since. I don't think we were singled out but still feel a little violated. 

I get asked sometimes as to why we're not friends with many of the neighbors. This is why. I dislike saying it, but my impression of the reason many that live in the country are here because they're losers. These fish eyed mental midgets can't cut it in a neighborhood where one must be civil or suffer the consequences. I pick up the leavings of their dull, zero purpose lives almost daily on our walks.

This event has helped me to finally decide to call Mr. B. to install security cameras that has been discussed in days past. I dislike going this route but it looks like this may be our only option. Catch the perp’ on camera. Call the police. Let them handle it. Well, I call them police, in the loosest sense of the word. Just between you, me and the fence post, the local law force is more like the Keystone Cops. Good luck with that, right?!

If we go that route, I'll be sure to share a post that guarantees to be imbued with snarky comments and all. Right now, I pray that the pen is mightier than the sword.

Throw Back Thursday: 1973 Titusville Florida

May 1973

Astronaut High School Junior-Senior Prom

This is a scanned image of an old, worn polaroid of your's truly and my first boyfriend, Bill Anderson, in Titusville, Florida. I don't remember the dance but I'm sure it was enjoyable. The early '70s where still a time of innocence for America. It was also a time of fantastic music that still lives on today. Anyway, I remember Bill as a gentle, kind hearted, jolly, generous fellow. The following year we went our separate ways but I always think fondly of our time together. Time has obscured the reasons for the split. We both went on to marry good, loving people and have productive happy lives.

My step-mom, Myra, made the dress. She made almost all my clothes. Myra was so talented, she could have been a professional seamstress. I learned a lot about sewing from her for which I am eternally grateful.

Hope your day is blessed.

Very Cool Pizza

Fox Trot

Gosh, it's been hot! The heat index has been well over 100* now for several days. And our area needs rain desperately, not California desperate, but badly nonetheless.

A few days ago, a dear lady at A Haven For Vee, posted a recipe for Very Cool Pizza by The Pampered Chef. Hubby and I tried it this past weekend, and this is what we ended up with:

It's quite good! Served up with beer, it's just like regular pizza only doesn't add to the heat index. What's really fun about this recipe is one can take it's liberties with the ingredients. One secret we learned is to make the bread part at least an hour before wishing to dine. That way the bread is nice and cool. Oh, and also, next time Hubby said he wants to make four small pastry's instead of one large one and cut the cream cheese part in half. It might be less messy that way.

Enjoy!

Bounty From Our First Harvest This Season

 Green Beans

Yellow Crooked Neck Squash

Served with fried boneless pork chops. Yes, it was all delicious. :)

Our First Home #tbt #florida

Today for Throw Back Thursday, I have chosen to share a couple of photos of our first house. I was in my 20's then, freshly married, living in Jacksonville, Florida, when we bought the already old house in October 1981 for around $38,000.

The original owners had painted it

white with battleship gray trim.

No curb appeal at all.

I researched the history a bit after purchase, and the whole neighborhood was built around 1955. It was older than me! That poor house was just about a total wreck from neglect when we first moved in. There were roaches everywhere, cracks and fist-sized holes in the stucco walls, no doors on the bedrooms, the yard had been ignored since forever, no central heat or air, window panes as thin as paper, etc. The yard was more of a sand pit and only slightly larger than a postage stamp (65 x 120). It had only one very small 6' by 6' bathroom. But, we where young and, oh, so happy to have a place all our own. Through the years the house became The Ongoing Project (nice name for Wallet Sucker). Most of our spare money, which there wasn't much of then, went into the maintenance and upkeep of said abode. And the government calls a house an asset! "Asset" my big toe! *lol*

First thing on the agenda, after bug bombing the stew poopie outta the place, was repaint the house, inside and out. The outside became Hudson Brown (no lie! that was the name at Sherwin Williams) with dark brown trim. It looked rather classy, I thought. Then, it was time to tackle the yard.

Now that's curb appeal!

[click to enlarge]

I think it was worth the effort. I became accustomed to having strangers stop and talk while I worked outside. They would say such flowery, honey laced comments about how much better the place looked it fairly made my head swell. *blush* Ok, ok, I relished it. *giggle*

Then we moved to Southeast Georgia in 1993 to our current custom built home. I don't miss the old neighborhood but I do miss our lovely neighbors. We all kept up with each other for a long time until some began to die off and others move away. It was a fun place to live for awhile but I am exceedingly grateful to be living in the country now.

From Death Comes Life

Winter has released its icy grip. Migratory birds in new plumage pass through heading North. There are a multitude of ravenous raptors bringing joy on their wings at the feeders. Their enthusiasm can only breed encouragement to those who will observe. Rain replaces ice. Trees bud. Flowers bloom.

The vegetable garden flourishes in the warm sunshine. Color replaces stark, barren branches.

As the celebration of our Lord’s Resurrection subsides, I too feel a simultaneous renewing of spirit. Past love’s fade into cherished memories but, if allowed, I am reminded that with tender care new love can flourish.

From death comes life. Spring has arrived. Not only on the calendar, but also in my heart.

“For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.”  1 Thessalonians 4:14

Long Ago, And Oh So Far Away, I Fell In Love With You

"Yeah, yeah, I promise already.

Can we eat now?"

"Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother,

and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh."

- Genesis 2:24

August 11th, 1979, my husband and I gathered together at our apartment complex with friends sans family, and with the aid of a local Notary bribed with the promise of lots of free eats and adult beverages, tied the marital knot.

Cutting the cake.

Hubby had sent me two dozen roses

for the ceremony that night.

"Husbands, love your wives, 

even as Christ also loved the church,

and gave himself for it;"

- Ephesians 5:25

Today, 35 years later, the knot is still tied. Oh, it's a little frayed at the edges from wear but the bond is tighter than ever. Most of our life together has been joyful but we have endured the death of loved ones, sickness, surgeries, crushing disappointments, financial hardships, vehement disagreements, and numerous other man-made road bumps. Some of his family have shown their backsides to me for whatever reason. The next, it was mine being unkind. Still, we've stuck together like glue, and dared to world to try and intervene again. He's such a good man. I've always felt like I was the lucky one in this relationship. That I got the best end of the deal. He always very kindly states it is just the opposite (such a sweet liar ... ha ha).

"If we confess our sins,

he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins,

and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

- 1 John 1:19

My husband is the one who helped lead me to Christ through the Grace Message to lead the proper kind of life. I was a Christian in name only before that. After showing me Christ's love through his enduring love for me, I changed my way of thinking. I still remember falling to my knees in our first house and proclaiming to God that I will follow Him no matter where he leads me. My life from that point on only got better. God has never let me down.

I know I've said it before but my husband is a fantastic cook! He really could be a professional Chef. I'd much rather eat at home than a restaurant. We started our celebrations at home yesterday. After watching a full afternoon of MotoGP racing in Indianapolis accompanied by beer and chips, we engorged on home cooked thick New York Strip steaks, Ford Hook Limas and boiled Red Potatoes coated with real butter. Tonight should be equally enjoyable.

The celebrations will continue on into this week. Our plans are to board The Boys (Jack and Sam aka The Jack Russell Terrorists) for the first time, then pay a visit to northern South Carolina. A five hour trip one way so it will be an over nighter. I've been chomping at the bit to visit Competition Accessories in Rock Hill. I so want a few new motorcycle gear items and they are the place to get it. I know I could mail order but I don't like buying a helmet or clothes without trying them on. I have the worse luck with that! Especially shoes.

Anyway, back to the original ceremony, there are more photos here of our wedding.

Eli answered, "Go in peace,

and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him."

-1 Samuel 1:17

Ride Safe,

Throw Back Thursday: Canon City, Colorado In June 1984 #tbt

In June of 1984 we where still living in Jacksonville, Florida. It was one year before becoming landed property owners in Southeast Georgia. We where both still fit at the respective ages of 28 and 36 but poor of pocket, but we both had gainful employment and hungered for a little adventure that summer. Rather than staying in expensive hotels hubby had the grand idea to rent a Coleman Pop Up Tent Camper. So, with our nice new Sable Brown 98 Oldsmobile, the Pop Up was pulled across country to Cañon City, Colorado, for two weeks of fun and frivolity.

There we stayed at a nice campground called Indian Springs Ranch. It was a working ranch owned by the kindly and generous gentleman Bennie "Pop" Thorson, Sr. He took in strays (as he called it): young men down on their luck and coming dangerously close to being jailed. The Judge would recommend certain fellows that needed guidance and he gave them honorable work with pay and they came out of it real men with direction in their lives.

Since it was a working ranch, we got to see the day-to-day operations involved in running such an enormous place. One "chore" that we city slickers really enjoyed was "punching cows".

This is my husband riding an appaloosa aptly named "Appy". I remember, my horse's moniker was "Little Buddy". For some reason, our horses did not like each other! Every time I'd pull up beside my husband to talk they would nip and bite at each other. Sometimes it would get a little heated. I had to maintain a safe distance from Appy so Little Buddy wouldn't start the argument all over again. In recollections it was quite funny but at the time at bit annoying.

The Ranch has the appearance of old, scrubby Bad Lands but is actually rich in ancient fossil beds. Some dated to at least over 450 million years old. The beds displayed microscopic fish eggs, dinosaurs, and ancient fish. The Royal Gorge is also nearby. We rode the Route Railroad through the passes, drove a few scary narrow canyon roads, visited museums, where entertained by the horde of Broad-tailed Hummingbirds at the campground feeders every evening, and even had an old timey photo taken that reposes on a bedroom wall. It was a wonderfully memorable trip.

On the return we over-nighted at Fort Mountain State Park in Chatsworth, Georgia, near Dalton. By then, we where road weary. But I have only happy memories. I feel so grateful to be married to such an adventurous man. I hope we have many more years to explore our lovely, always fascinatingly diverse United States.

Ride Safe,

Throwback Thursday: 2004 Kawasaki Vulcan 750 #tbt #motorcycle

This week I'm featuring my old 2004 Kawasaki Vulcan 750.

04 June 2005

GA Highway 94

Columbia County, Florida

These where the Cruiser Years in the Sparky household. That was before I discovered Adventure or Dual Purpose Bikes. My husband calls cruisers Butt Jewelry. Men! *lol* He's right, though, because it's similar to changing from riding ponies to race horses. Adventure Bikes are a whole new ball game.

I was "bikeless" (horrors!) for the many years we lived in the Big City. I bought this cruiser style motorcycle shortly after moving to the Georgia countryside. It was easy to ride in a straight line, but it was a bear in the corners. The advanced fork rake made it hard to handle and it always felt like it was going to tip over. At least I had strong arms back then. Anyway, I thought it looked cool. I kept this little gem until it was traded for the 2006 Kawasaki 900 Vulcan LT Classic. 

Ride Safe,

It's Been A Draining Day

Oil, that is ... Black gold ... Texas tea ...

*lol*

While we sit on the sidelines, awaiting to see which way Tropical Storm Arthur heads, we decided that this would be a good day to perform all the necessary oil changes here at the Red Bird Acres residence. Seems like, everything came due at the same time anyway. Might as well bite the bullet and get 'er dun!

The (almost) all house 16K generator is purring like a kitten again ...

My Suzuki V-Strom anxiously awaits me for another ride ...

... and, of course, Hubby's pretty new Honda after over 2,800 miles, finally needed an oil change.

So, thanks to my husband's perseverance, expert knowledge and my handing out lots of ice tea, we're good for another 3,000 or so miles. A well maintained bike is a happy bike. It's a good feeling having so many projects completed in such a short period of time.

Now, we can play!

Ride Safe,