The Mountain Thymes

Our Mother out in the garden with her pole beans. When we were growing up, I can remember every February, the Burpee seed catalogs and others coming in the mail. They were laid out on the dining room table where she made notes, marked pages, and wrote her seed orders for spring planting. She could tell you all the names of the flowers and shrubs and instilled in us an appreciation for the outdoors, the love of birds and nature, the mountains and the trees. Below: she's the tall one in the back. Was this a photo for a vintage edition of Sports Illustrated? Happy Birthday, Mom. Today would have been our Mother's 90th birthday. She loved life, gardening, and little children. She revered nature, lived her religious beliefs, and celebrated her family. Today honors and celebrates her life..................... Our Mother posing with her Mother, Grandma Still, out on their property. Grandma Still owned many acres.......great place for kids to run and hide and play, lots of...

Last Thursday I got my first sub call since I put my name in at one of our local schools. One of the two 4th grade teachers went home sick so I jumped in.....both feet. When you're called at 9:15 AM and told you're needed immediately, it's a quick "yes" or "no." After I found some teacher clothes that were strategically placed in the deep abyss of my closet, I quickly dressed and went to school wondering "what have I done?" New school, unknown schedule and faculty, a few fresh 4th graders trying to assert their independence, I didn't have time to pack a lunch,(tater tots & some form of nuggets in the cafeteria! e-e-w) just a large bottle of water, and classes that didn't end until 3 PM!!! I made it through that day and as I leaving, the AP asked if I would come in again in the morning for that same teacher. Sure! It's always better when YOU begin the day with the students. Friday went better and I enjoyed the routine. M...

Have no idea how I got underlined!! &%$#@ computers!

I found some photos of when Bill and Boni drove up from Florida to help CLiff build our shed. The couple of days before they arrived, the temps were in the high 70's and the weather was perfect for working outdoors. The sourwood and dogwood trees were in full bloom all through the woods and downtown. Boni and Bill arrived late Sunday afternoon. Bill and Cliff sat and made the list of supplies to be picked up first thing Monday morning so they could get right into the measuring and framing. Monday after getting supplies, measuring and leveling, Bill, Tom, and Cliff building the floor. Temps dropped to 40's and raw. It rained and weather felt very cold and raw, temp still dropping. Tuesday morning! At least two inches of snow, but the shed continues to be built. After a hearty breakfast, out they went. Boni and I stayed in by the fire to read and knit. The sun would come out, melt the snow, then another blinding snow would cover things again. Temps were cold and misera...