The Mountain Thymes

For the last couple of days we've been under tornado watches and flood warnings.  Two nights ago Cliff and I carried all the open porch plants (tomatoes that I started from seed and have been nurturing and protecting from cold nights, herb-filled window boxes containing hummingbird feeder tubes, pots of lavender and lots of other herbs and flowers that need to be planted) and set them on the back porch where they would be protected from predicted basketball-size hail and 50 mph winds.  We made it through the night with no events, just rain.  The next day, we put all the plants back so the rain  could wet them.  Last night we repeated the whole scenario when Jim Cantore reported torrential downpours, hail, and high winds again.  This storm had a history of tornadoes and flooding, but we lucked out with less than one inch of rain, no hail, no high winds.  Tonight all the plants are staying put.  Adapt or perish! Last Saturday's Farmers Market didn...

There was one small rainy weather system today and it continuously dropped drizzle and light rain over our tents on this third market day.  Temperatures were moderate so we weren't chilled.  By afternoon it was about 62 degrees.  An hour after we packed up our market goods and headed home the clouds lightened and the sky cleared for a few hours before it poured.  Considering we weren't rained out during our market time, the drizzle wasn't so bad after all.  Being an Easter weekend, there are lots of visitors vacationing in mountain cabins or staying with family.  It was a good market day for me.  I'll have to get busy this week building up my inventory for next weekend which is the BBQ and Ramp Festival being held in the same area as our market.  Cliff only visited the English pastry lady once for his chocolate chip cookie and I bought my usual ginger/honey bar but returned later for my chocolate cake fix.  The lady in the tent to my left cr...

I've never been a believer in the magnetic jewelry that people wear for arthritis.  Couldn't figure how magnets help with the discomfort and pain.  But with osteoarthritis taking up residence in my wrists, sometimes elbows, more often knees and right shoulder, I decided to give the jewelry a try.  Cliff's hips, shoulders and neck were troubled this winter so we both bought necklaces and I also bought a bracelet.  I know I posted about this earlier.  My memory is not lost.........yet.  I've discovered that one who wears magnetic jewelry has to be mindful of where the arms reach.  Recently while dining at the Chop House, I found the salt shaker hanging from my bracelet.  In a reclining position in the dentist chair for my root canals, the metal instruments set on my chest found the magnetic necklace.  Cooking in the kitchen is quite a challenge, too.                ...

My second Saturday Farmers Market felt more relaxed and enjoyable.  We layered our clothes, even though it was 50ish when we headed out at 8:30, not knowing how breezy it was downtown or how soon it would warm up.  As soon as Cliff helped me set up, we were peeling off light jackets and about an hour later, off came the sweatshirts.  Chamber of commerce weather all day.  Last week I was told my premier site would change and I would set up in a not-so-choice spot.  I realize the kinks have to be straightened out in the beginning so being a newbie, I was ready to play the game.  But during the week, the site map changed again and I am back to my original premier spot.  This is where I will be all season, right across from the English pastry lady, so we don't have to walk too far to eat her cookies, delectable cakes, and my favorite, "sticky ginger bars."  It's interesting to hear the comments from people as they walk and shop.  Today I sold the...

My dreaded dental work is done.  Going to a dentist causes me such anxiety that I never looked for a dentist when we moved here.  For five years it's been on my mind, which also caused anxiety knowing that I could end up with a toothache and be in pain, which caused more anxiety.  In January I finally pulled my head out of the sand and went to Cliff's dentist.  X-rays showed I had some decay, a root canal gone bad, and a couple of abscessed roots.  I had to put on my big girl boots, take a deep breath, and make the appointments to get things fixed.  It took two visits to replace the old root canal and drill out (ouch) the decay.  Yesterday was my third visit with the endodontist to take care of the abscesses.  He prescribed a "happy" pill to take one hour before my appointment which made the gum surgery bearable.  When Cliff got me home and into my recliner, I slept for a couple of hours and don't remember much of the day.  He said I sno...

It was chilly this morning, about high 40s, when Cliff and I set up our table around 8:30.  We were in the shade and even though we layered our clothes, we were cold.  Cliff went back to the truck once to thaw out and warm his bones.  Today we were conveniently situated across from the English pastry lady, quite convenient for Cliff.  Next week I have different spot until the schedule gets straightened out.  Hopefully, I can get back to "Main Street" and stay there.  vendors setting up When I rented the spot, I also rented the tent which is convenient as our tent is set up when we arrive.  Cliff put out the table and strung a line for me to clothespin the aprons for display. some of the aprons blowing in the breeze yoga mat bag Not all vendor spots were occupied today.  Some vendors don't start setting up until the Florida people and other tourists arrive.  I didn't expect any sales on this first day but sold two children's ...

The long frigid NC winter took a toll on our bodies this year.  The two of us are a hysterical sight when we first get up in the morning and start moving.  I still have inflammation in knees, wrists, fingers, sometimes a hip and a shoulder, so my gait is slow and creepy until I pop more Motrin and circulate the heating pad around the body.  Cliff shuffles from room to room waiting for his turn to apply the heating pad on his hip area.  The person who agreed to complete the garden tilling couldn't do it after all so yesterday while I was at the gym, Cliff decided to give it a try again.  This time he let the tiller do the work instead of using it like a lawn mower and the garden is now ready for peas, carrots, beets, lettuce, chard, bok choy, potatoes, and more.  I'm a couple of weeks later than last year starting the garden so I'll see how the cool weather vegetables do.  This week our weather was glorious.  We've been 70-80 degrees each day....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LAURIA Can't believe those years flew by so quickly.