The Mountain Thymes

My tomatoes are late this year.  I think it's due to not starting them inside under the grow light that Cliff built me years ago.  We didn't set it up in the dining room in February so nothing got an early start.  Some seeds germinated and sprouted on south-facing window sills; others were put out on the open porch.  Usually by this time in August most garden tomato plants are worn out from expending all their energy into ripening their fruits and are ready to be pulled up.  My black vernissage tomatoes, which was a gift that came with my spring seed order, grow in clusters.  When fully ripened, this two-ounce tomato will be a rich red with deep green stripes.  I can hardly wait. I'm 5 foot 7 inches.   Cliff has been busy trying to keep this upright through wind and rain. At the lower end of the "beanstalk" he secured the cloth tie that's gently wrapped around the stalk with Gorilla tape. The pole is one of Cliff's ham radio masts that became u

We woke really early this morning with demolition and renovation on our brains.  We were up around 5 am getting ready for a jaunt to Lowe's.  Lots of coffee and a stop at McDonald's for Cliff to get his egg Mcmuffin before our list of next-step items.  It's a relaxed time of morning to wander the aisles with a list and associates in good moods and available to help you.  Now it's going to be Friday before the electrician can come.  Cliff moved the washer, hammered a hole, and made an entrance into the bathroom wall so the electrician can install the ground fault.  The tub has a panel but this seemed a better plan according to Charlie and Cliff.  This is my new toilet.  Years ago when we went to France, this is what we saw in the public restrooms.  Not the wires.  Just holes.  Cliff and Charlie scoring the purple "green" board. I told Charlie I liked the purple color and thought about just leaving the bathroom with purple and he drew

The demolition has begun.................... Tub was chopped up with a reciprocating saw and removed.  I was back at the doctors while the destruction took place so couldn't get pics of the dust flying. Lucky for me it's warm enough during the night to use my commode out on the porch.  There will be no flowers planted in this.  The demolished tub and toilet will be taking a ride out to Andrews where we dispense of our big trash. Charlie and Cliff on the porch preparing the Jacuzzi tub for installment. Monday was tense.  The installment didn't go easily but after hours of rebuilding and moving pipes to fit and whatever else they had to do, the tub finally fit in. Foam supports the tub bottom making it more stable.  Charlie is our neighbor up the road and has done many renovations for people.  He's been a life saver. Next step is wallboard behind where the new toilet will go and green board, which is now actually purple, gets installed and taped.  I

One day last week Cliff and I decided that we were craving fresh seafood and an ocean breeze so Sunday we  headed to Charleston, SC for three days away from his fire /rescue pager tones and a garden that needs attentions.  We always stay at the same Holiday Inn.  He does the driving.  I tag along for the good times.  He chose a different route from Murphy this time.  Instead of the Asheville quagmire, we meandered through more mountainous terrain and slower back roads for the few few hours, but we didn't stop and stretch as much as usual and the next morning my joints didn't like me.  He was stiff and achy.  Motrin and Tylenol were my friendly companions all day.  Morris Island lighthouse................. Typical tourists!!! This lighthouse was only accessible by boat.  We enjoyed it from the shore. The half-mile walk was unique.  Most of the trek was paved and adorned with messages and graffiti.  Fresh seafood salad on an open patio at The Crab Shack Later