Finally! Spring!

 Cullman, AL

Yes, it is. Finally Spring,

This  means the mower, weed eater, hedger, tractor get a workout.   And now I have a new toy.

Daughter Terri and SIL Steven gave this handy mini chain saw to us.    WOW!  Easy now to trim those low small branches that get in my way when mowing and allowing me to get the mower in closer to the various bushes and shrubs.

Now the weeds are growing tall around the pond.   There are some that are difficult for me to get to with the weed eater.  Leonard to the rescue with his bushhog.    Makes me a wee bit nervous.  But it gets the job done.

Biscuit was taking a walk around the pond chasing frogs.   Baby Duck and Penelope following behind.  Speaking of behind, right after I took this picture Baby Duck took a peck to Biscuits behind.  He is one nasty duck.

We are quite busy hosting Boondockers Welcome members.   Our 124th RIG left yesterday.  125 comes today.  At this time we have 14 reservations on the book.    A guest mentioned to us that we would be ideal for hosting traveling Nurses and other healthcare professionals.   We could charge from $800. to $1,100. a month.   We looked into it as we were concerned with the liability and tax issues.  Of course we would have to claim the income on taxes.  We talked with our insurance agent from Allstate here in Cullman.   He said he would have to talk to higher ups.   We got a call from Allstate that this would be considered a business and they would not cover it.   Don't want to get into all that stuff so we will maintain what we are doing now.   

Only a few more weeks and that porch will be converted to a enclosed porch.  We are so much looking forward to it.

The blackberry plants we planted last fall are in full bloom.   Yum, blackberries this year.  We've planted tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers in our raised bed.   We think we solved the soil issue we had last year.  We also had a small garden tilled and planted watermelon, cantaloupe and honeydews.   Hoping they grow and the deer don't see it.

Happy Spring!   Until next time.

 

Is it warm out yet????

Cullman,  AL

We are still hosting Boondockers and waiting for warmer weather.    118 rigs so far.

One of our recent Boondockers is a traveling rehab therapist.   He asked us if we had considered hosting traveling nurses, etc.   Many of them travel in RVs and have 13 week assignments at hospitals throughout the country.    This sounds interesting.    Since we are midway between Huntsville medical facilities and University of Alabama Hospital in Birmingham we are in an ideal location.

As much as we enjoy the Boondockers, it does tie us to the house on their days of arrival.    Some come early in the day, most late afternoon and some well after dark where we have to go out with flashlights to direct them to a site.   Under Boondockers welcome we are limited to charging 5, 10 or 15 dollars.   We charge 10 a night.  If the guest does not use electric or water, their stay must be free.  They are truly Boondocking.   Obviously we are not in it for the money.   

Hosting traveling medical personal would be quite different.  I will be checking into it.  We would still keep one of our two sites available for friends and Boondockers.  

Once a week we go to the local Senior Center.   Usually on Thursday.   On Thursday it is either a band or Karaoke.    We are even able to dance a few times.   They have special days.  Two weeks ago it was wear purple.   Well, a few years back the granddaughters made Len a purple shirt   This was the day to wear it.  

We saw the ladies in the kitchen pointing at him.  Finally it got the better of them and one came out and asked him about it.   We like the people that volunteer in the kitchen.   They get the $1.25 meal ready.  Last week it was orange juice, coffee, ham, applesauce, scalloped potatoes, roll, peas and carrots and German chocolate cake.  What a deal.

Speaking of cake, dear daughter Terri sent us an Easter gift.   OMG..... these were fabulous.

They are sort of Biscotti but with more of a cookie texture.   There are 4 left.  I suspect that by tomorrow there will be another decrease.  Or none.  Probably none.

Our great-grandson Jordan turns 11 today.   On Saturday son Lennie and DIL Lois hosted his birthday party.   Quite a crowd of their friends and their families. Lots of kids.  LOTS. It had rained all night before, the weather was chilly but the kids still enjoyed this:

Here is Jordan

This is granddaughter Maddie and Leonard.  With her work schedule we don't see her often enough.

Often when Jordan, Lois and Lennie are here Jordan wants to play Mexican Train.  So for a gift we gave him his own set.

Yesterday, being Easter we were up at 5:00 am to get to the Sunrise Service our church has every year.   Many attended.

The service started at 6:00, sunrise was 6:15.  I left my camera in the car and was disappointed I did not catch a picture then.   This takes place in a cemetery on a hill overlooking pastures of cows and the view of more hills.  Beautiful view,

When back to the car I took this picture and the one above.

Following service was breakfast at the church.

Lois, Lennie and Jordan came for dinner.  But, per Jordans request, we first had to play a few rounds of Mexican Train.    Last time we played, I won.   So it was only right that I came in last this time.

My Cullman Family:     Lennie, Lois, Jordan and Leonard.   I am blessed.

Until next time.