BIG SKY

I had a GREAT weekend !! The weather was perfect for outdoor work, and I love climbing all over these hills, so that's what I did. Plus, I did my other favorite outdoor activity, I transplanted trees. I have even been known to enlist my best friends in my tree planting fun,, Right Laverne? Actually Laverne, many of the trees you and I planted are doing very well, and I think of you when I see them. My motto. 'Plant a Tree, Live Forever! '

Anyway, I have many small Frasier Furs and White Pines that I planted years ago that have not done well where they were planted. Now that I understand the property and know what look I want, I have transplanted alot of them to better spots. The tree looses about a 1-2 years of growth after being re-planted, but I figure that since I am doing this for the future it doesn't matter. I believe that a piece of property like we have needs to be managed. We can have our wild areas, but an easy to mow and weed area is essential to us getting older and still being able to enjoy this place. Also, I am sure in the next several years that the old barn and house on the property above us will eventually fall down and so a line of evergreens there will help with the view. Always thinking ahead, I am not one to let 'things' happen to me, I will try to skew the outcome if I can...even against Mother Nature, a recurring and popular character here in my blogs.

The title of my Blog today was Big Sky. While I am carrying and climbing and digging all over the place ...the sky was vivid blue and the clouds wispy. I can not help but take in the vastness of the open sky above me, something that one never sees in a city or a neighborhood. It seems to go on forever and I marvel at the jet plumes that crisscross the sky. Almost like a patchwork quilt, or a grid, they are perfectly spaced, following each other in a timed manner, always on the same track. I think that the jets coming from the southwest, are from Atlanta heading for DC or NYC, and then there are those that are heading back to Atlanta on a slightly altered course. Some come from the northwest, Chicago maybe ? heading East... then there is one, exceptionally high above all the others going straight West..hummmmmm? I decide to lay back on the grass and let the Fall sun warm my face as I wonder where all those people are going.. Do they look down and wonder what the people on the ground below them are doing? We are all living our lives... one day at a time..the best we can.

I winterized my beloved front porch today, I brought in the rug and plants, the lanterns, and hummingbird feeder. All that stuff, along with the beloved family and friends who have visited, have added to my pleasurable front porch experience this year. I am already counting the days to the Spring when I can again drink my morning coffee while enjoying the antics of the Barn Swallows, and in the evening a glass of wine, ending the day as the setting sun spreads it's golden glow over our little piece of Heaven here in the Appalachian Mountains. If you have not experienced the Front Porch, please consider it, it's open for everyone.

I did say in my last Blog that I would be telling you about my quilts, I have not forgotten, It's just that this weekend was so wonderful, I had to be outside enjoying it, and not inside taking pictures of my quilts, But as in all life, most things come to past, we just have to wait for some of it. I love you . Please be careful . You are unique and precious to me. Sandi

Grandfather Mountain

Hi everyone !!

It has been a while and my adoring fans have requested more Blogs...You must be out of your minds, or at least very bored ?!!! But i will try to accommodate your sick desires...

Where did October go ? It was here one minute, and then blew out the next ... The gusts here on the farm were at least 35mph and I know that the winds at Grandfather Mountain probably closed the swinging bridge. They don't need to lose any more unsuspecting tourists to the sudden gusts a mile up. There are alot of times during the winter that the sustained winds at Grandfather are Hurricane force. !! Hand gliding anyone !

The beautiful colored leaves that bedecked the farm trees, are essentially gone, the few that remain cling to the branches like lost lovers. It is sad when the once bountiful green trees are sparse and bare, but in uncovering the branches, a new stark beauty contrasts against the gray sky, signaling the coming of winter.

The white swans gather on the small dark pond, they stay close in a group, finding the place on the pond that gives them the most protection from the wind. They must remain on the water during the night, but they tire of the constant need to paddle. Their long necks tucked into their wings, trying to rest, they are at the mercy of the wind. But never fear, these swans are the lucky ones. Their needs are met by the two slaves who attend them morning, noon, and night. The two legged servants make sure their pond water is clean, their food abundant and safe from predators and their snacks,(bread) are delivered on time. Oh, to be a Swan on the Carter Farm!!

NEW !!! Be on the look out for a SWAN WEBSITE starting in January !!!!! NEW

Dudley and just returned from Allison's birthday celebration in Arkansas. We sure miss seeing her as often as we would like , but understand that her education is important to her. She is 26. It is very hard to believe that that many years has gone by since our beautiful little girl was born. She was suppose to be a boy you know, we had been told,,, well, as I have said before, you can't fool Mother Nature. ( Is Mother Nature God's Wife ?) What a huge gift to the World and to us Allison has been and will continue to be....Watch out ! She is coming !! While visiting, Allison and I single handily helped with the economic stimulus package by hitting the Mall in Fayetteville. Obama should write us a thank you note , but i doubt he will have time , with his datenights to Broadway and such. don't get me started about our President !!!

I still love my Kindergarten kids. Even if they gave me a germ. Yes, I got a cold, even tho I swath my hands in sanitizer every half hour at school. Why is it that kids don't seem to suffer as much as adults do when we are sick ??? I apologise to anyone that I gave my germ to. Allison and Dudley have already succumbed. But remember that I only give my BEST to the ones I love !!!

Halloween was uneventful here on the Farm. No Trick-or Treaters. Maybe the long dark driveway was alittle imposing ?? Or, maybe it was the sound of gunshots that Dudley delivered to the raccoon in the swan feeder, I held the light, and he aimed. I never thought in my life I would aid and abeit killing, but it seems to be a necessary consequence of farm life. Can we eliminate all the raccoons in the Appalachian Mountains ? Can we try ? Life choices.

My next few posts will be about my quilts. I hope to have a few pictures and stories about each one, I am only a beginner quilter, but the peace and satisfaction I have gained from this old past time greatly enriches my life. I hope to share with you so you will understand my new passion. Thanks for reading. None of this would be possible or important without YOU!! Sandi

OCTOBER : THE BEST MONTH !!!

Hi everyone !

I have lots of news so I better get started. First, we found out a week ago that Brandon, our neighbor boy, has been taken out of his auto mechanics classes. His grandmother 'got tired' of taking him to the high school in Mountain City everyday, He can ride the bus in the morning , but his classes are over at noon and she didn't want to drive the 60 minute round trip to pick him up everyday. It may have more to do with the cost of gas. So, basically his life learning is over. one more statistic. It's sad.

But since Brandon has so much free time he has been hunting. Yes, and he shot his first deer last weekend. He was very excited and proud and scared when he came to ask for Dudley's help. That's what folks do around here, depend on their neighbors for things like that. The next night he went hunting again, and shot a coyote. so maybe he will be able to put food on the table at least even if he will struggle for a living.

There are two less raccoons here on the farm. the trap is out tonight and may stay out until we are convinced that we have gotten all the little thieves. The swans are happy that they have food now, Dudley is happy that he doesn't have to clean out the feeder, and fill it everyday, and I am happy because I can sleep thru the night without hearing then tearing up the feeder. I hate to kill any animal, especially when you don't plan on eating it, but we had to make choices, hopefully we won't have this problem again.

We are getting ready for winter here. We split more wood this weekend and are weedeating the fence line etc. The garden has been mowed over and the birdfeeders filled. We ended up with 6 butternut squash from the garden, not a good year overall. Thank goodness for grocery stores or we would starve ! But, then we have Brandon !

I still love my days at the school. I love the kids and the teacher has given me alot of responsibility. I have a group of low achievers that I work with and of course help with the general running of the classroom. 25 little ones is a full time job, they are never quiet, still or calm for any length of time. I tie shoe laces, wipe noses, button, zip and band aide all day! I make them say please, thank you , I'm sorry, and excuse me. Strange words to most of them, But the world needs alittle more civility don't you think? We have a field trip coming up to a corn maze..Can you imagine them getting lost in a corn maze, remember Allison ? I thought we would never get out ! Yes, life is simple in Kindergarten, but really the issues a five year old has in Kindergarten are the same as the ones we face throughout our lives, jealousy, anger, frustration, insecurity, relationship problems and incontinence !

Well, guys, I love you and hope you have a great week! Enjoy the Fall weather ! Sandi

RAIN RAIN GO AWAY

Hello to everyone important in my life !!

We were asked to attend the grand opening at the Inn at Crestwood last night. We met Randy and Patricia there and saw the new area they are calling the Lounge at Crestwood. We were very impressed with it's stunning and sophisticated atmosphere. The large room opened to a huge wrap around deck overlooking the mountainous expanse. It was like out of a post card from another country. Indeed a new experience for us Hillbillies here in Appalachia. I would like to say that we will go there, but it is very far away and will have to be just for special occasions.

Our Saturday began early, very early, 3 am early. Raccoons again at the feeder, They can not get in it now with the new top that Dudley engineered, but they can sure try, and they looked pathetic trying. Hanging by one foot, reaching as far down as possible to get the feed inside the trap door,,,,HAHA they couldn't do it! It was fun to watch even tho it was 3am. The Swans, that usually hiss when they do not like something, just watched from the safety of the water as all this was going on, what good are they ? An hour later, more noise, yelping, crying ...I got the spot light again and saw three raccoons at the big pond with deer watching them scamper all around, This place is 'wild' at night !! So, now I am fully awake, I find a place in the sunroom and curl up.

One of the things we pay attention to here on the farm is the weather report, Dudley is very deligent in checking to see if we are going to have rain or frost etc. This kinda gives us an idea to what direction our chores should be done. This past week, after school I mowed the fields before dinner because of the impending rain. Same today, we decided that we had to get some of the wood that had been cut on the driveway split and stacked. So, in a matter of 2hours we had added another cord to the split pile. Glad we rushed, because soon after the rain came down. We will have to do many more sessions on splitting the wood that we had cut in the Spring, It is piled everywhere, even up on the hills. But the reason we started with the pile on the driveway is...TA DA !!!! We will finally have the driveway re-grated and topped with 'crush and run'. Yeah! no more low areas where water collects. no more dirty fenders on Sandi's car !!! Yeah! So, come all you flatlanders...you can get in now without scraping the bottom of your car !!

After a dismal day here, on and off the football field, we are looking forward to the Gators stomping their opponents again tonight! It's great to win!! I might as well gloat this year, because with Tim Tebow gone next year the Gators may struggle..we'll see. Well, I have to put on the rain gear and go feed the Swans , they are waiting for me.

Everybody get your regular Flu shots at least this year !! Love, Sandi

Good Evening Family and Friends,

This morning started out in the usual fashion, Charlie needing his all over body scratch, coffee, and then a look outside, Two deer in the garden and 4 on Cemetary Hill. The groups did not seem to be together, or even interested in each other. As I went quietly to the front porch, grabbing a quilt now because of the coolness, I startled the 4 deer on the hill and they slowly made their way up behind the red barn and were temporarily out of sight. When they re-emerged high on the 'Highway to Heaven' , they began chasing each other and racing up and down the hill, back and forth, and then nipping each other, for about five minutes they frolicked in the Autumn mist that covers the hill. It was a great start to the day, for them and me.

Dudley decided to begin splitting wood, and filled the splitter with gas, it ran out on to the ground. Two holes had been chewed into the gas tank of the splitter, If it's not one thing it's another, we will definitely have to do some 'thinning' of the animal population around here before they destroy everything we have. Don't know if it was a raccoon or the ground hog, but why ? a gas tank? With that plan scrubbed, Dudley decided to move more of his stuff from the garage to the workshop in the barn. I'm liking this workshop already, it's cleaning out my garage !!

Everything stopped around here as we prepared for the Florida/ Tenn game. It proved to be a great game right up to the last quarter, but Florida kept it's winning streak alive and hopefully will continue to another SEC Championship this year. Tonight is the GA / Arkansas game, Allison has already called 3 times, as she is in the stadium at Fayetteville having a great time.

Dudley and I got in the hot tub tonight, a very nice relaxing bath for tired muscles and minds. It is especially nice when the air turns cooler. The view from tub is great and private, no need for suits, just a quick glance around for the UPS truck driving in ..just fooling.

I'ts getting dark earlier here in the Mountains, and it is not even Daylight Savings Time yet. That will change by the end of October and then it will be dark at 5pm. So I had better enjoy the last remaining days of late afternoon light while I have it.

Well everyone, I hope you are all well, no swine flu yet ? With me working in a Kindergarten I suspect I will come down with alot of strange things..yuck. oh well, hazards of the job. I'm still really enjoying the kids and the school. more on them later.

Take care and I'll talk to you all soon. Love much, Sandi

FIFTEEN MINUTES TO

Good Appalachian evening everyone !!



Dudley is cooking dinner and I thought I would give you a quick rundown on the day's events. Not that they were all that exciting, but here goes.



This morning, after a restless night's sleep for whatever reasons.?.I got up at 6:45am and enjoyed what I suspected to be one of the last few warmer mornings. It is wonderful to greet the day outside on the deck and hope to spy a wild night straggler that has not quite made it into the cover for day. I will miss the soft light, breeze and smells that is a mountain summer morning. The winter will be here soon enough.



The drive to Little Milligan School is 15 minutes. it is along the prettiest part of 321 towards Watagua Lake. It wouldn't take that long except that the road winds and curves so much you had better have your breakfast completely digested, or you are in for a surprise. The route takes you by a huge mountain face of solid rock that was cut away to make the road in the 50's. After years of DOT shoring it up, pinning. and netting, it still cascades rocks down onto the road, that's what happens when you try to fool with Mother Nature.. 321 was actually closed a few years ago because of rock slides in this area



Then, the route slopes and winds down to the Elk River, where our closest convenience store is located. There you will find a gas station and a locally owned diner. The diner is called the Elk Mills Diner and is famous for their good and cheap food. The surroundings give you pause when you enter, but at least the cement block walls are now painted and there is a curtain on the window, courtesy of Dudley's mother Shirley. When the diner's owners decided to 'redecorate' 10 years ago, she presented them with the only kind of curtain she knew how to make. After about 6 years, they washed it and put it back up, So there it is still. Every time we would come to the Farm during the last 25 years, Mom and Dad Carter would take us to the Elk Mill Diner. It was a great treat,..no one had to dress up, wash their hair, wear make-up or have manners, and ball caps were required. It is still a great memory but one that is not often revisited, because of the nature of the food, Don't get me wrong, it is sanitary, but not too healthy to say the least and our tastes have gravitated to more Bistro.



After I pass the infamous Elk Mill Diner on 321, which by the way should be a 'must do' on your list when you are in the area, I continue my easy downward slope to the Watauga Lake. The Watauga Lake was made in the 1940's by the TVA to stop the area from uncontrollable flooding and to supply much needed electric to the surrounding area. The whole town of Butler TN was moved to it's present day location so that the Dam could be built. The Lake, which is really a Reservoir, stretches hundred's of miles and has many marinas and recreational and camping spots. Around the lake I travel, always noting the level of the water, because in years past the water has been very low, showing the solid rock sides of the previously unexposed mountain. But today, and lately, the water level is high and everyone is happy, The marinas are happy and the campgrounds are happy and the fishermen are happy.



Then, as I reach the low point on my decent from the Farm, the far away mountains come into view. God, at His finest, uncluttered, unspoiled, uncomplicated. It is a early morning reminder of why I love where I live. It is the spiritual side of this area, the connection with the Earth, unchanging, unyielding, everlasting. I smile , and remember as to where I come . But as a direct contrast...I see.. Kudzu. A vegetation brought into the area by meaningful biologists to control erosion, has covered the natural landscape , producing monster like silhouettes on the local trees and mountain faces. This unnatural and imported vine growth has changed the landscape forever. It will eventually destroy the very essence of the beauty that is Appalachia.



The school signs signal my goal. I slow. I re-adjust, I come down to Earth. I am Teacher.







After a wondrous, breathtaking drive to Little Milligan School, I am greeted by loving children who exclaim,, 'we missed you Ms Carter,, we Love you Ms Carter,',,, Can life be better ? Why am I here?









School is out. I come back the winding road to my Farm. I slow, I re-adjust, I come down to Earth. I am ....






LOVE TO ALL..Sandi

LITTLE MILLIGAN SCHOOL

Eight years ago today our world changed. Let's all remember the way we felt that day, and the way we felt the weeks after, when we put patriotic stickers on our cars and hung American Flags from our porches. Why do we need to have a tragedy to befall us to know what is good and true? Even in our own personal lives we forget how truly blessed we are everyday, we become complacent and even bored sometimes with the mundane things that make up our lives. Always wanting more. I bet everyone of the people killed on 911 would gladly trade places with anyone of us if they could live out their lives doing the same things we find taxing. Find pleasure in everything !

Little Milligan School. An old building, built in the 50's, simple concrete with large windows and high ceilings, chipped linoleum floors, exposed pipes and hanging 'schoolhouse' light fixtures. But the rough physical appearance of the building belies the loving family atmosphere of the teaching environment inside. These Appalachian kids are getting the finest education without all the distractions that city kids face. There are no drugs, no gangs, no clothing jealousies, no soda and candy machines, no bells and no locked security doors. Parents come and go, two stray dogs live at the school loved by all, the principal was a student there as a boy and then a janitor and then a teacher, giving real ownership to the job. He is so loved, that when he walks into the lunchroom during lunch, the kids spontaneously chant 'JR, JR, JR' ! ! his name. Did anyone of us have a principal like that ?

On the other hand, the children that make up the 150 student body are some of the poorest in the country. They come from families that have lived in this part of Appalachia for a century, subsistence farmers most, they had no fluoride in their well water and of course no dental care, so alot of the children even in Kindergarten show horrible tooth decay and gum disease already. Again, some of us hate going to the dentist, but these kids would probably jump at the chance to go. It's all a matter of perspective isn't it?

I have obligated myself to working with the Kindergarten 4 days a week. I am exhausted when I come home but in a good way. I know that I am helping mold little lives, not that I have all the answers, as I am learning as much as the kids are, mainly about myself. As I have said before, retirement has given me the freedom to explore other things. And I find the more I let go of the 'details' of my life, the more life I have.

Moral. Don't sweat the small stuff.

Love to you all... Sandi

Laverne and Buddy

Hello Everyone !

Labor Day

Hope everyone is enjoying their day off. College Football games are on and the hint of Fall in the air. A great time of year!

We were blessed this weekend with a visit from our dear friends from GA. Laverne and Buddy. Our friendship started in a rather bizarre way. You see, Dudley and Buddy worked at the Nuclear Plant together, and knew each other for years. But separately, Laverne and I knew each other through the arts community in Augusta. It was at one such huge art show that our husbands were helping us set up our booths and they ran into each other, Dudley introduces me to his friend Buddy from the Plant, and then Buddy tells me that his wife Laverne has a booth in another part of the building.... recognizing her name, a new relationship between the four of us began..and has lasted, thru the up's and down's of life's changes all these years, and for that, I am grateful.

So, their quick trip to the mountains was a welcomed one. We spent much of the time on the front porch, as usual, and catching up with grandchild's pictures and all of our children's progress. All was good. Dudley made an excellent dinner and we stuffed ourselves silly. We always eat well when we get together with them. Both men are excellent and innovative cooks. The evening was very late when we went to bed and only in the morning did we find out that Laverne had trouble sleeping. Now, I have trouble sleeping in a strange bed, as alot of people do, but Laverne didn't sleep because after hearing the stories that we told of the wild life and especially the bear sightings around here, she was scared and heard 'noises' all night. Poor Buddy, she kept him up too. !! I think they had a great time, but were probably eager to get back to their quieter less wild neighborhood! I love you Laverne, you have enriched my life, and the amount of laughing we have done over the past few years has surely increased our life expectancy 10 years!!, another 10 years to have you in my life will be a blessing !

The swans are in the Blog again. They never are too far from trouble. The feeder was broken into Sat night and we were up at 4am with the spotlight looking at what was making all the racket at the pond. Raccoons again. Dudley made a special bolted top and we'll see how that goes. Then we noticed that the underwater aerator was 'bubbling' funny. So with Buddy's careful supervision, and the swans and Laverne and I looking on, Dudley donned the waders and went into the pond. It turns out that the air hose was off and the connection broken, You see, the swans have a grand time going under the water to 'play' with the bubbling machine, they position themselves on top of the rolling water at the surface and even have tried to pull the actual aerator up out of the water, we had to weight it down. So who knows how it broke, but I have my suspicions. I have asked Brian to help me start a website so I can write about my swans in depth. They are fascinating and I think other swan keepers could benefit from our cumulative knowledge. When that is up and running I will surely let you know.

Well, thanks everyone for reading my Blog, I hope you are enjoying the mundane things that are my life. What does that say for those of you that are reading this? But I am glad you are, because it is for me, and for you.
Love , Sandi

September on the Farm

Hello All !!

We are having Climate Change here in NE Tenn !! The evening breezes are cooler and the mornings alittle chilly! But I suspect we will have more warm days ahead before we really get into Fall. Then the tourists will flock to see the leaf color. They call those people 'leafers' and the local economy loves them. It is a beautiful time of year, but I hate the traffic, especially the motorcycles, but it would be a great way to see the Blue Ridge Parkway wouldn't it ??

I really am liking the freedom that retirement gives me, and i hope to experience different things, after all, as one person said, 'time is running out' Well, I do feel like 40 , so I hope to be able to explore other things for at least another 2o years! Brian is saying , am I going to have to wait that long for the Farm?..No, is the answer, I might be Tahiti by then !! Really, I have never lived anywhere that has given me so much pleasure than this area. I have found out that I gain a quiet strength from the Mountains and the life style here, The people are incredible and the air and water clean, A definite change of lifestyle for sure. But it's not for everyone I guess.

Which brings me to my latest adventure, Dudley is just glad it doesn't cost him any money like the last 'good' idea I had of getting Swans.... But anyway, as I said in a previous post, I am volunteering at the local school. I just presented myself there one morning and they were eager to have me, No background checks, no references, no waterboarding....they took me at my word that I was a retired teacher, and not a sex offender! Amazing in this day and time, Don't tell the rest of the school boards in the country, they may ruin the good thing we got going here. If you want a background check here, like if I wanted to work as a teacher or substitute, you have to pay for it yourself. I guess that makes sense doesn't it ? Simple logic, something missing in today's world,

So I show up Monday morning at 8am, a small hardship since I do tend to enjoy my slow wake up period, coffee, porch, Fox and Friends. etc. but I hurried to my new job, excited and nervous, You see, they put me in Kindergarten with a 25 year old BEAUTIFUL new teacher. She is amazing. I can not say enough about her. If this is what the new teachers are, our students are in great hands. I imagine Desire and Allison being like her. BUT, my role is to support, and because i want her to like me, i am completely her slave, It will take her a while to trust me, but I hope she will, because I am having a ball !!! I really thought I would be better with 4-6 grade, because that's what I am familiar with , but love those screaming munchkins !! They are putty in your hands, They need to learn EVERYTHING !! and 2009 Kindergarten is not like the Kindergarten we knew, they are expected to READ by the end of the year !! Incredible,! but we have known for a long time the early years are the most important in a long successful plan of learning. But it is still the parents that have the most influence over the child's learning curve. The difference is night and day , you can tell which parents have worked with there kids and which ones have let them watch Batman for 4 years. They will never catch up. But enough of my soap box, I love the chance to do this, and as the news gets out in this small school that there is a volunteer in the K program, and they learn that I am the daughter -in- law of Shirley Carter.... I am proud and I feel like I fit in immediately. Reputation is everything sometimes, it can carry you , until you make your own, and that's what I intend to do.

Well, I think that is enough from The Farm today, I wish you all the very best and hope you find joy in your life , and if you don't have it , go look for it, it's worth it the time and effort. Love, Sandi xx oo

Greetings from the Tennessee Farm !!

Well,I have lots of news..today i saw 100 years in the past. yes . Brandon our 16 yr old neighbor that has been mentioned in previous blogs, was over just to visit. Lately i have been helping him with his driver's licence book, and some homework that he has from school. Actually he is doing fairly well, and likes the attention and praise he gets from us. So, today was just a visit day and he mainly wanted to talk to Dudley about guns and machines. I took it that this was man's talk and just sat quietly and observed them. Brandon was telling wild tales of his adventures riding a bulldozer up a steep hill, and how every one else, "even grown men" were 'fraid' to do it...how he dug this hole with a bobcat, and how he fixed that , and how he shot that and what a big gun it was , etc...you get the picture. Anyway, as I watched this skinny little kid, hard as dry tack, and dirty as a pig, with a combination smell of gasoline, sweat, and old clothes. And hearing him brag and laugh on himself, with that decidedly most mutilated application of the English language, Appalachian hillbilly talk, I couldn't help but think of a boy long ago, that lived on this property and most likely sat in this very living room, bragging about his adventures,how he stole his girlfriend and got married in the woods, and how he was the best 'team(horse) driver in these here parts'. ( That story we got from the Johnson County Book of Early Settlers) Zachariah Linkes probably rode a horse like Brandon rides his dirt bike, fearless, and probably had all the same scars and broke teeth that Brandon has, But, ironically Zachariah was dead at 17, from bad cider. As I looked on in curious wonder as if I had a glimpse into the past I hoped that we would have the joy of that unfettered enthusiasm for life in our lives longer than the Linkes's family did . Life was and is hard here in the Mountains, There are no guarantees.

More news, I have made myself available to the neighborhood school, Little Milligan, it has a population of 150 students from pre school to 8th grade. I was almost rushed when I said i was there to volunteer if they needed....So, I will start Monday and work with the new kindergarten teacher, She has 25 students and no $ for an aide of course. Brian was quick to remind me that this age kid, crys, wants lots of hugs, and then poops on themselves, and not necessarily in that order. I was really thinking about 4th grade, but I guess they saw the motherly type and knew that at least I couldn't do much harm in Kindergarten. I won't be wearing my designer clothes to work to say the least. Why does Kindergarten Cop come to mind ?

Have a nice weekend everyone. I' ll be thinking and wishing you all the best !! Love much Sandi

Good evening everyone !

Another wonderful day here on the farm, since it did not rain today, I decided to mow the fields. We have to mow often because the grass gets so high I can almost not get through it on my John Deere. I figure another month of mowing and weed-eating and then that will be all until April.

I am including a picture of the beautiful Northern Hibiscus that blooms in August. Every year these huge, dinner-plate size fuchsia flowers show off. They always remind me of NANA because she planted them years ago, and I'm so glad she did. When we had the remodeling done on the house, I dug each one of them up to protect them from the construction. Then I placed them in and around the house and even by the old barn and ponds. They are quite spectacular and can be seen from the road.

Dudley has completed his cooking course, and has out done himself !! He came home with left overs of the main courses that he will fix next weekend for us. There was Sea Bass with butternut squash gnoche and sauteed Swiss chard, Kobi flank steak with tempera vegetables and risotto, A pork chop stuffed with prosciutto, sage and swiss cheese, served over stone ground grits and molasses collards. and last but not least, Roasted Herbed Pheasant with whipped potatoes and sweet apple cranberry relish. I think we need to start a B&B don't you ? anyway, next Sunday evening will be fun with our friends at the resort as Dudley will cook for us.

The bear is back ! The grapes have been decimated by him, large bites taken out of our ripening butternut squash and the apple tree plundered. And then to add insult to injury...he leaves a big 'calling card' claiming the garden as his own. Nana and Papa used white twinkle lights around the garden to keep animals out, we may have to resort to that . Then we would really look the part, Christmas lights up all year round. We'd fit right in around here.

Cudos to Allison, Tom, Brian, and Desiree....Keep up the good work. your hard work now will pay off later-- we promice. LOVE YOU MUCH!!! Sandi

Return to the Farm

Hi everyone !! I have returned from the BIG CITY (D.C.) unharmed and in full control of my mid- America country values !! Whew, it is hard to do in the current atmosphere of Liberal change. I went to DC to help Cheri after her cornea transplant. What a wonderful world we live in to allow us to have this current medical treatment, it is my hope that all people can access this kind of miracle regardless of their social status, isn't that what we are asking for? Anyway, thank you to the cornea donor. please check your driver's license to be an organ donor as you will continue to live thru the the person you helped.

Yes ! Had a great time!, Cheri is now in full winter preperation mode and has enough split wood to get her thru the DC winters. A true GREEN citizen, Cheri heats her house with free discarded tree wood that she collects from around the DC area. it is then split and stacked and ready to heat her house thru out the winter. Yes, this takes some work and forthought, but if more of us did this we could help with Gobal Warming, at least that's what Al Gore says'. So get with it !!

Arrived at the Farm in time to feed the 'Brats' as we affectionately call our three swans. they were very glad to see me and i enjoyed winding down from the long trip with them. very centering when you have the life of a dependent animal, or person, for that matter, in your control.

Fall is soon to come, it is apparent with the leaves losing their color, and the cooler breezes that start in the evening, Summer has been short here, but not unimportant , just a foreshadowing of the seasons to come ? maybe Dudley and i should start with our wood stack..I'll write more later, love Sandi

Chef Dudley

A few days late... but I am here, and writing, so i am alive.

What a wonderful weekend we had. The weather was great and we enjoyed the dryness after a long summer of rain, but the good news is that I may be able to 'can' another batch of tomato soup !!! YEAH !!

Sunday was like any other day, it was very cool when I awoke at 6:30am and went with Charlie to the front porch. If you sit very still, you can hear the collision between the night and the light happening, so, because it was a Sunday and no one was traveling on 321 early going to work, i heard what I knew was there. First, it was a long distance crying, then a yelping, then a greeting , not so much different than Charlie does when we come home, then the unmistakeably howl. yes, the rumors were true, we had coyotes in the neighborhood. I was fascinated as I listened to the centuries old sounds of the young pack greeting the provider of the night's catch, I wondered if it was one of our own previously abundant rabbits. Finally, the dawn was quiet, all was as it should be. I sipped my coffee in the comfort and safety of my borrowed human space.

This was the day that Dudley was to go to his first 'cooking class ' at the Crestview Resort in Blowing Rock. Debbie , his sister, had informed him of the class and he immediately signed up. So for the next month he will be instructed in the ways of a Top Chef and then his 'bestest' friends will be invited to a dinner that he will prepare for us at the Crestview. La Te Da !!!! So, Andre, Leesa, Randy, Patricia, Debbie and me will go on the 30th to a fantastic dinner, no wonder i have problems losing weight !! but it is worth it.

Around noon on Sunday, we received a call from Patricia, she wanted to get together for a impromptu supper . So we all got what ever we had,which was mostly fresh, and canned vegetables from our gardens and had the most wonderful dinner with paper plates and wine filled mason jars. The 500 mile view from the deck was the dessert and none of us complained of being too full.

An update on neighbor Brandon. He did bring his driver's test book over for me to look at, it is far over his head, i fear he will never be able to pass . but we had a lesson and i am encouraged that he at least wanted me to be involved. One day at a time. He may be a life long project, but I will not mind. He is enrolled in the local auto mechanics school , so we will see how that goes.

Our best goes out to Brian tonight, he got a job at the American Cancer Society at Emory Univ in Atlanta. He will be analyzing data for them. This is in conjunction with his Master's degree in Public Health. Maybe this will lead to a further degree for him. All things come to those who wait... but you have to pedal real fast while you wait....

I will blog one more time this week, I am traveling to my sister's in DC to help her during her eye surgery. I have no doubt she would be there for me if I needed her. Blood is thicker......and that comes real clear as we get older. So I will update when I return from the big city...Love, Sandi

MIKE AND GARBO

Dear Ones, how are you today? I have had requests for a blog every day, but sometimes i cannot come up with enough exciting stuff to tell you....There are times on the Farm that are routine, downright boring. Alot depends on the weather...but today was different.

I usually wake around 6-6:30 am..the sounds of the mountains awakening are enough to get you on your way, and what a treat you have before you when you do force yourself out of the warm bed to the cool new day. This morning, as usual, Charlie and the chorus of bird songs calling me to leave my dreams,... now downstairs , start the coffee , a spoon of food for the most important male in my life, sorry Brian and Dudley.., We go into the quiet dawn, and see the deer stealing blackberries from the row, and the rabbits running from the sudden human noise. The deer, use to us , (the intruders, )keep grazing on our planted fruit as if it was there for them. Later , we find that they also enjoyed the ripening tomatoes along the fence line. Good thing I made my tomato soup earlier this week..

After a quick reality check on FOX news, and a protein bar, I am ready for the day. Then the unusual noise, Now, in the mountains, it is not uncommon to hear neighbor's muffled yelling from far, gunshots, cattle mooing and dogs barking. But a beep, beep , beep,?? sounded like we were in downtown Atlanta with a garbage truck backing up..disgusting !! on investigation, we found that our new neighbors, across the way had their house alarm going off, and they could not turn it off.. Eventually, after many phone calls , there was silence again. and this was only 8:30am !!Whew.. Then in comes the truck..

Some of the people that have been important in our lives here have not yet been mentioned, and this is the day that Mike and Garbo will be officially entered into the blog.

If you were walking down the street in any town in America, and you saw Mike and Garbo walking towards you, you would discreetly cross to the other side of the street. They are scary looking dudes!! But as we have learned here in Appalachia, looks can be deceiving, especially if you count teeth and tattoos. It seems that Garbo, don't know his last name, was a security guard for 'biker rallies' (so that gives you some idea on his size). but anyway he tells us, that when it was slow at the biker's convention, he would let the tattoo artists 'practice' on him. Now those of you out there that think you are a man..think again. He is a women's dream with his spider forms covering every inch of his 'exposed' skin.. with his toothless grin and slow drawl I'd trade Dudley and Charlie for him.....gulp. maybe not Charlie, a lucky girl for sure would see the beauty within. I guess it takes all kinds, but you could not get a better worker and a more honest man. although he does spend his Winters in the Carter County jail,.. When the work gets slow and the temp gets low, he violates his parole and has a nice warm bed for the the winter, It seems like Garbo has it all figured out..OBama should get him as one of his Czars !!

Now , Mike on the other hand is the brains of the operation, he is 52 years old and has the body of a 35 year old. That's what working hard everyday will get you, none of these gyms and aerobics classes for him, he is hard as nails and can out work most 20 year olds. One of the things I like about Mike is that he isn't impressed with himself, he will do any labor job, no matter how demeaning, and he will do it well. he does like his rolled cigarettes and will only talk to me if necessary, after all I am only a 'woman' ,but he loves Charlie and spoils him with his lunch leftovers. You see, every time we have them do work for us, we buy them a cheeseburger and onion rings from out local 'MOM and POP' store. it is the only time Dudley and i partake in the local fast food and i have to admit it is good ! After many evictions and girlfriends he is now living alone in a camper trailer down by the lake. Times are hard for his social and job skill level , but he keeps smiling.

Mike and Garbo were here to cut down yet more of our dying 'Locust' trees. the trees are cluttering our beautiful property with their leafless limbs and brown leaves. But before they die, in a last ditch effort to re populate themselves,they are sending out massive amounts of seeds that quickly grow into small 'Locusts' !! so, my quest, is to remove all LOCUSTs from this property...a daunting task which will not be done in my lifetime. hear that Brian, But.. I can try. The place already looks better,and every tree that is down will not produce more babies.. The guys accidentally broke Dudley's chain saw , but it is still all good.......

Then Brandon, our neighbor boy, He has been given a truck to drive. it does not matter much that he does not have a licence, or a learner's permit, they let him drive it up in the 'holler' anyway, after a lot of prompting on my part he did admit that he couldn't read the driver's licence book so he couldn't study to get his licence., I offered to help, so we will see if he comes around. All of his friends are in school now, so i expect when Brandon is bored he will come over here, I think I will have to call someone at the school board soon.


It has been raining so much here that the grass is knee high. so tonight after dinner, supper, as it is called in the mountains. I mowed the fields. what a lovely time to do that. it was cool and breezy and as the sun went down,the barn swallows followed the mower in hopes to catch a few disturbed insects, and the swans preened before they were forced into the water by the nightfall, traffic was low on 321 and stillness slowly took effect as I parked the John Deer in the barn. Only an hour later, I marvelled at the bright full moon above the fields that i had just mowed, a reassurance that all is right with the world, even tho we on Earth try very hard to make it not. May you find the peace you seek. Love, Sandi

TOMATO or TOMATOE ???? SOUP

Well it's been a few days since I have blogged. our company has gone back to Metropolis and we are left missing them already, but a grand time was had by all. As we get older, the times we spend with the people we love are so important, My sister Cheri and I have lived apart for most of the last 35 years and i do not intend to do that the next 35, We have made a pact. Siblings don't always get along, and Cheri and I have certainly had our differences and travelled down different life paths. But lately, the paths are converging and I am glad of it. Of all the people reading this blog she is the one that I have known the longest , and she has known me. What a gift to have each other in our lives.

Well, today started with the sound of raindrops on the roof, it has been a familiar sound this summer, but not unwelcomed. After a dry few years, everything is growing as if it had been waiting for the moisture. I have never seen the grass so green and the trees so healthy. The creek is flowing and the ponds are cleaner than ever before. Papa would be happy to see them in this state, maybe not with swans on them, but he would be proud of the ponds he dug.

So, what does one do on a rainy day in the summer on a farm ? We can! No, this is not an Obama campaign rhetoric. In this reference the word 'can' is a verb, it means, in Appalachia jargon, to 'put up', to" preserve",to take the fruit and vegetables of nature and put them in mason jars to preserve them for the upcoming winter months. People have been doing this thru various methods since early times. just remember your history. So, we took our fresh picked tomatoes and the left over 'canned ' tomatoes from last year, and made the most delicious, without a doubt, the best, tomato soup in the world. We ended up with 19 pints, and I intend to make more with the upcoming new growth. There is nothing like a toasted cheese and a bowl of tomato soup in the middle of January. Pure comfort food. Farm 'fast food', and by the way, the health experts say that you should have a tomato product everyday, especially for men, but that does not include the catsup on your french fries !!!!

Cheri and Michael thought it would be a good idea for me to start a blog or a website on domesticated swans. After searching the web, Cheri could not find very much information on the care and raising of swans. So, what do you think ? We have learned soooo much in the last year about these incredible creatures. they are not just wild, they are highly intelligent, respond to their names, and mate for life, grieving for their lost partners. The information we have learned from the everyday care of them far exceeds what is published. So maybe that will be in the future. Your thoughts please ..


Well everyone. I close tonight with my thoughts of those of you that are preparing for interviews, exams, and presentations. My advice : just be yourself, because that is good enough. Love, Sandi

HUNGARIAN FOOD

As I write this, Cheri and michael are making chicken paprikas..the smells wafing from the kitchen are incredible,there are weird noises and yells, clanking and breaking sounds. So, we are excited, and are salivating with anticipation. We have eaten very well, since they have arrived last Sat, maybe too well, as my pants are alittle harder to button this week. Tomorrow, we will have a Low Country Boil here with our friends from the backwoods, and our new neighbors across the street, and their parents, Randy and Patricia from Boone. I think that Cheri will enjoy talking with Randy as he is an opera singer and has some of the past musical experiences she has had.

Cheri has brought her new 5 month old puppy with her, All in all he has been very good. lot's of new experiences here in the country for a big city dog, and he will survive it all. But I'm not sure he will survive Brandon !! yes , yesterday when Cheri and I were in Boone, Dudley and Michael were in charge of the Farm and Dogs. Brandon came over and I guess he 'acted like a 'boy and a dog', roughhousing and running crazy. When we came home, Csardas was unglued !! Cheri gave him 2 benadryl just to calm him down and when he did finally lie down she found a bleeding scrape on his front leg!!! of course , Brandon was just being Brandon, but Csardas was not use to that kind of play.. Brandon also was proud to tell us of his new truck. He is only 15, and does not have any kind of licence, but is proud of his wheels. Dudley informed him that he could not drive on out property with out a licence. so we'll see how that goes since he will be 16 IN dEC.

Dinner is about ready to be served, will continue with the Blogg after our Hungarian Experience. !!!


2 Hours later. We are all sitting in front of the 'boob tube' watching the Phantom of the Opera. Michael has seen it on stage, but we'll see what he thinks of the movie version. I LOVE IT !!! and watch it as much as I can..the story, the music, the costumes the history.

Well dinner did not disappoint, we had cucumbers and peppers in vinegar and sourcream, Chicken smothered in a rich spicy tomato sauce served over flour spretzle hand made by Michael as his mother taught him. As the Carter family has had Polish exchange students and have had many fine dishes made by them, this was similar, but different. And as a dessert, we have some Hungarian wine. OHHHHH we are living high on the Farm tonight!!!

That is all for tonight. Be happy, love Sandi

SWAN CLIPPING

Good evening my loves, WE DID IT !! pictures to follow! with the help of Cheri and Michael we herded them into a dead-end fence set-up and they didn't even know what was happening. It was alot easier than last year, and actually I think Dudley and I can handle this clipping by ourselves next year.
Cheri and I went to an antique store in Foscoe to look for a match to her old dresser. Could not find a match. So we went to a Thrift store and she found alot of things and spent a total of $8.35...We came home just in time to catch swans .

Pictures are of DUKE and I, Cheri, Dudley, and me actually clipping wings, And Michael, with the first fish he ever caught in his life, This one not to big, but they got bigger as we went on.

Another gorgeous evening here in the Appalachian Mountains! We are sitting on the front porch and not only enjoying each other's company but the peace of the natural beauty here. Cheri and Michael walked to the top of 'The Highway to Heaven" and tomorrow we will go to Cone house and sightsee the Blueridge Parkway. Have a great week, will try to get more out between our fun .....Love Sandi

Ok everybody >. we are having a wonderful vacation with Cheri and Michael !! wish you guys were here, because we are having a great time. Today, after a quick sightseeing trip around the area, we came home to have lunch and then we went fishing. Remember, that Michael has never been fishing, so he was in for a treat. we took chairs, buckets, nets, and poles to the big pond. Dudley had purchaced worms and we were ready. The swans are looking on as we practiced casting,,, Cheri and Michael are getting the feel for the reel. Cheri casts her unbaited hook and bobber into the pond and almost imediatedly has a hit !! shocked , We spring into action... there is a small brim on the hook.. unbeliveable !!! So, the race was on..... She got another one !! Then Michael got the next 6 fish. he was on a roll. I baited his hook and took the fish off his line, He was so happy, he loved fishing! Now remember, from my previous blogs, we are trying to get rid of the fish in the big pond, so we put all the fish we caught in a bucket, eventually, the few fish became many and the many became too many. by the time we were done, we had 50 in the buckets. YEAH !!!! So, Dudley and Michael take them to the nearest stream and let them go. All in all, it was great fun and we all felt really good about the experience that brought back memories of PAPA taking us fishing years ago,

The weather has been great here, cool and alittle overcast, the swans don't know that they are going to be clipped this week, so they are doing their swan things and we are enjoying them. Csardas got into a dead rabbit and freaked every one out, but that is what they do.and that is why we don't have a big dog that wants to run around.

no stars tonight, just black silence. so I leave you from the front porch of the Farm. Sandi

RACOONS and BEARS

Hey everybody !! Just a quick note today because Cheri is coming to the Farm !! And Michael. We will see if we can't turn him into country boy before he leaves. I just found out that he has NEVER been fishing !! Well hold on to your britches, can we fish or what ? Do you think he will worm his own hook ? We'll let you know.

So, the other morning we saw the swan feeders had been 'tampered' with . Humm? we looked for evidence and found what we thought might have been the rascal. there was a nice pile of Bear scat, ( poop) next to the one feeder...we removed that feeder and put it away so as not to encourage a return visit. But we kept the feeder in the small pond in front of the house. Anyway, last night I had a 'feeling' , and I always listen to my 'feelings', anyway I got up at 3am and looked out the dormer windows. Sure enough, Daisy was going crazy! swimming back and forth with her wings up..I got the spotlight we have just for these occasions and there were two eyes shinning up from the feeder. Dudley got up also,and we determined that it was a raccoon IN the feeder, he would eat a little, and then,pop his head up and look around and go back down to eat and pop his head up...cute, but not a good thing. So, Dudley has devised a way to lock the lid on so that that can't happen again. But first we had to retrieve the lid that was floating at the end of the pond...out come the waders and he finally got it. What a boat load of trouble these swans are ! whose idea was it to have swans anyway ? I plead the fifth.

So the bear is wandering around , but it seems he did not eat the swan food, the raccoon did. The camera will go up this week so we can get a shot of him hopefully. Did I tell you that a dead coyote was at the end of our driveway ? so they are here, we just have not seen them alive or even heard them howling.

We have eaten our first tomato! of course there is nothing like a fresh really ripe tomato., is there. The cucumbers are still producing and the lettuce abundant. We didn't have good luck with beans, maybe next year. Pears and grapes in a month. Brian do you want grape juice ?

Well, folks, I know all of you are busy, and I miss getting together more often. I hope you look forward to my blog, as you can see, our lives here on the farm are filled with the unexpected excitement and the mundane. everyday is different from the other. But I like surprises !! Love Sandi

PS We will clip swan wings on Monday..poor Michael..

ELECTRIC BARN !! YEAH !!

Dear everyone , another great day at the FARM !! The electricians were here !! Dudley has waited so long for the 'electrification of the barn, and we are one step closer to that reality. Maybe by the end of August he will be up and running, I know that seems like a long time, but this is Appalachia and things develop on their own time. But we all expect great things from him when this occurs and all of you will receive Christmas gifts made of wood...

Update on the Yorkshire Terrier I found tangled in a wire on Monday. I went by today on my way to Boone and the doghouse has been moved away from the highway the dog still tied to it and the people, or should i say, 'crackheads' were outside sifting thru their rubble. At least the dog was dry and i will inspect every time i go by and report as necessary.

What a beautiful view from the 'Highway to Heaven' on the last two evenings I have hiked with Charlie to the top and marveled at the beauty that was before me. I think of the Linkes and the Hicks families before us farming this beautiful land, did they too marvel at the majesty, and awe at the expanse? Or were they so focused on their everyday survival that they missed God's artwork? I think not, no one, even if they were picking apples or pulling weeds would be able to escape the oneness with the Mother. There is a time in each of our lives when we think that we are irreplaceable, unconquerable, and in control, Come and spend a little time on the 'Highway to Heaven ' and you will be changed.

The good news is that Cheri has has a GREAT interview with the powers to be and now is on vacation !! So, she and Michael will be here Sat evening to be completely spoiled with the Bed and Breakfast atmosphere of the Carter Farm.. The aim here is to relax, not worry, and leave those pesky DC worries behind. Come to the country, we'll cure you of all your problems. You won't want to leave, I promice. Talk to you later,, Sandi

Dogs and NEW NEIGHBORS

Good evening everyone ! hope everybody is home safe and sound tonight ! I had a great day today, after a quick trip to Boone I came back in a bad thunderstorm and just before I crossed the NC/TN line on 321 there is this 'Junk Dealer' house, it is very suspicious to me, and I hate to see it, lots of weird people and stuff coming and going there, anyway, I have always seen a small Yorkshire terrier tied to a pole outside next to the junk pile. I have wanted to stop and ask about it, but the inhabitants of the rundown place looked unfriendly at the least. So today it was pouring rain, There it was tied to the pole and unable to move because it had wound itself up with the line tight. I pulled into the drive, no one was there, it was so creepy, I think it is a meth lab, I really do, I could not free the dog, at all, it was so tangled in the line and drenched. I almost unhooked it and took it home, but I have a tendency to be alittle impulsive .. ? so decided to do the smart thing. went home and called animal control, They told me that they had had a number of complaints about the dog and that they were now going to seize it. I will keep you informed .

The afternoon progressed and then we got a call from are new neighbors. Those of you know Kim, that lived across the street from us, well, she has returned to Fla and has rented her place to a young couple with a 5 yr old boy. Well, tomorrow , while Dudley helps move them in, I get to take care of Kia. I think I get the best end of the deal, don't you ? Kia's grandparents are our new friends from Boone. she is a psychiatric nurse and he is a music professor at ASU. We really like them and hope that the fact that their daughter and grandson have moved across the street from us will enhance our friendship and we will see them more often.

Well it is 9:30 and past by bed time. I will write more tomorrow, or for sure on Wed. Love Sandi, Thanks for following and your comments Desiree and Cheri !!

JUST AN AVERAGE DAY

Good evening to you !

Not alot of excitment here today, just that I went to a web site and brought back a Trojin Virus !! Yeah, Dudley was pleased. After some work, he found out that it was really a 'phishing' site that I found. Well good, is that all? I feel so much better, I am always screwing up the computor, deleting things I shouldn't etc.. so Brian suggested that I get a laptop of my own to play with..I will have to think about that one. He suggested a Mac so I can do my blogging and my geneology stuff easier than on a PC. And I need easy ! So, we'll see. Any ideas out there?

After I do some work around here in the morning, I usually spend alittle time in the afternoon on my sewing. I am now working on a 'postage stamp quilt. It is made up of 4,070 1 inch squares. Yes, I am crazy , or very bored. either way I LOVE it. it is so relaxing and I dont' have to really think about it so I can let my mind wander, uh oh ! and plan my next crazy project. All quilts have a name and a reason why they were made in a certain pattern. A 'Double Wedding Ring' quilt was made for a new bride and groom. Other patterns were used in the Underground railroad to lead the escaped slaves to safe houses The quilt was laid over a porch or fence to 'air out' and sent a non-verbal message as to when and where they might escape and be safe. 'Log Cabin' pattern indicated a safe house. 'Flying Geese' was to show them the way, and the 'Bear Paw' told them to go north to Canada. Neat Huh ? I haven't seen anything about the 'Postage Stamp', but do know that they were only made by upper-class women because they had the time for this labor intensive work. Working women made larger pieced quilts as quicky and utilitarian as possible. When I am finished with this work of art I will post a picture on my Blog. It will hang in the sunroom here at the Farm and not be touched !!

Dudley has just informed me that it will 55 degrees here in the Appalachian Mountains tomorrow night ... I better get that quilt done fast.

I love all of you. Sandi

WORK DAY

Hi everybody !!! Sorry for the break in the blog, we have had computer problems this week after a power outage. even with the surge protectors it seems that when the electric went off, as it does frequently around here, the computer wasn't able to with stand the surge when it came back on. So, computer wizard Dudley has hooked up our lap top and I am now able to communicate with the outside world...

Today was a work day. I put on my DaisyDuke boots early this am and went out in the field. Dudley went grocery shopping in anticipation of Cheri and MIchael coming for a week. That visit however has been postponed until the next week, because Cheri got a call for an interview. We are all supportive of Cheri and her new job so we will see her when we see her. Also, mentioning Cheri, she sent me a link, Violinist.com that sighted her recent dissertation work.. she was very excited to see that her research has already been circulating on the WEB.. This is just the beginning for her and we all wish her the best. She certainly deserves it.

So, back to the work day. of course Brandon shows up at 10 with his cousin and his 11 yr old friend. Can we get fish from the pond ? Sure, so I have to supervise, to not, is asking for adolescent trouble. So I try to pull weeds and look as if I am not looking... They soon tire and leave. Brandon has a very short attention span, especially when he needs his next 'chaw' fix. I busy myself with inside jobs and then Dudley returns with the groceries.. enouf to feed an army! Which raises the new info we have to tell everyone, Dudley is going to take a cooking course starting Aug 9 for a month with a chef at a Banner Elk restaurant, !!! He will go every Sunday from 1-5 and learn different things and then the course will culminate with me being his guest at the restaurant for a gourmet meal !!! We are going to invite our backwoods friends Andre and Leesa to dine with me. I am so excited to have him do this, he is quite a chef and this is just the next step in his learning curve. and I benefit !! just have to walk more to burn the gourmet calories he will fix. of course I will let you know about our cuisine adventure ...

Yes, so back to the work day. after lunch and putting away all those groceries, I set out to spray all weeds and shit that I did not want growing on our property, my plan is that if I do this often enof, I will truly eliminate all the unwanted , weeds, scrub trees, rose bushes and blackberries from this property. I know that I have mentioned in my previous blogs or maybe my e-mail of my self proclaimed Jihad on these plant species. This said, they will not survive here and I will win...maybe, or least I will make a dent...or at least a small dent in the ever blooming unwanted weeds that crop up everywhere. I am trying Brian, I am trying.

While I was spraying, Dudley hooked up the BUSH-Hog to his ATV and polished off the field next to the house. The only problem was that the belt 'burned ' and he had to replace it, so called it a day at 5pm. tomorrow will be another work day and maybe Sunday we will relax. So much for being retired. But at least I got some long awaited exercise.

well, I have so much more I could tell you about, like the blue heron that wanted to have a place on the ponds but the swans wouldn't let him, he went back and forth to each pond trying to hide from the resident swans, but could not even score a small fish. And I want to tell you about the Barn Swallows. They have had their secondhatchings and are now biding their time to return to their southern winter homes. We have enjoyed their antics while swooping to eat the bugs and mosquitoes. While others complain of pests during the summer, we have none, My Swallows are always welcomed here, even tho their early morning squawks can wake the dead, I will never tire of their returning in the Spring. They are a part of our continuity to the past, the wind, the mist that rises from the river and the huge sky above. It is humbling to know that it will always be and it has always been the same, we are the visitor, we are but a whisper upon the land, Let's not forget that. Live each day to your fullest and let no stone be unturned. Love you. Sandi

MICE !! SWANS and FISH

Hey There !

I had a great day planned I was going to Boone to get some sewing supplies so that I could finish up some of my never ending projects. But things around here just never quite go like expected....I was finishing up my hair, brushing my teeth etc, when I spilled a bottle of liguid make-up on the carpet. I was really annoyed at myself, but I had to clean it up, I went to the linen closet for a sponge and opened the door to find not only mouse droppings everywhere, but a foul odor ..Yuck. I decided this was a job for Dudley and left for Boone !! I can understand why mice come into a kitchen, food right ? but a linen closet with towels and sheets ? I have decided that mice are one of the most resourseful creatures on earth, or dumbest, this one chewed a hole in the sheetrock wall just to rub on my pillowcases and make a nest with the toilet paper...I hope he had fun, But Dudley didn't. patching the hole and removing stinky bodies kinda ruined his day... I guess some days are better than other's at the Farm ! Life Lesson: Into every life rain must fall. You have to take the bad with the good.

But today also had a good thing for Dudley. He met with the electrician to plan the start of his workshop in the big red barn. He has been patiently waiting until the house was done and we had more money to start on his workshop. We will have Mountain Electric drop two poles next week and get this show on the road. When it is all done, I really expect to be a "Workshop Widow" because he will spend so much time working out there. But whatever happens , we will now have electricity in the barn. PAPA always expected that barn to be used as a doomsday overflow for the family. 'We can all live here on this property and raise our own food and defend ourselves." He might not be that far off..

Brandon showed up after I came home from Boone, I had a special project for him. I left the mouse job to Dudley and got on my boots. See, every evening when I feed the swans in the big pond, the fish come right up to the them and jump out of the water to get the bread. Sometimes they actually bite at the swan's feet and feathers! They swarm around them and startle Penny and Duke that they back off and let the fish have the bread. Oh no, I'm not feeding fish too. So, my idea was to catch as many as possible in the net, and take them down to Watauga Lake and let them go. These are not large fish, baby brim mostly, 3-4 inches long. Our 'no fear' Brandon is the man for the job, (see how I direct men to do work for me..uhmmmmm. ) Anyway, we have buckets, we have nets, we have bread, we have the will........Do you know that after 2 hours , with a quick break in between, we only got 20 fish in the bucket ? I was hoping for 100. I doubt that I will see a decrease in the piranha next time I go feed, Duke and Penny will just have to get use to them!

Speaking of Duke and Penny, next week is 'wing clipping time " Yeah. Cheri and Michael will be here. Do you think that we could get them to help ? I will make sure that I get pictures and blog that one ! But as usual Dudley has come up with a plan on how to catch them..and we'll see how that goes. More next week on that !

Before Brandon left to go home he asked if he could please show his friend, a new kid 11 years old named Kevin, the garbage disposal in the sink, and the trash compactor operation. These are space -age devices to these country boys and Brandon is proud to show off that he knows how to use them. Not that he does, but it makes him feel special, Did anyone notice that the age difference between Brandon and his new friend Kevin is 4 years...? Most of his friends are alot younger than him, I think that Brandon likes the younger boys because he can act tough and they don't challenge him. He has not physically matured yet and is happier being with boys that don't remind him of this fact. If I don't see some 'peach fuzz' soon I am going to have a talk with his Grandmother, I know some of you might disagree with me on this, but I can't sit by , I'm not made that way.
Stay tuned for that saga..

Actually, I am going to end this blog early today. I'm sure my followers are glad that they have a break from reading so much. Thanks for your feedback, I really don't know if you are reading or not, but I am doing this for me. Love you Guys! Sandi

Bears, Andre, and Brandon

Hello from the farm !!

So much to tell you, so I will just get started. But first there is a correction to be made. Dudley has pointed out to me that Mom and Dad Carter, died in 2005 not 2004. I'm not sure what role Dudley will play with this Blog other than editor, but I have encouraged him to write also.

I wanted to remind my readers of the recent Bear sightings we have had around here lately. In fact two months a go, our first proof that we had a large bear in the vicinity was our completely torn apart metal bird feeder. it was so destroyed that it could not be fixed, (and I am married to 'Mr Fixit')...The grill was tipped over and the rainbarrel had muddy prints 8" wide on the top....So we set up a camera and waited. We never got a great picture of him, but we saw him up close and personal as we were hiding behind the screen door later that night!! Only 25 feet away and with the spotlight in his eyes, he held still just long enough for us to marvel at the magnificent beauty of this powerful creature. He was easy 350- 400 lbs. and shiny black. I'm glad he was as afraid of us as we were of him. So we have a bear. I'm sure he will show up again around here and in my blogs.

This morning, while most of my readers were still sleeping,(9am) I went to the back of the garden and retrieved a bucket, that I was collecting rain water in. As I turned to go to the house, I heard a crashing sound on the ridge behind our house and realized that the noise was coming from a tree that we had just picked wild cherries from last month. The branches were rustling and breaking and down out of the tree came a medium size bear and scurrying down behind her was her cub. Of course they took off for the undergrowth, and I was slightly scared as I quickly made my way back to the safety of the house. So I guess that my favorite activity, walking the ridgeline will have to be postponed for awhile,or maybe I need to learn how to shoot a pistol.

Since the morning was cool, I decided to weed our mixed salad greens plot in the garden, it really had gotten out of control since I had been in DC the week before. Lettuce is a labor intensive crop, and needs constant attention to get the most out of it. If you have never tasted fresh torn lettuce that was growing in dirt minutes before, you have not lived. Add some blueberries, feta and walnuts and you have heaven on a plate! None of that fat and sugar laden salad dressing for me !!!

Later while making Dudley a sandwich, we had drop -in visitors, Usually that's the way here, neighbors just drop in, and you have to be ready with coffee or a cool drink. It was our backdoor neighbors( meaning that they live over the mountain that is directly to the west of us) We could actually hike to their house on the old unused farm trails and someday we plan to meet them half way. We'll have to be mindful of the bears tho !Andre and Leesa live 'off the grid" down a 2 mile dirt road that has switch backs that will have you seeing your tail lites. Andre built the cabin they are living in in the 80's and has lived there until recently with no running water, plumbing, or electric. if he needed to operate something electric, he ran his generator. He got water from the stream next to his house as he still does today. He has become a very important part of our lives because of his knowledge base of 'these here parts' This Spring he showed us how to tap a maple tree to make Maple syrup. it was alot of work and we probably won't do it again, but it was tasty ! He and his wife Lessa brought us a quart of blueberries and we gave them about 8 of our cucumbers. Trading is done a lot here, especially if one farmer does not have a good crop of something and you do. Of course, Dudley and I grow our vegetables and fruit for the fun of it, not to live on through the winter like most do around here. Andre will be mentioned alot more in my upcoming Blogs because of his unique life perspective and views, He says he lives in the middle of the woods because he doesn't like people, but he likes us, and I'm glad.

It is 3:30 in the afternoon and am waiting for my special friend and closest neighbor Brandon to show up. Brandon is a typical Appalachian boy with all the scars and dirty fingernails to show it. I first met Brandon just after we moved in and saw a kid and a dog walking up on our hill,. Trespassing is highly frowned on here and you must have permission from the land owner to walk their property, I of course, being the mother and teacher that I am, yelled at him asking what he was doing ?? He left, but told Dudley the next week that he would like to come and meet me but I had yelled at him and he was scared. I do that alot I guess, scare men. He doesn't go to school because of heaven knows what reason, I finally told him that if he was too sick to go to school , he was too sick to come to our house and visit. Brandon's father is a drug addict and lives in a trailer on their back property, while Brandon and his little sister's grandparents have custody of them.. Lots of late nights and people coming and going over there, lots of mangy animals and trash around. Once you get over the trashy look of the place, and get to know them as people, you see their down to earth goodness. This is how they and their families have lived for generations. It's not that they don't care or are lazy, it's that they don't know better.

Dudley has been a great influence on Brandon, He is the father that Brandon has needed and they are great buddies. Brandon will bring over broken things and Dudley will fix them, they talk guns and hunting, Dudley has had to correct him about his chewing tobacco, (not allowed at our house) his everyother word obscenities and Brandon's way of calling me 'the woman' But once we got past all that, (whew!) he has been a breath of fresh air in our lives and is eager to do projects with me, and talk of his girlfriends and other not so manly stuff. Again, this 15 year old will be showing up in my Blogs because I would rather befriend Brandon now, than have him grow up an angry stranger next door later, know what I mean ? I have some other interesting suspicions about Brandon, which will remain to be seen if they come to past or not..Just keep reading. The best is yet to come on Brandon I'm sure.

Well folks, I have really taken up enough of your time. Tomorrow is another day and I can't wait to share it with you. To those of you that have to go to work or school, have a great week, don't get discouraged. Unlike Brandon, your payoff time will come. Hang in there. Love, Sandi

Good evening everyone !!!



I though I would spend a little time on my second official Blog entry to build a little history of the years before and immediately after Bobby and Shirley Carter gave us their beloved farm. You see, they came to our house in Augusta, GA. December 30th of 1999. Their reason for a visit then was two fold. 1. to celebrate the new millennium with us and 2. to ask us if we would take on the "Farm' after they were gone , if not before. We were very excited and the celebration of 2000 meant alot more to us than usual.

While the Folks still lived here during 200o-2004, we made plans to take on our new upcoming life style. We bought all -terrain weather-proof boots for each of us, and pond waders for Dudley, along with the 10 triploid grass carp (fish) to keep the weeds out of the pond. We dug a new large pond, we put up miles of barbed wire to keep the cows out of our "new" pond and plantings. We planted evergreens along the busy road and various other trees throughout the barren pastures. We sprayed to kill hundreds of wild rose bushes, thistles and blackberry thickets. We bought a DR Mower, a 4-wheeler, a 4 wheeler trailer, a bush-hog, a weed-eater, and a chain saw, only to name a few of the expensive equipment needed to really be 'FARMERS". Then tragedy struck.


March 2004 both Shirley and Bobby, our beloved parents, feel ill to the Flu. Because of livelong smoking and general poor health, they did not do well, with Papa dying immediately and Nana dying 4 months later.
We were torn between the shock of the sudden illness and the comfort that they were not apart for too long. They were cremated and sprinkled together, as to their wishes, on Cemetery Hill.

Now What ? Family pulls us together in time of need and we will never forget the help that Dale and Pat were to us in getting the house and affairs in order.

Dudley and I then took advantage of the time we had to redi the house and property for our upcoming retirement in 2006. We had trees, chicken coops and barns taken down, driveways re-positioned and hired an architect to look at what we could do with the house built by Adam and Vergie Hicks 100 years before.

With an emphasis on upgrading, insulating, heating and cooling efficiently, contractors put in a wood burning stove, a trash compactor, a whole house fan, replaced cloth wire and copper pipe, insulation was added to rooms with none, walls removed for expanding families,100 year old oak floors refurbished and porches enlarged. Every effort was made to sustain the original charm of the country farmhouse but bring it up to modern convenient standards. The grandchildren approved ..so we knew that we had done it.

So , with that past in mind I offer my daily notes of how it has been since we have moved in, much has happen before I started my Blog, but i will slowly interweave the past with the present. be patient and a whole new world will open up before you. I promice. Thankyou for reading. Sandi

Today is July 10, 2009. I am going to attempt to create a blog about our daily life here on a small farm in the beautiful Appalachian Mountains of NE Tennessee. My chronicles will be that of a former 'city' girl who has come to love the country life and all of it's simple and pure ways. May I do justice to the memory of those who have walked this ground before me, and to all of those who will come after.

So. Where do I begin? At the beginning.

The Johnson County Tennessee Deed book with it's old fashion cursive writing, showed that our land was owned by a Col. Green Moore (civil war confederate) in 1836. He had 6 slaves, but it is not known if they lived on this property. In 1857 Col.Moore deeded the property to RH Donnelly who had married his daughter Eliza. That's when the trail of ownership is broken until1951 when it was deeded to the' Heirs of Adam and Virginia Hicks.' Somewhere between 1857 and 1951 , Virginia and Adam Hicks, who were 2nd cousins, built the barns, the house ,and lived here closeby to her parents, Gibson and Julia Linkes. Many members of the Linkes family are buried on top of our 'Cemetery Hill' The first grave in the cemetery is dated 1899 and is that of a 1 month old girl. At this time the property was covered with apple trees, most likely used for food , trade and 'spirits' In fact one of Gibson's son's, Zachariah, died an awful death at the age of 17 when his 'bowels locked up" after drinking bad cider. Much more information about the Hicks and the Linkes families can be found on line. Their lives are now intertwined with ours as we go through our days walking in their footsteps and hearing the trees sing their memory.

Dudley's parents Bobby and Shirley Carter bought this broken down tobacco farm in 1983. We thought they were CRAZY !! But they had a vision, a simpler life where they could garden and raise cows, and give their Grandchildren a sence of how the two of them had grown up. The kids all have wonderful memories of the rope swing, picking fruit and vegetables, fishing and eating the 18" long catfish that PAPA kept in the ponds.

So it is our turn. Dudley and I had a vision too. Not the same as his parent's did in 1983, but one of our own. So read with me each week and I'll let you know how we are doing. I look forward to your comments and suggestions, but don't tease me too much about my sentence structure and spelling okay? Love, Sandi