Son and Friends are Safe

They lost a tree in the front yard and I think he said the fence in the back. But, nothing hit the house. They will go over to 'their' house later today to check for damage. With no electricity and no way to recharge the cell phone battery, I'm trying very hard not to call him too often!

Scuppernong Jelly

My "baby" brother, Joey, gave me a batch of scuppernong grapes. This is the result. BTW, here in Texas we say "scuppanog." This stuff is so delicious. We've had buttered toast (homemade bread) the last two mornings for breakfast just so that we can give it a good thick smear of jelly.

I tried to show how clear this jelly is, but my photographic skills are just not at that level.

In case you don't know what a scuppernong grape is, here's a website:

http://southernfood.about.com/library/weekly/aa091998.htm

Joey in 1964:

Ike Update

The little girls left with James' parents and headed north. The grown "kids" are going to hunker down in the parents' home. I will be on pins and needles until it is all over!

Blessed

One of the songs I have on this blog is Martina McBride's Blessed. http://www.martina-mcbride.com/lyrics/blessed.shtml

Jonathan, my 24-year old son, called while I was cooking supper. He shared his enthusiasm for my bike with me (confessed that my gravel driveway was squirrelly for a motorcycle rider). He also shared his hurricane Ike plans...as long as it continues on its current path and intensity, he and his friends will hunker down with James' parents. That ought to be an exciting adventure! James and Sarah with their three little girls, Jonathan, two birds, and I don't know how many dogs! It could turn out to be quite a circus!

Then, after the supper dishes have been cleared away, I sat down here and listened to Blessed. And, I am.

I Have a New Toy!

Look at the bike, not the person with helmet hair and no makeup!! (Don't worry, I ride with long sleeves.) That's Sam's bike in the background. Don't they look good together?

Saturday, Sam and I went to American Eagle Harley in Corinth Texas (great deal!) for my new bike. I've been looking at second hand...somewhat smaller bikes, but this is what he picked. Took it out for the first time this morning and rode over 30 something miles...had to wait to get insurance on it.

Our driveway is steep (to me on the bike anyway) and gravel. Once I conquer the sheer fear of maneuvering down it...I'll be alright. And, I have to be mindful of the heel shifter. I put my heel down on it right to start and started off down the driveway in 2nd gear...well...not really down the driveway. I took a detour into the yard first. Stopped. Got off. Sam got off his bike, walked over and turned mine around...put it back where I started. I got on it...and did it right that time. Coming home from the 'other' direction. I overshot the driveway! LOL Stopped. Put it in neutral and duck-walked it backwards...oh, Sam got off his to help me keep mine upright. He asked, "Want me to take it up for you?" Anyway, that's what I heard. I said, "Sure." Well, he turned it into the driveway...just where it starts. Got off. Damn! (Oops...darn...well, never mind. I'm a Harley chick, and I can cuss now.) I got on it and rode it up the drive. Eventually (LOL) stopped it where he wanted it to be so that he could get them both in the garage. Mine goes sideways in front of my car (Sam made a gadget that can be moved and placed on the garage floor beside the bike...when I pull my car into the garage very very slowly and lightly bump it - the gadget not the bike - I apply the brakes and stop...so far so good). Sam's bike goes between the car and the pickup.

He'll be out of town tomorrow, so no riding...then I sub at the high school Wednesday. I really need to ride every day to keep my courage up! The last big bike I rode was over 25 years ago...Ron's (first husband's) Honda 750...and I never rode it very far - just from our home to my parents' or the other way around...five or so miles.

You know, remembering, foot brake-clutch-shifter to first or neutral-handbreak- left foot down when stopping is rather taxing on one's brain! Are you praying for me?! If not, would you please?!