Historic Rainfall

Checking our rain gauge over the last two + days, we had at least 12.8". I decided to take a share a few photos of our recreation area and Saugahatchee Creek. I have never seen it this high before.

From our family to yours, we would like to wish you a very Merry CHRISTmas! Wise men still seek Him!

B.O.L.O - Be On the Lookout!

It's that time again...as we live in a rural area, we must remind ourselves that we have little creatures that live around us that, though not disturbed, will usually pose no problems to us. However, if we have animals or small children, we should exercise caution when going outside and walking around on our property. This timber rattler, though small (~16"), packs enough venom to make one of us very sick or one of our pets even worse. I am posting this because I have heard from several of you that you too have seen one of these in the last two weeks. They are on the move, looking for a place to nest as the weather gets cooler. Be watchful!

Chris

Turning the Page - Pioneer Day at Loachapoka

With Fall brings many changes, but one of these you probably didn't know was that Loachapoka has retooled their Syrup Sopping Day and Lee County Historical Fair into Pioneer Day! The focus will be directed on history and how things were made and done in the 1800s.

As in the past, there will be music and entertainment, but the best part is that the event is free! For more information concerning Pioneer Day, visit the link: http://www.leecountyhistoricalsociety.org/fair/index.html.

Please come out to support our local economy and have fun at the same time!

Welcome Fall!

We welcome the cooler temperatures, the beautiful colors of the leaves changing, and upcoming festivities! Take some time, if you are able, to get out in nature and unplug from technology and the hurry scurry of our modern world. I'm talking to myself too! One major benefit of living in SC is the peacefulness that living in rural Alabama affords. Have a nice weekend!

Chris

Happy Independence Day!

Let us never forget the sacrifices or forefathers gave so that we may have the freedoms we enjoy today!

Another tasty treat nearby!

Turn Baby Turn!

If you are looking for one of Alabama's best kept BBQ secrets, you do not have far to look! Just south of Notasulga past the railroad overpass on CR 81 is a little Mom-N-Pop barbecue place that has patrons coming as far as Mobile. Sitting in an unassuming former gas station, Mr. Bill and his wife Jackie have combined all the good things about BBQ - tender, tasty ribs and shredded pork cooked over his rotisserie smoker, as well as their famous pineapple coleslaw, beans, and potato salad. They are open 11:00 am to 8:00 pm most every day. If you do go visit, tell them I sent you!

Chris

Container Gardening

What tastes better than freshly grown vegetables? Have you ever thought of growing your own but never followed through, thinking it was simply too hard to do? Well, you are definitely wrong! Even if you do not have a lot of space to have 5 rows of corn and the whole "nine yards" of veggies, you can accomplish the feat of growing healthy, tasty vegetables right at home. While I am no expert on the matter, we have constructed our first raised bed garden and are looking forward to planting some things in it this spring. The good thing about these little gardens is that if you plan it accordingly, you can plant vegetables year round, providing fresh and tasty YOU-grown vegetables for you and your family.

Good spring vegetables to plant include:

• Broccoli
• Beets
• Cabbage
• Lettuce
• Onions
• Potatoes

I am learning a lot about container gardening from a friend who successfully grows several vegetables year round in his gardens. There are plenty of books and web resources on the matter if you are more interested. So, if you are feeling the itch to find out if you have a green thumb, what are you waiting for? Best of luck in container gardening!

Chris