Keep Smiling

Keep Smiling

Saturday, June 11, 2016

A Very Nice Weekend


 At 70 years young, 
I purchased my very first kayak.
I have never been in one,
but decided the I wasn't getting any
younger . . . so, if I wanted to try it . . .
Now is the time!
See the white on the water,
that is the reflection of the clouds.

 This photo shows them better. 

 Here I am heading back into the main lake.
It was a beautiful day,
and I had a ball.
I hope that I can inspire some of you
to check something off your bucket list
this summer. 
I am so happy I did this and I'm looking
forward to many kayaking adventures.

This is my kayaking friend.
She has been kayaking for a year and is
my partner in fun :) 
When I gave  you the garden tour  
in my last post.
I didn't take photos of my tomato garden,
because it was filled with weeds.

 I have a total of 26 tomato plants in the ground.
I raised them all from seeds,
and even had some left to give away.

 This is a self seeded onion
that came up in the herb garden.
I just think it is so pretty.
Too bad it doesn't smell nice enough
to add to a bouquet.

While I was mowing the yard, 
I came across these.
I saw a beauty in them that I thought
deserved a photo :)  

 We have already been eating 
onions and peas from the garden.


My Steve spent two full 12 hours days 
smoking pork butts for a friend's 
daughter's graduation party.
That's what he was doing when I
went out kayaking with my girlfriend.

Next week he is smoking a whole pig 
for a 50th birthday party.

That's what happens when you build
a big smoker like this one.
He enjoys doing it and he smokes 
some mighty fine meat in that thing.
Whole chickens are my favorite.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Well, enough about me . . .
My post is finished.
I hope you like it and that you 
will leave a comment.
Now I can go visit and see what 
you have been up to.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Keep Smiling!

Your blogging sister,
Connie :)  
    
    

55 comments:

  1. Good for you having fun kayaking, I say live your dream! Love the sound of all that smoked meat. Take care.

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    1. I had a ball out there on the water. As for the smoker, he is smoking a whole hog this weekend for a party and then in two weeks he has another one to do. He built that smoker himself :)

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  2. Hi Connie,
    I love that you bought a kayak. and you always inspire me! Your garden is so nice. My husband planted tomatoes this year and I planted herbs. We're seeing how we do with those and maybe we'll do more next year. I hope we can keep them as neat as your garden.

    Happy Kayaking!

    Cindy Bee

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    1. We have lived here two years as of last month and this will be out third garden . . . it has gotten bigger every year, LOL

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  3. Yay, Connie!!! I'm so happy you went kayaking! You're addicted now, aren't you? I love it so much. You have a beautiful lake to kayak in, too.

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    1. I thought that it would be fun, but it surpassed my thoughts. I had a ball! After about an hour and a half my back did start hurting, so I'm buying a boat pillow to put behind my back for our next adventure :)

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  4. Thank you for taking us kayaking with you! I love reading your posts! I feel like I've had a wonderful visit with a friend! You have made my day!!!

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    1. Hello Kimber, I am happy that you blessed me with a visit. I enjoy the friendships that i've made though blogging, here's wishing you a lovely week :)

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  5. Kayaking is one of my passions! I just love being out on the water, where it's (usually) quiet and peaceful. What a great thing to check off your bucket list. Hmmm...now what am I going to check off my list??

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    1. That's just it, we are not getting any younger and each day is a chance to enjoy something new or something that we just pass by each day and don't take the time to notice. I had so much fun kayaking and I'm looking forward to my next outing :) It's fun to get these comments and find that I have a lot of blogging sisters that enjoy this sport.

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  6. That sounds like fun! I wish I could do something like that but I hate boats! I barely get on our pontoon! LoL I love your sense of adventure! Have fun, my dear!

    Grace & Peace

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    1. Well, it doesn't sound like kayaking is for you, but I encourage you to take a tiny step outside your comfort zone in an area that sounds fun to you. Learning new things and making new memories is a great way to stay young :)

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  7. Hi! I bet that smoker makes delicious meats!! I love your kayak! My husband is thinking of getting one or two soon.
    I am turning 59 so maybe getting older inspires a little fun. Beautiful pictures...looks so relaxing and serene. Enjoy yourself! Andrea

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    1. Hi Andrea, I think that you will love it. It is fun to get into the little places where big boats can't go. Exploring the crooks and crannies of a waterway is a great place to see wild life. When it gets a little bit warmer, I want to take my snorkel gear with me, too :)

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  8. Congrats on getting a kayak.. I love being on the water, too. Your tomato garden looks like you'll have a lot of them soon! ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

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    1. Hi Teresa, I am so excited about kayaking, and the fact that I have a friend to do it with. Steve would not want me going alone. This is my first time to grow my tomatoes from seed, so I'm excited about them, too. there's my babies, LOL.
      I bought the lightest and shortest kayak that I could find, thinking that it would fit in my sedan when I folded the back seat down. it didn't, because it is too high. My friend's looks streamline and mine looks more like a little fat Eskimo's, but it feels very stable on the water and paddles with ease. I just stuck it in my trunk and let it stick out a bit and bungeed it down. I had a ball and I'm so happy that I took the plug and got it :)

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  9. Your kayaking adventure sounds wonderful! The water looks so peaceful and relaxing. Hubby and I have talked about trying it, and I suspect we will one of these days. We're 63 so I guess we're near kayaking age, right?! LOL

    I sure have enjoyed seeing your garden and all the veggies! I tried veggie gardening a couple of times but it didn't work out too well. Apparently, they need water! HAH! Who knew! LOL Seriously, I was going to attempt some veggie container gardening this year but I'm not sure that will happen now. I'm enthralled in major cleaning and downsizing mode these days, especially the down sizing part! I guess for now I'll live vicariously through your garden and kayaking adventures if you don't mind. I LOVE tomatoes and squash and look forward to seeing yours ripen and become something yummy. Thanks for sharing them Connie.

    Have a Blessed and Creative Day,
    D~~~~

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    1. Hi Donna, good luck on your down-sizing adventure. That is not an easy task. When you figure it all out, come visit me and we'll downsize my stash. Maybe you could even take some home with you, LOL.

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  10. Not only are you talented, you are very brave. I am such a fraidy cat and scared to death of water. Those peas and onions are so pretty! I just realized I missed your last beautiful post...oh those Hollyhocks!! Aren't they gorgeous!! Wonder if it's too late to plant them here in NC. Everything you grow seems to do good! Henny

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    1. Oh, I wish that were true. You don't get to see the things that don't make it, LOL. We live in a very dry area, so watering can be a chore.

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  11. What a lovely post Connie! How awesome that you bouht a kayak. My hubby and I want to purchase two of them and start taking advantage of all the water that surrouds us....the Gulf of Mexico and Suwannee River. My mother-in-law and her fella have kayaks and use them often. Your garden is gorgeous! Fresh veggies are so tasty. I am tending my mom and dad's container gardens while they are out of town this week and can't wait until there is enough okra to cook. I love okra! Their tomatoes are over my head high and they have all types. Thanks for sharing your life with us...I always enjoy my visits here and feel like I know you. I hope to post either today or tomorrow with photos from my trip last week to Washington DC. Have a delightful week!

    Hugs, Vicky

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    1. Hi Vicky, I feel the same way, like you're my long lost baby sister or something. I'm sure that your trip was fun and exhausting at the same time. Being responsible for kids on a trip out of town can be stressful. I love my little kayak, if I had only known how much fun they were I would have had one years ago, but then I didn't have a partner then and Steve and I both believe in the buddy system especially when you are on the water. Jenny and I have been friends for 40 years and we blend together pretty good and have a good time together. I wish that I could talk Steve into it, but it doesn't interest him at all.
      Your Mom and Dad's garden sounds incredible . . . that's what that Florida sunshine can do :)

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  12. We haven't been on the water for a few weeks and are hoping we can get out today! There is nothing like a relaxing drift through the water.

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    1. Hi Carol, you were one of my inspirations for getting one, but really it was more when you talked about your Aunt that kayaks . . .that is when my ears perked up and I really started thinking more about getting one. Thanks!

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  13. I commend you on your first kayak. I think I want to try it, I love to canoe but cant' swim....so I'll stay on dry land for now. Your garden looks great. I have 3 tomatoes planted in pots....I do 3 to 6 every year. I LOVE my tomatoes. Our yard is too shady so I use pots. I haven't seen hollyhocks like that for over 20 years. WE used to have them in our old house....so easy to care for and so much color.I enjoyed seeing them!!

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    1. Hi Linda, thanks for stopping by to visit. I love my hollyhocks, they compliment our old house . . . they remind me of my childhood, you just don't see them too much anymore.

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  14. Like Henny Penny I am scared of deep water but when we had our canoe I loved going out in it ( wearing a life jacket!!).
    I am SO impressed with all the tomato plants you grew from seeds and now your tomato area is weed free and looks like it's thriving. I look forward to your posts in late summer when you tell us about what you're doing with your harvest.
    That smoker is the biggest I've ever seen. I'm going to show that pic to my DH who has mentioned getting one ( much smaller though!!).

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    1. My Steve built that smoker about ten years ago. It has been great. One of my favorite things is when he fills it with whole chickens. We always give some away and then put some in the freezer.

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  15. Good for you!!! I love kayaking and there's a state park nearby that rents kayaks....no need for me to buy one!

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    1. I wouldn't be surprised if the state park near us doesn't start renting them. They are getting more popular all the time, but for now they rent row boats and paddle boats. I've always enjoyed renting the paddle boats with my daughter, we used to do a once a year picnic (just the two of us) when she was a kid and still at home.

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  16. Hi Connie - good for you for trying something new and it sure looks like fun! It's always nice when you have a friend to teach you the ropes. I had a little row-boat when I was a girl. My dog and I would go out nearly every day and explore in it. Now I only have rushing glacial rivers around, so no rowboat for me now. When I was dating my hubby, I took him out in it and he didn't know how to row, so we went around and around in circles....hahaha! He's still taking me around in circles, 44 years later. Lol! Your gardens are so pretty - scrolled down to see the rest. Love those hollyhocks! You definitely have a green thumb! x Karen

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    1. Hi Karen, it is so nice to get a visit from you and thank you for your sweet words. I do enjoy my garden, we had peas and our first zucchini tonight with our dinner. I was surprised how easy kayaking is, I really though that I would be slowing Jenny down and going around in circles, but it was pretty simple to get a rhythm going with the paddle :)

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  17. another blogging friend goes kayaking and she loves it. Glad you had the opportunity to give it a try and enjoyed it. Your tomatoes look great

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    1. Hi Ann, I had a ball . . . it just goes to show that you can teach an old dog, new tricks, LOL.

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  18. Glad you have that kayak! They are a lot of fun!

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    1. It was so enjoyable . . . and relaxing . . . I loved getting back in the areas where normal boats couldn't go.

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  19. You never cease to amaze me! I am so thrilled that you bought a kayak ~ and that you loved it! We have plenty of water around here: lots of lakes and rivers and streams. But I've just never had a desire for a kayak. Now, if a friend had one and invited me to try it out, I'd probably do so. ;-) We live right by a big river and there are lots of boats out there in the summer. I told Brian the other day that I wanted a boat. Ha! We could never afford one - the initial outlay, the upkeep, the storage, not to mention the gas money. I can understand those who live right on the river and have docks, that it's easier for them to keep one.
    I'm also impressed that you have so many tomato plants and that you grew them from seed!And Steve built that smoker?? Wow! I can only imagine how good the meat tastes from that thing. He is welcome to haul it to IL and smoke meat for our son's graduation party next month. I'll put you guys up for a few days. :-)

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    1. Hi Melanie, I love it when you visit . . . 2000 miles is a bit too long a trip for a barbecue, but if you lived closer, that would be fun. I think part of the popularity of kayaking is that it is so affordable. No gas, no moorage fees, no dock loading fees and you can store them in the garage or shed. Not to mention they are so much fun :)

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  20. How nice to get out on the lake in a kayak! Good for you! I'm close to your age...I should probably try it! Were your arms sore from rowing? Mine would be! lol I'm out of shape! Hugs!

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    1. You know, I was very surprised because we were on the water for two hours and paddling the whole time. I expected to be very sore the next day and didn't feel a thing. It is not a motion that I normally use, but maybe the garden work that I've been doing help prepare me. I totally recommend giving it a try.

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  21. Hi Connie - lovely to see you having fun out on the water! I love kayaking but havne't done it in years! Great to see your summer garden busy growing away as well. And wow what a machine that smoker is!!!

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    1. Steve is smoking a whole hog this weekend for a birthday party. He built that about ten years ago and it has been a dandy. I love my little kayak, it just goes to show that you can teach an old dog like me, a new trick or two, LOL

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  22. wow a kayak for Connie :)
    how fun..lovely pics and all three of your blogs are looking so good..
    hugs,patty

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    1. Hi Patty! Thanks so much for stopping by to visit . . . i am loving my little kayak :)

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  23. Congratulations on bein so brave, Connie, and taking to kayacking! I'm sure I would fall in... The scenery is so beautiful and it all looks very peaceful. I'm sure you had a better time than your poor hubby doing all that smoking lol!! I love your garden, and great to see your tomatoes coming on so well. Onion flowers are very pretty but as you say, far too smelly for bouquets!! Thank you for visiting my blog and leaving such a nice comment, and I'm glad you enjoyed the virtual tour of our garden. It's all my hubby's work (apart from the flower painting!) - Shoshi is just there in an advisory capacity lol!

    Shoshi

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    1. It sounds like you have your jobs defined perfectly, LOL. Thanks for stopping by to visit, it is always a pleasure :)

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  24. Wow you really enjoyed the kayaking ... good for you. I love the photo's you've shared it looks glorious.

    Tomato plants look really good, it's always great to grow your own ... they taste so nice!

    All the best Jan

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    1. Nothing compares to the juicy flavor of a tomato picked fresh off the vine.
      Yes, I did get hooked on kayaking, my first time out :)

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  25. how wonderful to have tried something you have always wanted to, you know I don't have a bucket list, I don't know if that is weird or good, LOL! Love the onion flower that is so pretty, I can't wait to start enjoying our garden :)

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    1. Hi Connie, we have been enjoying onions and peas and then this last week we picked a couple zucchinis. Nothing is better than cooking dinner straight from the garden :) Thanks for popping in to say "Hi", I value our blogging friendship :)

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  26. I enjoyed this so much!!! I'm so proud of you for getting a kayak and going for it! It sounds like a lot of fun. Looks like you will be putting up a lot of tomatoes! Do you freeze or can? And growing them from seed! You are definitely inspiring me today! Some smoked chicken sounds so good and I just loved those pics of the mushrooms and the pretty onion plant. Great post Connie!

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    1. I'm happy you enjoyed this visit. Since my first time out on the kayak, that is all that I can think about, it was so much fun. My girlfriend and I are planning another outing this Friday. I feel like a kid with a new bike :)

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  27. I love it. You're only young once, 70 or not! :-)

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    1. That's Right!!! And tomorrow I will be older than I am today, so there is no time to put off the things we want to try. All we have is today . . . it's here to enjoy . . . I have been blessed with good health and I want to keep moving as long as I can :)

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  28. It's always nice to take out qulaity time for yourself too. Very soon you'll learn all the professional kayak skills. Your tomato plants are growing big and you really have a big and clean garden.

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