Work is going on at the Patrick’s new house. They have always wanted to live at Lake Lorman and the opportunity came up. 

Lots of tearing out and updating. 

Old mantel torn out. 

New cool deck rails. 

Stopped by Amy’s new office. 

Spooky G was at work. 

How fun to have an office cat! 

He has several favorite spots. He rides to work with her and when she says that it is quitting time, he runs to the door for the ride hone! 

Fungi and Faces

All this hot steamy weather has brought out strange mushrooms. 

This one was growing out of the base of a tree. Ed said he saw a squirrel eating what he thought was a piece of bread but in fact it was a bite out of this shroom. 

These were surrounding a stump. 

Look at that purple. Ok. I’ve been trying not to overload y’all with pics of my Faces project but it’s all coming together. 

Medea was visiting and the contractor called with a question so she ran up there with me. 

Aestheticians room. 

Lobby. Still a mess. 

My tile I loved. 

Sophie and Paul helped edit wall quote. And they moved the stupidly placed thermostat. Hence the patch. 

Lastly, I helped Vick pick out new paint for her house. It was red brick before. Love it! 

Fall coming

All done. 

Now the plants. 

Found these cute plant dollies to keep the pots from staining the deck. 

Combined the plants to have fewer pots overall. 

And here is my jade plant, Little Man back in place. 

Sure sign of fall! 

Another sign. Ed made them with a little crab boil seasoning. So good. 

Junior sporting a vest. He was trying to bite me the whole time. Wish I could have put his arms in it. Hee hee. 

The Best Cook in the World

That was the name of the book we read this month and it might just be true of our host, Kathy. 

This big ole pan of Cube Steak and Gravy. The book is about Rick Bragg’s mother and her cooking. Kathy made actual recipes from the book. 

Biscuits were a big part of most meals. 

She started with a well in the flour and gradually mixed in buttermilk and lard. 

She cut the soft dough into rounds. 

Into the oven in an iron skillet. 

Look at her sweet table. 

We are all so ready for fall. It is still scorching outside. 

And also sweet. 

Soft on top and crunchy on the bottom just like Mom Bragg’s. 

So many good things   

Oh...and chocolate and coconut pies   Well of course I had both. 

Rails on the deck. Ready to stain.

Almost done

Cable done. Only top rail to go. 

Made Ivy chicken. Sure do miss her. She will be 25 tomorrow!!

You know it is late summer when you see this. Watermelons and pumpkins together!!

Checked on Amy’s cats while she is out of town. Spooky G didn’t care for a photo. 

Well the State employees got off early the Friday before Labor Day. So Mary Grace and I enjoyed a cocktail on the Wilson back porch. 

It was so nice. From my spot on the swing. 

Lucky

Mattie. 

Beggars both. 

David made Mojitos for us using basil instead of mint. He also added cucumber and fresh ginger. 

And Lucy got a puppy. Gus the cockapoo. He wouldn’t stay still for a good pic. 

Ed has started cabling the fence. 

He says this part is tedious. But it looks so good