******************** LANNY'S MARCH LOG 2021 ********************
GOOD WEDNESDAY MORNIN' 5:37A 03/31/2021 FROM JOHNSON GAP :)
###################### DAY 090 OF 2021 #####################
Woke up to a very hard rain -- supposed to go to Danny's today to work on his siding--
Tuesday was a very nice day so when Deb took Peggy to the Dr. I worked on the T100 gas tank leak. I had gone through several methods to try and get the tank leak sealed with different epoxies and tapes but the gasoline that was leaking kept my tapes and epoxies from sticking so I devised a small plug for the leak that I could hold pressure on the leak with my left thumb and dry the surrounding area around the leak so that tape would stick, so I started applying small strips of a thin metal tape on the cleaned part of the tank working my way toward the leak itself. After getting a perimeter of well stuck tape surrounding the leak, I staged another piece at the leak and quickly removed my thumb and captured the plug with the well stuck tape piece and then I put several more pieces to hold the pressure on the plug and SUCCESS - the thin metal tape strategically placed has done the job -- I observed the FIX for several hours and then put the tank, the cover, and the straps back on and cleared everything from under the truck and Deb and her mom got back so Deb and I drove the truck to the nursery and picked up some indigenous plants. When we returned I cleaned the old rusty spare and painted the rim so it looks new and I mounted it with a ratchet strap against the front of the bed which I cleaned out and washed the mud off from when I got stuck so now the truck is ready for service!!! My investment in the T100 is getting close to $3000 dollars which is a good price for a Toyota 4WD with an extended bed set up with heavy duty springs and has the power to pull big loads -- it is the perfect farm truck and off road vehicle!
See ya
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GOOD TUESDAY MORNIN' 5:32A 03/30/2021 FROM JOHNSON GAP :)
###################### DAY 089 OF 2021 #####################
Monday was below freezing so I worked on the books in the morning , Deb and I were going to run down the hill but Deb remembered her mom had a 10:30 DRs appointment so they were gone the entire morning -- I was going to work on the back yard but as I was walking out my shop doors I saw gasoline dripping from my gas tank SO since Deb was gone I decided to see if I could FIX the problem. First I had to figure how to get the gas tank dropped and free it up to look and find where the leak was coming from? I rigged up a temporary hanging system and removed the straps holding the tank up and when I dropped the plastic casing on the tank I saw where the tank had been damaged and gas was leaking from a pin hole crack -- I went to AutoZone and got some JB Weld Tank Epoxy and since it is an active leak it has presented some additional issues in getting the epoxy on the leak while the epoxy is curing so I am doing small sections and working from an outside-in pattern which seems to be working -- I'll check on it tomorrow and see if I am having any success or do I go to plan "B"?
See ya
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GOOD MONDAY MORNIN' 5:32A 03/29/2021 FROM JOHNSON GAP :)
###################### DAY 088 OF 2021 #####################
Sunday was a light crowd because of the rain and storms but Palm Sunday is still Palm Sunday and the beginning of the Passover Week so how many people show up at church has no bearing on how God Himself showed up for the world and was the world's sacrificial Lamb of God for the sins of the world. The number of people that worship God on any given Sunday does not diminish one iota the Greatness of God, it diminishes the people who fail to give God the Glory He DESERVES from every individual that ever lived! Passover is the event that saved millions of God's people from their slavery to pharaoh and their salvation through the Red Sea when it looked like Pharaoh's army was about to destroy them. Then thousands of years after God had given them the promised land and God's people had begun living for themselves, Jesus came and freed us from our sin when He died on the cross as the Passover Lamb and God's people were freed once again, and behold, thousands of years later as man has abandoned God and evil has once again enslaved the entire world and man is living for himself again, the Lord once again is poised to use the Red Sea as a path to freedom from the slavery we are trapped in because we refuse to worship the SOLUTION to our every problem -- an empty pew on Resurrection Sunday and failure of the individual to thank God is a reflection on the people, not God. Palm Sunday 2021 could be one of the most significant Sunday's for thousands of years and Resurrection Sunday will once again remind us of "OUR DELIVERER" so this would be a good time to fill the pews with thankful hearts - see you in church!
See ya
******************** LANNY'S MARCH LOG 2021 ********************
GOOD SUNDAY MORNIN' 5:18A 03/28/2021 FROM JOHNSON GAP :)
###################### DAY 087 OF 2021 #####################
Saturday was not a really nice day because the storm came in on our way home after our breakfast at Hoskins and then I drove out to I75 Toyota to order a spare Smart Key for the Venza - I have a bad habit of leaving the key in my pants pocket and Deb has to go through all my clothes and last Sunday she and Paula looked over the whole compound to find it before Deb thought to look in the pants I wore on Saturday to take her to Hoskins for our Saturday date -- just too much drama because we only have one key so yesterday I spent $400 to get a "spare" so Deb will not have to search for her Venza Smart Key!!
I spent the morning doing the "bills" since the Truck $900 plus the Venza $400 have us short on funds until our next payday. After I did bills, lunch, & nap it was out to the shop and I worked on chainsaws and sharpening blades with my new sharpener which I learned how to sharpen old blades to an almost new condition. I was using a cedar log I had cut from a big branch that had fallen across our driveway and I ended up with some cedar rings that has given me a craft idea --- well see how this "storm event" pans out-
See ya
******************** LANNY'S MARCH LOG 2021 ********************
GOOD SATURDAY MORNIN' 6:12A 03/27/2021 FROM JOHNSON GAP :)
###################### DAY 086 OF 2021 #####################
Friday was a really nice day
so I got the Elderberry (Toby & Wendy) in the ground in the back and then I cleaned the back of the T100 and made a run to the dump after I checked the roof for leaks after the downpour Thursday night. I picked up a new chainsaw blade and a blade sharpener at Home Depot. I picked up some Poultry fencing because the ducks have been sticking their necks into Deb's freshly planted vegetable garden and the big Drake has been treating Bossy and Willie bad so the Drake got time out and the decision was made, he is leaving Johnson Gap --
See ya
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GOOD FRIDAY MORNIN' 5:22A 03/26/2021 FROM JOHNSON GAP :)
###################### DAY 085 OF 2021 #####################
Thursday was "washed out" so I spent the day sorting drawers, charging batteries, fixed my Old Milwaukee battery powered saber saw, tried to sharpen a chainsaw blade (and failed), rearranged benches and then made Sister Fayes CD from Dr. Gibbs and went to Calvary and made 10 copies -- Deb and I made a run to ALDI's for some groceries and then last night the deluge hit at 10:30P -- I have never heard it rain so hard! I'll go on the roof and check for leaks today ---
See ya
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GOOD THURSDAY MORNIN' 5:21A 03/25/2021 FROM JOHNSON GAP :)
###################### DAY 084 OF 2021 #####################
Wednesday was another really nice day and a lot got done, we ran down to get another truckload of dark mulch which we put on the garden by the barn that gets full sun. While we were there we trimmed the fruit trees and then I went out to check on the ponds, weed eat, and then mow on the top section above the pond -- I will take pictures today of the areas that I have mowed with the MULE and the rough cut mower, things are really looking nice on top of the hill on Johnson Gap Road.
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GOOD WEDNESDAY MORNIN' 5:46A 03/24/2021 FROM JOHNSON GAP :)
###################### DAY 083 OF 2021 #####################
Tuesday was a good sunny day and I continue to make good progress on the mowing. I have ALL the equipment running well and using all -- I mowed by the creek and the Little Pond and on my way back I decided to test the MULE and see if it would pull the mower up the steepest hill on the property that leads up to the top section and the Big Pond. The MULE in 4WD with the new tires Danny had put on never missed a beat but pulled the mower which I had running at the time right on up the hill!!! I then started mowing the top grass fields and it looks really good. I ran out of time and decided to park the mower up top and make my way back to the house because Debbie was making a fresh pot of chili with her on recipe which I think is the best -- I made it home in time to wash up and sit down to several bowls of chili, its always good but this was a newly made batch of spices and it was the BEST!!! LOVE DEB'S CHILI!!!
I was weed eating around the big oak where Danny is going to put a house and got a call from B&R who had the T100 ready to go so Deb drove me over - the roads are closed so we have to go out from our house to Dutch Valley and it is further but at least the weather is nice. Picked up the T100 and made it back home in time to mow and weed eat down by the mailbox. The property is looking pretty good and the season of weed eating and mowing has certainly begun! I have Danny's hill looking good but as soon as the roads open back up we will get rid of the old clunker on Danny's hill -- Robbie's friend left it here when he bought my Dodge. I have moved it several times but now the next move has to be off the property -- period.
Today I am going to sort and organize my garage section of the pole barn and then make a oil, gas and diesel run down the hill since I have emptied the cans I filled last fall -- I will pick up some more algaecide and keep working on the Little Pond -- this is perfect working weather.
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GOOD TUESDAY MORNIN' 5:30A 03/23/2021 FROM JOHNSON GAP :)
###################### DAY 082 OF 2021 #####################
Monday was a good day as I got everything off the floor in the common area, hauled a load of stuff out to the pole barn garage, cleaned some "extra" pants from my newly remodeled and organized (by Deb) dressing closet, cleared everything from my benches and countertop in my common area shop -- I then used the 4x4 and the wench to move the railroad track section down to the bottom of lot. I then took the chainsaw to the tree that had fallen across the fence and will put a gate across that section -- the previous owner had goats in that little area so I will finish that area this summer, I cut back a lot of the Kudzu vine and I can drive the MULE and the 4x4 down and back up through that lot now. My next task is to move the metal siding out of the main yard and free up Paula's corral where I have some gate/fencing stacked. I am still waiting on B&R to get my 4WD solenoids installed and also they are working on Johnson Gap and Granite so Danny and I will wait until the truck is done before we start doing "dirt work" with a rented dozer. I also mowed the entire hill that we can see from the house with the Mule pulling the rough cut mower and it looks great. Mowing these 64 acres will be a major task but I mowed the big hill in about 2 hours and so it will probably be about 3-4 days to do all the back area with the MULE which will not be to bad. I used the riding mower to cut the front and that was only about an hour so when Danny gets out here we will have it knocked out in no time!
See ya
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GOOD MONDAY MORNIN' 5:16A 03/222021 FROM JOHNSON GAP :)
###################### DAY 081 OF 2021 #####################
Sunday there were no students but Sister Faye came in and talked to Deb and I -- she is the embodiment of a true pastor's wife and her and Steve are our spiritual heroes. Calvary has been such a blessing to us, love our church! Dominique was ordained Sunday eve but "Covid" prevented and laying on of hands -- this "control" is not normal -- 3/20/21 was the first day of spring and the "long dark winter is over" and we have "clear blue skies" --God Wins Again!!!
Looking forward to working on the farm and enjoying these beautiful blue skies--
See ya
******************** LANNY'S MARCH LOG 2021 ********************
GOOD SUNDAY MORNIN' 5:26A 03/21/2021 FROM JOHNSON GAP :)
###################### DAY 080 OF 2021 #####################
Saturday was not just another day -- it was BEAUTIFUL -- GOT SO MUCH DONE! I burned trash while mowing the back yard and spread some more rock around the Koi Pond. Then I burned the dead weeds from the back corner in the burn barrel as well, then brought the MULE into the back yard and cut the redwood playpen that we had moved behind the pool into section with my chainsaw and hauled off to be used later as planters, etc, to use the expensive redwood and polished stainless hardware that was used. After I cleaned out the back section behind the pool I then cleared out the trail down to the creek and the bottom land where we will put in a garden this summer.
I also took the Mule down and hooked up to the ROUGH CUT mower and mowed the practice range and set my pole. I will bring out the FINISH MOWER next week and start mowing my "green" around the pole. Everything is blooming and this is going to be a beautiful summer at Johnson Gap!!!
See Ya
******************** LANNY'S MARCH LOG 2021 ********************
GOOD SATURDAY MORNIN' 5:48A 03/20/2021 FROM JOHNSON GAP :)
###################### DAY 079 OF 2021 #####################
Friday was another misc-busy day doing little things -- first off the bat was teaching myself how to make an mp4 out of an old CD sermon sister Faye wanted me to "edit" and make her 10 copies of for the 10th anniversary of R2R. So I found the USB CD player and connected to my MacBook Pro laptop which doesn't have a built in CD player. I downloaded the CD into iTunes, renamed the track and added to a playlist. Next I downloaded the playlist into iMovie and edited the audio track and then "shared" the track to a desktop file "Dr. David Gibbs", then I put a CD-R disk in and recorded the edited audio file onto the CD. I then took the master CD to the church and made 12 copies and printed labels using the church equipment. I tell you all this for my records so that the next time I need to edit a CD I can read this blog and not have to learn how to do it all over because I will forget.
When I got back home Deb wanted to go to Kroger's and Home Depot to get cokes for the kids and strainers for the sinks which were draining slow -- I will pull the "plungers" and then install the strainers so no one will drop stuff down the drains -- then I cut the plastic shims off that I am using to stabilize the toilet I pulled to fix the leaky drain (bad wax ring and cardboard stabilizers!) Then I piddled in the shop after I called B&R and told them to fix the 4WD ($875.00) on my T100. Will have to squeeze the budget a little next month --
******************** LANNY'S MARCH LOG 2021 ********************
GOOD FRIDAY MORNIN' 5:14A 03/19/2021 FROM JOHNSON GAP :)
###################### DAY 078 OF 2021 #####################
Thursday was a mix of rain and overcast and instead of a morning kiss I was greeted with "The toilet is leaking---" so I decided to pull the toilet and fix the leak. I had to go in and pick up supplies at Home Depot and then I came back and pulled the toilet to find wood shims and cardboard and a real mess on the wax ring where all the "rocking" from the toilet indeed had caused a "leak" -- I thoroughly cleaned the mess up and then installed the new ring "Better Than Wax" and then I used hard plastic shims to level the toilet. I'll let it set for a couple of days to make sure it is fixed and then I will cut off the shims and caulk around the toilet -
I had trouble finding the right wrench for the toilet and when I did a search I had tools scattered outside in the pole barn and my inside shop in my tool bags SO -- I gathered all my tool boxes and made a pile of ALL my wrenches, sockets, ratchets, and bits from outside and everyone that had rust on it got thrown into a vinegar bath and I took my tool cases and cleaned them as well -- I then went through the process of cleaning every socket, drying with the air gun, spraying with WD40 and then repopulating the CRAFTSMAN and the HUSKY and restoring those two master sets so I have two complete sets with a master set of wrenches and several specialty sets - I should never have to look for a socket or wrench again.
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GOOD THURSDAY MORNIN' 5:32A 03/18/2021 FROM JOHNSON GAP :)
###################### DAY 077 --R-- OF 2021 #####################
Wednesday was cloudy all day just like Tuesday. However there was no rain. I finished putting the sides up on the Koi Pond after jacking up the low end and so now I will start on the waterfall and Deck to makes seats and hide the filter. I will make the Deck/seats out of 5/8 deck board but still looking for some "UNIQUE" waterfall idea.
Danny called to ask about the T100 and I called B&R and asked Tim why I hadn't heard back, he said the "solenoids" were bad and then mentioned $790 and I got sick to my stomach - when I recovered somewhat I asked Tim how did the 4WD go bad when they replaced the parking brake? Tim said the two were not related??? I then noted that I used the 4WD on the morning, took the Truck to B&R and once the parking brake was added then the 4WD started blowing fuses and now the parking brakes works and there is no 4WD??? He offered to show me what the deal was so I said I would come down and take him up on the offer -- called Danny and asked him to go with me.
I fixed Peg and Paul's towel bar and then pulled the stopper from their sink so their vanity would drain better.
See ya
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GOOD WEDNESDAY MORNIN' 5:19A 03/17/2021 FROM JOHNSON GAP :)
###################### DAY 076 OF 2021 #####################
Tuesday was cloudy all day but did not rain -- it was still a little wet but not bad so I decided to work on the back yard. I took the weed eater to the outside of the fence on the north side and got that as well as the inside back corner we are leaving "wild" for the ducks so I just cut down the dead weeds from last year. It looks like a big job but I will start working on the hill going down to where Deb's big garden will be down by the creek. That will probably take me all summer but will be fun.
***I also was a dishwasher repairman yesterday as The new GE dishwasher would not work and Deb had spent the morning on the internet looking at "fix" videos but could not figure it out -- she said to try "turning power off for ten minutes" so I did and that did not fix it -- so I looked at the dishwasher and noticed that the "door latch" was broken. I looked on the other side of the latch and there was a little switch which probably was the "Door closed" indicator and since the door strike was broken, the dishwasher detected that the door was "open" and would not operate! As I was making this assessment Deb came in and gave me a "piece" that she had found on the carpet and when I figured out how to put it back in with superglue -- wallah -- the dishwasher was back in service!!
***While Deb was getting Sadie I took some post hole diggers and went and dug a big hole like Debbie wanted down by the fence so she could plant her new "Grapevine" !!!
After weed eating and working on a "gate" going down the hill from the back yard I then mowed the (still wet) back yard with the Ryobi and then had to wash the mower to get all the wet grass off the mower but the yard is starting to look good.
After mowing I started gathering up materials to start enclosing the sides of the raised Koi Pond and this is what I came up with for and idea ---
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GOOD TUESDAY MORNIN' 5:09A 03/16/2021 FROM JOHNSON GAP :)
###################### DAY 075 OF 2021 #####################
Monday was a very pretty day until after supper when it started to rain, I had a good day moving rock from our big pile by the corral to the pool in the back yard. The MULE is great and just right for moving rock which I have done one shovel full at a time but it is so much easier filling up the MULE and driving the big load to the destination and the scooping out of the dump bed instead of having to "dig" again. I was able to get the whole pool done so now we will not have to weed eat around the pool. When I get my truck back I will get another load of white oak wood chips and put under the pool deck and that should get the pool taken care of. I laid out some rock on Paula's fence so we won't have to weed eat her fence anymore as well.
See ya
******************** LANNY'S MARCH LOG 2021 ********************
GOOD MONDAY MORNIN' 6:01A 03/15/2021 FROM JOHNSON GAP :)
###################### DAY 074 OF 2021 #####################
Sunday was our 2nd week back teaching 3rd grade and it is hard to explain the blessings that God pours out on both teacher and student. We had Addi and Mac (McKenna) and they are teachers in their own right as God uses them to teach us through their pure innocence. I never know where the Holy Spirit is going to go with the lesson but it is always a blessing and Deb and I learn and teach at the same time and I stand amazed at how the Holy Spirit directs the lesson like He did yesterday by letting the girls use the whiteboard to answer questions and they really were thinking about their answers which are pure truth from God himself! God is GOOD!!!
It Wass burgers again and Robbie had played at Highpoint Church but then ran right home to have burgers -- "IF YOU FEED THEM THEY WILL COME!!!"
Will meet Danny at B&R to get my 4WD working again --
See ya
******************** LANNY'S MARCH LOG 2021 ********************
GOOD SUNDAY MORNIN' 5:21A 03/14/2021 FROM JOHNSON GAP :)
###################### DAY 073 OF 2021 #####################
Saturday was mostly cloudy with a little rain so I decided to pick up my big mess in the main room door and moved some boxes out to the pole barn and others back onto the shelves and the swept the floor and it looks so much better. I also brought the Venza into the main room and cleaned windows and vacuumed the VENZA before we went down to Hoskins for our Saturday sandwich/date. We stopped back by Food City to get the makings for burgers today after church. Deb grills the burger on Saturday and marinates them in onion soup overnight and warms and serves with fresh buns and condiments on Sunday. Today will be our second day back teaching third grade -- had one student last week but we had a great lesson and tremendous blessing from the Holy Spirit.
The back yard is coming along nicely and I will start on the pond next week. We have two strands from the water lily and the color is coming out all over so SPRING is just around the corner. Love being up here on Johnson Gap. We met Danny at Cracker Barrel and I had one of the best steaks I'VE HAD IN A LONG TIME! I'm looking forward to seeing smiles and not masks -- just sayin'
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GOOD SATURDAY MORNIN' 5:09A 03/13/2021 FROM JOHNSON GAP :)
###################### DAY 072 OF 2021 #####################
The streak of beautiful sunshine ended with rain today and so I moved inside to repair the shower head problem as we were getting water in the kitchen when I took a shower!?!? The previous owner had some anger issues and I have been patching up holes in doors and walls and the handle on the shower and a gash in the shower stall was indicative of some event in the shower and when I cut a hole in the sheetrock I saw that the plastic 90 elbow had been cracked, and the washer for the shower head going into the elbow was missing and the sheetrock and the wood around the elbow has been soaked with water for a very long time and the other night when I tried to adjust the shower head I cracked the elbow and the result was the leak was so big that it made it through the wall into the kitchen floor -- I spent the morning replacing the elbow and had to build a "cover plate" for the hole I had cut to gain access so now the shower head and the broken handle has been replaced and I had a great shower last night with the most water pressure I have had since moving in ---
Nothing done outside except a little more sorting in my shop.
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GOOD FRIDAY MORNIN' 5:40A 03/12/2021 FROM JOHNSON GAP :)
###################### DAY 071 OF 2021 #####################
This beautiful sunshine all this week has inspired me and I have gotten a lot done. Yesterday I emptied the bipod and the Poopy Patrol Nuggets and then moved the black composter out of the Dog Yard and over next to the bipod -- that may not seem like much but when you have to haul 8-9 5-gallon buckets of "compost" turned to "mud" which you have to dig out of the composter with a shovel then you'll understand the magnitude of the task. I also got the gas mower out of winter storage and running and mowed the duck and chicken yard then I got the new Ryobi mower out and did the Dog Yard. The entire back yard (our FRONT) is coming along fine and we are making it look like "OUR" yard --
The T100 which has to go to the shop Monday 3/15 because when they fixed my emergency brake the disabled my 4WD somehow but the problem was I discovered the problem when I was down the hill and have been trying for a week to get it out. I managed to get the vehicle into 2 wheel drive and made a "run" at the hill and managed to get the truck half way up which turned out to be how far it needed to be for the tow truck that had to be called after trying to pull the T100 with Rob's 4WD and the MULE pulling tandem but there is no traction on that grass hill. I called a tow truck at Paul's instructions and $60 dollars later they got the T100 back up on top of the hill.
God is GOOD
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GOOD THURSDAY MORNIN' 5:17A 03/11/2021 FROM JOHNSON GAP :)
###################### DAY 070 OF 2021 #####################
We made a run to Knoxville after we picked up Sadie at 1:30p and picked up stuff at Costco. When we left we picked up two pizzas and they were still hot when we got home -- we ate them immediately! I tried to drive the T100 out but still no 4wd --- there is a solution, I am just waiting for it to reveal itself -- meanwhile, I have a 3/15 appointment to fix the truck but it is stuck down in the valley!?!?!
I worked on the stove and that is going really good but didn't do anything else but go to Wednesday service at Calvary -- God is GOOD
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GOOD WEDNESDAY MORNIN' 5:22A 03/10/2021 FROM JOHNSON GAP :)
###################### DAY 069 OF 2021 #####################
Tuesday was yet another great day for sunshine and for getting your Four Wheel Drive stuck because when the shop fixed my "Emergency Brake" they somehow disabled my 4WD and my 4WD is now 1WD and one wheel will not pull my T100 over an anthill!!!
The rest of the day was wonderful and Deb and I had to raise the chicken boxes because the "Bully Ducks" we have broke a chicken egg in the nesting box on the ground so we put them up off the ground onto their roost and while I was putting screws in the boards, Bossy laid and egg!! I guess its in a good place and everyone is happy, we got 3 duck eggs and 3 chicken eggs yesterday.
BOSSY IS IN THE NESTING BOX WHILE I'M MOUNTING IT!
GOD IS G O O D!!!
SEE YA
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GOOD TUESDAY MORNIN' 5:47A 03/09/2021 FROM JOHNSON GAP :)
###################### DAY 068 OF 2021 #####################
Monday was another great day for sunshine -- I LOVE SUNSHINE!!! - God is GOOD!!! Ran out to Danny's and we worked on the boat and the Pole Shed, finally got the top latch working and functional and Danny was cleaning leaves and winter out of the boat. He has mounted another little trolling motor on the back and we have some LED light strips we will mount for night fishing. We have things in good shape and all we need to do now is get the boat in the water and some bait on a hook and we will be "fishing" ---
I got a sprayer working and went and treated 1/3 of the pond with my algaecide and then after supper Deb and I went and set a minnow/salamander trap -- Danny says the salamanders are good for catfish. I also finished rock around the dog yard and spread out wood chips in the duck & chicken yard. The back yard is looking good and should start greening up in the next couple of weeks.
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GOOD MONDAY MORNIN' 6:26A 03/08/2021 FROM JOHNSON GAP :)
###################### DAY 067 OF 2021 #####################
Sunday was another great sermon from Brother Steve. I am reading 1 Samuel during my morning devotionals and Steve used 1 Samuel for his text. God is GOOD. The really GOOD NEWS is that we started Sunday School again -- only McKenna made it to class but teaching 1 or 100 is teaching and when God shows up then teaching becomes a blessing and a spiritual lesson for the teacher as well.
Rob played bass with the band today and then he and Molly drove out to 330 Johnson Gap to have hamburgers with the family -- another blessing for sure! They are working hard to get back out here by the end of March and their "remodel" is going great!
I will finish the back yard this morning and run out to Danny's this afternoon if it is warm and sunny!
See ya
******************** LANNY'S MARCH LOG 2021 ********************
GOOD SUNDAY MORNIN' 4:59A 03/07/2021 FROM JOHNSON GAP :)
###################### DAY 066 OF 2021 #####################
Saturday was another sunny but cold day so I stayed in and got all my Sunday school lessons in order since we are starting back Sunday School today. We had our breakfast sandwiches at Hoskins and then some shopping for Sunday Lunch so the morning was done. The temp was still cold so we bundled up and started working on the back yard. I put new pellets in the duck house then started on the fence line. I picked up and removed the boards on the ground and removed the makeshift bucket holders that didn't work from the fence posts. I then hauled off the other junk boards from the chicken and duck yard. It was then off to Home Depot and more River Pebbles to finish off the dog yard. I worked a little after supper but then it was shower and a movie.
Today is Church Day and our first day of Sunday School after a year of Covid so everyone is really excited. Easter is coming up April 4 and the prayer is that Covid will be gone and the world can start over with God leading us to the LIGHT! God is GOOD.
See ya
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GOOD SATURDAY MORNIN' 5:57A 03/06/2021 FROM JOHNSON GAP :)
###################### DAY 065 OF 2021 #####################
Friday was sunny but colder -- took Peg & Paul for their 2nd vaccine then ran into Oak Ridge to take Peg and Paul out to breakfast at IHOP which was a big mistake. The service was SLOW and the food COLD --- never again --- When we got home I put on my cold weather gear and finished Deb's garden fence and put in a wider gate so that the big Rubbermaid garden cart would go through and then stabilized the entire fence. Since it was cold I decided to clean the big shop bench and sweep the biggest mess off the floor. Didn't do anything else except stay warm ---
See ya
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GOOD FRIDAY MORNIN' 5:14A 03/05/2021 FROM JOHNSON GAP :)
###################### DAY 064 OF 2021 #####################
Praise God for the sunshine - AGAIN!!! This has been a terrific week and we have already made great progress with all the loads of mulch, chips, and rocks and moving fences and remodeling and removing the winter "pile up mess" which is my big weakness in cold weather -- I just start throwing stuff in piles and say I'll get to it when the weather warms up and this week the weather warmed up and I have been making "atonement" for my "winter sins" - God is GOOD!!!
Danny called and said the MULE was ready to be picked up so I decided to take the T100 to B&R and get new tires and fix the fuse blowing problem when I go to 4WD that started after B&R fixed the emergency brake ?!?!?! They asked me to come back on the 15th so Danny and I went to Buddy's BBQ and ate a sandwich then picked up the MULE. We drove it around the parking lot several times and it looks like the 4WD is fixed, when we got it to Johnson Gap we drove it all the way back to the Big Pond and it is running GREAT!!! We then got the Mower off the trailer and got the "blow-by oil" burned off the manifold and I did the front part by the corral and Danny's hill. I will get a sprayer and go treat the little pond which is being overrun by algae ---
IT'S SPRING TIME AND WE ARE LOVING IT --- THANK YOU JESUS!!!
See ya
*********************LANNY'S MARCH LOG 2021**********************
GOOD THURSDAY MORNIN' 5:35A 03/04/2021 FROM JOHNSON GAP :)
###################### DAY 063 OF 2021 #####################
Praise God for the sunshine -- two days in a row!!! God is GOOD!!! We put "playground" white oak wood chips on the muddy part of the dog yard and then a truckload of river pebbles and the back yard looks great -- I will try to work on the fence and the pond today if we have another warm and sunny day. I also got the work bench and shelves up for my outdoor garage yesterday because the mower blew oil everywhere when I got it started with the battery I left on the charger overnight. When the mower started it made a funny sound and then started smoking like crazy!!! I shut it down and when I lifted the cowling I could see oil had been blown out the side, pulled the air filter but it was dry -- I went to get a wrench to totally remove the cowling and could not get to my tools because of all the crap on the ground so I stopped everything and cleaned the area and brought in a 4x8 sheet of pressboard and made a workbench. Didn't get to work on the mower but now I have the space and will see what I can do today!
see ya
*********************LANNY'S MARCH LOG 2021**********************
GOOD WEDNESDAY MORNIN' 5:36A 03/03/2021 FROM JOHNSON GAP :)
###################### DAY 062 OF 2021 #####################
Praise God for the sunshine yesterday. Deb and I went to Oak Ridge Hardwood and got a T100 large bed truckload of mulch for the chickens and ducks and their little mud hole that used to be the pool yard but this has been a wet cold winter and we have the ducks and chicken "free range" in that section and they have really cleaned everything out and with all this rain and the poor percolation of this former heavy equipment driveway converted to a yard, it is a mud hole!
Started trying to get the mower running so the battery is "charging" and we'll get it running today.
So much fun!!! God is GOOD!!!
See ya
*********************LANNY'S MARCH LOG 2021**********************
GOOD TUESDAY MORNIN' 5:29A 03/02/2021 FROM JOHNSON GAP :)
###################### DAY 061 OF 2021 #####################
Monday was another overcast and wet, as it rained/sprinkled on and off all day. Deb and I ran into town looking for seeds -- she is ready to garden!!! It rained on us but the Venza AWD and the new wipers made driving in the rain no big deal, in fact it was a pleasure. I have emptied the mushroom compost out of the truck onto the front garden and will get mulch and rock today and start on the back yard.
I am making good progress on the wood stove and oven restore so I should be ready this month to fire it up. I will post some photos tomorrow.
*********************LANNY'S MARCH LOG 2021**********************
GOOD MONDAY MORNIN' 6:21A 03/01/2021 FROM JOHNSON GAP :)
###################### DAY 060 OF 2021 #####################
Sunday was another overcast and rainy day but there was plenty of "LIGHT" at Calvary -- Pastor Steve and Faye were gone to Florida to visit grandkids but there was an "on time" message as God always provides the "Bread of Life" to those who gather in His Name! Praise God from whom all blessings flow! Rob was at church and Molly was sick and then Rob applied his considerable appetite to the burgers Deb had prepared! I did nothing but nap and then back to church and I started training Nathan on the big board.
It is still raining and last night at 1:00A we had a power drop event that reset clocks and while up it began to pour and pour and it was later followed by some big wind because the sound of metal roof woke me and Deb up and I dressed and checked everything out and even went up on the roof to check leaks and it was dry --- yeah. I'll go around this morning and check everything out. I slept in until 5:30A today since I was up a couple of times last night.
I am led by the Holy Spirit and my growing faith in the Creator to believe that March 2021 is the start of a brave new world for believers!!! GOD IS GOOD !!!
We are going to remodel the back yard as we also start our spring planting -- the potential is limitless.
See ya
*********************LANNY'S FEBRUARY LOG 2021**********************
GOOD SUNDAY MORNIN' 5:07A 02/28/2021 FROM JOHNSON GAP :)
###################### DAY 059 OF 2021 #####################
Saturday was rain on, rain off, rain on, rain off all day -- We headed to Hoskins for our "date day" and then over to the CO-OP where Debbie bought garden seeds and safflower for the birds, I got some ALGAECIDE for the Little Pond -- we then mailed her Cutco knives back to be sharpened and picked up some groceries. Back home I worked on "bills" and the March budget, lunch and our nap -- I put on my rain suit and googles and went and measured the Little Pond at 40 paces X 25 paces so I could calculate the ACRE-FEET of the pond to know how much algaecide to apply. I will treat 1/3 of the pond Monday.
Today is church day which begins when I finish this blog ---
*********************LANNY'S FEBRUARY LOG 2021**********************
GOOD SATURDAY MORNIN' 5:36A 02/27/2021 FROM JOHNSON GAP :)
###################### DAY 058 OF 2021 #####################
Friday was rain, rain, rain and I spent the day sorting in my shop -- had to go do a CT heart scan and then back to sorting in my shop -- I managed to clean off one table top and will get the others done today and then I will start on the outside of my shop in the garden area. We got the planting fever with all that sunshine and we did get the kitchen window garden plot ready and it really looks good from the kitchen window view. Not sure what all will get done before Monday, rain is in the forecast.
Miscellaneous Johnson Gap photos -- enjoy the scenery
See ya
*********************LANNY'S FEBRUARY LOG 2021**********************
GOOD FRIDAY MORNIN' 5:39A 02/26/2021 FROM JOHNSON GAP :)
###################### DAY 057 OF 2021 #####################
Thursday was yet another beauty and we got the tomato garden prepped. We removed the fence on the long side and then raked the old garden, then we laid down brown cardboard which we borrowed from the cardboard recycle section of the dump. On top of the cardboard we put some hay that had been decomposing all winter on top of the cardboard. The next step was to water the cardboard and get it good and wet. Deb watered and I started shoveling out the mushroom compost truckload that we got from Willow Ridge. I got a good layer of about 3 inches thick over the 5 ft. by 25 ft. area which was one "scoop" of compost and had filled my extended bed T100. We put back the long section of fence and we now have a new garden plot ready for our tomato plants. Q.E.D.
Deb and I had a MOST UNUSUAL event happen to us yesterday 2/25/21 Thursday -- We bought a 2013 Toyota AWD Venza with a 125,000 miles on January 1, 2001 in Knoxville -- we needed an AWD for getting off the mountain during bad weather so we traded our Matrix that we loved! Last week we started getting a notification from the onboard computer display that said "Oil Maintenance would be required soon" each time we started the car. The Venza has a "Smart Key" and is pushbutton start and it was not starting as fast as when we first got it (but still was starting good) so I have been trying to get down the hill and find a place to change the oil and check the battery but every time I headed to get the oil changed something happened and I kept putting off getting the Venza serviced -- so here is where God puts his SIGNATURE on his abundant goodness -- Yesterday, Deb needed to go to Krogers in Oak Ridge to pick up a prescription for Paul so I drove her to Krogers in Oak Ridge and we picked up the medicine and as we were leaving Krogers I noticed the new Valvoline Oil changing business that had opened up just off the Kroger property and since it was on the way out and we had some time I pulled in to get the oil changed and WALLAH, here is what happened: The most cheerful and polite guy named Eddie guided us into place and started working on the car, the first thing he did was lift the hood and introduced the whole crew there at the Valvoline place, then he scanned the ID number of the Venza on the drivers door !!!! The 2013 Venza came up on the Valvoline Database computer !!!!! --- because the previous owner had used a Valvoline Oil Change center to change the oil at 121,000 miles, in Connecticut!!! All the oil change and maintenance records on the 2013 Venza was in the Valvoline database!!! We watched in amazement at the friendly professional service we got and we got the SAME OIL that the car has always used, new wiper blades, and replaced the battery which was almost dead with a new one with a 5 year warranty----- and drove off still amazed at the wonderful service and the fact that we have all the records on the Venza at the Valvoline Oil Change Center just off the Krogers parking lot in Oak Ridge!!! WHAT ARE THE ODDS???
TOLD YA ----- GOD IS. GOOD !!!
See ya
*********************LANNY'S FEBRUARY LOG 2021**********************
GOOD THURSDAY MORNIN' 5:56A 02/25/2021 FROM JOHNSON GAP :)
###################### DAY 056 OF 2021 #####################
Wednesday was another beauty! I got the tomato garden widened out and we went down the hill and purchased a "commercial" grade industrial hose for Deb and the back yard. That girl is a hard worker and she wears out "residential" stuff really quick. We will go down today and get some mushroom compost and get the tomato garden ready to plant. Once the back yard garden area is prepped we will put gravel around the pool and then put mulch over the duck run. I sure enjoy working outside in this bit of paradise that God has provided the family. Robbie is making good progress on opening up his place.
This is going to be a busy spring -- the possibilities are limitless!!! We plan to cut and clear this view for starters:
*********************LANNY'S FEBRUARY LOG 2021**********************
GOOD WEDNESDAY MORNIN' 5:28A 02/24/2021 FROM JOHNSON GAP :)
###################### DAY 055 OF 2021 #####################
Tuesday started off beautiful and stayed that way all day. I went out yesterday morning to get the oil changed and to "Consult" on Dominique and Angela's stairs in their house. Dominique and I have not got to study together for years now so the first thing we did was break bread and the Holy Spirit took over from there. I did get to look at the stairs and there is quite a project there so there will have to be some engineering and drawings done but there is tremendous potential - as with all things GOD!! Got home in time for chicken noodle lunch and then I emptied the branches out of the T100 and we went down the hill to Wendy's to pick up the hospital bed that she was giving our family. We brought the bed home in the T100 then jumped in the Venza to do some grocery shopping. I talked Debbie into letting me grab Buddy's BBQ for supper so Deb got a night off from cooking and we had BBQ and baked beans for supper. Danny came and joined us for Tuesday Family night (we are going to try getting back on routine in March).
I got to use the new "burn barrel" I had made from the barrels Paula got from a friend and it worked great. I also started moving the fence to make Deb's kitchen garden bigger. Will go today and get some mulch after I unload the hospital bed. I'm hoping today will be a beautiful as yesterday! Danny took his big trailer home and will mount the spare and later the week will bring his 4x4 out and we may try to see if we can catch a big cat out of the pond.
Looking forward to this summer and better health. 11 days of no Metformin and just by watching my diet and exercising I have my blood sugar down to 177 and my weight to 187 -- diet and exercise, no meds and I AM EXCITED!
Beautiful start to a gorgeous day
*********************LANNY'S FEBRUARY LOG 2021**********************
GOOD TUESDAY MORNIN' 5:38A 02/23/2021 FROM JOHNSON GAP :)
###################### DAY 054 OF 2021 #####################
Sunday was really nice, Monday was nice too, but my Sunday is church all day and Monday started warm and wet --
Deb (the CRAZY CHICKEN LADY) showing off her 3 duck eggs. I was up on the roof making sure I had buckets in place for our "incidental" leaks on the main barn metal roof and then I ended up working on restoring the antique wood burning cook stove which we are going to put in service in the common area.
I had a 2:30 Drs appointment because 2020 was a bad year for my diabetes because I fell victim to the temptation of sugary foods, sugary soft drinks, sugary snacks, sugary e.t.c. and pastries, and French fries, donuts, double cheeseburgers, milkshakes, chocolate, chocolate, chocolate -- and carbohydrates to the ninth degree --- did I say that I failed to watch my diet and my A1C rose from 6.9 to 8.1!!! My blood sugar was spiking and then I let myself run out of Metformin -- HOWEVER, IT WAS A GOOD WAKE UP CALL! I greatly reduced my intake of sugars, carbs, and quit all HFCS sweeteners, plus I went to black coffee and no chocolate or pastries and in just 10 days (with no medicines) I dropped 3-5 pounds and got my blood sugars DOWN -- I have been exercising (walking down the driveway to the mailbox and jogging back UP the HILL) and I am feeling really good -- so the doctor said to keep up the good work and she called in some Metformin and a new blood glucose meter and strips so we will do a 6 week routine check up and get my A1C below 7.0 and then try to reduce the meds and see if I can maintain a respectable A1C (takes 3 months!) without meds by 2022. I am shooting for running a mile and keeping my weight around 170 -- this is February 2021 so stay tuned!
BIG CONGRATS TO PEGGY AND PAUL FOR 69 YEARS OF MARRIAGE!!!
GOD IS GOOD!!!
SEE YA
*********************LANNY'S FEBRUARY LOG 2021**********************
GOOD MONDAY MORNIN' 5:29A 02/22/2021 FROM JOHNSON GAP :)
###################### DAY 053 OF 2021 #####################
Sunday was really nice but only got to be out a little in the afternoon before going back to church. It was another great service and it looks like we are going to start back with our 3rd grade Sunday School on March 7 -- Covid really has been an issue but there are still many questions as to why the world has reacted to Covid as we have yet not to the flu which has mysteriously disappeared? Too many questions and not enough answers -- Steve has preached Spirit led sermons and has brought comfort to us in this crazy time.
Rain this morning so I'll go up and make sure all my buckets are in place.
See ya
*********************LANNY'S FEBRUARY LOG 2021**********************
GOOD SUNDAY MORNIN' 5:02A 02/21/2021 FROM JOHNSON GAP :)
###################### DAY 052 OF 2021 #####################
Saturday was cold but the sun was out so I put on my cold weather gear and headed out to catch a few rays --- I grabbed my chain saw and drove down the drive way to finish cutting up the Cedar limbs that the ice had claimed and dropped on the driveway. There was no wind and in the bright sun so I ended up working in a sweatshirt as I cut the big limbs and loaded everything into the T100. Not sure how long cedar needs to dry but I will burn it in my shop stove. I am going to increase my "activity" as part of my program to reduce my "elevated" blood sugars --- I have an appointment Monday to see about getting my diabetes back into normal ranges -- I know what the problem is so I am working on "Diet and Exercise" - while I was studying what needs to be done I ran across a picture of my diet for the past year -- tell me if this could be part of the problem???
*********************LANNY'S FEBRUARY LOG 2021**********************
GOOD SATURDAY MORNIN' 5:52A 02/20/2021 FROM JOHNSON GAP :)
###################### DAY 051 OF 2021 #####################
Friday was leak repair day, the big rains this weak along with the freezing and thawing cycles expanding metal roof joints, we ended up with enough water collecting in Peggy's ceiling through the poorly install "flat" ceiling on our living residence inside the barn which then leaked through the drywall ceiling in Peggy's room -- so I purchased some roof sealer and I did the section over Peg's room by first sealing up the joints and then I will put down roofing felt and mop that with the roof sealer. I only have 2400 sq. ft. of flat roof to "SEAL" -- THEN I will have to repaint all the ceilings in the residence! Fun, fun, fun -- I thought I had left my leaks on Arrowwood but now I have the potential of many, many more!
I'll do a little each day and .... the sun was out so I got back from buying roof repair supplies and noticed that the car was covered in road salt Oak Ridge had put on their streets because of the sleet and ice so I parked the car on the driveway and washed the road salt off the Venza, the sun was out but I froze my hands with the water while drying the car --- at least I got the road salt off! I also took the chain saw down and cut the cedar branches off the driveway. I guess the ice had broken a couple of branches off the huge cedar that hangs partially over the drive -- I will use the cut up branches in the wood stove after they dry. Waste not, want not...
See ya
*********************LANNY'S FEBRUARY LOG 2021**********************
GOOD FRIDAY MORNIN' 5:44A 02/19/2021 FROM JOHNSON GAP :)
###################### DAY 050 OF 2021 #####################
Thursday was supposed to be a big snow but alas MORE RAIN -- and anther leak -- The house in a barn idea should have been a little better thought out -- if there is a drip in the metal roof then it pools in the ceiling of the house roof and then it ruins the ceiling when it runs through the drywall!!! I am going to 'seal' the seams on the flat roof and repaint the stained ceilings. I have several buckets in place and will head to buy supplies today -- I am going to seal all seams then lay down tarpaper as a vapor barrier...
Deb did me a new MASTER of the Winter Concert and I made labels and copies yesterday and that little project is done so I will start on the roof today -- 64 acres and all these structures require me working full time -- it is a lot more than the 1/3 acre and 1000 sq. ft. home we had in Oak Ridge but I never have to worry about something to do!
*********************LANNY'S FEBRUARY LOG 2021**********************
GOOD THURSDAY MORNIN' 5:44A 02/18/2021 FROM JOHNSON GAP :)
###################### DAY 049 OF 2021 #####################
Wednesday wasn't as wet Monday but today has started out look like a the flood -- we were hoping for snow but ended up needing buckets for drips from the metal roof. Into each life a little rain must fall but this has gone way beyond a "little" rain!!! Max didn't cooperate with the vet yesterday so they kept him overnight -- we spent a small fortune on getting him to urinate at the beginning of the month and here he is "not urinating" again -- this is a dilemma because Max is the best cat we ever had but I cannot take out a loan to pay vet bills -- besides, no one will loan me money because I don't have a job and am having to live of Social Security, and everyone knows you can't do that!!!
I spent yesterday getting all my church media organized and I am still trying to find a good program that will let me edit an audio CD and generate tracks etc. -- I am lucky that my wife is able to do things like this with all her devices and natural skills, she is not mortal like the rest of us so she figured out a way and was able to make a CD with Tracks that I will go to church and make copies of today of the Winter Concert. Thanks Deb!!!
See ya
*********************LANNY'S FEBRUARY LOG 2021**********************
GOOD WEDNESDAY MORNIN' 5:30A 02/17/2021 FROM JOHNSON GAP :)
###################### DAY 048 OF 2021 #####################
Tuesday wasn't as wet as Monday but it was cold all day. I had to go to church and start editing the Winter Concert since there are already several requests for CDs -- The CD was only a single track so I will need to break it up by tracks and artist. Got back in time for a tomato soup lunch and a short nap. After lunch I worked on Peg and Paul's bathroom reinforcing the towel bar and installing a new grab bar for Paul. I put in a coat hook for Peggy in her hall closet where she keeps her jackets.
Deb cooked chicken thighs on the grill and I worked on the audio files. I have to do blood work and labs so that I can get my Metformin prescription refilled. I've been very blessed to be able to deal with diabetes without a lot of extra issues and I do sneak the occasional chocolate now and then, and maybe some ice cream -- and some sugar in my coffee when I eat pastries but --- basically I try hard. (smile)
See ya
*********************LANNY'S FEBRUARY LOG 2021**********************
GOOD TUESDAY MORNIN' 5:53A 02/16/2021 FROM JOHNSON GAP :)
###################### DAY 047 OF 2021 #####################
Monday was wet, wet, wet and we stayed in for most of the day, however we did run down the hill to get fresh salad for our left over spaghetti tonight but had to be back for the stove repairman to fix the oven temp control -- I started moving shelves and boxes around in the common area to better organize our storage -- we STILL HAVE TOO MUCH STUFF!!!
Deb opened up the barber shop yesterday and gave everyone haircuts ---
Looks like we are going to start family nights back when the weather warms up and we can gather in the open common area...
See ya
*********************LANNY'S FEBRUARY LOG 2021**********************
GOOD MONDAY MORNIN' 5:54A 02/15/2021 FROM JOHNSON GAP :)
###################### DAY 046 OF 2021 #####################
Valentines Day was different, wonder how many more years are going to be lost to a "virus" with a 99.9% cure rate? Why would the entire planet "shut down" for the common cold/flu that has been killing people for decades now becomes the catalyst to destroy the Constitution of the United States and put into office a fraudulent president??? There is nothing making sense and that is the goal of those who wish to be masters over world and depopulate the planet - just saying----
Yesterday was the concert and for me it was a special kind of worship experience because everything that could go wrong did, all my planning was changed at the last minute and schedule changes of course happened, instead of a single playlist from a single source I had to operate two iPads via Bluetooth, a CD player, and a last minute schedule change and song using my iPhone and a text message from Bruce -- 14 different songs, 6 different soloists, 1 trio and "flexible schedule" and special audio and recording media for effectively 14 different "scenes" and everything went on schedule with no real glitches and I was in constant prayer -- when the pastor dismissed us for the evening and everything had gone well, I knew the LORD had been at Calvary because He was busy in the sound booth last night! I also became a much better sound guy because I was shown everything that could go wrong with that kind of major production and next time I will improve upon my methods from the lessons learned by having to dodge live bullets all night! God is GOOD and I can take no credit except that I learned well last night not to "lean on my own understanding"!
Looking forward to relaxing today with all the normal Johnson Gap chores and projects ---
*********************LANNY'S FEBRUARY LOG 2021**********************
GOOD SUNDAY MORNIN' 5:22A 02/14/2021 FROM JOHNSON GAP :)
###################### DAY 045 OF 2021 #####################
HAPPY VALENTINES DAY MY PRECIOUS -- Covid has really messed up our lives and especially the little things that Deb and I do during the year that say "I love you" all year round and not just on Feb 14th. My contribution this year has been "Puppy Potty Patrol" that I do FAITHFULLY with a JOYFUL HEART every night after supper. There are 5 puppies so trust me, there is a lot of LOVE out there!!!
We went to Hoskins for our Saturday Date Breakfast Sandwiches and then it was back to the house where I bundled up and continued shop re-organization and restoring the antique wood burning cook stove. Danny came over after lunch and we set around the kerosene heater and told tall Texas tales, it was to cold and wet to get outside. There is a lot going on and a lot to do but I will enjoy getting to be outside doing them. Danny still has back issues and my "brotherly" advise is to get a 2nd opinion on his back issues and then do his own research on SCIATICA and GESARA. I urged him to open up his Google search and type those words into the search box and see what comes up! Knowledge is POWER and I know that there is HEALING in his future, there is HEALING for us all!
Today will be a busy Sunday for me especially since we are doing the Winter Concert "He Loves Me" and so I will have to get back to church earlier than normal to do sound checks for all the soloists.
See ya
*********************LANNY'S FEBRUARY LOG 2021**********************
GOOD SATURDAY MORNIN' 5:28A 02/13/2021 FROM JOHNSON GAP :)
###################### DAY 044 OF 2021 #####################
Friday was another wet and chilly day so I bundled up in my winter coveralls that Danny bought me when he first came out from California and they are the warmest coveralls and I can get out in some pretty cold temps when I put them on -- every time I put them on and get outside I thank God for a great brother who is generous and it was my good fortune to have him. It's going to be cold for a couple more days but we're going to do something anyway ---
Right now I am working on restoring all the cast iron in the antique wood/porcelain cook stove and I have gone through several wire brushes and vinegar -- am trying a vinegar bath and will also experiment with electrolysis if the vinegar doesn't work. All the pieces are there and work so it should end up being a jewel of a stove, we started looking at stove pipe yesterday --- Deb also got off on gardening yesterday so we'll (should I say I will be getting things ready for her to garden) be doing stove restore between working on the garden and I still have a lot of "organizing" to finish in the shop -- never a dull moment.
We took Peg and Paul down to get COVID shots yesterday and will go back for their 2nd shots on March 5th -- Deb and I are not going to get vaccinated, we do not do flu shots either, nuff said.
See ya
*********************LANNY'S FEBRUARY LOG 2021**********************
GOOD FRIDAY MORNIN' 5:28A 02/12/2021 FROM JOHNSON GAP :)
###################### DAY 043 OF 2021 #####################
Thursday was wet and the temps started dropping after lunch. I started on the Wood Stove and was able to locate and get all the pieces we had to remove in order to get the heavy dude loaded and brought to Johnson Gap. All the pieces are back in place and it appears everything is in working order and nothing broken or cracked -- started working on the iron and it looks like it will be a "like new" stove when I get through cleaning rust and buffing on the metal pieces. These are the fun projects that I think are the "perks" of "retirement" -- after all "Can't Dance and it's too wet to plow" (also I don't have a tractor!) I also got the insulation back up on the On Demand Hot Water Heater since the temps are dropping.
Spent the afternoon at church working on playlist and rehearsing/setting sound for a couple of performers for our upcoming Sunday Evening 2/14/21 Live Winter Concert. Came home to PINTO BEANS, GREENS, CORN BREAD, AND FRIED TATERS!!! IT WAS AS GOOD AS IT SOUNDS --
See ya
*********************LANNY'S FEBRUARY LOG 2021**********************
GOOD THURSDAY MORNIN' 5:58A 02/11/2021 FROM JOHNSON GAP :)
###################### DAY 042 OF 2021 #####################
Wednesday was a lot warmer and we got some extra outside work done, I am putting together all the sound and video cue lists and order of service/mic assignments, etc. that go together "behind the scenes" to put on a live concert -- the concert will stream live at 6:00P Sunday February 14, 2021 from Calvary Baptist Church Oak Ridge -- Got the majority of playlists and performance order set up with video and power points for the soloists scheduled for the concert yesterday and will have to spend the afternoon at the church doing "rehearsals" and timing of all the media elements so that no one knows that I am there at all, and all the audience hears is the message!
I did do a little burn and then set up a 55 gal drum in the back for Deb to do burns as well if she gets the urge to be a farm girl -- I spent a couple of hours organizing my shop and will see if this will help me get organized enough to locate the tools and particular supplies necessary for a particular project. I spend way to much time locating tools instead of solving problems. Robbie is doing a great job of opening up his space for their remodel so that is moving along well...
It's raining this morning and it was coming down pretty hard for awhile -- another good day for the shop before I have to go to church.
See ya
*********************LANNY'S FEBRUARY LOG 2021**********************
GOOD WEDNESDAY MORNIN' 5:16A 02/10/2021 FROM JOHNSON GAP :)
###################### DAY 041 OF 2021 #####################
Tuesday was a lot warmer but I was busy at the church working on our Winter Concert for Feb 14 for Valentines Day. The singers are all Calvary soloists and there are some really good singers at Calvary -- I got back in time to take a short nap and when I went outside my brother had already loaded the Mule onto the trailer and was ready to head out to take it back to Tommy's, since the "knock" in the front end when we engage 4WD is what Danny paid to have fixed last time. He also is getting new tires on the front so we will be able to navigate the entire property and put the Mule back to work - Spring is just around the corner and there is a ton of outside work to do!
I spent the afternoon working on the concert and then started researching how to restore old wood burning cook stoves. Looks like Rob and Molly are moving forward on their remodel and utilize the million dollar view they have as their plans now include a bigger deck and a lot of glass windows and doors that open out onto the deck which looks out over 60 beautiful acres!
Danny will be moving in a trailer and we have some great plans for that part of the property as well, there isn't a bad view and Danny and I will get to start getting the ponds back in good shape and stocked again -- Covid really screwed everything up for 2020 but Texas boys will survive!
See ya
*********************LANNY'S FEBRUARY LOG 2021**********************
GOOD TUESDAY MORNIN' 5:28A 02/09/2021 FROM JOHNSON GAP :)
###################### DAY 040 OF 2021 #####################
Monday was FROZEN --- woke up to a crisp 21 but it had been 21 or lower all night. We were going to run to Lenoir City and pick up an antique Wood Burning Cook Stove with an oven that was sitting in a garage and was going to be "stored" away, it is an old Club Dance friend that is a true "Pioneer Woman" and is the one we buy our beef from -- ANYWAY, the stove is and old cast iron and porcelain, very heavy stove so Jenifer suggested we get there so her old son could help load the stove before he left for work at 9:30A, hence we were going to leave at 8:00a so I finished my devotional and blog and went to start the truck because I have been parking it outside and I knew it would be froze. And froze it was! All the glass was frozen inside and outside the cab AND there was about 2" solid ice in the bed (that does not drain) -- I started the truck and turned up the heat to max and turned on the fan to max to start defrosting and THE FAN WOULD NOT WORK?!?!? So my truck was frozen and I had some blown fuses so I went in to the computer to YOUTUBE how to fix it and Deb came in and said, "Mom has no HOT WATER" so I had to go find the problem with the ON DEMAND system installed for Rob/Molly & Peggy/Paul residences. I went to the barn for the big ladder and when I got up on the ladder to remove the insulation I had installed OVER the ON DEMAND system the last time we had a hard freeze, I found the insulation was loose, Rob had tried to turn the TEMP up on the unit and had not properly put it back -- SO -- I had to go get the heat gun and UNFREEZE the ON DEMAND hot water heater!!
Well I looked and looked and I could not find the heat gun so I went back into the house and had to unfreeze myself and dress warm enough to unfreeze everything else. Deb called Rob to see if he could bring his truck and his body to run to Lenoir City and help load the stove, he does not get a signal out on Gum Hollow where he and Molly are temporarily staying so Deb sent some text messages and we were waiting on his reply. I told Deb to mention I could not find the heat gun -- I returned to work on the truck problem and around 9:00a Rob answered Deb and said he remembered thawing out his pipes in his upstairs and may have left the heat gun up there, I went up stairs and went to where his pipes are going to his shower and found the gun laying behind a roll of insulation!!! I was able to then UNFREEZE the ON Demand system but the unit does not work well enough to keep water hot enough for a shower so I will replace the ON DEMAND 240Volt system with a 25 Gallon 110volt unit and build an insulated cabinet around it on the inside wall of the attic.
Back to the truck and I found that my 4WD shifter is blowing a 10A fuse that controls my gauges and fans and it must have happened when they installed my new fuel pump or when they repaired my emergency brake??? Anyway, if I don't have the shifter in 4WD then the fan and heater work so I unfroze my cab --- I then continued working on insulation on my shop so I could get the truck indoors and get my wood stove to warm my garage/wood shop so I could work on the truck in a warm shop!
Danny and I are going to run the Mule back to Tommys today because we still have a "knock" in the 4WD that Danny paid good money to have fixed?? FUN FUN FUN
See ya
*********************LANNY'S FEBRUARY LOG 2021**********************
GOOD MONDAY MORNIN' 5:00A 02/08/2021 FROM JOHNSON GAP :)
###################### DAY 039 OF 2021 #####################
Yesterday was a special Sunday because Rob and Molly came to the AM Service. They are both looking really good and are bragging about all the sleep they are getting. Rest and eating well are so important to good health so we all went home to eat the burgers Deb cooked on her new Grill Saturday -- she cooks them one day and lets them marinate in onion soup overnight and we made "Whoppers" Sunday after church. They were delicious. Of course we had a nap and then it was back to church for me. We are having our winter concert next Sunday evening so I'll be at the church several days next week making playlists and loading power points and videos for Valentines Sunday Evening Concert "He Loves Me"--
It snowed and was beautiful but nothing on the road.
See ya
*********************LANNY'S FEBRUARY LOG 2021**********************
GOOD SUNDAY MORNIN' 4:56A 02/07/2021 FROM JOHNSON GAP :)
###################### DAY 038 OF 2021 #####################
Yesterday it was cloudy and cold but the sandwiches at Hoskins were hot and tasty. The crew at Hoskins started cooking our order when we walked in the room and already were preparing our waters. It is nice to make new friends, we are really glad to be out of Oak Ridge and into Clinton -- it feels like "home" to us.
Danny came out and we drove the mule and the 4x4 and the Mule still has the "knock" when in 4WD and the Arctic Cat 4x4 was making a sound in the gear box. The Cat was low on oil so I used what I had which took it close to full and when I drove it to get the mail it ran good again, Danny is considering taking the Mule back to the shop --- and also getting some new tires??? It's cold now but it will be summer soon. We also decided on putting a cargo box and the spare tire on the new trailer so when it warms up we will attack the outside projects.
Deb cooked some burgers on her new grill and we will have them after church today -- that is IF we have church today as right now (5:07P) it is snowing ! Anyway, we'll get to eat the burgers today and I'm sure there is a nap on the agenda as well ---
See ya
*********************LANNY'S FEBRUARY LOG 2021**********************
GOOD SATURDAY MORNIN' 5:27A 02/06/2021 FROM JOHNSON GAP :)
###################### DAY 037 OF 2021 #####################
Friday was "gift" day for Debbie -- Her friend Wendy called and said she was getting rid of some "stuff" and of course Debbie could take what she wanted - I took the Venza because the back seats lay down and make a very big cargo space which we filled up with goodies, as a bonus, Toby gave me an old working 1/2 HP electric drive motor with a Variac control (it weighs 70 - 80 pounds at least) so it was home to do some installs ---
Today I am going to use photos from Debbie's blog "A Day In The Life" because that was my day yesterday ---
See ya ---
*********************LANNY'S FEBRUARY LOG 2021**********************
GOOD FRIDAY MORNIN' 5:32A 02/05/2021 FROM JOHNSON GAP :)
###################### DAY 036 OF 2021 #####################
Thursday was still very cold but ----
The cold is no big whoop if you dress in warm gear ---
so the world is still going round and round --- Good job Rob!!!
See Ya
*********************LANNY'S FEBRUARY LOG 2021**********************
GOOD THURSDAY MORNIN' 5:11A 02/04/2021 FROM JOHNSON GAP :)
###################### DAY 035 OF 2021 #####################
Wednesday was still very cold but I put on my cold weather gear and went to the shop where I made more progress sorting but went back in at 10:00a when Deb took Peggy down the hill for a Drs. appointment. They were gone until lunch so we ate a bowl of Ramen then a short nap before running down the hill to pick up Sadie Grace. She was a little late so when we got back I set up the new grill and Deb started "curing the top" but we ran out of propane that was in Peg and Paul's tank - I ran down the hill for another can of propane but it was supper time when I got back so we decided to finish burning in the 21 x 36 cast iron grill top tomorrow. Max is still at the vet so I am doing my blog alone again today.
Supper was great as usual and Debbie introduced a new "Asian Stir Fry" which is absolutely delicious. I stuffed myself (again) and after Puppy Potty Patrol I sat down and continued sorting and culling old records and documents -- I ran across several folders of my original writings and had a stroll down memory lane.
Rob and Molly are spending some time with Molly's mom and plans are being made to remodel their place to get more light in -- they are eventually going to put their bedroom upstairs, their view out onto the back 60 acres is incredible and they should have all kinds of windows on that side of their house. I worked on insulation in my shop while burning in the grill -- I should finish one of the big doors today and then move on to the other big door and that side above the doors as well.
See ya
*********************LANNY'S FEBRUARY LOG 2021**********************
GOOD WEDNESDAY MORNIN' 5:16A 02/03/2021 FROM JOHNSON GAP :)
###################### DAY 034 OF 2021 #####################
Tuesday was cold enough that we kept the dusting of snow from Monday. It did warm up enough in the afternoon that the snow on the metal roofs melted and it is amazing how much water we could collect if we just collect the water that naturally occurs each day as the sun hits the three very large metal roofs. Perhaps we are missing a natural source of energy as not only is the water free and available already on a daily basis, that potential energy source comes with built in kinetic energy due to the height of the roof that the water must fall from!?!? There is the potential to create energy while storing energy by simply collecting the daily run-off??? You should have seen how much water was on the roofs from the little dusting of snow we had Monday -- just saying...
I went through almost all my boxes in my shop and I will go out today and move a couple of shelves around and start finalizing the insulation in my shop and getting a stack of firewood so I can work in the shop in this cold weather.
Max is still at the vets with a catheter -- sure miss my blog buddy (sad face goes here)
Danny called last night with a recommendation for a generator which I will check out today so we can keep our freezers cold if there is a few days power grid failure -- the tractor deal which looked "to good to be true" has died on the vine, I guess when I sent an email stating I would "send no money until I touched the tractor" made the "seller" in Billings Montana look for "victim" that lives closer than Knoxville -- sure would like to get Danny moved out here but a tractor would be nice to go with our mower. There is a lot of opportunity for us to get to sit on tractor seats out here at Johnson Gap, call us crazy but we both like to mow grass -- (we like fishing to but it is better when the grass is mowed -- I told you we were crazy!!!)
See Ya
*********************LANNY'S FEBRUARY LOG 2021**********************
GOOD TUESDAY MORNIN' 5:29A 02/02/2021 FROM JOHNSON GAP :)
###################### DAY 033 OF 2021 #####################
Monday was snowy (off and on) and wet (the snow wouldn't stick) and it was cold (didn't get outside) and then the 1st day of the month is always "BILLS" as we have to get all the bills of 4 families put together to get the Johnson Gap Collective bills paid for the upcoming month so it usually is an all day affair doing books, making deposits, transferring funds, etc. I enjoy it, a true "labor of love" and the family groups write their single check and all the individual bills are paid through different accounts -- thank God for "autopay" so after a year now we have managed to get everything established and have built up a sufficient buffer that all we have to do now is submit our "1st of the month fixed amount (shares) of the collective debt" and get those checks deposited in the right place/account and the rest is now on "autopilot'. Anyway, I spent yesterday being the "accountant" -- but we noticed my blog buddy was not feeling well and when we did the 6:00a feed for the "herd" (5 dogs and 1 cat) Max showed up in great pain and wouldn't eat -- he almost couldn't move and he was in obvious pain, he has had some sort of urinary issue since we have moved up on the mountain so we called the vet, took him down and found he is totally blocked, the vet had to use a catheter to relieve him -- then we had to get a "compound" made and delivered so Max will be at the vet a couple of days -- Max is SPECIAL and I have a hard time trying to write my blogs without him ---
See ya
*********************LANNY'S FEBRUARY LOG 2021**********************
GOOD MONDAY MORNIN' 5:24A 02/01/2021 FROM JOHNSON GAP :)
###################### DAY 032 OF 2021 #####################
Sunday was positive in that we had many more people than normal in the congregation and Bro Steve had to remind people of "social distancing" and his sermon was on HELL -- the Holy Spirit moved mightily and one could see the manifestation of THE ONE TRUE LIVING GOD !!!
I finished putting together the new propane grill with a 36 X 21 cast iron cook top with 4 separate burners. The plan is to get our gas specialist to plumb in another line to our 1000 gal propane tank and build us a grill deck just off the porch. It is a Blackstone Grill and took me two days to get put together right -- SOME ASSEMBLY REQUIRED means "get ready to decode what the instructions should say"!
It is Brother's Day so at the very least we could do a hot dog -- there is weather moving in so we'll see how the day progresses
See ya
*********************LANNY'S JANUARY LOG 2021**********************
GOOD SUNDAY MORNIN' 5:25A 01/31/2021 FROM JOHNSON GAP :)
###################### DAY 031 OF 2021 #####################
Saturday had a little bit of normalcy in that we went to Hoskins for breakfast -- I say a "little bit" because Robbie joined us and the "drama" continues...
Robbie comes by it naturally ---
Yesterday Danny sent me a picture of a tractor that fits in the category of being "TO GOOD TO BE TRUE" -- I contacted the seller in Knoxville that said it was his mom's tractor and gave me an email. I contacted the email and "Lisa" is an Air Force sergeant and is in Billings, Montana where the tractor is in an eBay warehouse??? She requested "Complete Address and Phone and email" (this request came in a reply to an email??) I gave her my Zip code because she said it was "free shipping in 2-3 days" but then I added that NO MONEY for ANY REASON would be released unless I could touch the tractor --- it is another distraction and I smell SPAM --
Met a gentleman from Atlanta yesterday -- I had that good feeling when you shake a man's hand and look into his eye -- we'll see how life unfolds from here.
I'll be heading out in a few minutes to my office where I am blessed to spend my Sunday's at ... its usually 7:30A -7:30P with a break for lunch and a short nap, a day of rest!!! God is GOOD!!!
See ya --
*********************LANNY'S JANUARY LOG 2021**********************
GOOD SATURDAY MORNIN' 5:25A 01/30/2021 FROM JOHNSON GAP :)
###################### DAY 030 OF 2021 #####################
This has been "one of those weeks" that everything changes and each of us must begin fresh and sort out where we go from here. This is where you fold your hand and admit defeat or you play the hand dealt to you and accept whatever happens -- the words of a song I wrote:
"Grandpa said, 'Hold up your head' don't you ever give in, when things get tough, just cowboy up and take it on the chin. Don't wear a frown when the world gets you down, put a smile in its place. Trust the LIGHT to get you through the night, and get back in the race" --
It's a brave new world, saddle up!
I did get out and do one "normal" thing -- I got to burn the trash.
See ya
*********************LANNY'S JANUARY LOG 2021**********************
GOOD FRIDAY MORNIN' 5:55A 01/29/2021 FROM JOHNSON GAP :)
###################### DAY 029 OF 2021 #####################
Yesterday was a "mixed bag" and I am posting a copy of Debbie's Blog she writes at the end of each day to summarize what goes on at Johnson Gap and I will add one photo ---
**********************************
Quiet Time....
“Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, He is the King of glory. Selah.”
See ya
*********************LANNY'S JANUARY LOG 2021**********************
GOOD THURSDAY MORNIN' 9:22A 01/28/2021 FROM JOHNSON GAP :)
###################### DAY 028 OF 2021 #####################
Yesterday Danny called and said to meet him at Tommy's Motorsports and load up the Mule. Deb took me to Oak Ridge to get the Van and I drove the Van to meet Danny and as we were loading up the Mule at Tommy's I got a call from B&R telling me the T100 was ready, they were looking for a gas leak and fixing my emergency brake. Danny and I took the Mule to Johnson Gap and he drove me back to get the T100. I jumped in the T100 and I noticed the gas tank was on EMPTY and I ran out of gas in front of the Museum which was just yards from the gas station so I was "dead in the road" -- I called B&R which was just down the road and when I told him I was dead in the road just down the street Tim said he would send someone, they arrived with 5 gals of gas that they had removed so they could inspect the gas tank. We put in the gas and I started the truck and drove into the gas station and then home --- all is well.
Robbie went to church to help me with sound and Steve preached a wonderful message which Robbie really needed so it was a good night.
See ya!
*********************LANNY'S JANUARY LOG 2021**********************
GOOD WEDNESDAY MORNIN' 5:33A 01/27/2021 FROM JOHNSON GAP :)
###################### DAY 027 OF 2021 #####################
Yesterday was a good day at the church working with Mike Shute who has a very similar background in troubleshooting "systems" and we fixed several problems -- it was fun working with such a good professional and especially learning about the "system" we have to support worship at church. I say we are similar because we did all we did and figured out everything without books or schematics just by "thinking" our way through the problem -- we both like "figuring" it out and we both love "fixing" things -- thanks Mike for a fun day of fixing problems ---
Didn't do much of anything else as we had "family" issues and sometimes you just have to sit and "listen" -- everyone has the same issues, we DON'T LISTEN TO GOD and that's never good -- remember, God gave us two ears but only one tongue -- everyone needs to LISTEN MORE THAN WE TALK (do you hear me?)
Danny called yesterday and we will go pick up the mule today -- Deb and I will go get the van in Oak Ridge and I wouldn't be surprised if B&R calls and tell me that they have the T100 ready --Three vehicles, two are work related so I guess I'll just have to get busy --- MORE FUN FIXING THINGS --
*********************LANNY'S JANUARY LOG 2021**********************
GOOD TUESDAY MORNIN' 5:35A 01/26/2021 FROM JOHNSON GAP :)
###################### DAY 026 OF 2021 #####################
Monday was all rain, did nothing but sort and organize in my shop. Deb and I had to take the Dodge to get the brakes checked and will need new rotors and brakes on the front -- good front brakes are need for sure to come off this hill -- new brakes and rotors it is ---
Danny and I had decided last week that if its raining on Monday we won't go running around and it was raining --
I am going to work on the the sound today with Mike Shute who is a really good tech so we will resolve the problem with the "hum" in the bass channel.
*********************LANNY'S JANUARY LOG 2021**********************
GOOD MONDAY MORNIN' 5:49A 01/25/2021 FROM JOHNSON GAP :)
###################### DAY 025 OF 2021 #####################
Sunday is such a blessed time for fellowship with other believers as we gather in His Sanctuary. It is the ULTIMATE SAFE SPACE!!! For anyone and everyone that enters there is WELCOME, there is PEACE, and there is LOVE. And then there is REFRESHING, and REST, and above all there is HOPE. There are so many things that are so beneficial to our spirits which are FREELY GIVEN that the natural attitude of GRATITUDE and WORSHIP are prevalent in each service -- I am especially blessed because I have the privilege to open up and set up the SANCTUARY and for those that have never SERVED there is just no way to explain - man will tell you what man knows BUT GOD ALWAYS GIVES WHAT NO MAN CAN and it must be experienced to KNOW GOD'S TRUTH, and the PEACE THAT PASSETH ALL UNDERSTANDING. God is GOOD!!!
It is raining hard today and so we will find things to do inside -- good day to build a fire and work more in the shop --
*********************LANNY'S JANUARY LOG 2021**********************
GOOD SUNDAY MORNIN' 5:50A 01/24/2021 FROM JOHNSON GAP :)
###################### DAY 024 OF 2021 #####################
Danny came up yesterday afternoon and we worked on removing the barbed wire and fence posts from the big oak down towards the road which really opened up the view where Danny is deciding where to position his front porch for the optimum view, it is really pretty where he is considering and there are many really good views, and I am encouraging him to consider facing the porch "South" which is the best year round position for light and heat. The flat spot in front of the big oak facing SW is my favorite but Danny will have his own reasons. Yesterday was the first day I rolled up barbed wire and I am a 74 year old Texan -- another proud day for an "old dog" and I learned a new trick. God is Good.
I worked on "cleaning and organizing" my shop and continued with insulating the big doors. I finally got the floor and rolling table top cleared from the cold weather "stacking" that creates really big chaotic messes which is one of my weaknesses but I made good progress yesterday.
*********************LANNY'S JANUARY LOG 2021**********************
GOOD SATURDAY MORNIN' 5:33A 01/23/2021 FROM JOHNSON GAP :)
###################### DAY 023 OF 2021 #####################
Yesterday I worked on mounting the numbers on the new mailbox and the setting the post with concrete. I was able to find numbers that are the same color as the flag on the extra large mailbox so it really looks nice. I also reset my drill bots from Signal Hill where Danny and I worked together in the oil field. That was where I was working when I met Deb and now you know "the rest of the story" ---
We purchased an old coal burning unit for the common area so we will not suffer through a cold winter and we have enough food to keep us fed -- God is GOOD!
Today we will head to Hoskins for breakfast and then run around a bit in the Venza, we have to stop by Krogers to get a prescription for Paul ...
See ya
*********************LANNY'S JANUARY LOG 2021**********************
GOOD FRIDAY MORNIN' 5:14A 01/22/2021 FROM JOHNSON GAP :)
###################### DAY 022 OF 2021 #####################
Yesterday I wrote: "I know all the "Resistance" was wanting Biden arrested but as the day progressed I found myself praying for "PEACE" -- PRAISE GOD because in my mind PEACE is more important than "pride" -- America got cheated but we must TRUST GOD for JUSTICE -- we cannot fight fire with fire, we must let the "Firemen" put out the fire with the right tools so the damage is minimum -- Wednesday was "Independence Day without a single casualty (no one got burned) -- Brilliant, Brilliant, Brilliant -- if you are "hurt" and you want to "kill" someone or destroy something, I suggest you search for TRUTH for it leads to PEACE but "vengeance" leads to "death" -- Remember Wednesday January 20, 2021 was a day of PEACE. The BIG LIE is still the BIG LIE, even if it is told in the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. (the District of Columbia is no part of America, never was!!!) TRUTH is still TRUTH, even if it is not believed! Seek TRUTH, especially when the BIG LIE parades itself in positions of great power --
Deb and I did normal sunrise chores and I assembled the new mailbox and stand in my office, it is still a little bit cold and I haven't gotten the insulation up completely in my shop yet so I am using my office as a temporary work space to do "assembly" work, everything we buy has "some assembly required" so I accomplish those things in the early morning -- it was raining yesterday so I assembled the mailbox but did not get to complete the install down by the road, I have the hole dug and ready so if its not raining today I will put the numbers on the mailbox and then run down the hill (maybe I'll walk) and concrete the pole in the ground and we'll have a big mailbox for our "STUFF".
See ya
*********************LANNY'S JANUARY LOG 2021**********************
GOOD THURSSDAY MORNIN' 5:11A 01/21/2021 FROM JOHNSON GAP :)
###################### DAY 021 OF 2021 #####################
Yesterday I wrote: " January 20, 2021 Wednesday --- This is the day --- will America stand or cower?" I know all the "Resistance" was wanting Biden arrested but as the day progressed I found myself praying for "PEACE" -- as it got nearer to noon I thought about the gun fight at OK corral and I didn't want any shooting, I didn't want any death associated with this or any "administration" -- the desire of my heart was "PEACE" and "NO WAR" -- reports kept coming in from the Resistance on the ground and ships were lined up all along both coasts and I kept hearing the words" Mexican Standoff" and my thoughts turned to "PEACE". More reports from the underground said that the UN and China had troops ready to "assist" the Biden team and it looked like the Trump legacy of "PEACE" was going to be tarnished by the beginning of WWIII and my prayers became fixed on "PEACE" and I recalled Trump's last message where he promised a "PEACEFUL TRANSITION" and folks, that is what we got, "A PEACEFUL TRANSITION" and the rumors of an "assassination" didn't happen, there were no riots and as Trump left DC and his administration was replaced by the Biden group, it was as promised, "A PEACEFUL TRANSITION" and to me and my way of thinking, TRUMP stood TALL AND PROUD and I thought, AMERICA STOOD TALL AND PROUD TODAY! There is going to be blood -- Justice will be served -- God wins!!! It will happen on God's Schedule, and we must trust God!! NOW, AMERICA -- let us through PEACEFUL ENDEAVORS shape our future in the IMAGE OF GOD, Let AMERICA RETURN TO THE WORD and remember that the Battle is the LORD'S. Trump proved himself a great American President because his finger is still on the trigger and he thought of America First and he did not pull the trigger and America is not at war and no one died! America did not "cower" yesterday, the gunfight at OK corral that Biden wanted did not happen, Trump left his legacy as one of the Greatest American Presidents ever without any scratches or dents and the America First Movement is alive and well, and we will not stoop to the culture of death, fear, and intimidation of the evil forces that now control the White House, the Congress, and the Supreme Court -- now that the stage is set, we need to stand back, watch God part the Red Sea, and the world will see "His Salvation"! When everything seems hopeless and we feel we have failed we must turn to God and I know for a fact that "All things work together for good for those that LOVE God" and I keep going back to the beginning:
Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
Genesis 1:2 And the earth was without form and void and darkness covered the face of the deep. But the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.
Genesis 1:3 Then God said, "Let there be LIGHT", and there was LIGHT!
KEY POINTS:
(1) At the start of ALL things in heaven and earth there was God and His Power of "creation" -- remember the first five words as they explain the TRUTH: "IN THE BEGINNING GOD CREATED..."
(2) Things of God's creation are "without form, void, and covered in darkness" ... never forget that in these bad conditions that "the Spirit of God" is hovering above ALL our problems.
(3) God has a solution and God applied it to ALL creation with four simple words, "Let there be LIGHT" and today that solution is the answer to the darkness, and we know that it works today as well as it worked "in the beginning" because when God Speaks, his Word does not return to Him empty, but accomplishes what He desires, and achieves the Purpose for which he sent it ... and Genesis 1:3 confirms God's Omnipotence with four more simple words of TRUTH: "and there was LIGHT".
Summary: If you are pro-life, yesterday was one of Trump's finest hours, no one died and just like Kennedy and the Cuban Missile Crisis, America didn't blink and we are not at war!! Thank you President Trump -- Patriots are awake and God WINS!!! Just because Biden was inaugurated it means nothing more than a signed confession -- Justice will be served but enough innocents have died already, let us continue the example set by Martin Luther King, Jr. and President Trump and let us PEACEFULLY TAKE AMERICA BACK -- as Trump said last year, "One American death is too many..." I agree.
Installed a new bulb over the big bay doors and we have a working light now. Of course if one light is good then why not 3 or 4, LIGHT is a good thing!
Dug the hole for the new mailbox, will assemble the pole and box today and will get it concreted in so we will have two big mailboxes for all the "mail-order" STUFF ---
I walked the hill where Danny is going to set up for his place at Johnson Gap, I have taken some photos of which view I like best but just having him up here has me VERY EXCITED -- He has decided to keep the Big Ridge property and I totally agree because I LOVE that property too so the Brother's will have TWO pieces of heaven! I am going to take a lot of photos because he took the Big Ridge property that was nothing but briars and brambles and you should see it now! (Of course its really good because I helped) Anyway, I am looking forward to what Danny's Hill will look like after he moves in!
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GOOD WEDNESDAY MORNIN' 5:36A 01/20/2021 FROM JOHNSON GAP :)
###################### DAY 020 OF 2021 #####################
January 20, 2021 Wednesday --- This is the day --- will America stand or cower? We will just have to wait and see because at noon today we either follow the Constitution as free men or we will throw dirt on the grave in which those that are opposed to liberty and justice for all have buried it!
I found another spot where gas is dripping from the truck from when I had a new fuel pump and lines installed a couple of weeks ago but I have had the truck parked since then ... I drove it into B&R and Danny picked me up on his way to Family Night and spaghetti --- Deb and I picked up a mailbox pole and I will mount the big mailbox I bought last year --- I also hopped up the ladder and got the bulb out of the big light that has been flickering over the big door. Fun, fun, fun ---
See ya
*********************LANNY'S JANUARY LOG 2021**********************
GOOD TUESDAY MORNIN' 5:30A 01/19/2021 FROM JOHNSON GAP :)
###################### DAY 019 OF 2021 #####################
Monday is Brother's Day and we finally got back on schedule -- I drove out to Big Ridge in the Venza and picked up Danny and we went to get our favorite Chili dog with onions! I grew up with Coney Island hot dogs and Danny enjoyed Der Wienersnitzel in California but he also had his share of Coney Island in Pampa, Texas as well and then I would always eat a chili dog when I "made the turn" while playing golf -- so you could say it is in our blood -- the fries were fresh and good so we had a good day! We then stopped at Rural King looking for generators but are still in the deciding mode -- they are expensive and requires some thought ... we are still thinking. Since we both have 1000 gallon propane tanks already, we are leaning to a propane generator/inverter, the added expense give you long term gains and added quality and reliability, and that always is a win-win.
Deb and I ran down the hill and picked up a new Pool Cover Pump since the old one bit the dust last week and we were building up too much water on the cover. We have found that an $80 pool cover and a good pump for the cover will keep the pool water clean and opening up the pool in the spring is just a matter of pulling off the cover and put in the ladder. Again I went with the bigger model to give us extended service so we now have the water pumped off the pool cover -- Q.E.D.
See ya
*********************LANNY'S JANUARY LOG 2021**********************
GOOD MONDAY MORNIN' 5:45A 01/18/2021 FROM JOHNSON GAP :)
###################### DAY 018 OF 2021 #####################
Sunday is the LORD'S DAY for me, a day of rest, and a day of refreshing and yesterday was a good LORD'S DAY indeed. GOD IS STILL ON HIS THRONE!!! Calvary had a much larger crowd than the usual COVID contingency and the FELLOWSHIP was sweet. There is a blessing that one gets when we gather publicly to worship -- God Himself commanded us to "Love One Another" and wanted us to show our love for each other by assembling ourselves together in His Holy Name. What a blessing 1/17/21 was for me. Thank You Jesus.
I did spend some time between church looking for a Pool Cover Sump Pump and starting the quest to provide for "emergency power" in the event of a major power outage. Our pantry and freezers are full and it would be a shame to let that side of beef spoil so yesterday I looked at solar, gas, diesel, and propane generators and it is a difficult decision to make when you consider fuel storage and cost. So I will continue my "cost vs benefit" investigation today -- this is not a quick decision as availability, access, and advantages pro&con, plus simple accounting must all be considered in order to be a good steward of our limited resources.
See ya
*********************LANNY'S JANUARY LOG 2021**********************
GOOD SUNDAY MORNIN' 5:06A 01/17/2021 FROM JOHNSON GAP :)
###################### DAY 017 OF 2021 #####################
Saturday was our "Breakfast Date" which was extra special because it was snowing. Deb asked if we should go off the hill in the snow and I cheerfully gave her a one word answer: VENZA! We finished our blogs and the morning chores and jumped into the VENZA and cruised down the hill - in the snow - laughing all the way to Hoskins. Deb got her BLT no egg, and I my egg sandwich add onions and tomato and as usual it was delicious. We were so comfortable in the VENZA AWD that we ran out to the I75 Walmart and I got supplies to clean the leather interior of the VENZA.
Once we got back home it quit snowing and I started writing an article that I have been working on for a decade now which I now see a great parallel to 2021 -- the article is called 2021 and I am establishing The Gideon Principal using Judges Chapters 6 & 7 which were written in the 11th century B.C. but is being lived out in America today -- only God could establish such an eternal principal that equally applies in the 11th Century and the 21st!!! I should be ready by "Biden's Inauguration (NOT)"!!! Just sayin' (Hint Hint)
It snowed some big flakes later and Danny called to see if it was snowing at Johnson Gap and as soon as he hung up it quit snowing -- we will run down the hill Monday and buy some generators in case something happens that we lose power in the next few weeks (Hint Hint)
See ya
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GOOD SATURDAY MORNIN' 5:22A 01/16/2021 FROM JOHNSON GAP :)
###################### DAY 016 OF 2021 #####################
Yesterday we completed stocking the new shelves and boxes we put up on Thursday. Outside in the Common Area we have two freezers full of meat and frozen vegetables and miscellaneous meals already prepared, we have a large pantry cabinet and two refrigerators, plus we have a large supply of drinking water and inside we have the master pantry stocked floor to ceiling, literally, and the pantry door is stocked as well. The kitchen has the big side by side refrigerator/freezer full as well as all the shelves, cabinets, and drawers stocked as well -- the barns and several waterproof storage bins are stocked with hay, feed, and supplies for the animals and Paula bought a truck-load of split firewood. We are prepared in the event of anything happening EXCEPT I will get the generator updated and probably buy a second one since we have Paula's house to cover in the event we lose city power. It sure is a good feeling to be able to put your feet up in front of the fire and know things are taken care of -PRICELESS!!!
See ya
*********************LANNY'S JANUARY LOG 2021**********************
GOOD FRIDAY MORNIN' 5:17A 01/15/2021 FROM JOHNSON GAP :)
###################### DAY 015 OF 2021 #####################
Yesterday was a good "honey do" day for shelves. I hung an over the door shelf in the pantry which Deb has well stocked and WELL ORGANIZED. I then reclaimed some wire shelving we had been given last year and has been sitting in the pole barn raw materials pile. It took an hour to dig it out, an hour to modify the mounting pieces and cut to length, and an hour to get it installed in the utility room over Deb's washer and dryer so that was about all I did yesterday but the shelves look great and good shelving is a treasure (in my opinion)!
Johnson Gap is more than just a home, we loved the paradise we had on Arrowwood in Oak Ridge but this Johnson Gap property is absolutely heaven! We love the fact that we are caregivers to Deb's folks that have provided for us so abundantly while we were raising the kids so now we are grateful for the opportunity to repay them for their generosity -- Johnson Gap is about FAMILY and it just keeps getting better and better. Part of the family is our pets and all the animals which is a pretty large number and is expected to grow this spring -- for now we have a house full of dogs, barns full of cats and horses, and our yard is full of chickens and ducks, and Johnson Gap Road itself is lined with exotic animals -- thank you JESUS ------
*********************LANNY'S JANUARY LOG 2021**********************
GOOD THURSDAY MORNIN' 5:19A 01/14/2021 FROM JOHNSON GAP :)
###################### DAY 014 OF 2021 #####################
Yesterday was a nice day in the afternoon but after lunch we made a run to the NORTH KNOXVILLE WALMART to get shelf for the pantry and of course I jump at any chance to drive the Venza! I have always liked driving and the Venza is the best car I've ever owned, including my little Mercedes SLC. This Venza AWD is AWESOME!
I built a small fire in my shop fireplace with materials from broken pallets yesterday morning and that is working well so I'll continue working on insulating the shop so that I can throw a log on the fire and work on projects in even the coldest of weather -- My shop is getting AWESOME!!!
I am also working on a sound project at church plus doing Wednesday night service livestream so I spent the afternoon and evening at the Church -- CALVARY is AWESOME!!!
On the "political" front I will say one word "NESARA". Remain calm, I think we are in the "eye of the storm" because all "hell" is going to be revealed and the world will experience what it means when "all hell breaks loose"------ Final Word: GOD WINS!!! GOD IS THE DEFINITION OF AWESOME!!!
Our life on Johnson Gap has some semblance to Noah's ark (SMILE) -- Johnson Gap is AWESOME!!!
*********************LANNY'S JANUARY LOG 2021**********************
GOOD WEDNESDAY MORNIN' 5:23A 01/13/2021 FROM JOHNSON GAP :)
###################### DAY 013 OF 2021 #####################
Tuesday was again a "partial" Family Night -- the Covid Issue has caused greater disunity than any previous event in American history and the sad part is that America is not getting to the bottom of where Covid came from and why it made it here and WHY do we not fix the problem instead of making it worse by further dividing our world???
I did get to do some outside work yesterday, I went to church and set up two new mics and I will go back today and start on wiring and cable routing in the sound room. At home I got to start insulating my big shop doors in the beautiful sunshine yesterday -- hope it is bright and sunny today so I can finish those doors.
See ya
*********************LANNY'S JANUARY LOG 2021**********************
GOOD TUESDAY MORNIN' 5:17A 01/12/2021 FROM JOHNSON GAP :)
###################### DAY 012 OF 2021 #####################
Monday was a snow day to start out but then a little rain washed it off but not before we enjoyed a winter wonderland for a few hours. Deb got out her big camera and it really takes some good photos:
*********************LANNY'S JANUARY LOG 2021**********************
GOOD MONDAY MORNIN' 5:26A 01/11/2021 FROM JOHNSON GAP :)
###################### DAY 011 OF 2021 #####################
Sunday is a "day of rest" and my schedule is to leave 7:00 - 7:30a before sunrise to set up the sanctuary for worship, and then practice, Sunday School and then the main service, then after the morning service I run home for a lunch, a nap, and then back to church and set up the sanctuary for evening worship, then back home around 7:30 - 8:00p and then to bed. I love the church because of the Spirit of God that permeates the sanctuary on Sunday is always a blessing!
See ya
*********************LANNY'S JANUARY LOG 2021**********************
GOOD SUNDAY MORNIN' 5:04A 01/10/2021 FROM JOHNSON GAP :)
###################### DAY 010 OF 2021 #####################
Saturday is now our date day at Hoskins, they serve breakfast and have been doing so since 1947 (I was born in 1946 so they are almost as old as me) and the place is still the same, with the same fountain, the same booths, the same storefront, and everything is very well maintained. I like to think that if we take care of ourselves like that, we can be as useful even though we are old. At least it's a good thought don't you think?
Did anyone work on the Three Cities Riddle I posed yesterday? No? Well I am no prophet but in 2021 you will be hearing their names and talked about in a way that will make the National Enquirer look like fantasy. 2021 is going to be as my granddad used to say, "A Corker!" Stay tuned.
Deb and I had BLTs at Hoskins (I added egg and onion w/mayo) and then we went out to the Walmart at I75 and Deb found a new rug for the kitchen which looks really good (Deb is a great "HOMEMAKER")
It was a little too cold to mess with even getting a fire going in my shop so I decided to be lazy and do a little writing and I watched a little football highlights (I CANNOT STAND TO WATCH ADVERTISEMENTS) and catch up with who's beating who. I love to watch highlights because I am a true sports fan at heart but did I mention I HATE COMMERCIALS!?! The pets help me write ---
Murphy makes sure I don't use any bad language.
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GOOD SATURDAY MORNIN' 6:32A 01/09/2021 FROM JOHNSON GAP :)
###################### DAY 009 OF 2021 #####################
Friday Jan 8th was a day that saw for many the "beginning of wisdom" as a major TRUTH has come to the surface and into the light. I will point to this TRUTH that is emerging from the shadow's. For all who wish to gain "understanding" you must answer this riddle:
"Three cities; one on a hill, one in the sea, one is the gateway to the land of the free. Who owns these cities, you, and me?"
The Truth of Real World History of modern man can be traced through these three cities.
Three Clues:
1. The Bridge is falling down.
2. All roads lead there.
3. Not a part, but controls the whole.
Ok, enough for games. Yesterday we were supposed to have a good snow and it kinda pooped out on us didn't it?!?! I did get the BIG TV Danny gave to the Common Room up and running. It took me almost two hours to figure out how to reprogram the input channels. The technology was the leading edge at the time and the technology is still good but how to program the interface has greatly improved which meant I had to learn how to use sticks to make fire and when that first spark finally came, the rest came easy. I love working puzzles and I love "learning" for the sake of "learning" so I had a fun morning and now I can run my laptop out and plug in to a 52" inch TV with a really great picture and sound and watch on the Big Screen what I normally watch on my laptop. Hand-me-downs are the real treasures!!! Thanks Danny!!
Deb and I jumped in the hand-me-down Venza and made a run to Home Depot to get some 6x8 tarps because everything in the common room gets rained on because of the condensation of the big open roof in the common area. All the living quarters have their own roofs under the big roof but all the open area is just that - open. Anyone that has lived in a barn with a metal roof knows that when the sun hits the metal roof in the morning that the delta "T" causes condensation to form on the underside which forms droplets and everything under the metal roof gets "rained" on, hence we have protected all the electrical and good furniture with protective coverings. We decided to go yesterday and buy a matched set of tarps and covered our "treasures" until we can construct a proper thermal barrier to prevent the roof from raining on our parade.
Part of the blessings of living where we do is the literal ZOO that pastures their exotic animals on Johnson Gap road. What other people have to pay for to go see, we get to enjoy for free every time we run into town. Here a a couple of more:
See ya
*********************LANNY'S JANUARY LOG 2021**********************
GOOD FRIDAY MORNIN' 5:19A 01/08/2021 FROM JOHNSON GAP :)
###################### DAY 008 OF 2021 #####################
Thursday Jan 7th was the beginning of the People's Understanding of how "The Steal" was really accomplished -- there are sworn affidavits from Italy that involve Britain as well, so at the least it is "Foreign Interference" in a US Election with the confession "in writing" from the person that changed votes in Italy that was used to change votes from Trump to Biden on the morning of November 4, 2020. What has to be done now is to process this "EVIDENCE" - if it gets "buried" then "America" will be "Buried" with it. This is the worst case scenario: The FRAUDULENT VOTING MACHINES were used to STEAL the American Government, the House, the Senate, and the Presidency!!! We KNOW how it was done and who did it and on January 6 the US Government "received stolen goods" and all those that voted for "Certification" of the "Fraudulent Electors" is guilty of TREASON against the Constitution of the United States, the "US Constitution" will be used as a coffin to bury FREEDOM if we allow TREASON to become America's "New Normal". I promise you that if America accepts Treason as the New Normal we will remain in perpetual lockdown until we all die from "Covid Complications".
BUT GOD -- ALWAYS when it seems the darkest and there is absolutely NO HOPE, there is ALWAYS GOD -- He is ETERNAL, He is GOD, and there is no evil that can defeat GOD!!!
BUT GOD -- ALWAYS when it seems the darkest and there is absolutely NO HOPE, there is ALWAYS GOD -- He is ETERNAL, He is GOD, and there is no evil that can defeat GOD!!!
BUT GOD -- ALWAYS when it seems the darkest and there is absolutely NO HOPE, there is ALWAYS GOD -- He is ETERNAL, He is GOD, and there is no evil that can defeat GOD!!!
I KNOW that GOD HAS A PLAN and NOTHING can stop GOD. TRUST GOD and LIVE IN PEACE.
#########################################################################
This is a unique time in history and that is why I am putting it in my Daily Journal, this is reality and I felt led by THE HOLY SPIRIT to write this as part of my Johnson Gap Daily Log. Yesterday was also a day to live and enjoy and that is the Gift of God. I got to run down to Oak Ridge and shop with Deb as we dropped Sadie's violin off (she had left it on the mountain Wednesday as we celebrated her birthday) and then Danny called and wanted me to meet him at the Clinton Walmart so he could a new 65" Curved Screen UHD TV set and help him get it home and set up. I met him at Walmart and loaded the new set on the dolly and heard the cashier tell him $437 with tax! I ran and looked at the receipt and sure enough it said 65" Curved Samsung $399.00! We took it home and set it up and it is beautiful and BIG! AND Danny paid $437.00 -- the TV he replaced cost $2400 new and is smaller! The whole issue is the same thing as the Toyota Venza Midsize that nobody would buy -- the Samsung UHD TVs didn't sell because everyone wanted 4K and not just UHD. My Venza and Danny's 65" Curved is as GOOD AS IT GETS and we got it for less than a 1/3rd of what other people paid for their 4k and their 4Runners -- AIN'T GOD GOOD!!!
Danny gave his old Big Screen which is a GREAT TV to the Johnson Gap COMMON ROOM so I'll set that up today. I made it home in time for a great Salmon specialty from Debbie's Kitchen and then we shut everything down and watched a movie. Life, outside of politics is almost like HEAVEN for us so I choose to let "politics" play their own game, by their own rules, and tell their own lies because 2020 was one of the best years of my life and it looks like 2021 is going to be even better!!! Call me "crazy" but I am not going to let darkness overshadow my LIGHT and JOY and PEACE.
See ya
*********************LANNY'S JANUARY LOG 2021**********************
GOOD THURSDAY MORNIN' 5:05A 01/07/2021 FROM JOHNSON GAP :)
###################### DAY 007 OF 2021 #####################
Wednesday Jan 6th was the beginning -- We-The-People are being played -- When will the lose-lose game of modern global politics end? I will state simply, Wednesday January 6th, 2021 marks the "Official BEGINNING_OF_THE_END"
Danny and I discussed this world-changing election Tuesday and Wednesday we are seeing the world become aware, not of the TRUTH itself but that the TRUTH itself has been kidnapped and is being held without permission in a prison of propaganda - Darkness has overshadowed freedom but cannot defeat LIGHT, but WE-THE-PEOPLE must let our "little light shine" as ONE to dispel this great shadow that has fallen over America. IT HAS BEGUN - the war in the shadows is now being forced into the LIGHT.
Deb and I did what needed to be done on such an historical world changing day, we took Casey to the vet to get his nails done, picked up Sadie from school and brought her out for an intimate Birthday Party/Chili Supper and then we watched another movie. Folks, God is Good, Never Forget -- GOD HAS A PLAN -- The Old Testament asked "has God's arm been shortened?" NO!!! God is GOD, Isaiah said "The Lord is the EVERLASTING GOD..." So the God that created the Universe and holds it in His Hands is in control and God has promised "My WORD will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire, and will achieve the PURPOSE for which I sent it." Jesus is the Son of the Living God and therefore I will TRUST THE PLAN!!!
Today will be another day in paradise and I praise the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob -- my God in whom I will simply TRUST AND OBEY - I know not what the world will do, but for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. Now doesn't that sound like a good plan!!!
Strange that with the Scripture that I hear from the Holy Spirit today, I also hear a line from Shakespeare that Debbie put in a frame and is part of our Holy Matrimony we entered into on April 16, 1978 -- "Let me not to the marriage of true minds admit impediments..." LOVE YOU PRECIOUS!!!
Sonnet 116: Let me not to the marriage of true minds
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GOOD WEDNESDAY MORNIN' 5:25A 01/06/2021 FROM JOHNSON GAP :)
###################### DAY 006 OF 2021 #####################
Tuesday Jan 5th was another Covid Casualty as only Danny was brave enough to join the Johnson Gap crew for Family Night. I can't get over how a disease with a 99.9% cure rate can cause so much fear, which seems to be proportional to the amount of mainstream and social media is consumed, just saying. It would be better if the TV and Facebook were turned off and the Family Bibles would be opened and read. "But we don't have a Family much less a Family Bible" can be heard from muffled by masks voices quivering in fear. ---
Danny and I finished tearing out the built in cabinet behind his toilet so we could get the new unit properly installed and so now Danny can put a a piece of trim to cover the spots where I had to cut out some cross braces on the cabinet so the lid would go on the toilet. All toilets are water conserving units so that is just the way it is.
Deb's "fried potatoes" are wonderful and it is hard to explain how incredible beans, greens, and taters with fresh hot cornbread and sliced onions can be!!!! NUFF SAID.
See ya
*********************LANNY'S JANUARY LOG 2021**********************
GOOD TUESDAY MORNIN' 5:56A 01/05/2021 FROM JOHNSON GAP :)
###################### DAY 005 OF 2021 #####################
Monday was somewhat normal as Danny and I met at the Waffle House for breakfast and then drove into the Oak Ridge Home Depot to pick up a new toilet for Danny. We drove back to his property that borders Big Ridge State Park and did the replacement. The new toilet is taller so we are going to have to modify the built in cabinet behind the old one which is what I will finish today with some specialty tools I have. Taking the old one out was fairly easy and we got the new one in without much problem but couldn't put the lid on until the modification I make today. So we got to have a Brother's Day and that's the most important thing -- we started planning a fishing trip for the summer or spring where we go to the coast and catch some Redfish. A couple of years ago we went to Reel Foot Lake and caught a ton of big Bluegill which was a lot of fun with a local guide so we'll find a local guide in Louisiana to put us on some big Reds -- planning these things together is as much fun as you can have so we started having a good time yesterday just thinking about catching those big fish!
Got home in time for Spaghetti Night and as usual it was GREAT ! ! ! Love the way that woman cooks!!!
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GOOD MONDAY MORNIN' 5:21A 01/04/2021 FROM JOHNSON GAP :)
###################### DAY 004 OF 2021 #####################
Sunday was almost back to normal but I miss our 3rd Grade Sunday School class -- it is my prayer that America will someday get free of this Covid curse and we can be free Americans again. Perhaps we will know on January 6, 2021 what will be required to regain America from this coup?!?!? Sunday is always a day of rest and worship and we did both -- we just didn't get to share the Word with our third graders.
Today is Monday and Danny and I will meet for breakfast and then we will get him a new toilet. Life is how you live it and we will spend Monday having a good time doing what's necessary. I am a firm believer in the 3 essentials in life -- a good kitchen, a good bedroom, and a good bathroom -- think about how miserable if there are issues with either of those 3 "essentials" ?!?!?!?
We did get Peg and Paul out of the house for the first time in months -- milkshakes are good medicine!
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GOOD SUNDAY MORNIN' 5:10A 01/03/2021 FROM JOHNSON GAP :)
###################### DAY 003 OF 2021 #####################
Saturday was absolutely beautiful and sunny -- Deb and I have started a new "Date Day" for us which is Saturday Morning at Hoskins Drug Store Fountain for breakfast sandwiches. Hoskins had a grand opening in June of 1947 and the store looks exactly the same today, 73 years later. It is unusual for a place to be that old but yet so current at the same time!? The fountain, the booths, the store front, everything is the same but has been meticulously maintained! One has to sit in the booth and look at the picture on the wall in the booth that is a 1947 picture of that booth and realize it is the same and then the waitress sits down a hot breakfast sandwich and you are transformed back into the NOW while sitting in a booth from YESTERDAY -- it is a special time and place for us during this Johnson Gap Odyssey which is a blessing for us to be able to "serve" the family and live in such a special place -- God is GOOD!!!
I did get to work yesterday in the common area and was able to "reset" the code to the big overhead door which had changed in one of the storms we had which lost power and when Rob and Kyrtis tried to get it going again the unit had been "reset" but an accidental code had been put in with them pushing random buttons, none of the buttons are marked and when you're on top of an 8 ft ladder its hard to even keep your balance and you know men, they just start pushing buttons and we managed to get the door to open and close but yesterday I had to figure out how to reset the garage door opener keypad -- so with Deb's help we managed to figure it out and we are back in operation now. The problem was discovered when Paula tried the keypad to get in because my shop door was locked from the inside and so was Robbie's door so Paula could not get into the barn. I installed a modified deadbolt on my shop door and gave Paula a "key" so if something happens again she can get into the barn through the big shop door.
I spent most of the afternoon trying to learn how to "operate" the Venza which even though it is a 2013 model the car is way smarter than anything this old country boy is used to and I do a lot of technology all the time so this is a learning experience to have a car way smarter than me! I spent a couple of hours with the documentation and finally I know how to open the doors and turn on the radio. The car has Bluetooth and will pair with our smartphones and all the controls are on the steering wheel so you can answer the phone and talk over the car audio system which is really nice -- it also has a button so that you can give voice commands for all the media and technology included with the onboard computer system. Now we are talking to our cars. The car was bought with one criteria, we got snowed in on top of our hill and I said when the snow melts we would go get a 4WD or AWD vehicle and when I did my searches for vehicles that fit my budget this 2013 Toyota Venza AWD vehicle caught my eye and since it was the model that replaced our Matrix which we have had for several years now I decided to look at the car. The price was much lower than other comparable AWD cars and trucks that size, including Subaru and Jeep which we have owned previously. I did some research to find out why the price was low found out "it did not sell well because Toyota designed the Venza to be a midsize to replace the Matrix but when they added the AWD option the price range was similar to their 4Runner which was immensely popular and overshadowed Venza sales. The Venza is the "perfect" car for our AWD needs and since the car was not that popular, the resale value dropped greatly when you drove the car off the lot so I guess people drove their Venzas until they got their investment back -- this Venza was garage kept and has relatively low miles and it looks like it just came off the showroom floor -- just like 330 Johnson Gap Road barn complex is not your normal cup of tea, neither is this 2013 Toyota Venza AWD midsize a car for everyone but it is PERFECT for Johnson Gap, and both are BARN RED!!!! God works in mysterious ways for sure!!!
See ya
*********************LANNY'S JANUARY LOG 2021**********************
GOOD SATURDAY MORNIN' 5:06A 01/02/2021 FROM JOHNSON GAP :)
###################### DAY 002 OF 2021 #####################
2021 is now officially all the time we have left! This is the 2nd day of our New Year and I hope you are having a good time now that 2020 is "history" -- let us walk into 2021 with HOPE -- the alternative is to let 2020 become Groundhog Day and repeat itself ad infinitum -- I choose The LIGHT !!
Deb and I spent the day securing us an AWD vehicle that can get us up and down the hill if we get more snow like we did last week on Christmas Eve and we couldn't get out to our church service. I promised Deb that I would find us a good "inexpensive" AWD vehicle and my search led me to a Toyota that didn't become popular because people wanted either a very small gas efficient car or they wanted the big 4 wheel drive like the 4Runner SUV -- Toyota built a "midsize" AWD Venza which actually was a step up from the Matrix which we have loved. The reviews are great but the vehicles just didn't sell so they didn't produce a lot of them so just like moving into a barn that had a 2400 sq foot house in the back of the barn was just the perfect house for our family, this "unwanted" AWD midsize Toyota seemed like the perfect car for getting up and down our big hill. So my online searches finally led me to this 2013 Venza which because it had not sold well when it was new, the vehicle was "priced to move" and fit into our limited "budget" so we decided to drive to AutoNation Honda in Knoxville "in the rain" and look at the vehicle. Car buying is always a hassle but AutoNation publishes a "no haggle" price so we walked in the door and I opened my folder on the car and said I would like to drive this 2013 AWD Venza and "walla" that's what happened and we met a Lebanese guy that had just started selling cars and 4 hours later we said goodbye to the Matrix and drove off in the AWD Venza. We got a good trade in on the Matrix and the price was already in our budget or we wouldn't have gone in the first place so now the little black Matrix has morphed into a midsize red AWD Venza which got 21.3 mpg on the way home -- the car is "loaded" with things I would have never paid for but since all the bells and whistles came with this top-of-the-line AWD Venza we had to grin-and-bear-it! The AWD Venza will be our last car ever and we will be able to get up and down off our mountain regardless of the weather! Needless to say, nothing else got done and we ordered Dominos and drove down and picked it up ---
Deb's 2013 AWD Venza -- kinda looks like the Matrix but its bigger and redder!!
See ya
*********************LANNY'S JANUARY LOG 2021**********************
GOOD FRIDAY MORNIN' 5:36A 01/01/2021 FROM JOHNSON GAP :)
###################### FIRST DAY OF 2021 #####################
2020 is now "Yesterday" AND *TODAY* THE NEW YEAR BEGINS --- *NOW*
Let me encourage everyone reading this blog to also visit the Daily Journal "LAYMANS PULPIT" and spend the year starting EACH AND EVERY DAY with JESUS - it is going on 17 straight years for me starting EVERY DAY WITH JESUS.
Click on the link below and you'll be glad you did:
http://thelaymanspulpit.blogspot.com
Today is that famous START OF A NEW YEAR-- in reality it should be just another day because each day you wake up is the START of the remaining days left in your earthly existence -- Yesterday is a culmination of all your "yesterdays" and once again you find yourself living in the NOW/Present - Its called "Present" because indeed it is a PRESENT from the CREATOR as He GIVES you One More Day to LIVE --- but way too many people waste TODAY because they are worried about TOMORROW which they don't even know if they will have a "tomorrow" or not, or worse they worry about YESTERDAY which has already happened and will never change! So the only way anyone can make it RIGHT is to DO IT NOW -- I think that the start of a new year really helps to bring people into the NOW but we fail to realize that the "first day of a new year" still leaves 364 days that are not the "first day of a new year"! See what I mean??? Start EVERYDAY as a new day, LIVE NOW for 365 days in a row and you will have that many more days to get things done! NOTHING CHANGES IF WE FIXATE ON YESTERDAY OR TOMORROW -- CHANGE ONLY COMES WHEN WE DO IT NOW!!! TODAY IS THE DAY WE LIVE!!
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