I know it's been a long time since I added anything to this blog, but it's been because I've been busy...well, maybe a LITTLE lazy, but mostly busy. So, here is an update on the scintillating activities of the Riggsbees!
Those of you who know us, know that we like to have our hands in the dirt, that we've always gardened, and that this is a major focus of our lives in spring and summer. Stupidly, however, we really haven't gotten a grip on how to grow stuff up here in the hills. Warmth comes so much later here than it does in the Piedmont of NC, so for the last two years, we have gotten a little ahead of ourselves. I started squash and cuke from seed...I gave some cukes to my granddaughter and hers look really good...mine are anemic, as are the squash. My tomatoes look okay, the potatoes are stupendous, the green beans are super, and the beddding flowers are good. I don't know about the squash and cuke, and just damn forget the spinach! Either we tried to plant when it was too cool, or when we composted our beds, we put in too much compost. I do hold out some hope that the anemic plants will recover...they show a few signs, but I just may have to plant some more seed. Well, I'm keeping a garden journal, so I now have dates to work with, as well as info on what is doing well and what isn't. Still, I'm looking for bumper crops to can and freeze. I'll let you know!
 |
| Truck Farming Begins! |
 |
| Susan and Howard Gibbs |
Susan and Howard Gibbs came for a visit in April. I've known Susan for a few years as we have been in the same bridge club and also worked together at UNCC. She is so wonderful and I am looking forward to her retirement on September 1...then she can come up here often! Howard, her husband, has long been a favorite of mine (all the husbands help the wives when it's their turn to host bridge), and he is a total hoot! He kept us in stitches. We really didn't do much...had dinner with some friends of ours up here, ate, drank,.. laughed and played bridge. It was a beautiful weekend, and I can't wait to repeat it!
 |
| Lauren Elizabeth Riggsbee | | |
|
And. most special of all, our granddaughter Lauren Elizabeth had her First Holy Communion last weekend. I went down on Thursday and had a root canal...yes, it was a lot of fun...went to Grandparent's Day at the school on Friday, and the communion festivities were on Saturday. This is such a special day in a young Catholic's life, and we are always proud and honored to be witness to our grandchildren's communions. Notice how beautiful she was in her Communion dress. And, just as an aside, I have never thought of her as resembling my mother, but in this picture she looks like my mother did as a child and young woman.
 |
| Jon and Patti Riggsbee, Katie, Reni, and JJ | |
|
|
|
I am going to Texas at the end of the month to keep granddaughters while their mother finishes the school year. I can't wait. Will chronicle that and send other brag photos!
Love to all.
