It's Still Winter

We have had many sun filled days lately - which makes the biker in us want to get out on the open road.  We made it out for a couple hours on such a sun warmed day a couple of weeks ago.  The ride was great - as was the weather, however, the scenery is still very much winter like.  I tried to get a few shots as we rode through the back roads around Cadiz. 

As soon as these trees fill out, we will not be able to see so far into the woods.

A look at a small lake.  Not very exciting is it?

Not only is the lake water level down, the streams are also suffering.

As you can imagine we are very anxious for spring.  We are hoping for more bike time this summer.

New Camera - New Year - More Riding

I have a new camera that I have been playing around with.  I'm hoping to become a little knowledgeable before it's time to get back on the road.  I have the perfect subject matter to test my skills on . . . Birds!  These little guys move around quickly, thus, proving that I need a whole lot of practice.  See for yourself . . .

All of these pictures were taken looking out my backdoor and front window.  I have a bit of learning on the software for editing and need to focus on steadying my hand with the camera - but, hey, learn as you go - right?

Fall Ride to Dunlap TN and The Cookie Jar

WOW, what a beautiful FALL we are having!  The temps have stayed in the 70's and 80's during the day, the sun shines brightly with very few clouds in the sky, and we still have a few extra hours in the day before darkness surrounds us.  Sunday was one of these perfect FALL days - we just had to take advantage of it! 

We headed toward TN and picked up our friends, Gary and Donna.  We then headed for Dunlap TN and a great little restaurant that is in the middle of nowhere called The Cookie Jar.  We've done this trip several times because it is such a beautiful ride and it combines all types of terrain and views that are spectacular!  I am hoping I have a few new views for you to see - I am still working on another PC and do not have access to my pictures.  I also do not have access to my software which enhances the pictures.  So, what you see is pretty much how it is - not quite as bright and brilliant as my usual pictures, with that said, I hope you enjoy.

The Cookie Jar restaurant sits on a hill with the foothills as a view.  It looks like an old farm house with a large wrap-around porch.  You may choose to sit inside or outside on the porch.  We arrive just before they were ready to close and they still welcomed us in with huge smiles on their faces.  All of the food is homemade and delicious.  They also have great desserts.  Pies, cakes and cupcakes.  It just isn't possible to go away hungry from this place. 

We spent 12 1/2 hours, traveling 489 miles on Sunday.  Wow, was I ever tired!  Due to the house purchase and all the hoopla surrounding it, I haven't been on the bike for over a month!  Which is a very long time when you need to sit on a seat for that long.  However sore I was, I am ready to head out again!!! 

Where have you been this FALL?

Just a couple more Harleys in the Driveway

Before I continue with a tour of our new home, I wanted to mention our little luncheon this past Saturday.  Our HOG chapter had a Progressive Ride beginning around 9:00am on Saturday.  The purpose of this ride was to ride and eat!  First stop of this three course day was for breakfast, the second stop was lunch and the final destination would be dessert.  Tim and I volunteered to put on the lunch.

For those of you that have not been to my house for a meal, let me enlighten you on my version of hospitality.  I believe NO one should ever leave my house hungry.  I really enjoy cooking and baking and I firmly believe that it is better to have too much food prepared rather than too little.  With that said, here is the menu I had planned for this lunch of unknown number of bikers.
     Hamburgers - grilled
     Potato Salad
     Macaroni Salad
     Baked Beans

Tim called me from the breakfast portion of the ride with a head count of 29 bikers.  Yes, you read that right - I did not know how many were coming for lunch until 9:30am the morning of the lunch. 

I spent most of the day on Friday preparing my salads.  I used a few more than a 10# bag of potatoes and boiled about 2 1/2 dozen eggs for my potato salad.  It took nearly an entire large jar of mayo!  I used my tried and true recipe that has been in the family forever. 

I then decided to add a Macaroni Salad to ensure I had enough food.  I had checked online for a great macaroni salad and was unable to find anything, so I came up with a concoction I call the BMT Salad  (Bacon, Macaroni, Tomato) and it turned out yummy!  I just threw some on-hand ingredients together and I had a great new salad.  Ingredients included  Cooked Macaroni, cooked Bacon, Fresh Tomatoes.  I tossed those three things together and then added Western Dressing, Mayo, Mustard, Sugar, Vinegar, Salt & Pepper until it all tasted like something I would serve to my family and friends.

I also made Baked Beans from scratch which I always love.  We served the food buffet style on the front porch and set up tables in the yard for everyone to enjoy the meal.  Tim and I really enjoyed having this event and may even volunteer again.  I have added a few pictures of all the bikes sitting in our driveway.

It was a bit chilly to begin the day, but the sun was shinning and we hope that everyone had a great time and that they enjoyed the lunch!