I need to back track a little bit...kind of lost a week in there some where..

So fun to have Kate home for the weekend...we had a good visit with Mark Sunday afternoon.  He has such a neat yard and an amazing garden. 

We were standing in his gazebo for this picture...it's so pretty...all covered in grape vines loaded with grapes too...

 He grows some pretty amazing roses too.  He had vases full of big blooms all over his house.

This was his kitty's grave...he died this summer while Mark was out of town.  Mark had been expecting it though....the cat was really old and sick.  He told his buddy who looks after his place that if the cat dies...just put it in a plastic bag and stick it in the freezer...then he'll have a proper burial when he got home....guess it all worked out cause there he is.

I sure do love Mark.  He is a truly unique character but a lot like Kelley in many ways.  He's very laid back and fun to be with. He's been very successful financially, but doesn't flaunt it.   He always has a funny story to tell about something he's done and believe me, he's done a lot.

 

We were asking Mark where he kept all his stuff he puts up...He bottles tons of salsa, peppers, pears, peaches, jelly, jam, beans, tomato's...etc...

He took us down the cellar.  ...it was very similar to mum and daddy's cellar...minus the cobwebs and  other creepy effects.    I wish we had a place like that though to keep things cool.

He gave me some tips on canning and storage of the squash, then loaded us up with two bags of peppers, a big bag full of lavender...(smells like heaven!) and also several bottles of his own bottled peppers and spicy sweet jalapeno jelly!    He is a peach!

We went over to visit Grampa and Pat too.  I love to talk to Kelley's dad. It amazes me how well he still gets along and all he is able to do.  Glad Kate was able to see them all while she was here...I know it means a lot to Kelley's dad.