Burn Baby Burn

Things are heating up and afire at the ole Frye brother homestead, and it’s not my arsonist cousin this time 😉

The site prep crew have been after it, working every day to get the site prep’d and ready.

With the grass being so thick, it’s making it difficult for their grading machine to scape the ground as designed, so their solution is to burn 🔥 the grass in the areas needing grading, which is working perfectly!

This first pic below is actually a pile of brush and limbs and trees, roots and stumps that they’ve cleared and taken down. Burning 🔥 it is a great way to get rid of it all and is more cost effective than loading it up and trucking it off -

That John Deere tractor 🚜 and grader is an impressive monster of a machine -

The site where our new house will sit is ready. Yurezz has been notified and they’ll schedule a crew to install the house footings!!  Once those are set, the actual house delivery will take place!

Things are progressing nicely!

Enf Said!

They say, “when in Rome”, so I had my first Dr Enuf today!

And it wasn’t bad at all. Has a similar taste to Sprite but it’s “vitamin fortified”! Now, you can’t beat that with a stick.

“Dr. Enuf is a lemon-lime flavored, vitamin-fortified soft drink created in 1949, known as an "energy booster" with B vitamins, caffeine, and sugar, marketed as a healthier alternative to other sodas. It has a strong regional following, particularly in the Johnson City, Tennessee area where it's bottled by Tri-City Beverage, and is recognized for its unique taste, which some describe as medicinal or less sweet than Sprite/7-Up”…

My Own TSA Agent

Ms Trixie checking out my Amazon packages that just arrived.

She has a nose like Jimmy Durante and is highly trained to verify all incoming packages to ensure they’re safe AND to see if there are any doggie treats -

Alas, no treats to be found in tonight’s delivery 🚚 

Better luck next time.

Filler Up!

⛽️ and 🥪 

I can’t recall the last time gas was this low back in Massachusetts.  Gas prices here in Tennessee are less expensive, which is a nice change!

I needed a refuel for myself too, so an inexpensive and tasty grilled cheese with ham sandwich 🥪 from Johnny’s  filled my tank too.

We’re Looking At You!

Mr Oscar and Ms Violet were more interested, fixated actually, in the piece of pizza I was eating and not the New York City New Years Eve ball drop that was seconds away from dropping!

So I shared. I mean how could anyone not share with those two, c’mon now…

OH! It’s Begun…

The site prep work for our new house has begun!

This first pic was taken back in, I’m guessing, the early 1980s, shortly after we purchased the farm, at the Pritchard street entrance and shows the gate my uncle Joe, my dad, my brother and I built and installed -

Jump ahead to Monday December 29, 2025 at the same Pritchard street entrance but SO much has changed. Trees and brush and weeds have taken over, and frustratingly someone stole the actual gate believe it or not! Piece's of shite 💩 -

Tuesday December 30th view of the same entrance. Site work has officially begun -

Wednesday December 31st view. The driveway is really starting to take shape -

And Thursday, January 1st 2026 view. Even though it was a holiday, BRDW was onsite and working! It’s hard to tell in the pic but the grade level has been raised in the section of the driveway besides the pond -

The site prep is progressing nicely and it’s only been 3 days! They’re doing a good job and making some great progress!

More to come, stay tuned -

Happy 2026 New Year

Roadside Dining

A bit of a backup on Old State Rte 34 in Limestone the other afternoon, as a wake of Black Vultures were doing their jobs and scavenging some roadkill carrion -

For the squeamish, my apologies for the graphic pic below, but Mr bunny never had a chance, alas.

What I failed to capture in the pic, because I didn’t realize it when I snapped this, was a similar looking, squashed Mr opossum just out of frame to the right.

Perhaps why these vultures looked a bit puzzled; trying to decide what they each had a hanker’n for, rabbit or opossum -

A word to the wise, always look 👀 both ways when crossing the street!

Food (Cereal) For Thought

You know what I suddenly realized while driving to Limestone this morning?  

I drive with my left hand, essentially putting my life in the hand that I can’t even eat a bowl 🥣 of cereal with!

Hmmm 🤔 

The Old Bait And Switch

Well, well, we’ll just when I post about how unseasonably warm and nice it is here in JC, I wake up to this -

Okay, this isn’t funny -

I’d like to speaker to a manager, NOW!

Storage Galore

The Frye brothers are now in the import export business -

All 40’ of it!

December Blooms

I took advantage of the warm weather yesterday and went for a couple mile walk around a section of the ETSU athletic fields -

Seems the super warm weather has the cherry trees fooled, as many of them are loaded with buds with oodles literally blooming -

However, today, the weather changed and the temperatures dropped. Back to seasonal temps in the thirties, Brrr 🥶 

Gonna be a rude awakening for these cherry trees…

My Favorite Arsonist

I learned yesterday that my cuz is a firebug!

With lighter fluid in hand, those branches, limbs and sticks had NO chance…

Actually, it was perfect timing, as the sun went down shortly after lighting this bad boy and it got a bit chilly. This roaring fire 🔥 warmed things up!

Soaking It All In!

We had an awesome day here in JC yesterday!

Actually, the weather has been more spring like since I arrived, nice and warm -

It was SO nice that Ms. Trixie and I relaxed on the porch swing enjoying the sunshine ☀️, just toiling the afternoon away -

I’m ready to argue the saying “Almost Heaven, West Virginia”, should apply to Sunnydew Circle in JC as well!!

Just can’t be beat!

#Blessed

What Time Is It Anyway?

This is what 6:45AM looks like here in JC.

I find it deceiving being it’s still so dark, unlike back in MA, but I’m adjusting-

Communication Challeges

Sure would be helpful if there was a Google app or some utility that helped with translating Massachusetts speak to Tennessee speak and vice-versa!

For example, I was explaining how I needed to run out and pick up some basic “staples”, you know to get me through a couple of days. Things like milk, eggs, bread, etc. - necessities! 

Well, some Tennesseans misunderstood and thought I was needing actual staples 😂

One smaht ass left me the above note, see pic -

Clearly, she doesn’t get it or me yet! But also seems she doesn’t get that the above item is a “staplER” and NOT “stapleS”!

Staples can be supplies and/or what goes inside a staplER!

I’ve got my work cut out for me 😉

Love, Peace and Joy

Wishing my family and friends a VERY Merry Christmas 🎄 and a happy and health 2026 New Year 🎉!

#Blessed

I’ve Missed This!

I’m back in the chicken game baby!!

I’m tending to these 3 ladies and already enjoying it!

Although, they’ve slowed their laying, I’ve collected a couple eggs so far and they were delicious! You just can NOT beat (pun intended) fresh laid eggs!

Tennessee Beginners Luck Perhaps

Oh, the winning just keep coming! This time on a Tennessee Powerball ticket.

Another $4.00 winner.

At this pace I’ll be able to afford a donut with my morning coffee…

Almost Heaven

I’m starting to get used to this!

An awesome sunset last night -

#Blessed

PB&J Draft!

Dined at Rocks Wood Fired Pizza & Grill for the first time last night and had a delicious pepper, onion and sausage pizza!

I also enjoyed several frosty peanut butter and jelly drafts! I kid you not and they tasted just like the samwich.

Don’t knock it until you try it!

 

Great food, great service (just don’t hit on the waitress, she’s married and pregnant!) and the greatest company!

I inadvertently pulled an Alan Harper too and left my wallet and cash at the house, UGH, no lie - SO embarrassing!

THANK YOU Joesph for covering me! I clearly have some atoning to do 😔 and will make it up to you!

The chauffeur, and door to door pick up and drop off, was top notch! I highly recommend him!

#Blessed

Find The Critter

Can you find the critter in the picture below -

Make yourself at home why don’t yeah…

Fit To Be Tied!

Folks I’ve run into my first major challenge since arriving in Tennessee, see above -

Yup, this little strip of tape is the culprit!

I bought a loaf of bread and a package of Asiago bagels, my favorite, at Krogers yesterday.

These packages were sealed with the above tape, NOT the little twist ties I’m used to from up North. Well, I struggled and struggled just trying to get that darn tape off and open the packages! I resorted to using a steak knife and about lopped a finger off!

Phew, I finally got them opened but I was hangry at the time so things were a bit amped up as I’m sure you can imagine.

So, now that they’re opened, how do I reseal the bags?!

Seems I got a bit of learn’n and adjust’n to do to this southern liv’n!

Tick Tock, Tick Tock

And the clock keeps ticking…

New High Score

But who’s counting, besides me -

So, this posting makes my blog entries for 2025 the most I’ve ever posted in a single year since I began blogging!

This makes 366!! That’s a whole lotta nuff’n and hot air for sure.

And there’s still a couple weeks left in December too.

Rise And Shine

 Good morning from Johnson City Tennessee!

It’s not the view I’ve had for the past 26 years but this sunrise view from the kitchen sink window here in Johnson City is just as awesome!

Welcome to day 1 of my new adventure!

Moo Moo Cows

I drove over 600 miles before I saw my first cow! I mean, I’ve seen cows before but on my journey from Massachusetts to Tennessee, it wasn’t until I crossed into Virginia till I saw my first. After that, they were constant throughout the rest of my trek through the state.

I’m sure in passed some in New York and Pennsylvania and West Virginia but missed them.

However, I did see oodles of deer, sadly they were all roadkill! I’d guess close to a dozen! Matter of fact, a big does ran out across our SUV when we were returning home from lunch this afternoon in downtown Johnson City. That one survived…

Noah Start Another Ark

This was my 5:00AM wake up alarm this morning here in Hagerstown,MD!

It’s pouring and coming down sideways, as the wind is ripping, UGH!

Was hoping to venture out to find a coffee but not in this. Hoping it stops, as I would prefer to NOT have to start the second leg of my journey in this…

Damn Hard Acre To Sell Is An Understatement

Well my friend the time has come.

I've made the difficult, heartbreaking and bittersweet 💔 decision to sell my house - the paperwork has been signed, my belongs have been packed and I'm headed south!

I've called this place home for the past 26 years. It's been my safe space and the place that SO many wonderful memories were made.

Fell in love, raised a family, entertained family and friend, met and made some of my best friends here, even buried family too, and created memories that mean the world to me!  Although, I will not be here physically, I will carry ALL the memories with me, as I move onto the next chapter of my life.

The kids and I slept on the floor in the living room on our first night here as new homeowners back in 2000.  It was special and the beginning of a 26 year run!  I plan on recreating the same on my last night here, to close the circle, and will be sleeping on the floor in the living room one last time but this time it'll be just me and Ms. Trixie.

But time marches on and there have been many changes in my life these past several years, so it's time.  It's time to change things up, take that chance and jump to see what life has in store for me in my next chapter.

I'm scared. I'm sad. I'm heartbroken but I'm proud and oh so thankful for what I accomplished here these past 26 years and for all I have!

Click to listen - -> Cooper Alan - "Hard Acre"

"It ain’t easy, yeah it’s bittersweet. Handing somebody else the keys."

Saw it as I was driving by 

An old man tapping in a for sale sign

So I pulled into the gravel drive 

And said “whatcha want for it?”

Well if ya got time I can show you round 

It’s got good bones and solid ground 

I said “sold” so he pulled a bottle out

And he started pouring 

He said as he shed a tear 

Son you’re gonna love it here

I thought I’d be here til I died 

But the money ran out before my time 

Without her here it’s too much by myself 

If it’s as good to you as it was to me

Then you’ll fill this house full of memories

And end up with more stories than you can tell

And if you’re lucky as hell

It’ll be a damn hard acre to sell 

Buddy you ain’t seen a view 

Til the woman you love’s holding onto you

Kids running round the front yard together 

She leans in and whispers I could do this forever 

I thought I’d be here til I died 

But the money ran out before my time 

Without her here it’s too much by myself 

If it’s as good to you as it was to me

Then you’ll fill this house full of memories

And end up with more stories than you can tell

And if you’re lucky as hell

It’ll be a damn hard acre to sell 

It ain’t easy, yeah it’s bittersweet 

Handing somebody else the keys 

But I can tell

That you’re gonna treat it well 

I thought I’d be here til I died 

But the money ran out before my time 

Without her here it’s too much by myself 

If it’s as good to you as it was to me

Then you’ll fill this house full of memories

And end up with more stories than you can tell

And if you’re lucky as hell

It’ll be a damn hard acre to sell 

It’ll be a damn hard acre to sell

Not An Expressway

 Snapped this pic on rt.84 in Pennsylvania -

“Exit only” is an understatement…

The Missing Cat Toys

Oliver, the cat, went to live with Emilie over 6 or so months ago now. He’s adjusted fine and doing well. I would never admit it, especially I writing, but I do miss him very much! I think Ms. Trixie does too.

Look at all of Oliver’s play toys that were hidden under the curio cabinet in the dinning room -

The blue soft fuzzy balls were his favorites!

Emilie is planning to stop by in the morning before work and will pick these up and bring them to Oliver!

Safebound

They’re here!!

Arrived about 11:00AM.

One truck, two men.

Santa Came Early

Emilie and I went to La Familia, in Wrentham, last night for an early dinner. They make one of the best chicken parmigiana around and it was delicious!

 Emilie surprised me with a couple early Christmas gifts -

I opened them this morning, couldn’t wait for Christmas.

They’re perfect and of course each one I unwrapped made the tears flow more and more.

With all the chaos these last couple of months, the holidays just aren’t the same.  It’s gonna be a different Christmas this year, as I won’t get to host and spend an evening with both my girls and daughter in law.

Although we wont be together physically, I’ll be with them in spirit and in my heart!

They’re the loves of my life!

“Every Drop Tells A Story"

I had my final inspection this morning, the water meter reading -

“This reading closes a chapter filled with laughter, tears, and ordinary days that meant everything.”

Passed with flying colors!

Open Flame Cooking

When you realize you need, once again, to improvise in order to complete this mornings breakfast -

I took the old toaster oven, along with other metal and heavy plastics, to the Franklin Beaver street recycle center on Sunday morning and tossed them each into their respective recycle bins.

So, no toaster the morning, DUH!

No worries all was not lost, and once again I put on my MacGyver hat, and toasted up my slice of bread perfectly on an open flame.  Just like I was out camping and roughing it in the wilderness.

The "Inspector" General

I thought it was curiosity that killed the cat?!

Ms. Trixie has been curious with something under the kitchen sink.  I catch her snooping in there quite often, like this morning, see pics below -

Many times there's just a sign that she's been poking around, the cabinet door propped open.

She's been doing this for a while now.  I've made sure there was nothing under there that she could get into that would harm her but she's never been the chewy, eating everything kinda dog.

A this point everything has been removed from under there and wiped clean, so not sure what the attraction is but she only has a couple of days left to figure it out.

I Can't

I've tried but my vibe recently -

Third Times The Charm

Yup, I won another $4.00 in last nights Powerball drawing -

Again, there were no winners, so gonna let it all ride on tickets for the next drawing...

🙏