In the second part of our tomato series, we discussed fertilization and weed control. In this edition, we will talk about two important parts of growing tomatoes, planning the garden layout and the thing we seem to either have too little or much of, water. Water is a critical resource in everything we do as humans. Sufficient water is the key to success in our gardens. I’d also like to share a photo from my 2019 tomato season, my daughter helping me with planting our garden (Photo 1). I must insist that eating the garden dirt would be an unpleasant experience, but she disagreed.

To commemorate National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW), which runs April 19-25, 2020, 8th District Attorney General Jared Effler and his staff had originally planned a week-long “Walk Across the District” with designated walks to be held on each day of the week in each of the five counties within the district, covering Campbell, Claiborne, Union, Scott, and Fentress counties in honor of crime victims; however, in light of current circumstances, General Effler is now asking us all to observe this very important week in a different way, individually.

The church I attend has a strong commitment to the community, reaching out in a variety of ways. The particular niche I have settled into is food delivery for the FISH program. In rotation with other area organizations, once a month we open the phone lines to answer the needs of those in our area who, for whatever reason, are having trouble getting access to enough food. We do not ask for proof of need, or employment status, or try to find out if they already have food in their home. If a person calls and says they need food we say, “Okay.

The world’s population is steadily growing older. Along with increased age comes a variety of age-related health problems, and degenerative spine diseases constitute a common health problem in older persons.

Spine surgery can improve quality of life in many patients with damaged or deteriorating spinal components. This is true for older patients as well as for younger ones. But what about patients in the upper range of elderly, those 80 years of age or older? Is spine surgery advisable in this group and what risks does it carry?

I’m not sure if it’s a southern saying or something my family said, but I heard “Dropped by” quite often while growing up. It simply means an unexpected visit to somebody else’s home. Usually it was somebody you knew, but in times of desperation it could be any home. I had to “Drop by” a stranger’s home many years ago and it’s a day a-I still remember. And I still can’t explain what I experienced.

(This is the continuation of last week’s story titled “From Dust Thou Art”.)

It was after Bella had put the little Mosley aunts to bed and had turned in herself before Mother Maggie returned. She talked quietly to Pa Fain, so quietly that Bella tiptoed out of her bed and hid behind the living room door to hear what was being said. Bella was so curious to know what had happened to Della that she felt she could not sleep if she didn’t know. Sneaking like this was dangerous, for if Pa Fain had caught her, his belt strap would have given her backside a reminder not to snoop that would have lasted for at least a week.

Everybody loves Banana Pudding. This recipe is a variation of that favorite. I made it when I was doing the Wednesday night suppers at church. It is a good potluck dish, doesn't cost much to make and goes together quickly. If you like a butterscotch flavor, this is for you.

Utility Services are what makes our homes comfortable, providing electricity, water, sewage disposal, etc. It’s easy to forget that these services are provided through wires and pipes that are overhead or below ground. When trees are planted near these lines there could be trouble in the future, so think before you plant. Here are some things to consider.

Back in the 90’s when I was seriously getting into writing, I also rediscovered a childhood favorite. That was the show, Zorro, and it was on the Disney Channel at the time. Zorro was the brainchild of a pulp magazine writer named Johnston McCulley back in 1919 when he published “The Curse of Capistrano.” The next year it was made into a silent movie with Douglas Fairbanks in the title role. McCulley cranked out many more Zorro stories until his death. There were more movies (like the stellar Tyrone Power film of the 1940’s) and numerous serials as well.

You all know the nursery rhyme. In fact, I’ll bet that most of you are humming it in your head right now after reading the title of this article. It’s cute, it’s easy for little ones to remember, and it asks an age-old, thought-provoking question.

“How I wonder what you are!”