Ever do one of those things that, if your brain had been in gear, you would never have done? I seem to have a history of instances of my brain turning off just long enough for me to do something dumb. Often some degree of pain is involved.

I have been reading a lot of Westerns lately. Add that to the 1950's Westerns i watch on television. That makes for a slew of hand-rolled cigarettes, but they don't look right. How do I know the real thing? Easy. My Dad was a tobacco smoker. He preferred cigarettes, but would smoke a pipe. Chewing tobacco and snuff were not to his liking.

Here is a different way to fix fish, any fish. Of course, it works best with fillets. Try it. Thaw fish in water. Drain and pat dry with paper towels. Line a buttered 9 by 13 inch baking pan with half the onion slices. Top with fillets and remaining onion slices. Combine mayonnaise, lemon juice and Worcestershire sauce in small bowl. Spread evenly over the onion slices. Sprinkle with grated cheese. In preheated 350 F. oven, bake for 35 minutes or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork.

By: Steve Roark
Volunteer, Cumberland Gap National Historical Park

If you own much land, chances are it has thistle growing on it. This group of plants is one of the most persistent weeds in our area, and if dirt is exposed it will likely end up growing there.

Arnold Smallin, chaplain for both the Tri-County Honor Guard and the Union County American Legion Post 0212, attended his first funeral with military honors about 12 years ago and was less than impressed. The military service was not well-executed, there were few military participants, and they were not in uniform. He later attended a burial where the military honors were performed by the Tri-County Honor Guard and his whole opinion changed. The military professionalism, the honor and respect shown the deceased serviceman changed Arnold Smallin’s mind about the honor guard, and so he joined.

We had such a wonderful time at the summer reading programs this year at the Union County Libraries and Book Station.
We want to thank all our local volunteers, teachers, library board members, parents, guardians and family members who were able to bring their children to participate and encourage a love for reading.
The Union County First Responders demonstrated job duties, promoted safety and shared rescue experiences at the Maynardville Public Library (MPL).

You don’t have to be an ironworker to be at risk for back injury on your job. Every occupation, however physically undemanding it may seem, carries the potential for back injury. Even office work can pose problems. A physically intense job might put a person at greater risk for a serious accident, but the sedentary practice of sitting at a desk all day brings its own set of physical concerns.

If you have read any of my articles, you know that I like to write about my childhood memories from church. I have one that left such an impression on me that I have never forgotten it.

If you like fried okra and fried green tomatoes, put them together and make this dish. The flavors blend beautifully. Wipe out skillet and fry second batch with fresh oil. Combine sliced okra and chopped tomatoes and onions in mixing bowl. Pour oil to depth of 2 inches in electric skillet. Heat oil to 375 F. Fry half the mixture until lightly brown. Remove with slotted spoon. Drain oil from skillet. Wipe out skillet and repeat procedure. Sprinkle with salt and serve immediately. 6 servings.

There are two masons in my family now. Who was the first one? Me, who else? I have been laying block or stone for most of my adult life. I can show you everything from fireplace to walls to walks. I am good. I can lay a wall at a fifteen degree angle without using a level. Yes, I , , , am . . . good!

Who is the second mason in my family? I am glad you asked. It is my eighteen year old grandson, Joseph McMurtrie. He got a job recently as a mason tender. It's a start.