I felt so sorry for my mom. Not only because strange things seem to happen to the both of us, but because she was in pain.
Back in the early ’80’s, we had a wood stove in the basement. I have previously talked about how my mom was the only one who tended to it. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to help. I asked her several times to show me how, but each time, she answered, “No!”
Why? Because I was a typical teenage girl. She knew my mind would be on boys, school drama and homework. Then I asked if I could at least help by carrying in some wood. Again, she answered, “No!”

Country Connections By James and Ellen Perry
It’s early morning and I’m sitting on my front porch pondering the emigration from Union County, Tennessee, that had been going on since the end of WWII in 1945.
Most immigrated to the northern states for a supposed better life provided by higher paying jobs in factories which had been suppressed in the South since the Civil War.

“Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” This statement is part of Paul’s closing instructions from his letter to the Churches in the region then known as Galatia.

By Steve Roark
Volunteer, Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
Ticks season is officially here, though to be honest I was pulling them off me in January. With ticks come the concern of getting some serious illnesses they can carry. So be on guard to protect yourself and your family.

This spring UT Extension challenged our elementary school 4-H clubs to “Walk Across TN.” Each class received a state map, logbook, and pedometers to track their progress. By wearing pedometers to track steps during the day, students got to see how active they are compared to their peers. They encouraged each other to participate in healthy movement throughout the day in a shared goal of making it across the state. By logging steps taken, students learned about record keeping and used important math skills.

Different stretches have different functions. Some focus on a particular muscle or muscle group or limb and improve movement. Others, sometimes referred to as ‘active’ stretches, are intended to increase strength. These three exercises are designed to do both with your back:

The bridge: Lie on your back with your knees pointing up and your feet flat on the floor. Tighten your buttocks and stomach muscles and slowly raise your hips. Hold for a count of ten, and lower your hips. Do 10 repetitions at least once, up to 3 times per day.

Not many people know this but, I absolutely love to watch fire burning in the fireplace or at a bon fire. In fact, I have told Tim I would like to have a fire pit in the back yard. Considering what happened to me as a child, it is surprising that I enjoy watching fires.

A former teacher of mine recently gave me several books. One of them was titled The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom. I believe this is the second time I have read the book, but if so the first was so long ago that I remembered none of the plot.

This recipe is so easy. There is no time wasted preparing meatballs. Start this recipe early in the day before your company comes. You have enough to do. By the way, if you have grape jelly and canned apple juice, you can turn to around and use 1 cup grape jelly and 1 cup apple juice. Who says we can't be adaptable.

Thunderstorms are common during the hot afternoons of summer, and some folks (like me) are invigorated by all the wind, flashes of light, and noise... a sort of natural fireworks show.