By Steve Roark
Volunteer Interpreter, Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
If you hike in the woods late summer into fall you are likely to have a face to literal face run-in with spiderweb.
The culprit is the spiny orb weaver, who has a knack for building webs across trails at eye level. The number of webs increase this time of year as the spiders increase their food energy intake to be able to lay eggs before hard winter sets in.

It’s a balmy afternoon with the temperatures hitting the 90s, but I’m comfortable on my porch as the afternoon shadows get long. The birds and squirrels are searching for their supper in my yard and trees.
While watching this late afternoon daily happenings I am hit with an old memory that almost ruins my afternoon reverie.
My thoughts go back to my earlier and more naïve life. As a younger man, I wanted to live my life on the ocean in a southern region.

I was on my way to work a few days ago when I saw a message on a local business’ signboard:
TRUST IN
GOD
LUNCH
BBQ
My warped sense of humor kicked in. I would never in my life have equated lunch and BBQ to be on a level with God. Then again, I’ve never literally starved, either. I have been blessed in life a few times for God to have provided me with BBQ for lunch, most pleasantly at the 33 Diner, my all-time favorite place on this earth to eat.
There was another occasion that I saw this message on a church’s sign:
GOD IS LOVE
RUMMAGE SALE

Being a little different is a part of who I am, and to be honest, it has never really bothered me. Well, that is except for the fact that I used to hate pizza. Did that blow your mind? If so, you are not alone.
I was the only person in elementary school who wasn’t excited when it was pizza day. When it was lunch time, the cafeteria ladies would fix me something else.

I have been a photojournalist and published author since 2016, but have always wanted to pursue the career of travel writer. So here we go. Hopefully I can offer some excursions of interest for my readers.
My travels will sometimes focus on areas in Tennessee and surrounding states. But if you don’t live close, that’s okay. I plan to extend my treks into regions hundreds of miles away, and even international. I might journey to somewhere you have never thought about as a place to get away. Or, I may dive toward a location you would in no way consider stepping into. My hope is that you will piggy-back on my journey and find a magical place you have always wanted to explore. Come along with me in written word as we traverse our beautiful country, and hopefully, others.

Mayor Bailey received a DAG grant during the Covid pandemic. Now the Maynardville Public Library has ADA doors push a button and they open automatic. We also have a new sign by Sign Guys at the road and on our Shed by Foxy Wrap. A Puppet Theater and Puppets in the teen room, and new rugs. At Sharp Chapel Book Station we got 5 medal shelves. Which was made possible by the DAG Grant through County Mayor, Jason Bailey. Once again, thank you, Mayor Bailey!

Here are more strategies to prevent injuries when lifting and carrying luggage:

• If using a backpack, make sure it has two padded and adjustable shoulder straps. Choose one with several compartments to secure various-sized items, packing the heavier things low and towards the center. Always wear a backpack on both shoulders—slinging it over one shoulder does not allow weight to be distributed evenly, which can cause muscle strain.

I know this may sound strange, but one of my favorite childhood memories happened after church let out.
The church we attended at that time was built in the late 1800s. In front of it was an old wooden hitching post that stood about a foot tall. People used to tie their horses to it before service. Best of all, that old post stood underneath a tree. I don’t remember what kind of tree it was, but it never grew to be very tall.

I’m sure most people have at one time or another in their lives heard of a book titled Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus. It was published in 1992, and is purported to be the ultimate guide to help men understand the opposite sex.
Let me share something with you. I took a class called Marriage and the Family when I was an undergraduate at Lincoln Memorial University. I made an “A”. I have also read the aforementioned book, long before I got married. Neither experience taught me one thing that I have found useful in my own married life.

I have taught Sunday School for most of my life. I remember the first year I taught a preschool class. Classes were excused for the summer to be resumed in the fall with the beginning of the school year. I wanted to do something special for the four and five year olds. A picnic and party at my house would do the trick. I gave each parent an invitation with the date and location of the event.