Knoxville TN: Knoxville Deputy Mayor, Bill Lions, presented a proclamation on behalf of the people of Knoxville to the Authors Guild of Tennessee proclaiming November 1, 2018 as Authors Day in the City of Knoxville. The proclamation was signed by Mayor Madeline Rogero. A second proclamation from Knox County was presented by Randall Carpenter and signed by County Mayor Glen Jacobs.

Samuel Jefferson Ledgerwood - Early Superintendent of Union County Schools

Searching and researching our history at times is very difficult. Sometimes it is right in front of us and we can’t see it. In trying to organize some old pictures I found a picture of Samuel Jefferson Ledgerwood, son of Marganner and James Lourentry Ledgerwood, and a little history to go with it.

"Oh boy!" This catch phrase was uttered by fictional character Sam Beckett from the TV series Quantum Leap in every episode as he would leap into a seemingly impossible situation. Romans Chapter 1 is probably one of the most controversial chapters in the Bible, especially in our age of diversity and tolerance. The reasons Romans 1 is so controversial is because most people stop reading at the end of chapter 1, ignore the context and rail against one particular type of sin. Michael the archangel did not even rail against Satan when contending with that devil over the Law. (Jude 1:9). For the record, Paul's letter to the Romans is about SALVATION.

The answer is likely yes—especially if you’re a young adult or a woman. “iPad neck” persistent pain in the neck and upper shoulders caused by slouching or bending into extreme positions while using tablet computers—is a growing problem among Americans, according to a new UNLV study.

Have you ever eaten goose for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner? It was an old timey delicacy. Back in the day, many farmers raised ducks and geese. What about the wild Canadian geese we see on the Fountain City Pond in wintertime? I know someone who caught and roasted one, but that is another story. I am talking about the domesticated kind of geese.

Once upon a time, there was a turkey named Purkey who loved to dance. While the other turkeys ate and gobbled, she froliced around the barnyard.

“How silly you are Purkey! Gooble. Gobble.” They teased her, but she didn’t care. Purkey kept on dancing. It made her happy.

Soon the leaves turned vivid colors and fell off the trees. The wind blew with coolness. Purkey didn’t care because she was too busy dancing. Then one day the farmer walked into the barnyard with something in his hand. Purkey couldn’t tell what it was and she didn’t care.

Mincey’s Musings
Year One, Week Forty-Five

I received an email from a fellow writer recently who was told by a family member of the person being researched that perhaps she could contact me for some memories. I was touched that my friend’s family would think that I was a good enough friend of Winnie McDonald to be asked to share memories of her. I shared a memory, but selfishly reserved one of the better ones to share with you.

Squirrel hunting is a popular pastime in our area, second only to rabbits in the small game category. For woodland owners that want to encourage high squirrel populations, the key is having the right habitat.

Years ago I wrote a Christmas play for small children at our church. Since my name is McMurtrie, I wrote about the adventures of the McMouse family at Christmas time. We had a lot of fun with the concept of mice celebrating Christmas. Why not? Sometimes the easiest way to get an important meaning across to children is through cartoon characters. It works for adults as well.

When I roast a turkey, everyone in my family goes for the white meat. I am the only one opting for the drumstick or thigh. That is, until I fix Turkey Legs and Gravy. Years ago in the 60s, turkey legs in the meat case at the store went for thirty-nine cents a pound. I could afford that. The problem was to figure out a recipe that my family would eat.