My Grandpa Roark was really into doing farm activities according to the signs, be it planting crops, killing weeds, or dehorning cattle. And his preference was to go by a system that used human body part signs to tell when it was a good time to do things: plant root crops when the signs are in the head and kill weeds when the signs are in the bowels. I grew up hearing this stuff and had no clue what they were talking about, except that they always used a calendar given out by one of the local banks that indicated what the signs were on a particular day. With gardening season upon us, I set out to finally figure them out…I think. The astronomy and astrology involved is mind boggling but let me take a shot at sorting it out.

Like any other body part, the spine is subject to the wear and tear of daily life and can show signs of aging. Particularly susceptible to injury are the discs that cushion the individual vertebra that make up the spine, and through which the spinal cord passes.

As a kid, I probably snarled my nose when I heard an adult say: “Back in the day…” Well, guess what? Now, it’s my turn.

Back in the day, I used to love riding in the bed of a pickup truck. To me it was like an amusement park ride. That being said, my first ride in a truck bed was not so pleasant. I don’t remember how young I was when my parents wanted to have a family fishing trip. Papaw let us drive his farm truck across his fields to get to Bull Run Creek. My dad thought I would enjoy riding in the back, so that’s where he sat me. I really wasn’t sure if I liked that experience or not, but I didn’t say anything. That is until Papaw’s cows started to run toward the truck. That terrified me and I began to cry and bang on the back glass. Are you thinking: “But Brooke, didn’t you see those cows every day?” Yes, I did, but they were always on the other side of the fence. They looked so much bigger and scarier to me as they chased us. My dad had to stop the truck and put in the cab with them. My mom said the cows wouldn’t hurt me and were used to getting hay when they saw Papaw’s truck. I didn’t care and didn’t want to ever ride in the back of the truck again.

Have you voted for Big Ridge State Park yet? Only 4 days left to show your love for BRSP.

It all began with an unexpected package from Amazon—there was no note, just my name and the package from a kind, mysterious sender. Inside the plain white bubble-wrapped package was a book titled “Who Believed in You?” I had never heard of it before, but something about the title intrigued me. As I flipped through the pages, one chapter in particular reached into my chest and gripped my heart. It discussed a hidden superpower we all possess but rarely acknowledge: Trustworthiness. Not fame, charisma, or talent, but rather the quiet, steady strength of being someone others can depend on.

The Union County Lions Club had seven Martin/Shick scholarships to award out of 26 Union County High School applicants. Competition was fierce, and these seven seniors are well-deserving.

It felt as if it took forever for us to get to Norris Pool when I was a kid. You see, once I learned how to swim, I couldn’t get enough of it. That being said, when I was standing next to the pool, I had a problem in that I knew the water was going to be ice cold.

The Union County Farmers Market began its exciting 15th season with a grand opening celebration on May 3. For the month of May, the market will temporarily move to the student parking lot at Union County High School due to construction at Heritage Park. Visitors can look forward to beloved returning vendors, new additions and an array of fun activities and community programs.

Chicken livers make a great dip. The recipe doesn't cost much to make. In saucepan melt small amount of butter. To it, add livers and cook, covered, stirring occasionally until livers are no longer pink. Chop livers in blender. Blend with remaining ingredients. Pour mixture in 2 1/2 cup mold. Chill several hours. Carefully unmold. Garnish with hard-boiled egg slices, if desired.