A long time ago when I was in high school, my friends and I used to play a game we called word for the day. We didn’t realize it at the time, but we were “Geeks”, with a capital G! I attended high school way before the term “geek” became popular. Some of you will recall that “geek” was first a derogatory term, until people like Bill Gates made geek a badge of honor word, like it is today. I don’t remember if it was one of the guys or gals in my circle of friends that started the word game, but I am forever thankful because the game significantly increased my vocabulary.

As a botany nut I’m always amazed at the diversity of plants we have in the mountains, as I’m constantly coming across plants I don’t know. One I’ve observed for a number of years but only recently caught it in bloom to identify it is Spikenard, which is mentioned in the Bible several times. The most familiar one is its use to anoint the head and feet of Jesus just prior to His crucifixion.

Double Up Food Bucks, a SNAP Doubling Program, Kicks Off in Union County on Saturday, August 3.

Maynardville – The Union County Farmers Market and Seven Springs Farm to Table farm store are excited to announce the kickoff of the Double Up Food Bucks (Double Up) program on Saturday, August 3rd in partnership with Nourish Knoxville and the Tennessee Department of Health.

As Reese Witherspoon says, “My rule is, if it’s not moving, monogram it!”, and that is exactly what Candace Russell, owner of Sweet Southern Creations in Maynardville, instills in her trade. Her business of customizing, designing, and personalizing continues to trend and thrive after three years and running.

Candace creates personalized and custom apparel and embroiders bags, hats, and well, like Reese says, anything that isn’t moving. Her business is located at her home in the Big Ridge community. Maynardville is her hometown and where her heart and family lies.

People with diabetes have a 35 percent higher risk of experiencing low back pain and 24 percent higher risk of having neck pain than those without diabetes, researchers have found after a review of relevant studies.

Not all smelly days are unpleasant. Some days have the pleasant and soothing smell of clothes that have dried outside in sunshine or smelling coconut suntan oil at the pool. I also enjoy days smelling clean babies and puppy dogs’ ears.

I was exposed to some interesting smells when I went to work for a grocery store after graduating from high school. But there was this one day that was so smelly that it is still burned into my mind and my nose.

Mincey’s Musings
Year Two, Week Twenty-Seven

Sometimes I think I am a most hard-hearted person. Things that seem to bother other people just don’t seem to affect me emotionally. Sometimes I think I am a little like Mr. Spock on Star Trek—non-emotional. I do wish if I had to be like Mr. Spock I could have access to more of his logic!

But there are things that can make even this hard-hearted sinner cry. I figure if they can get to me they can get to anybody that has any feeling for others at all.

Who says you can't have chili in the summertime? Hot dishes come from the south of the border tropical climes. Chili is good anytime and any place. This is a real summertime recipe. It features the plentiful zucchini fresh from the garden or Food City. It makes a big batch so plan to freeze some for another day.

Have you ever heard of a hobo? It has been a couple generations since they walked the land. It was a different time, the Great Depression, that is. The hobo phenomenon was part of it. They weren't bums. A bum won't work. A hobo took to the roads to find work. Let me tell you what I remember about them.

Our area’s high plant diversity makes getting outside an adventure, with every trail or country road having something interesting to see, feel or smell. If you’d like to add taste to some of your outings, there are several common plants that provide a variety of flavors to enjoy as a beverage. Here is a rundown of some that I have tried and enjoy. Be sure of correct identification before consuming any wild food and try only a small amount in case of food allergies.