If you read my article, “Squishy Toes,” then you have an idea where I am going with this. If not, you will soon find out.

I miss the family Christmas get-togethers we used to have when I was a girl. They were so much fun and everybody seemed to be so happy. During this time, my Mamaw Jo and a male cousin started a tradition of exchanging gag gifts. Each year, one tried to out-best the other.

Unfortunately, I don’t remember all of the gag gifts, but there was one that I’ll never forget. It was funny and disgusting at the same time.

I met with Lisa Carter, the fine principal of Maynardville Elementary School, last week. She was on the phone when I arrived, so I had a few moments of leisure to look around her office. On the wall directly across from me was a saying—“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

Hanukkah's an O. T. tale.
Kwanzea's seven can prevail.
But Jesus' the reason I will call
Merry Christmas to one and all.
"Merry Christmas"

Coconut is one of my favorite flavors. This is one of my current favorite cookies. There are other favorites, but this is the one I go to now. I try to use a cookie batter that doesn't have to be rolled out. Just drop from a spoon or roll into small balls, like this recipe.

Here is another use for those Earl Grey tea bags lounging in your cupboard. If you are looking for an unusual cookie, you've found it.

I recently spoke to Preservation Union County board member Betty Bullen to learn more about the nonprofit organization and what it does for Union County.
Preservation Union County currently operates under the Knox Heritage umbrella, Knox Heritage having received a grant from National Historic Preservation to do outreach work with the 16 surrounding counties and creating the East Tennessee Preservation Alliance.

Over 2,500 Popular Magazines Now Available for Download through TN R.E.A.D.S.
Readers can enjoy popular magazine titles and more through the Libby reading app

The Maynardville Public Library & UT Extension Union County Presents Our Knitting and Crochet program! Below are links to the video classes we have on youtube. We have a limited number of learning supplies at Maynardville Public Library and will be handing them out on a first come first served basis. The materials are available for children 10-18 years old.
Here is our Beginner Crochet video!
https://youtu.be/ajYsG-ywGVo
Here is our Beginner Knitting Video!

Some reports have associated high-velocity upper neck manipulation with a certain rare kind of stroke, or vertebral artery dissection. However, evidence suggests that this type of arterial injury often takes place spontaneously in patients who have pre-existing arterial disease. These dissections have been associated with everyday activities such as turning one’s head while driving, swimming, or getting your hair shampooed in a hair salon.

Who hasn’t done it? Who hasn’t shaken a Christmas present? I did more than that when I was a girl.
It was the Christmas when I was nine years old. I noticed an odd shaped present under my grandparents’ Christmas tree. Most presents are square or rectangular shaped. The shape of this gift reminded me of a pyramid that had the top part of it cut off. It had a wide base with sloping sides that lead to a flat top.
With my curiosity peaked, I looked at the name tag. It was for me, from my Mamaw Gridle/Myrtle. I squealed with delight. What wonderous odd-shaped gift awaited me?