More than 250 million years ago, on the Pangea supercontinent, the Appalachian Mountains were formed but when Pangea split the mountains scattered the globe. There are over 2,000 miles of the …
As a young man’s wedding day approached, he confided to his father that he was fearful his soon-to-be bride would be so put off by his smelly feet that she wouldn’t want to stay married to him. …
This stretch of a disappearing August and now September is the time when most local churches hold the annual homecoming or meeting on the hill. It often marks the ending of summer before the chill of …
There is an old mountain expression that I heard more than once growing up: “She never got above her raising.” It was about as fine a compliment as you could give somebody. It didn’t …
I am happy to share memories of anyone that will take the time to write. I am delighted to hear from readers. I appreciate their comments, emails and texts. I enjoy reading other people’s life …
There’s the story about the three brothers who became very successful businessmen, and, wanting to do something grand for their 95-year-old grandmother, purchased her extravagant gifts. The …
Summer is here and back with a vengeance, the heat and humidity will take your breath away. I can’t complain though, especially after all that rain. There are saturated areas of my yard still …
When our parents got married in 1945, there was no fanfare, no build-up. There was no bridal shower, no wedding plans, no invitations. It was wartime, and our father, Sherman, had come home on …
Many years ago the late Bert Sent columnist of The Advocate, wrote about his respect and love for the people in the community of Knox County. His point of words inspired this article. Bert said….. …
Two cannibals were eating dinner, and one said to the other, “I really don’t like my mother-in-law. The other replied, “Well, just eat your noodles then.” Two cannibals were eating a …
Well kids, the party is over and the parents of Knox County are rejoicing as school is back in session next week! I fondly remember my first day of kindergarten. My older sisters had pretty much …
Water is boiling this morning! Waiting for the time it takes to steep a cup of tea, I admire a hand-crocheted runner on the table. A gift from my Aunt Louise. I value it because she created it with …
I really enjoy the old story about the wealthy man who threw a party at his mansion and invited everyone in the neighborhood to come. This man, with his extreme riches, had everything you could …
The Fall baking season is almost here! It’s the time when we dust off those old baking pans and dress up with our well worn aprons, spending countless hours on our feet in the kitchen baking for …
For generations, few events brought our community together quite like the Knox County Fair. Long before streaming services, cell phones, and endless entertainment at our fingertips, the arrival of …
My mind whirls with memories! My thoughts always venture back home to childhood and those who helped raise me. I reached out to Johnny Messer the grandson of Uncle John and Aunt Net Shorter. They …
A man and wife in their nineties were both having trouble remembering things, so they went to the doctor to see what could be done to help. The doctor advised them to start writing things down …
As we get older, I think our tastes change. Things that once made our mouths water can now tear up our stomachs for days. I used to be able to eat anything and in lots of it. I would maybe let out a …
Closet cleanouts are never enjoyable. Every shirt, coat, and pair of shoes forces a decision: What do you keep? What do you donate? What has reached the point of becoming nothing more than a cleaning …
Lately I think about many family members and friends from my childhood. I was blessed with a large family, and extended family. We were very connected in one another’s lives. Seems families today …