I returned today from a conference at which every school superintendent in the state of Tennessee was present. The agenda for the last day had a musical theme, though no one sang.
I noted one of the session titles alluded to Elvis Presley’s song “A Little Less Communication.” Many of you, Dear Readers, might find this song worthy of a listen on YouTube. I just listened to part of it, and I don’t consider it one of Elvis’ best. I did a Google search for the lyrics, parts of which are interesting.
A little less conversation, a little more action, please

Red cabbage is so pretty resting there in the produce counter next to its green cousin. I had never found a satisfying recipe for red cabbage until recently. The flavor is different from that of the green variety so it needs to be prepared differently. Try this.

Just sitting on my front porch enjoying the late September afternoon with the high temps cooling down a bit, letting my mind meander and bring up pleasant visions of the present and past.
I’m seeing butterflies and birds coming through our yard getting nectar from our flowers, building surplus energy for their journey to Central America for the upcoming winter.
Saturday morning, I was standing on the patio when a beautiful tiny green hummingbird flew up within a foot of my face and hovered looking at me for at least 30 seconds, then flew away.

My dad was born in 1942 and although electricity was starting to be available, he grew up without electricity or running water.
When I asked my dad about that kind of life he reminded me that even though he grew up poor without much in East Tennessee, so did every other family he could remember. He did not realize the struggle that his mom must have had to endure at the time because everyone lived the same way. His mom raised nine kids in a tiny home without any of the modern conveniences that we require today.

What in the world do a peacock and a humor contest have in common? Yours truly, and here’s why:
If you know me or have ready any of my articles or books, then you know the strangest things seem to befall me. As I grew older, I realized these odd things didn’t happen as much to my friends. That may have bothered most people, but it didn’t faze me at all. I used to joke by saying, “I guess God doesn’t want me to get bored.”

We all have memories of unusual things. Well, I remember when you could buy gasoline cheap, really cheap. That was back in 1940, before the, War, a long time ago. Don't believe me? I have a picture to prove it. Mother took a picture of goats pulling some sort of contraption. Dad was standing off to the left side in the picture. A gas station sign happened to be caught on camera on the right side.. There it is: anti-knock for 14 cents per gallon and ethyl for a penny more at 15 cents per gallon. So for a penny more, you got a better grade.

Will a man rob God?
This is the question God’s messenger known as Malachi asked the remnant of Israel beginning around 425 B.C.
Malachi, whose name literally translates as “My Messenger” warned the Jewish priest and the people of Israel that God was not pleased with their halfhearted worship of Him. Malachi was the final writing prophet in the Old Testament and his message is appropriately placed last.

Fall is a great time to plant trees, as it allows the tree roots to settle in and get established during the dormant season, making it better prepared for the Spring growth spurt and summer heat. You can plant even in early winter as long as the soil is not frozen. Here are some tree planting guidelines:

Get it while it lasts! As fall approaches, with its promise of cooler weather, it brings with it the end of our beloved Saturday morning farmers markets. Located in the newly constructed pavilion next to Union County Highschool, this quaint little market carries a robust variety of goodies for shoppers. Catering to all ages, from 0 to 100, there is something for everyone!

Muster up a bit of competitive spirit or follow your nostalgic heart for some good ole memories of pumpkins, pies and pictures. The 18th Union County Heritage Festival has a contest for everyone.