Kids waving sparklers in the air,
Fireworks in the nighttime sky.
Exploding rockets and dancing stars
Remind us it's the Fourth of July!
We proudly say,
“It's Independence Day.”

Sourwood does not stand out in the forest except this time of year when it is in bloom, and perhaps in the fall when it displays brilliant red colors.

Sourwood (Oxydendrum arboreum) is locally called "sorrel” and is common in our area. It tends to be a small understory tree growing under larger tree canopies.

Isn’t it funny how we change as we go through life?

When I was a kid, lightning didn’t bother me at all. What I really hated about a storm was the thunder. You see, I can’t stand sudden loud sounds. Seriously, they hurt me from the inside out. I won’t even pop a balloon. Worse than that are fireworks. I love watching them, but not hearing them.

There are designations used to denote time to help keep historical events in perspective. There is B.C., B.C.E., and A.D. In the beginning of attempting to label events in historical time perspectives, people counted years by such things as Greek festivals or Roman emperors. Old Testament scripture alludes to this practice (e.g., “In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the LORD . . .: Isaiah 6:1 KJV). As people converted to Christianity in the New Testament era, they wanted to count their years by Christian events.

Ground beef is a favorite of mine. There are many ways to flavor an economical ground beef dish for supper. This recipe fancies up the ground beef and makes a delicious gravy. Add some mashed potatoes, fix a green salad and supper is ready.

When you think of cheese with potatoes, you usually think of Velveeta or Cheddar, not cottage cheese. Surprise! This is a good combination. There is no milk in here, just cottage cheese and egg. If you are up for trying new flavors, give this one a go. It is good.

I have written about my fascination with pineapple. Well, coconut runs a close second. I like a layer cake covered with coconut frosting. White cake or yellow cake; no matter. If it has coconut in it or on it, that cake is special to me.

Election time is coming! And June 23rd is that special day for two cities in Union County. The city of Maynardville will be electing three officers to the city council, and the city of Plainview will be casting ballots for the Mayor’s office and two Alderman seats. On Election day, opening time is 9:00am, and all polls will close at 8:00pm. (For those unable to vote or over the age of 60, please remember the availability of absentee voting, now more accessible for those affected by Covid-19.)

Chiropractors focus on the entire body and how different bodily systems work with each other. They also use their hands to diagnose and treat people. They use “adjustments” to correct alignment, improve how the body works, and restore health.

Bluegill are a fun fish to catch and eat. They will bite at almost anything, are fierce fighters when hooked, and offer meat with a slightly sweet taste. Most folks started their love for fishing as kids fishing for bluegill with a can of worms. They are easy to catch, but here are a few tips for getting a good stringer of bluegill for supper.