Several years ago I was charged with publishing the newsletter for the Union County Education Association. One of the first tasks was to determine a title. A good teacher colleague of mine suggested Can We Talk? for the newsletter’s name. I did not think much of the suggestion, but I had no better idea, so I went with it. Little did I know that phrase was something of an American iconic statement. A Google search will inform that there is a song by that name (recorded by American R & B singer Tevin Campbell), and comedian Joan Rivers used it as a catchphrase.

I have seen these cookies on the grocer"s shelf. Mine taste better. They are easy to make and make a lot. Stir up a batch today. In mixing bowl, cream butter, shortening and sugar for 2 minutes with mixer until fluffy, Add eggs. Mix well. Gradually add water and vanilla. Combine dry ingredients and add to creamed mixture. Fold in coconut. Cover and chill two hours or overnight. When ready to bake, shape into 1 inch balls. Place 2 inches apart on greased baking sheets. Flatten with fingers into 2 1/2 by 1 inch oblongs. Score lengthwise with a floured fork. Bake at 400 F. for 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool 2 minutes before removing from pan. Makes about 9 dozen bars

In simpler times people gathered their own fish bait, and a trip to the fishing hole started in the garden digging worms or walking grassy fields to catch grasshoppers.
These days most folks are too busy and just go to the bait shop. But particularly if you have kids, hunting for bait can be a fun and learning experience, putting them more in touch with the natural world.
Gathering your own also allows you access to bait not commercially available. Here is a short list of some bait you can find locally.

It is time to prepare our gardens for lush summer production. Here are some tips to get you ready for the season:
Finish site preparation if not completed. Use proper pre-plant fertilizer.
• Finish direct seeding and transplanting cool-season crops to prevent them from maturing under hot summer conditions.
• Harvest may begin on the earliest seeded leafy crops or root crops.
• Begin purchasing transplants of warm-season crops.
• Be ready for spring spraying on fruit trees for disease protection.

On April 11, 4th and 5th grade teams from Big Ridge, Luttrell, Maynardville, Paulette and Sharps Chapel Elementary Schools gathered at Horace Maynard Middle School to compete in the Union County 4-H Clover Bowl. Students had previously competed in their in-school contest to qualify to represent their school in the county contest.

As with any specialized area, whether it’s a sport or a health care field like chiropractic, there is a lexicon that develops. When you’re visiting your chiropractor, you shouldn’t hesitate to ask about any words or phrases you hear with which you are not familiar. Here are some terms you might hear:

I had a relative who raised horses. Many times I watched him place a feed bag onto the horses. I had not idea that I would have to wear something similar one day.

“Hello, Dear Reader.” Actually, I would be more hopeful to say, “Hello, Dear Readers!” I hope there are more than one of you out there.
Many times I approach writing, as Mark Twain prolifically stated, “. . . like an envelope without any address . . .” This state is commonly called “writer’s block,” and at times it seems I have enough blocks to build a high wall. Though it might take longer, it is easier to put thoughts into words. Writing leaves lots of room for correction, though public speaking is unforgiving. I have to either speak or write, for I’m like the man Billy Wilder noted had Van Gogh’s ear for music.

Is there some leftover cooked spaghetti all alone and neglected in the fridge? Make this recipe. Spaghetti fries op nicely. Fix it instead of potatoes for supper tonight.

Ground Ivy (Glechoma hederacea) is a small plant that’s possibly in your yard but keeps a low profile so you may not know it. But if you’re ever mowing and suddenly pick up on a minty smell, then you for sure have it. The plant is worth a close look, for its petite bloom and leaves are striking. It has been given many names over the years, including Creeping Charlie, Crow-Victuals, and Gill-Over-The-Ground.