Russia-Ukraine War: Sharing a Sister in Christ's Personal and Tragic Story (published 9-15-2024; article #490)

1/11/2024 photograph by Dmytro Tolokonov on Unsplash. Free to use under the Unsplash License. The caption reads, “January 2, 2024. Ukraine, Kyiv. A powerful attack on a Ukrainian city with Russian missiles. A residential building was destroyed. Rescuers and firefighters are providing assistance to civilians and extinguishing the fire.”

Introduction

The unprovoked Russian invasion of Ukraine began on Thursday, February 24, 2022. The war, ongoing now for over two and a half years, grinds along at a stalemate-like pace. Horrible waste, destruction, displacement, injury, and death continue, as illustrated by the above photograph. Being numb to the frequent and tragic media reports is understandable. Early in the war, on a daily basis, I read online articles on The Moscow Times: Ukraine War. Eventually, not being able to do much more than pray that the war would end peacefully, I began to review that section less often, maybe about twice a month.

Now and then, however, a story shocks away the numbness. This article, the seventh in the 2022 Slavic War topic section, shares a shocking story that awakened my numbness. This is the true story of a young sister in Christ. Her story is personal and tragic.

A Sister in Christ's Personal and Tragic Story

Anya is a young Christian lady and Russian, still living in that country. We have not met in person. Several years ago, however, through mutual online connections with a Christian brother and former missionary to Russia, Anya and I became acquainted on a social media platform. By infrequent online communications, I have been encouraging Anya to continue her walk with Christ, despite the political climate in Russia. She seems to be doing so, despite numerous hardships.

Last month, on Tuesday, August 27, Anya posted on her social media profile a link to the following: “Russian woman's killer released for second time to fight in Ukraine,” BBC News, by Will Vernon, 8/27/2024. As of today, that BBC News article still appears in the “On the ground” section of BBC News: War in Ukraine. It is the fifth article from the left. You are encouraged to read it. The article includes photographs of Anya's grandmother and of Anya with her grandmother.

In the previously cited BBC News article, beneath the photograph of Anya and her grandmother, is the following link: “Russian convicts released to fight with Wagner accused of crimes” (actual source: “Russian convicts released to fight with Wagner accused of crimes - BBC News,” BBC News (YouTube), August 23, 2023). At the forty-second mark, the video (of three minutes and fifty seconds) includes an interview with Anya, who talked about the murder of her 85-year-old grandmother, Yulia Byuskikh. The video continues with a story about another convicted murderer, who was released from prison to fight for Russia against Ukraine. I hope that you watch the entire video.

Tragically, early last year, Anya's 85-year-old grandmother was raped and murdered by a Russian male in his twenties. This was not his first act of murder. He had been serving time in prison for a previous murder conviction.

In 2022, however, after Russia invaded Ukraine, Russian officials released this convicted murderer from prison, where he was serving time for his first murder, so that he could fight for Russia against Ukraine. After six months of military service, Russian officials allowed the man to return home. Early last year, once home, he raped and murdered Anya's grandmother. This was his second murder.

In April this year, the man was found guilty of his second murder, when he raped and killed Anya's grandmother. For his second murder conviction, he was sentenced to serve 23 years in a high-security prison. He started serving prison time early last month.

On August 19, however, one week after the start of his second imprisonment for his second murder conviction, Russian officials released the murderer again. This was the second time that he was released from a prison sentence for murder. Anya and her relatives were shocked! Like his first release, the murderer was released a second time to serve in the Russian military in its ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

The assumption is that this twice-convicted and twice-released murderer is a Russian soldier on a battlefield somewhere in Ukraine. His whereabouts, however, are unknown to Anya and her relatives. They live in fear of his return to find and harm or murder them.

Conclusion

Anya's personal and tragic story is appalling. Sadly, it is only one example. Needing men for the front lines, Russian officials are releasing thousands of convicted rapists, murderers, and other egregious criminals to fight in its aggressive war against Ukraine. Ukraine also releases prisoners to fight in defense of their country, but convicted murderers and sexual offenders are not eligible.

Russia even pays recruits, who volunteer to fight, more than 1.5 million rubles (or over 16,000 US dollars). Did the twice-convicted and twice-released murderer, who most recently raped and murdered Anya's 85-year-old grandmother, receive payment to serve in the Russian military?

The Russian expression “Боже мой!” (“My God!”) is an interjection that expresses intense emotion, not necessarily in vulgarity. For example, in Matthew 27:46 (NIV), before Jesus' vicarious death on the cross, he cried out, “'Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?' (which means 'My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?').” Quoting from Psalm 22:1a, Jesus fulfilled the Messianic prophecy in that Psalm.

My God! Please protect Anya and her relatives from the twice-convicted and twice-released murderer, who raped and killed her aged grandmother! In your providential will, please end the Russian-Ukraine war in peace. In Jesus' name, amen.

Our Week Without Air Conditioning: Tough Sweat (published 8-29-2024; article #489)

Introduction

The humorous article from 7/25/2021 began with a sidetrack about the dog days of summer, which are from July 3rd to August 11th. The most recent article, from 8/22/2024, honored my first cousin, Lois, who had passed on recently. On Sunday, August 11, the last dog day of summer, our 21-year-old air conditioner stopped cooling. We started sweating.

Greetings, dear reader, and welcome to the 106th article in the life (such as it is) topic section! Using your imagination, join Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and me. We endured one week without air conditioning. Don't worry! Our tough sweat became cool comfort.

Tough Sweat

Research indicates that modern air conditioning was invented in 1902. By the 1960s, most newly constructed homes in the United States were equipped with central air conditioning.

Growing Up

Growing up in the 1960s and 1970s, the houses, in which we lived, were air-conditioned only by cool morning and evening breezes that blew through screened-in doors and windows. The homes of a few friends had window-mounted air conditioners.

The old Livesay farmhouse, which my parents rented from Walter Livesay, certainly did not have modern air conditioning. The 8/2/2022 article, about the barn, hornets, and bull, describes the Livesay farmhouse.

My parents' design for our 1974-constructed new home did not include air conditioning. Window and floor electric fans helped. Thankfully, my parents had an attic fan installed in the hallway! It ran loudly, but it pulled into the house cooler morning and evening air through slightly opened windows and sucked hot air into the roof. After a little while, the indoor air felt so cool and comfortable that we had to turn off the attic fan. Once the outside air temperature rose into the upper 70s Fahrenheit, however, the attic fan didn't help. We couldn't use it.

Mrs. Appalachian Irishman was raised in town. Eventually, she knew the comfort of a living room window air conditioner. Some of her childhood years, however, were lived without air conditioning.

August 11-17, 2024

Let's perspire further into our tough but tolerable full week in August without air conditioning. Eleven screened-in windows stayed up all week. Five ceiling fans ran almost constantly. Window blinds blocked the morning and evening sun. The week demanded an ample use of deodorant! Cold showers each morning helped. Indoors, wearing short pants, thin T-shirts, and no shoes were required. At times, I didn't wear a shirt. We drank a lot of cool water. I wiped gallons of sweat from my forehead, beard, and the back of my neck. We endured tough sweat. We survived. I remembered growing up without air conditioning. Those were the good and not so good old days.

Day 1, Sunday 8/11: As stated previously, on the last dog day of summer, our 21-year-old air conditioner gave up the ghost. Installed in 2003, the Goodman unit had been a “good man.” It served us well for many years with minimal maintenance costs. In 2003, Jerry Roberts, owner of Roberts Heating and Air Conditioning (Facebook), installed the system. In late July last year, our Goodman unit needed minor repair. Jerry Roberts, whom I had called, suggested that I call his young associate, Travis Oglesby. Travis replaced the capacitor that day at a minimal cost.

Today, I left Travis Oglesby a voicemail, asking him to call me tomorrow. The sunny day reached a daytime high of about 85 degrees Fahrenheit with muggy humidity.

Day 2, Monday, 8/12: My maternal grandmother, Granny Wood, passed away on this day in 1991. My 6/26/2021 article is one of several that mention Granny Wood. I remembered.

Travis Oglesby returned my voicemail. Being rather busy, he arranged for his friend and associate, Wyatt Humphries, to stop by on his way home from work. Wyatt's father owns Humphries Heating and Air in Corryton. Wyatt arrived just after supper. He verified what I had assumed. We needed to replace the air conditioner. He recommended a “RunTru” model, manufactured by Trane. (“Nothing stops a Trane,” as the commercials claim.) Wyatt and Travis, both heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) technicians, were busier than bees. They might be able to replace our old unit on a workday evening this week. The job may need to wait until Saturday morning. Not wanting to rush them, I assured Wyatt that we could endure a week without air conditioning. Saturday morning would be fine.

During the day, Mrs. Appalachian Irishman enjoyed the air-conditioned school building where she teaches. After work, she acclimated to the “hot house.” The weather was sunny and humid. The daytime high reached about 85 degrees. What did I do? I cleaned out and around eleven window frames, and I stuffed cotton into all the window frame drain slots. That should keep ladybugs from building nests at the base of the window frames. It was a lot of fun.

Day 3, Tuesday, 8/13: The weather was sunny, and the daytime high was about 88 degrees. I installed two “kick-down” door stops, one on the door between the kitchen and utility room and the other on the hall bathroom door. I had to lie flat on my stomach to do this. Being left-handed, I leaned into my left “bionic” shoulder. Don't shove your left elbow against the lower left side of your rib cage! That was my mistake. The result was a bone bruise on my lower left rib cage. It is healing quickly. I learned my lesson. I won't do that again! Later, to enjoy the “cooler” outdoor temperature, I cut and trimmed several low branches from the trees that are near the back fence line. Wyatt Humphries and I spoke by phone. The plan is still to replace the old unit by Saturday morning, if not sooner.

During the day, Mrs. Appalachian Irishman enjoyed the air-conditioned school building where she teaches. After work, she acclimated to the “hot house.” (Didn't I just write that?)

Day 4, Wednesday, 8/14: The weather was still sunny and humid. The daytime high climbed to about 90 degrees. Using metal files, I shaved off metal from the two strike plates for the front door locks. I was trying to expand the openings, so the locks could slide through them. The bottom lock and the top deadbolt lock have only been inserting into the wooden slots. Years ago, I had to remove the metal strike plates, since the locks would no longer slide through them into the wooden slots. The house must have settled. My work was not successful. The door does lock, and we live in a safe neighborhood.

During the day, Mrs. Appalachian Irishman enjoyed the air-conditioned school building where she teaches. After work, she acclimated to the “hot house.” (Did I just write that a third time?)

Day 5, Thursday, 8/15: Three years ago today, the American flag was lowered at the U.S. Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan. The article from 8/16/2021 shared my thoughts. I remembered that sad day.

The weather was mostly sunny to sunny. The daytime high reached about 94 degrees. The humidity continued to draw out sweat, even when not exerting oneself. At 10:30 AM, Tony, owner of Tony's Best Clips (Facebook), gave me a much-needed haircut. His shop is air-conditioned. Back home, I tinkered more, still without success, on those front door strike plates. By late afternoon and early evening, the temperature inside the house reached a humid 87 degrees. All eleven screen windows have been up since Sunday. All four ceiling fans have been running.

We managed, especially me. During the day, my wife still enjoyed the air-conditioned school building. I was raised with no air conditioning! Living with air conditioning had softened me. I was returning to my previous and tougher, non-air-conditioned endurance.

Day 6, Friday, 8/16: The weather was mostly sunny and windy. The late afternoon high was about 95 degrees. The humid morning air smelled like rain was coming. Light rain settled in about 3:45 PM. It continued, off and on, through the evening. Thankfully, the rain fell straight down. We didn't need to close any windows.

In the morning, I secured to the exterior basement wall the covered electrical outlet that is behind the air conditioner. It had always been loose. A few squirts from a tube of concrete filler secured it. Also, I swept away grass clippings and spiderwebs around the basement exterior windows. Finally, I shop vacuumed the basement. The basement was cooler than upstairs, since hot air rises.

My “long-suffering” wife enjoyed working in an air-conditioned school building. She left early. Once home, I drove her, in my 2006 Frontier, to her nearby medical appointment at 4 PM.

Wyatt Humphries and I spoke by phone. Travis Oglesby and he planned to arrive between 8:30 and 9 AM the next morning.

Just after 8:30 PM that evening, Molly, our ol' puppy, and I went outside, for our usual “romp and stomp” in our one-acre yard. It's our evening ritual, before Molly beds down for the night.

Was that a rabbit? No! It was a skunk! Twilight was turning to darkness. It looked like a rabbit, as I stood about 20 yards away. Molly attacked the skunk! The skunk sprayed her and ran to the safety of the nearby cedar trees. I've never seen a dog “deskunkify” itself, until that evening. Molly rolled around in the grass, often diving in, nose first. She ran in circles, dove into the grass, and rolled around more. By the time that she was done, Molly only had a faint smell of skunk on her. That was an aggravatingly funny experience!

Cool Comfort

Previous phone conversations with Travis and Wyatt speculated that the complete work (old unit removed, new unit installed, and clean up) could take about four hours. If they could have started on a workday evening, they thought that the job would be done by about 10 PM. My wife and I were glad that the work was postponed until Saturday, the 17th, since it took longer than anticipated.

On Saturday, the weather was mostly sunny to sunny. The daytime high reached 92 degrees. About 8:45 AM, Wyatt Humphries arrived to start working. Travis Oglesby, who was picking up parts and supplies, arrived somewhat later. Both young men are cordial, efficient, and know what they are doing. I helped as needed, spoke with them at times, and stayed out of their way. We swapped some stories and shared a few jokes.

At 8:59 AM, I photographed, below, our 21-year-old Goodman outside unit (the condenser). The sun was behind me.

A minute later, I photographed, below, the original Goodman inside unit (the furnace).

Just over seven hours later, about 4 PM, the complete work was done. The new air conditioner started working hard to cool and dehumidify the indoor air. The humid indoor air temperature had reached about 86 degrees. It cooled quickly to a comfortable 78 degrees with lower humidity.

At 4:25 PM, I photographed, below, the new “RunTru” by Trane condenser. The fan runs much quieter than the one on the old Goodman condenser.

A minute later, I photographed, below, the new “RunTru” by Trane furnace.

Wyatt Humphries and Travis Oglesby are two outstanding young men. Their work, as HVAC technicians, was done perfectly. If you live locally and need heating and air conditioning work, this article suggests that you contact Humphries Heating and Air, in Corryton, at 865-765-4586.

Conclusion

What did Molly, our ol' puppy, think about our week without air conditioning? Aside from wondering why the house was so warm in the evenings, when she was indoors with us, Molly didn't notice anything unusual until Saturday. Molly liked Travis and Wyatt! She stayed out of their way, well, mostly.

Someone asks, “What was the total cost to replace the air conditioner?” The original Goodman unit lasted 21 years. Setting aside about $320 a year, for 21 years, would pay the total cost. Further, using the Official Data Foundation's CPI Inflation Calculator, I plugged in our cost to replace the air conditioning unit, used 2024 as the start year, and used 1974 as the end year. The result showed that, in 1974, my parents could have spent just over $1,000 to install central air conditioning. Fifty years ago, that was a lot of money that my parents didn't have. A wood or coal-burning stove in the basement and an upstairs space heater warmed the house sufficiently in winter. In this current inflationary cycle, “a dollar ain't worth much nowadays.”

Thanks, Travis Oglesby and Wyatt Humphries! Our tough sweat became cool comfort! I actually enjoyed the sweaty walk down memory lane, remembering growing up without air conditioning. I know how to toughen up. Cool air conditioning, however, is much more comfortable! Just ask my wife.

Tribute to Cousin Lois: Visitation & Funeral on 8-10-2024 (published 8-22-2024; article #488)

Introduction

The descendants of Marion and Molly Gertrude (Archer) Ferrell have lost another relative. Mary Lois Ferrell Purkey, my first cousin, born on August 17, 1940, passed on to her heavenly home on August 1, 2024.

This article, the 128th in the family and 105th in the heritage topic sections, remembers and honors Cousin Lois. Also, archived articles are referenced that mention Cousin Lois and her family. Further, memories from Cousin Lois' visitation and funeral service are recalled. The conclusion focuses on our visit to the homeplace after the memorial service, and it asks a question about the timing of our home air conditioning problem.

Cousin Lois enjoyed humor. I believe that she would find humor in the timing of her funeral service, our home air conditioning system replacement, and what would have been her 84th birthday. Meaning no disrespect, I hope that the concluding humor helps family members well remember Cousin Lois and enjoy a laugh. I'm sure that Cousin Lois will enjoy the humor, once I join her and tell her in heaven.

Remembering and Honoring Cousin Lois

Cousin Lois was nineteen years and eleven months older than me. She always seemed closer to my age. Lois “aged young,” in that she retained her youthful energy, activity, and mental sharpness as she aged. Her husband, Jack Purkey, J.D. (1/29/1936 – 5/7/2021), did as well. I hope that I am doing likewise.

Family reunions and occasional visits were how I got to know Cousin Lois and her family. Her husband and she were grade school and high school teachers. As educators, they were well-versed and interested in several topics. They educated themselves and others. Cousin Lois' inquisitive mind asked interesting questions and guided conversations along intriguing topics. Her knowledge of family heritage will be missed. I hope that someone, or she, wrote down what she remembered.

Over the decades, I regret that I allowed time, travel, location, and distance to preclude more frequent face-to-face visits with Cousin Lois and her family. Since my early retirement in May 2022, I have had more time.

As the eldest child of her parents, James William “Bill” Ferrell (8/20/1914 – 6/21/1999) and Bobbie (Ward) Ferrell (10/4/1915 – 9/28/2006), Cousin Lois outlived her three younger siblings. They were Dorothy Florence Ferrell Moore (3/12/1942 – 2/15/1992), Larry Denver Ferrell (4/19/1948 – 10/7/2006), and Retha Anne Ferrell (9/7/1959 – 4/27/2017).

A few years ago, I started calling Cousin Lois on her birthday and, occasionally, around holidays. We would talk a good while about current life, family, family heritage, and similar topics. Often, Cousin Lois would need to end the call, because a family member, friend, or neighbor had come by to see her.

On Sunday, June 9, I learned that Cousin Lois had contracted a terminal illness and was expected to live only a few more months. (I published the June 9 article before I found out.) Being stunned describes well my reaction to the news. Cousin Lois had been enjoying good health.

The next day, I called and spoke with Cousin Lois. In her matter-of-fact manner, she shared how the illness had come upon her and the prognosis. Cousin Lois said that, at 83, she had lived a good life and that she was ready to go. She could still manage well enough at home and travel, if someone drove her. Cousin Lois hoped to be able to attend the impromptu reunion on Saturday, June 15, that a niece and I had planned. (The 6/20/2024 article is about that reunion. The conclusion mentions Cousin Lois, not by name, and offers a written prayer for her family and her.)

Cousin Lois and I spoke until she started to become tired. Near the end of the conversation, she said that, as a Christian, she was looking forward to meeting her Savior. Ending the conversation, we exchanged our love for each other.

Archived Articles that Mention Cousin Lois and Her Family

At least five previous articles mention Cousin Lois and her family. They are as follows:

The 6/14/2017 article is about my Mother's Day hike on House Mountain. I dedicated the hike to my mother, my uncle Bobby, my mother-in-law, and my first cousin, Retha, who had recently passed away. The next day, Cousin Lois commented on the article. It was her first comment on any article on this website. I replied the same day.

The 7/7/2019 article includes a photograph of my father, four of his five brothers, and his two sisters. Uncle Bill is mentioned. Later that evening, Cousin Lois entered a complimentary comment about the article. Seven days later, I replied to her comment, interjecting some humor.

The 8/17/2019 article includes a section about Cousin Lois turning 79 that day. I remember calling her later that day and wishing her a happy birthday.

The 5/8/2021 article, “Tribute to a Cousin's Husband,” is about Cousin Lois' husband, Jack, who had passed away the day before. His tribute is in the section “The Bad Swallowed Up in Victory.”

The 11/21/2021 article, while predominately political, mentions positively Cousin Lois' father, my uncle, Bill Ferrell. Uncle Bill's political interests and achievements inspired Cousin Lois' service in the Hawkins County Republican Party.

Visitation and Funeral on 8/10/2024

Cousin Lois' obituary is “Mary Lois Purkey (August 17, 1940 - August 1, 2024),” Christian-Sells Funeral Home. The tribute video, just under eight minutes long, includes several good photographs. On Saturday, August 10, visitation was from 12 to 2 PM. The memorial service started at 2 PM.

My wife and I arrived at the funeral home about 1:30 PM. Family reunions should not occur only at funerals. We enjoyed, however, seeing Denise—the daughter of cousin Lois and husband, Jack—and her family. We saw my older first cousin, Lester. Furthermore, we conversed quite a while with my first cousin, Debbie, her husband, and their oldest daughter. It was good to see my third cousin, Rhonda, whom I don't recall seeing since high school. We met other and younger family members. Numerous family friends were in attendance.

The memorial service honored Cousin Lois and her family. The theme focused on the life and legacy of a fine Christian lady. The everlasting assurance was that Cousin Lois had passed on to her heavenly home, where she was reunited with many family members, who also knew the Lord as Savior.

Conclusion

After the funeral service and conversations with family were ended, my wife and I drove to the homeplace, to change clothes and check on the house and property.

I took the following photograph at 3:48 PM. The view looks east. The grapevine, mentioned in the first article from June 8, is still alive. I still need to build a new trellis and clip off the dead branches. That, Lord willing, is my plan for this fall.

I took the following photograph a few seconds later. The view looks northeast.

That's my “long-suffering” wife, Mrs. Appalachian Irishman, standing beside my 2006 Frontier. The house, yard, and property looked about the same. Aside from the grapevine, this fall, I plan, Lord willing, to do quite a bit more tree trimming and bush clipping.

So, how are Cousin Lois' memorial service, our home air conditioning problem, and what would have been her 84th birthday connected? I'm glad that you asked. I look forward to sharing this story with Cousin Lois, once I join her in heaven.

On Saturday, August 10, I had set our home air conditioner up, not to cool as much, while we were attending Cousin Lois' visitation and funeral. Once back home, I set it back to 78 degrees Fahrenheit. It took longer to cool, but it did. The next day, the unit would not cool at all. Warm outdoor air blew through the vents.

My wife and I “enjoyed” a week without air conditioning. She had returned to work, after summer break, on August 5. Through the day, she enjoyed the air-conditioned school building. Eleven screened windows were open, and four ceiling fans were running. Daytime highs were in the upper 80s to mid 90s. The indoor temperature was fine each morning, until about 10:30 AM. By late afternoon and into the evening, indoor temperatures reached into the mid to upper 80s. I recalled growing up without air conditioning. The experience was a warm and sweaty reminder of my youth. Being accustomed to air conditioning makes you soft. I had to and did toughen up! My “long-suffering” wife endured the heat without too much complaint.

Being understandably very busy, the service technicians were able to install a new air conditioning unit on Saturday, August 17. That would have been Cousin Lois' 84th birthday.

Cousin Lois enjoyed good humor. Dear Cousin Lois, our home air conditioning unit expired the day after your visitation and memorial service, and the new unit was installed on your birthday! What an amazing coincidence! From your heavenly home, did you have something to do with the planning of that coincidence? I'm just kidding, 'cuz! I love you, and I look forward to seeing you again, once I join you at our everlasting home!

Kilimanjaro Missions: The Stafford Family Visits Corryton! (published 8-5-2024; article #487)

Introduction

The 9/8/2022 article, "Kilimanjaro Missions: The Stafford Family, in Moshi, Tanzania," introduced Noel and Jessica Stafford and their children, Lorelai, Claude, Arabella, and Juliette. In June 2022, the family began their five-year, cross-cultural evangelistic ministry in the African nation of Tanzania. In late May, they took their first furlough to the States. They will be stateside until the middle of this month, after which they return to their home in Moshi, Tanzania. Their online newsletters are available at Kilimanjaro Missions.

This 14th article in the Mission Work topic section celebrates the Stafford family and their visit, on Friday, August 2, to our home in Corryton, Tennessee! Claude and Juliette were absent. They were staying with their grandparents. Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and I look forward to meeting them in the future.

Missionary Furloughs

A note on missionary furloughs is in order. My wife and I were full-time missionaries in Russia from 10/1/1994 through 9/30/1999. We were a part of a three-family team called Mission Moscow. Our work focused on the cities of Moscow and Klin.

Our annual four-to-six-week furloughs were from late December to late January or early February. Furloughs included visiting family and friends, obtaining new one-year Russian visas, and getting some rest and relaxation. Mainly, however, furloughs involved traveling and reporting to supporting churches. As memory serves, my wife and I were supported by 14 churches in seven states and by one trust fund in Texas. Our supporting churches were in Tennessee, Missouri, Mississippi, Kentucky, Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Visiting supporting churches is vital to long-term foreign mission work. Supporting churches that send good Christian helpers, for short-term mission experience, is a blessing to the work.

The Staffords understand why I say that reporting to stateside supporting churches involves “frequent driver miles!” They are supported by over 20 churches in several states. Last Friday, they traveled by automobile from Clifton, Tennessee, to our home, an approximate 313-mile drive in over five hours (including stops and traffic delays). That night, they overnighted in Knoxville, to continue the next-day leg of their journey into Virginia, where they visited a supporting church yesterday (Sunday).

On Wednesday evening, 7/3/2024, the Staffords visited and reported to a supporting church in Mississippi. Noel's audio-video presentation is online at “KILIMANJARO MISSIONS - 07.03.2024,” Kensington Woods church of Christ (YouTube), streamed live on July 3, 2024. The Kensington church is located in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. The video is just over 40 minutes in length. Brother Noel begins speaking at the 2:38 mark. (He had to change microphones about the 21:16 mark.) Please pause to watch and listen to his presentation.

Noel's presentation mentions life in Tanzania and provides an amazing record of conversions, church growth, and ministry in the area. The images shown are much better than the old slide projector images that I showed, while making similar presentations to churches in the 1990s.

Missionary furloughs are like a whirlwind. You whirl from one location to another, resting when you can. Visiting family, friends, and churches is enjoyable, relaxing, and beneficial. All the “frequent driver miles,” however, do wear you out.

The Stafford's Visit

Delayed by Interstate I-40 traffic problems, the Stafford family arrived at our home at 7:15 PM last Friday evening! My wife was finalizing supper preparations, while I was sitting in a front porch rocking chair.

Aside from being 25 years older, Jessica (Bryant) Stafford looked about the same as she did, when my wife and I last saw her in 1999. Her husband, Noel, and she met during a mission trip to Tanzania. They are blessed with four outstanding children. Jessica, your sweet, lively, and spirited personality, which my wife and I remember from 25 years ago, has not changed!

My wife came outside to meet Noel, Jessica, Lorelai, and Arabella. The six of us hugged and talked for quite a while outside. Molly, our “ol' puppy,” entertained and was entertained by the Staffords.

Settling indoors before supper, conversations flowed naturally, like fresh water flowing from a clear mountain stream. Noel's father, who has passed on to be with the Lord, was a trailblazer in Tanzanian mission work among the churches of Christ. Noel, as a next-generation missionary, continues his father's work. Jessica continues the missionary focus of her parents. The Bryant family was a part of the Mission Moscow team. The 8/5/2023 short story highlights Joe Paul and Lynn, in the section “Mission Moscow Reunion (7/14/2023).”

As an aside, last Friday morning, Mrs. Appalachian Irishman, my “long-suffering” wife, had a “high dollar paint and cut” hair salon appointment. The 3/22/2023 article jokes about her “paint and cut” shop.

After getting “gussied up,” my wife returned home to start preparing supper vittles. The six of us dined on my wife's good southern home cooking! Thanks, dear! That was a fine supper. Noel led the prayer before we ate. Thank you, brother Noel.

After supper, fine conversations continued along several lines. Lorelai and Arabella did a remarkable job washing and putting away supper dishes! Thank you! Noel and I talked about the practical aspects of mission work. Having met for the first time, we talked as if we had known each other for years. Jessica, my wife, and I talked about life in Moscow back in the 1990s. What was Camp Rainbow? Which of Jessica's brothers accidentally stuck a fork in their youngest brother's head? Well, ask Jessica or my wife! On the back deck, as darkness approached, Lorelai and Arabella relaxed and entertained Molly.

Where did the time go? We could have talked all night! As 10 o'clock approached, the Staffords were needing to leave, to overnight at a nearby motel. They had already reserved a room, before my wife and I asked them to stay the night with us. The reservation couldn't be canceled without cost.

Before leaving, I gathered the Staffords, who were somewhat perplexed, in the master bedroom bathroom (my bathroom). I had to show off my “bathroom library” and share the story of my “redneck toilet handle!” (See the 8/4/2022 article, if you are curious.)

Back in the living room, I think that Noel took the following photograph of Jessica, my wife, and me.

Twenty-five years ago, my wife and Jessica looked about the same, except for the very few facial wrinkles they have now. I, on the other hand, have aged with “graceful, gray-haired dignity!” The painting on the wall behind us was a gift from the church of Christ in Moscow to my wife and me, on 9/26/1999, our final Sunday in Moscow.

Later, at 10:01 PM, I took the following photograph of the four Staffords, standing on the front porch. 

From left to right are Jessica, Lorelai, Noel, and Arabella. Lorelai begins her freshman year at Freed-Hardeman University (FHU) this fall. My wife and I wish her well in her studies and life at a fine Christian university. Her family will miss her in Tanzania, and she will miss being with them there. Other family members, who live under a two-hour drive from FHU, will be nearby.

Conclusion

The Stafford's Facebook page is Kilimanjaro Missions. The page includes almost daily posts, photographs, or video updates on their work. At times, humorous posts include photographs or videos of strangely-titled food or of motorcyclists hauling seemingly impossible loads on their motorcycles.

The Hoover Church of Christ in Hoover, Alabama, is a primary supporting church for the mission work in Tanzania and the main supporting church for the Stafford family. The church's Ministries: Foreign Mission Works web page includes Tanzania. A secure link, “Give to Tanzania Work,” opens to welcome online donations to mission work in Tanzania.

My wife and I were uplifted by last Friday evening's visit to our home by Noel, Jessica, Lorelai, and Arabella Stafford! (We hope to meet Claude and Juliette sometime.) Our prayer to God is that He continue to bless, guide, honor, and protect the Staffords, as they advance His kingdom in Tanzania!

As a closing and humorous note, just before the Staffords left, I handed Jessica a can of Sun Drop soda, to give to her father. Joe Paul, that can of soda is for looking at and remembering only! Don't drink it! Do you remember the first can of Sun Drop soda that you gave me, shortly after my wife and I arrived in Moscow? I do. That story, folks, could become a future article in itself.

8-1-2024 Tennessee State Primary and Knox County Election: Our Experiences (published 8-1-2024; article #486)

10/30/2018 photograph by Element5 Digital. Free to use under the Unsplash License.

Introduction

Today was the Tennessee State primary and Knox County election day. Peer pressure by the media and politicians encourages early voting. Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and I are not swayed by peer pressure. We vote, early and often, on election day.

This 105th entry in the life (such as it is) topic section shares our experiences at the nearby voting location. The conclusion comes clean about how “early and often” we vote on election day.

Election Day Experiences

Before our first votes, my wife and I, in my 2006 Frontier, hauled off trash and recycling. The weather was warm, humid, and partly sunny. Pungent odor from the trash center clung to my T-shirt. Thankfully, it dissipated as we traveled the short distance to vote. Rolling the windows down helped. I wanted politicians to smell my vote, not the trash center!

Earlier this year, on the March 5th Knox County primary election day, I was pleasantly surprised to be reacquainted with a grade school and high school classmate! Ann and I graduated from high school together. Her husband and she live nearby. Today, my wife met Ann, whom I was glad to see again. Once cooler weather arrives, I hope that Ann, her husband, my wife, and I can hike Norris Dam State Park together!

Back outside after voting, my wife and I enjoyed an excellent conversation with Dave Wright, a member of the Tennessee House of Representatives, and Travis Wright, a member of the Knox County Board of Education. Dave Wright and I have met and talked awhile on many previous election days, sometimes when my wife was with me. Today was our first opportunity to meet Travis Wright. As I told both men, with no pun intended, they are on the right path!

This brief article encourages Knox County readers, who live in House District 19 and County District 8, to strengthen, support, and assist Dave Wright and Travis Wright in their political stances. They are men of God. They have a truly biblical worldview. Likewise, they support biblical and traditional values. These men know how to contact me. I am at their beck and call should they call upon me to assist them.

After voting, my wife and I spent too much money on the usual food staples at the local grocery store. We don't blame the store. Inflation has driven the price of groceries so high that we are used to it. A dollar ain't worth much these days. Well, ten dollars isn't worth much.

Conclusion

Today, my wife and I did vote fairly early, but we didn't vote often. I'll come clean and be honest! I wonder how so many politicians and political groups get my cell phone number! For weeks, we have received several political mailings. That is expected. My cell phone has been hammered with texts from former President Trump, Tennessee Senator Massey, and Monica Irvine (Massey's challenger on the Republican ballot). I block and report as spam those texts.

Dave Wright and Travis Wright do not hammer my cell phone with texts! I think that Trump, Massey, and Irvine wanted me to vote early and often!

If Christmas is in July, why not have Halloween in May and Thanksgiving in June? (published 7-24-2024; article #485)

 

“Christmas snow Snowman at sandy beach on sea background,” 12/21/2021 photograph, by Kostiantyn Li, on Unsplash. Free to use under the Unsplash License.

Introduction

That's a good question. If Christmas is in July, why not have Halloween in May and Thanksgiving in June? This 115th entry in the humor topic section answers the burning question. The snowman, in the above image, must have melted quickly.

Skimming through thousands of television channels, trying to find anything good to watch, I notice hundreds of Christmas movies and Christmas shopping shows. It's July! Christmas is five months away. Who needs Christmas in July? Who agrees with me?

Why Ask the Question?

Why do I ask this searing question? I'll explain and blame it on my in-laws.

Independence Day was on a Thursday this month. My in-laws decided to postpone the celebration for two days. On Saturday, July 6th, family gathered to celebrate the 247th anniversary of this nation's declaration of independence from England. Present were my father-in-law, my two sisters-in-law, our niece, my wife's good first cousin, two family friends, Mrs. Appalachian Irishman, and me. Well, three cats and two dogs were around, but they didn't eat at the table. My wife's other first cousin, who had a mild case of gastric distress, secluded himself downstairs.

The television was on, but at a low volume. At first, I didn't notice what was showing. Everyone was talking, while vittles were being prepared. Walking past the television, I noticed that a Christmas movie was on! Who watches Christmas shows in July, and why?

That did it! I had to ask, “If Christmas is in July, why not have Halloween in May and Thanksgiving in June?” The question sparked some discussion, but it was never answered exactly.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Answers

After the family gathering was over and my wife and I were back home, I searched online for an answer. Searching found no relevant results.

I decided to ask Microsoft Copilot (my “everyday AI companion”), “If Christmas is in July, why not have Halloween in May and Thanksgiving in June?” My “AI companion” replied as follows:

Ah, the whimsical calendar shuffle! While it’s true that Christmas in July has become a fun tradition in some places, the idea of moving other holidays around is intriguing.

Halloween in May:

• Picture this: Spring flowers, warm breezes, and kids dressed as little ghouls and goblins. Instead of “trick or treat,” they’d say, “Blossoms or blooms?”

• May could be the month for “spooky picnics” with pumpkin-shaped sandwiches and ghostly cupcakes. And instead of haunted houses, we’d have enchanted gardens.

Thanksgiving in June:

• Imagine a summer feast with turkey, cranberry sauce, and beachside bonfires. We’d give thanks for sunscreen and flip-flops!

• The Pilgrims might have landed on a tropical island, and the Mayflower would be a surfboard.

  Of course, these are just playful ideas. But hey, creativity knows no bounds.

Dissatisfied with Microsoft Copilot's flighty answer that crashed on takeoff, I asked ChatGPT the same question. By the way, research indicates that GPT stands for “Generative Pre-trained Transformer,” in case you were wondering. ChatGPT answered as follows:

That sounds like a fun idea! Celebrating holidays in different months could definitely mix things up and create some excitement throughout the year. Imagine Halloween in May with spring-themed costumes or Thanksgiving in June with a summer feast and outdoor activities. It might feel unusual at first, but it could also add a fresh twist to these traditional celebrations!

I think that Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer (GPT) blew a circuit or was twisted.

How did Christmas in July Start?

Intrigued, I wondered how Christmas in July had started. I searched online for the answer.

The following two articles interested me: First, “Christmas in July – From Origins to Celebrations and Beyond,” Christmas in America, by anonymous, 3/26/2024, concludes by stating, “In 2024, Christmas in July will be celebrated on Tuesday, July 25th.” That's funny. My calendar tells me that tomorrow is Thursday, July 25th!

Next up is “The Surprising Origin of Christmas in July,” Guideposts, by Kaylin Kaupish, undated. Apparently, in the summer of 1933, the co-founder of Keystone Camp, a summer camp for young ladies, located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina and near the town of Brevard, came up with the notion of Christmas in July.

Several years ago, crass marketing ploys steamed Christmas in July into the annoyance that it has become. The crass commercialism of Christmas in December is enough! Who needs it in July? The grubbers do not get any of our money!

Conclusion

This article was published on July 24th, the Eve of Christmas in July. Tomorrow, July 25th, is Christmas in July. Will it snow tomorrow? Don't be snowed over by Christmas in July! Ignore all the Christmas movie and shopping channel hype! Do not let peer pressure dupe you into celebrating Christmas in July!

The conclusion of the article from 12/17/2023 states, “Remember, the greatest Christmas Gift is not found in stores. Set aside the crass commercialization of Christmas. Remember Christ, the true meaning of Christmas. Christ's Christmas gift is the gift of Himself. It is a free gift. It is available to all, who seek, accept, and live for Him.”

What answers the question, “If Christmas is in July, why not have Halloween in May and Thanksgiving in June?” The answer is, “Why not?” Stop celebrating Christmas in July, or start celebrating Halloween in May and Thanksgiving in June! Otherwise, it's prejudice against Halloween and Thanksgiving!

Breaking News: Bear Sighting in a Neighbor's Backyard! (published 7-13-2024; article #484)

Sunday, 7/14/2024, addendum: I published this article yesterday at 5:54 PM. Eight minutes later, at 6:02 PM, former President Donald Trump took the stage at a fairground in Butler, Pennsylvania. A few minutes afterward, while Trump was speaking to the large crowd, an assassin's bullet grazed Trump's right ear. The following is one of several sources: “A few short minutes after Trump took the stage, shots rang out,” AP News, by Evan Vucci and Julie Carr Smyth, 7/14/2024. How quickly life can change in just over eight minutes! Former President Trump came within millimeters of being assassinated. One attendee died. Two others were critically injured.

Introduction

Almost daily, local television news stations are reporting bear sightings in nearby Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. For example, five days ago, “TWRA and Gatlinburg taking action after incidents involving bears approaching hotel guests,” WBIR-TV, by Staff, 7/8/2024, reported bears that, apparently, wanted to check into a hotel.

I have wondered if Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and I would see a bear in our neck of the woods in Corryton, Tennessee. Well, last Tuesday was the day! This breaking news story reports our bear sighting four days ago in a neighbor's backyard! I know. Four-day-old news is not “breaking.” I am merely “poking the bear,” by making fun of the news media and their constant “breaking news” hype, which I heard a day or so before.

Bear Sighting in a Neighbor's Backyard!

On Tuesday morning, Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and I had been in our backyard. I cleared some small brush and tried, unsuccessfully, to get my old push mower to start. Afterward, my wife went to visit her father and sister, who live nearby. I continued painting the metal door between the utility room and garage, a job that I started the day before.

Late that afternoon, I finished showering when my wife returned home. Having dressed, I happened to look out the glass-pane door that leads to our deck. I saw a small black bear under a shade tree in a neighbor's backyard! Stepping onto the deck with my cell phone camera, I photographed the bear at 4:48 PM, on Tuesday, 7/9/2024. The view looks southwest.

Photograph of a bear in a neighbor's yard, by M. Fearghail, on 7/9/2024, at 4:48 PM.

Thankfully, Molly, our ol' puppy, wasn't in the backyard. I wonder what she would have done. I watched the bear for a while. Eventually, believe it or not, the bear ambled toward the nearby creek and ridge, which are farther south of us, and out of sight.

Conclusion

This brief article is the 114th entry in the humor topic section. Is that a real bear in the photograph? You, dear reader, are the judge. Please share your opinion in the comments! The first person, who answers correctly, will receive my positive reply and comment.

Why didn't I break this news last Tuesday? It took me until Thursday, July 11, to finish painting the door between the utility room and garage. Yesterday, my wife and I hauled off trash and the recycling, and we bought stuff at the nearby Dollar General Store and IGA. This morning, I got the push mower to start, and I mowed the taller green grass just behind and to the sides of the house. We need rain! The grass is more brown than green, except where I mowed. These and other domestic priorities had to come first.

By the way, we moved into our newly constructed house on 6/7/2003. Before moving in, with occasional help from Mrs. Appalachian Irishman, her sister, and two younger brothers, I sanded, caulked, puttied, and painted all the walls, base trim, and doors. Back then, I worked a second-shift job as a computer operator and help desk agent. I worked on our house and then went to work. Saturdays were spent working on the house.

Our house has 23 doors. I painted them all in 2003. Back then, the metal door from the utility room to the garage got only one coat of paint. It needed at least two more. After 21 years, I thought that it was about time to put the other two coats of paint on that door!

Up next is scraping and repainting the two rocking chairs and the glider swing that are on the front porch. Also, a corner of the deck railing needs extra braces. (Last year, strong wind weakened the original braces.) In 2003, two brothers and I put the first coat of paint on the inside garage walls. The walls have needed a second coat for 21 years. Who wants to volunteer to help with these domestic projects?

The 6-27-2024 Presidential Debate: Twilight Zone Reality (published 6-30-2024; article #483)

4/12/2024 photograph by Bernd Dittrich on Unsplash. Free to use under the Unsplash License.

Introduction

The first article from Tuesday, June 25, described my alternative reality dream. I was awakened to the current political reality and nightmare in this once-great nation, which is fast becoming a banana republic.

Last Thursday evening, at 9 PM EDST, I decided to watch the first of two scheduled presidential debates. Mrs. Appalachian Irishman wisely chose to go to bed, since it was her usual bedtime. Molly (our ol' puppy) had already bedded down. Alone, I sat in the living room and watched. The debate was somewhat entertaining, as my muffled laughs and snide remarks to no one indicated.

This 71st entry in the "poly-ticks" (Greek πολλά, many, and ticks, blood suckers) topic section contrasts three televised presidential debates: Trump-Biden on 6/27/2024, Nixon-Kennedy on 9/26/1960, and Reagan-Carter on 10/28/1980. One is different from the other two. Can you pick which one?

The Trump-Biden 6/27/2024 Presidential Debate

Dad used to call CNN the “Clinton News Network.” Inspired by his humor, I call it the “Communist News Network.”

CNN is on YouTube. Last Thursday evening's debate may be watched online at “CNN Presidential Debate: President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump,” CNN (YouTube), 6/27/2024. The caption states (with my redaction added in red):

President Joe Biden and his predecessor, former President Donald Trump[,] meet in the key battleground state of Georgia for their first debate of the 2024 election cycle, moderated by CNN’s Jake Tapper and Dana Bash.

The debate lasted one hour and 38 minutes. I watched the entire debacle.

My muffled laughter and snide remarks recalled the old joke, “How do you tell if a politician is lying? His or her lips are moving!” I mumbled “hogwash” enough times to wash several dirty hogs. Both candidates told whoppers.

Speaking of mumbling, that's about all the current president did, when he wasn't clearing his throat. On numerous occasions, his garbled sentences trailed off to somewhere unknown to the listening audience, his opponent, the moderators, and me. At least the former president spoke clearly, and he seemed to have his wits about him. The lips of both candidates were moving. Both stretched or spun their versions of “truth” into lies.

The Nixon-Kennedy 9/26/1960 Presidential Debate

Going back to when I was only two months old, I found a short segment of the 9/26/1960 Nixon-Kennedy presidential debate. Source: “From the archives: The first Nixon-Kennedy televised debate,” NBC News Digital, 9/26/2019. The caption reads:

On Sept. 26, 1960, the first televised debate between then-Vice President Nixon and Sen. John F. Kennedy was broadcast. Watch NBC News’ coverage from that day.

Only a four-minute and 33-second segment of the debate is included. I watched the entire segment. I suppose that my father and mother watched the entire debate on an old black-and-white television, which drew signals from an aerial antenna.

The complete debate, lasting almost 59 minutes, is found at “First Kennedy-Nixon Debate, 26 September 1960,” John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, last updated 2/9/2024. I watched only the opening statements by each candidate.

With an apology to our ol' puppy, I didn't have a “dog in the hunt” back in 1960. My father and mother did. The intelligent eloquence of both candidates was obvious. These were two statesmen.

The Reagan-Carter 10/28/1980 Presidential Debate

Moving forward to when I was 20, I remember the 10/28/1980 Reagan-Carter presidential debate. Source: “1980 Presidential Candidate Debate: Governor Ronald Reagan and President Jimmy Carter - 10/28/80,” Reagan Foundation (YouTube), 4/23/2009. The caption states:

The full-length 1980 Presidential Candidate Debate between Governor Ronald Reagan and President Jimmy Carter on 10/28/80.

The debate lasted almost an hour and 35 minutes. My parents and I proudly voted for Ronald Reagan, who won in a landslide. The statesman-like demeanor of each candidate was evident. I enjoyed re-watching the debate.

Conclusion

Of the three debates cited, can you distinguish which one is different from the other two? I thought so.

Thursday evening's presidential debate shows how this once-great nation has slipped on a banana peel. According to “Presidential debate (September 10, 2024),” Ballotpedia, ABC News will host another presidential debate on September 10. Lord willing, assuming that Donald Trump isn't in prison for his felony conviction or that President Biden hasn't resigned or been declared unfit for office, I may watch that upcoming debate. I still have several hogs to wash.

I enjoyed reading “The 'presidential' debate,” Professor Harold Black’s Webpage, 6/28/2024. (The article from 5/29/2024 recommended his website.) I agree with Dr. Black. Calling last Thursday's debacle a “presidential” debate was a stretch. Dr. Black gave an “F” grade to the winner and an “F-” to the loser. His conclusion is that he would vote for his friend's dog, Sammy, a Labrador retriever. Unfortunately, Sammy isn't running for president.

I wish that another conservative were running for president. For example, I would vote for Dr. Alan Lee Keyes (born 8/7/1950). He sought the Republican nomination for president in 1996, 2000, and 2008. Bill Clinton was reelected in 1996. George W. Bush was elected in 2000. Barack Obama won the election in 2008. Dr. Benjamin Solomon Carson, Sr. (born 9/18/1951), would garner my vote. He ran for president in 2016, when Donald Trump was elected. Most recently, Tim Scott (born 9/19/1965), the current U.S. Senator from South Carolina, ran but dropped out of the 2024 Republican presidential primary. I may write in a vote for him.