LABOR DAY, MONDAY, 9/7/2020

The Mundane

Earlier today, on Labor Day, we engaged in some minor labor at our house. Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and I used the shop vacuum, broom, and mop to clean out Molly's lower-level condominium (i.e., basement), where she sleeps at night and takes it easy at times during the day. Molly is our “old puppy.”

Afterward, we took paint and brushes in hand to touch up paint (basically repaint) one rocking chair on the front porch. We have another rocking chair and the glider swing to repaint as well.

Finally, I used the push broom and broom to clean out the garage (i.e., the barn). I also sent a few spiders to oblivion.

As an aside, just over four years ago, on Saturday, 3/26/2016, I hiked House Mountain for the 136th time with two coworkers. After the hike, I mowed our one-acre yard. That was the first and, unknown to me at the time, only time that I would mow the yard that year. As of today, it was still the last time I mowed the yard, since I have been hiring the yard mowed. For the Saturday, 3/26/2016, mow, I wore my usual yard-mowing short pants and an old tee shirt. Of course, my life changed on Tuesday, 3/29/2016, at least for a few more years. I have the 25 pieces of surgically implanted metal as proof.

Earlier today, I wore my yard-mowing shorts for the first time since 3/26/2016. I also wore an old tee shirt. I hope that you enjoy the above photograph. It is a tribute to my stubborn and strong Irish will!

By the way, my youngest brother and his family had more fun than we did. They hiked at Panther Creek State Park today. I called him while they were in the woods. A few days ago, I thought about organizing the same hike today, but our work around the house took practical priority.

Don’t be concerned, however! I plan, Lord willing, to have an article soon about a future hike for my first hike of my fall, winter, and spring hiking season!

The Everlasting

Wayne Anderson, the husband of my first cousin, Peggy Anderson, went to his everlasting home two days ago on Saturday, 9/5/2020. I had to find out from “Farcebook.” Hey, cousins! Y’all call me about important events like this! You have, should have, or can find our landline phone number.

Wayne Anderson was a fine man of God. Additionally, he served as the Sullivan County, Tennessee, sheriff for 20 years. I remember that my father talked very highly of him.

Unfortunately, the visitation date and time on 9/8/2020 and the graveside service the next day are workdays for me. I could take leave from work to drive to Kingsport, but practicality dictates otherwise. Instead, on the funeral home website, I wrote the following:

Cousin Peggy, I regret to learn that your fine, godly husband, Wayne Anderson, left this world. I am glad, however, in the everlasting mindset, that he is home! We will join him in time. Then, I will shake his hand and salute him for his service, as a godly man and Christian, to his Lord, his family, and his country. Your parents, my aunt and uncle, are having a wonderful time talking with your husband now as I type this. I regret that the miles between us exist. One of these days, as I hope, a Ferrell reunion can bring all the extended family of Marion and Gertrude Ferrell together. Until then, I love you, my dear cousin!

Wayne Anderson was 11 years older than me. He went home at the age of 71. Regardless of what age or how we leave this world, we had better be ready. Are you ready, dear reader? Wayne Anderson was. I hope that you are. If you are not ready, please email me. Let’s talk!