FROM “POLY-TICS” DARKNESS TO HANUKKAH LIGHTS (published 11-28-2021, Sunday)

 Introduction

The gatherings on Thanksgiving, 11/25/2021, with the Fearghail clan and the Beckner-Gordon clan, were enjoyable. The food, conversation, and togetherness were excellent.

I have had “poly-tics” nausea, for a week or so. I need to get the nausea out of my system. The nausea illustrates the deeper point – the continuing moral and spiritual demise, of this once great nation. Restoration is possible. I wonder if restoration will become reality, in my lifetime. I remember the restoration of this nation, in the 1980s.

USSA First President: Health

The USSA started on 1/6/2021, as my 1/11/2021 article affirmed. Joe Biden is the first President of the USSA (1/20/2021 inauguration), as my 1/24/2021 article affirmed. He attained age 79, on 11/20/2021. Joe Biden is the oldest President, in USA or USSA history. (Source: Kelly, Martin. "Who Was the Oldest President of the United States?" ThoughtCo, Aug. 10, 2021, thoughtco.com/oldest-president-of-the-united-states-105447.)

Age, of course, is not relevant – if one, who has a few decades on him, is physically and mentally sharp. I have known a few folks, in their 80s, who still worked and who were mentally sharp and physically stout. (My articles search, by “Gwyn Calfee,” finds one fine example.)

On 11/19/2021, President Joe Biden had his annual physical examination. His doctor pronounced him to be physically fit to perform his duties. He has relatively minor physical health problems. (Source: https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/President-Biden-Current-Health-Summary-November-2021.pdf.)

President Joe Biden did not undergo a cognitive examination. My age 99 aunt-in-law, whom I saw on Thanksgiving, is still mentally sharp, despite her physical problems. President Biden is in cognitive decline, as is common knowledge, in the media. The majority do not think that he is mentally fit for his office. (Source: 11/17/2021 Politico article, by Marc Caputo.) In this case, the majority is right.

USSA First President: Oil Dependence

Whitehouse.gov cites the “Remarks by President Biden on the Economy and Lowering Prices for the American People,” on November 23, 2021. This article, today, will not include my “fact check” of his plethora of remarks, on various topics. I have done so. Those, who pull his puppet strings, know how to spin webs of half truths into his mouth.

As President Biden stated in his own remarks, he has authorized the historically largest release of oil, from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, to lower the high cost of gasoline.

In the year 2020 (the final year of the 45th and final President of the USA):

The U.S. Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) February 2021 Short-Term Energy Outlook (STEO) estimates that 2020 marked the first year that the United States exported more petroleum than it imported on an annual basis. However, largely because of declines in domestic crude oil production and corresponding increases in crude oil imports, EIA expects the United States to return to being a net petroleum importer on an annual basis in both 2021 and 2022. (Quote from World Oil, “U.S. will import 62% more crude by 2022 due to domestic production declines, says EIA,” by Stacy MacIntyre & Matt French, 2/17/2021.)

Six Days that Define the Demise

I keep up with the news, sadly. Four examples in six days (11/19/2021 to 11/24/2021) encapsulate the demise of this once great nation. The demise is moral and spiritual, as the four examples indicate.

On 11/19/2021, Kyle Rittenhouse was found not guilty, correctly, of murder and other accusations, in the Kenosha, Wisconsin, trial. The police should have been present and not “de-funded.” The looting and rioting should not have happened. Kyle Rittenhouse could have stood to “defend his fort” only – not the “forts” of others. This was one example.

On 11/21/2021, Darrell E. Brooks Jr. (the accused) drove his vehicle into the crowd, at the Waukesha, Wisconsin, Christmas parade. Six are dead, including one child. Over sixty people were injured. Darrell Brooks Jr. faces multiple murder charges. This is an obvious example.

On 11/23/2021, Kevin Strickland – who was found guilty, wrongfully, of triple murder -- was set free, after over 40 years of wrongful imprisonment, in Missouri. Kevin Strickland should not have had to endure over 40 years, to be vindicated. It's another example.

On 11/24/2021, three men were found guilty, correctly, of murdering Ahmaud Arbery, in Brunswick, Georgia. This is the fourth and very sad example.

From 11/19/2021 to 11/25/2021, I kept wondering what the next courtroom example of the demise would be. The pattern of recent examples appears to have stopped, for a while.

The Ad Nauseam

The Socialist Utopians, who are the puppeteers behind the first President of the USSA, continue to advance their agenda. I am sickened by it. The results are inflation, “supply chain” problems, the printing and spending of Monopoly money, divisions by skin color (not by character content), and ad nauseam.

I am tired of Socialist Utopian nausea! President Biden, please stop your puppeteers from using you, as the “useful idiot” (citing Lenin), to “remake” this once great nation into a Socialist nightmare. Wake up, before it's too late!

At 5:32 PM, this dark and nauseous “poly-tics” article is draining me. The nausea basket is getting too full. It is getting dark. This once great nation is in darkness. As twilight approaches, let's end, by focusing on the Festival of Lights!

Conclusion into The Festival of Lights

I learned about the eight-day festival of Hanukkah, while attending Freed-Hardeman College (University now), from the fall of 1984 to the fall of 1985 (graduation). “Hanukkah 101,” on the website “My Jewish Learning,” is a good article. In 164 BC, the Jewish temple was restored as a place of worship – after having been desecrated into a pagan shrine. Hanukkah is also called “The Festival of Lights.” Hanukkah began at sundown – a few minutes ago.

The Light became the Messiah, who lived, died, and was resurrected – for the everlasting salvation, of those who have continued to believe in Him! We need more Light in this world and in this once great nation. The Festival of Lights celebrates the restoration of the Jewish temple. People, in this nation and around the globe, need to be restored by the Light. Freewill is the determining factor. I urge everyone to make the right decision, freely. Darkness will become Light!

THANKSGIVING, 11-25-2021: HISTORICAL ARCHIVE (published 11-27-2021)

Introduction

At 3:28 PM, I begin to write. Thanksgiving was two days ago. The weather is clear, sunny, and seasonably crisp. The wind will bring a little rain in a day or two.

Earlier today, the Georgia Bulldogs triple-stomped Georgia Tech, 45 to 0. Hopefully, this evening, the Tennessee Vols will stomp the Vanderbilt “Commode Doors.” We will see. The college football season doesn't last too long. I enjoy it very much. Go Dawgs! Beat the Alabama Elephants in the SEC Championship on Saturday, 12/4/2021, at 4 PM, in Atlanta, Georgia!

The latest new, “better,” costlier, and worse “five-year” front porch light bulb blew last evening. Al Gore was one of the instigators, with nefarious results, who changed the type of light bulbs that we are “permitted” to use. That was decades ago. I used to have a stock of the older, better, and inexpensive bulbs that I used to be able to use. I used all my stock over a few years. (Please research the details if you are bored.) I installed the latest bulb about a year ago or less. Mrs. Appalachian Irishman bravely helped me replace the bulb earlier today. It is easy enough using a stepladder. I wonder if this new, “better,” costlier, and worse “five-year” front porch light bulb will last at least a year. I have, however, digressed into the mundane.

I hope that you enjoyed my two articles (one and two) from yesterday. I wrote them with sadness and joy as the earthy, mundane sorrow became everlasting joy. I still wonder if I can take what's left of my 7/17/2021 birthday lemon pie to my father, who is in heaven. Will it keep that long? Can I take it with me?

Fearghail Clan Thanksgiving, 11/25/2021

My youngest brother, his wife, and their two teenage daughters arrived here at about 11:20 AM. We enjoyed seeing each other again. We last saw them on Sunday, 10/10/2021, during Rogersville Heritage Days.

Molly Stood Her Ground!

Imagine the following. I could not reach my video camera quickly enough! Before Thanksgiving dinner (at about 12 PM), my brother saw Molly (our “old puppy”) run at Mach 5 speed toward a buck deer (a six or eight pointer). I saw Molly defend our “back 40” against the intruding buck! It had jumped the fence. My brother saw it jump. Molly stood her ground! The buck stood his ground. It was a tie. Eventually, the buck ran off into a neighbor's backyard. Molly 1, buck 0. My 6/8/2021 article mentioned Molly's victory against a yearling deer! Molly is 2-0 against deer. Molly is holding her own as she keeps our fort secure! Good old puppy! Yes, all six of us enjoyed playing outside games with Molly after dinner! We had fun and burned off calories.

Dinner

Mrs. Appalachian Irishman had worked hard on the Thanksgiving dinner menu. The six of us ate quite well. Thanks, dear! The conversation was along the lines of humor, family heritage, and current life. I'm glad that my youngest brother and his family drove the one-hour-and-ten-minute drive down (not up) here. (My brother still says “up” when we are “down” from him. It's a decades-long family joke.)

I do not photograph food. We eat food around here. We do not photograph it. Well, see my lemon pie photograph.

Basketball

The elder daughter of my youngest brother and his wife is a sophomore at Cherokee High School in Rogersville, Tennessee. She is on the girls' basketball team. The Rogersville Review, Weekend Edition (11/20-21/2021, Saturday–Sunday) included a photograph and article about the team by Jim Beller, Sports Editor. (You must have a paid account to access the website.)

I corrected the capitalization errors in the following title: “PHOTO GALLERY: Lady Chiefs [B]egin [N]ew [E]ra with [U]ptempo [A]pproach,” by Jim Beller, Sports Editor, The Rogersville Review, Weekend Edition (11/20-21/2021, Saturday–Sunday). The photograph below was by Jim Beller.

Ariel Ferrell, our niece, is number 32. She is in the back row, farthest to the left.

The following is a quote (with my editorial correction) from the article referenced previously:

Airel [Ariel] Ferrell is a new face who brings a lot of energy to the floor, Lawson said.

Ferrell played junior varsity last year and, along with the Houcks, was part of the 2019-20 Bulls Gap team that advanced to the state tournament.

My article on the 2019-20 Bulls Gap Middle School girls' basketball team is BULLS GAP MIDDLE SCHOOL LADY BULLDOGS: STATE FINAL FOUR!! (published 2-9-2020).

That great team placed fourth in the state tournament. See my article FOURTH IN STATE: TRIBUTE TO BULLS GAP MIDDLE SCHOOL GIRLS’ BASKETBALL TEAM (published 3-15-2020).

The anniversary of the birth of my paternal grandmother (Molly Gertrude Archer Ferrell, 11/30/1892–6/11/1971) is next Tuesday, 11/30/2021. The Cherokee High School girls' basketball team will play the Gibbs High School girls' basketball team here, about 2.5 miles away from our house, on 11/30/2021. The game will start at 5 PM. Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and I plan to be there, if we have power in our bodies. We have the will in our spirits! We will encourage the Cherokee High School girls' basketball team to beat the Gibbs High School girls' basketball team! My voice will be the loudest when Ariel Ferrell is on the court! Play ball! Win!

The youngest daughter of my brother and his wife is now a member of the Bulls Gap Middle School girls' basketball team! She is following the tradition of her mother (Carson Newman University girls' basketball team) and her older sister (as stated previously). The Rogersville Review needs to publish the schedules and rankings for local sports teams. They do not do that very often. I still have the current Bulls Gap Middle School (Bulls Gap, Tennessee) Basketball Schedule link. It is not very helpful. My brother and his wife update us on how their youngest daughter is doing!

Beckner-Gordon Clan Thanksgiving, 11/25/2021

I ate only one serving for dinner. I knew that I would need to save room for supper. At about 4 PM, the Beckner-Gordon clan gathered for Thanksgiving supper at the Beckner home. My aunt-in-law is 99 years young, soon to be 100. Her son cares for her at home. He had his medical problems, but he honors his mother. They are getting along well enough. Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and her Gordon clan help them. I help as needed.

My father-in-law decided not to attend. He has his own health problems. I wish he could have attended.

Those present aside from me were my wife's aunt, her son, Mrs. Appalachian Irishman, her two younger sisters, and the daughter of the middle sister. (Well, Pepper, our niece's dog, was there also.) We engaged in the usual family conversation. I interjected the following “poly-ticks” joke as I had done at dinner with the Fearghail clan: “Poly,” from Greek, meaning “many,” plus “ticks,” known bloodsuckers. That was my “poly-ticks” humor twice on Thanksgiving!

My wife's aunt had fallen at home recently. She is still able to walk using a rolling walker, as she has been doing. The fall did not hurt her physically. It did scare her. I encouraged her. I trust in the Lord that she will live to be 100 or beyond. We will see. See my article, Memories: Aunt Mona and Uncle Bobby, 1/18/2020; Dad, 1/25/2020; But Life Goes On with a Touch of Humor! (published 1-26-2020).

Conclusion

At 5:38 PM today, Saturday, as I type, darkness has fallen. Thanksgiving leftovers will be ready in about 22 minutes. Molly is ready to come inside now. She had her supper. She knows that she must wait until we have our supper. Molly is patient.

Another Thanksgiving has come and gone. Over the decades from childhood until now, I recall many Thanksgivings.

Heavenly Thanksgiving will not be one day annually. It will be everlasting. I look forward to heavenly Thanksgiving. Hey, the Tennessee Vols are beating the Vanderbilt “Commode Doors!” That's good.

11-24-2021 Was Mom's Heavenly Birthday: My 7-17-2021 Birthday Pie (published 11-26-2021)

Introduction

 On Wednesday, 11/24/2021, I searched articles – from the 3/6/2006 first article to the latest at that time. Searching by “Mom” finds more articles. Searching by “Mom's Birthday” found only two. My unpublished book, “Light at the End of the Tunnel,” contains much more than this website does. I plan to publish the book – in time. I have been working on it, off and on, since 2000. Another year or so, before publishing, will not matter – if I'm still on this earth.

Mom (Betty Lou Wood Ferrell, 11/24/1932 - 12/27/2000) would have been 89, on 11/24/2021.

The 11/24/2009 and 11/24/2019 Articles

On Tuesday, November 24, 2009, I published “Happy Birthday, Mom.” I re-read my words. I experienced the same emotions. A quote from the article to Mom states, “You were the most genuine Christian that I have known.” You are encouraged to read the article. I would not change one word today.

On Sunday, November 24, 2019, I published “Mom's Birthday.” I hope that you enjoy my wordplay on “The Farmer in the Dell.” Mom would not have liked my use of “crap,” but she would have laughed. I was in my fourth year of “bionic” life. I had to inject a little humor.

My 7/17/2021 Birthday Pie

As a teenager, I no longer cared for birthday cakes. Mom could make great cakes. She had taken a cake decorating class. She had all the tools. Mom made the wedding cake for Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and me (5/16/1986 wedding). Back then, as now, I preferred birthday lemon pies. Mom started making me birthday lemon pies every year.

Mrs. Appalachian Irishman has kept up that tradition. On 7/17/2021, Mrs. Appalachian Irishman made me the above-photographed birthday pie. From that date, until yesterday, I was not hungry for lemon pie. (I do not eat sweets very often.) Yesterday, on Thanksgiving, I ate one piece of my 7/17/2021 birthday lemon pie. It was good. It had been aging in the freezer. My youngest brother and his family had Thanksgiving dinner (at 12 PM) with us. He ate a sliver of my pie. For Thanksgiving supper, at the Gordon-Beckner gathering, I talked a couple of my in-laws into eating some of my pie.

The above photograph indicates that much more pie remains to be eaten. I may eat the rest of that 7/17/2021 birthday pie, before my next birthday – if I don't go Home or the world doesn't come to an end before then.

Conclusion

Mom, if you were able to hear me now, you would smile and make a funny reply! I know, Mom. In July, I should have eaten my birthday lemon pie completely. My wife seems to understand.

How about a birthday Winesap apple, for my birthday next year? I would eat that on the same day!

I'm just having a little fun, Mom! I look forward to sharing this story with you, at Home, eventually. I'm getting there, but not today, apparently. Now, Dad liked sweets. I wonder if my 7/17/2021 lemon birthday pie will keep?

Tuesday, 11-23-2021: Dad Got the Same Junk Mail Here for the Third Time! (published 11-26-2021)

Introduction

The Barrington Media Group must think that the third time is the charm! Three days ago, my deceased father (Earl Ferrell, 9/17/1927-1/25/2008) received here his third piece of junk mail from those folks.

This is the third article, in which I poke fun at the Barrington Media Group! They do not know how to stop! I assume that they enjoy wasting the postage price to mail junk to my deceased father, despite my two phone calls to try to stop them!

Junk Mail History

Two previous articles provide the backdrop for this junk mail to my deceased father. I reread them and enjoyed the satire. My previous self gave my current self a laugh. Please check out the following articles:

Saturday, 10/16/2021: USPS Email: Dad Is Getting Junk Mail Here Today! (published 10/17/2021)

Saturday, 11-6-2021: Dad Got More of the Same Junk Mail, and I Got Junk Mail! (published 11-7-2021)

The Third Time Was Not the Charm!

The following is what my deceased father received at our address last Tuesday. I had to write on it. I redacted out our address.

Conclusion

Last Tuesday, I called 800-264-5420 for the third time during my lunch hour while working from home. I was not as polite this time. Instead, I was professionally demanding. My suspicion is that the sales representative (a man) will do nothing again. I asked for the name and contact information of the marketing director. Further, I demanded that the sales representative ask the marketing director to email me. (I provided my email address.) Finally, I suggested very strongly that the Barrington Media Group scrub their bulk mailing list against the list of deceased persons in each state. Despite speaking, the sales representative did not seem to be listening. As the conversation ended, he asked if he could help me with anything else. I replied that I am trying to help the company that employs him. I hung up.

The small print in each of the three junk mailings to my deceased father shows the mailings to be from the Barrington Media Group, 4 Armstrong Road, 3rd Floor, Shelton, CT 06484; 203-225-6161; contact@barringtonmediagroup.com. A man named Peter Stavisky started the Barrington Media Group LLC in 2003.

Today, on this Friday afternoon, I am “fixin'” to send contact@barringtonmediagroup.com a few thoughts in my glib Irish style of writing! I plan to send my email with a read receipt required and with high priority. If my deceased father gets a fourth junk mailing from the Barrington Media Group, I will either call their corporate number or send them a certified return receipt postal letter.

I may eventually stop these folks. If not, I look forward to sharing this story with my father once I join him in our everlasting home.

“BLUSTERY” (published 11/22/2021, Monday)

Introduction

Today has been a blustery Monday. The red morning sky, of two days ago, brought the rain, about 10 PM, yesterday – as I had predicted. Quoting from yesterday's article, “I am a mountain man. I know the weather signs.” Today has been cloudy and damp, with some sun and wind. I was outside, around the house, at times, during breaks, while working at home. Wearing a long-sleeve shirt and T-shirt, I was fine.

Blustery defines my mood, not just the weather. I will explain.

Blustery Day

Apparently, Mrs. Appalachian Irishman's youngest sister arrived at the in-laws' house, late yesterday. I found out today. I'm glad that she made it here, from “Nashvegas.”

Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and “favorite” sister-in-law drove to and from work, in “Seviervillevegas,” today. My wife had the driving privilege, as they commute together. They worked a half day. Afterward, my wife got a haircut, from 2:00 to 3:42 PM, for $156.00 ($26 tip included). Her high dollar haircut was supposed to be tomorrow. She needed that haircut, apparently. Her last one was on 9/28/2021. Interestingly, I didn't notice much difference. I smell the difference a little. (I'm just kidding, dear! You women folks do strange and costly things at times! I put up with it. It's better to have you around than not! I love you. Yes, I dropped the “L” word!) I rack all this up as being blustery.

Mom (Betty Lou Wood Ferrell, 11/24/1932 - 12/27/2000) went to see Jesus (in her words, before she passed), on Wednesday, 12/27/2021, at 5:15 PM.

On 10/29/2021, at 9:14 AM, I had requested, by email, my work leave, for 12/27-30/2021 (a Monday – Thursday). New Years Eve is a day off for everyone.

December 27, this year, falls on a Monday. Today, at 3:46 PM, I was informed, by email, that I will be granted the “honor” of working at home, on 12/27/2021. I was not granted the day off. Apparently, the office is that understaffed. “Blustery” is my only expression. I was granted time off, for 12/28-30/2021.

Whatever work that I do, on 12/27/2021, will be very little. I have over four months of leave time. I must take my blustery stand!

Conclusion

I like, well enough, the Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's season. I have good and bad memories. Mom was born on 11/24/1932. She will be on my mind, on Wednesday. Granny Ferrell (Molly Gertrude Archer Ferrell, 11/30/1882 - 6/11/1971) will be on my mind, working from home, on Tuesday, 11/30/2021.

December 2021 is still an undiscovered future. Monday, 12/27/2021, will be my stand, as my Mom would want me to do.

Okay, enough blustery talk! It's dark. Molly, our ol' puppy, is wanting to come inside. Supper is almost ready. Let's eat!

Sunday, 11/21/2021: Has It Been a Year Already? (published 11/21/2021)

Introduction

At 5:33 PM, as I am typing this sentence, darkness has fallen over My Mountain (House Mountain) and here at the house. Mrs. Appalachian Irishman has finished dusting, sweeping, and vacuuming, which we couldn't do yesterday. (Sometimes, you have to “pull the ox out of the ditch” on a Sunday afternoon.) Before that, she returned from visiting with her folks and shopping at the Food “Crappy” grocery store. The eating-too-much-at-Thanksgiving insanity is starting. While she was with her side of the family, I called her to warn them and her about my youngest brother's call earlier this afternoon. Once again, the Ferrell clan may disrupt the upcoming Thanksgiving plans that the Gordon clan is arranging. We will see how it turns out this coming Thursday.

My Sunday, 11/22/2020, Article

Today, I reread my article from this time last year. It was November 21st Chronological Historical Notes: 1970: Papaw; 2015: Molly; 2016: Truck; 2020: House Mt. Hike #174 (published 11-22-2020).

Reading it again, I would not change one word. My current editorial self agrees with my previous editorial self. It's what I do.

Conclusion

I hope that y'all enjoy reading what I wrote about this time last year. The weather was cloudy today. The red sky yesterday morning indicated good hiking weather that day. Instead of hiking yesterday, I prioritized a haircut, a handwashing for my truck, and other tasks. Clouds settled in today. The rain will come either later today or early tomorrow. I predict it. Being a mountain man, I understand the weather signs.

Do you all understand the signs of the times? I do. In this temporal realm, the Ununited Socialist States of America (USSA) is about to be gone! Various other global powers have fallen throughout time. The USSA is about to fall. We are in its last days. Well, I hope this once-great nation can recover and become the United States of America (USA) again. We will find out in the election years next year and in 2024.

In the everlasting realm, I ask, “Are you returning soon, Lord?” I hope so! I may go heavenward before he returns. I may not. Either way, I am ready! Are you? I hope so. If you are not and if you would like to converse with me on this spiritual topic, please use the Contact Form on this website to email me. We can “talk” for a while. Just have your coffee ready!

At 5:50 PM as I type this sentence, I am getting hungry for supper. Y'all keep turnin' right and goin' straight out there! I am off for now to eat supper.

THE BUILD BACK BROKE BILL (published 11-21-2021)

Introduction

Well, howdy again, y'all! “Yestrdey,” as folks around here say it, I promised to finish and publish a “poly-ticks” article. I try to keep my promises, as any true Appalachian Irishman would. Any man or woman, raised in the Appalachian-Irish and biblically-based heritage, understands. (Yes, there are only two genders, male and female. The humor is that some folks think that about a thousand or so genders exist. Is there an innie? Female. Is there an outie? Male. That's all. I apologize for my digression.)

My paternal grandfather, Marion Ferrell (4/13/1880–11/21/1970), departed this world before his wife, Molly Gertrude Archer Ferrell (11/30/1892–6/11/1971), when I was ten years old. Granny and Papaw Ferrell were married on 11/25/1908. Granny was almost 16!

My mother, Betty Lou Wood Ferrell, was born on 11/24/1932. Mom “went to see Jesus,” as she stated she wanted to do before she passed on 12/27/2000. My yet unpublished book, “Light at the End of the Tunnel,” will unpack the complete story of my mother's passing.

As I recall, Papaw Ferrell wasn't interested in politics. My uncle Bill Ferrell (8/20/1914–6/21/1999) was interested in the political realm. He served for many years as the Hawkins County, Tennessee, property assessor. I remember him well. He was the oldest brother of my father (Earl Ferrell, 9/17/1927–1/25/2008). Uncle Bill inspired my father to become involved in political commentary. Over the years, my father's verbal commentaries waxed so eloquently that my mother did her best to curb his salty and glib Irish tongue! After my mother went to see Jesus, we boys endured our father's vivid interest in C-SPAN, Fox News, and similar television shows. I am glad that my father isn't with us now. The political and, most importantly, moral condition of the once-great USA is now far worse.

Now that I have set the heritage context, shall we venture into “poly-ticks”? We shall!

The Blackburn Report

Senator Marsha Blackburn received my vote for Tennessee senator. Bill Hagerty, the other Tennessee senator, did not get my vote. I voted for myself. His robotic calls and texts to my cell phone, trying to get me to vote for him, drove me nearly insane! I still do not know how his robot got my cell phone number.

Every Saturday morning, I enjoy reading “The Blackburn Report,” which is emailed weekly to subscribers, usually just after midnight on Saturday. I don't know why they have to work so late on a Friday.

The latest “The Blackburn Report” (Friday, 11/19/2021) arrived in my inbox the next morning at 12:35 AM. (I am glad that I didn't work that late on Friday into Saturday.) Marsha Blackburn is doing her best to slow down the further demise of the Ununited Socialist States of America (USSA) into “Socialist Utopian Oblivion” (my coined phrase as of today). Are you learning Mandarin yet? I need to stop procrastinating in my efforts! Maybe the Russians will overtake the USSA. If so, I can speak, read, and write well enough in Russian.

Marsha Blackburn used the phrase “Build Back Broke Bill” to describe last Friday's USSA House passage of whatever the next socialist, “Monopoly money” spending bill is called. The vote was 220 for to 213 against, with a Maine “Demorat” joining the “Republicants” to vote against the borrow-to-spend bill.

If you want to know how the “Monopoly money” will be spent, you may want to read “The House Just Passed Biden’s Build Back Better Bill. Here’s What’s In It,” Time, by Nik Popli & Abby Vesoulis, 1/19/2021. Yesterday, I wasted a little time reading the article. Watch the US Debt Clock spin, but not for too long. It will make you dizzy!

Conclusion

I do not like to write “poly-ticks” articles! I need to do so, however, to record my efforts to stand against the socialists' efforts to drive this once-great nation into “Socialist Utopian Oblivion.”

I continue to stand as a once-free man in a once-free and great nation. Will you join me? Many of us have joined together. I hope that many more will do so.

At 4:41 PM, as I type this sentence, Mrs. Appalachian Irishman just came home from visiting her folks. I need to write another article about heritage. I am glad that this “poly-ticks” article is finally out of my mind! It's starting to get dark. Sadly, I am not hiking in the woods.

This article remembers Papaw Ferrell, who passed away on this day in 1970.

SATURDAY, 11/20/2021: “LIFE, SUCH AS IT IS”

Introduction

Greetings, dear reader. I hope you are doing well enough in this Ununited Socialist States of America (USSA) “socialist utopia,” which once was the free, brave, and proud United States of America (USA). Don't fret! My next article will be about “poly-ticks.” The word “poly-ticks,” as I use it, is from “many” (Latin) plus “ticks” (blood suckers).

This article updates on recent “life, such as it is,” events. I hope you are keeping journals. This website journal is a way by which I record certain life events of Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and mine.

1978 High School Senior Year

I attained the grand age of 18 just after high school graduation in 1978, 43 years ago. How time goes by.

Recently, I learned that a fellow 1978 high school graduate and classmate retired from the Tennessee National Guard as a Brigadier General early this year. I honor him for his service in the Tennessee National Guard. I had wondered, in passing thoughts over the last few decades, what had become of him, along with many other classmates. As I understand it, his family and he were doing well enough. In high school, he had his clique. I had mine. He was part of the “elite” crowd. I was not. It doesn't matter now. He was not a high school friend, but he seemed to be a good guy. I liked him well enough. I assume that he liked me well enough. Furthermore, I hope that he is ready for everlasting life by having accepted the Lord's invitation to salvation. I assume that he has. I doubt that he has served in full-time ministry or cross-cultural mission work, as I have. He, as I assume, has ministered according to his calling, as I continue to do.

Sadly, a few days after I learned how my high school classmate was doing, I learned that his mother-in-law, who was my high school senior year English teacher, passed away on Wednesday, 11/17/2021, at age 94. In the 8th grade, Mrs. Trent taught my classmates and me how to diagram sentences. Mrs. Trent taught us how to use proper grammar and style in sentence structure. My high school senior year English teacher, who passed recently, continued Mrs. Trent's fine training. Mrs. Trent was my best English teacher.

As high school seniors in college-preparation English class, we were required to write a research paper. I had been working diligently on mine, spending hours of research in the library. I lost the research and told my teacher, the one who passed away recently. She was “gracious” in that she “allowed” me to submit my paper late to receive a 64 “F” instead of a 0 “F” grade. I did the research again, wrote the paper, and submitted it late. (The original paper may be around here somewhere.) I got a 64 “F” for late submission, instead of a 0 “F” for no submission at all. As I recall, I passed my senior year high school English class with a “B.” I could have had an “A.” My mother (Betty Lou Wood Ferrell, 11/24/1932–12/27/2000) wanted to confront my high school senior year English teacher to defend me. It was not my fault that, somehow, my first research had gone missing. I still wonder if someone took it from my locker where I had kept it. Mom and I “took one on the chin.”

Forty-three years later, as I reflect, my 1978 high school classmate and his deceased mother-in-law are placed in an everlasting perspective. Let's move on, shall we?

Today's Life, Such As It Is

Today is Saturday. The weather is cool and sunny. The red sky this morning indicated rain in a day or two. I arrived, three seconds early, for my 10 AM haircut appointment at Tony's Best Clips. Beforehand, I had hauled off the trash and recycling. Six weeks had gone by since my last haircut. (The 10/9/2021 article mentions it.) I'm glad to know that Tony and his folks are doing well. I needed that “best clips” haircut!

My 2006 Nissan Frontier got his second truck wash this month (on the 6th and today). I filled his tank. Afterward, I noticed our 2008 Honda Civic parked at the Dollar General Store. In the store, I almost snuck up on Mrs. Appalachian Irishman! She caught me out of the corner of her eye. She didn't hear me walking, even with my “bionic” right foot!

Before that “sneak attack,” I had stopped at Hammers and Rural King, both not far from my barber. I am in “desperate” need of two blue sweatshirts! I have two that have a few decades of age on them. Both have holes. On 7/12/2021, I asked Mrs. Appalachian Irishman to stitch the holes. Apparently, she was too busy. I may need to take a needle and thread and stitch the holes myself. I would like to retire those sweatshirts to a memorial location in my closet.

The Dollar General Store did not have sweatshirts in stock. I checked out with Mrs. Appalachian Irishman. The checkout clerk and I regaled each other about how a dollar ain't worth much these days.

In the checkout line, an older man behind us wore a Vietnam War ball cap. He and I conversed briefly. I shook his hand and thanked him for his service to this once-free and great nation. He and I both understood the reality of the current “USSA socialist utopian dream,” which will awaken to become the coming nightmare. I hope that this Vietnam War veteran does well, and I hope I see him again.

Do readers from Hawkins County, Tennessee, remember Cupp's grocery store in Rogersville? I do. After church on Sunday mornings, my father would stop at the store. I could spend 25 cents to buy a Coke and a candy bar. After my father drove us home, I watched football on the black-and-white television, ate the candy bar, and drank the Coke. Those were great Sunday afternoons after church during my grade school years!

Conclusion

It is dark at 5:42 PM as I type this sentence. I'm glad that, as of 11/7/2021, we are finally off “govrmint” time! Molly (our “old puppy”) is ready to come inside. Supper is almost ready.

I may not be able to publish the article about “Poly-ticks” today. I'll get to it. Please wait for it!

GEORGIA BULLDOGS SPOIL TENNESSEE VOLS' HOMECOMING GAME (published 11/14/2021)

Introduction

The 11/11/2021, Veterans Day, article included the bet, with an apology to our mother (Betty Lou Wood Ferrell, 11/24/1932-12/27/2000), that I made with my veteran brother.

Which brother won the bet? Read on to find out!

Saturday, 11/13/2021: Georgia Bulldogs 41, Tennessee Vols 17

Yesterday, the unranked Tennessee Vols (my second favorite SEC college football team) lost at home on their homecoming to the number one ranked Georgia Bulldogs (my favorite SEC college football team)! It was a 24-point win, a stomp! The score was four points shy of being a double stomp. The Georgia Bulldogs website has a PDF document of the game statistics. (Click “View Full Screen.”)

I would rather see the Vols win instead of lose, unless they are playing the Bulldogs! I do not have enough decades left to live to see the Vols become competitive for an SEC championship or even a national championship. The Bulldogs remain consistently in the hunt. This year may be their year. We will see.

Conclusion

Yesterday, my youngest brother called during the game. He doesn't care about college football anymore. I paused my very vocal, as Mrs. Appalachian Irishman can affirm, reactions during the game. Coming up on Tuesday, 11/30/2021, the eldest daughter of my brother and his wife has a high school basketball game at Gibbs High School on the day that Granny Molly Gertrude Archer Ferrell (11/30/1882–6/11/1971) was born. If we have power in our bodies, my wife and I hope to attend the game to support the Cherokee High School girls' basketball team and our niece, who is on the team.

Yesterday, during the game, I was waxing quite eloquent! I was listening online to the Bulldogs radio broadcasters on my home computer. I had our television on the game (muted). It was great! The Vols (SEC 3-4, overall 5-5) gave the Bulldogs (SEC 8-0, overall 10-0) a little trouble in the first quarter. The Bulldogs won another one! Ten wins and no losses! Georgia has the defense in college football! Go Dawgs!

Yesterday, my veteran brother called my cell phone (which was off) just as the game was ending. His voicemail was, “Go Dawgs! Woof, woof, woof!” Today, I called him back and left him a voicemail. I hope he calls back later today!

My veteran brother has his various “whatevers.” They were “gifted to him” from his eight years of service in the Air Force. He endures. I have my “whatevers.” They were “gifted to me” by the uninsured female who failed to yield to my right of way on Tuesday, 3/29/2016. My brother has been enduring his “whatevers” longer than I have.

My veteran brother and I had a little fun! Who knows? My wife and I may still buy his family and him a dinner or supper later this year. We will see. That was the bet, by the way. My brother doesn't have to buy us a meal. I won't hold him to it. Our mother would be pleased.

11/14/2021: “POLY-TICKS,” SPINNING THE WAY TO “SOCIALIST UTOPIA”

Introduction

As a child, did you ever spin around in a circle with your forehead on a vertical stick? Some of us kids did that for fun back in the 1960s and 1970s. The challenge was to see how many times you could spin around without falling. It was a fun game. The winner was whoever spun around the most times without falling from being dizzy.

The current political “spin on a stick” game, which the Ununited Socialist States of America (USSA, started on 1/6/2021) is playing, is not a game. Let me write about it! You are welcome to check out the links referenced in this article to find the information, which I found. Political spin is not a fun game.

First Spin

The New York Times: “The U.S. Is Reopening. Here’s What Travelers Need to Know About Testing, Boosters, and More.” By Ceylan Yeginsu, 11/8/2021, updated 11/12/2021. It states, “On Nov. 8, the United States lifted an 18-month ban on international tourists, as long as they show proof of vaccination and a negative coronavirus test.”

The New York Times: “Covid News: U.S. - Mexico Border Reopens to Vaccinated Tourists,” 11/8/2021, updated 11/14/2021. It says, “Tourists enter from Mexico as the U.S. border reopens to vaccinated visitors.”

U.S. Customs and Border Protection. If you open the web page, check out “FY Southwest Land Border Encounters by Month” from October through September, 2018 through 2021. “Tourists” need to prove their “Corony” virus status before entering the USSA legally. Illegal alien invaders do not need to prove anything at all. They are offered free food, free rides or flights, free housing, free forgiveness for their crimes, and much more. Who cares if these illegal aliens are killing, raping, stealing, and so forth? They have illegal alien rights in this once-free-and-great nation, with more rights than tourists. Further, they have more rights than USSA citizens. President Biden, the first president of the USSA who has difficulty remembering what day it is, said so. Well, the puppeteers, who pull his strings, told him to say so, if he was not asleep at the time.

Second Spin

Unfortunately, on 11/5/2021, the USSA House passed a $1,200,000,000,000 ($1.2 trillion) infrastructure monopoly-money-spending-spree bill. Thirteen Rhinos (Republicans in name only) went along with the insanity. Apparently, another Monopoly Money spending spree is coming soon to an inflationary neighborhood near you. It's called H.R.5376 - Build Back Better Act, in case you are wondering.

A dollar here. A dollar there. A dollar ain't worth much nowadays, boys! Watch the US Debt Clock spin for a while! It will make you dizzy!

Third Spin

Was the USA an oil-producing and exporting nation? Yes, it was. Now, is the USSA an oil-importing nation? Sadly, it is. The USSA has started begging for oil imports again. The change happened in 2021. The first president of the USSA stopped the progress, which Trump, the last president of the USA, had made.

The Keystone XL pipeline was the first casualty. The Liquids pipelines - Enbridge Inc. is the second injured party. There are others that may become victims.

Are you happy that the price for a gallon of gas has increased? With tongue placed firmly in cheek, “I am.” We are “saving the planet!” The “USSA Socialist Utopians” are spinning us around on the vertical stick.

Fourth Spin

“The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) said on Wednesday that its net loss for the 2021 fiscal year was $4.9 billion - close to half of the $9.2 billion it lost during the previous year.” Source: “Postal Service [L]oss [N]early [H]alved," The Hill, by Caroline Vakil, 11/11/2021. (Yes, I corrected the capitalization errors in the title.)

I'm so happy that the USSA Postal Service (USSPS) is losing less money than it once was. Give them another ten or more years. They will figure out how to lose even more money, unless the USSA becomes a vassal state of China before then.

Fifth Spin

“Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee said Wednesday [that] he plans to sign a sweeping legislative package[,] curtailing the authority public schools, local health agencies[,] and businesses have over COVID-19 restrictions.” Source: “Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee [P]lans to [S]ign [S]weeping COVID-19 [L]egislation." Knoxville News Sentinel, by Melissa Brown and Duane W. Gang, Nashville Tennessean, 11/10/2021. (I corrected the title capitalization errors and the stylistic errors in the quote.) This is good, Gov. Bill Lee!

Unfortunately, “As of now, Judge J. Ronnie Greer's decision to bring back a school mask mandate will stay in place until the conclusion of the lawsuit brought by four families, [which] could take months and possibly longer[,] depending on motions filed, whether or not there's a trial, and even the appeals process. But[,] there are circumstances that could change things — and possibly remove the mask mandate — as the court case play[s] out.” Source: “Wondering [W]hen the Knox County Schools [M]ask [M]andate [C]ould [E]nd? Legal [E]xperts have [S]ome [I]deas." Knoxville News Sentinel, by Isabel Lohman, 11/9/2021, updated 11/10/2021. (I corrected their title capitalization errors and the style errors in the quotation.)

J. Ronnie Greer, Senior United States District Judge in the United States District Court, Eastern District of Tennessee, apparently has no idea about what God's law and the (former) USA Constitution affirm regarding the freedom we have as humans created in God's image.

Conclusion

This article has spun my head around on the vertical “socialist utopian” stick five times. I can't go around a sixth time. I need to fall down and rest for a while. Dizzy, my head is spinning!

It is hard to turn right and go straight when your forehead is spinning around on a vertical stick. I have stopped the spinning. Now, I will continue to turn right and go straight. I wish that this once-great nation would do likewise.

My next article today will be about college football fun. Please wait for it.

11/11/2021, VETERANS DAY (published 11/11/2021)

Introduction

Happy Veterans Day, Thursday, y'all! I hope that y'all are doing well enough out there! Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and I are surviving life, such as it is.

We were both off work today. I had thought about getting House Mountain hike #179 today, but the crisp and clear days turned into cloudy and windy today. I decided to take it easy. My work insanity (at home Monday through Wednesday but at the office on Thursday and Friday) has become insanity gone wild! I am resuming my search for work-at-home editing and/or writing jobs, so that I can retire from my current job. We will see what happens.

Calls to Two Brothers, a First Cousin, and “Gator”

I am the eldest of four boys. My brother, who is next to the eldest, is a veteran. I always call him on Veterans Day. We last saw each other on 7/3/2021. My 7/5/2021 article wrote about it. I had left him voicemail, on 9/6/2021, Labor Day. Apparently, he was very busy. I reached him by phone today! We talked for almost an hour! He seems to be doing well enough. He was in Operation Desert Storm. Most likely, the various immunizations that he had to take caused his illness, which he has had for a few decades. The VA, in its slow and bureaucratic manner, seems to be doing right by him, well enough. He remains a Tennessee Vols fan. I follow the Georgia Bulldogs. Georgia invades Tennessee, on Saturday, 11/13/2021, to spoil the Vols' homecoming college football game. If the Vols win, in a “miracle,” then I owe my brother and his folks a dinner or supper, at the location of his choosing. Sorry, Mom! I know that I should not bet, but this is a sure win! If my Bulldogs win, my brother doesn't have to do anything for me. We will see what happens on Saturday! Go DAWGS!

My next-to-youngest brother called me back, on our first cousin's phone. (I had left messages on both numbers.) He and I spoke for a few minutes. I had a good conversation with our first cousin. (He is 15 years older than me.) He is a veteran. We talked about the good, bad, and ugly in life. I'm glad to know that he is doing well enough. We talked about, eventually, how we would join the everlasting family reunion at Home! Come, dear Lord, come soon! Otherwise, we will get Home in time.

About 5 PM, I called my good friend and brother in Christ, “Gator.” (I have written about him before. Searching by “Gator” finds previous articles.) He is a veteran. We were grade school and high school friends. We graduated high school together. He is still my friend. We see and call each other every now and then. His family and he are doing well enough. He still works very hard to earn a living. I hope to see him around Thanksgiving week. We will see.

Conclusion

Veterans Day started as Armistice Day, on 11/11/1919, the first anniversary of the end of World War I. The USA Congress passed a resolution in 1926, setting the annual observance. November 11 became a national holiday in 1938. Unlike Memorial Day, Veterans Day honors all American veterans — living or dead — who served the USA honorably during war or peace.

Have you ever read War and Peace, by Tolstoy? I have, in English translation. I wonder if the January 6, 2021, beginning of the USSA (Ununited Socialist States of America) will end in war or peace. Either way, folks in the USSA need to honor American veterans today! I have. I feel better, for having done so.

That is all.

11-6-2021: Wins for the Georgia Dawgs and the Tennessee “Vowels” (published 11/7/2021)

Introduction

Yesterday, Saturday, 11/6/2021, was an excellent day for anything outside. The 28° Fahrenheit morning low left a good freeze. The sun with a clear, blue sky warmed the temperature to a high of about 68 degrees, too warm for this Appalachian Irishman. In contrast, yesterday in Moscow, Russia, the morning low was 46° Fahrenheit and the high reached 49° Fahrenheit. The weather was cloudy. Yesterday, the low in this area of northeast Tennessee was lower than in Moscow, Russia.

The normal lows and highs in November for Moscow, Russia, and our home location in northeast Tennessee are as follows: Moscow, Russia: 29° Fahrenheit and 35° Fahrenheit. Our home location: 39° Fahrenheit and 58° Fahrenheit. Source: World Weather Online. This is not “global climate change.” It is variations in weather patterns! Anyone can research the historical weather patterns over decades or centuries. The earth is in a slight historical warming pattern cycle, not a slight historical cooling pattern. I will not waste further time on this. Anyone with any sense and without a hidden agenda knows. Enough talk about the weather!

My Georgia Bulldogs Won as Anticipated.

Yesterday, my #1 ranked (AP/Coaches) Georgia Bulldogs stomped the unranked Missouri Tigers, 43 to 6, a double stomping! A stomp is a win by at least 14 points. A double stomp is a win by at least 28 points. The win was a double stomp, with an additional nine points. Source: https://georgiadogs.com/sports/football/stats/2021/missouri/boxscore/22739.

The game started at 12 PM. I watched a little of it before I had to haul off trash. Afterward, my 2006 Frontier enjoyed another good handwashing and exterior detailing at Synergy Auto Wash, in Halls. The 9/12/2021 article mentioned the truck wash. I didn't mention then, but do now, that the usual price had increased from $13 to $18 on 9/11/2021. A dollar ain't worth much these days.

I thought that I would return home to watch the last of the game. Delayed by many folks being out and about, I was prohibited. Local radio stations did not carry the game, of course. I do not have and will not buy a satellite radio system for my truck. I watched game highlights online.

What did Mrs. Appalachian Irishman do, you ask? She bought supplies at the Tractor Supply for Molly, our “old puppy.” After that, she took our 2008 Honda Civic to get an oil change. I had been noticing oil drips in the pan under the car in the garage. The oil pan plug was stripped out enough to cause the drip. The car got a new oil pan drain plug. What was the cost, you ask? You do not want to know. A dollar ain't worth much these days. Next, she shopped at our local IGA, spending more than she would have preferred. It is the inflationary “new normal.” Finally, and as usual, she visited with her folks for a while. They live about three miles away from us.

The Tennessee “Vowels” Won, as a “Miracle!”

Some Christians use “miracle” very loosely. A miracle involves the setting aside of natural law. Many examples are in the Bible (e.g., Jesus raised from the dead and so forth). I almost died on Tuesday, 3/29/2016. The topic section My Bionic Life - since 3/29/2016 includes articles about the wreck. At times, folks have said that my recovery from being about 90% dead, as I call it, was a “miracle.” No, it was not. I was, by some degree of providence, fortunate or unfortunate. Once published, my book, Light at the End of the Tunnel, will include further information.

Let's get back to the “Vowels!” I call them “Vowels,” since a former Tennessee basketball head coach, who was from up north, pronounced “Vols” as “Vowels.” It was just funny!

Last evening, the unranked Tennessee (TN) “Vowels” beat the Kentucky (KY) “Wild Kitties” in Lexington, Kentucky, 45 to 42! (Kentucky, in week 8, was ranked #15 AP and #14 Coaches.) I watched the game (7 PM start). I was amazed! I had predicted KY 49, TN 42 in an offensive shootout loss. Neither team had much defense, as I had predicted. Source: https://utsports.com/news/2021/11/7/football-vols-outlast-no-18-wildcats-in-road-shootout-45-42.aspx.

With 55 seconds left in the 4th quarter, the score was already TN 45, KY 42. KY had 4th down and 24 yards to go at their 34-yard line. I had expected the “Vowels” to stop them. But wait! The KY quarterback, Will Levis, passed complete to Izayah Cummings for 28 yards to the TN 38-yard line for a 1st down! Next, however, KY had four incomplete passes and turned the football over to the “Vowels” on 4th down and 10 yards. The “Vowels” ran out the clock, taking three victory formations.

Way to go, Vols! Yes, I will give them credit. I may start saying “Vols” instead of “Vowels” now that they have beaten a ranked team in the SEC. I would rather see the Tennessee Vols win than lose. I still like the team. Tennessee is my second favorite college football team. I do not have enough decades left in life to see “them Vols” return to their former glory, unless they surprise me. If they do, I will let you know.

Conclusion

The Tennessee Vols host the Georgia Bulldogs on Saturday, 11/13/2021, at 3:30 PM. It is the homecoming game for Tennessee.

I predict that the Dawgs will give the Vols a homecoming game loss by at least a stomp. Does anyone want to bet against me? I didn't think so! (Sorry, Mom, I know that I should not bet.) As the sun goes down, I will wind down. I am glad that we are back on normal time! Don't worry, Elmcroft at Halls, I ain't ready for a rocking chair yet! (See my first article today.)