Appalachian Irishman by the Numbers: New Year's Eve Snapshot on Two Platforms (published 12-31-2021; article #287)

Introduction

Great! Today, Friday, New Year's Eve, we have another rainy and warm “spring” day in winter. At least the morning fog lifted. This is not Camelot weather. By eight, the morning fog had not disappeared (cf. Camelot lyrics - Richard Burton, on Soundtrack Lyrics).

This morning, Tim Burchett (U.S. Representative, 2nd District) emailed his 2021 year-in-review newsletter. The website is Congressman Tim Burchett (house.gov), where there are several news lines and an option to sign up for his monthly newsletter. The website does not include archived newsletters. I wish it did. Tim, as he prefers to be called, is doing his best to slow or reverse the slide of this once-great nation into “Socialist Utopia,” as I call it. I support and join Congressman Burchett in his efforts.

Tim's year in review inspired me to check this website's 2021 year in review. I took a minute (11:02-03 AM) to see a moment-in-time snapshot. I also looked at my newer Substack platform. I had to do something, aside from hope that the fog would lift, which it did eventually.

Appalachian Irishman by Today's Numbers

Since the inaugural article on Monday, March 6, 2006, I have been able to see this website's analytics. Next March will be the sixteenth year that this website has been up and running. Today, at 11:03 AM, I saw this website's statistics on Blogger Stats. (You can't access that site. Only I can, as the owner.)

Today, at 11:03 AM, all-time views at that moment were 136,636. At the time, today's views were 28 (so far). Yesterday's views were 124. This month's views were 1,925 (so far). Last month's views were 1,460. The number of views keeps increasing. It was a snapshot in time.

Twenty of the 286 total articles before this one were viewed or read in the last seven days (12/24-30/2021). Views of those articles totaled 95. They were as follows, with the total of views beside each article. (Four articles with published dates emboldened from 2006, 2009, and 2014 were viewed.)

-- Ferrell's Well Drilling, 3-8-1958; Weigel's from 12-21-2013 Remembered on 12-21-2021; Christmas Day Yesterday; and Light at the End of the Tunnel: The Backdrop (published 12-26-2021) = 21 views.

-- MY “LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL” CONTINUES (published 12/29/2021; article #284) = 9 views.

-- Tuesday, 11-23-2021: Dad Got the Same Junk Mail Here for the Third Time! (published 11-26-2021) = 8 views.

-- 5/9/2021: Mother's Day on VE Day (Russia) in the Midst of a Memorial Service = 7 views.

-- ALPHA TO OMEGA (published 12/29/2021; article #285) = 7 views.

-- Life, “Such As It Was,” Update: 12/7/2021 to 12/23/2021 (published 12/24/2021) = 5 views.

-- Devil's Nose, 11-29-2013 Hike (published 1-1-2014) = 4 views.

-- 11-7-2021: USSA “GOVRMINT” TIME ENDS! (published 11-7-2021) = 4 views.

-- CHRISTMAS EVE, 12-24-2021, UPDATE (published 12-24-2021) = 4 views.

-- “Life, Such As It Was,” from 11-29-2021 to 12-4-2021 (published 12-11-2021) = 3 views.

-- Christmas on Friday, 12/25/2020 = 3 views.

-- 11-24-2021 Was Mom's Heavenly Birthday: My 7-17-2021 Birthday Pie (published 11-26-2021) = 3 views.

-- HOW TO PRONOUNCE “APPALACHIAN” - REVISITED (published 12-12-2009) = 3 views.

-- Devil's Nose Mountain, Hawkins County (published 3-7-2006; article #2) = 2 views.

-- A Liberal's Stew (published 3-18-2006; article #6) = 2 views.

-- Fearghail Nieces: Basketball Proud! (published 12-19-2021) = 2 views.

-- Ferrell Family Gathering Fun on Saturday, 7-3-2021 (published 7-5-2021) = 2 views.

-- DAD, 9/17/1927-1/25/2008, AGE 80: I REMEMBERED (published 1-25-2021) = 2 views.

-- Reflections from Saturday, 12-30-2000, Eleven Years Later on Thursday, 12-30-2021: The Squirrel Saga (published 12-30-2021; article #286) = 2 views.

-- Sunday, 6-13-2021: Generational Honor: Granny Ferrell and Niece at Age 15 = 2 views.

The first article on Wednesday, December 29, 2021, mentions the number of international views at that moment in time. I can see the total number of views from which nations at any time. I can't see the names or email addresses of viewers. I can't see who has subscribed to this website.

For 2021, this is the one hundred twenty-first and final article. A man has to stop for the year sometime! I published 55 articles in 2020. Analytics show me data for articles from 2016 to 2019. This website's statistics page includes better details than the information in the next section.

Appalachian Irishman (since 3/6/2006) - Substack 12/23/2021+

The Thursday, December 23, 2021, article, the 280th on this website, was my first article on Substack.

Today, at 11:02 AM, I saw my Substack platform statistics after I logged in at that moment. The statistics were not as detailed as the ones for this original website, Appalachian Irishman.

In nine days (12/23-31/2021, at 11:02 AM), Substack analytics showed 30 readers. I have one Substack subscriber, whom I know, who enrolled to receive email notifications when I publish on that platform. I can see the email addresses of subscribers on Substack.

Substack is useful. It may draw a wider audience to my original website. (I will not republish this article on my Substack platform.) This original website's statistics protect email subscribers (whom I can't see) better than my Substack platform (as I see subscriber email addresses).

Conclusion

The first semifinal game of the 2021 College Football Championship (No. 4 Cincinnati vs. No. 1 Alabama) is on now. I hope that Alabama does not win!

The second semifinal game (No. 3 Georgia vs. No. 2 Michigan) starts about 7:30 PM this evening. I expect Georgia to lose. If so, then Georgia won't have to play Alabama again in the 2021 Championship game on Monday, January 10, 2022. Georgia let Alabama beat them on Saturday, 12/4/2021, in the SEC Championship game. Yes, I am still not over that loss!

Go Dawgs!

Reflections from Saturday, 12-30-2000, Eleven Years Later on Thursday, 12-30-2021: The Squirrel Saga (published 12-30-2021; article #286)

Introduction

I have a second cousin, the daughter of a first cousin, who lives in Georgia. (By the way, go Dawgs! I am still upset with the Georgia Bulldogs for being whipped by Alabama in the SEC Championship Game.) Apparently, my second cousin and her feller are having trouble with an invading squirrel. Atlanta is too far a drive for me to help them in a timely manner.

I caught wind about the invading squirrel. Hearing about their squirrel saga helped me today. Thanks, second cousin!

You may wish to watch and listen to “Ray Stevens - 'The Mississippi Squirrel Revival' (Music Video),” raystevensmusic (YouTube), 7/14/2009. You will enjoy a good laugh. I did!

Saturday, 12/30/2000

Eleven years ago today, on Saturday, 12/30/2000, the graveside service for my mother (Betty Lou Wood Ferrell, 11/24/1932-12/27/2000) was at 1 PM. The weather was cloudy and cold, with a brisk wind blowing from the northeast. The daytime high was only 15 degrees Fahrenheit. Frozen ground crunched as we walked on it. The crunching sound reminded me of walking on frozen snow in Russia. Members of the Fearghail clan and several family friends endured the weather during the graveside service.

After the service, at about 2 PM, gathered at the homeplace were my father, my brothers and their families, other family members, Mrs. Appalachian Irishman, and me. We were trying to warm up, eat a bite, and endure the day.

Today, Thursday, 12/30/2021

Today, Thursday, 12/30/2021, at about 2 PM, I remembered that cold Saturday from eleven years ago. I had already hauled off the trash. My wife had already returned from shopping at the grocery store. Afterward, she headed over to visit with her father, sister, and our niece. Their three cats and the “cat dog” were also there. My in-laws live about three miles away from us. My wife is still there as I am writing this article.

Today, the springlike weather on this winter day is a warm contrast to the frigid winter day from eleven years ago. Last evening, we even experienced a springtime thunderstorm.

The Squirrel

While I was “just sottin' here thinkin',” as I've said, I found out about the trouble that my second cousin in Georgia was having with an invading squirrel! My mind ran straight to the Ray Stevens song, which I have linked above.

Free photograph by Camille Cox from Pexels.

The previous photograph may be the perpetrator! The squirrel looks like it is ready to jump inside, cousin!

Conclusion

Thanks, second cousin, for helping me get over my pensive state as I remembered the sadness from eleven years ago today. I needed to hear about your squirrel saga! I think that I'll get off here to call your mother, my first cousin, in a few minutes.

What do you know? Typing this line at 3:57 PM, the sun finally came out! Let's get outside and bask in the sunlight! Perhaps Molly (our old puppy) will want to play in the yard!

Are you, dear reader, ready for the Light to return? I am. I have been ready for a long time!

ALPHA TO OMEGA (published 12/29/2021; article #285)

 Introduction

On 12/23/2021, I thought that I would get me one of them “thar” SubStack writing website accounts, to add to this, my website. My SubStack account is https://appalachianirishman.substack.com/. My articles there link to my articles here. I have far more readers here, than on SubStack. I'm just trying to get the good Word out more! My websites are free – and they will always be free. SubStack wants me to get folks to pay, to read my website there. SubStack, gladly, would take 10%. I will never join SubStack's pyramid scheme!

Phil Robertson's 12/29/21 Article

My Friday, December 24, 2021, article mentioned an article, by my brother in Christ, Phil Robertson. His articles on SubStack are free also.

Earlier today, he published an excellent article, “Delta, Omicron, and My Answer to the Doomsday Prophets” (https://philrobertson.substack.com/p/delta-omicron-and-my-answer-to-the). He writes like he had spoken on his TV show. Click the link, to read his article! It will be worth your time. Drink a cup of coffee, while reading, if you want to do so. I highly recommend that you subscribe to his free articles.

Conclusion

Earlier today, I commented on brother Phil's article, as follows:

Omega is the final letter in the Greek alphabet. Alpha is the first letter. Rev. 22:12-13! "Corona Myopia Psychosis,” as I call it, is ignorance demonstrated, by those who do not know the Alpha and Omega (the Good Lord). Excellent article, brother Phil! I'm working on an article today. I will share your article on my website (https://www.appalachianirishman.com). God's blessings to your family and to you! I love you, in Christ, my brother. We keep standing on the Solid Rock! Ain't no “sinking sand” around us (Mt. 7:24-27)!

Well, I keep my word. This article shares brother Phil's article.

It's dark now, at 5:45 PM, here. I'm getting hungry. Will supper be ready, at 6 PM, as usual, dear? I thought so! Y'all keep turnin' right and goin' straight, out there, ya hear?

 

MY “LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL” CONTINUES (published 12/29/2021; article #284)

“A light at the end of the tunnel” (free image that I downloaded on 1/2/2021), on Depositphotos, by Kevin McKeever, DP, Image Generation.

 Introduction

At 2:12 PM, on this cloudy and rainy spring day, in winter, I might as well write another article or two. I hope that y'all are doing well enough out there – in whatever state or nation you are living.

In the last seven days, as of this moment in time, I see reader totals, which keep increasing, from the following nations: USSA (USA) 251, Belgium 78, Canada 52, Japan 52, France 9, Russia 9, Sweden 8, Singapore 5, United Kingdom 4, Finland 3, Netherlands 3, Bulgaria 2, Germany 2, Estonia 2, Vietnam 2, Australia 1, China 1, Indonesia 1, India 1, Ukraine 1. (I wonder where my Ireland readers are!)

I'll keep writing. Y'all keep reading. It's a good way to drink a cup of coffee, a while, together.

This article is sort of a follow up to my article of Sunday, December 26, 2021.

My “Tunnel” Events (as “Life, Such as It Was”)

12/27/2021, Monday: at 5:15 PM, on 12/27/2000, Mom (Betty Lou Wood Ferrell, born 11/24/1932) “went to see Jesus.” If you search my website by “Mom,” you will find several previous articles that I have published here.

The following is from my unpublished book, “Light at the End of the Tunnel,” under section “Historical Remarks (9/8/2011 – 12/27/2020):”

At 5:15 PM, on Wednesday, December 27, 2000, Mom “went to see Jesus.” She was at home. Family were with her. Exhausted, I had fallen asleep, sitting in a living room chair. We were all tired. At 5:15 PM, I awakened from my light sleep. I couldn't hear Mom breathing, in the labored manner that she had been having to do. She was gone from this world to Home.

On 12/27/2021, I worked from home. In October, I had requested vacation time, for this final week of the year. My employer, being understaffed constantly, had asked me, earlier this month, if I could work (from home, as I insisted), on 12/27/2021. Begrudgingly, I had agreed. It was not fun.

I remembered all day long. At 5:15 PM, I stopped what I was doing, and I remembered – as I have been doing these last 21 years.

12/28/2021: on 12/28/1999, Tuesday, Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and I were in our little apartment, near the former Knox Center Mall (which is a demolition site now). Dad had called me, regarding Mom. I drove our 1988 Nissan Stanza, with hazard lights flashing, to the homeplace. (I was speeding. No officer stopped me.) The date marked the beginning.

The following is from my unpublished book, “Light at the End of the Tunnel,” under section “3. Spiritual Scar (written 8/30/2016):”

Wow! I have fond thoughts of who I once was, as a full-time minister of the Gospel. I had zeal and purpose. Life had meaning. Then, life change drastically, on 12/28/1999, when Mom was admitted to the hospital, only to suffer, recover, suffer again from another evil illness, and finally go to be with Jesus on 12/27/2000. Remember, Belinda and I had only returned from Russia on 9/30/1999. We were still in cultural re-entry, having just finished follow up with most supporting churches, while beginning to transition toward finding work. (We had thought that God would use us in a stateside church planting, in East Tennessee.)

On 12/28/2021, my '06 Nissan Frontier (new, ol' truck) had his passenger side airbag sensor rebooted. My Friday, December 24, 2021 article mentioned the start of it. The big money, corporate, “fix it up” place took from 2 PM to 3:29 PM, to reset a sensor. The cost was, well, “a dollar ain't worth much these days.” I wonder why they washed my truck. He was clean enough. It rained today.

While waiting, I met a fine Christian lady, who may be about 12 years younger than me. Her husband, son, and she live near us. We conversed as brothers and sisters in Christ, for a while. I wish that I had told her about this, my website. Her husband and she are raising their teenage son, to be a godly young man. Is there hope, for this once great nation? We will see.

12/29/2021, today: finally, the rain came – after the too many days of windy and cloudy weather. It is still spring, in winter.

On 12/29/2000, Mom's visitation and funeral were at East Rogersville Baptist Church. Her graveside was on 12/30/2000 – with the high temperature in the teens. I have details in my mind and in my unpublished book, as follows:

Thursday, 12/31/2020, New Year's Eve (a too warm, cloudy day): I hiked House Mountain #175 yesterday. My website has the entry.

12/29/2000 was on Friday. That evening, a large gathering was at East Rogersville Baptist Church, for Mom's visitation and funeral. Mom had been a Sunday School teacher for 31 years. During the funeral, Basil Jones, a godly minister, asked Mom's adult senior women Sunday School Class to stand. Many fine Christian women, who were sitting together, just behind us family, stood in unison. The tribute to Mom was visible.

12/30/2000, Saturday, was Mom's graveside, at 1 PM. The high temperature had to have been 15 degrees Fahrenheit, with a cold wind blowing from the east. The location was and is Howe's Chapel Baptist Church cemetery, near the church building. Dad is there, beside Mom, now.

12/31/2000, Sunday, New Year's Eve: Dad, my youngest brother and his wife, my wife, and I attended East Rogersville Baptist Church, for the morning service. That was twenty years ago, as of this 2020 New Year's Eve date of my writing.

Today, at 10 AM, Molly (our ol' puppy doggy) had her annual physical examination. It wasn't raining, as we went. It rained, as we returned. Neither Molly nor I cared! We had fun! Molly will attain age seven, on 10/31/2022 (the date we mark as her birthday). We got Molly, on 11/21/2015 – the anniversary of the passing of Papaw Marion Ferrell (4/13/1880 - 11/21/1970). She was a few months old then – not yet age one.

Earlier this morning, I saw the email reply from 'cuz Ronny. My Sunday, December 26, 2021, article mentioned him. He, graciously, sent me the PDF files that he had obtained from Newspapers.com by Ancestry. That website has links to the image that includes my Dad, Earl Ferrell (as in my 12/26/2021 article). Newspapers.com by Ancestry wants money, to access those links. Their links are The Knoxville Journal 3/8/1958 and The Knoxville News-Sentinel 3/8/1958 – if you want to pay them some money.

Before Molly doggy and I went to see her doctor, for her annual physical examination, I had managed to get me a free Knox County Library card! Via that card, I found the free link, for the same 3/8/1958 The Knoxville News-Sentinel image, on Newsbank (Knoxville News-Sentinel, Knoxville, Tennessee, March 8, 1958, page 9 actually. NewsBank: Access World News – Historical and Current.) I had to pay nary a cent! Papaw Ferrell would have been proud of me!

I email replied to my 'cuz Ronny, in the evening. I'm glad that 'cuz Ronny had the 3/8/1958 newspaper image, which included Dad! Dad had never told me. Thanks, again, 'cuz Ronny!

Conclusion

Their is everlasting Light at the end of this temporal tunnel. This afternoon, I left a good friend a voice mail. I hope my friend calls me back. Our conversation will include my comments on this subject. A fine Christian neighbor called me, later this afternoon. His wife and he are doing well enough. He and I spoke, on this topic.

Are y'all ready to join the vast numbers who are already in the everlasting Light, at Home? I am. Y'all get ready, if you are not. Contact me, if you would like to converse with me, on this most important subject.

Ferrell's Well Drilling, 3-8-1958; Weigel's from 12-21-2013 Remembered on 12-21-2021; Christmas Day Yesterday; and Light at the End of the Tunnel: The Backdrop (published 12-26-2021)

Introduction

On this late Sunday afternoon, did you know that Kwanzaa began today and that it is Boxing Day in Canada? That's what my desktop calendar tells me, for what it's worth.

Last year, the Christmas on Friday, 12/25/2020, entry mentioned the snow that day. Four snow photographs are in that article. Yesterday, Christmas was a warm and very windy day, typical of March. I should have flown a kite! The low was 59 degrees, and the high reached about 67 degrees. Yesterday was a “great day for snow sledding!” Today has been another springlike day in winter. We are saving on our propane bill.

I hope that you read to the “light at the end of the tunnel” ending of this article. It should be worth the trip.

Ferrell's Well Drilling, 3-8-1958

I am a member of a private group on “Farcebook” (as I often call it), which is about and for members of the Irish-rooted Fearghail clan. On 12/20/2021, one of the administrators posted the following.

From the Knoxville News-Sentinel on March 08, 1958. Earl Henry Ferrell was the son of Marion Ferrell, grandson of James Robert Ferrell, great-grandson of John Ferrell Jr., gg-grandson of John Ferrell Sr.

Dad (Earl Ferrell, 9/17/1927-1/25/2008) was 30 years old. He still lived with his parents on Cave Springs Road in Hawkins County, Tennessee. Dad was still single. Papaw Marion Ferrell (4/13/1880-11/21/1970) was 77. Papaw Ferrell started Ferrell's Well Drilling in 1901. (A search of my archived articles will find more information and photographs.) Dad knew the other well drillers listed in the above image. I recall Joe Samples, but I don't remember having met him in person. I knew Gwyn Calfee very well. (A search on this website for “Gwyn Calfee” will find an article about him.)

Thanks, Ronny, for posting the above image on that group page! I'll email you to let you know that I have mentioned you by first name only.

Weigel's from 12-21-2013 Remembered on 12-21-2021

On 12/21/2021, “Farcebook” reminded me of my 12/21/2013 post:

After having engaged in the secular ritual of almost last-minute gift buying and feeling frustrated by the wanton secularization of the observance of our Lord’s birth, I stopped at a Weigel's on the way home. The older man in front of me in line was buying a gallon of milk. As he turned, I noticed his cap: Vietnam War Veteran.

I caught his attention as he turned from the checkout. All I did was look him in the eyes and offer my handshake. I didn’t have to say a word. He saw the words in my eyes. He looked in my eyes, man to man, and said, “Thank you,” as he shook my hand. I respect this man, whom I may never meet again, because he offered his military service as a sacrifice to this once great nation.

Amidst the gift buying and giving, I paused, in the ultimate level of thankfulness, to “shake the hand” of the One who sacrificed his all for such a lowly one as I. May I, and all in this nation, live in respect of the Greatest Gift of all.

I do not recall seeing that Vietnam veteran again. Eight years since my post, I would not change one word. God, the eternal Word, became flesh, born of a virgin. My analogy of the ants (8/21/2021 article) comes to mind: the man became an ant. He lived and died as an ant. He rose again. He brought salvation to the ants. God, however, created us in his image. God the Word became God the Son. Salvation is free. Have you taken up the Good Lord's offer? Contact me if you have not. I will help you any way that I can!

Christmas Day Yesterday

Yesterday morning, Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and I enjoyed watching a tarp blow across our “back 40” into the “back 40” of our neighbors to the east. The tarp had blown from a neighbor to our west. I should have flown a kite, as I stated before.

We gathered with the Gordon-Beckner clan on Christmas afternoon. As always, the conversation and food were great. (Well, there was too much food.) The elder sister of my father-in-law will turn 100 next month, as the Lord wills. I look forward to writing about that event by his grace! I wrote about this dear lady in my January 18, 2021, article.

My youngest brother and his family came to visit in the early evening. Our two nieces were able to get their Christmas gifts on time this year. Last year, they got their Christmas gifts on 7/3/2021 (as my 7/5/2021 article mentions).

Christmas, to the Fearghail and to the Gordon-Beckner clans, has the depth of family heritage in the biblical context. Gift giving is secondary. Despite the March wind in winter, it was a good Christmas day.

Light at the End of the Tunnel: The Backdrop (written 8/25/2016)

Of course, the Fearghail clan remembers the good and the sad Christmases. The following is a paragraph from my unpublished book, “Light at the End of the Tunnel.” The paragraph is from the section “The Backdrop (written 8/25/2016).”

Thanksgiving 2000 was a good day. Mom looked and felt better than she had before she became ill. I still see her vividly. She was sitting in the blue recliner in the living room at the homeplace. She was enjoying the family holiday activity. How well Mom looked and felt inspired us all. I recall telling Mom how well she looked. She replied, “I think I can see some light at the end of the tunnel!” (This inspired the title of my little book.) The next day, after Belinda and I were back at our little Knoxville apartment, Mom had pain in her side. Medical providers theorized that the pain was from overexertion in physical therapy. The pain turned out to be bone cancer. So, after enduring so much and finally showing signs of recovery from all that she had been through due to the cerebellar hemorrhage, Mom left this world and us to be with Jesus on December 27, 2000, a year minus one day from when she was first hospitalized in 1999. At least Mom didn’t have to suffer long with the cancer, as she had, and still was, suffering from the cerebellar hemorrhage.

I will get around to finishing and publishing my book, perhaps in a few years, as the Lord wills. I usually work quite a bit on my book during the last week of the year.

I must, however, endure working from home tomorrow only. Tomorrow is 12/27/2021, twenty-one years since my mother “went to see Jesus” (in her words to me).

Conclusion

Is there joy this time of year? Yes. Is there sorrow this time of year? Yes. Can one experience both sorrow and joy this time of year? Yes. I have been doing so, along with an unknown number of others, every year for many years.

Will temporal sorrow be overcome with everlasting joy? Yes, it will be through the Son of God, who was born in a manger.

Do you know the rest of the story? Have you accepted salvation by faith in Christ? Many of you have, and you rejoice even in sorrow. There is hope! Some may have not. Please contact me if you would like to talk. I am just a formerly hungry beggar who found the Bread of Life. I am willing to share that Bread.

CHRISTMAS EVE, 12-24-2021, UPDATE (published 12-24-2021)

 Introduction

The time, as I begin to write, is 3:50 PM, on 12/24/2021, Friday, Christmas Eve. I see a fine and godly neighbor mowing the leaves in his yard, as I type this sentence. I'm glad that I'm not doing that now. He has his “bionics,” as I have mine. He is older than me, by a few years.

This is my second article today. I hope that you enjoy it, as you drink your eggnog, on Christmas Eve. Papaw Aby William Wood (9/4/1901 - 3/14/1983) and I used to enjoy drinking a glass of eggnog (not spiced) together, on Christmas Eve – several decades ago. I do not want any eggnog this year.

Brother Phil

I would like to meet Phil Robertson, look him eye-to-eye, as men, and shake his firm handshake. He lives in Louisiana. I live in Tennessee. That would be a long handshake – unless he's up this way sometime in the future.

Do you remember Duck Dynasty? I do, very well. That fine show ran on A&E Television Networks, LLC, from 2012 to 2017 (11 seasons, 129 episodes). Their marketing website is still Duck Commander. Buy some stuff there, if you need it. I bought my six new sweatshirts, on 12/18/2021.

Phil Robertson is the patriarch of his godly family. He has his SubStack website. I found it today. It is free to subscribe. He doesn't want the money, to get his word out. His words are far more important than money. I agree.

Read his 12/22/2021 article. I did. His wisdom is worth reading. His articles are free, as mine are on that SubStack whatever it is. (I'm experimenting on it. SubStack wants one to make money on one's articles. Phil Robertson and I have articles there that are always free.)

Earlier today, I commented on his 12/22/2021 article:

Brother Phil, folks need not only to hear but to listen to your words of wisdom. Thank you for trying to get the Good Word out there! I have been trying, for decades. Since March 2006, I have been doing so on my website (https://www.appalachianirishman.com/). 'Logic - Theology - Deep Stuff' subject line contains my efforts, over the years. We, as Christians, continue to stand on the Solid Rock. We wish many more would join us. Many others and we are trying. Merry Christmas, for the true reason, to your family and you.

I, then, sent him a SubStack email:

Brother Phil, Greetings, in Christ. I enrolled to get your newsletter updates today. The following is my comment, on your 12/22/21 article “The One Thing Humanity Needs to Know This Christmas:” Brother Phil, folks need not only to hear but to listen to your words of wisdom. Thank you for trying to get the Good Word out there! I have been trying, for decades. Since March 2006, I have been doing so on my website (https://www.appalachianirishman.com/). 'Logic - Theology - Deep Stuff' subject line contains my efforts, over the years. We, as Christians, continue to stand on the Solid Rock. We wish many more would join us. Many others and we are trying. Merry Christmas, for the true reason, to your family and you. May God bless you and yours, as y’all work to advance His Cause.

I used my known signature, with name, address, phone numbers, and website.

Conclusion

At 4:45 PM, this typing, I hope that many folks read this article and Phil Williams' article that I referenced. We are both, among many others, trying to restore this once great nation to its moral and godly roots. Help us, if you can!

I wish that Papaw Wood were here. We might drink a glass of eggnog together. Papaw Wood is Home. I'm waiting until it is my turn to join him. In the mean time, I'm trying to help the spiritually in need, to find the Bread of Life that this poor beggar found, on 6/21/1981 – the date of my salvation. I remember that day very well.

Happy Christmas Eve, y'all. Remember and enjoy, for the right reason!

Life, “Such As It Was,” Update: 12/7/2021 to 12/23/2021 (published 12/24/2021)

Introduction

Merry Christmas Eve, y'all! The weather is cloudy and too warm this afternoon. I'm just “sottin' here” writing.

The Context

Let us reflect deeply on God's eternal plan of redemption. Our all-knowing God always knew his plan. He is eternal and omniscient, among other attributes. God's plan had to unfold in time.

First, God created the temporal universe, including humans made in His image. The biblical account is in Genesis. Faith in this is based on established evidence, which is proven. God knew that sin would enter his creation.

The Old Testament books of the Bible record the next chapter of God's eternal plan of redemption. The chapter unfolded over centuries and includes many historical events.

The inspired Gospel of Luke, chapter 2, verses 1-7, records the birth of God the eternal Word, who became flesh, the Messiah. Jesus, as God incarnate, lived, taught, performed miracles, was crucified, rose from the dead, and ascended back to heaven. The biblical record is inspired and verified. It is proven faith.

Since the first century AD, the final chapter of God's eternal plan of redemption continues to unfold. The inspired New Testament writers recorded the first several decades of this unfolding final chapter.

Now that I have set the context, I will regale you with life, “such as it was,” from December 7th through 23rd.

LIFE, “SUCH AS IT WAS”

Tuesday, 12/7/2021: I wish that I had taken time to write an article that day. It was the 80th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. The unfolding tragedy of World War II continued until it finally ended. Honor to the men and women who gave their lives in service to this nation is, hereby, given. I wish that this nation could live in honor of their collective sacrifices.

Wednesday, 12/15/2021: Mrs. Appalachian Irishman had her six-month physical examination with her primary care doctor. My wife is doing well enough to have an annual physical, not on an every six-month basis! Her doctor must like the copay.

Tuesday-Thursday, 12/14-16/2021: On Tuesday, the daughter of my “adoptive sister” turned 48. Her phone number was no longer valid. I tried. The next day, I left my “adoptive sister” a voicemail. My “adoptive sister,” in Charleston, Missouri, has not yet returned my call. I tried. On Thursday, the son of my “adoptive sister” turned 44. His phone number was still valid. I left him a voicemail. He has not yet replied. I tried.

Monday, 12/20/2021: Usually, I work from home on Monday through Wednesday and at the office on Thursdays and Fridays, doing the exact same job. It is the work schedule insanity that I have been enduring since 2/1/2021. Today, as my 2006 Frontier and I were turning from one road to the next, almost home, the supplemental airbag warning light came on. At 5:51 PM, I called the folks at a local Nissan dealership.

On Tuesday, 12/28/2021, when I am off work, on the anniversary of my mother's 12/28/1999 emergency room trip that started her year-long ordeal, my truck has a 2 PM appointment to fix the supplemental airbag sensor. That future experience may be included in another "life, such as it is" article. My mother's year-long physical suffering is included in my unpublished and incomplete book, “Light at the End of the Tunnel.”

Wednesday, 12/22/2021: I had my actual annual, yearly physical examination by my fine primary care doctor, friend, and brother in Christ. I worked from home that day. My appointment was at 8 AM. I flexed my work schedule to not request leave. His office is a five-minute drive from home. Aside from my “bionic whatevers,” which have much improved, I am still “fit as a rutting buck!” If you need a great primary care doctor, and if you live in the Knoxville, Tennessee, area, I highly recommend my doctor, friend, and fellow Christian, Kalpesh D. Parikh, MD! (The link is via patientfusion.com.)

Thursday, 12/23/2021: Yesterday, I decided to play online for a while with Substack. I found and read Substack: News & Views: A better future for news: Why we’re building Substack, by Chris Best and Hamish McKenzie, 7/17/2017.

I started my Substack platform, Appalachian Irishman (since 3/6/2006) - Substack 12/23/2021+. That platform is not formatted as well as this original Appalachian Irishman platform, the domain name that I own. I'm trying to “expand my influence, readership, and profile,” as some writers call it. Who knows? I may find a way to work from home full-time as an editor or writer in time. That is still my hopeful prayer to God. We will see.

Conclusion

By the way, I left a historically very good friend two voicemails today at about 12:25 PM from our landline and at about 1:27 PM from my cell phone. I hope that friend calls back. We haven't spoken by phone or in person in about a decade.

This update on life, such as it was, is placed firmly on this Friday, Christmas Eve, in the context of God's eternal plan of redemption.

Do you understand? I hope so! Otherwise, contact me. I will help in any way that I can!

SWEATSHIRT SEARCH SUCCESS! (published 12-23-2021; article #280)

 Introduction (Введение)

Success! My success! I bought new sweatshirts! (Yспех! Мой успех! Купила новые толстовки!) No, the translation is NOT “hoodies!” It is “sweatshirts!” Okay, I'll stay with English from now on.

My 11/20/2021 and 12/11/2021 articles include my comments, on my five failed searches for new sweatshirts.

Success!

Saturday, 12/18/2021, was a rainy summer day, in winter. I removed my outer layer, to be more comfortable in my T-shirt.

At 11:00 AM, my good friend and barber, who owns Tony's Best Clips, gave me another “best clip.” Thanks, Tony! I like your website! I wrote my “best review,” on 12/23/2021!

Afterward, my '06 Frontier and I went to the parking lot area of “Wally World,” in the Halls area of north Knox County, Tennessee. First, I checked Burkes Outlet then Hibbett Sports – in my effort to avoid “Wally World.” I had no luck. Those were my sixth and seventh failed attempts to buy new sweatshirts.

Finally, bravely, I entered “Wally World.” My “bionic” right foot was holding up well enough. After several minutes of searching, I found my six new sweatshirts!

The above image – which I had taken that day, with my trusty Samsung very wise phone – is proof! My two pair of green and two pair of blue old sweatshirts are to the left. They are about 20 years or so old. They had a few small holes. One green sweatshirt still has a paint spot, which never came off. I'd placed it there, in 2003, when I was painting at our house, which was under construction at the time.

My six pair (two black, two blue, and two dark gray) are to the right. I was wearing the dark gray, as I had typed this line! The image above the sweatshirts is my “Wally World” receipt and the stickers from my six new sweatshirts!

At least three of my old sweatshirts were made in the former USA. My six new sweatshirts were made in Honduras, by a company called Athletic. I like my new sweatshirts. I wish that I hadn't needed to take so much time and effort, to find them. My eighth search was the charm!

My four old sweatshirts are now resting, in a location of honor, in my closet. (The master's bedroom has two closets – a smaller one for me and a larger one for Mrs. Appalachian Irishman.) I hear the jokes forming in your minds! Don't tempt me! I have an answer to your “who's the master” jokes!

Conclusion

While in line at one of the checkout locations, I had been behind a man, a little older and taller than me, who looked very fit. He allowed me to checkout before him, since he had a buggy full of stuff, while I was holding six sweatshirts in my arm. We talked. Neither he nor I have had our “Corony Myopia” shots. Neither of us plan to get them. That's our choice. Leave us alone! His job requires him to take the “Corony Myopia” shot or face forced retirement, in a few days or weeks. I'd like to see my job try that on me! That man and I shook hands. We agreed: either the Good Lord needs to return soon or this once great nation needs to get back to its godly roots. We agreed: the latter will not happen, most likely. We will see.

By the way, the man who checked me out was an older and shorter man. I think that he enjoyed the comments, of the taller and older man and me.

At least I have new sweatshirts! If they last 20 years, I will need new sweatshirts at about age 81 or so. Come soon, dear Lord! Come soon! I do not want to buy new sweatshirts again!

Fearghail Nieces: Basketball Proud! (published 12-19-2021)

Introduction

On this Sunday afternoon, the sun is starting to shine a little. The summer-in-winter weather, which has been cloudy, too warm, and rainy, may be ending. I have had this article in a working draft form since before my article from Saturday, December 11, 2021, in which I mentioned the 11/30/2021 basketball game. I would rather write and edit for a living. I'm working on it. Y'all help me if you can!

The two daughters of my youngest brother and his wife are following their mother's basketball heritage. We are proud of our Fearghail nieces, not just in basketball.

Lilliana Ferrell

I will start with our youngest niece. She is following the heritage of both her mother and older sister.

The Rogersville Review, Weekend Edition (12/4-5/2021), listed the local area girls and boys grade school and middle school basketball teams. The image below is from The Rogersville Review, 2021-22 Bulls Gap Lady Bulldogs photograph and remarks. The photograph is by Jim Bell.

I see a Ferrell! She is number 45, kneeling in the center! Lilliana Ferrell is a member of the 2021-22 Bulls Gap Middle School Lady Bulldogs. Her older sister was a member of the 2019-2020 basketball team that made history. I honored her older sister in my Sunday, February 9, 2020, article, “BULLS GAP MIDDLE SCHOOL LADY BULLDOGS: STATE FINAL FOUR!!”

In the same The Rogersville Review, Weekend Edition (12/4-5/2021), a 12/2/2021 article and photographs by Randy Ball recorded, “Byington leads Lady Eagles over Lady Bulldogs.”

Lilliana Ferrell was one of two Lady Bulldogs who each led the team by each scoring five points!

The Randy Ball photograph caption reads, “Lady Bulldog Lilliana Ferrell pressures” [name redacted].

Ariel Ferrell

If you read my article from Saturday, December 11, 2021, mentioned previously, you will know my frustration on 11/30/2021. Once again, my work life forestalled my personal life. Let's move on!

The above photograph, by Dawn Lambert, is from The Rogersville Review, Weekend Edition (Saturday-Sunday, November 27-28, 2021), page 1B article, by Jim Beller, Sports Editor, “Cherokee Opens Hardee's with Rout of Lady Vikings.”

Way to go, Ariel Ferrell (#32)! Enemies of any type need to be harassed! I have a deep and spiritual point in my mind as I write, but I will not delve into that deeper subject in this article.

The Rogersville Review, 12/1/2021, Midweek Edition, page 2B, by Staff Report, article is “Lady Chiefs Finishes Hardee’s Classic with 4th Place.” (Would “Finish” not be correct in the title?) Good work, Lady Chiefs!

Conclusion

My youngest brother and his wife keep us informed about the basketball games for their two daughters. Additional The Rogersville Review articles by subscription only are known to Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and me. We have both the postal delivery and online copies. This article does not update the most recent Fearghail clan basketball news in Hawkins County.

We are proud of our Fearghail clan nieces, not just in basketball. They are being raised by godly parents. The tradition of biblical faith and family is continuing to the next generation. We are proud of our nieces, win or lose in basketball, since they are continuing the biblical heritage of their godly ancestors.

GEORGIA -- WHO CARES ABOUT THE SEC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME (published 12-12-2021)

 Introduction

On 12/12/2021, Sunday, the summer storm in winter, of yesterday, has provided cool, crisp, and sunny weather – a normally warm winter day in east Tennessee. My 12/11/2021 article mentioned the summer storm in winter.

This is the second of my three other articles. My 12/5/2021 article mentioned the three, on which I have been working. Y'all help me find a work-at-home writing and/or editing job, please! I need help! I am trying!

Georgia

The Nations Online Project had an interesting article on the nation of Georgia – located in the southern Caucasus.

Gudauri, a popular ski resort on the south-facing plateau of the Greater Caucasus Mountain Range in Georgia. Image: Paata Liparteliani. Taken on 1/13/2011. Via Flickr

The most infamous person from the nation of Georgia was Josef Vissarionovich Djugashvili (12/6/1878 Julian calendar - 3/5/1953). He was born in Gori, Georgia, when Georgia was part of the Russian Empire. I hope that I have whetted your appetite to learn more, by your own research! Here is a hint! Read the A&E Television Networks LLC, History.com, article on him.

The nation of Georgia has a website (https://gov.ge/). Do NOT click the link, unless you have perfect Internet security! That website is NOT secure.

The 12/4/2021 SEC Championship Game

My University of Georgia (a USSA state on the southern border of Tennessee) college football Bulldogs (Dawgs) were NOT secure, in the 12/4/2021, Saturday, SEC Championship Game.

On Saturday, 11/27/2021, the Tennessee Vols college football team beat the Vanderbilt “Commode Doors,” 45 - 21.

At least my Dawgs won the SEC East. They had been ranked #1 in the nation, undefeated (11-0), until their first loss of the 2021-22 season, against the was #3 ranked Alabama “Dark Red Elephants,” which had been 11-1 (lost to Texas A&M on 10/9/2021).

On 12/04/2021, Saturday, at 4:00 PM, the SEC Championship Game started, in Atlanta, Georgia. My Dawgs lost to the “Dark Red Elephants,” again, as usual, 24 - 41. My was #1 ranked Georgia Dawgs were stomped (by 17 points) by the was #3 ranked Elephants, again, as usual, sadly. I watched the first half only. I saw the stomp coming. At halftime, I started watching Gunsmoke.

The conclusion is obvious. My Dawgs are about at the Vanderbilt “Commode Doors” level against the Tennessee Vols. I was and have been disappointed.

Conclusion

As the college football bowl games approach, the Elephants are ranked #1. My Dawgs are ranked #3. Michigan is between them.

Who cares about the 12/4/2021 SEC Championship Game? I watched the first half. I watched Gunsmoke, to avoid watching the second half. Go Dawgs! I still follow you! I'll get over your SEC Championship Game loss. Will you?

What will happen, in the 2021-22 College Football bowl games? We will see. Go Dawgs!