2022 Memorial Day Musings: McDonald's in Russia, the MTSU Shooting, the Uvalde, Texas, Shooting, and “Amerika” (published 5-30-2022; article #331)

Introduction

On Memorial Day, I trust that you, dear reader, are doing well. Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and I are doing well enough. By the way, we are hunting a replacement car for her (our) 2008 Honda Civic, the long-suffering car that she drives. The air conditioning system needs to be replaced. The replacement cost is almost what the car is worth. We won't “throw good money after bad.”

Since 5/17/2022, I have had working documents in draft form for this article. Yesterday, I started to incorporate those drafts into one document. This article is about McDonald's in Russia, the MTSU shooting, and the Uvalde shooting. Do you remember the television series “Amerika”? Before I conclude, I will mention it.

McDonald's in Russia closed on 5/16/2022.

On Monday, 5/16/2022, I published the wedding anniversary article for my “long-suffering” wife. She published her comment later that day. Dear, why don't you be a co-writer on this website? I've offered to set you up as a writer!

That day, I'd heard on local television and radio stations that McDonald's was closing all its restaurants in Russia. That brought back a few memories.

When we were missionaries in Russia (10/1/1994 to 9/30/1999), we bought those “Улыбки бесплатно!” meals a few times. Our first apartment was within walking distance of a McDonald's on Ulitsa Tverskaya. We also walked past that McDonald's to the Kremlin several times.

On 5/16/2022, bne IntelliNews published “McDonald’s to continue operating in Russia under new name – RBK,” by bne intellinews, May 16, 2022. The image from that article is below.

McDonald's is reportedly hoping to open the new restaurants as early as June. Image: bne IntelliNews.

That is a long line in the above image! By the way, our first office location was in the basement of the building behind and to the left of that McDonald's. Our first apartment was a short walk to the right (or west) of that same location.

This is my fourth article that mentions the 2022 Slavic War. See the articles from 3/8/2022, 3/20/2022, and 5/12/2022. I read those articles again yesterday. Sadly, the casualties caused by the 2022 Slavic War (the Russian invasion of Ukraine) are far more profound than the temporary loss of a fast food chain.

The Moscow Times section “Ukraine: As It's Happening” contains day-by-day, even hour-by-hour, coverage of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The section has recent (current month) coverage. The Moscow Times lists their older coverage on their 24LIVEBLOG website: The Moscow Times - Ukraine.

MTSU Shooting, 5/18/2022

Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) is in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. On Wednesday, 5/18/2022, a shooting and loss of life took place.

That day, NewsChannel 5, in Nashville, was one of several news sources that detailed that tragedy. I read “One dead, one critically injured in shooting outside MTSU's Murphy Center following graduation ceremony: The shooting happened after Riverdale HS held its graduation ceremony,” by Emily West, published 5/18/2022, updated 5/20/2022.

On 5/18/2022 and again yesterday, I searched MTSU News for “5/18/2022 shooting.” Both times, my search generated “No Post Found!” MTSU, apparently, chose not to write about the shooting.

On 5/18/2022, a brother in Christ, Phil Robertson, on Substack, wrote about the shooting. See “What I Want You to Know About Deadly Shootings & the Broken Culture of America: The Buffalo massacre, the California church attack, and God’s solution to a land filled with depravity.” By Phil Robertson, 5/18/2022. I suggest that you all read his words of biblical wisdom.

Brother Phil referenced the Columbine High School shooting on 4/20/1999. That year, my wife and I were in our final and fifth year in Russia. Our Russian brothers and sisters could not understand how or why anyone would kill school-aged children like that. We were all shocked.

The Columbine High School shooting was the first school shooting in this once-great nation. It would not be the last.

Uvalde, Texas, Shooting, 5/24/2022

Six days later, on Tuesday, 5/24/2022, the Robb Elementary School shooting in Uvalde, Texas, happened. Various media sources have detailed and commented on the tragedy for six days now. It seems to have been longer than six days.

The Uvalde Leader-News did not have the following article until 5/26/2022: “Robb shooting claims 19 children, 2 teachers,” May 26, 2022. On 5/24/2022, I found that newspaper's website. I searched that day and the next to find no local articles yet about the shooting. Their 5/29/2022 article, “They were smart, funny, loved,” May 29, 2022, lists the names and short biographies of each person who was killed.

“Amerika”

On Saturday, 5/28/2022, I had endured enough of the opinions about the 5/24/2022 Uvalde shooting in the various media sources. Several government employees (i.e., politicians), including the president, were spinning the sadness in various directions. Some, including the president, wanted to make political hay from the tragedy. I pray for the souls of those politicians.

So, on Saturday, I did a “Norton Safe Search” for “USSA propaganda.” The reply was, “Did you mean: USSR propaganda?” The results gave me a few options.

One option was The Harvard Crimson, The University Daily, Est. 1873, article: “Back in the U.S.S.A.,” by Martha A. Bridegam, 2/23/1987. That 1987 article was about “the ABC television miniseries, 'Amerika,'” which was “the portrayal of life in a United States controlled by the Soviet Union.”

In 1987, my wife and I were living in Charleston, Missouri. I was the minister of the Charleston Church of Christ. I remember watching most or all of that miniseries.

Conclusion

What is the conclusion? The problem in this once-great nation is the lack of morality and family values.

Morality emanates from God, the Divine Lawgiver. God places the sense of morality (i.e., conscience) in us at birth. Sadly, many corrupt their God-given sense of morality.

Family values are based on biblical values that include a God-centered home, a Christian man and woman as husband and wife, and their children, raised accordingly.

“Gun control” legislation is not the solution. In high school from 1974 to 1978, older students drove pickup trucks to school. Some had shotguns or rifles hung on the rack by the rear window inside the cab. They had either gone hunting or were going hunting. It was not a concern. Biblical values were the norm. The only school shootings were when we shot rubber bands at each other during study hall.

By the way, “gun control” is when the shooter aims, fires, and hits the target. The target could be a bullseye for practice, game for hunting, or to stop an imminent threat to life. A shooter who fires to murder “controls the gun” by wicked choice. The gun does not fire itself. The evil shooter controls the gun.

“Gun control” legislation is a political sidetrack. “Shooter control” legislation is impossible, logically. Not even the Good Lord can force a person of free will to freely decide to do right and avoid evil. It is a logical contradiction. Legislation will not resolve the moral decay that has led to increased violence in this once-great nation.

The solution to the manifold moral problems in this once-great nation is to repent and to return to God.

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14, KJV)

On Memorial Day, this once-great nation is supposed to remember and honor the countless number of soldiers who died in the name of freedom. The day is not just a day off work to eat hamburgers.

Dear Lord, may everyone of age in this once-great nation turn from evil, honor the sacrifice of your Son and our Savior, and seek your face before it is too late. Amen.

THE 1982 WORLD'S FAIR: 40th ANNIVERSARY (published 5-22-2022; article #330)

Introduction

Let's brag on Knoxville - Knox County, Tennessee, a bit, shall we? My “Advance Knox Update” series has hammered the county a while – properly. (See, for example, my fourth article of yesterday.)

Forty years ago, I was a younger man. (I ain't old yet! I still feel my oats, on most days, despite my three 'bionic' joints.) Two friends, who are still friends, and I visited Knoxville's 1982 World's Fair (open May 1 through October 31), on Saturday, 10/16/1982. Tennessee Volunteer football fans were noticeable. We gathered, to hear the radio broadcast of the Tennessee - Alabama college football game! Multitudes of fans gathered around several speaker systems. Tennessee upset the number two-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide, 35 to 28! Tennessee Vol fans were celebrating! The international and out-of-state folks just looked confused. That was a great third Saturday in October!

The 1982 World's Fair

Early this morning, while looking around on my home office bookshelf, I found a postcard, with images of the 1982 World's Fair. The postcard folds out and contains fourteen images. The image below is only one.

I didn't remember that we still had the postcard. I'm glad that I found it. Ronald Reagan was the President. The USA was improving – economically and morally. As a 22-year-old young man, it was a good time to be alive. I had been one of many, to be laid off, by my employer, due to the waning effects of Jimmy Carter “stagflation.” (I had been working as a computer programmer-operator.) The young lady, whom I had been courting, had decided to be courted by another man. I had overcome that hurt. I was attending ETSU (East Tennessee State University), in Johnson City, TN. I was renting a small apartment. I was home on weekends. That was the basic setting of my life, “such as it was,” back then.

The 1982 World's Fair was a positive event – mostly. The financial trouble, by the Butcher brothers, was one negative aspect of the fair. (It is common knowledge.) The fair, however, was mostly beneficial. The fair was inspiring, in several aspects.

2022: 40th Anniversary

The 40th anniversary celebration, of the 1982 World's Fair, was yesterday. World's Fair Park had informational details.

Visit Knoxville has more details, including Stories from the World's Fair. Various other media published details. We saw what some of the local TV stations broadcast.

Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and I did not grace the 40th anniversary celebration, with our presence. We were too busy, with “life, such as it was,” events.

Conclusion

I am tempted to, but will not, get into another “poly-tics” theme! You are welcome to consider, in your minds, the differences, from 1982 to 2022 – in personal life and in national and global history.

My writings are on many themes. This website is my written journal and commentary, on various subjects. I'm glad that I found the 1982 World's Fair postcard. The distraction and reflection on life, over the last forty years, has been refreshing.

Dear Lord, refresh us with your Spirit! Fill us with your Spirit – as we turn to you! That is my prayer – individually, nationally, and globally.

Advance Knox Update: Draw the Line in June, not on Monday, 5-23-2022 (published 5-21-2022; article #329)

Introduction

Howdy, y'all! Thanks for stopping by to read for a while! I hope that you have a cool glass of water with you, not coffee. It's hot and humid enough around here, at least. I'll get to the meat and potatoes of this article in a minute. First, I'll unload a bit of “life, such as it is.”

Bravely this morning, Mrs. Appalachian Irishman took our '08 Honda Civic (her car) to the fix-it shop. The air conditioner isn't working. Do you remember when cars didn't have air conditioners? How did we survive? She came back. We will decide what to do. I know the estimated cost to fix the air conditioning system and the value of her car. Afterward, we hauled trash in my '06 Frontier, whose air conditioner continues to work fine. Then, we helped her cousin. One side of his double garage door was off track. Using her cousin's tools, I put the door back on track.

Now, are you ready for the fourth article in the “Advance Knox Update” series? I need to change the series title from “Advance Knox Update” to “McMansion Subdivision War Update,” but I've already started this theme. It's another “poly-ticks” article. I may change the series title later.

To readers, both national and international, I apologize for another local “poly-ticks” article. To local Knox County, Tennessee, readers, please join the fight against more “McMansion” subdivisions by any means at your disposal!

Spiderweb of Bureaucratic Websites

The article from Wednesday, 5/18/2022, was the third in this series. The article references several websites. The article concludes, “I will email the various known folks, after I publish this article. My email will reference this article.” I emailed the various folks. So far, I have received three replies (including one reply to my reply). So far, I have sent a total of five email replies. I am saving all the emails for my records.

Since 5/18/2022, I've researched more on the following websites:

Knox County (TN) Commission (https://commission.knoxcountytn.gov/);

Advance Knox (TN), who are my friends now (https://advanceknox.org/about);

Knox County (TN) Board of Zoning Appeals (a member from each of the nine county districts, https://www.knoxcounty.org/codes/bza.php);

Knox County (TN) Planning Alliance (KCPA), established in 2018 (https://www.kcpa.us/about-us);

and Knoxville-Knox County Planning, established in 1956 (https://knoxplanning.org/about).

The previous three articles in this series include details about each of those folks, except for the Knox County Board of Zoning Appeals. I had been preparing for the upcoming Knox County Commission meeting in two days on Monday, 5/23/2022, at 7 PM. It would include discussion of 4–M-22-RZ/4-G-22-SP. Unfortunately, now I am starting to write about “policy-wonk, psychobabble!” See the 5/18/2022 article for all that “fun.”

I was getting lost in the spiderweb of bureaucratic websites! I downloaded several PDF files. I became tired of trying to brush my way through all the spiderwebs! I almost gave up!

Rescued by Gibbs Planning Advocates (GPA)!

Yesterday, my friends at Gibbs Planning Advocates - GPA (their Facebook page) informed everyone who follows their page of the following: “The rezoning for 7921 Thompson School Rd. has been deferred to June at the request of the applicant, so it will NOT be heard Monday at County Commission.” The Knox County Commission meeting, scheduled for Monday, 5/23/2022, at 7 PM, has been postponed until June.

That was a bit of good news. I wish Gibbs Planning Advocates (GPA) would create their own website. It's easy to do! They could link website articles to their social media platform, as I do.

Early this morning, on their previously referenced Facebook page, Gibbs Planning Advocates (GPA) referenced an article that I was glad to find and read: “'This is becoming a crisis in Knox County:’ Residents fight to stop Dry Hollow development,” WATE News, by Wes Cooper, 5/20/2022.

The article mentions the same developer (that I know is I-75 Land Partners, LLC), which has “McMansion” subdivision plans in the Dry Hollow area. The developer has similar plans for 7921 Thompson School Road, in the Gibbs community, which is near our neck of the woods.

By the way, from Dun & Bradstreet, I found information about I-75 Land Partners LLC. It is in La Follette, Tennessee. It started in 2021. That's all I know for now.

Great Article from Knox TN Today!

This morning, I decided to avoid further efforts to untangle the spiderweb of bureaucratic websites. I happened to find a Knox TN Today article. Growing up, I became familiar with the crude expression, “Don't piss down my leg and tell me it's raining!” I'm sorry, Mom, I had to write that crude expression for taking a leak!

The article is “Just don’t trickle down my leg,” Knox TN Today, by Betty Bean, 5/19/2022. To Knox County, Tennessee, readers, you may want to sip some ice water and read this article! I downloaded it and saved it on my computer. Betty Bean used “trickle” instead of the rather crude word.

Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs wants to prevent Knox County citizens from being able to appeal Knoxville-Knox County Planning (established in 1956) decisions on “McMansion” subdivisions to the Board of Zoning Appeals. Instead, Mayor Jacobs wants citizens to “get a lawyer” and “take it to court.”

In other words, Mayor Glenn Jacobs takes a leak down the legs of Knox County citizens and tells us it's raining.

Conclusion

The broad context of this discussion involves several factors. First, folks from “blue” states are moving to “red” states, such as Tennessee, including Knox County. Next, property values are increasing exponentially, as are rental costs. Third, inflation is setting records not seen since the Jimmy Carter “stagflation” days. “This country is about gone, boys.” Dad said that for years before he passed, back on 1/25/2008. Fourth, owners of large tracts of land, which were once farms, want to sell to the highest bidder. Finally, developers, who come a dime a dozen, are eager to buy and build as many “McMansion” subdivisions as they can.

For decades, the “rubber stamp” machine has been hard at work! Owners sell farmland to developers. Developers build “McMansion” subdivisions. Folks from “blue” states buy the “McMansions.” The cycle repeats.

Or does it? I helped my wife's cousin place his garage door back on track today. I'm trying to help Knox County stop the “McMansion” subdivision insanity. The “mushrooms” need to stop popping up, after all the “green” money has poured down. On Monday, 5/23/2022, I plan to send an email to Mayor Jacobs, with copies to various folks, to help put Knox County back on track! We will see what happens.

Until then, it's almost suppertime. I'm hungry. Let's eat, dear!

APPALACHIAN HERITAGE: “BLIND PIG AND THE ACORN” HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! (published 5-20-2022; article #328)

Introduction

Howdy, y'all! I'm enjoying my fifth day of State of Tennessee retirement! Today, I spread the four bags of mulch that Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and I bought at Lowe's, on 5/15/2022 (Sunday afternoon).

Yesterday, my '06 Frontier and I tried Lowe's first. Their fancy saw was not working – despite what the lady had told me by phone, on 5/18/2022. So, we (my truck and I) went to Home Depot. I bought a piece of wood that Chris sawed to the proper dimensions for me, at no extra cost. My 'bionic' right foot endured the walking on concrete and asphalt – well enough. Conclusion, you ask?

See my Monday, April 6, 2020, article “4/5/20, SUNDAY, UPDATE.” In that article, I mentioned the purchase of my L-shaped home office desk – with a couple of parts missing. In time, Office Max-Depot sent me one part. They never sent the drawer for part AA! I fought them hard. I'll never buy anything from Office Max-Depot again!

Yesterday, I installed the Home Depot manufactured drawer for part AA (bottom left drawer)! My 3/21/2020 purchase of L-shaped home office desk is – FINALLY – fully installed!

That was a “life, such as it was,” update, by introduction. Let's get to the meat and potatoes of this article!

Blind Pig and the Acorn

Last weekend, I was going through my list of about twenty-six “blogs” that I'd bookmarked, starting in 2006. Most of those websites are either down or no longer active. I found a few that were still active – having transitioned from “blog” websites to ongoing websites.

I was glad to know that Blind Pig and the Acorn is still active! The website will explain the reason for that title.

On 5/14/2022, Saturday, I posted a comment on the article “Shocking Mountains,” May 14, 2022:

Howdy, Tipper! I hope that you and yours are getting along well enough! It’s been a while. You made a great comment, on my Saturday, December 12, 2009, article, “House Mountain & Devil’s Nose” (https://www.appalachianirishman.com/2009/12/house-mountain-devils-nose.html). I’m glad to “stop by, with a cup of coffee,” to visit you a while! I am very glad to know that you have been keeping your website active! (I’ve been doing the same.) If you don’t mind, I plan to link your website, in my “Appalachian Heritage” section of websites. May God bless you and yours! I’m still standing here. I ain’t breathing hard! See my “I’M STILL ALIVE – WHY? (Published 8/26/2016)” article for details.

Tipper replied to my 5/17/2022 email, on 5/19/2022. She granted me permission to cite her website, in my “APPALACHIAN HERITAGE” section! Her website, as of today, joins the other four websites in that section.

Thanks, Tipper, for your permission, your daily articles on Appalachian heritage, and for having kept your website going all these years! We are a few, from almost a decade ago, who are still standing! May God bless you and yours! Thanks, by the way, for your 5/19/2022 comment on my “I’M STILL ALIVE – WHY? (Published 8/26/2016)” article. I'll express my appreciation here. I'll send you an email reply, once I publish this article!

Conclusion

I have several more articles in rough draft, or in my mind. I have more time to write my articles! State retirement is great – so far! Dear Lord, may the situation continue!

Y'all keep turnin' right and goin' straight out there! It's the only way to wind up on the right side, at judgment day. It's the only way that this once great nation can return to its godly roots.

ADVANCE KNOX UPDATE: KEEPING AN EYE OUT FOR COUNTY COMMISSION! (published 5-18-2022; article #327)

 Introduction

How are y'all? I hope well. I'm enjoying my third day of Tennessee State retirement! (See my 5/15/2022 article.) I spent the late morning and early afternoon, planting Mrs. Appalachian Irishman's five sets of roses (four pink and white and one RED, not pink). (See my 5/16/2022 article.) The proof is in the photograph, below!

Yes, that's my '06 Frontier (new, ol' truck) enjoying the shade in the “barn” (i.e., garage). Mrs. Appalachian Irishman must inspect the flower bed, before I spread the bags of mulch that we bought, in the afternoon, on 5/15/2022, Sunday.

Please forgive the personal sidetrack. This article is my third, in the “poly-tics” series on Advance Knox. (See my 5/9/2022 article that linked to my 5/8/2022, first, article.) I like those folks now. This article focuses on the need to keep an eye out on Knox County Commission.

Gibbs Planning Advocates - GPA: 5/16/2022 “Heads Up”

I have a “Farcebook” connection with Gibbs Planning Advocates - GPA. It is a fine group of community volunteers that want to retain the mostly rural status of this area. I write, today, to help that group.

On Monday, 5/16/2022, at 7:54 AM, that group gave the “heads up,” about the 5/23/2022, Monday, Knox County Commission meeting (7 PM). The meeting will include discussion on 4–M-22-RZ/4-G-22-SP, which is a known developer's attempt to turn farm land into a “McMansion” subdivision.

Yesterday, I commented, on the 5/16/2022 Gibbs Planning Advocates - GPA post:

Thanks, Gibbs Planning Advocates - GPA. I have website and PDF files. I'm working on an article, for my website (https://www.appalachianirishman.com). We must stop the LLC property buyers from creating another "McMansion" subdivision, in the Corryton/Gibbs area! That road will NOT sustain the traffic! We, who live in this area, KNOW! Keep the Corryton/Gibbs area mostly RURAL! There are too many "McMansion" subdivisions here already! We don't have the roads for more!

Those folks “liked” my comment.

Knox County Planning Alliance, Knoxville-Knox County Planning, and Knox County Commission – Layers of Bureaucracy – Websites & Information

The above is a complex section title that involves three sub-sections (below). I apologize. This section involves layers of bureaucracy.

Knox County Planning Alliance (established in 2018)

Their “about” section of their website is https://www.kcpa.us/about-us. They are “a volunteer-organized community established in 2018.”

I have bookmarked their https://www.kcpa.us/post/a-very-long-april-planning-meeting. The area of interest is: “Northeast County. #20 4-G-22-SP / 4-M-22-RZ 7921 / 7923 Thompson School Rd, Sector Plan Ag to LDR, Rezone Ag to PR @ 5 du/ac. Transportation Analysis. 108 acres total. Same applicant as Dry Hollow neighborhood in South Knox. Commission 8. Contact Gibbs Planning Advocates (gibbspa@kcpa.us) for neighbors interested in this issue.”

Knoxville-Knox County Planning (established in 1956)

I mentioned these folks, in my first 5/8/2022 article. From their https://knoxplanning.org/about:

Knoxville-Knox County Planning (Planning) was established in 1956 by Knoxville and Knox County as the agency responsible for comprehensive county-wide planning and administration of zoning and land subdivision regulations.

These are the folks that started, before I was born. Their incompetence allowed the various “malfunction junction” roads and “McMansion” subdivisions.

I have four of their links saved:

https://knoxplanning.org/cases/?filter=4-M-22-RZ: Case search for 4-M-22-RZ.

https://knoxplanning.org/cases/4-G-22-SP#case_next: Plan Amendment. Northeast County Sector Plan Amendment. 4-G-22-SP Related Case(s) 4-M-22-RZ.

https://knoxplanning.org/commission/2022/04: April, 2022, Planning Commission, Meeting Information.

https://knoxplanning.org/cases/4-G-22-SP: Plan Amendment. Northeast County Sector Plan Amendment. 4-G-22-SP Related Case(s) 4-M-22-RZ.

Note: via https://knoxplanning.org/cases/4-G-22-SP#case_property, you can see the farm property that the known developer wants to turn into “McMansions.” The link is https://www.kgis.org/maps/PlanningCases.html?run=SearchCases&casenumber=4-G-22-SP: Description: File Number: 4-G-22-SP. Applicant Name (1): I-75 Land Partners, LLC. Current Sector Plan Designation: AG (Agricultural), HP (Hillside Protection) & SP (Stream Protection). Requested Sector Plan Designation: LDR (Low Density Residential), HP (Hillside Protection) & SP (Stream Protection).

I know how to follow their bureaucratic psychobabble! I am watching them!

Knox County Commission

The Commission website is https://commission.knoxcountytn.gov/. On 5/10/2022, my Commissioner replied, very cordially, to my 5/9/2022 email to him.

He is the Chairman of the Commission. Neither he nor I want to see another “McMansion” subdivision – especially in our “neck of the woods.” The winding, two-lane, country road will not handle the traffic – if the “McMansion” subdivision is built. My Commissioner has assured me, in email, that he wants to defeat the known developer's desire to build a “McMansion” subdivision on farm land.

Conclusion

As a side note, Mrs. Appalachian Irishman had called me, about 4:30 PM, to ask me to peel some 'taters for her. I took a break from writing, to peel those 'taters! An Irishman must eat!

I'm one of many, who are keeping an eye on Knox County Commission! We are watching y'all! Y'all do right by the unknown number of folks, who want to retain the rural area of rural areas!

By the way, my new friends, at Advance Knox published my three comments (5/1/2022, 5/6/2022, and 5/9/2022). My comments are part of several comments on the basic theme of this article. Keep rural areas rural! No “McMansion” subdivisions!

In close, I will email the various known folks, after I publish this article. My email will reference this article.

THIRTY-SIX YEARS AS BUT A DAY (published 5-16-2022; article #326)

Introduction

Writing directly to my wife, I say, “Howdy, dear. You will be home soon, Lord willing, as I begin to write.”

Writing to everyone, I say, “This is not a made-in-China anniversary card for Mrs. Appalachian Irishman. It is an online anniversary card. I hope that she likes it.”

HAPPY 36th ANNIVERSARY, DEAR!

5/16/1986

Well, the courting started, during the Saturday visitation for Mrs. Appalachian Irishman's paternal grandfather, who had passed. I remember the details. I had decided to attend the funeral visitation, instead of having some Saturday evening fun with my friends. That summer, I was the fill-in preacher for the Rogersville Church of Christ.

The pleasant courtship culminated when Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and I became husband and wife, on 5/16/1986. The Friday evening wedding ceremony was in Etowah, Tennessee. The weather was sunny, cool, and crisp. A high-pressure system was dominate. I remember.

Today, I scanned the above photograph, to include it in this article. It's one of the wedding photographs that have been hanging on a wall in the master's bedroom, where Mrs. Appalachian Irishman also sleeps. My wife looks the same. I've grown a beard (which started on 10/1/1994). My hair has turned mostly gray. I don't know why I have aged gracefully, but my wife has not aged at all. It's a mystery.

5/16/2022

Last year, on a Sunday, I wrote, “5/16/2021: Thirty-Five Years as But a Day.” I would not change a word. I'm glad that my wife finally got around to making a comment on that article. Will she comment on this article? We will see.

Yesterday, I wrote, “I Retired: My Future, Undiscovered Country Awaits! (published 5-15-2022; article #325).” Today, our 36th wedding anniversary, I commented on that article as follows:

5/16/2022 ADDENDUM by my comment: Happy anniversary, Mrs. Appalachian Irishman! What's the number? It's year 36, as far as I recall. (That was a little sidetrack.) The addendum to my 5/15/2022 article is: On 5/12/2022, while working at home, I removed my “Hadean Realm” office key from my key ring. I had figured that I would remember, the next morning, to take that key. Wrong! (I had been “too efficient!”) So, on 5/13/2022, at the “Hadean Realm” office, I informed the office manager that I'd forgotten the office key, as stated. The office manager consulted with the district manager, who is older than me and needs to have retired years ago. Conclusion, by email from the office manager: I need to hand-deliver the @#$% office key and sign that I have delivered it! Apparently, the mail-it-in option would violate an insane bureaucratic policy. That's what I was told, by email and in person, on 5/13/2022. Thus, on 5/16/2022, our wedding anniversary, my '06 Frontier and I took the longer and very curvy route, through the “great metropolis” of Luttrell, Tennessee, to the “Hadean Realm” office. (My last drive past the “kill spot” -- the Ailor Gap Road and Beard Valley Road intersection, where I almost died, on 3/29/2016 -- was on 5/13/2022). At the “Hadean Realm” office, I hand-delivered the office key to a secretary. The office manager, having been secluded in her office, appeared. Apparently, I did not have to sign any forms! I left and returned home as a free man -- completely free from the lying bureaucracy of the state of Tennessee! This comment is for a potential article with the subtitle “Opening the Soup Pot.” It could start a rough draft.

Later, I removed that comment, but I am saving it in this article, as a statement of my final aggravation with my former employer. The comment could still be a rough draft for a future article.

After I returned home, I brushed the shedding hair off Molly (our ol' puppy) three times! I washed clothes that we usually wash on weekends. I did a few other chores. I enjoyed my first day of freedom from the “Hadean Realm!”

Today, I thought about sending my wife a dozen roses, as I have done many times. Yesterday, however, my wife and I visited the Lowe's store near us. We bought four bags of mulch, four pink-looking flowers, and a red (not pink) rose bush. Afterward, we visited with her folks for a while.

Yesterday, Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and I enjoyed our wedding anniversary a day early. Today, I will not buy her a made-in-China anniversary card. She got a red rose bush yesterday.

Conclusion

Well, dear, I've enjoyed my first day of Tennessee state job retirement so far, except for the aggravation that I've noted. How are you doing? We will see, in about an hour or so, when you arrive home, baring any (God forbid) disasters.

Well, what do you know? About 5:10 PM, Mrs. Appalachian Irishman arrived home! Will she comment on this article? We will see.

I love you, dear! I mean it!

I RETIRED: MY FUTURE, UNDISCOVERED COUNTRY AWAITS! (published 5-15-2022; article #325)

Introduction

It is said that “a picture is worth a thousand words.” The man, in the image below, is saying a thousand words.

From Pikwizard. “FREE image of Senior man relaxing in hammock. Photo by Authentic Images.”

I am not that man. That man was in a relaxing and enjoyable moment in time. I am entering what Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and I both hope is a more relaxing and enjoyable season in my life. I will not write a thousand words about it – yet.

4/16/2012 to 5/13/2022

On 4/16/2012, Monday, I started my State of Tennessee employment job. It was my sixth job, since my wife and I had returned from Moscow, Russia (10/1/1994 - 9/30/1999). One of the “Five Scars” that are in my yet unpublished book, “Light at the End of the Tunnel,” is “Occupational Scar.” (I started writing that section on 9/1/2016.)

Others and I endured eighteen weeks of training. I drove to Johnson City, Tennessee, on Sundays. I drove home on Fridays. I resided at the Carnegie Hotel, Sunday through Thursday nights. I was mowing our yard back then. Since Fridays were half days, allowing for paid drive time, I mowed our yard Friday afternoons. I usually mowed the yard for my in-laws on Saturday. On Sundays, after church, I drove back to Johnson City. It was a “ground hog day” weekly repetition.

On September 27, 2012, Thursday morning, I left the Carnegie Hotel for the final time! The grueling eighteen weeks of training were done. I cranked my old '95 Nissan hard-body pickup. I turned on the radio. I heard Lynyrd Skynyrd's “Free Bird!” I was free! (One YouTube version of the song is here.)

I will not regale you with the details of the next over ten years – yet. (I have an idea for a future article, with subtitle “Opening the Soup Pot,” but I won't write it, until I'm ready to do so.)

I endured the “good, bad, and ugly.” It was mostly not good. There were a few good moments. I did the work. I was paid. That's all.

On Tuesday, 3/29/2016, I almost died, when an uninsured, age 18, driver failed to yield to my right of way – while I was driving home. My old truck died. I have written about the details. (See my Friday, August 26, 2016, article, “I’M STILL ALIVE – WHY? (Published 8/26/2016),” and later articles on my 'bionic' life.) After my “sabbatical,” of recovery and getting my new, old truck ('06 Nissan Frontier), I returned to work, on Monday, 12/19/2016.

I continued to endure the “good, bad, and ugly” – about which I plan to write in the future. I'll get to it. Give me time!

On Friday, 5/13/2022, I worked my final day for my Tennessee State employer! (Yes, Friday the 13th was an ironic date!) As my new, old truck and I were ready to leave, my “MWF Classic Rock iPad” radio station played Lynyrd Skynyrd's “Free Bird!” I didn't plan it. It was serendipitous! It was fitting! I enjoyed the moment in time! I was free once more!

My Future, Undiscovered Country

I will begin receiving my Tennessee State pension. I have taken the initial steps toward Social Security Retirement. I hope, by God's provident grace, that I will continue to work (remotely), in a position that I will enjoy. The plan is educated wisdom, God's providence, and “flying by the seat of my pants.” My wife and I have done the number crunching. One way or the other, we will be fine, financially.

Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? - Matthew 6:26, KJV.

My wife and I trust in God's benevolent providence. My yet unpublished book, “Light at the End of the Tunnel,” will have an appendix, “Punctuated Providence,” that I started writing, on 11/3/2016 and concluded on 11/30/2016.

What does my future hold? It is an undiscovered country. God knows. I don't know. I trust God.

MY THIRD 'BIONIC' TOOTH (published 5-12-2022; article #324)

 Introduction

This is a funny, “life, such as it was,” article. I had to find something to do, while I was bored, working at home!

My article of October 24, 2020 mentioned my second 'bionic' tooth. I got my first 'bionic' tooth, in 1982 – after having chipped an upper right tooth, when I'd bitten into a hamburger that had a bone fragment in it.

On Thursday, 2/3/2022, at the office, I decided to chew some gum. I chipped an upper, right tooth – on chewing gum! I can't make up this stuff folks! It happened. Apparently, they don't make forty-year-old fillings like they used to do.

2/11/2022

On 2/11/2022, Friday, I took the early afternoon (12 - 1:45 PM) off work (from home). My dentist cleaned and investigated. The mold was cast for my new (third) crown. I took the photograph, below, after the appointment. I'd saved the front part of my tooth that broke off and a few of the old (about 1982) fillings that had chipped out also.

 

3/4/2022

On Friday, 3/4/2022, my dentist set the temporary crown on my chipped tooth. The total time, including driving, was from 11:30 AM to about 12:45 PM. I remember swallowing Novocain. It was the fault of no one. It just happened. I returned home, to finish the work-at-home day. After work, I put together a new pole lamp, for my home office. I felt fine.

In the early evening, the Novocain that I had ingested had a variety of unpleasant adverse reactions. My mind was fuzzy. I had trouble walking. I was dizzy. I felt like crap! Mrs. Appalachian Irishman knows! After lying on the bed a while, about 8:30 PM or so, I started to feel better.

The next day, Saturday, I awakened, still tasting Novocain in my mouth! I was sluggish. By the early afternoon, however, I felt fine again. I did the usual trash haul and other chores, as usual.

Never, never ingest Novocain! It is not pleasant! See the WebMD article on “Novocain Injection.” It does NOT include details on Novocain INGESTION!

4/4/2022

Monday, 4/4/2022, was a “rich, full” day. My wife, fortunately, was on her spring break vacation week. Her aunt Mona Beckner (age 100) -- about whom I have written, in January and April, 2022 -- was hospitalized that day.

In the midst of aunt Mona's status, I had my usual monthly chiropractic adjustment, during my work-at-home lunch hour. Afterward, I was off work, for my final dental appointment. The total time, including driving, was from 2:30 - 4:45 PM. My dentist was overbooked. I waited. Finally, my third new crown ('bionic' tooth) was in place – with NO NOVOCAIN! I'll never agree to Novocain again!

Conclusion

Well, I finally decided to publish this little article. It's funny. It was “life, such as it was.” I had to do something, while bored and working at home today.

By the way, please await a future article. It will be about my future, undiscovered country!

5-9-2022 VE DAY, RUSSIA: MY THOUGHTS WITH REMARKS ON THE 2022 SLAVIC WAR: RUSSIAN INVASION OF UKRAINE (published 5-12-2022; article #323)

Introduction

My fourth and final article, of 5/8/2022, was “MOTHER'S DAY ON VE DAY (published 5-8-2022; article #321).” This article focuses my thoughts on VE Day in Russia, with remarks on the 2022 Slavic War: the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The inspiration for this article is “Откройте и закройте ящик и дверцу шкафа.” I will explain, in the conclusion.

VE Europe 5/8/1945 or 5/9/1945?

Some folks, in this once great nation, were aware that 5/8/2022 marked the seventy-sixth anniversary of the German surrender to the Allies (VE Day). Russia was an ally, despite some uneducated folks, who think that Russia was part of the enemy Axis nations.

My 5/8/2022 article (mentioned above) linked to the History.com article, “V-E Day is celebrated in America and Britain,” by History.com Editors, last updated May 3, 2022, original published date November 16, 2009.

Russians have continued to celebrate VE Day on May 9th, annually. I wonder why this once great nation does not celebrate on May 8th annually. The lack of celebration in this nation is regrettable.

Why do Russians celebrate VE in Europe Day a day late, on May 9th, not May 8th? The time zone was the difference. Germany surrendered on 5/8/1945, at 11:01 PM. Russia was already into the early hours of 5/9/1945. Historynet.com has a good article that explains. See "Why Does Russia Celebrate V-E Day on May 9? If the Nazis surrendered May 8, why do the Russians celebrate on May 9?” by Michael Y. Park, 4/29/2022.

5/9/2022

On Monday, 5/9/2022, I heard a few uneducated TV broadcasters state that 5/9/2022 marked the anniversary of “the Russian victory over Germany in World War II.” I had to laugh! First, Russians call World War II the Great Patriotic War. Second, Russia alone did not defeat Germany. The Allies (including Russia) defeated Germany.

By the way, World War II did not end completely until 8/14/1945, V-J (Victory in Japan) Day, when the Japanese surrendered. On 9/2/1945, Japan signed the surrender documents aboard the USS Missouri. The information is common knowledge. I learned it in grade school.

2022 Slavic War: The Russian Invasion of Ukraine

The articles of Tuesday, March 8, 2022, and Sunday, March 20, 2022, include my comments on the 2022 Slavic War (as I call it).

Since 2/24/2022, various legitimate media sources have continued to provide an abundance of details about the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The tragic loss of life, injuries, damage, and chaos continue daily. The ongoing conflict is demoralizing, as an understatement.

Russians are divided. Some favor the war and side against Ukraine. Others despise the war and side with Ukraine. Other legitimate (not propaganda) media sources and friends (brothers and sisters in Christ) provide me with valid news.

No nation is without fault in many areas for many reasons. The demise of morality is global and has been ongoing for decades, if not centuries or millennia. Ukraine is not without its faults; neither is Russia.

I see media sources that fault Ukraine for the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Some media sources fault NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) for the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Some media sources fault Russia, and Vladimir Putin particularly, for the invasion.

I know individuals, who fault Vladimir Putin. I know one individual, who has stated, “This time Putin is not the villain.” That individual has a reasoned opinion. I do not agree. I respect the intellect of the individual, not his opinion.

History of Ukraine

Britannica.com has an in-depth article on “History of Ukraine,” by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. The article contains links to many other website sources for additional reading.

Ukraine, for centuries, has had the unfortunate geographic location that has been ripe with various aspects of control. Since December 1, 1991, Ukraine has been an independent nation, with various difficulties and achievements that the article documents.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine (the 2022 Slavic War) may have been the fault of several. Vladimir Putin is the main villain.

The Moscow Times' Serendipitous 5/12/2022 Email

I had started this article yesterday. I'm glad that I waited to publish today. I am on The Moscow Times mailing list.

Today, at 12:49 PM, I was one of many, who received an email, “Letter by Michele A. Berdy, Arts Editor and Columnist.” While in Moscow (10/1/1994 - 9/30/1999), Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and I especially enjoyed reading her columns on Russian language! They helped educate us in the rich nuances of Russian words, word use, and sentence structures.

The 5/12/2022 email letter linked to Michele Berdy's The Moscow Times article, "The Dots Were All There. We Just Couldn’t Connect Them.” By Michele A. Berdy. Updated April 6, 2022; reprinted by permission of POLITICO LLC, Copyright 2022 POLITICO LLC. The Politico article, by the same title, is by Michele A. Berdy, published 3/27/2022, 06:55 AM EDT. I suggest highly that you “sit and read a while, with a cup of coffee,” that article. I did, except I sipped on water.

Conclusion

How did “Откройте и закройте ящик и дверцу шкафа“ inspire this article, you ask? On Friday, 5/6/2022, my non-bionic right shoulder had started giving me fits. I suspect a crossover reaction (as the medical folks call it) from my “bionic” left shoulder. My middle back “fun” started on 4/25/2022. I've had chiropractic adjustments on 4/28/2022, 5/5/2022, and 5/9/2022, not the usual monthly “tune ups.”

When I opened a drawer or cabinet with my right arm, my right shoulder “talked to me” enough. The expression “open and close the drawer and cabinet door,” in Russian, came into my mind. I could say everything in Russian, except “drawer.” Somewhere in my brain, the Russian word for “drawer” was hiding. I had to find it! I did! It is “ящик!” I had to search online to find the word that was locked in the deep folds of memories. Check out the Language Drops' search for “drawer” in Russian at “What is the Russian word for 'Drawer'?” Other similar Russian words are listed. I knew the other Russian words. I remember “ящик” now! I found it, hiding under a fold of memory in my brain!

Russia needs to close the “drawer” it opened when it invaded Ukraine. That “drawer” should never have been opened. Vladimir Putin is the villain.