House Mountain: 3 Hikes in 3 Days! (published 11-19-2023; article #442)

Introduction

Howdy, fellow hikers! Would you like to hike along with me? You are welcome to join me, virtually, on three hikes, in three days, on House Mountain! (The 3/19/2006 article calls it My Mountain!) I've been hiking My Mountain, with dedication, since the fall of 2003. This year marks 20 years of hiking House Mountain. I'll be your trail guide. Let's hike!

This article is the 56th entry, under the "hiking” topic section, and the 14th, under the "pets” topic section. Yes, Molly, our ol' puppy, hiked, on the first hike!

As we fill our canteens with water and put on our hiking shoes, I'll review other hikes, in three or four days. Thirteen years ago, during the last four days of October, 2010, I'd hiked a different location every day. Those hikes are in the article, “Four Hikes in Four Days! (published 11-14-2010).”

Looking through my hiking log, I realized that I'd hiked House Mountain two days in a row, on three occasions. The first was on October 4th and 5th, 2011, a Tuesday and Wednesday. I didn't publish an article about those hikes, but I took two photographs, on 10/5/2011. The next was on October 17th and 18th, 2015, a Saturday and Sunday. I didn't publish any articles, in 2015. My youngest brother and his family hiked with me, on 10/17/2015. I took two photographs of them, on the upper middle bluff. I'd hiked alone, the next day, when I photographed my old 1995 Nissan truck. The third was on December 7th and 8th, 2019, Pearl Harbor Day and Sunday. Those hikes are mentioned, in the article of 12/13/2019.

Canteens are full of water. Hiking shoes are on. Let's hike House Mountain, on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday! Before the conclusion, my embedded hiking theology podcast -- on Thursday, at the middle bluff -- encourages everyone not to accept evolutionary hogwash!

Hike #183 (11/14/2023): Molly's Hike #8!

Publisher's note: our first hike is on Tuesday, 11/14/2023. The weather is warm, too warm, and sunny. It's my 183rd hike on House Mountain. Molly, at age eight, wants to hike with us! It's Molly's eighth hike on House Mountain. If you recall, Molly's first article is titled “A Dog's Perspective, on Her Birthday (published 10-31-2023; article #439).” In it, Molly mentions her first seven hikes. Molly, you have the keyboard now! Tell us about your eighth hike! (I took the four photographs, which I'll mention.)

Molly's comments: Woof, woof, and tail waggy, y'all! My front paws are typing again! Today, the man had my carrier, in the truck bed. The tailgate was down! I jumped up and placed my front paws, on the tailgate. The man knew that I wanted to hike with him!

I enjoyed the brief ride, to the mountain. Once we got there, the man let me out, and I jumped to the ground. I remembered the area. It had been a while. (The man told me that my seventh hike was on 3/17/2019, St. Patrick's Day.) The man had put my hiking clothes on me, and he had the leash clipped to my clothes, but he told me that I could lead!

Sniffers! Wow! I smell where many other animals have been! Can't you smell all this, man? Okay, I want to go up the east trail! The man said that it was 2:15 PM, when I started leading him.

I still remember. When the man says “whoa, Molly,” I know to stop or slow down. His right knee and foot are damaged, so he can't keep up with me, like he used to do. I want to go all the way up the mountain, to the ridge, but the man doesn't think that he can keep up with me, on the more steep and rugged upper trail. I think that I'll stop, at the first switchback.

Publisher's notes: I took the photograph, below, at 3:00 PM, on the dot. We have been pausing several times, so Molly could do her sniffing. Molly is looking northwest. She is thirsty. I pour water, from my canteen, into the small container, which I have tied to my belt. Molly is glad to have a drink of water! Aren't you glad, fellow hiker, that you brought your canteen?

Seconds later, I took the next photograph. Molly sees something, to our south (or right)!

Three minutes later, I photographed what Molly, you, and I are seeing! Molly continues typing, after the image.

What is that? It's some kind of bird. I've seen them before, but not this close! It's having a staring contest with me! Watch me win! I won! The bird flew off! The man calls it an owl.

The man says, “Let's go, Molly!” I'll lead us back down the way that we came. I see two human females and a dog! Come on, man! Keep up with me! I want to meet that dog! Sniff, sniff! I like that dog and the two humans! Why is that dog carrying a big stick in his mouth? That's funny! I don't want to carry a stick in my mouth, while I'm hiking, but that dog does!

Well, here we are, back at the spot, where I can turn left and go back to the truck or turn right, to go up the west trail. I look at the man. He says, “it's your choice!”

Okay, here we go, up the west trail! Sniff, sniff! Wow! I smell the scent of may dogs! Wait! What's that? I see and hear squirrels -- two of them! Oops! I forgot about the leash. I can't chase after the squirrels! That's okay, man. In my excitement, I might chase them so far that I'd not remember how to get back to you. I don't want to get lost!

I'm thirsty again. Where's water? Oh, there it is!

Publisher's note: I took the photograph, below, at 3:35 PM. It's just below the first lower switchback, on the west trail. An underground stream is still trickling out enough water, in this area, thankfully. Molly has a drink of fresh, underground water!

That's good water! It's better than the man's water that he shares with me!

The man says, again, “Let's go, Molly!” I'm ready to go back to my house. I'll lead us back to his truck. The man said that is was 3:52 PM and that “an hour and 42 minutes in the woods is better than not having been there.” I agree. The ride to my home cooled me off.

Thanks, man, for hiking with me today! Who was that other person, who hiked with us? Oh, is that the one, who is reading what I am typing?

Hike #184 (11/15/2023): Loop Trails

Thanks, Molly, for writing about our hike yesterday! Do you want to go again, today? I'd left the dog carrier in my truck bed. Today, Wednesday, I dropped the tailgate and called for Molly. She is in the “back forty,” as I call the back yard. She wants to play and get petted a while. Molly, however, isn't interested in hiking with us today. I give her a snack.

The weather is still too warm. The morning clouds had broken, and the sun is shining, but we see clouds, rolling in from the southwest. Let's hike House Mountain, even if rain could be coming! We need the rain.

As I touch the marker, behind the parking lot and picnic area, the time is 2:05 PM. The clouds had rolled in, as we were riding to the parking lot. It's completely cloudy now. Since it's later in the afternoon and looks like rain, let's just hike these lower loop trails.

At 2:14 PM, I pause, to take the photograph, below. It's the sign, farthest along the entrance trail, to the west loop trail. We'd already hiked that short and easy loop. I had to go back, to take the photograph!

Let's head east, to hike the slightly more challenging east loop trail! I need more exercise. Don't you? We start off to the north (our left) and hike up the trail. We are noticing the usual markers that indicate the type of trees that we are seeing. Interestingly, some of those trees have fallen, but their markers are still there!

We hike all the way east, to the lower parking lot. Let's hike back, along the lower (or south) side of the loop now. Aren't the leaves pleasant to see, as we crunch along in them? I enjoy hikes in the fall. The foliage is down. The poison oak and ivy are gone. Ticks aren't around. The views are better. I like seeing all the leaves on the ground.

Thanks for pausing, so that I can take the following photograph. The time is 2:48 PM.

The sign points to where we have just hiked, on that east loop trail. The west loop trail, which we'd hiked first, is just behind the fancy outhouse and picnic area, in the image.

Seconds later, I turn, to photograph my 2006 Frontier. He likes to have his picture taken!

A few other vehicles are in the parking lot, but we didn't meet an other hikers. Well, as we were leaving, we did converse with the lady and her dog, in the parking lot. Molly would have liked that dog.

Let's say that our hike ended, at 2:50 PM. That was only forty-five minutes in the woods, just on those loop trails. Any day, even if only a few minutes, in the woods is better than not!

It never did rain. The clouds are not dark enough for rain. We need rain! I'll take us back to the house, but let's first run an errand, to the Tractor Supply. I need to buy Molly some food and snacks. What do you know! A handful of rain drops hit the windshield, as we are heading to the Tractor Supply. That's all? A few drops of rain are better than none.

Hike #185 (11/16/2023): All Trails & Bluffs!

Well, howdy, again, fellow hiker! It's Thursday now. Are you ready for another hike on House Mountain? I thought so. Molly sees the carrier, still in my truck bed, and the tailgate down. Do you want to hike with us, Molly? She doesn't jump her front paws, onto the tailgate. She'd rather play in the front yard and get a snack. Okay, Molly, after we do that, then my hiking buddy and I are going hiking. Are you sure that you don't want to come along? Apparently, the answer is no, not today.

I hope, fellow hiker, that your hiking shoes are cinched up tightly! This is going to be a real hiking workout! Let's go! The weather is back to warm and sunny.

I note that the time is 1:12 PM, as we begin our hike. We're going up the west trail. Just as we start, we meet a young man, hiking out alone. He complains that he wore the wrong pair of shoes. We notice that his shoes look good enough. I told him that I hope that he doesn't get blisters.

The four lower switchbacks are easy enough. We're kicking up trail dust, due to the drought. I comment on several areas that are usually damp or muddy, depending on the rainfall. Those are all bone dry. We are only pausing, a few seconds at a time, to sip water from our canteens.

The challenge is on! The six upper switchbacks await us. Let's continue up! I'm glad that you are keeping up with me! My “bionic” right foot and knee are still slowing me down, but not too much. How quickly will we get to the west bluff?

Wiping off brow sweat along the way, we are at the sixth and final upper switchback! The time is 1:37 PM. It took us only 25 minutes to get here. I'd rather be at the west bluff, in 25 minutes, but we still have to hike father west, below the ridgeline, to get there.

We made it! The time is 1:42 PM. Thirty minutes, from the parking lot, to the west bluff is good enough, for this “bionic” hiker. If my foot and knee didn't cause me to be a lame mountain goat, then we could have made it in 25 minutes easily.

After enjoying the view a while and cooling off, I'm taking the photograph, below, at 1:58 PM.

The west bluff is behind me. That's my shadow. We're looking east, along the ridgeline. The two signs point directions and distances. The sign on the left directs down the west trail, up which we'd hiked. The sign to the right directs east, along the ridge trail. That's where we're going.

We get off the trail, slightly, so that I can take the following photograph. The time is 2:16 PM.

The view looks east. Do you see why I call the “dinosaur rock?” I thought so. I see the head, left eye, and the snout.

Hiking farther east, we pause, for the following photograph. It's now 2:23 PM.

I've photographed the “picnic rock” several times. It looks like a fine place for a picnic! Oh, yes, I'll mention the young couple, whom we meet. They came from behind us. I tell them the name of this rock, and they seem to agree. The are slower than us, so we hike on ahead of them.

We think about hiking to the foundation, where the fire tower used to be, just above the old two-seater outhouse, but we don't. We are getting close to the trailhead, for the east trail.

At 2:32 PM, as we approach that trailhead, I take the following photograph.

The bench and the two signs provide rest and instruction, to hikers, who need them. Of course, I know the trails quite well. The view looks east.

Two minutes later, I take the following photograph, with the view looking north.

The crisp blue sky is inspiring. The fallen leaves are nice to see. We wish that the temperature were cooler.

Let's hike about five minutes, farther east, to the upper middle bluff! We see blue, so someone is at the bluff. Yes, a lady, wearing a blue shirt, somewhat younger than me, is there. We converse for quite a while, about the forest fires, in areas around us. Thankfully, they are being managed and put out. We notice the smoke, far off, to the northeast of us. It looks like a fire, in or near Maynardville, in Union County.

We can return to the middle bluff, on our hike out and down. For now, let's hike to the east bluff!

Well, that was easy enough. I like the trail. Step carefully, however! A wrong step could result in a deadly fall, down into the ravine, to our north! Having arrived at the east bluff, I take the following photograph, at 3:21 PM. The view looks southeast.

Far off in the distance are the Smoky Mountains. The haze must be from the forest fires that are burning far away from us.

Two minutes later, as we are starting our hike back out and down, I pause, to take the following photograph. The view is northwest.

This must be a new sign. The posts are still seasoning. It indicates the ridgeline trail distance back to the west bluff. I'd rather call it the ridgeline trail, instead of the crest trail.

Will you remember how I taught you to tell time, by the location of the sun? I hope so. If the sun is to the west, hold your right arm straight up, fingers extended. Don't bend your elbow. That marks 12 PM. Twist your wrist inward, so that your hand is horizontal to the ground. Keep your thumb by your index finger. Your thumb should be the closest finger to the ground. With arm still fully extended, move your hand down, one hand width, thumb to pinkie, at a time. Count each hand width, until your hand covers the sun or the sun is just below your hand. Each hand width is 30 minutes. If the sun is behind your hand, then that's about 15 minutes. If the sun is just below your hand, then that's a full 30 minutes. Total up the minutes that you counted and figure the time, after 12 PM. When I did it, I guessed 3:30 PM. My watch showed the time to be 3:32 PM.

You can use the same technique, to know when the sun will set. Advance your hand width, from just below where the sun is, to where the sky meets the ground. Count the minutes. You can approximate how much more daylight is left.

Hiking Theology Podcast (11/16/2023): Evolutionary Hogwash

We are back on the upper middle bluff again! This time, no one else is here. At about 3:35 PM, we are enjoying the panoramic view! The setting sun is casting long shadows. Daylight will fade to dusk, in a couple of hours or so. The following photograph is a glimpse of the inspiring scenery.

The smoke, in the distance, is from the Satterfield Road fire, in Union County. (That evening, I learned that the fire had been put out.)

I hadn't planned to record a video, on this hike. As we are observing the magnificent views, even with the smoke-filled haze, I am inspired to record the following video. It will be on Appalachian Irishman - Podcasts, my YouTube channel.

The episode -- the first in the “Hiking Theology” section -- is: House Mt. Hiking Theology, on 11-16-2023: Evolutionary Hogwash (published 11-19-2023; episode 23). In just over six minutes, I reason that the unproven theory of macroevolution is hogwash. That's my brief sermon, for the day.

There is more “evidence” that Дед Мороз (in Russian, or Father Frost, in English) exists! Macroevolution wants us to believe -- irrationally, without proof -- that absolute nothingness exploded and creating a very dense something, about the size of an acorn. Over eons, that something from nothing expanded, into the known complexity of the universe. During eons, galaxies, solar systems, planets, and moons formed. Over further eons, non-life evolved, somehow, into life. Over uncountable eons, that life, somehow, evolved upward. You and I, as the fake theory claims, evolved from nothing, which became lifeless matter, which became life -- somehow. It's hogwash!

Genesis 1:1, in the NIV, states: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” The article of 11/16/2022, the third in the ongoing “Christian Evidences” series, contains the complete teleological argument, for the existence of God. That is rational faith, based on solid evidence.

It's getting late, so we'd better hike out and down the east trail, to the parking lot! We manage the first switchback, which I call “treacherous.” We are continuing, carefully, down, until we reach the final, or seventh from the top, switchback. That was a little easier than it used to be, for me.

At 5 PM, on the dot, I call Mrs. Appalachian Irishman, to tell her that I'll be a little late, coming home. That marks the conclusion of our hike.

Our total time, in the woods, was three hours and 48 minutes! Now, that's what I call a good day in the woods!

Conclusion

Thank you, fellow hiker, for hiking House Mountain with me, for three days last week. Are you stiff and sore? My “bionic” right foot talked to me, last Friday, but it returned quickly to its “bionic” normal. I'm publishing this article on Sunday afternoon. Looking out my home office windows, the sky is mostly clear and blue. I see the trees, on the ridge to our north. Leaves are scattered about. The woods are calling me, but I know that the parking lot, at House Mountain, will be full. Many hikers are enjoying the trails. Hiking during the week days is better, since fewer cars and hikers are around.

The anniversary of Papaw Ferrell's passing, in 1970, is Tuesday. Thursday is Thanksgiving. Friday marks my Mom's birthday, in 1932. Mom would be 91, if she were still with us. Depending on the weather, this Appalachian Irishman may hike My Mountain this week.

We did get light rain that started last Friday evening and continued through the night. Yesterday, the mostly sunny weather returned. We need more rain, dear Lord! I'd rather have rain this week, instead of hiking. I can't believe that I just wrote that!

Y'all enjoy Thanksgiving and the true reasons for the day! I'm signing off, for now. May God bless you, as you follow His will!

A Dog's Perspective, on Her Birthday (published 10-31-2023; article #439)

Molly, on her 7th birthday! (Photograph, 10/31/2022, 11:34 AM, by M. Fearghail.)

Publisher's Introduction

Halloween greetings, fellow spooks and haints! Welcome to the lucky 13th article, under the “pets” topic section!

Today, we celebrate the birthday of our ol' puppy, Molly! She's officially eight years old today! Read along, as we celebrate! You may also enjoy three previous articles, about Molly. For your reading pleasure, please check out: “6/19/2021, Saturday: Molly 'Super Puppy!'”, "Illegal Border Crossing: Molly is Guilty! (published 10-22-2022; article #367)”, and Molly's Birthday Fun - at Age Seven! (published 10-31-2022; article #369).

I'm glad that it rained most of the day yesterday. We've been needing it. We need more. Today, the weather went from cloudy to sunny. It's cooler. Last weekend, Mrs. Appalachian Irishman came down with a case of the crud. She worsened yesterday, but she's improving today. I'm glad that she could take sick leave from work.

I'll be back, in the conclusion. I'll step aside, since Molly wanted to write an article, to commemorate her birthday today. Ladies and gentlemen, I now introduce Molly, writing in the first person, for the first time, on this website! Take it away, Molly!

Molly Writes

Woof, woof, y'all! Yes, this is Molly! The man sometimes calls me “ol' puppy,” “Molly doggy,” “super puppy,” and “super Molly.” I like the man. I like the woman too. I've learned to write, only recently. I can say a few words, in English and Russian.

The man tells me that I'm eight years old today. I remember my mother and my siblings. I don't remember my father. He wasn't around much. When I got old enough, the human, who took care of us, gave me away to a good person. I missed my mother and siblings, but it was time for me to get out on my own!

I was a young puppy, back then. Life was good! The person played with me, and I had good food and treats. I wore a collar, with my name and the person's phone number on it, in case I got lost. I had one bad event. I got hit, in my left hip. I think that I cracked my hip bone. (When the man and the woman got me, the man took me to see my doctor, who checked me out. She said that I'd had a fracture, but it had healed perfectly.) I remember being sore for several days. The person took care of me.

I like to be outside, if it's not raining or very cold. Don't all dogs like that? When I was about eight months old, I saw many children walking on sidewalks. They were dressed in strange clothes and carrying baskets. They went to houses, and people gave them stuff! I decided to follow those kids!

Well, I got lost. Some other people, who had two dogs, found me. I stayed with them a while. It was fun! (The phone number on my tag wasn't the right one anymore.) They took care of me, and I liked their dogs. Those people couldn't keep me, with their two dogs, because they didn't have enough room, inside or outside, for us.

That's how I met the man! He came to meet me. I liked him, and he liked me. He took me to my new house! I met the woman. She liked me, and I liked her. They have a big field, behind my house. I can run, sniff, take “crappers” and “whizzers,” and defend my house! I have a big room, all to myself, where I sleep at night. I stay there, if it's raining a lot or if it's too cold. The man calls it my basement condominium. I sleep on two beds, and I have a classic rock radio that I like.

When I was age one, I remember the man taking me to my doctor. I don't remember what happened, when I was asleep. I woke up and felt good. I didn't have the bleeding that I had been having. The man said that I had been fixed. That was good!

The next day after I was fixed, the man disappeared a long time. The woman was around, but she was gone a lot too. Other people took care of me some. I missed the man. He finally came back to my home! I don't know how long he was gone. I could see him, but the woman had to push him around in a chair that had wheels on it.

Finally, the man was able to walk on his two legs. (I have four, which is better!) After more time went by, he got back to walking as he used to do.

The man still can't play chase the doggy with me, like I wish that he could. He can't run like he used to do. I'd chase him, and he would chase me! That was fun! It's okay, since he plays other games with me. I like what the man calls “old favorite” and the plastic bottle the best!

I like when the man takes me places, in his truck. I ride in a big box, with windows, in the truck bed. The box has a big pillow in it. The man gives me treats, after I get in and out! He usually takes me to my doctor. They call it annual check ups. I have fun!

The man used to take me hiking with him. I asked him how many times and when the last time was. He said that I hiked with him, on 11/26/2015 (the day humans call Thanksgiving). That was our first time. He said that he took me on 12/6/2015, 1/3/2016, 2/7/2016, and 3/6/2016. The next to last time was on 3/20/2016. He must have been hurt just after that hike. He said that the last time was on 3/17/2019 (what humans call St. Patrick's Day). I remember that one! The woman and five other humans went. Two other dogs went too! Seven humans and three dogs was fun!

I wish that the man could take me hiking again. He said that he might but that we couldn't go up the mountain. He doesn't think that he can protect me, like he used to be able to do, before he got hurt. He always uses a leash, to help me stay on the right trail. I like to sniff a lot! I might get too excited, run off sniffing, and get lost. I understand, man. Please take me on those easy trails. Please!

What did I do today? I had fun! The sun came out, and the man and I played a while. He drove off, for a time, in his truck. He told me that he was going to get “Molly doggys!” He came back with my food and treats! Good man!

I used to like to meet the kids, when they came, on my birthday, to get treats, from the man and the woman. They don't come around like they used to do.

After supper time, I look forward to spending the evening in the human part of my house! The man will play my “got 'ems” game, as much as I ask him to do! I'll go out and come back in, as much as I want to do. It's fun and relaxing. When I get sleepy, the man or the woman will take me to my condominium, so I can sleep well.

I'll be awake and ready tomorrow morning! It's what the man calls “outside doggy time!” I have “sniffers” to do! I have to protect my house and land! Sometimes skunks and wild turkeys come around! This is my house and land, but I let the man and woman live here. They take care of me. I love them.

Publisher's Conclusion

Thanks, Molly, for writing your first article! I hope that you write more! The woman and I love you too! I can't speak doggy language as well as you can speak human language. I don't even know if doggy language has a written form!

Good ol' puppy, Molly! I promise, Lord willing, that I'll take you hiking, at least on the loop trails, on House Mountain! Please don't try to get me to take you up the ridge! My “bionic” right foot and right knee can't guide you, on the leash, like it once could.

The woman and I love you too, Molly! I'm glad that you keep us!

By the way, the St. Patrick's Day hike, which Molly mentioned, was great. My youngest brother helped me guide Molly. The article is “House Mt. #156, Saint Patrick's Day: 7 Humans and 3 Dogs! (published 3-21-2019; updated 7-21-2022).”

MOLLY'S BIRTHDAY FUN - at Age Seven! (published 10-31-2022; article #369)

 Introduction

Greetings, dear reader, on Halloween! The weather has been morning rain to cloudy afternoon. The sun peaks out at times. Trick-or-treaters won't get wet this evening.

Most importantly, today is Molly doggy's birthday! She is seven years young. Molly was born, probably, in February 2015. She had escaped her original owner, to visit friends, on Halloween of 2015. Molly was about eight months old. After we got Molly, we started counting her birthday on Halloween every year. Molly likes the day that we picked!

Molly's Birthday Photographs!

Late this morning, despite the wet and cloudy conditions, Molly had fun with Gordon and me – while Gordon, of Bi-County Propane, filled our backyard propane tank! (Bi-County Propane doesn't have a website, but you can reach a real person by phone – with no robot asking you questions! I recommend them highly, if you need propane!)

I took the two photographs, below, at 11:34 AM. Molly likes Gordon! Well, Molly likes everyone!

Howdy, Molly! I was trying to get her to stop long enough for that first photograph.

Molly is looking right at you! Say hello! Do you see the intelligence in her eyes? She's standing beside Gordon. Thanks, Gordon, for allowing me to include part of you in the photograph!

 Molly's “Molly-TV” Video!

We often watch M*A*S*H, on MeTV, when Molly is inside with us in the evenings. I joke, by calling it “Molly-TV.” Well, Molly-TV is live, as of this article! Enjoy her first program (1 minute, 8 seconds)!

I couldn't hold my camera and continue playing “plastic bottle game” with Molly! We continued the game after I'd stopped recording. I was speaking in my “Molly language,” which she likes.

I have a human language. I have a Molly language. Molly understands my Molly language. I can understand her language – by her expression, how she cocks her ears, how she turns her head, how she looks at me, and how she barks. I understand Molly language well enough.

Conclusion

Happy birthday to Molly! Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and I love our ol' puppy!

I'll continue my series on Christian Evidences, but I needed to write this article today. The depth of my theological studies, by the way, indicate that “all good dogs to to heaven!” My reference is Second Opinions 3:16! You are welcome to quote me on that!

ILLEGAL BORDER CROSSING: Molly is Guilty! (published 10-22-2022; article #367)

Photograph by M. Fearghail, 10/20/2022, 2:33 PM, “Molly in yard TIED - stop invading other yards!”

Introduction

Born free, as free as the wind blows
As free as the grass grows
Born free to follow your heart
(Source: Born Free Lyrics. (n.d.) Lyrics.com. Retrieved October 21, 2022, from https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/5261251/Andy+Williams/Born+Free.)

The quote is the first line of the well-known song, “Born Free.” Clicking the source link finds the full lyrics and history. “Born Free” was also a very good movie. (Why are few, if any, movies like that anymore?) By the way, I detest “govermint” time! We don't set those clocks back until 11/6/2022!

Yesterday morning – in the darkness of “govermint” time – I was up, to see Mrs. Appalachian Irishman off to work – in the darkness. I started singing loudly my improvised lyrics version of “Born Free!” Thankfully, I was not recorded!

Molly (our ol' puppy) will be seven years young, officially, on Halloween. (See my 6/19/2021 article, on Molly.) Age is not slowing Molly down! This article is on Molly's illegal border crossings. Then, I affirm an argument by analogy on USSA illegal border crossings. The conclusion will encourage Molly and all illegal invaders to stay in their own yards!

Molly's Illegal Border Crossings

About a year ago, the box – that holds the battery, for Molly's “stay in the yard” collar – broke off. Molly had continued to stay in the yard – with no illegal border crossings into neighbors' yards. We'd thought, “Good doggy!” We didn't replace the box or use the “stay in the yard” collar. Molly had known her boundaries!

On Tuesday, 10/18/2022, being retired, I was in my home office. Mid-morning, I saw Molly in the yard of a next door neighbor! She came running to me when I called. I tied Molly to a front porch post, with a long lead line. (The photograph above is Molly, in the front yard, on the lead line. I was in our dining room. To me, the blinds and the window screen make Molly look as if she's in jail!)

Molly seemed to have apologized. I retrained her on the yard boundaries. To be on the safe side, I ordered a new battery box and new batteries, but I trusted Molly again.

The next day, Molly stayed in her boundaries – until mid-morning – when I saw her in the subdivision road! This time, Molly did not come to me, when I called! Instead, she darted into various yards, all the way to the subdivision entrance (to our west). I could not get Molly to come to me. I walked back home. I'd given up. A good neighbor, whom Molly had visited, brought her back home. (Thanks, Chuck!)

On Thursday, I no longer trusted Molly to stay in the yard! She stayed in the basement, until I returned – after my haircut and truck wash. Again, I tied Molly on the lead line to a front porch post. The weather has been sunny and warm enough all week. I walked Molly around our yard, marking the border. We talked. She knew that I still liked her but that I was upset by her illegal border crossings.

Yesterday, the birthday of my youngest brother, the error was mine. The cool morning had kept Molly in her basement condominium. I had planned to bring her upstairs, to hang out in the living room, about mid-morning. I was distracted, by trying to figure out when my Tuesday order (new battery box and new batteries) would arrive.

Molly had decided to visit our neighbor, Chuck, again! He brought Molly back. I apologized to him. It was my fault this time. (Sorry, Chuck!)

At 6:33 PM, my Tuesday order arrived! Molly, as usual, spent the evening on the couch, between Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and me. Before bedtime, I set the battery box and new battery on the “stay in the yard” collar. Molly and I went outside, in the dark, to retrain her on the border.

Today, the good news is that Molly has relearned her boundaries! She stays in the yard. If she tests her borders, then the collar reminds her with a little shock. Molly does not like those little shocks! Molly is now, officially, a “good, ol' puppy” once again!

Illegal Border Crossings

On Wednesday, Molly's illegal border crossings – into neighbors' yards – brought the illegal border crossings – into this once great nation – to my mind. The thought inspired this article.

My 8/5/2022 article linked to my 8/5/2022 podcast – on “Illegal Analogy.” I really don't want to write another article on this subject, but I will. I have to do so. The blind need to see the light. I'll shine the light another time, on this tiring topic.

The various media sources repeat, ad nauseam, on this topic. Early this morning, I happened to notice a TV channel that Mrs. Appalachian Irishman was watching. I don't recall which network. The commentator contrasted the lower number of illegals, who had invaded this nation, during President Trump, to the much higher number, who continue to cross the border illegally, under President Biden.

I will not drone on further. I'm tired of this obviously easy topic. Secure the border! Stop the illegal invasion! The socialists think that they are adding more socialist voters. They continue to transform this once great nation into the Socialist Utopian Oblivion that they desire.

As many of my like-minded readers, I continue to stand. Our property border is secure. No illegals (humans or domestic animals) invade our property. Well, a neighbor's dog visits at times, but she's allowed short visits. Wild animals have no borders. They are “born free” in the wild. Turkeys, deer, rabbits, squirrels, and such visit at times. We don't care for the skunks that visit rarely.

Conclusion

This argument by analogy is concluded. Molly knows her borders again. She won't cross illegally into another neighbor's yard. I stopped Molly's illegal border crossings.

I wish that humans would stop crossing the border illegally into this once great nation. The “powers that be” know how to stop them. They are not ignorant. The “govermint” wants the illegal invasion to continue – at least until election day, on 11/8/2022 – two days after we get off “govermint” time! We'll see what happens.

By the way, today, the Tennessee Vols beat the UT Martin Skyhawks, on homecoming, 65 - 24. (I thought that a Skyhawk was a car that Buick made a few decades ago.) I named the game the “Tennessee football civil war” – Tennessee Knoxville against Tennessee Martin (northwest Tennessee). My Dawgs have an open date today.

My 10/19/2022 article proposed a bet, with my UT Vol readers. I've had no takers yet. I forgot that some UT Vol readers could be ladies, who don't mind wearing pink.

“LIFE, SUCH AS IT WAS” 11-29-2021 to 12-4-2021 (published 12-11-2021)

 Introduction

On 12/11/2021, Saturday, for my readers in the Tennessee area, are you enjoying the summer storm, on this “winter” day? Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and I are. For my readers in other nations, the weather has been unseasonably warm. A strong low pressure system brought the storm and rain today. The various media have updates on the tragic damage west of here.

 

I took the above photograph, which includes Molly (our ol' puppy), this afternoon (12/11/2021). The large cedar tree near the house lost a branch, in the wind and storm that passed through here, about 11 AM. I have some work to do.

I am finally finishing and publishing one of my three other articles. My 12/5/2021 article mentioned the other three, on which I have been working. This article is one of the three at least. The delay is due, mostly, to my unfortunate current employment status.

If y'all know a fine company that would like to hire the type of writer and editor that I am, please either send that company my contact information or send me that company's contact information! I want, urgently, to transition from my insane state government job to a work-at-home writing and/or editing job! Thanks, if you can help in my networking effort here. You are welcome to use the “Contact Form,” to send me an email! Call, if you know my phone number!

This article is about “life, such as it was,” from 11/29/21, Monday, to 12/4/2021, Saturday, before the SEC Championship football game. The SEC Championship Game article will be brief, sadly, once I publish it.

11/29/2021 to 12/4/2021

11/29/2021, Monday: a usual work day for Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and me. I still work from home on Monday through Wednesday and at the office Thursday and Friday – doing the exact same job that I can do, more easily, at home. I'm tired of it.

11/30/1892 and 11/30/2021: My paternal grandmother, Molly Gertrude Archer Ferrell, was born on 11/30/1892. You may search, to find other articles that I have written previously. Granny Ferrell was a fine grandmother – except for the time that Papaw Ferrell obstructed her from whipping me! I've written about it, somewhere in my archived articles.

The eldest daughter of my youngest brother and his wife is on her high school girls basketball team. That team played our local high school girls basketball team, on 11/30/2021. We had known about it. We both had planned to attend. The game started at 5 PM.

 

Mrs. Appalachian Irishman returned home, from work, early. She attended the game. She saw out sister-in-law and our niece. She was at the local high school at 4:40 PM. She arrived home at 7:45 PM. Our niece's team won, both junior varsity and varsity games. The image above has the scores and the times of each game! Our niece played in the junior varsity game.

Sadly, I worked, on unpaid overtime, at home, from 4:30 to 5:40 PM. I could not attend physically. I was present in spirit! Once again, my job interfered with my personal life.

Granny Ferrell will be glad to know that her great granddaughter won a basketball game, on Granny's birthday. I look forward to telling her – eventually, once I join Granny, at Home.

12/01/2021, Wednesday: winter began. Meteorological winter is from December 1st to February 28th. Astronomical “winter” is from about December 21st to about March 22nd. Russia marks winter starting December 1st. I had done the same, before our mission work (10/1/1994 to 9/30/1999) in Russia. I, however, have digressed into the mundane.

I had awakened with a sharp pain at the back of my neck, upper respiratory congestion, gastrointestinal “strangeness,” and a lack of my usual “bionic man” energy. I worked at home, well enough. I was improved but still sickly, on Thursday and Friday, so I arranged to work at home those days also!

My article “CORONA MYOPIA” (published 4/26/2020) articulated the definition of Corona Myopia. I stated the meaning of “corona.” I had a new-to-me common cold virus. I got over it. The sharp pain at the back of my neck caused me to wonder if I had an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) that was leaking. In November 1999, Mom (Betty Lou Wood Ferrell, 11/24/1932 - 12/27/2000) was misdiagnosed as having influenza, at first. Her arteriovenous malformation (AVM; birth defect) that had been asymptomatic had leaked. That started the details that my still unpublished book, “Light at the End of the Tunnel,” have recorded. The record remains in my mind, with temporal sadness.

That same day, I had posted a tribute on the website of the funeral home that served the family of the deceased mother of one of my high school friends. (He is still my friend. Miles separate us, but we are friends.) The initials of my friend are C.G. His mother, at age 89, had gone Home, on 11/26/2021, the Friday after Thanksgiving. Her visitation and funeral were on 12/4/2021, Saturday. The illness or passing of a beloved family member, around Thanksgiving or Christmas, is not pleasant. My still unpublished book will have details. My mind retains the temporally sad details.

My last article, “RIGHT-TO-LIFE, BORDER, INFLATION, SSA TRUST FUND, & VIOLENCE (published 12-5-2021),” commented on the “Supreme Court” case. I hope that the “Supreme Court” follows God's Supreme Court. The murdering of unborn children should not have started. It needs to stop. May it stop, dear Lord!

12/02/2021, Thursday: What is a “palindrome?” What is an “ambigram?” The Merriam-Webster Dictionary links (previously) will answer. I learned. We have two good friends. They are husband and wife. The wife, whom I have known since New Years Eve 1980, attained age (not given), on 12/02/2021. She had a birthday on a palindrome and an ambigram day!

On that day, I received postal mail from the Knox County Clerk, reminding me to renew my '08 Frontier license plate tag, before 12/31/2021. That Clerk's office had emailed me, on 11/6/2021, about my tag renewal. I had paid for my new tag, on 11/13/2021. My 12/2022 expires new tag has been on the license plate on my new ol' truck, since 11/20/2021. I wonder if the Knox County Clerk office could understand my sarcastic humor.

12/03/2021, Friday: huh? What? Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and I had endured another work week. We work for a living, as we were raised to do so. Some folks have forgotten their raising. Some folks never learned it.

12/04/2021, Saturday, before the SEC Championship Game: I'd hauled trash. Afterward, I decided to look, for the fifth time, for basic sweatshirts, at Kohl's this time. (My four prior efforts were on 11/13/2021, Saturday, at Target, then on 11/20/2021, Saturday, at Hammers, Rural King, and Dollar General Store – where I had surprised Mrs. Appalachian Irishman. See my “11/20/2021, SATURDAY: 'LIFE, SUCH AS IT IS.')

At Kohl's, I met a husband and wife, both about my age or a little older. He was hunting sweatshirts also. The three of us talked a while. I am glad to know that some folks out there think as I write here. Either the USSA (1/6/2021 start) needs to return to the godly values that built this once great nation (despite its many errors), or the Good Lord needs to return soon! Come soon, dear Lord!

One of our good neighbors and his wife had come down with a variation of the “Corony.” He called me, later that afternoon. As of 12/11/2021, Saturday, his wife and he are recovering at home now. He has been getting out and about, driving, some. His wife had a worse case. Both of them will be recovered fully soon. Thank you, Lord, for answering prayers in the affirmative – this time! The various versions of this new cold virus are either mild or severe – depending on various factors. Search my website by “Corona Myopia,” to find way too many articles that I have written.

On that morning, Mrs. Appalachian Irishman -- apparently having contracted my 12/1/2021 started cold virus – “enjoyed” the start of her two days of the less bothersome version of the virus she'd decided to get from me. I'm glad that she recovered in two days. It had taken me four days to recover.

Conclusion

We had a summer storm in winter today (12/11/2021). I still feel the storm of the SEC Championship Game, of 12/4/2021, Saturday.

My next article will be a brief comment on that game.