Sunday, 8/16/2020, CORONA MYOPIA SIDETRACK

The following are my “Corona Myopia Checks” based on the dates indicated. The information is a rough draft that I can usually fit into a better online format. “Corona Myopia,” as I call it, is still a gnat in my rearview mirror. I am trying to move on, but the gnat keeps pestering me.

Tuesday, 7/14/2020

I just wrote down numbers from the usual websites. The total number of deaths in Tennessee in 2020 up to 7/14/2020 had been 37,391: 36,624 from other causes plus 767 from COVID-19. Thus, the percentage of deaths to that date from COVID-19 was 2.05%.

Thursday, 7/30/2020

Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Unified Command Tennessee State Government: The total number of deaths so far this year up to 7/29/2020 in Tennessee (TN) from COVID-19 was 1,020.

IndexMundi United States Deaths Clock and IndexMundi Coronavirus Cases - United States of America as of 10:10 AM today: Note: seeing the count at 11:59 PM on 7/29/2020 would give the exact percent.

40,395 2020 TN total deaths:
39,375 + 1,020 COVID-19 (7/29/2020)
= 2.525064983% by COVID-19

Again, as of 11:45 AM:
40,408 2020 TN total deaths:
39,388 + 1,020 COVID-19 (7/29/2020)
= 2.5224252623% by COVID-19

Conclusion: Approximately 2.52% of the total deaths in Tennessee as of that date in 2020 were by COVID-19. Why all the insanity? Further, why is it so hard to find the total so far this year of deaths in the state from other causes?

I, however, can find online information about “2020 USA death statistics by cause.” It is as follows:

“Top causes of death in the United States: Heart disease, cancer, and COVID-19: Up-to-date numbers on how coronavirus is overtaking common causes of death for Americans.” USA Facts, published 1/20/2022.

The USA Facts website may be the best source! Note: It was updated on 7/14/2020. There are various details and stipulations. Hovering over a state, however, shows the percent of COVID-19 deaths compared to total deaths by state. TN shows COVID-19 deaths as 1.9% of total deaths in the state.

The ranking from the highest to the lowest cause of death: heart disease, cancer, COVID-19 (3rd of 9), chronic lower respiratory disease, stroke, Alzheimer's, diabetes, influenza/pneumonia, and septicemia. Note: Hover over each to see the totals.

The following shows information from 2017 with some from 2018: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): 2017 Stats of the State of Tennessee. There are numerous links to click.

2018: TN Department of Health: General Health Data: Death Statistics.

2017: BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee: Top 10 Causes of Death in Tennessee.

8/14/2020, at about 3:50-55 PM, CORONA MYOPIA CHECK

The following is information that I gathered two days ago at about 3:50 PM for five minutes.

TN

IndexMundi, United States Deaths Clock: As of 8/14/2020 at about 3:50 PM, there were 42,212 total deaths in TN so far this year.

IndexMundi, Coronavirus Cases - United States of America: Total number of reported cases of COVID-19 and Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Unified Command Tennessee State Government: As of 8/13/2020, there were 1,313 deaths so far this year in TN by COVID-19.

Thus, as of 8/13-14/2020, the percentage of deaths so far this year in Tennessee by COVID-19 stood at approximately 3.11048%.

USA

IndexMundi: United States Deaths Clock: As of two days ago, at about 3:55 PM, it showed the total number of deaths in this country so far in 2020 as 1,778,484 by my calculation. The following was the breakdown by state at that time:

State	Deaths per year	Deaths per day	Deaths in 2020 so far
Alabama	53,879	148	33,459
Alaska	4,819	13	2,993
Arizona	60,523	166	37,585
Arkansas	31,322	86	19,451
California	282,520	774	175,448
Colorado	39,116	107	24,291
Connecticut	31,149	85	19,344
Delaware	9,454	26	5,871
District of Columbia	5,677	16	3,525
Florida	211,692	580	131,463
Georgia	86,319	236	53,605
Hawaii	12,748	35	7,917
Idaho	13,308	36	8,264
Illinois	110,004	301	68,314
Indiana	62,175	170	38,611
Iowa	28,809	79	17,891
Kansas	25,230	69	15,668
Kentucky	46,074	126	28,612
Louisiana	46,343	127	28,780
Maine	14,335	39	8,902
Maryland	51,453	141	31,953
Massachusetts	58,564	160	36,369
Michigan	95,983	263	59,606
Minnesota	43,200	118	26,828
Mississippi	31,536	86	19,584
Missouri	60,141	165	37,348
Montana	9,870	27	6,129
Nebraska	15,582	43	9,677
Nevada	25,610	70	15,904
New Hampshire	12,125	33	7,530
New Jersey	75,723	207	47,025
New Mexico	18,388	50	11,419
New York	164,817	452	102,353
North Carolina	94,312	258	58,569
North Dakota	6,250	17	3,881
Ohio	117,750	323	73,124
Oklahoma	40,266	110	25,006
Oregon	36,563	100	22,706
Pennsylvania	133,439	366	82,867
Rhode Island	9,802	27	6,087
South Carolina	50,744	139	31,513
South Dakota	7,337	20	4,556
Tennessee	67,977	186	42,2141
Texas	202,786	556	125,932
Utah	17,443	48	10,832
Vermont	5,634	15	3,499
Virginia	69,729	191	43,302
Washington	58,587	161	36,383
West Virginia	22,567	62	14,014
Wisconsin	50,393	138	31,295
Wyoming	4,971	14	3,087
Puerto Rico	28,821	79	17,898

1 Note: Deaths at about 3:50 PM were 42,212 and at about 3:55 PM were 42,214. (Two more deaths.)

IndexMundi: Coronavirus Cases - United States of America: Total number of reported cases of COVID-19: For this year in the USA, the total number of reported deaths from COVID-19 was 167,110 as of Friday, August 14, 2020.

Thus, as of two days ago, the percentage this year of deaths from COVID-19 in the USA was 9.3962% of the total number of deaths by all causes (167,110 deaths by COVID-19 divided by 1,778,484 total deaths). Serious, yes, but the myopic focus on the new cold virus needs to stop! That is my opinion. Feel free to make it yours.

Our Niece Passed on My Age "6" Birthday & Daily Life Continues (published 7-26-2020)

Introduction

Greetings, and good Sunday afternoon, dear reader. I hope that you are turnin’ right and goin’ straight in life!

This article, in sadness, comments on the passing of our niece. It also denotes the usual “life, such as it is,” of daily life. The conclusion encourages everyone to be ready, when it's our time to pass on.

Passing of Our Niece on My Age “6” Birthday

Since the most recent article from 7/12/2020, the profound shock was the unexpected passing of our niece, at age 36. She was the oldest daughter of my brother, who is three years younger than me.

Attaining the age of “6” on Friday, 7/17/2020, I took the day off from working at the office. My brother called that morning. As a side note, he wished me a happy birthday. His main reason to call was to tell me that his oldest daughter had died unexpectedly in her sleep, between 2 and 4 AM, on my birthday. At least I’d taken the day off from work.

Our niece had been healthy. She had no known health trouble. We still don’t know why she passed away. In time, we hope to learn the reason.

Her husband, his young adult daughter, and their three teenage daughters (ages 13, 15, and 17) must endure the reality of our niece’s passing. My prayer is that they will do so, as they draw closer to each other and even more closely to the Lord.

On Thursday, 7/23/2020, Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and I attended the funeral visitation and the graveside service, which followed. I was a pallbearer. My youngest brother was one of the two ministers. A storm, which we had seen coming, started, just after the graveside service ended and while folks were starting to leave.

For each of us, the Lord knows the date and time, when we will leave this world and transition to everlastingness. We don’t. Our niece left this world too early in life. Of course, we know that people can pass away early in life.

The main point is: be ready to go Home, whenever it's our turn! I’m ready. Are you? If you are not, dear reader, then please use the “Contact Form,” on this website, to send me a personal and private email. That will begin the process. I want to help you get ready, if you would like my assistance. I'm just one poor beggar, who found the Bread of Life, and I'm willing to share the Bread.

Daily Life Continues

The following are chronological notes, since the 7/12/2020 article, about life going on, such as it is, within the context of the passing of our niece.

Thursday, 7/16/2020: During a work week at the office, I left an hour early, to get a much-needed COVID-19 compliant haircut. My good barber has a second line of income. He focuses on it now, since his hair-cutting income has been taking a COVID-19-compliant “clipping” (pun intended). For now, he works on Thursdays only, by appointment. I had a fine haircut, as usual.

Friday, 7/17/2020: See my previous remarks, about the untimely passing of our niece. On that day, I also started the process that will result in the refinancing of our home mortgage. Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and I are close enough to owning our home. The refinancing will speed up the payoff. By the way, the loan officer, a fine man, and I share the same birth month and day. He’s twelve years younger than me. Maybe, one of these days, he will try to keep up with me, if we hike “My Mountain” together. We’ll see.

On that day, we also received a letter from our current president. It seems that he values our opinions greatly. He wants us to comment on his survey. He, by the way, needs our campaign contribution, of at least $15, to cover the cost of his letter to us. Hum. In a few days, I’ll have a bit of fun with my reply to him.

Saturday, 7/18/2020: Mrs. Appalachian Irishman attained the age of a ’57 Chevy. Her “semi-intelligent” phone developed a “white screen of death.” After some effort, on Saturday, 7/25/2020, with help from Cindy, at Straight Talk Wireless, I remembered how to reboot her phone! It works! I saved a document, to help me remember how to reboot her phone. (Several years ago, in my “pre-bionic” life, her phone or mine had the same problem. I’d forgotten how to fix the “white screen of death.” My excuse is that, on 3/29/2016, my one brain cell had a significant concussion!)

Monday, 7/20/2020: This was supposed to be my week to work at home. I had to drive to and from the office, on Monday only. (It was due to some type of work insanity.) Also, I received in the mail my Tennessee “Real ID!” It has a little yellow star on it. That makes it “real.” On Tuesday, 7/7/2020, during my work at home week, I took leave, from 8 to 9 AM, to go to the Knox County Clerk office (Halls location). I was the first in line, about 7:40 AM. Yes, I wore the required mask. After various others had formed a line behind me, at 8 AM on the dot, I walked in. (I've been able to walk since 6/16/2016.) I went through the hoops and paid the money to get me one of “them thar” newfangled “Real IDs!” I received a temporary one that day. On Monday, 7/20/2020, my plastic “Real ID” arrived in the mail!

Question: If my driver’s license, which I’ve had since age 16, has not been a “real ID” for all those years, then how have I been getting along? Were they fake IDs? Well, I have a “Real ID” now! Folks, it’s just a way that “govrmint” scams more money from us! Oh well, at least I did not pay extra for my “Real ID!” I paid the normal cost to renew my previous and apparently fake ID!

Note: The County Clerk’s office was “allowed,” by COVID-19 regulations, to open again on 7/6/2020. I’d known that for several weeks. I waited. I was patient. I beat the bureaucracy, by paying the same price to renew my “fake” driver’s license to get a “Real ID!”

Wednesday, 7/22/2020: Our contractor and his associate arrived here, after my work at home day was over. Both are fine men, about my age but a little younger. We talked about various details. The contractor and I signed, on the tailgate of my new ol' truck, the agreement, which we had already made, verbally, eye-to-eye, and with a handshake. His work and eventual full payment start on Monday, 7/27/2020. His crew and he will do a fine job on our deck and the other work. (I may publish a few photographs, once the job is done.) After they left, the storm hit! We have had storms or rain every day until today (Sunday, 7/26/2020). We had been needing that rain.

Our contractor is the only one of four contractors, whom I’d contacted, who seemed to want to make some money! It’s his win. It's a loss for the other three contractors!

Conclusion

The time is 5:15 PM, as I type this sentence. I’ll finish and publish this article, before Mrs. Appalachian Irishman comes into my home office, to say that supper is ready.

On Friday, 7/17/2020, the day that I attained age “6,” our niece, at age 36, left this boot camp world, unexpectedly and far too early in life. I hope that she was ready to meet her Maker. Life, such as it is, has to and does continue on. We endure, by God's grace.

I’m still standing here. I ain’t breathin’ hard. I’ve taken up the Good Lord’s free-gift offer. I’ve tried to live in appreciation of His free gift. I’ve been a full-time evangelist and missionary. I’m still a missionary, under the maxim that “you’re either a missionary or a mission area.” Unfortunately, I don’t have the option to be supported in full-time ministry.

So, for all readers out there, if you have not taken up the Good Lord’s free-gift offer, please do! To readers, who have already taken up His free-gift offer, y’all keep turnin’ right and goin’ straight out there, living in appreciation of His gift! The Lord knows the date and time, when each of us will leave this world. We don't. We must be ready.

It's now 5:58 PM. I’m hungry! When’s supper, dear?

Independence Day, Call from My Sister, Myopic Insanity, and Haircuts (published 7-12-2020)

Introduction 

This brief article focuses on the purchase of this website's domain name (on Independence Day), a call from my adoptive sister and her mother, myopic insanity, and recent haircuts. It was in the context of “life, such as it was.” No, this article does not include any photographs of food.

Independence Day

“Saturday, in the park, I think it was the Fourth of July.” That’s a good song. Due to my “cowardice,” I didn’t spend yesterday, Saturday, in the park hiking. I’ve hiked in hot and humid weather many times, before and after acquiring three “bionic” joints. Yesterday, I didn’t feel the need to soak a tee shirt in sweat and change into a dry one after such a hike. Next time? Well, look for a future article!

On Independence Day, however, I did buy the rights to my website to demonstrate my independence! This initial website, https://www.appalachianirishman.blogspot.com/, is a backup link now. My website is now https://appalachianirishman.com/! I own the domain name for the next ten years! Of course, if I’m still here at “boot camp” in ten years, I’ll renew my ownership for another ten years and so forth. The Lord knows how many decades I have left before he calls me to my everlasting home.

Call from My Sister

Did y’all know that I have a sister? Yes, I do! She has about eight years on me. No, my parents didn’t have a daughter. Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and I lived in Missouri from 1986 to 1994, before we moved to Russia (1994 to 1999). My sister and I adopted each other back then! I am her brother. She is my sister. We are not related biologically. We are related in spirit! Her family and she are of predominant Irish stock. I am too.

My sister called in the early evening on 7/7/2020. We talked from 6:52 PM to 8:33 PM, an hour and 41 minutes! Her mother and I even talked for a while. Her mother, my adoptive mother, is 90 years of age. My sister and I hadn’t talked in a while. We had a great conversation! The miles are distant (about an eight-hour drive one way), but our spirits are side-by-side!

My adoptive sister and mother have endured a great deal of trouble in this boot camp world. I have also. We endure by God’s grace and our stubborn and strong Irish wills!

One topic of our conversation was about the racial tension in this country. I will not address the minutiae on the topic. Anyone raised correctly by godly parents and who follows the Bible correctly should know the answer to the tension. My sister and I agreed, of course.

My sister and I continued our conversation by email. On 7/8/2020, she emailed a reference to an article, which is linked here. (That’s one place where I found it.) Some details from the article do not appear to be correct, as I figured out. One link is here.

The Irish, however, were slaves. The difference between “indentured servants” and “slaves” is nothing more than a quibble, used euphemistically. The proof from two articles, among several, is here and here; I ordered the book.

As I’ve written before, black, white, red, and yellow have all been slaves. We must all follow God’s law! Only then will everyone get along properly. Do not be enslaved in your mind.

As an important aside, a free couple in a once-free nation has the right, according to law (God’s law as enshrined in the Second Amendment), to defend themselves against a threat. I am glad that some are standing with them! I stand with them.

Sister, let’s see when our families can meet around the Nashville area soon! Until then, you are my sister. I am your brother. We stay connected in spirit and by phone calls and emails!

Myopic Insanity

I have written my thoughts about the new cold virus in the Corona Myopia topic section. I have moved on. Furthermore, I wish our once-great nation would do likewise.

Mrs. Appalachian Irishman took her father to a medical appointment on 7/9/2020. She does not wear a mask when she is with her father every day at his home. Those idiots made her wait in the hot car. (She said several others, including the very elderly, were doing the same for the same reason.) Those idiots would not allow her to stay in the building with her father for his appointment, even when she was wearing a mask, which she came in wearing. By the way, my father-in-law was wearing a mask. It was a clear example of myopic insanity!

Haircuts

Yesterday, Mrs. Appalachian Irishman was finally able to get a high-dollar “haircut” at her “barber.” Her last “haircut,” delayed by the new cold virus, was on 11/23/2019. As far as I could tell, about an inch of hair was gone. That little gray area was colored. The cost was, well, I’d better not say. Her usual “haircut” would have been last February, but her “barber” was not allowed to be in business. Later, her “barber” was allowed to reopen with the restrictions, but the appointments were booked until yesterday. That was another example of myopic insanity.

Oh, I’m into week six, instead of the usual four, for my haircut. My barber seems to be focusing more on his other income stream. He still cuts hair, but his hair-cutting business is taking a clipping. I might get a haircut on Thursday. We will see.

Conclusion

I still haven’t understood why folks post photographs of food on social media websites. I eat food.

Speaking of which, Mrs. Appalachian Irishman just came into my home office and cleared her throat. Okay, dear! I’ll stop for supper without first taking a photograph of it!

Y’all turn right and go straight out there, please, unless you’re doing so already! If you are, then good! Keep going!

Postscript: This sentence is my after-supper digest entry as I digest my supper. (I love a good play on words!)

INDEPENDENCE DAY EVE MUSINGS (published 7/3/2020)

Well, good evening, y’all! Today is Independence Day Eve. Well, we used to have freedom and independence, based on the Constitution, which is derived from a person’s God-given rights. I’m not feeling very independent this evening. Are you? Strike that! I am a free man in my soul by the freedom God gave me as a man created in his image. We all are, male and female. I stand, therefore, as a free man in a once-free nation.

Today, on Independence Day Eve, the Knox County Board of Health, effective 7/3/2020, requires face masks. I was one of the violators today while hauling off trash and getting gas. I was in the majority. In fact, I did not see even one person wearing a mask. I saw many at both locations, especially going in and out of the gas station convenience store. To be “fair and balanced,” Mrs. Appalachian Irishman, who did the grocery shopping, stated that the majority wore masks, including her.

I will take a sidetrack now. I hear the slippery slope argument from the minds of readers who do not agree with me. They have rebuttals, such as, “The government requires vehicle child restraints, seat belts, hands-free use of phones, speed limits, firearm carry permits, zoning regulations, permits of many types, etc.” I would add, “Etc., etc., ad nauseam.”

That is a slippery slope argument, as readers who agree with me understand. Shall we slide further down the slope?

Many Americans are not taking care of their health. Many do not exercise much or at all. Many overeat. The slippery slope logic concludes that government, to protect us “poor idiots,” must mandate exercise and proper diets with monetary penalty and/or confinement in a diet and exercise facility for violators.

Why not? Slip down that slope all the way! Many laws and regulations exist, because folks do not have enough common sense to do what’s right. No, wearing or not wearing a mask is neither right nor wrong morally. It is a subjective choice. Don’t try that “protect others” argument to try to bully me. I can rebut it very easily. Many in this once great nation are losing their common sense at an astonishing rate, if they ever had it. Worse yet, many are losing their sense of morality, if they ever had it.

I will not debate the so-called science that argues with itself on the benefit or lack thereof regarding wearing a mask in public. Yes, medical folks wear masks for many reasons. I’m glad that the skilled surgeon who repaired my three smashed joints wore a mask when he pieced me back together. Science has merged with politics, however. I read so-called scientific “experts” on both sides of the mask who “reason from science” that masks benefit or don’t benefit in the context of this new cold virus.

Even Dr. Fauci has spoken out of both sides of his mouth on the subject. I mentioned this in my article from 5/15/2020. That article references “Tucker Carlson: We Didn't Appoint Fauci Dictator During This Crisis,” RealClear Politics, by Tim Hains, 5/13/2020. In that transcribed audiovisual episode, Tucker Carlson presented two segments. In the first, Dr. Fauci encouraged mask wearing (at 4:59 into the episode). Two months beforehand, Dr. Fauci discouraged mask wearing (at 5:40 in the segment). Of course, the propaganda machine is winning the mask-wearing war.

Also, I will not comment further on Corona Myopia. I’ve moved on. Most of my articles from 4/19/2020 to 5/24/2020 were on the topic. I, however, can’t help but take a parting shot! Tennessee's total 2020 COVID-19 deaths to this 7/3/2020 entry are 620. Tennessee's total 2020 traffic deaths to this same entry date are 507. The numbers are from the TN COVID-19 Dashboard as of this date. I know it is apples to oranges, but it still makes a point. Where is the daily obsession from the politicians and the media about daily traffic accident numbers, number of traffic accident recoveries, and number of traffic fatalities? I have moved on, as well as I can, from this Corona Myopia Obsession, which is the laser focus of politicians and the media (including social media).

Let us track back to the main point. There are nine Knox County Board of Health members. The Knox County Board of Health members are not elected officials. The Knox County District Advisory Council (DAC), whatever that is, appoints six members. The Mount Vernon City Council, of which I’ve never heard until today, appoints the other three members. Board members have five-year terms. They have no term limits.

Taxation (i.e., the 7/3/2020 mask-wearing law by unelected bureaucrats) without representation (i.e., our ability to elect those bureaucrats) is tyranny. Do you remember any similar history? I will not allow unelected bureaucrats to impose their tyranny on me! Don't tread on me!

It is suppertime, as per my wife. Let’s eat healthy with proper portions! I plan to do my usual stretching and muscle exercises after supper.

Postscript: I finished this article just before suppertime. My youngest brother, his wife, and their two daughters made a short-notice, surprise visit after supper. Well, that was a pleasant surprise! So, approaching bedtime, I am publishing this article now. Good night, y’all!

NORRIS, “FAVORITE” SISTER-IN-LAW, & FATHER’S DAY (published 6-24-2020; updated 9/25/2022)

9/25/2022: updated for style only. My words remain the same.

Introduction

On 6/21/2020, Father’s Day and “favorite” sister-in-law’s birthday, I hiked Norris Dam State Park, for the 21st time. This was my 221st total hike (since 4/23/2000, when I started my hiking log). So, as I joked, “favorite” sister-in-law was “21” on 6/21/2020!

“A Day on the Lake”

My Father's Day gift to my father-in-law and my birthday gift to my “favorite” sister-in-law was “a day on the lake,” via the following photograph.

I'd taken the photograph, early in the afternoon, looking west, on the lower River Bluff trail. Norris Dam is to the left or north, behind me. The trail is a 3.2-mile loop. I'd taken the lower, left side loop that starts, going south.

 

The above photograph is after I'd finished the lower left loop, then hiked up the ridge, and then hiked across, heading north, just under the ridge line. I came out, where I'd hiked in. The above image is at the start of the loop. Coming into the loop, your choice is left or right. I'd chosen left first and came out right.

Isn’t that like life? We all chose left (i.e., to sin). Then, some chose right (i.e., to accept the Good Lord’s free gift offer, through His Son, our Savior.) Those who chose right, in the end, come out right.

As a side note, coming out, the clouds arrived and the thunder started. The rain arrived, at my father-in-law’s house, after I’d been there a while, for “favorite” sister-in-law’s birthday and father-in-law’s day activities. Fleetwood Mac was wrong. Thunder doesn’t only happen when it’s raining. Their song is still great, however!

There he is! My new, ol' truck didn’t get a country boy washing, by the rain that came, until he was in the driveway at my in-laws’ house! The above image is where he was parked, near the trail entrance.

Conclusion

Well, Father’s Day was Sunday. I have a good father-in-law, who is still here. Dad used to ask, “you boys ready to eat?” That was when he was still alive, but Mom was already Home. He was here without her from 12/27/2000 to 1/25/2008. He liked to make dinner or supper, for us, when we were with him, at the homeplace. He turned into a good cook, after Mom went Home!

Supper was fine, on Sunday, Dad! I miss you. I’ll see you again.

14-Year-Old Jeans, Flag Day, 6-16-2020, and Four Gnats (published 6-24-2020)

Introduction

The most recent article on 6/13/2020 promised another entry the next day. Today is not the next day. Oh, well, at least I’m trying!

14-Year-Old Jeans

The previously referenced article highlighted the eldest daughter of my youngest brother and his wife. She turned 14 on Friday, 6/12/2020. Ironically, on that day, I decided that a pair of my blue jeans, at least 14 years old, needed to retire.

The front does not look too bad. I could patch a hole at a “sensitive area.” Do you see my toes? Do you see the little red spot on my right foot between my big toe and the next one? If and when that spot and the one on the back of my right heel (not visible) both go away, my right foot may recover fully! Let’s hike! The area around my right ankle and the bone to my big toe still feel every step differently than my undamaged left foot.

 

The back, however, has a fatal hole! It would take too much patchwork to cover that gaping hole! (Of course, I could delegate the task to Mrs. Appalachian Irishman, but I won’t.) So, the blue jeans that are at least 14 years old are retired. Oh, yes, I wear an ankle wrap on my right foot when in the house and walking barefoot. It helps, as far as I can tell. I don’t need the ankle wrap, but it’s just my habit now. Let’s hike, if you can keep up with me! I still keep a strip, cut in half, of kinesiology tape on various locations on my right foot. I change it once a week.

Flag Day

I am ten days late! I remembered Flag Day and the reason why it’s called Flag Day. How many other Americans remembered in the midst of the current new cold virus and racial tension? America used to be a great nation, but we are dropping into oblivion very quickly, if you believe the media propaganda.

Dear Lord, I hope that folks who need to do so will restore their minds and hearts, before you return and call everyone “out of the pool!” We will see what happens.

6/16/2020

On 6/16/1901, Lula Frank Amos Wood (last name by marriage to Aby William Wood) was born. She was and is (awaiting me in heaven) my maternal grandmother. Granny Wood was a wonderful grandmother! I love and miss her. I will see her again in heaven one of these days!

On 6/16/2016, I took my first three steps using a rolling walker in our kitchen. My wife was standing behind me in case I fell. Those were my first steps since 3/29/2016, when the uninsured, eighteen-year-old female failed to yield to my right of way. Why did I only take three steps? It hurt too much to take more!

Eight days ago, 6/16/2020, marked the fourth year since taking those first three steps. I have recovered to this point due to fine medical care, my dear wife's help, my stubborn Irish will, and help from neighbors, friends, and family. Of course, it is all by God’s grace. I am still recovering.

I have a fine friend, Dr. Antonov, who hikes House Mountain. He has a doctorate in physics. He has self-taught doctorates in medicine, nutrition, philosophy, and other fields. He is about nine years older than me. I met him on House Mountain for the first time on 1/2/2011 (my 76th hike). I have hiked with him or met him on the trail ten other times. The most recent was on 12/3/2017. (I need to call him. It’s been a while.)

Dr. Antonov told me, when we met on House Mountain on 12/3/2017, that my recovery could take ten years. Since we hadn't seen each other since our hike on 2/7/2016, I told him about the wreck on 3/29/2016, the subsequent hospitalizations, the outpatient physical therapy, the chiropractic adjustments, and my own ongoing recovery regime. He listened carefully, observed me, and asked questions. Dr. Antonov concluded that my recovery could take ten years.

Numerous medical professionals have speculated about my recovery time. For example, I wouldn’t recover any more than I had, which was wrong! Also, I would never recover fully. (I may not.) Finally, it may take ten years to recover to the point that I don’t feel much difference. The last one, by Dr. Antonov, is about right. Since I am inside this body, I know that my fine friend was probably correct. Now into year five, I am halfway there. Let’s hike, if you can keep up with me!

By the way, my recovering left shoulder has been “talking to” my left side even more than usual lately. Who cares? It just means that my “bionic” left shoulder is improving and sending “messages” to my left side. I do what I do, regardless! The power in my body is there! The will in my spirit will always be there, even after the power in my body comes to an end as I leave my body! Again, let’s hike!

Gnats

Gnats are pesky. Last Friday evening in my bathroom, I hunted down and sent to oblivion an adult gnat (i.e., a small fly) that had been pestering us. Last Saturday evening, I sent another one in our bedroom to its grave (i.e., a trash can). On Sunday, I swatted another two to their graves. That was four adult gnats in three days. The pesky aggravation seems to be over. We have not yet come across any more adult gnats.

Anyone who shares the everlasting perspective on life should agree with my comments about the first three gnats mentioned below. They are aggravating our once-great nation. The following are four gnats, which, by way of irony, match the number of adult gnats that I killed recently. I didn’t plan it that way. It just happened by coincidence.

(1) The new cold virus gnat: It is also called coronavirus or COVID-19. The media (print, television, online, and social) are filled with propaganda about it.

One social media soon-to-be-ex-friend won’t lie down on this gnat! Twice now, I have stopped viewing his posts for 30 days! Further, I have invited him to hike with me and email me. He has done neither. I hope that his wife doesn’t share his Corona Myopia obsession.

Statewide, my employer wanted colleagues and me to work from home for several weeks. Now, coworkers and I are working at home one week and at the office the next week in rotation, doing exactly the same type of work. At the office, I must have my temperature taken. The secretary (temperature checker) no longer asks me the required health questions. I tell her anyway, as a joke, that I have all the symptoms! Last week, while working at the office, I had to wear a mask unless I was sitting at my desk! The insanity of it all was almost unbearable! Even alone in the men’s bathroom, I am supposed to wear a mask! Really? (I am the only man in the office, along with two or three women). So, when I am in there taking a leak with my mask off, where is the hidden camera that catches me in violation? Argh! Get some common sense, employer!

Are you not tired of the insanity of this new cold virus gnat? Let’s move on, shall we? Who gives a rat’s rear end about the number of cases, recovered cases, new cases, and so forth? I might test positive for the virus. If I ever had it, I didn’t know it at the time, since I had no symptoms! The new cold virus death count in Knox County has been, for many weeks, and still is, at the time of this publication, five. I regret those five deaths. I have written previous articles on this topic. I’m done. Let’s move on!

(2) The racial tension gnat: Recently, a bad white cop killed a bad black man. The white cop and the other cops were wrong. They will face their crimes. That is justice. In a separate and recent event, another white cop killed another black man. The evidence seems to indicate that the killing was justified. The court will decide correctly, I hope. In contrast, many cops have been injured or killed recently, but they don’t make the news at all or only rarely.

Recent peaceful protests are fine. In contrast, there are recent and ongoing riots, looting, vandalism, destruction, and so forth. Those are absolute insanity and anarchy! They must be stopped! No one has come around this house yet to riot, loot, vandalize, or destroy. If it happens, I have firepower and plenty of ammunition.

Everyone should have been taught the childhood song, “Red and yellow, black and white, they [all] are precious in His sight.” Yes, black and white slavery was a historical fact. My Irish heritage includes slavery to the English. Blacks have enslaved blacks and whites. Whites have enslaved whites and blacks. A wise man once stated that we should judge a person by the content of his character, not by the color of his skin. I agree. All lives matter, and that is not a disregard to blacks. They are included in all lives matter! By the way, unborn children are included in all lives matter!

The Good Lord gives us permission to be “fruit inspectors” without being judgmental. I inspect fruit. I do not judge unjustly (which is prejudice). I have known many people, yellow, red, black, and white, who are fine folks. I have known many of the various color shades that are not fine folks. I cling to the former and avoid the latter, unless I can help educate the latter into the Good Lord’s grace!

Grow up, America, and get over your childishness and your hidden agendas! Move on!

(3) The Supreme Court gnat: The judicial branch has no greater or lesser power than the legislative and executive branches. The three equal branches of government can be right or wrong, based on absolute truth. Absolute truth emanates from the divine Law Giver, whose absolute moral law has existed eternally, long before the United States Constitution came into existence.

Last Monday, the Supreme Court, which doesn’t see itself to be bound by absolute moral law, “ruled” that the 1964 Civil Rights Act's prohibition against sexual discrimination in employment also banned employment discrimination based on “sexual orientation” or “gender identity.” By the way, about five years ago, the Supreme Court decided that same-sex marriage is constitutional, even if it is opposed to God's absolute morality.

Going forward, moral employers (e.g., small business owners, churches, and such) will become ongoing targets. I could write more about this, but it is a gnat.

Last Thursday, the Supreme Court's DACA “ruling” allowed illegal children of illegal alien parents to remain in the country legally. The illogic is obvious. It’s another gnat.

(4) The deck repair gnat: Yes, I know. This one is a much smaller gnat in the context of the previous three larger ones. I was aggravated, however, by a young man who needs to learn a life lesson. I hope that I am teaching him. His fine father is my friend. We need to have our deck repaired. In respect to my friend, I called his son, who repairs and replaces decks. He and I spoke once by phone. He did not want to meet in person to inspect the deck. An email exchange continued for a while. Finally, I “fired” him, which he understood, and I moved on. Afterward, we had two face-to-face visits from seasoned businessmen who inspected in person, provided suggestions, and should provide written estimates soon. We will select one of the two. That is how business should be done!

Yes, I know this was an insignificant gnat, but I had my Irish dander up for a while. I am now over it. The work will be done in the proper (old school) manner of doing business. The young man lost income. An older and wiser man will make money. The older teach the younger, as it should be done.

Conclusion

Well, I’m done, but wait! Another article is following this one today.

Update: The Nominal, Final (12th) Massage, Norris Dam State Park 20th Hike, Age 14, and Conclusion (published 6-13-2020)

Introduction

Well, howdy to each online reader!

I started writing this article four days ago, when I worked from home. For an unknown reason, my employer thinks that it is reasonable for me to do the exact same work at home one week and then at the office the next week, in a weekly rotation.

Today, a Saturday, I’m getting around to finishing what I started. Always finish what you start, if it’s good.

The Nominal from an Everlasting Perspective

Since the Memorial Day article from 5/25/2020, a few nominal, from an everlasting perspective, events have happened. The day after I published that article, Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and my “favorite” sister-in-law traveled in our car to and from their teaching jobs to do something. The school system has been closed, due to COVID-19, since 3/16/2020. Their summer break started on 6/1/2020.

Also on that day, our COVID-19 “stimulus check” from “Uncle” finally arrived. The federal money was probably borrowed from China, the nation that started the COVID-19 insanity.

On Monday, 6/1/2020, meteorological summer began! The day also started my week of work at the office. Apparently, the bureaucratic powers decided that I will work at the office one week and then from home the next week, in a weekly rotation. It’s insanity, of course! It’s easier for me to walk five seconds from the master bedroom to my home office than to drive 16.4 miles one way to do the same exact job at the office.

Wednesday, 6/3/2020, involved two items. First, Mrs. Appalachian Irishman had her most recent medical appointment for a relatively minor health problem. She’ll be fine. No, it’s not the new cold virus! Secondly, “Uncle” Skyler reached the grand age of 12. I called him, and we talked. He’s a fine young man who is coming along nicely! I’m proud of you, “Uncle” Skyler! By the way, this entry about “Uncle” Skyler is not nominal! He is important! The placement happened to be here.

On 6/6/2020, the 76th anniversary of D-Day (mentioned in the 6/6/2020 article), I had another COVID-19-compliant haircut! I’d called my barber earlier that morning to set up the compliant appointment. My barber can’t yet return to being a free barber in a free nation by taking walk-ins, as had been usual. Of course, I had a fine haircut. Afterward, I bought Molly, our “old puppy,” some treats at the Tractor Supply. I saw one person wearing a mask, among the several who were there.

As a side note, this nation has gone insane again. A white police officer is facing justice for killing a black man, whom he had placed in a very bad type of chokehold, which, apparently, killed the black man. The news and social media are rife with stories and comments. Various television channels are covering this now, instead of the new cold virus stuff.

Protests in a civilized fashion are valid, because of our God-given rights, as affirmed but not given in the Constitution. Rioting and looting, however, are not valid. It will all stop eventually. The white police officer and the other officers involved are facing judgment. I hope that the black man, who was killed, and the officers were or are ready for everlasting judgment. That’s the big picture, y’all!

Final (12th) Massage

On Sunday afternoon, 6/7/2020, I had my final (12th) deep tissue massage. That finished my one-year agreement. The massage was good, as usual. I can get along without them. If the management had sense, they would agree to my offer to set up massage appointments every eight weeks, instead of every four weeks, where I pay on the date of the massage and not in advance.

My every-four-week massages have usually been on Saturdays. I had to arrange a Sunday afternoon appointment, since the therapist, who has done most of the massages, wasn’t available the day before, which was the 76th anniversary of D-Day.

Norris #20

I have been feeling the itch to hike in the woods. I did it! My 20th hike at Norris Dam State Park is in my hiking log! There is a little trail above the west dam overlook. The trail starts on a county line, so I hiked in two counties in one day! Of course, it’s not much of a trail or much of a hike, but it was too warm and muggy for anything else. The sun was out.

 

The above photograph is looking roughly southeast and up on the trail (or service road) to where I was hiking next.

 

The above photograph looks roughly northwest and down on the same trail (service road), up which I’d just hiked.

 

I took all three of the above photographs a few minutes apart. I was standing in about the same spot for each image. The last one above is looking roughly northwest and down. Do you see my silver 2006 Frontier? I do! He’s resting on the paved road that leads to the west overlook.

I didn’t get enough sweat or workout in one loop. So, I hiked the little loop trail twice. I came out each time at the west overlook. The next two photographs are from the more civilized west overlook, or tourist location, on my final loop.

 

 

I wondered, “Who is in that blue pickup truck at the curve?” Both views look northeast. The views were grand! I’ve seen them several times.

I was ready to get back to the house. The final photograph is next.

 

Yes, my truck was still there, awaiting my return! Of course, I had to take off my hiking T-shirt that was soaked in sweat to change into the dry T-shirt that I had on when I'd arrived. My truck waited patiently.

Age 14

Thursday, 6/11/2020, was the anniversary of Granny Ferrell’s passing in 1971. I have fond childhood memories of Granny Ferrell. I’ll see her again at our everlasting home one of these fine days.

The next day, Friday, 6/12/2020, the elder daughter of my youngest brother and his wife turned fourteen years old! That day, Mrs. Appalachian Irishman “hunted” her a few birthday gifts. I spoke by phone with my youngest brother. His birthday daughter was too busy having fun to talk!

In June 1974, the Earl and Betty Ferrell household, which included my three younger brothers and me, moved from the Livesay farmhouse, which Mom and Dad had been renting, to our new homeplace. Mom remembered the exact move-in date. I can’t remember it, but I know that it was in June. The next month, I reached the grand age of fourteen. I started high school that fall.

Our niece, the elder daughter of my youngest brother and his wife, was a member of the Bulls Gap Lady Bulldogs basketball team that finished fourth in the state! The article from 2/9/2020 highlights that victory! That fine memory will continue to build our niece's character in a proper manner. Dear niece, Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and I are proud of you, your younger sister, and your godly parents! We love y’all!

Conclusion

Well, Mrs. Appalachian Irishman is in the early stages of preparing supper. Let’s eat soon, y’all! By the way, Molly, our “old puppy,” is doing very well. We have very interesting conversations at times. I’m still learning to speak dog language. Molly is learning to understand my English and Russian.

My article tomorrow may have a few remarks about the new cold virus (which some folks can’t seem to let go) and the newest racial tension drama (which is driven by propaganda and a hidden agenda).

Didn’t y’all learn the childhood song? “Red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in His sight.” Look for additional words of wisdom on this topic tomorrow, if I can get around to writing it.

D-DAY 76th ANNIVERSARY: REMEMBER (published 6-6-2020)

D-Day, June 6th, 1944

Today, Saturday, June 6, 2020, is the 76th anniversary (inclusive) of that profound date in history. I was not born until 1960. I remember every June 6th.

The most recent article, “Homeplace and Memorial Day Memories,” was published on Monday, 5/25/2020, Memorial Day. It is fitting that this article follows it.

Planned Hike in Remembrance of D-Day

My most recent hike at Norris Dam State Park was on Saturday, 3/30/2019. I've hiked there 19 times so far, including five hikes with my “bionic” joints.

I hike Norris in the warm weather, since House Mountain, “My Mountain,” has more poison oak and ivy, ticks, and snakes in warm weather. I've hiked House Mountain 170 times so far, including 34 “bionic” hikes.

Today, aside from a few folks (e.g., my ‘cuz Debbie), is anyone else remembering the anniversary of D-Day? So far, according to my “Farcebook” check, only ‘cuz Debbie and I remember.

Lord willing, tomorrow afternoon will be my 20th hike at Norris Dam State Park! I will do so, if I have enough power in my body. The planned hike will be in remembrance of D-Day in 1944.

Conclusion

Before hiking tomorrow, however, I must have my 12th and final every-four-week deep tissue massage. I started the routine on Friday, 7/5/2019. The final massage won’t hinder me. I will, Lord willing, hike Norris!

Y’all have a good supper this evening. Look for an article about my forthcoming hike at Norris! Remember D-Day!