Friday the 13th and My Bionic Foot (published 8-15-2021)

Introduction

Howdy, dear reader! We are an “online family.” I'll continue to write as you keep reading! Well, I write anyway. I hope that you enjoy reading.

At about 3 PM yesterday, I noticed this website's viewer totals for the last seven days. Views were as follows by nation:

Indonesia 1.17K. USSA (formerly USA) 177. Canada 26. Netherlands 16. Singapore 16. Ireland 11 (my ancestral country that I visited in 1998). Germany 10 (several layovers at the Frankfurt airport). France 5 (airport layover in Paris). Russia 4 (our home from 1994 to 1999). China 3. Argentina 2. Portugal 2. Sweden 2 (airport layover in Stockholm). Brazil 1. Czechia 1. Finland 1 (a few visits to Helsinki). Other 2 (unknown nations).

Of course, view totals keep increasing. I don't know why Indonesian viewers visit this website so much. I've never been there. Greetings to Indonesian viewers! I don't think that these views are from “bots.” I am regulating the number of “bots” that hit my website.

Yesterday, I finally got a much-needed haircut! It had been seven weeks. I would rather not go without a haircut for more than four weeks during warm weather. Tony's Best Clips gave me a much-needed and perfect-as-usual haircut. It took about 15 minutes. Thanks much, Tony! I finally dropped a couple of pounds of hair!

Yesterday also involved the usual and mundane chores. Let's move to the purpose of this article.

Friday the 13th in Greek

In Greek, the fear of Friday the 13th is Ο φόβος της Παρασκευής 13. That is fear (φόβος), beside or alongside of (παρά), utensils, literally, or Friday (σκευή, noun form), and the number 13. The English transliteration is paraskavedekatriaphobia. The English translation is fear of Friday the 13th. Paraskavedekatriaphobia is a 12-cylinder word! Readers educated in phonetics, as I was, can pronounce that 12-cylinder word.

I enjoy saying triskaidekaphobia. (I mastered the pronunciation of the word decades ago.) From Greek, it means fear of 13. Folks may fear the number 13 at any time, not just on Friday. I'm still working on my phonetically correct pronunciation of paraskavedekatriaphobia. I'd rather say fear of Friday the 13th. It's easier.

On the morning of Friday the 13th, I asked Mrs. Appalachian Irishman to say to her colleagues, “Happy triskaidekaphobia!” She didn't. Working at the office that day, I had fun saying paraskavedekatriaphobia! The four women there were confused. I never explained the word. I hope that my colleagues recommend that I be given a “crazy pension.”

Photographs of My “Bionic” Foot

For now, I work at the office on Thursdays and Fridays and from home Monday through Wednesday. After returning home from work on Friday the 13th, I noticed that the red spot on my “bionic” right heel was gone! That was my luck on Friday the 13th!

Yesterday, after my haircut and chores, I took the above photograph of my heels. I was on my back with both legs elevated. My trusty Samsung phone took the photograph. (Don't mind the ironing board leg and iron cord in the background. Mrs. Appalachian Irishman still irons stuff, for some strange reason.)

Do you see my right heel? It looks almost like my left heel! A small callus is still on my right heel. (Don't mind the “black tape.” I use it to help a little when I walk. I despise that “black tape!” I'll not need to use it in a few years.)

To get rid of that red spot on my right heel has taken over five years (since 3/29/2016)! On 10/27/2019, while hiking on House Mountain for the 160th time, the scab on my right heel bled through my sock. (The 11/3/2019 article mentions it.)

Also, yesterday, I took the above photograph. (Please ignore the “black tape!”) Do you see the ongoing improvement? The red dot under the toe next to the big toe, on my “bionic” right foot, is still there. It has faded slowly over the last five-plus years. My right big toe still needs to point straight (as my left big toe does). The two farthest right toes on my right foot need to get over their desire to become hammer toes! I keep beating down their efforts! So far, I am winning! (You do not want to know all the day-to-day details over these last five-plus years.)

Today, I took the above photograph. (Every Sunday, I replace the “black tape,” i.e., kinesiology tape.) The red line below my ankle marks where Dr. Scott T. Smith, UT Medical Center, operated on my foot on Wednesday, 4/13/2016. (I don't fear the number 13.) He had already operated on my left shoulder and right knee, when the concussion was still affecting me, so I don't remember those surgeries. My 3/21/2021 article goes into more detail. (If you are not too squeamish, you are welcome to read it.)

I know that focusing on one “bionic” joint (and surrounding muscle groups) is not beneficial. Daily, my ongoing recovery focuses on my left shoulder, right knee, right foot, and the surrounding muscle groups. Day by day, I move on.

Conclusion

This article focused on my “bionic” right foot. My right ankle needs to figure out how to bend forward! I keep trying to get that ankle to bend forward like my left ankle! My “bionic” right knee is doing well enough. It's still not the same as my left knee. My “bionic” left shoulder aggravated the heck out of me in May. (I didn't write about it.) The big muscles down both sides of my back, into my hips, and down both legs are still trying to figure out how to be a balanced group of muscles. My “bionic” left shoulder is the main culprit. It is slowly improving.

My friend and nuclear scientist, Dr. Stoyan Antonov, seems to have been right. On 12/3/2017, he examined me during my 141st hike on House Mountain. He said that my recovery would take about ten years. (In 2017, I published only one article, but not about that hike.) Of all the medical folks who have speculated about my recovery, I know that Dr. Antonov was right. I do not wish to endure my “whatevers” until I die. Well, the apostle Paul endured his “whatevers” until he died. I guess that I'm man enough to do the same.

Dr. Stoyan Antonov, my Bulgarian hiking friend, hiked together or met while hiking 12 times: 1/2/2011 (first meeting), 1/30/2011, 2/6/2011, 3/13/2011, 10/9/2011, 10/27/2013 (my 93rd hike), 1/19/2014, 12/7/2014 (Pearl Harbor Day), 12/16/2015, 1/3/2016 (my 129th hike), 2/7/2016, and 12/3/2017 (my 141st hike). The details are in my memory and in my hiking log. I hope that Dr. Antonov is doing well. I haven't seen him since 12/3/2017.

The inspired apostle Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 12:7, “I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.” (The full context is in verses 1 through 10.) Thank you, Lord, for giving me my “bionic messenger of Satan” on 3/29/2016. I can endure, just like the apostle Paul did. Why don't you use me, as you once did, in your service? Will you let me know when you will do so? Once again, God has not yet answered my prayer.

Dear Lord, I still believe! This temporal triviality does not concern me. I'll see you once I reach my heavenly home.

Today is Sunday. At about 4:50 PM, I see the storm clouds and rain coming! We need more rain! I'm still working on an article about “poly-ticks” smorgasbord. It will explain what PGI and PGO mean. Do you know what they are? If not, I'll let you know once I finish and publish the article!

Y'all keep turnin' right and goin' straight out there! The current insanity in this once-great nation is a temporal triviality that we must sadly endure.

By the way, as of 4:54 PM today, website views for the last seven days were:

Indonesia 1.29K. USA (USSA) 219. Canada 27. Netherlands 22. Singapore 16.
Ireland 11. Germany 8. France 5. Russia 4. Argentina 2. China 2. Spain 2.
Sweden 2. Czechia 1. Finland 1. Portugal 1. Other 1.

Life, “Such As It Was,” Highlights: 7/4 - 8/6/2021 (published 8-8-2021)

Introduction

Howdy, y'all! I hope that you are still turnin' right and goin' straight. Thanks for stopping by to read for a while.

I plan to get back to writing the usual nine to twelve articles a month. July was a “rich, full” month. I wrote only three articles. This article is about “life, such as it was,” by topical focus, from 7/4/2021 to 8/6/2021. The theme is “the good, the bad, and the ugly.” I hope that you are entertained!

This article is six pages long. Please don't give up on it, unless you don't have the mental focus. I hope that you don't have a short attention span. Social media is a cause of short attention span. I have read Война и мир (War and Peace), published in 1865–1869, by Leo Tolstoy. I read the English translation, which was my failing. One day, I hope to start reading the original Russian.

I started writing this article when East Tennessee air was smoky. The smoke is mostly gone now. Along with the hot and humid weather, we inhaled “second-hand smoke.” Forest fires from far western states were bringing it. On 7/31/2021, while driving nearby, I could barely see My Mountain (House Mountain)! It made me think about the "Johnny Smoke” public service TV announcement from the 1960s. I hope that you watch the YouTube link. It brings back memories for those of us, who are old enough to remember.

Folks often begin conversations about the weather, before moving to deeper topics. Let's dig a little deeper into the conversational well!

The Good

July started off well. My 7/5/2021 article was about the family gathering on 7/3/2021. That was a very good day!

Independence Day was the next day. We rested. That afternoon, I completed various requirements to renew my “ever two years” Tennessee life and health insurance license. I have not been working in life and health insurance since 2012, but I still renew my license every two years. It is not that expensive or time-consuming. I got the license in 2005, so I might as well keep it renewed.

The USA celebrated its 245th birthday (as the latest and fairly young experiment in a republican form of government). The 245th birthday assumes accepting that the USA still exists. I have determined that the United States of America ended on 1/6/2021 and that the Ununited Socialist States of America (USSA) started that day. (Previous articles have commented on this.) I cannot comprehend the political and moral insanity any longer! Folks either honor the USA and its flag or hate them. The haters should move to another nation and leave the rest of us alone! (Okay, that's my “poly-ticks” soapbox. I'm done!)

As a theological aside, the Good Lord determined that a person needs to rest one day a week. For the Hebrews, it was on Saturday, as instructed in the Ten Commandments. By the way, the Fourth Commandment was the only one that was nullified by Christ's death and resurrection. The New Covenant includes all the Ten Commandments, in principle, except for the fourth. A person needs to rest one day a week. The Good Lord knew what he was doing. Seventh-Day Adventist friends are wrong. Sunday, not Saturday, is the day when Christians gather for worship.

On Saturday, 7/17/2021, I attained the age of 6.1 years. (It is easier to count in decades.) I took it easy and did the usual chores. I found the two store-bought cards that Mrs. Appalachian Irishman had hidden for me. (She likes to play “hide the cards” on birthdays and anniversaries.) One card was made in China. The other was made in the USSA by a socialist group. I researched them. My wife made a traditional “lemon birthday pie,” which I may get around to eating over the course of a few months as usual. I received phone calls and emails. “Farcebook” friends (in real life also) offered birthday greetings. My birthday this year was better than last year. (See the 7/26/2020 article.)

The next day, Mrs. Appalachian Irishman attained the age of ____. (She won't allow me to tell you, but she's three years younger than me!) She found her card that I had made and hidden! We ate dinner (or lunch, as the Yankees call it) at Applebee's, which is near the former Knox Center (or East Towne) Mall. We used to live in an apartment on the ridge, behind the main entrance to the former mall. We lived there after returning from Russia, in 1999, and before moving into our house on 6/7/2003. (The area where the mall had been looked like an asteroid had hit and left a crater! Eventually, Amazon plans to build a distribution hub at the location.) After dinner, we had a good visit with her folks.

I wish that I had photographed the crater where the mall once was. A local television station has the following article with photographs of the demolition stage as it looked on 4/8/2021: “PHOTOS: East Towne Mall demolition begins,” WATE-TV, by Robert Holder, 4/8/2021, updated 4/10/2021. The following is one photograph from that article:

July ended well! The last day of July was on a Saturday. Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and I had dinner (or “lunch,” as Yankees call it) with another couple. We dined at the Texas Roadhouse, near the crater that once was the Knox Center Mall. About 35 years had passed, since we had seen our friend and sister in Christ! We met her husband, who is our brother in Christ, for the first time. We talked. We laughed. Tears welled up in our eyes. The meal and conversation afterward, of over two hours, were a joyous re-acquaintance! The four of us plan future get-togethers. My wife and I look forward to them!

Getting together with friends and fellow Christians is a foretaste of the heavenly gathering that awaits us! Eventually, we will have everlasting gatherings at Home! Won't it be wonderful then?

The Bad (financially)

My income has been the only way to “hold down the fort,” while Mrs. Appalachian Irishman has been enjoying her unpaid summer vacation.

On Tuesday, 7/20/2021, we received our summer propane fill, as I had arranged. The underground propane tank was about 15% full, before the fill. I could have gone without propane for a while. Mrs. Appalachian Irishman likes warm showers and warm or hot water for laundry. I could have taken cold showers and worn clothes laundered in cold water. The bill is paid.

On Monday, 7/26/2021, our “mower guy” and his crew removed the brush and scrub tree limbs from our “back 40.” The job, using manual tools, would have taken me a few days, and I would have had to take time off from work. That crew did the job in a few hours, using gas-powered and manual tools. That was much faster than I could have done! The cost was about what my “mower guy” had told me last fall. I was surprised, initially, by the cost. Later, I figured out that the cost was about what my “mower guy” had told me last fall. Before he started, I wish that our “mower guy” had indicated his plan to do the work that day. I would have put him off about a month or so. I still recommend highly LTD Lawn (our “mower guy”). My “bionic body” would rather not mow, trim, weed-eat, and clean up. It used to take me at least an hour and a half. They can do a better job than me, in about 20 or 30 minutes! They have better equipment. The cost for excellent mowing, trimming, weed eating, and clean-up is very reasonable!

Norfolk Southern actually owns the scrub brush, trees, and fence, which are located about two feet south of our southern property line. I researched it and know. Norfolk Southern should be responsible for cleaning their brush, trees, and fence line, not me! It would be lucky if I could get Norfolk Southern to reimburse us for the work that we paid to have done for them. I won't bother. The “mower guy” bill is paid.

On Monday, 8/2/2021, we received our chump change, “Monopoly money,” 2020 Federal Income Tax Refund. That was a little good news, amidst the financial ugly. We mailed our tax return on 4/15/2021. We usually pay the “Uncle Sam Scam” a few dollars every year. (I don't want a “Monopoly money” refund from “Uncle Sam.” A tax refund does not draw interest.) My tax preparation indicated a small “Monopoly money” refund, since we didn't get the second (or whichever) round of “stimulus Monopoly money.” I didn't think that we would get it. Over four months had passed. Well, the “stimulus Monopoly money” arrived. We used it.

From Friday, 7/30/2021, to Thursday, 8/5/2021, our 2008 Honda Civic (Mrs. Appalachian Irishman's car) was in the “hospital.” She needed a new starter. Also, she got new tires and a new alignment. Tom's Auto Clinic healed her. The bill is on a credit card. The bill will be paid in full next month, once it arrives. (We had to have a little financial “breathing room.”)

At least Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and I know how to keep a “rainy day” fund. By the way, we had good soaking rains on August 3rd and 7th. We need more rain. In the early evening rain, on Tuesday, August 3rd, I took my 2006 Nissan Frontier on a drive around our subdivision. He enjoyed a “country boy truck wash!” Yes, the Civic is a she, and my truck is a he. There are only two genders for vehicles. Wait for my next “poly-ticks” article! It will focus on PGI and PGO. You may not know what those mean yet. I will tell you.

The Ugly

On 7/19/2021, I emailed Roger Goodell (rogergoodell@nfl.com), as follows:

Roger Goodell:

I found your (if valid) email address via “NFL Headquarters Address, HQ Email Address, Corporate Office Phone Number, and More,” on HeadquartersOf, by John Mathew.

Yesterday (7/18/2021), a friend emailed to me the following link: “NFL to Double Down on Viewership-Killing Wokeness With 'Black National Anthem',” on mrcTV, by Matt Philbin, 7/16/2021.

Of course, I had already learned about the NFL’s “Black national anthem” (as if there is one, really) and the NFL’s “politically correct,” “woke,” and “socialist Utopian” agenda. My agenda, for the 2021 – 2022 NFL football season, is to WATCH SOMETHING, ANYTHING ELSE! (I have been a Pittsburgh Steelers “fan” for decades.)

You will not respond to this email, if you do, with any “politically correct” gibberish! I do NOT want to read it!

Regards,

A former “fan” of the NFL

Roger Goodell has not responded. My email to him did not bounce back as undeliverable. I spoke my mind, as any Irish-American would have. Y'all email him too, if you wish. He will not reply. The NFL will not change. I'm done with the NFL.

Since 7/25/2021 (including August 3rd and 6th, so far), I have been trying to educate my hometown newspaper, The Rogersville Review. During my senior year in high school, I worked as an “inserter,” every Wednesday after school. My hometown newspaper has become “new, better, and improved,” meaning worse. They don't have their website and billing “ducks in a row.” I'm trying to teach them. So far, I have managed to restore our postal delivery of The Rogersville Review. I'm still trying to help them understand the details about my gift subscription to my youngest brother. I'll educate them. It may take me awhile.

On Tuesday, 7/27/2021, while working at home, I had enough of my job. Konstantin Jireček (born in Vienna, Austria, 7/24/1854; died 1/10/1918) could have been the one who first said:

We, the unwilling, led by the unknowing, are doing the impossible for the ungrateful. We have done so much, for so long, with so little, we are now qualified to do anything with nothing.

Decades ago, I memorized that phrase. I submitted my online retirement that Tuesday! I was done. Enough was enough! My Irish dander was up! (I'm sorry, Lord. Thanks for forgiving me!)

The next day, after I had cooled down, I decided to un-retire. I was retired for one day!

My employer will never figure out that expecting one person to do the work of two or more is not rational. I have over four months of paid leave. Instead of assuming that I can find another and better job, after retiring from my current job, I decided to continue to endure the “we, the unwilling,” insanity, until I find another job. I plan to give a month's notice, before I retire from my state job. I plan to start a new job a month later. My current employer will have to pay me over four months of leave time, while I am working my new and better job! Well, that's my plan, as the Lord wills.

Wisdom overcame my stubborn Irish temper, at least on 7/28/2021. Tomorrow, we will see. The weekly routine continues: work from home on Monday through Wednesday and at the office on Thursday and Friday. I'm on a short fuse. The total “Gaggle alert dump” tomorrow, which some unknown “colleague” somewhere assigns to me, could be the deciding factor. We will see!

Conclusion

Mrs. Appalachian Irishman has returned from her afternoon visit to her folks. The mundane details of another day in temporal life are winding down once again.

I'm whittling down the backlog of working documents. Seven remain. (I started them on 5/29/2021, 6/12/2021, 6/14/2021, 6/19/2021, 7/17/2021, 7/24/2021, and 8/7/2021.) I plan to summarize these seven under one “poly-ticks” article. Do you remember what “poly-ticks” means? My next article may be about “poly-ticks smorgasbord,” just to get this backlog behind me.

Y'all keep turning right and going straight out there! We will meet in heaven one of these days, unless we meet sooner.

ROGERSVILLE IS THE SECOND-OLDEST TOWN IN TENNESSEE, NOT DANDRIDGE! (published 8-7-2021)

5/8/2023 addendum: On the 77th anniversary of VE Day (5/8/1945), I updated the links to the websites cited, and I improved the format of this original 8/7/2021 article. I still await proof, if there is any, that confirms that Dandridge is the second-oldest town by date settled, not by date established. This article still confirms that Rogersville is the second-oldest town in Tennessee by date settled!

Introduction

The most recent article from 7/25/2021 mentioned six working documents. The oldest of them, which started on 3/28/2021, is updated, finalized, and published today!

This is a friendly howdy to our fine friends in Jefferson County! I win the “which town is oldest” war! Y'all are still my friends, even if you are wrong!

Later today, “the gang” is finally getting together in person! The last gathering was on Saturday, 2/15/2020. Among other factors, the new cold virus (i.e., “global pandemic” or Corona Myopia) has been hindering us.

This article is published today to add fuel to the conversational fodder! If “the gang” doesn't read it, before we get together, then I'll mention it! I love each member of “the gang!” We always have fun together. For decades, we have had joking arguments about which town is the second-oldest in Tennessee. I win! The following is the proof!

Tennessee Statehood

First, let's set the stage. Tennessee became a state on June 1, 1796. Source: “Tennessee,” A&E History, by Editors, updated 8/21/2018. That's why the media were bragging about Tennessee on June 1st this year. Tennessee has been a state for 225 years.

By the way, June 1st is the beginning of meteorological summer. Astronomical summer begins on June 20. I prefer to follow meteorological seasonal patterns.

As a personal aside, June 1st was Mrs. Appalachian Irishman's last work day. Her summer vacation has started. It will end on August 10th. She will return to “hitting a lick” on the last “dog day” of summer, as mentioned in the most recent article.

95 Tennessee Counties in Chronological Order

Let's continue to Tennessee's 95 counties. The beginning date for each county is listed below in chronological order. Sources: “Education Outreach,” Tennessee State Library and Archives: Education Outreach Program; Tennessee Blue Book; "Table of Contents: 5 List of Tennessee Counties,” under “History and Facts of Tennessee Counties,” My Counties; and 2009-2010 Tennessee Blue Book, Section VI – Tennessee, Origin of County Names (a PDF file).

1777–1799, 18 counties:
1777, Washington
1779, Sullivan
1783, Davidson & Greene
1786, Sumner
1787, Hawkins. The exact date is 1/6/1787.
Source: “Hawkins County,” Tennessee Encyclopedia, by Henry R. Price, last updated 3/1/2018.
1792, Jefferson & Knox
1794, Sevier
1795, Blount
1796, Carter, Grainger, Montgomery, & Robertson
1797, Cocke
1799, Smith, Williamson, & Wilson

1801–1849, 61 counties:
1801, Anderson, Claiborne, Jackson, & Roane
1803, Dickson, Rutherford, & Stewart
1806, Campbell, Overton, & White
1807, Bedford, Bledsoe, Franklin, Hickman, Maury,

Rhea, & Warren
1809, Giles, Humphreys, & Lincoln
1817, Lawrence, Marion, Morgan, & Wayne
1819, Hamilton, Hardin, McMinn, Monroe, Perry,

& Shelby
1821, Carroll, Henderson, Henry, & Madison
1823, Dyer, Fentress, Gibson, Hardeman,

Haywood, McNairy, Obion, Tipton, & Weakley
1824, Fayette
1835, Benton & Lauderdale
1836, Bradley, Cannon, Coffee, Johnson, Marshall,

& Meigs
1837, DeKalb               1839, Polk
1840, Van Buren          1842, Macon
1843, Lewis                  1844, Grundy & Hancock
1845, Decatur              1849, Scott

1850–1879, final 16 counties:
1850, Union                 1854, Putnam
1855, Cumberland       1856, Cheatham
1857, Sequatchie
1870, Clay, Hamblen, Lake, Loudon, & Trousdale
1871, Crockett, Houston, & Moore
1875, Unicoi
1879, Chester & Pickett

Jonesborough is the Oldest Town in Tennessee.

It is well known that Jonesborough is the oldest town in Tennessee. “History,” The Town of Jonesborough, Tennessee, beside “Jonesborough’s Timeline,” states, “1779 Jonesborough is Established: Jonesborough, the oldest town in Tennessee, is established seventeen years before Tennessee was granted statehood.”

Jonesborough was settled ten years earlier, in 1769. The same website confirms, beside “1769 English Colonists Move into the Region,” that Jonesborough was settled in 1769, when “William and Lydia Bean, the first permanent white settlers, built a cabin on the Watauga River in Northeast Tennessee. New settlers begin to come into the area from Virginia and North Carolina.”

Please note that Jonesborough was settled in 1769 and established in 1779. A town is settled before it is established.

Rogersville is the Second-Oldest Town in Tennessee.

Settled in 1775, Rogersville is the second-oldest “settled” town in Tennessee. “Visitors,” the official website for the Town of Rogersville, TN, states, “Rogersville is a town in, and the county seat of, Hawkins County, Tennessee, United States. It was settled in 1775, by the grandparents of Davy Crockett, and is the second-oldest town in the state.” The official website states that Rogersville is the second-oldest town in Tennessee.

“Hawkins County,” Tennessee Encyclopedia, by Henry R. Price, last updated 3/1/2018, confirms that Rogersville was established in 1789, fourteen years after being settled:

In 1789, Amis presented a petition from the community to the North Carolina General Assembly to establish a town at the Hawkins Court House site and to name the town Rogersville. Approval of the petition, which was granted on November 7, 1789, empowered county commissioners to lay out a town in half-acre lots, with convenient streets and lots reserved for public buildings.

Dandridge is the Third-Oldest Town in Tennessee.

Both settled and founded in 1783, Dandridge is the third-oldest “settled” and “founded” town in Tennessee. To my Jefferson County friends, the following is the proof that settles our decades-old dispute!

The official Town of Dandridge website introduces itself, in error, by stating, “Welcome to Dandridge, Tennessee: 'Tennessee’s Second Oldest Town.'” At least the town's introduction places “Tennessee's Second Oldest Town” in quotation marks, since the statement is not correct.

Scrolling to the bottom of that introductory page, the “History” section states, ”Dandridge was founded around 1783 when the settlers came across the Appalachian Mountains moving west.”

“Jefferson County,” Tennessee Encyclopedia, by Estle P. Muncy, last updated 3/1/2018, confirms, “The first permanent settlement at Dandridge dates to 1783; the village became the county seat in 1793.”

Conclusion

Dandridge was both settled and founded in 1783. Rogersville was settled in 1775, eight years before Dandridge. Of course, Rogersville was established in 1789, six years after Dandridge.

To our Jefferson County “gang” members, Rogersville was settled before Dandridge! I win! Yes, Rogersville was established six years after Dandridge.

A town's establishment date is a point of triviality. For example, Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and I live in the settlement of Corryton (or “Corrytonvegas,” as I call it). “John Sawyers, a Revolutionary War veteran, settled in the vicinity of what is now Corryton in 1785. . . . In 1887, a developer named Corryton Woodbury purchased property surrounding the rail depot to grow the community into a suburban town.” Source: “Corryton, Tennessee,” Wikipedia, which references (on Google Books): Miller, Larry (2001), Tennessee Place Names; Indiana University Press, page 51; ISBN 0-253-33984-7; retrieved 7/25/2020. I have seen the highway markers that confirm Corryton was settled in 1785, two years after Dandridge. The little town of Corryton does exist. It simply has not yet been “established” or “founded.”

If “the gang” members from Jefferson County can prove that Dandridge was settled before Rogersville (1775), then I will retract my victory. Otherwise, my victory is settled (pardon the pun), in a joking manner, of course.

Either way, Rogersville and Dandridge have both been around longer than Tennessee has been a state! On that, both towns have bragging rights!

We will see y'all (“the gang”) this afternoon! Love y'all! Mean it!

What was in the Photograph that I Took on 7-20-2021? (published 7-25-2021)

Introduction

Howdy, y'all! This website is viewed on average about 200 to 300 times a day, which is not bad. I see total views by nation and date. I can't see specific viewers. Viewer confidentiality is secured here, far better than on a social media platform! I hope that articles here encourage, entertain, and help those who drop by. Recently, daily views have dropped a little into the 100 to 200 range. That's due to my laziness! Since January this year, I've been writing nine to twelve articles a month. Before this article, I had written only two this month. I'll try to do better!

Sidetrack: the Dog Days of Summer

I hope y'all are enjoying the dog days of summer! (I'm sorry, Molly, our ol' puppy!) I am talking primarily to regional readers. As the wise man said, “It's hot! It's d-hot!”

The “dog days of summer” occur when the sun matches the location of Sirius (Greek “Σειριος,” meaning "scorcher"). Sirius is the brightest star visible from Earth. It is part of the constellation Canis Major (meaning “big dog” in Latin). That's why folks call Sirius the Dog Star. Sirius aligns with the sun annually from July 3rd to August 11th. That's why July 3rd to August 11th are called the “dog days of summer.” I learned this decades ago. The Farmers' Almanac is my source. Remember, Sirius is the star. SiriusXM is a way to listen to the radio. That's a big difference!

As we, in northeast Tennessee, are enduring the “dog days of summer,” we also see smoke in the air. The smoke is coming from the fires in the western part of the country. Local television news media have been talking about the smoke and the “air quality index” since last Thursday. Here's one and another local news story. I saw the smoke earlier than three days ago. I can predict the weather, by being outside, looking, feeling, and smelling, often better than the local weather folks.

Yesterday, by my check, the outside temperature at the house at about 5 PM was 91 degrees Fahrenheit (F) or 33 degrees Celsius (C). The humidity was high. The grass and trees are showing signs of needing rain. The wind may bring in a little rain. For international readers, the temperature yesterday in Moscow, Russia (where we lived from 1994 to 1999) at about 5 PM was 58 degrees F or 15 degrees C. The source is here. English readers will need to translate the Russian on that website. I just read the Russian.

Yesterday, I would have rather been in Moscow, Russia, enjoying 58-degree weather than here, enduring 91 degrees with smoke and humidity! Either way, I can take it. I ain't breathing hard! I prefer cooler weather. I tolerate well enough hot weather.

Please excuse my sidetrack in this section. I had to blow off a little Irish blarney! Let's move on to the main topic!

7-20-2021 Post-It Notes

Last Tuesday at 5:51 PM, I posted a social media tease for this article! Responses were interesting. I read comments by friends as they tried to figure out what the Post-it Notes had written on them. For those friends on social media and in real life, here is the answer to what I wrote on those Post-it Notes!

I took the above photograph, using my trusty Samsung (not “semi-intelligent”) cell phone camera on Monday, 7/12/2021, at about 5:20 PM. I was in our spare bedroom, where Mrs. Appalachian Irishman's furniture is. It was her bedroom furniture, before she became Mrs. Appalachian Irishman. Several weeks ago, she had placed the sewing kit, three spools of thread, and two stacks of clothes on her old bed. My clothing, to the left, had been in her closet for over a year.

The Post-it Note on my clothing to the left reads, “7/12/2021, Monday, 5:23 PM: Please stitch up our holes! We have been waiting for over a year!” Those items, asking to be stitched, are two sweatshirts that I have had for decades and a short-sleeve shirt that I have owned for many years. If they can be fixed, I don't give up on old clothes!

The Post-it Note on my long-sleeve shirt to the right reads, ”Monday, 7/12/2021, 5:24 PM: Please give me away to a larger-sized man!” Christmas of 2020 was “virtual” for Mrs. Appalachian Irishman's side of the family. “Favorite sister-in-law” had given me a large-sized long-sleeve shirt for Christmas. It has been in a box since last Christmas. I forgot about it. I thought it was a doggy present that Molly might have liked.

Several days ago, having opened the box, I remembered the large-sized shirt. I have never worn a large-sized shirt! My long sleeve shirt measurement is 32 inches, as I have long arms. That is a size medium or even small. A large is way too big for me! I ain't that hefty! I hope that Mrs. Appalachian Irishman gives away that large shirt to Goodwill or to someone! I tried it on. It's a nice shirt. I like the colors. It's just way too big for me!

Hey, “favorite sister-in-law,” you saw me on “YackTube” or “Zoomy” computerized video “conferences” from 7/19/2020 through 5/30/2021. You saw me in person on 7/18/2020, Mrs. Appalachian Irishman's birthday, and on 5/31/2021, Memorial Day. Did you think I had become hefty, seeing me on those “conference” videos? The camera can add 10 or so pounds, as folks claim. I'm still the same size! I'm just “devilin'” you, “favorite sister-in-law!” I love all of my in-laws, including my “favorite sister-in-law!”

Conclusion

This little article took two days on and off to write. Since 3/28/2021, I have six working documents (3/28/2021, 5/29/2021, 6/12/2021, 6/19/2021, 7/17/2021, and 7/24/2021) on various topics! I need to get around to publishing at least a couple of articles or so from those documents! I may get to a couple more, depending on how this work week goes before this month is gone.

I'm still working from home on Monday through Wednesday and at the office on Thursday and Friday. It is an insane schedule that I have endured since February. To quote a female colleague, “It could be worse.” My reply to her over the years has been, “It could be better. It could be worse. This is the reality!” My replies always drive speculation to the hard surface of work reality!

I may submit my retirement notice tomorrow. If I do, then the details will become bureaucratic insanity gone wild. If that goes on, then I can find another full-time job, working from home full-time and doing something that I actually enjoy or, at least, can tolerate better! We will see.

I'll start working on another article from my working documents stack now. Y'all take care out there! Thanks for stopping by to read for a while!

My Driving School on 11-10-2016 (published 7-11-2021)

Introduction

If you read the articles from 3/21/2021 and 3/29/2021, you will understand one purpose for this entry. It serves as an addendum to those articles. In them, I forgot to include my “driving school” adventure!

The main purpose of this article, however, is to give two friends, husband and wife, an opportunity to laugh and be encouraged. The husband will venture into his “driving school” experience on Tuesday, two days from today.

I also hope that you, dear reader, enjoy a good laugh! My “driving school” experience on Thursday, 11/10/2026, was fun! Well, my still-recovering body didn't enjoy the experience as well as my mind did.

Before the funny conclusion, I pause on a sad note. The sad note honors the doctor who was in charge of my care, while I was a patient at the Patricia Neal Rehabilitation Center in Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center. First, however, I was a patient at the University of Tennessee Medical Center from 3/29/2016 to 4/19/2016, when I was transferred by ambulance to the Patricia Neal Rehabilitation Center. I was a patient there from 4/19/2016 until my discharge to home on 5/4/2016. “May the Fourth be with you” is how I remember my discharge date.

My 11/10/2016 Driving School

The previously cited articles from 3/21/2021 and 3/29/2021 include several details about my “bionic journey,” as I call it. Forgetting to include my “driving school” in those articles, I do so now. First, however, I will provide the background.

Background

Dr. Robert Chironna was in charge of my medical care at the Patricia Neal Rehabilitation Center. He visited my room every morning at about 7 AM, even on most weekends. Mrs. Appalachian Irishman stayed with me day and night, sleeping on the vacant bed beside mine in the private room. Thanks, dear, for tending to me! Dr. Chironna stayed about ten or fifteen minutes with us every morning. He was congenial, mild-mannered, and very intelligent. He and I shared similar senses of humor. His was more subdued, but he liked mine. Dr. Chironna's purpose was to monitor and oversee the progress of my recovery.

After my discharge to home, I had four appointments with Dr. Chironna at his office (6/27/2016, 7/25/2016, 10/25/2016, and 12/5/2016). My wife drove me to all but the last one. We bought my 2006 Nissan Frontier on 11/25/2016. I drove myself to my final appointment on 12/5/2016, when Dr. Chironna “released” me to return to work. I returned to work on 12/19/2016. I did not need a medical “release” to work. I am a free man in a once-free-and-great nation. I could have changed jobs. My state employer required the “release.” I jumped through the bureaucratic hoops, since I didn't want to change jobs.

During my 10/25/2021 appointment, Dr. Chironna suggested (as he could not require) that I attend “driving school.” Pondering the idea, I decided that “driving school” would come in handy if, God forbid, I was in another accident, in which the guilty driver (not me) had an attorney who could find out that I had a concussion on 3/29/2016, when I almost died.

Driving School

Thursday, 11/10/2016, was the 29th birthday celebration for our niece, the daughter of my wife's sister. It was also my day for “driving school!” In our 2008 Civic, Mrs. Appalachian Irishman drove me to Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center. The total time from home, at the medical center, for my highway driving test, and return home took from about 11:30 AM to 4:30 PM. We met Nicole White, an Occupational Therapist / Driver Rehabilitation Therapist. The Patricia Neal Rehabilitation Center has a Comprehensive Driving Program there.

Nicole and I understood and liked each other instantly! Our senses of humor matched perfectly! I hope that she is doing well. I haven't seen or communicated with her since that day.

First, I had to play a game for a little while. Nicole and my wife watched me as I used my “bionic” left arm and right arm to punch little red dots on a board that hung on a wall. It was like playing whack-a-mole! It was a test to check my visual acuity and peripheral vision.

I passed with a 100% score! My damaged left eye had not been seeing double for months! Nicole and my wife enjoyed my jokes as I whacked those moles!

Next, I had to play a gas and brake pedals game! While seated, I watched red and green lights that told me when to press either the fake gas or brake pedals. The gas pedal didn't take me anywhere, and the brake pedal didn't stop me at any point. It was some type of test. My “bionic” right knee and right foot had no problems! I did not have to sit too long. That was good. To this day, I do not like to sit too long.

Finally, I had to drive a fairly well-maintained but older passenger van on a road trip. Nicole rode shotgun. I drove the van for about an hour and a half. We went to west Knoxville and back a couple of times, taking various side roads each time. At some point, Nicole knew that I could drive well. She relaxed and enjoyed the ride! My left shoulder, right knee, and right foot suffered but endured. My left shoulder “talked to me loudly” every time that I turned my head left to look out the window. I, however, passed “driving school” with flying colors! I knew that I could drive well. I didn't need “driving school.” I did it anyway. My wife and I were very glad to get back home. She was quite bored while waiting during my 1.5-hour driving test. My “bionic” joints and related muscle groups had endured enough. I passed the “driving school.” It was done. Once home, Molly, our “old puppy,” was glad to see us!

My Friend's Upcoming Driving School on 7/13/2021

To my dear friend and brother in Christ, I know that you will read this article. I hope that reading it gives your wife and you a few laughs and offers encouragement!

Don't concern yourself with “driving school!” You will do well! I hope that you get Nicole White at Patricia Neal Rehabilitation Center! If you do, tell her that I said hello! Keep getting better, day by day, by God's grace and your stubborn will! I'm still doing so.

By the way, I hope that you share a few photographs of your “driving school!” Neither my wife nor I took photographs of mine. My photographs are only in my mind.

Dr. Robert Chironna

During my last appointment with Dr. Robert Chironna on 12/5/2016, we conversed on several religious and philosophical topics, aside from the mundane topic of my ongoing recovery. I told him about my still unpublished and incomplete book, Light at the End of the Tunnel. He requested an autographed copy, once I publish it. I promised and remembered.

I gave Dr. Chironna my notes since my 10/25/2016 visit to his office, which he read. Those notes included the following:

Spiritual: Since college, I have pondered, written, and spoken on the “problem of evil.” I have continued to do so, as it relates to my life situation. God is still there, and he is good. He has saved me by his grace, and he has used me in his service. The providence of God has been a specific focus point of my thoughts and writings. God either acts or does not act providentially, according to his will. We may never know why God acts or does not act in providence in certain situations. (For example, slowing down or speeding up the driver who failed to yield to my right of way by even five seconds would have kept this from happening to me.) We, however, trust in him, for he knows the everlasting result of our continuing faith.

Sadly, by doing research for this article, I learned yesterday that Dr. Robert Lawrence Chironna, at age 65, went home on December 14, 2017. I had seen him for the last time on 12/5/2016. My sadness yesterday was overcome with joy! Dr. Chironna has met my mother and father, as well as so many others! He is enjoying his everlasting home! His legacy continues. This final segment before the conclusion is written in his honor. Dr. Chironna does not need my book once I publish it. He is enjoying the bliss of everlasting life! I will see him again.

Conclusion

The light at the end of the tunnel calls each of us home eventually. Will home be heaven? I hope so! The other option will be rather hot and unpleasant!

School yourself in life. Learn how to drive to the correct everlasting home! The Contact Form on this website is how you may reach me, if you would like to converse privately by email.

Let's end on a funny note, shall we? We shall! Today, 7/11/2021, is 7-Eleven Day! 7-Eleven will give us one free small Slurpee any day in July! I haven't had a Slurpee in decades! Who knows? I may hunt me a Slurpee this month. I still have time!

Ferrell Family Gathering Fun on Saturday, 7-3-2021 (published 7-5-2021)

Introduction

Happy 5th of July, y'all! Eventually, I plan to publish a topical article about Independence Day. This article about family heritage has to come first!

My youngest brother called me on Sunday afternoon, 6/27/2021. He invited us to the Morning Star Baptist Church picnic on Saturday, 7/3/2021. I hoped that we could attend, depending on how my three “bionic” joints and related “multi-trauma” muscles endured the workweek.

I woke up Saturday morning feeling my oats. My usual hot-to-cold shower worked well enough as usual. (I didn't even need to use my “muscle thumper!”) My '06 Frontier enjoyed taking Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and me on the road trip. He needed a good stretch of his legs. The approximately 78-mile drive from our house to the Morning Star Baptist Church in Church Hill, Tennessee, took about an hour and a half.

I hope you enjoy the photographs that my trusty Samsung cell phone (not a semi-intelligent phone) took. Comments follow each photograph. The weather was in the low 80s and sunny.

Church Picnic

We started hearing fiddle playing shortly after turning north off Highway 11W! I understand upper-east Tennessee back roads. I've driven many of them. I remembered the first back road. I hadn't been on it in decades. I think that I was in my late teens or early 20s. Dad needed my help with pump work or to move the well machine. I remembered locations on that first back road! I rode with Dad, in his old work truck, to help with his Ferrell's Well Drilling work. Riding with Dad, I helped him many times over several years. Later, Dad rode with me for trips to his medical appointments, usually to see his cardiologist in Johnson City. Dad always commented about locations we passed, where he had either drilled a water well, done pump work, or both. (The pump must be set after the well is drilled.) That is Ferrell's Well Drilling heritage! I have digressed down a back road memory. Let's return our thoughts to driving the back roads on 7/3/2021!

The last part of the drive was back roads, off back roads! The church building is well north of Church Hill. It is almost in Virginia. A drive farther north to Virginia would take less time than back south to Church Hill. The drive, up and down hills and around sharp curves, was expected, as anyone raised in upper-east Tennessee knows. The 78-mile drive was done. We had arrived at the church building.

I took the above photograph, while the “cake auction” was being held, off to the left. (I don't care for sweets.) I'll nitpick my Baptist brethren. My youngest brother is not the “pastor.” He is the preacher (or evangelist or minister). I can argue this point from scripture, but I will avoid doing so. You are welcome to leave a comment, if you would like for me to explain the difference in a future article!

I took the above photograph moments after the first one, having turned to my left. I'm facing west now. The area to the right (shelter and tents) is where the “cake auction” continued. My youngest brother and his family (wife and two daughters), my next-to-youngest brother, my brother (who is about three years younger than me), Mrs. Appalachian Irishman, and several other folks (church members, etc.) are in the shelter and tent area. I see the rear and left side of my silver '06 Frontier truck, with his new “tars” on! The blue truck (closest, on the front and left side) belongs to my brother, who is just younger than me. The VA helped him buy that truck. My brother was in the Air Force for eight years. He served in Operation Desert Storm. He probably contracted multiple sclerosis from the immunizations he had to take during Desert Storm. The nation owes many veterans, including my brother, a debt of gratitude. I am glad that the VA helped him buy his new-to-him truck. (It's a 2017 Tacoma.)

In my first article from 6/8/2021, I wrote that I would publish an image of my truck, wearing his new decorative plate and “tars.” The above image shows the decorative plate. Do you see my arms and chest, reflecting in the chrome bumper? My decorative plate has been on my truck since 5/23/2021.

The four sons and Earl and Betty Ferrell had not been together since 7/23/2020, at the gravesite service for my eldest niece. My next-to-youngest brother visited us on Thanksgiving, 11/26/2020. My youngest brother and his family visited us on 11/28/2020, the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

On July 3rd, we were glad to be together again, all four of us at once. The setting was much better than on 7/23/2020. My veteran brother and I talked quite a bit about our “whatevers” and other topics. He has left shoulder and right leg problems. I have left shoulder and right leg (knee and foot) problems. We both endure. Our “whatevers” are different, but we understand each other. (His wife, daughter, and grandson had gone to see his wife's family in Kentucky.)

My youngest brother's two daughters were finally able to get their Christmas presents. His eldest daughter received her birthday present as well. We had Christmas in July, I reckon.

Cemetery

Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and I had to start our way back home. On our drive back, we stopped at Mom and Dad's gravesite. The cemetery is behind a church building. Fifteen Ferrells, including Mom and Dad, rest in the cemetery. We visited each gravesite.

Three of my uncles and their wives (my aunts) and three of my first cousins rest there. I knew and remembered very well my aunts, uncles, and first cousins.

The first row, in the above photograph, is where Dad's oldest brother, his wife, two of their children, and his wife's mother are resting. Many memories come to mind of Uncle Bill, Aunt Bobbie, Cousin Larry, and Cousin Retha. Aunt Bobbie's mother died five years before I was born. We had a good visit.

Mom and Dad are resting together in the second row in the photograph. Farther back, the flagpole and flag on the tree stump mark where a large mimosa tree had been standing. That tree had provided shade to Mom and Dad's gravesite, which was good, when visiting on a hot, sunny, or rainy day. The roots had become a concern. Dad selected the perfect marker. The words to the poem, above “FERRELL” (visible), are not legible in my photograph. I memorized the poem over 20 years ago. The words fit Mom and Dad well. Dad had selected the poem. He talked about it many times. We had a good visit.

The gravesite of an aunt and uncle and their son is farther back. Their gravesite is beside the gravesite of another aunt and uncle. Uncle Roy, Aunt Maxie, and Cousin Bart have one site. I had to laugh a little, when I recalled the many jokes with Bart. He could always name more state capitals than I could.

Uncle Carson and Aunt Hazel have the other site. Many good memories filled my mind. I have nary a bad one! Well, I have one. The hospital was the last time that I saw Uncle Carson. My wife and I had returned from our five-year mission work in Russia less than two months before. We had visited Uncle Carson and Aunt Hazel at their home on 11/26/1999, when Uncle Carson wasn't well but was able to be at home.

I do not have the date written on my 1999 calendar, but our hospital visit with Uncle Carson and Aunt Hazel was shortly after 11/26/1999. Uncle Carson went to his heavenly home on 12/1/1999. At the hospital, Aunt Hazel started to cry as we talked. Uncle Carson told his wife not to cry and that “it will be okay.” Uncle Carson must have been thinking from the everlasting perspective, knowing that he had only days before he went Home. The memory is bad in the short term. It is a good memory from the everlasting perspective.

The gravesites of Papaw Marion Ferrell's younger brother's son, his wife, and two of their children are also in the cemetery. I was born five months after the son of Papaw Ferrell's younger brother died. I don't recall having met his wife or their two children. I may have.

Homeplace

Our next-to-last stop was a quick visit to the homeplace. (We were trying to get back in time to do “Molly Doggy's.”) The above photograph is looking northeast, with the back of the homeplace in the image. Granny Wood's grapevine is to the left. Her grapevine will have plenty of grapes later this year.

The two Winesap apple trees that Dad planted are farther west, not in the image. The smaller tree is starting to produce apples. The larger tree may or may not produce apples this year. Both trees are healthy. The Ferrell family is welcome to stop by to get grapes and apples! Two great neighbors have been doing so for years. My youngest brother and I have been doing so as well.

Mrs. Appalachian Irishman was “hiding” in my '06 Nissan Frontier. The first hay cutting had been done. I wish that my good neighbors had been home! I missed seeing them. The garden, behind the image, was looking good. The target practice area looked like it had been used recently by a good neighbor. I need to target shoot there soon!

Dad, we're still “keepin' it going” at the homeplace. I remember what you said after Mom went to see Jesus.

Conclusion

I started writing this article yesterday, on Independence Day. The plan to publish this article yesterday, with another article afterward about Independence Day, was delayed. A man has to do other stuff! Well, this family heritage article is published! I will get around to writing and publishing an Independence Day article, in better-late-than-never mode.

I wrote earlier in this article about starting “our way back home.” Our travels on 7/3/2021 took just over six hours. After the homeplace, my truck was hungry. I fed him 89-octane 100% gas at Liberty Market, which is across Main Street from the elementary school. To family members and friends in Rogersville, I'm sorry, y'all, that I didn't let you know that we were coming! What we did took enough time. We didn't have any more time!

Our way back to our heavenly home will take more time. Many family members are already at that home. We here, in the short-term perspective, are living to go there. To my biological and spiritual family members, who are already home, my wife and I, along with others, are on our way to meet you! We will get there. It won't take long from the short-term perspective. Until then, y'all “keep it goin'” up there! We will see you soon!

The Ferrell family gathering fun on 7/3/2021 was a foretaste of future Ferrell family gathering fun—at our everlasting and heavenly home!