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

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

 Introduction

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

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

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

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

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

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

The following is from my unpublished book, “Light at the End of the Tunnel,” under section “Historical Remarks (9/8/2011 – 12/27/2020):”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Conclusion

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

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

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

Introduction

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

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

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

Ferrell's Well Drilling, 3-8-1958

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Christmas Day Yesterday

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Conclusion

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

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

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

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

 Introduction

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

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

Brother Phil

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

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

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

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

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

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

I, then, sent him a SubStack email:

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

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

Conclusion

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

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

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

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

Introduction

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

The Context

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

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

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

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

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

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

LIFE, “SUCH AS IT WAS”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Conclusion

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

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

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

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

 Introduction (Введение)

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

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

Success!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Conclusion

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

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

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

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

Introduction

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

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

Lilliana Ferrell

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ariel Ferrell

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

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

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

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

Conclusion

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

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

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

 Introduction

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

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

Georgia

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

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

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

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

The 12/4/2021 SEC Championship Game

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

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

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

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

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

Conclusion

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

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

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

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

Introduction

For today, Saturday, 12/11/2021, and for readers in the northeast Tennessee region, are you enjoying the summer storm on this winter day? Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and I are. For readers in other nations, the weather has been unseasonably warm. A strong low pressure system brought the storm and rain today. Various media sources have updates on the tragic damage to the west of us.

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

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

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

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

11/29/2021 to 12/4/2021

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

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

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

 

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

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

Granny Ferrell would be glad to know that her great-granddaughter won a basketball game on her birthday. I look forward to telling her, eventually, once I join Granny at home.

Wednesday, 12/1/2021: Winter began. Meteorological winter is from December 1 to February 28. Astronomical winter is from about December 21 to about March 22. Russians mark the start of winter on December 1. I have been doing the same, even before our mission work in Russia (10/1/1994 to 9/30/1999). I, however, have digressed into the mundane.

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

My article “CORONA MYOPIA (published 4-26-2020)” defined Corona Myopia. It states the meaning of “corona.” I have had a new-to-me common cold virus. I got over it.

Initially, the sharp pain at the back of my neck caused me to wonder if I had an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) that was leaking. In November 1999, Mom (Betty Lou Wood Ferrell, 11/24/1932 - 12/27/2000) was first misdiagnosed as having influenza. Her arteriovenous malformation (AVM, a birth defect), which had been asymptomatic, had leaked. That started the details recorded in my still unpublished book, “Light at the End of the Tunnel.” The record remains in my mind with temporal sadness.

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

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

Thursday, 12/2/2021: What is a “palindrome?” What is an “ambigram?” The previous Merriam-Webster Dictionary links answer. I learned. We have two good friends, who are husband and wife. The wife, whom I have known since New Year's Eve in 1980, attained the age of (not given) on 12/02/2021. She had a birthday on a palindrome and an ambigram day!

On that day, I received postal mail from the Knox County Clerk, reminding me to renew my '06 Frontier license plate tag before year's end. The clerk's office emailed me on 11/6/2021 about my tag renewal. I paid for my new tag on 11/13/2021. My new tag, which expires in 12/2022, has been on the license plate on my truck since 11/20/2021. I wonder if the Knox County Clerk's office understands my sarcastic humor.

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

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

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

A nearby and good neighbor and his wife came down with a variation of the “Corony” virus. He called me later that afternoon. As of today, his wife and he were recovering at home. He has been getting out and about and driving some. His wife had a worse case. Both of them will soon be fully recovered. Thank you, Lord, for answering prayers in the affirmative this time! Various versions of this new cold virus are either mild or severe, depending on various factors. Searching my website for “Corona Myopia” finds too many articles that I have written on the topic.

That morning, Mrs. Appalachian Irishman, apparently having contracted my cold virus from three days ago, “enjoyed” the beginning of her two-day bout with the same bug. I'm glad that she recovered in two days. It took me four days to recover.

Conclusion

We had a summer storm in winter today. I still feel the storm from the SEC Championship Game on Saturday, 12/4/2021.

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

RIGHT-TO-LIFE, BORDER, INFLATION, SSA TRUST FUND, & VIOLENCE (published 12-5-2021)

Introduction

Sunday, 12/5/2021: On this cloudy and warm winter afternoon, I continue to write the four articles that I started yesterday. I hope that y'all are doing well enough out there!

This first article is on “poly-ticks.” I get tired of writing these, but I must. My website (journal and commentary) needs to record the ongoing and sharp decline of the once-great USA into the USSA “socialist utopian nightmare.” Bear with me, please. This will not take too long.

Pause: my brother, who is next to eldest (as I am the eldest of four brothers), called. I'm glad to know that his family and he were doing well enough. Now, back to writing!

Right-to-Life

BallotPedia has a good historical summary of the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization court case. The Mississippi law protects the right of unborn children to continue to live after the fifteenth week of pregnancy. (Unborn children, before week fifteen, do not have that right, according to the Mississippi law.) The baby-killing organization wants to kill unborn children after the fifteenth week of pregnancy. The fight reached the “Supreme” Court. (God is the Supreme Court.)

On Wednesday, 12/1/2021, the USSA “Supreme Court” heard oral arguments on this case. Source: Supreme Court of the United States, Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health, Docket #19-1392, Oral Argument Transcript.

I hope that the “Supreme” Court of the USSA has enough sense to obey God's Supreme Court this time! The murder of unborn children has been an ongoing and abhorrent evil in this once-great nation for far too many decades. Yes, I understand and agree to the moral justification of taking the unborn child's life, to save the biological life of the mother. Those instances are rare and not common.

Border

What border? The USSA has no southern border! The first President of the USSA, Joe Biden, or those who pull his puppet strings, as he rarely seems to make much sense when he speaks, wants to offer incentive to “come on in to the USSA.” The illegal aliens, who, in 2018, crossed the border illegally and were separated from illegal alien family members, may each receive $450,000 in Monopoly money from the USSA. Apparently, the 2018 policy of the last president of the USA violated the “rights” of these illegal aliens.

The ongoing caravans of illegal aliens that continue to cross the USSA southern “border” are encouraged! Maybe these newer illegal aliens will each get $450,000 for their illegal crossings! We will see. They are motivated.

Inflation

Well, a dollar ain't worth much these days. Twenty dollars ain't worth much these days. One hundred dollars may be worth a little.

Please search my previous website articles. I don't want to take the time to link to them here. Y'all know the inflation situation. The USSA Socialists want to spend more Monopoly money to spend the USSA out of inflation. That will work, when pigs fly backward, south for the winter.

Social Security “Trust Fund”

The Social Security “Trust Fund” is almost broke. Are you retired? Do you hope to retire in a few years? I hope that you have other funds established! Do not count on Social Security. It has been a Ponzi scheme.

From the November 10, 2021, Social Security Administration (SSA), Agency Financial Report, Fiscal Year 2021 (170-page PDF document), I take the following information.

Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund (OASI) is SSA. Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund (DI) is SSI. OASI and DI Trust Funds Combined (OASDI) are SSA and SSI combined. Hospital Insurance Trust Fund (HI) is Medicare Part A.

From https://www.ssa.gov/oact/TRSUM/index.html, I have the following:

KEY DATES FOR THE TRUST FUNDS

                                                                                      OASI   DI   OASDI  HI
First year cost exceeds income excluding interest(a) 2010  2040  2010  2008
First year cost exceeds total income(a)                      2021  2045  2021  2023
Year trust funds are depleted                                       2033  2057  2034  2026
(a) Dates indicate the first year a condition is projected to occur and to persist annually thereafter through 2095.

If I do not die or the world does not come to an end before 2033, I will be 73. My SSA monthly retirement income may last from about age 65 or 67 (depending on when I retire) to age 73. Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and I continue to prepare, anticipating no SSA income but relying on other income sources.

The Ponzi scheme is starting to run dry, y'all. Are you prepared? We are trying to be prepared.

Violence

My head spins! The media, almost daily, have new stories about various types of violence in the USSA. The moral fiber of this once-great nation was much stronger, when I was growing up. It is not now. The following are three source examples. Well, the last one is my humor!

School Shootings

Education Week has a good article, "School Shootings This Year: How Many and Where,” updated December 1, 2021. My grade school and high school years involved fights. I was in a few. We did not have shootings.

The article lists 29 school shootings so far in 2021. Children, ages 13 to 17, were the shooters in 15 of the 29. The other shooters were adults (age 18 or older). Two of the shootings were in Tennessee. One on 4/12/2021 was in Knoxville, Tennessee.

“Riots”

The Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) website has a Dashboard. I used it to find:

1/1/2020 to 12/31/2020 “riots:” 826 events. 19 died. I do not think that law enforcement offices are included in the total dead.

1/1/2021 to 11/26/2021 “riots:” 198 events. Six died. Again, I doubt law enforcement officer deaths are included.

The media on an almost daily basis report another riot or more. The politically correct do not like the words “riot” or “loot.” They prefer “smash and grab,” apparently. It is the same violence. The first president of the USSA and his spokeswoman blame the violence on the new cold virus. Media information is available, if you haven't heard or read it.

The child steals a candy bar. The father blames it on his “bad” teacher at school. It's the fault of the new cold virus! No! It is the fault of the morality, or lack thereof, of rioters and looters.

Parents “Domestic Terrorists” at School Board Meetings

As the media tell it, the first President of the USSA (Joe Biden) has a Department of Justice. That department published a memo that called parents at school board meetings “domestic terrorists.”

Parents, who try to stop the socialist propaganda education of their children, are “domestic terrorists.” Well, I hope that those parents wear that badge with honor and that they continue to stand for their rights.

Conclusion

Once again, I see that the writing of this article has taken too long. The time is now 5:40 PM. I have three other articles to finish. I will publish this one today, at least. The other three will wait.

Yesterday, I spoke with two men, one in person and the other by phone. The conversations were separated by an hour or two. The conversations were almost exactly the same. The three of us men are about the same age, give or take a few years. Our conclusion was in harmony. Either this once-great nation needs to return to biblically-based morality, or the Good Lord needs to return soon! Come soon, Lord, come soon! The nation is too far gone to return to proper moral and biblical values. Well, it could return. I can always live in hope, despite my doubts. The USSA needs a moral awakening, not “wokeness,” whatever that is.