IT’S COLD SHOWER, NOT GIN, TIME! (published 8-18-2019)

Hey, y’all! I’m just resting my “bionic” body parts and entertaining my fertile mind today. While doing so, look what I found! “The James Bond Shower: A Shot of Cold Water for Health and Vitality,” on The Art of Manliness, by Brett & Kate McKay, 9/17/2019. (Note that I saw this article today, 8/18/2019, so the article's 9/17/2019 date must be 8/17/2019.)

I’ll give those folks a bit of publicity! Even before my “bionic” body parts days, and especially afterwards, I’ve known, for decades, about the benefits of starting the morning with a hot shower, followed by a cold rinse. It’s nothing new. Still yet, these folks have it right! I know, especially after my “bionic” body parts were installed. It’s often the first part of the way that I get through a day. Of course, my stubborn, strong Irish will, while I have power in my body, is the most important factor. One day, I will have will in my spirit, which won’t ever go away, but not power in my body. When that happens, I will be a few steps closer to going home!

Y’all keep turning right and going straight out there, ya hear?

Oh, by the way, "Cold Gin” was a KISS song, back in the day. One YouTube link, of 9/12/2009, is KISS - Cold Gin – Alive! on NieelzzZ. That was a great rock song, by a great band. I don't have to agree with the morality of the song to like the music. My legal notation: the reference to the song “Cold Gin” does not imply that the author of this article recommends or supports the drinking of gin, cold or not.

In fact, I support the imbibing of the Holy Spirit, into your souls. Still yet, listening to “Cold Gin” today helped my “bionic” body parts. I'm sorry, dear Lord. I know that you forgive me.

FULL MOON UPDATE (published 8-17-2019)

Introduction

For my “millions” of readers, who were “sitting on pins and needles” wanting to know, here is the long-awaited update, to my last article! (You can breathe now!)

Molly

First, Molly doggy is doing great! That’s important and good!

My Ol' Truck (2006 Nissan Frontier)

Second, on 8/16/2019, Friday, in the late afternoon, Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and “favorite” sister-in-law changed MY ESTABLISHED plan. Mrs. Appalachian Irishman drove my truck home, very “bravely,” after the computerized part was replaced! (They had commuted to/from work, in sister-in-law's car.) Now, that’s good! It was the first time that Mrs. Appalachian Irishman drove my truck.

My established plan had been to drive our car (2008 Honda Civic) from “Hadean Realm” office to Nissan dealership, get my truck, and have my wife drive the car – both to home. I only needed to drive our car home. It was easier on my “bionic” joints, at least.

Oh, by the way, Nissan, if the camshaft is working just fine, as it was, but the camshaft sensor started to blink out, why is there a camshaft sensor in the first place? Nissan has no clue to logic, of course. The unneeded sensor is a way for Nissan to make more money. It's not my truck's fault!

Oh, by the way, below is the best online photo of a ’06 Nissan Frontier camshaft sensor that I could find. It might be about the size of my thumb. It cost $145.58. Heck, I could get a new computer for not much more than that! I wish that I could drive an old truck, straight shift, which has plenty of metal and driver protection gear in it. That way, I’d avoid all this computerized truck stuff! It's still not my truck's fault! He can't help how Nissan built him!

 

'Cuz Lois' Birthday

Finally, I “hear tell” that my first ‘cuz Lois had an age 79 birthday today! (“Farcebook” check told me. Now, I have it for my own records also!)

Happy Birthday, ‘cuz Lois! Hey, I’m 20 years behind you! Do you think I’ll catch up to you? I remember now how I used to know your birthday. Your birthday is on the exact day, minus one month, as Dad’s. Dad was born 9/17/1927.

Conclusion

Well, y’all have fun out there, ya hear? Don’t forget to turn straight and go right! If so, we’ll all see each other in heaven soon!

8-15-2019, THURSDAY, FULL MOON (published 8-15-2019)

Introduction

Oopsy! The Appalachian Irishman has been a little silent lately. I have been enduring the workday routine. I am working toward state retirement, in eleven more months – if we can get farther along on paying off the mortgage.

Well, today, on a full moon, I must make a “life, such as it is,” update. I’m sure that my “millions” of readers out there are excited!

8/12/2019 in 8/12/1991 Context

First, Mrs. Appalachian Irishman had to start “hitting a lick” at work, on 8/12/2019, Monday – after her way-too-long summer vacation.

That afternoon, my new, old truck showed me the “service engine soon,” “slip” yellow warning lights. Oh, well. I set an appointment for my truck, at the fix-it shop, for 8/15/2022 (Thursday). He rode well enough, despite the yellow warning lights.

Also, and most importantly, on 8/12/1991, Granny Wood (born 6/16/1901) went from this life to everlastingness. I was honored to conduct Granny’s funeral and graveside services.

8/15/2019 - “Fun”

On 8/15/2019, full moon Thursday, “favorite” sister-in-law came here, early in the morning. She picked up Mrs. Appalachian Irishman, so that they could go to work. (They commute, each one driving two or three days a week.) That way, I'd have our car and truck both here, as I will explain.

I burned a day off from my “Hadean Realm” state job. I took Molly, our doggy, for out-patient surgery. She had a bump on her lower left eyelid that would not go away, as the same bump on her lower right eyelid did. Molly is home. I took her, to our local veterinarian, in “yellow light warning” truck. Her surgery went well! I picked up Molly, in the car, after paying way too much money. All is well, in Molly world! (See “next,” as to why I got Molly, in our car.)

Next, I took my new, old truck to the I-won’t-ever-go-there-again Rusty Wallace Nissan dealership, on Clinton Highway, for the 1:30 PM fix-him-up appointment.

My new, old truck ran okay, despite the yellow warning lights. The way-too-computerized crankshaft sensor needs to be replaced. It will cost about $500.

Oh, sorry, the dealership said. They had one part in the right box, but it was the wrong part in that right box. That’s all they had. Deal with it!

So, some feller drove me home, as I DEMANDED, so that I could then go get Molly! The I-will-never-go-back-there Rusty Wallace Nissan dealership promises that they will have the right part in the right box, tomorrow, to fix my computerized truck. We’ll see. I doubt that the part will be in tomorrow.

Conclusion

More updates are coming! I’m sure that my “millions of readers” want to know! Y’all have fun out there, ya hear? Oh, it’s a full moon tonight.

WHAT IS HERE, THERE? (published 7-28-2019)

For all my “rich, full” life, I have heard many folks in Upper East Tennessee use “there” or “here” as an extra word in a sentence or at the end of a sentence there. There are many examples here. Here are a few there:

“How do you want me to do that there?”

“What do you think about that there?”

“In all my born days, I’ve never seen that there!”

“I thought I’d give you a call there.”

“What is that there thing doing here?”

“Well, I’m just a ‘sottin’ (sitting) here.”

“Do you want some of this here pie?”

 

The list, as in my mind, could go on infinitely! Of course, “there” is pronounced “thar,” and “here” is pronounced “hear,” with emphasis on the “he” and a slow drag out on the “ar.”

Well, the Appalachian Irishman became interested in this here topic on yesterday there. As far I know, no one else has posted anything on this here Interweb world of fun on this here topic there. So, it is up to me to take that there bull by the horns and to wrestle it to the ground there!

Okay, so, to all you linguists out there, why do we, here in Irish-American Appalachia, use “there” and/or “here” as extra words in sentences? This here inquiring mind wants to know there!

THANKS FOR 7/17/2019 BIRTHDAY WISHES!

Well, it’s not been “a month or two,” but, on 7/21/2019, today, I checked “Farcebook,” to find, as well as I could count, twenty-six happy birthday wishes, from national and two international friends! Well, that’s cool! My birthday was on a work-a-day Wednesday, 7/17/2019.

Во-первых, моим русским хорошим друзьям, большое спасибо! Между нами много миль, но мы все еще близки, после всех этих лет! Я люблю каждого из вас!

Secondly, to my American friends, as in part of the prior Russian, I love each one of you (in Christ Jesus)!

At age 59, this Appalachian Irishman, busted up as he is with “bionic” body parts, can still do almost everything that he could do, in his younger years. (I still can’t run, really run, like I could, and I’m still about five minutes slower hiking up My Mountain, slowed only by my right foot and right knee.) I am a fine tuned race car, with great engine and transmission. The frame has been damaged, so the ride is rough. The rough ride goes on, until it’s time to go home. Make it soon, dear Lord, make it soon! I’m ready to come see Mom, Dad, and so many who have gone home before me!

GOOD SISTER-IN-LAW & 7/20/2019 FAMILY TIME

Good Sister-In-Law

Mrs. Appalachian Irishman is the eldest of three sisters (as I’ve stated many times). On Friday, 7/19/2019, the middle sister -- my “favorite” sister-in-law (with apology to my youngest sister-in-law, who is my “favorite” in politics), via Mrs. Appalachian Irishman -- sent me the following, as a birthday gift!

 

The beef jerky and smoked sausages are the way to this Appalachian Irishman’s heart, and stomach! I have a couple of bags of jerky to eat (and to share with Molly), before I can get to these, but I WILL get to these. (Molly might get a little, maybe.) “Good things come to those who wait.” Note: I receive no money from any type of product endorsement; although, I can tell that these will be delicious!

Oh, you asked about the pink ribbon? Well, via Mrs. Appalachian Irishman, I’d given another set of four wheel covers, to my “favorite” sister-in-law, for her birthday last month. (If she’d stop trying to drive on two tires, in Dukes of Hazard style, she’d not lose wheel covers so often.) I replaced the two that were missing, again, as last year! Well, as I had asked, Mrs. Appalachian Irishman wrapped the same pink ribbon around the box, in which the wheel covers came. Ok, so, “favorite” sister-in-law gave me back the same pink ribbon! Now, that’s just funny!

7/20/2019 Family Time

The next day, Saturday, 7/20/2019, was the 50^th anniversary of the first moon landing. (I was there, hiding in the lunar module! I remember!)

Mrs. Appalachian Irishman’s birthday anniversary has always been one day after mine. (I wonder: why does that never change?) It was a work-a-day for me, and it was a summer time, whatever-she-does day for her. As part of her birthday gift, she picked Fountain City Diner, for a 1 PM dinner (not lunch; I ain’t a northerner or a city slicker). To join us were, in arrival order, my next-to-youngest brother, my “favorite” sister-in-law, and her daughter. Now that was some fine eatin’ and some good, family conversation!

Oh, the diner is closing, due to greedy landlord’s far too high rent increase. That’s the way to kill a great small business, landlord. I hope you sleep well at night, not really. The economy is NOT growing, at your 56% rent increase rate.

Okay, that’s enough of that sidetrack. I am still confused. The three females looked over the pies on display. They talked about pies, but they didn’t BUY any pies! What? Can you explain why not, to me?

7-13-2019 MASHED ‘TATER “WAR” (published 7-14-2019)

As an addendum to yesterday’s “Corn Dog!” article, after that event, I was on the phone with a good neighbor. Mrs. Appalachian Irishman was sitting in a kitchen chair, tapping her foot on the floor. She was itching for me to get off the phone, so that she could kiss me and then, as her main priority, go to “check on” her Dad. He -- with sister-in-law, our niece (back again now), the “catdog,” and three cats -- lives three miles away. Go, dear, go, I motioned! She jaw kissed me and rolled on, while I was still trying to wind down the call with a long-winded neighbor! Now that’s just funny!

So, “what’s this mashed ‘tater war,” you ask? I’ll tell you! While Mrs. Appalachian Irishman was making certain, absolutely certain, that her Dad was fine, as he was, my youngest brother sent me a text -- which was too late for dinner or too early for supper -- stating that he was eating mashed potatoes and that I was not.

The challenge was on!

 

So, at the appropriate supper eating time, I took the above photograph of my plate, placed on an edge of the kitchen cabinet top. Mrs. Appalachian Irishman sent my youngest brother the photograph, in retaliation! Payback accomplished!

You know. I wonder. Why do all these people on “Farcebook” post photographs of food that they are about to it? It’s just silly to me! Eat it! Don’t photograph it! Don’t post the photograph on “Farcebook!” Please stop it!

Of course, as an Appalachian Irishman, raised in northeast Tennessee, I eat mashed potatoes almost every day! By my Irish roots, I wish that I could have some form of potatoes (e.g., hash browns, baked, mashed, etc.) at every one of my usual three meals a day!

“What is a “catdog,” you ask? Well, ask, and I’ll tell you!

The Ferrell/Farrell Family Group on “Farcebook” (published 7-14-2019)

One reason that this Appalachian Irishman uses his "Farcebook" account is to let his “friends” (i.e., real family and real friends) know when he has published a new article. (Some may not be subscribers.) This little article is my way to “return the favor” to “Farcebook.”

“The Ferrell/Farrell Family” is a private group on “Farcebook,” which a person may join, if approved. There are about 1,200 members. It started on 7/25/2012. The “about this group” states: “This group was created to make it easier to connect with our relatives. It's difficult nowadays to get together as a family, and we have lots and lots of family members spread all over the United States! This way, as a group, we can keep in touch much easier with each other.”

6/17/2023 addendum: website analytics showed me that someone had viewed the first article, on 7/14/2019 (of almost four years ago) in the last 24 hours. That article was on the mashed 'tater war. Re-reading that funny article, I happened to notice this second article of the same date. For this article, I changed the title, updated some of the wording, and added this addendum. “The Ferrell/Farrell Family” group is still active on “Farcebook.” Why is it either “Ferrell” or “Farrell?” Please ask! I'll explain!

CORN DOG! (published 7-13-2019)

On 7/8-14/2019, the new, improved, bigger, and better Gibbs Weigel’s is offering FREE corn dogs! We had received a flier in the mail with a coupon!

What else could an Appalachian Irishman do? About 12:30 PM, Mrs. Appalachian Irishman, bravely, joined me, in the usual haul trash and get gas routine. However, this was a special day, as I was going to get me a FREE corn dog!

The storm clouds were showing. I hoped that we’d make it home, before the bottom dropped out of the clouds. Well, in typical Irish luck, after getting gas for my new ol' truck, we went inside, to get my FREE corn dog.

While inside, the bottom dropped! Noah would have been proud! It was a typical summer tropical down pour! After a few minutes of waiting, with conversation with a man about my same age or older, I said let’s get to the house!

Well, we both took a second shower for the day. Both of us were soaking wet. The rain cleaned out the inside of the cab, for my new ol' truck! Of course, I wiped out all the water, after I got my truck into the “barn” (i.e., garage)! I must respect my truck!

That was a lot of fun! At least I got a FREE corn dog!

FERRELL HERITAGE: 1974 PHOTO TO 7-6-2019 PHOTO (published 7-7-2019; updated 11-10-2022)

1974

 

On a date, after June, in the summer of 1974, Mom, probably, took the above photo. The photo includes: Dad (lower left); his two sisters, Aunt Carrie Davis and Aunt Lula Absher (farthest on top right) – the eldest of all eight siblings; and four of his five brothers: Uncle Bill (lower right), Uncle Paul (upper left), Uncle George (center, standing), and Uncle Carson (lower center). Uncle Roy, who, with family, lived in Washington DC, was not present.

The photo is a duplicate of the original. I had duplicates made on 12/17/2002. As I recall, I gave the duplicates to my three brothers and to Dad, as Christmas gifts, on 12/25/2002. (Mom went to see Jesus, on 12/27/2000.)

The year 1974, in our new Caney Creek Road home, was a great life transition, for the Earl and Betty Ferrell family! Also, I started high school that fall. I have many memories at the old Walter Livesay home, just off “dead man’s curve” on old Highway 11W. I have many memories at our Caney Creek Road home, where the above photo was taken.

7/6/2019 (Saturday)

On Saturday, 7/6/2019, two of my three brothers had photos taken, on about the same spot, at the Caney Creek Road homeplace. The “long-suffering” Mrs. Appalachian Irishman took the above photo. I am the eldest of the four sons of Earl and Betty Ferrell. I’m standing on the right, wearing my House Mountain T-shirt! (Let’s hike!) My youngest brother, Doug (aka “Dougly Doright”), is in the middle. Clark (next to oldest, aka Clark “Kent”) is on the left. Arthur could not attend the gathering, due to car difficulties, as he claimed.

During the afternoon, we visited and ate outside on the front porch. A little pop up shower joined us a while. Doug and the youngsters played in the front yard. I picked up and piled branches. Everyone was in and out of the home often. Clark wanted to repeat the same photo location, with us four boys (minus Arthur). That was a grand idea, Clark! We all had a great time!

The above is an extra photo that I took! You can see Clark and Doug, two of my three brothers.

The other family are, from left to right: Shanna (Clark's younger daughter). Shanna enjoyed going through Mom’s recipe books. She found and kept her old letter to Santa. Clark's older daughter, Alisha Barnette, and family, could not attend.

Next is the “long-suffering” Mrs. Appalachian Irishman. To my wife's left is Clark’s fourth wife (on Clark's right). On Clark's left is “Uncle” Skylar (Shanna’s son). Stacy – Doug’s wife, with Doug standing behind her – is next. Finally, Doug and Stacy's girls are Lillianna (the younger) then Ariel (first born).

The vehicle is Clark’s Nissan Pathfinder. The camera view is looking northeast. The ones in the photo are looking southwest.

Behind me (the photographer) and not in the image is the grapevine that still lives and produces grapes. The grapevine was a clipping from the grapevine that Granny and Papaw Wood had in their large back yard, at their home in Bean Station.

After Papaw died, in 1983, Granny began living with us. The grapevine continues.

Conclusion

I could write about many other family heritage memories, but it’s close to supper time. I hear Mrs. Appalachian Irishman finishing supper preparations. Let’s eat!

At this 7:03P, 7/7/2019, posting date, we have had supper (such as it was). Molly doggy is in. It's time to get ready to start another work week. Well, I had my one-day vacation this year, on Friday, 7/5/2019!

11/10/2022 Update

Today, 11/10/2022, website analytics showed that this article was viewed in the last 24 hours. Who viewed it? I don't know.

I updated the title and improved my grammar and style a little. By the way, happy birthday, today, Trina (our niece, daughter of “favorite” sister-in-law).

WEIGEL’S TO “EXXOFF” TO WEIGEL’S, WITHIN LIFE CONTEXT (published 6-30-2019; updated 11-9-2022)

11/9/2022 Introduction

Early this morning, on 11/9/2022, website analytics showed that this article had one view, in the last 24 hours. Who viewed it? I don't know. I re-read what I'd published, on Sunday, 6/30/2019.

Today, I added this introduction. I also improved my grammar and style, in the body of the article. I'd written this article in a hurry. The article is on “life, such as it was” – from March to June of 2019 – written in the context of eleven gas fill-ups.

Ten Fill-Ups, in the Context of Life

On 3/28/2019, Thursday, as had been known a while, the Weigel’s in our “great metropolis” closed – to be destroyed and reborn as the new, improved, and larger Weigel’s – that stands there now, on the same spot. I was driving home from “the Hadean realm,” on an appropriately rainy day, to see the signs.

Well, that meant that the Appalachian Irishman had to get 100% gas – no 10% sugar for my new, ol' truck, just as it was with my dearly departed old, ol' truck – at the “Exxoff,” across the road, where their one 100% gas pump stands alone, on a corner.

You have to go in, state 100% gas fill-up, leave your credit card, fill up, return, pay, and then leave. So, for the following ten times, within the context of life, so noted, I “enjoyed” filling up at the Exxoff. All dates are Saturday, unless otherwise noted. My “bionic” right foot certainly did not like all the extra steps, on the asphalt and concrete.

(1) 3/30/2019, first tank: after my hike alone at Norris Dam State Park, I filled up for the first time. My “bionic” right foot is not bothered as much, on a hike in the woods – on natural soil. Asphalt and concrete are what aggravate my foot so harshly.

(2) 4/06/2019, second tank: Mrs. Appalachian Irishman had out-patient, minor surgery, on Tuesday, 4/2/2019, to cut out a “lump of fat” (as I call it). The next day, I took another day off work, to tend to Mrs. Appalachian Irishman, who was doing very well. Also, I got an old tooth patch (from 2/24/2012, lower, left, front) – which had popped off – re-patched. Afterward the dentist, I hiked My Mountain (House Mountain) #158! On 4/6/2019, I got a haircut, went to the Tractor Supply, and got gas.

(3) 4/13/2019, third tank: see my 4/13/2019 post “4-13-2019: PAPAW FERRELL'S BIRTHDAY in 1880 & RUGER REPLACED” for other details. Mrs. Appalachian Irishman was with me. Yep, I got gas also.

(4) 4/21/19 fourth tank, on Resurrection Sunday: my 4/21/2019 article, “Good Friday – Passover 4-19-2019,” details our 4/20/2019 visit with my family.

In the afternoon, on 4/21/2019, after visiting with the in-laws, I got gas alone.

A very friendly female employee, about my age, worked the gas purchase. She tried to “up sell” me a corn dog. I declined, politely. I’d told the in-laws, before leaving, that I needed to “hunt me a corn dog,” but I did eat a bite, before I left their house.

Then, the overly friendly female – on Resurrection Sunday, of all days – tried to “up sell” herself to me! She stated, with a smile and blink, “I can give you whatever you want!” That’s the first pass that any woman has given me, since I acquired bionic body parts, in 2016! That was just funny! Mrs. Appalachian Irishman, however, was not amused, when I told her!

4/27/2019, note: I got 100% gas in west Morristown, after Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and I had a fine time with three good friends and the father of one good friend. By the way, that’s the day that I got a CD stuck in the CD player of my new, ol' truck. Anyone know how to get it out? I’ll pay money for actual help! Yes, it’s still stuck!

(5) 5/05/2019, Sunday, fifth tank: it was a rainy day and two days after the birthday anniversary of one of my good friends. I “love” to fill up the tank in the rain.

(6) 5/11/2019, sixth tank: I had conversed by phone with the man, whose son mows the yard at the homeplace. They're in business together. That was a fine conversation!

(7) 5/18/2019, seventh tank: two days before the fill-up, Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and I celebrated, in the context of routine work days, our thirty-third wedding anniversary at home. Aside from getting gas, on 5/18/2019, we also shop vacuumed the basement and tried to patch a leaking pipe.

(8) 5/25/2019, eighth tank: Mrs. Appalachian Irishman was with me, for the fill-up, in hunt of the prior-stated female flirter! The flirter wasn't there. Before the fill-up, we'd seen a good neighbor and friend, in the ICU. We could only see him at a distance.

(9) 6/01/2019, ninth tank: this was the first day of summer! (I don’t care what anyone else says!) Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and I had a fine visit with our good neighbor and friend and his wife. He was still hospitalized but in a regular room. Several days later, however, he was able to return home, fully recovered!

Then, we got gas, and Mrs. Appalachian Irishman hunted for the flirter! The flirter was there, but Mrs. Appalachian Irishman didn’t spot her. I saw her. I kept my mouth shut! It was just funny!

I still haven’t told Mrs. Appalachian Irishman. I don’t want her to go to jail, for assaulting the flirter! (If she has read this article, she hasn't yet posted a comment!)

Afterward, we went to the IGA. I walked from the IGA to the nearby Dollar General, to get a new beard trimmer. My “bionic” right foot and knee took the pounding but “talked” to me.

(10) 6/09/19 tenth tank: see my 6/9/2019 article – “LIFE CHANGES – HUNT DOWN THE SOB!” – for more details. Today was the eleventh and final “Exxoff” 100% gas fill-up! Mrs. Appalachian Irishman was with me, after we had visited at her folks. The day was cooler, so she stayed in the truck. My flirter was there again! You should have come in the store with me, dear!

Conclusion

My “6/15/2019 GAS UPDATE!” article glorifies my first purchase of 100% gas at the new and improved Weigel's! On 6/29/2019, I filled up at the new store for the third time.

By the way, my flirter doesn’t work at the new Weigel’s!

Here's another point of humor. My desk calendar states that tomorrow (7/1/2019) is “Canada Day.” What the heck it that, and why is it on my “At-A-Glance” calendar?

Also, as a future reference – since only God knows the future, and he keeps the details secret – from 7/4/2019 to 7/7/2019, I have a four-day “retirement” plan. Let’s see what happens!

JUST FOR FUN (published 6-29-2019)

On this, “it’s hot, it’s dang hot,” late Saturday afternoon, you have my post! Ain’t it great!

Today, I did the usual stuff: trash hauling, haircut (a week early), good truck wash, Tractor Supply, get gas, etc. It’s the “usual mundane whatever.”

In the mundane context, there are three points of humor. First, Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and I have the dubious “joy” of providing PRN doggy daycare, for daughter of sister-in-law’s “dogcat,” Pepper. She’s a little dog that acts more like a cat. That “dogcat” isn’t sleeping here over night again! The only time she did, on 3/22-23/2019, was far too traumatic for Molly (our fine, good, regular dog) and us!

Second, a good friend in Arkansas finally figured out that he should reply to my reply to his last e-mail. My reply was barely over a year ago. He’s figuring out the details. I won’t wait a year until I reply to him. It’s just funny! A year, as in a life, is just a blink of an eye anyway. No worries, my good friend!

Third, I sent an online message to a local radio show host, whom I do respect as a fellow Christian, regarding the name of his Sunday TV show. The name is “Anything is Possible.” For fun, I quibbled with him that the show should be named “Anything that is Possible is Possible,” since the logically impossible is not possible!

Oh, just do some research into the classic moral argument for the existence of the God of the Bible or into the atheist’s argument from the so-called problem of evil, which can be turned around on an atheist into an argument for the existence of the God of the Bible.

I would go into more theological and logical detail, but it’s about 5 PM. I’m hungry, and sister-in-law just now arrived to pick up “dogcat!”

THE CHALLENGE STATUS UPDATE (published 6-27-2019)

This is a brief follow up to my 6/23/2019 article that mentioned “the challenge status,” of my interaction with a local atheist group. On 6/26/2019, Wednesday, the atheist show was again on the local TV channel. Mrs. Appalachian Irishman, Molly, and I watched. (Molly wasn’t too interested). The usual boring dribble started.

I almost changed the channel. Just in time, a guy called in! He asked, regarding my 6/19/2019 call in to the show and my debate challenge.

The caller questioned the two atheists – the older man, with whom I’d talked on 6/23/2019, and a younger atheist. He wanted to know the status of my debate challenge.

I listened, in glee, as the older atheist squirmed and made various points of reply. It was grand to watch a caller wonder why the older atheist hasn’t taken the next step yet! The caller was my “devil’s advocate!”

Well, as of this article, I have had no further response from the older atheist. I doubt that I’ll receive one! Who knows? If my “bionic” body can endure the asphalt and concrete, I may surprise the atheists at their local, weekly gathering spot that I know.

My purpose will be to help the atheists toward theism, eventually, to bring them to salvation through Jesus, by God’s grace.

Let’s see what happens!

THE CHALLENGE STATUS & AGE “6” BIRTHDAY SURPRISE! (published 6-23-2019)

The Challenge Status

6/19/2019, Wednesday: Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and I are home -- after my “rich, full” workday and after her final day of a two-day unpaid “training,” during her summer vacation from work.

We’re relaxing, with Molly on the couch between us. Channel surfing found the usual local access channel. The atheist show was on live this time!

Knowing me as I do, I had to call in, again. It’d been a few months since my last call in. I cut to the chase. I offered to engage them in a public, formal debate, with details to be of mutual agreement. Off the air, I swapped e-mail and phone numbers with the main atheist. To my surprise, he called about 9 PM, for about a 20-minute conversation. He seemed interested. He stated that he would post feedback requests from his group, on their websites (one on “Farcebook,” the other an actual site).

I expected to receive an e-mail from the man or, at least, to see where he’d posted his feedback requests on the websites. As of this entry, 6/23/2019, in the evening, I have had no further contact from the gentleman, nor have I seen any website postings.

We’ll see what happens!

Age “6” Birthday Surprise!

On 6/21/2019, Friday, the wife of a good friend, who is also a good friend, attained the age of “6.” (That was one day after my oldest sister-in-law attained Sammy Hagar age. Figure out the song!)

Well, today, we joined many others for a surprise age “6” birthday party for her! A fine time was had by all!

A person attains age “6” only once in a lifetime! Celebrate! We did! (Sorry, I didn't take any photographs.)

HOUSE MOUNTAIN #159 ON GRANNY WOOD’S BIRTHDAY (published 6-16-2019)

On Granny Wood’s birthday anniversary (in 1901) and Father’s Day, I did House Mountain hike #159! (It was hike #23 with “bionic” body parts.) I told you that I would! Enjoy the photos. I didn’t take a photo, as usual, of my new ol' truck. I was distracted, on leaving, by a young man from Alaska. He was using my passenger side truck windows as a mirror, to do whatever he was doing, to get ready to hike. He was a nice young man. Alaska has winter. Russia has winter. I don’t recall, exactly, when we had a winter, a real winter, here!

It’s the usual west bluff photo, with my trusty canteen in the shot. I made the hike up in 33 minutes. Well, before the “bionic” body parts, on a warm day, 25 minutes would be okay. My usual time is about 30 minutes now, with “bionic” body parts. The heat and wiping sweat slowed me down a bit.

This is the middle bluff, looking west/northwest. You’ve seen similar photos before, as I have taken many. I had a good breeze to cool me off. This view is for you, Granny Wood!

I had hiked up the west trail, then across the ridge east, to the middle bluff. I decided to hike the reverse, coming out. The photo above is the same west trail bluff, where you saw my canteen before. I have to take a different route every now and then!