MOTHER'S DAY ON VE DAY (published 5-8-2022; article #321)

Introduction

Happy Mother's Day, on VE Day, y'all! This is my final, fourth, article today. I had written, but not published, the first three yesterday. Molly (our 'ol puppy) had other late afternoon and evening plans!

At 4:48 PM, as I write now, the sun is starting to break through the clouds – finally. Friday was “fun,” with hard rain, then sun, then repeat sequence – all that day. Saturday, at least, was cloudy, with on and off rain. I hope a sunny pattern is starting.

Mother's Day 2022

My article “5/9/2021: MOTHER'S DAY, ON VE DAY (RUSSIA), IN MIDST OF MEMORIAL SERVICE” had placed life in “such as it was” context last year.

This is Mother's Day number twenty-two, since Mom (Betty Lou Wood Ferrell, 11/24/1932 - 12/27/2000) went to see Jesus.

I have written notes on annual calendars for decades. I have saved all the calendars. On my 2000 calendar, I see that Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and I were in Rogersville, with Mom, Dad, and family, at the homeplace – from 5/5/2000, Friday, through 5/12/2000, Friday, when we drove back to our little Knoxville apartment. Before we returned to Knoxville, on 5/12/2000, I had taken Mom to one of her outpatient therapy appointments. On 5/13/2000, I sent Mom a dozen roses. My wife and I were with her family, for her mother (Phyllis Ann House Gordon, 4/10/1941 - 4/30/2017), on Mother's Day (5/14/2000) – which was the birth month and day of Mom's younger brother, Robert Allen Wood (5/14/1939 - 1/18/1941). My wife and I were back in Rogersville, on 5/18/2000 (Thursday). The dozen roses that I had sent Mom, for Mother's Day, were still fresh. On Saturday, 4/15/2000, Mom had been discharged to home! Her 110 days in two hospitals were over! In May 2000, Mom was weak, but she was at home! Hope was abundant then!

On Mother's Day twenty-two without Mom, I remember the events around Mother's Day 2000 – Mom's final Mother's Day on earth. Happy Mother's Day, Mom! You are still the best example of a Christian, whom I have ever known! I love you, Mom!

VE DAY 2022

Did y'all know that today (5/8/2022) is the anniversary of VE Day? History.com has information, in the article, “V-E Day is celebrated in America and Britain,” by History.com Editors, last updated May 3, 2022, original published date November 16, 2009. VE Day is celebrated in Russia, on May 9th annually – as the article mentions and as Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and I remember.

The Moscow Times remains a good source for all news in Russia – especially on the Russian invasion of the Ukraine. The May Day (May first) annual celebrations, in Russia, were limited and included protests against the war. In Moscow, the Victory in Europe events (5/9/2022) are scaled down and will probably involve more protests against the war.

This once great nation does not hold annual VE Day celebrations (or very few, if any), sadly. The sacrifice of allied soldiers should be honored every year. The Russians still do that – despite Putin's invasion of the Ukraine. Many Russians oppose that invasion.

I pray that this once great nation and Russia would return, or turn for the first time, to biblically-based morality, which comes from God. If so, at least much of the current chaos would cease.

Conclusion

My Mom was a peacemaker. I have tried to be as well. On this Mother's Day on VE DAY 2022, may peace on earth come, as millions of individuals, around the globe, get right with the Good Lord and change their ways!

My fourth article is complete. Mrs. Appalachian Irishman is mashing potatoes. I'm hungry. Thanks for reading today! Y'all keep turnin' right and goin' straight out there!

INCARNATIONS IN WORLD RELIGIONS - GRAVESIDE DEBATE (published 5-8-2022; article #320)

Introduction

This is my third article today. My next and final article will be about Mother's Day on Victory in Europe Day. The USSA still celebrates Mother's Day (or “birthing person” day, as some ungodly socialists call it – incorrectly). The USSA gives Victory in Europe (VE) Day a passing glance annually.

In my Good Friday, April 15, 2022, article, I wrote, for 4/14/2022, Thursday, “the graveside service for aunt Mona was at 1 PM.” A first cousin, of my wife, on her mother's side, was at the graveside service.

This male, first cousin to my wife, has a mind for intellectual discussion and debate – in an aggravating sense. He does not have self-confidence problems. In fact, he thinks himself to be a man of profound brilliance – smarter than anyone else near him. Over the decades, I have enjoyed several occasions, in which I have taken him down a few notches, intellectually. It's not bragging. It's just facts.

Graveside Debate on 4/14/2022

After the graveside service, for aunt Mona, this man (older by a few years) struck up a conversation with me. The conversation started with the honoring of Mona Beckner, appropriately. As I suspected, he switched gears, into a conversation on morality, politics, and theology. I, of course, was prepared to engage him, in this, inappropriate, graveside debate. He started it. I had to stand my ground.

Morality

The recent news -- regarding the leaked USSA “Supreme” Court document that could overturn Roe v. Wade -- had not started yet. The man had started the conversation on the state of morality in this once great nation. We seemed to agree that folks need to return to biblically-based morality that originates in God – the Divine Supreme Lawgiver.

The man stated that the murdering of unborn children (euphemistically called abortion) was wrong. We agreed. He stated, however, that those who affirm the “right to life” do not help mothers, who carry their unborn children in their wombs. I disagreed and cited various groups that are known, which affirm life and provide various services to women, who carry life inside their wombs.

Of course, the man starts a debate on a topic of close agreement. He then builds to topics of disagreement, in his effort to “educate” those, who are not as “educated” as he is. I knew the pattern.

By the way, the murdering of unborn children is an evil that has been in this once great nation, since 1973. I hope that it is about to end.

Politics

The next debate topic, as the man continued to build to his main debate topic, was on politics – especially on socialism. He was surprised that I knew that the USSA government was socialist, in many areas. The man thinks that socialism is the “utopia” for the people.

I cited the five years that Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and I lived in Russia (10/1/1994 to 9/30/1999). I used my coined phrase, “Socialist Utopian Oblivion,” to his amazement. The man seems to be ready for that oblivion. I am not. We did not agree.

Theology

That debate topic brought us to his final debate topic – theology, specifically on “incarnations.” I kept trying to turn the conversation with this man to spiritual matters, for his everlasting benefit. The discussions on morality and politics were side tracks. I don't know if this man is ready everlastingly. I don't think that he is.

The man indicated that the incarnation of God the Word, who became the God-man, Jesus the Christ, was the final incarnation of God. He argued that “god” had incarnated himself, in many forms, such as Buddha, the Dalai Lama, Viṣṇu, etc. The man attempted, as usual, to “overwhelm” me with his knowledge on the topic.

I stood my defensive ground. I enabled the man to understand that I have studied world religions. I had known, for decades, what he thought that he was “teaching” me. Several “incarnation” myths predate the fact of the Incarnate Word. At one point, in the man's continued affirmative, I retorted, “Cite your sources!” Some of his claims are not substantiated, as I know. The man didn't ask me to cite my sources. I, however, do so, in the next heading.

“Cite Your Sources!”

In this heading, I cite my sources. I reference only website sources. You can read them, as you decide to do so.

On incarnation, the Encyclopedia.com article “Incarnation” (by John Haught, updated 6/8/2018) defines the term “incarnation,” explains its usage, and provides information on “incarnations,” in the various world religions. The article is informative only. It does not argue for or against any world religion.

On world religions, the online learning platform, Course Hero, has a “World Religions” course that has very good information, which I have known for decades. The course lists and explains the world religions, without arguing one over the other. The course is informative only.

Of worthy note, to a Christian apologist, Answers in Genesis has a “World Religions” topic section that references several articles, on the various world religions. By starting their, one can “dig a little deeper,” as needed. The articles affirm, validly and soundly, the facts that prove the incarnation of the eternal God, the Word, who became the Christ – as the only true incarnation.

From Apologetics Press, I read, again, the following articles, which I had read years ago.

“Jesus Christ–Unique Savior or Average Fraud? [Part I],” by Kyle Butt, M.Div., AP Staff, Reason & Revelation, Deity of Christ, Divine Life and Doctrine, from issue R&R Volume 21 #2, published February 1, 2001. The article cites several incarnation myths, with references. Each alleged incarnation is established as myth.

“Jesus Christ–Unique Savior or Average Fraud? [Part II],” by Kyle Butt, M.Div., AP Staff, Reason & Revelation, Deity of Christ, Divine Life and Doctrine, from issue R&R Volume 21 #3, published March 1, 2001. The article concludes that the Incarnate Word, who became flesh, as Jesus the Christ, is faith based on facts.

“Why Christianity? Why the Bible?” by Kippy Myers, Ph.D., Reason & Revelation, Doctrinal Matters, Faith and Reason, published January 31, 1994. The article compares world religions, establishes the credibility of the biblical record, and affirms Judeo-Christian – as the only true religion.

Conclusion

My wife's first cousin, on her mother's side, affirmed, proudly, that he has read The Koran. He was surprised, when I told him that I have had a copy of The Koran for decades. I have read much of it – until I grew tired of its repetition and its copying from the Old Testament in the Bible. He also knows that I have had a copy of the Bhagavad-Gita, since my first short-term mission trip to India (in 1989). I have read some of it. It reads as mythology. By God's grace, I led several Muslims and Hindus to Christ. I was trying to convert my wife's cousin to Christ. I planted seeds, again, at least.

At the conclusion of my Good Friday, April 15, 2022, article, I wrote:

Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life. He asked Martha if she believed him. I am sure that Martha did. Aunt Mona Beckner did. She enjoys the heavenly bliss of many, who have gone on before her.

Do you believe? Resurrection Day is coming!

At the conclusion of the inappropriate graveside debate, on 4/14/2022, I looked my wife's first cousin in the eyes, shook his hand, called him by his first name, and said, “keep turning right and going straight!” (It was my way of trying to encourage him to salvation in Christ.) He looked down, at his shoes, as he shook my hand. He said nothing. He would not look me in the eye. I walked back to our truck, where Mrs. Appalachian Irishman was waiting.

Do you believe, cousin-in-law? Resurrection Day is coming! It is not blind faith. It is faith based on facts that I can prove.

MAY THE FOURTH BE WITH YOU (published 5-8-2022; article #319)

Introduction

Were you tired of the “may the fourth be with you” jokes on 5/4/2022? I thought that they were funny.

May the Fourth 2016

In my 3/29/2021 article, “MY 'BIONIC' JOURNEY, SO FAR: 3/29/2016 to 3/29/2021,” I wrote:

As in Star Wars, “May the 4th be with you!” On May 4th, my 15 days at Patricia Neal Rehabilitation Center were done. I could manage to transition from wheelchair to our 2008 Honda Civic passenger side, with painful effort trying to move my right leg, from knee down, forward enough to fit inside the car. (The seat was back as far as it could go.) I was home. It felt good. I was inside. I could see Molly (our 'ol puppy) through the windows. Family, friends, and neighbors started to visit, at certain times.

My stage one (3/29/2016 – 5/4/2016; 36 days in two hospitals) was over. I moved on to stage two.

May the 4th 2022

May the 4th 2022 was a Wednesday. My '06 Nissan Frontier and I had endured the drive to and from the “Hadean Realm” office, on Monday and Tuesday. I worked at home – doing the same job – Wednesday through Friday. It's the new normal that started, for me, on 4/11/2022.

On May the 4th 2022, I remembered May the 4th 2016. I am glad that I endured stage one. I am still in stage four (life, “such as it is,” continues).

Conclusion

Well, this was my “somewhat humorous,” second, article today. The next (third) article today will be theologically profound.

May the force of God be with y'all! The force of God -- as well as family, friends, and neighbors – still sustains me, in my ongoing “multi-trauma” recovery. I am in my sixth year of healing.

Thanks, Mrs. Appalachian Irishman, for all your help! I know that you forgive my glib Irish tongue, when my 'bionics' aggravate me – especially since Friday. Why does my non-bionic right shoulder bother me? Is it a crossover reaction, again? God, please, by your providential force, help me endure yet another “fun 'bionic' moment!” I've had enough of them! I'm used to them. I am still standing! I ain't breathing hard!

ADVANCE KNOX PSYCHOBABBLE UPDATE: CRICKETS STILL CHIRP (published 5-8-2022; article #318)

Introduction

Greetings! In my first 5/1/2022 article, one of the four sub-sections – for Tuesday, 3/29/2022 – was on “Advance Knox Psychobabble.” I need to dedicate this complete article to the topic. Yes, I know. It's another “poly-tics” (many ticks) article. I apologize. I must write this one, to get it off my mind.

With regret to my readers, who are not in Knox County, Tennessee, this article is not relevant – except for your passing interest. To my Knox County readers, you are welcome to read – to join the struggle – and to protect your interests – as I am doing. You are welcome to share this article, as long as you cite this source.

As a side note, during the afternoon of 5/7/2022, my website article views, at that moment in time, for the last seven days had included: United States 176. Russia 87. Germany 22. Sweden 13. France 10. Poland 8. Netherlands 6. Belgium 5. Saudi Arabia 5. Ukraine 5. Czechia 4. United Kingdom 4. Hungary 4. Austria 2. Belarus 2. Spain 2. Israel 2. Luxembourg 2. Canada 1. Other (not known) 8. That is 368 views in seven days, or just over 52 daily. In April 2022, my total views were 1,900, which is about my usual, monthly viewer total.

The Psychobabble, since 5/1/2022 (May Day, Sunday)

On 5/1/2022, via https://advanceknox.org/comments, I entered the following “Public Input:”

From a section in my website (appalachianirishman.com) article, 5/1/22: "On 4/4/22, I replied to the 4/4/22 email that I had received, from contact@advanceknox.org. I stated, as I had requested, in the 3/29/22 virtual meeting, that I was still awaiting a phone call from those folks. I had and have requested phone conversation with Advance Knox. As of this date, Advance Knox has not called me. The crickets chirp only."

On 5/6/2022, at 5:17 PM, via the same “Public Input” website, I entered the following:

See my 5/1/2022 comment. On 5/3/2022, a gentleman left me voice mail, when I could not answer. On 5/4/2022, I left the gentleman two voice mails. On 5/5/22, I emailed the gentleman. On 5/6/2022, I received a generic email from Advance Knox (which was probably sent to many). Later, on 5/6/2022, I replied to the Advance Knox email, with copy to the gentleman, whose "read receipt" I have seen. SO, WHEN WILL ANYONE CALL ME, again, for a CONVERSATION BY PHONE? Crickets still chirp. My "Appalachian Irishman" website may write about this -- if I have the interest to do so. I have local and international readers. My website started in 03/2006.

On 5/6/2022, at 9:37 PM, I received the gentleman's email reply, to my 5/5/2022 email to him. Apparently, he plans to call me, on 5/9/2022, Monday, at 9:30 AM. (I replied to his 5/6/2022 email to me, regarding my anticipation of his 5/9/2022 call to me.) I assume that my 3/29/2022 request for phone conversation will, finally, be completed. We will see.

Advance Knox (Layers of Bureaucracy)

This section details the Advance Knox bureaucracy (including government and non-government entities or individuals). The information, below, is cited exactly, from Advance Knox, “Project Overview,” “Who's Involved.” I added the links, for “Consultants” and “Staff” – since the Advance Knox website does not contain the links. I did the research. If you click the five “Consultants” links, you will find their physical locations and several details. My notes are underlined and in blue font color.

Project Overview

This 18-month process will be the first time Knox County has created an integrated land use and transportation plan, and it has the potential to be transformative.

It is crucial that this plan be built on the values, needs, and aspirations of people throughout the county, and be supported by good data. There will be multiple opportunities for community input and feedback throughout the process.

Who's Involved

Consultants

Process leadership, expertise

Kimley-Horn and Planning NEXT will facilitate the process and share experience from other successful communities. Cannon & Cannon, Ninigret Partners, and Urban 3 will provide technical and subject matter expertise.

Staff

Coordination

Staff from Knox County and Knoxville-Knox County Planning will support and help coordinate the work of all other groups and provide local knowledge and expertise.

Advisory Committee

Process, substance, and community outreach

A diverse group of community members that will provide guidance on the process and substance of the plan and will serve as community advocates.

[My note: twenty six “Members” are listed.]

Technical Committee

Local subject matter experts and advisors

A group of community members with specific technical knowledge that will provide direction at major milestones in the process.

[My note: fifteen “Representatives” are listed.]

Subcommittees

Topical direction

Two subcommittees, focused on schools and utilities, and composed of members of the Advisory Committee and technical committee, will provide input and direction related to those topics.

[My note: nine “Utilities Subcommittee Representatives” are listed. One “School Subcommittee Representatives” (sic) is listed.]

Stakeholders

Targeted input

Additional topical focus groups will be convened to inform specific aspects of the plan. These groups include business leaders, neighborhood associations, real estate professionals and developers, education professionals, students, and others.

Public

Input and feedback

Community participation is vital to the plan’s success. Three rounds of input opportunities and online tools will offer a variety of different ways for the community to give input throughout the process.

Elected Officials

Monitor and adopt

County Commission will monitor the process through input and periodic briefings with the expectation to formally adopt the final plan. The Commission will have a central role in implementation through regulatory updates or funding allocations.

Advance Knox is a process to prepare a land use and transportation plan for Knox County that is informed by research and community input.

For additional information or general inquiries, please direct emails to contact@advanceknox.org.

In summary, the Advance Knox “Who's Involved” includes fifty-eight entities and individuals – not including the unnumbered “Stakeholders,” “Public,” and “Elected Officials.” I am one of the “public” involved!

Knoxville-Knox County Planning (started in 1956)

The Knoxville-Knox County Planning is one of the two “Staff,” listed above, for Advance Knox. I “dug a little deeper in the well,” on those bureaucrats.

From their website, Knoxville-Knox County Planning was “established in 1956 by Knoxville and Knox County,” as authorized by “Title 13 of the Tennessee Code.” They started before I was born. I wonder why they did not plan to stop the various planning disasters that caused the many known interstate and highway “malfunctions” in Knoxville and Knox County – over their last sixty plus years of “planning.”

From the archives at Knoxville-Knox County Planning, the “Knoxville-Knox County General Plan 2033” is found. It is a 77-page PDF file, which I have downloaded and saved on my home computer. The plan was “Adopted by: Knoxville-Knox County Metropolitan Planning Commission, April 10, 2003. Knoxville City Council, May 12, 2003. Knox County Commission, May 27, 2003. Amended by the Knoxville-Knox County Park, Recreation and Greenways Plan adopted by MPC on July 9, 2009, by County Commission on January 25, 2010, and by City Council on January 26, 2010.”

I have read or skimmed through the 77-page PDF plan. This 30-year plan started on 4/10/2003 (the birth month and day of my deceased mother-in-law). The plan is nineteen years old. It has eleven more years of life, until, as I speculate, the bureaucrats extend its life.

Knoxville-Knox County Planning is a bureaucracy inside, and separate from, the Advance Knox bureaucracy. I have had to break through many spider webs, on many hikes.

(Free download via pixabay.com. Image by Marina Rabazova.)

I understand bureaucratic spider webs. As a man of practical common sense, I do not understand why the bureaucratic spider webs exist – except to perpetuate themselves – and to provide salaries for the bureaucrats.

Conclusion

The Advance Knox bureaucrats do not have the ability to honor my 3/29/2022 request, to be contacted by phone – unless I push the correct buttons – to encourage them. My frustration is apparent.

So, on 5/9/2022, Monday, at 9:30 AM, I will know if an Advance Knox bureaucrat honors my 3/29/2022 request – to be contacted by phone. Six weeks of waiting for a phone call is too long – even for bureaucrats! Advance Knox needs to expedite its ability to return phone calls, in a timely manner – not taking six weeks to do so. Until Monday, the crickets are cornered and still chirping.

(Free download via pixabay.com by Marc Pascual.)

Don't worry, y'all! This is the first of four articles today. The second one will be somewhat humorous and brief. The third one will be theologically profound. The final article will be for Mother's Day (on VE Day).

“DEVIL'S NOSE,” by WINNIE SEALS (published 5-1-2022; article #317)

Introduction

My first article today was one rough draft that I finally finished. This is my second rough draft that I am finishing today.

The context: the fourth anniversary of the passing of my mother-in-law (Phyllis Ann House Gordon, 4/10/1941 - 4/30/2017) was yesterday. The celebratory article that I wrote yesterday helped Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and even her family survive the sad memory of my mother-in-law's passing.

One of the four sub-sections, in my first article today, was on CHS Yearbook. I was too late to have my website advertisement added to the 2022 Yearbook. I did, however, donate the price of a Yearbook, for a student, who could not afford one. Winnie (Winn) Seals and I conversed by phone, on 3/29/2022, as folks from Hawkins County Tennessee do. She is a teacher at Cherokee High School and a member of their Yearbook staff.

We both have an interest in Devil's Nose – in Hawkins County. If you search by my Topic Section on “Devil's Nose,” you will find five articles that I have written, over the years.

Winnie (Winn) Seals emailed me her painting of Devil's Nose, in two images, and her poem, “Devil's Nose.” Winnie (Winn) Seals granted me permission, on 3/29/2022, to publish her painting and poem, citing her full name, in a future article, once I got around to writing it. Well, Winn, here it is! I will email you after I publish this article, as I promised, on 3/29/2022!

Winn Seals' Devil's Nose Painting

In her second 3/29/2022 email to me Winnie (Winn) Seals wrote, “here is my work from Devil's Nose Inspiration.” I am inspired. I hope that my readers are.

Winn Seals' “Devil's Nose” Poem

Devil’s Nose

Sunlight breaks through the clouds

Revealing a mountain peak.

Sloping up from the valley below.

A crooked nose

Seen from far away.

 

At the foot of the summit

The valley hovers in its shadow.

 

Over two centuries ago

When the valley was settled

Folks made the climb.

 

The long trek up the bridge of the nose

Ascends in a challenging slant.

Crosses a shallow stream.

 Clamber.

  Stumble.

   A rugged trail.

 

Near the top of the trail

It ends in a flat surface.

 Peaceful.

  Tranquil.

   God’s place.

 

An early traveler once asked,

“What’s the mountain's name?”

The mountain pioneer replied,

“The Devil knows.”

– Winn Ann Seals

The origin of the name of Devil's Nose mountain is a mystery. One theory is in Winnie Seals' poem. The mountain, viewed from the east, looks like a crooked nose, as Winn's poem mentions. Another theory is that someone hiked Devil's Nose and never returned. The question, many decades ago, was “where did he go?” The reply was, “the devil knows.”

My hiking record, which I started tracking on 4/23/2000, lists ten hikes on Devil's Nose, from 2/16/2002 to 11/29/2013. My “bionic” life that started on 3/29/2016 has forestalled my next hike on Devil's Nose – for now!

Conclusion

When will I hike Devil's Nose again? God only knows!

Thank you, Winnie Seals, for allowing me to share your painting image and poem on my website. It took me a while to get to it, in “life, such as it was,” context. You are welcome to reprint or publish this article, by any means, as you desire. Let's get a group together, for a Devil's Nose hike, this fall! As of today, I have six “Devil's Nose” articles in my Topic Section!

LIFE, 'SUCH AS IT WAS,' LATE MARCH 2022 TO 4-1-2022: Coat Hanger, China Test Kits for China Virus, 'Bionic' 6-Year Anniversary, Vietnam War Veterans Day, Advance Knox Psychobabble, CHS Yearbook, National Atheists' Day (published 5-1-2022; article #316)

Introduction (5/1/2022, Sunday)

Happy May Day, y'all! See my article “5/1/2021, SATURDAY, MAY DAY: TRIBUTE TO A FINE OFFICER (Published 5/8/2021, Saturday, VE Day),” for May Day details. I doubt that many Russians are celebrating May Day today. See my Sunday, March 20, 2022, article. I still keep up with all the sad details of the Russian invasion of the Ukraine.

I have a backlog of rough draft articles and some articles that are in my mind only. This writer must get some of the backlog published and out of my mind!

Initial Introduction (4/3/2022, Sunday)

On Sunday, 4/3/2022, at 4:20 PM, as I had begun to write, I had wondered why I didn't hike that weekend. The weather had been right. My last hike was on House Mountain (hike #178, #42 “bionic”), on 4/18/2021. See my 4/25/2021 article. I decided to take a hiking sabbatical, for fall and winter 2021 - 2022 hiking. I could have hiked several times. I chose to focus on my website articles instead. I haven't stopped hiking – yet! My “bionic” body can still enjoy a good hike!

This article catches up on most of the “life, such as it was,” in late March 2022 to 4/1/2022. This is a long article. If you become bored, you are welcome to stop reading. I almost didn't publish this article. I wanted to get this into my journal, here, despite the passing of aunt Mona Beckner. (See my 4/10/2022 article.) Life must move on – until we, who are ready, join her, and so many others, at Home.

3/27, Sunday: Coat Hanger

Do you see the coat hanger, on the right (southwest) window? I modified the coat hanger, of course. That's the master's bedroom window, where Mrs. Appalachian Irishman sleeps also. The view looks south, toward our “back 40.” I took the photograph, on 3/27/2022, Sunday afternoon.

The plastic rod that adjusts the blinds had broken many moons ago. I had been adjusting the blinds by hand. Mrs. Appalachian Irishman, being vertically impaired, could not do so. My coat hanger adjustment rod works just fine! It's how a country boy uses his improvisation skills!

I thought that you would laugh!

3/28, Monday: China Test Kits for China Virus

On Monday, 3/28/2022, Mrs. Appalachian Irishman granted me permission to write the details in this section.

See my 1/23/2022 article on aunt Mona, to set the context. Mrs. Appalachian Irishman felt sickly, on 1/23/2022, Sunday. She didn't work the next day.

For historical context, my Dad (Earl Ferrell, 9/17/1927 - 1/25/2008) left this world on January 25, 2008. On 1/25/2022, my wife took a made in China home test, for the China virus. She tested positive. She stayed home and off work the rest of that week. My wife had the usual symptoms of a bad cold. She consulted her PCP, by phone. She didn't need any prescriptions. She took care of herself, at home, with some help from me. I worked at home all that week, since I had been exposed to the China virus. I felt fine.

On 1/29/2022, I bought a made in China test kit, at the local CVS. That's the sales receipt, in the above photograph. The other made in China test kits were “free,” provided by the USSA government – via a family member. Of course, the USSA government bought the “free” test kits from China – since the kits are made in China.

On 1/30/2022, Sunday, Mrs. Appalachian Irishman felt well enough. She took another made in China test. She tested positive again. Her PCP had told her that she would test positive for a few months. She went back to her work-a-day world the next day.

On 2/1/2022, Tuesday, and again, on 2/21/2022, Monday, Presidents' Day, I tested negative twice, using made in China tests, for the China virus. Aside from a mild case of “the snots,” I felt fine. Either I have had the China virus, when I didn't know it, or I am immune naturally.

Interestingly, Mrs. Appalachian Irishman had the first (two-round) China virus immunization series (2/24/21, 3/26/21). She had the booster immunization (12/28/21). (Note: Mom, Betty Wood Ferrell, 11/24/1932 - 12/27/2000, became ill on 12/28/1999.) My wife, despite the immunizations, still came down with the China virus. I have never taken a China virus immunization. I have not yet had the China virus – unless I did but treated it as a minor cold.

I'd glad that you are recovered fully, from a bad cold, dear! Thanks for allowing me to publish these details! Love you! Mean it!

3/29, Tuesday, Includes Four Sub-Sections

3/29/2022, Tuesday, needs four sub-sections. Yes, it was a “rich, full” day.

'Bionic' 6-Year Anniversary

The reading of my 8/26/2016 article, “I’M STILL ALIVE – WHY? (Published 8/26/2016),” will set the context. Over the last six years, I have mentioned “my bionic life,” a few times.

At least I worked at home, on the sixth anniversary of “my bionic life!” When I work at the office, I pass, going and returning, “the kill spot,” where my '95 Nissan pickup died and where I almost died, on 3/29/2016. That was a Tuesday also. I remember.

Vietnam War Veterans Day

I had heard about Vietnam War Veterans Day. I had forgotten about it, on 3/29/2022. The following are quotes from the websites cited.

“National Vietnam War Veterans Day is acknowledged on March 29 every year, honoring anyone who served during its 20-year time.” “It was President Donald Trump who signed the Act on March 29, calling for U.S. flags to be flown on this day to honor everyone who served during this time, whether they were in Vietnam or not.” “. . . it was founded in 2017.” (Source: https://nationaltoday.com/national-vietnam-war-veterans-day/.)

“The Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017 was signed into law by 45th U.S. President Donald J. Trump, designating every March 29 as National Vietnam War Veterans Day.”(Source: https://www.vietnamwar50th.com/about/national_vietnam_war_veterans_day/.)

S.305 – Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017 is available, in full detail at https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/senate-bill/305/text.

Welcome home, to all Vietnam War Veterans. This once great nation honors you. I wish that this once great nation would live in honor of your sacrifices.

Advance Knox Psychobabble

Advance Knox (https://advanceknox.org/about) is some type of Knox County Tennessee government initiative, as far as I can figure out. They want to do great stuff for the county, so they claim. During my lunch, while working at home, on 3/29/2022, I attended a “virtual” meeting on the Interweb.

The organizers asked us to enter our points of view on various topics. I, as others, did. The meeting appeared to be a way for those folks to gather demographic and opinion research only. I asked that an organizer call our landline later that day or soon. I wanted to talk to someone, by phone at least. I was assured that I would be called.

On 4/4/22, I replied to the 4/4/22 email that I had received, from contact@advanceknox.org. I stated, as I had requested, in the 3/29/22 virtual meeting, that I was still awaiting a phone call from those folks. I had and have requested phone conversation with Advance Knox. As of this date, Advance Knox has not called me. The crickets chirp only.

The bottom line is that Knox County will not turn farm land, in our area, into “McMansion” subdivisions! Various Interweb groups stand against it. I am a “virtual” participant in Gibbs Planning Advocates – GPA (via https://www.kcpa.us/post/gibbs-post-meeting-follow-up). We will see what these Advance Knox taxpayer-funded bureaucrats do. Will they listen? Who knows, at this stage.

CHS Yearbook

I had wanted to place an advertisement, for this website, in the 2022 Cherokee High School Yearbook. Cherokee High School is in my hometown. I was too late, but I did converse, by email and phone, with a fine instructor at the school, on 3/29/2022.

This fine instructor emailed me her painting of Devil's Nose and her poem titled “Devil's Nose.” I have permission to share them, in a future website article. I plan to do so. I have not had the time to do so yet.

4/1, Friday: National Atheists' Day

April the first, annually, is called “April Fools' Day. I prefer to call it National Atheists' Day.

“The fool hath said in his heart, there is no God” (Psa. 14:1, 53:1, KJV). Atheism is a foolish notion. I affirm my written words, in my Friday, 4/2/2021, article “ATHEISTS' DAY, GOOD FRIDAY, RESURRECTION SUNDAY.”

I have helped several atheists on their journey to find salvation – especially in Russia. To any atheist readers, you are welcome to contact me. I will debate – in an effort to convert you – if you are interested.

Conclusion

On Good Friday, 4/15/2022, I had written: Resurrection Sunday is coming! This temporal “life, such as it is,” events – some good and some not good – will be placed in the context of everlasting life – eventually.

“But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Cor. 15:57-58 KJV).

Read the entire 15th chapter, by the inspired apostle Paul. At aunt Mona Beckner's funeral (4/13/2022) and gravesite (4/14/2022), the godly minister read from that chapter.