Perusing the Island Packet each morning can be depressing at times with all the bad things going on in our world. But every so often an article is written that "stands out" and should be picked up by the Associated Press and "spread" around the world. The included story by Lee Stokes is one of them.....
Lee Stokes just happens to be from one of my favorite states, Tennessee. There's something homey and wholesome about folks from that state and quite frankly I have never met a person from Tennessee I didn't like. Now I have never met Lee but when I do I am sure to be met with a firm handshake and smiling eyes.
As for the "Story", it touched my heart and brought me back to times when I grew up on a small farm in South West Pennsylvania. All that is left of the farm is an old barn foundation, but till this day, I can smell that special aroma of of just cut hay and Aunt Nellie's home made muffins.
"The beat goes on" and time "flies"....... but I will always remember this story that brought a tear to my eye and spoke to my heart. I will store it away for future Holiday seasons and share it with special friends. Thanks Lee for a "True Tennessee Classic".
Low Country Joe
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Being home for holidays stirs up those fond memories
I just love the holidays and hope you and yours had a meaningful Thanksgiving.
I'm spending the Thanksgiving holiday in Tennessee, getting some well-needed rest and visiting the stomping grounds of my youth. There is a consensus among many of my family members that the time could have been more fruitful had I concentrated more on my books and less on the outdoors. But such was not the case, and many days found me looking for an excuse to escape. With so much to offer, it just seemed a waste of time to be confined within four walls when the entire classroom lay just beyond the schoolyard.
I stopped at the corner, where Mr. Reginald once had a store at this spot. The smells of sawdust and pickles seemed to fill my nostrils once again, and I yearned for days of nickel sodas and peanuts. Down the road a bit stood the remains of Aunt Bertie's house, where we could always grab a slab of pie and cold milk on the way to the fishing hole. It seems odd somehow that so many old chimneys stand alone in fields and on empty lots as if to mark where memories linger.
The sounds of dogs in the distance remind me of Uncle Grover. The man could literally convince a dog to be a retriever, whether it was in the animal's bloodlines or not. I recall a very angry northern gentleman with a champion pointer having a few words with Uncle Grover after one particular hunt. In the laid-back style common to his Southern persuasion, my uncle simply told him, "The dog will do what is in its nature to do; we just have to hope it's the nature we want to pursue." Many good dogs -- from sooners to curs -- were brought to find their true calling under the hand of Uncle Grover.
Time has a way of rushing forward, often with such speed and intensity it's as if we are standing still. But progress fills the void, and reality soon returns us to the present. A lot can be said for those times and for those fortunate enough to have been a part of them. It has been said you can never go home again. Perhaps. But I found my true blessing lies in my heritage, and I am thankful to so many for aiding in my development.
The path may have been one chosen for me long ago, but the decision to follow was mine alone. And for those that were so much a part of the forging, I am truly grateful and will always know the time as the better blessings of my life.

put all of my internet and media adverting....you got it, Europe and Canada. I have been beating the drum re: the Baby Boomer's driving the future market, but for some reason American folks just dont seem to be listening. So....Canadian and English flags will prevail at
On the front page, right under a "Crackdown in Pakistan" is the heading "What's Under Tut's Mask". Featured is a gold pic of Tut's sarcophagus with a closeup of Tut's 3000 year old leathery black face with holes for eyes.....and they just happen to mention the poor nineteen year old kid had buck teeth, like we really need to know....Now it's not the article that starts my blogging instincts a "stir". Actually it was a pretty interesting summary of a guy thats been dead so long. Its the Headline..."What's Under Tuts Mask?"......Daahhhh....It's KING TUT you blithering Associated Press PINHEAD.....who do you think they would find under all that gold ....."Jimmy Hoffa"........