Gayle Crabtree.com

Address plaques make receiving deliveries easier

2012-02-08T20:53:00.000-05:00

A realization hit me as when I pulled into the driveway the other day. I could not see any numbers on our house to indicate what the address is. It's a relatively small thing to most people but it is a pet peeve of mine. Anyone who has ever delivered pizzas, packages or flowers can tell you how helpful those house numbers are.

Most people will agree that ordering pizza or getting other deliveries is fun. However; there is an even more important reason to have bronze address plaques or other numbers clearly visible from the street. If you ever need help, emergency workers need to be able to quickly find your house. The best way to do that may be to have residential address plaques clearly visible on your home or in your yard.

Mailboxes are almost always well numbered. I don't know if emergency services personnel had the same problems identifying houses that I did. There would often be a cluster of mailboxes and each one would be appropriately numbered. However, there was nothing to help me identify any particular house.

This situation almost always meant phoning the customer for more information. Where I live, pizza delivery isn't an option but an emergency could happen at anytime. I think I'll be checking into options and personalized address plaques very soon.

UK flats available on Lettingweb

2012-02-06T22:44:00.000-05:00

Are you about to be an exchange student to the U.K.? Is your business causing you to travel frequently to Glasgow, Edinburgh or Aberdeen? Do you just want a change of pace? If so, you may want to know about Lettingweb.com. The site can help you find long term or short term accommodations. It is also a potential resource for anyone who wants to experience an extended holiday.

Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland and there almost isn't anything that it doesn't offer. Museums, business, shopping and a research-led, international university are just a few of the attractions that are waiting for you. As you can imagine, there are plenty of flats to rent Glasgow that can put you close to the City Centre or any other area.

If Glasgow isn't your style, then you may want to check for flats to rent Edinburgh. Whatever your taste or need you can probably find it in Edinburgh. It is the capitol and second largest city in Scotland and it is the second most visited destination in the United Kingdom. There are lots of reasons to live here and play here.

Aberdeen is another city in Scotland with lots to offer. There is a low unemployment rate and a mild oceanic climate. A long coastline, two universities, oil industry, fishing, textiles and tourism are only a few reasons that make people want to live here. Public transportation and trains are readily available. Lettingweb.com has the scoop on flats to rent Aberdeen.

When you are new to a town, renting instead of buying is a good idea. This allows you to take the time to choose the right area for you.

My sympathy to the family of Susan Cox Powell

2012-02-06T20:41:00.003-05:00

My sympathy goes out to the family of Susan Cox Powell. She has been missing for some time. Her family reports that information has been shared by recently by her two little boys. They say that the information indicates that she may have been the victim of domestic violence. No parent/grandparent should ever have to live with this.

Now, we they will never get the answers that they deserve. Her husband Josh Powell, blew up their Utah home. The blast not only destroyed the home but killed their two young sons. Reports are that the houses nearby were rocked and debris was found scattered for a wide area.

I cannot imagine living with this horror and pray I never do. It has to be worse, than the worst nightmare of any parent or family member. My heartfelt sympathies go out to the Cox family. May you one day find your daughter.

Links
National Domestic Violence Helpline

Summer swimming pool memories

2012-02-05T22:22:00.000-05:00

When I was a kid I used to love to go to my cousin's home to swim in the pool. The cool water was perfect on a hot sunny day. I never was able to just get my feet wet and slowly work my way up to acclimate to the water.

Why do that when a big splash can get you adjusted to the water a lot faster? One dive was all it took to get used to the water and I loved the way it felt when my body would tingled all over with sudden chill bumps. After awhile it would be time to get out of the pool. I would wait until I dried off and started to get warm, and then I'd do it again.

My aunt used to fuss a little and worry. She would feign concern about the size of the splashes and whether or not we would leave any water in the pool. My cousins and I would play swimming pool games like Marco Polo all afternoon.

As a kid, I didn't have to worry about shopping for pool supplies or which chemicals to use. Instead, life was all about lazy summer afternoons spent with family and friends.

My cousin had all these neat pool accessories like toys, other types of water games and even floats. We had lots of fun with the floats. One of us would get settled. Then, just about the time that we would get relaxed the other would turn the float over. These were among the childhood memories that I enjoy the most.

Wife can't make decisions

2012-02-02T16:02:00.000-05:00

Contribution by Terrance Kirby

My wife cannot make a decision to save her life. I don’t know why and I don’t even want to try and understand it. It was not always like this. When we first started dating, she was the dominate one. She knew exactly what she wanted and she was going to get it. I don’t know what happened or even when it happened, but now she is the complete opposite. She can’t choose a restaurant or a movie. She can’t even pick which one of the texas electricity providers to use. These are not hard decisions and to be honest they don’t even matter. I could understand struggling with the hard decisions. I could even understand wanting to do more research on some, but she doesn’t even do that. When you ask her to pick, she looks at you like a deer in headlights. I wish I knew what to do to help her. I want to be a good husband, but I get so annoyed that it is hard to be helpful.

I miss our former tax preparer

2012-02-01T03:18:00.002-05:00

Tax season is almost here... again. Unlike work or school the one thing that no one gets out of is taxes. The problem is that filling out forms and preparing paperwork is confusing. There is always a long line at the post office on the last day that the paperwork can be postmarked. Every year people put it off until the last minute. The good news is that it doesn't have to be that way.

If you have ever thought about taking matters into your own hands now may be the time. I spoke with someone once who gave me an idea that may be worth sharing. She said that she had gotten tired of going to tax preparers that she didn't know so she started looking around. That's when she got the idea of taking a tax class and learn how to prepare the returns herself.

The Internal Revenue Service has some pretty strict requirements for anyone who wants to get a tax preparer certification. In addition to taking classes, everyone who prepares taxes must register with the IRS, pay a fee and meet continuing education requirements.

Working on forms is not my forte'. I can sometimes do it but not very well. However, it must have worked out well for the lady that I spoke with. She was sitting on one side of the desk and I was sitting on the other side with a wad of papers in my hand.

We stopped seeing her for our taxes when we moved away a few years ago. She sold her office and retired soon after we relocated. I think about her every year when the tax forms start rolling in from the employers.

Where to find coupons on baby products

2012-01-31T23:58:00.001-05:00

As a mom, I remember well the days of looking for the best deals on diapers and formula. At first, my mother and grandmother liked to give me a hard about going through the newspapers for coupons on baby products.

That all changed when they saw how the savings racked all. One trip to the store was enough to convince them. After that they were both on the coupon treasure hunt with me.

The coupons were a little difficult to find at first. Couponing is much more popular now than it ever has been before but you still have to learn where to look. Once you learn find them you may discover an almost never ending supply.

Here are a few of the tips and strategies that I used to find coupons on baby products. You can use these same tips to find coupons on virtually anything. Here are a few places to look first.

Online

These days, finding free printable coupons on baby products is as easy as turning on the computer. All you do is type the name of the item into the search bar. Next, add the the word 'coupons' and hit enter. I just a few seconds a long list of sites will appear. Sift through the links until you find the savings that you want and click print.

Manufacturers websites

Be sure to check these sites for coupons. You may have to join and email club or 'like' a page on a social networking site to snag the deals. This will generally put you on a list and allow you to receive coupons on baby products on a regular basis. The savings come to you, instead of the other way around.

Newspapers

Online is the first place to check these days. Newspapers are still an excellent source for all kinds of money saving coupons on baby products. Call the newspapers in your town to ask when circulars with coupons are distributed. While you are calling, don't overlook the smaller papers. They may be able to help. Staff in classified advertisements or circulation may be able to help.

Doctors offices

Keep your eye open for coupons at the registration desk, check-out and on the waiting room tables. Supplies may be limited but targeted. This was a great source of savings on diapers, wipes, formula and lots of other baby supplies.

Product samples

You tried a sample once and may want to start using the product regularly. What better incentive than to include coupons on baby products inside a sample? It's a little extra incentive to buy the item on your next trip to the store.

Friends

Recruit friends to help. They are generally glad to share coupons that they won't use. Swapping back and forth isn't just a good way to save money but it's a great way to build a relationship with another parent.

Former coach arrested 3 times; now in jail

2012-01-27T16:04:00.001-05:00

Why is a pedophile not locked up? WATE is reporting about a former coach who seems to have been arrested for the third time - since December 2011! The article says that he has been accused of inappropriate relations with players and for violating an order of protection - twice. The latest arrest stems from an appearance that he made at the workplace of one of his former players.

This guy is a former teacher. One might suppose that if he has the brains to get a college degree, he is smart enough to comprehend the meaning of the word 'no'. As in:

No, it is not appropriate to even think about having inappropriate relations with kids.
No, it is not okay to violate an order of protection.

Injustices done to kids like this make me want to scream. Fortunately, the scumbag is now in custody and awaiting to appear in court, again.

Titanium jewelry and cookware demonstrations

2012-01-26T19:06:00.002-05:00

My daughter and her fiancee attended a cookware demonstration recently. They registered for prizes at bridal show. This 'prize' came with the catch of seeing the the demo. Engaged couples were encouraged to bring parents so Hubby and I did our duty. Couples could choose from two gifts. My daughter and her fiance chose a set of black titanium rings.

Until then, I wasn't sure what titanium is. To me, titanium really is one of those science-fiction turned to reality types of metals. I had heard about it so I decided to go online and to see what else I could find out about it. The first thing that I learned is how versatile it is. Jewelry items include titanium bracelets, necklaces, crosses, chains, pendant and just about any other jewelry piece that you can think of.

This cutting edge metal is available in a variety of different grades. Some of the grades that are used to make jewelry items are:

Aircraft grade titanium alloy
Extra-hard titanium
Commercially Pure Titanium

I was also pleased to find out that the rings can be inlaid with the gold, silver or other metals. This gives the pieces an interesting look.

Titanium is being seen as an alternative to the traditional gold or white gold wedding ring sets and are reputed to be more durable. Basically, this means that the rings my daughter and her beau won should last for a few generations.

My daughter decided not to purchase the cookware set. But, she liked the rings well enough to keep them. Which, if you ask me, is pretty cool.

A little more about the arthritic stenosis

2012-01-16T21:04:00.001-05:00

Well, I had the MRI done at UT. It pretty much confirmed what we already know and there were no surprises. The diagnosis of arthritic stenosis stands. At least it explains why my legs wouldn't work. There's a lot of information about it on the internet. I'll find out more from the docs in a couple of weeks. The number of people who have reached out has been helpful. Here are some of the more helpful websites that I've found so far.

National Institute of Health
This site has good information and a diagram to follow. It covers who gets it and what some of the causes are. Injuries are one of the causes and other causes are also listed.

Spinal Stenosis.org
This blog has been helpful to understand more about the disease. Reading the blog opened me eyes to the fact that stenosis can occur in children. There seems to be some good background included on the blog.

Generally, information from the doctors and a little research lead to empowerment. I don't know where this is all going to lead but we'll see. It'll be one day at a time but I'm going to do my best to not let it slow me down. :-)

SC Conference UMW Legislative Action Event

2012-01-11T17:27:00.000-05:00

Good news for my friends in South Carolina! I'll be coming to Columbia to deliver the keynote address at a conference for the SC United Methodist Women. Legislative Action Day will be February 21, 2012. We've got the full details at Hope for Healing.Org. Just email us at hello@hopeforhealing.org so we can forward the flyer to you.

If you would like to get together, but cannot make the Legislative Action Day event, let us know. We can try to arrange something at a local restaurant, hotel or other venue. This would just be a short, informal time to get acquainted.

Kudos to the United Methodist Women of the South Carolina for tackling the harsher realities that are faced by too many women and children. It is a privilege to be invited to participate in the Legislative Action Day and I very much look forward to meeting you.

Speaking on Sunday

2011-12-31T00:59:00.000-05:00

What a good way to begin a New Year. I have been invited to speak to a Sunday School class at Wesleyanna UMC and am very much looking forward to it. This group has been kind enough to work with me through the health challenges that I have had of late. Their support has been appreciated. It should all shape up to be a good morning.

We have been busy as an organization. Earlier this month, I wrote a series of articles for the Hope Blog of our organization. The posts covered 12 ways to deal with stress at Christmas and a different topic was covered over each of the 12 days. Page views indicate that the articles were well received.

Survivors of sexual and domestic violence have more to deal with than non-survivors in almost every aspect of life. I'm glad for the opportunities that we have to reach out through the internet and by talking with groups. It means a lot to me to be able to do this.

Helping a group better understand the dynamics of domestic violence is, to me, the perfect way to begin a new year. Hopefully, 2012 will be one of less violence and more compassion for us all.

Hubby told me

2011-12-29T20:26:00.000-05:00

Guest post written by my buddy Kay Kramer

My husband told me he would be all for it if I wanted to go back to school and I could figure out childcare for our two young children. I was so excited he was even considering it I jumped on it and called my mom and asked her about the possibility of being able to watch the kids while I was in class every day. She wasn’t able to do it full time but she can do it three days a week so you know what, I decided to take classes online those other two days so I could stay home AND still be in school fulltime. I found out about theInternet Service Provider in our area and got us all hooked up with high speed and I went ahead and registered on campus. I’m really excited to get started and I can’t believe it’s only a matter of a few weeks before I go back to school fulltime – it’s like I’m 18 all over again except this time around I have a goal!

Why my legs would not work

2011-12-26T16:23:00.001-05:00

The nurse from my neurologist called two days before Christmas to give me the news. I was diagnosed with arthritic spinal stenosis. What this means is that the lumbar portion of my back has developed arthritis. What that isn't necessarily a huge problem in and of itself the biggie problem is the spinal stenosis part of the diagnosis.

I do not have a tumor (thank you God!) but this is not something that will go away. Worse, the diagnosis of arthritic spinal stenois means that I will have to work very hard to maintain functionality. A flare up can happen again at any time. Later on, life will mean a walker or other assistance will be necessary.

The diagnosis on why my legs wouldn't work is not the Christmas present that I was hoping for. It's a lot for me to process. Even more worse is that this may be exacerbated by an injury sustained several years ago during the attack. That pill may be the most bitter to swallow.

However; I feel fortunate to have survived the attack from 17 years ago. Major injuries happened to my head, liver and kidney. Although I want very badly to become angry about the diagnosis of spinal stenosis I cannot do so yet and maybe never will.

Right now, even though my legs sometimes don't work, even though having arthritic spinal stenosis sucks, I'm still glad to be alive. That's what my focus is going to stay on. I'm not saying that bad days aren't on the horizon or that life is always grand. It's just that my illnesses have never defined who I am. So, there is no reason to for the heath challenges to start defining me now.

My health challenge of summer 2011

2011-12-26T16:02:00.001-05:00

Some of my friends will recall that back in May I had one of my most severe health challenges yet. This problem came out of the blue and blindsided everyone. It was severe enough to make me use a walker, then a cane before being able to walk properly again.

Roan Mountain is one of the most splendid places on earth. We had gone camping there and did some light walking on a tiny portion of the Appalachian Trail after visiting Sycamore Shoals State Park. My legs began to feel weak and shaky on the trail. Over the night and the next day they became worse.

Two days after standing on the trail I was in the Emergency Department of a trauma center. My legs just wouldn't work right. I went home on a walker and would remain on it for two weeks. After another 3 weeks I could walk with a cane. A few weeks after that I could walk on uneven ground without assistance.

The problem is that no one could give me an answer on what happened or why. Plenty of theories abounded. One doctor suggested MS and a specialist said it could be my medications. Nothing worked. Another specialist was consulted. Then, my neurologist (I already have a seizure disorder) was able to give me a diagnosis. (Read more...)

Merry Christmas friends

2011-12-25T23:15:00.000-05:00

I wanted to take a moment to wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas. Everyone's schedule is busy these days. To those of us who are survivors this time of year can be especially challenging. Next week, we turn to the first page of a new calendar. It's hard to believe that the New Year of 2012 is only a week away.

It is up to us to look for good things to happen next year. Don't get me wrong. I'm no Pollyanna and I know that life isn't always a bowl of cherries.

However, in my experience, candles have appeared in the darkness when least expected. Rainbows appeared when skies were the most stormy. It is important for me to remember these good moments when things are at their worst. These moments are what I hold on to when it's time to bring the world back into balance.

Christmas is a season of hope. It prepares us for the challenges that may lay ahead. I wish you the peace and joy that Christmas brings and for you to have a New Year that is filled will all the blessings that life can bestow upon you and yours.

Delivery Christmas brings cheer disguised as cookies

2011-12-07T09:35:00.000-05:00

The holiday season is here. For many of us these make the air tingle with excitement as we prepare for Christmas and the winter holidays. As we head out to the malls, WalMart, the grocery store many of us do so with the eager anticipation of reconnecting with family and friends.

Yet, the sad truth is that some of us aren't looking forward to the holidays. Christmas comes not as a day of ripped apart wrapping paper but as a reminder of a life that has been ripped apart. Poverty, domestic violence, a hospitalization and other losses can be magnified during the Christmas season.

Why not make a special effort to reach out to someone this year? That plate of cookies taken to the elderly neighbors down the street may make the holiday season a little brighter for them. A small gift picked up at the store can speak volumes to the recipient who needs a little extra cheer.

I have seen the magic work firsthand. My grandmother never had anything much to do with anyone outside of our immediate family. She was a crotchety old sort who managed to run off much of the family.

For several years the couple across the street brought a small box of goodies over to her. It might be a few cookies, a few pieces of banana bread or small piece of fudge. The gift wasn't much but this is a time when the thought did count. Grandmother usually talked about the gift for weeks afterward. This is the kind of magic that can happen at Christmas.

This year, let's all try to reach out to one person that isn't in our usual circle. I'm convinced that together we can make some holiday magic happen. Each step may not be big or expensive but it may be enough to make someone smile. Surely we can do that. Can't we?

Second Sunday in Advent; Love

2011-12-04T20:20:00.000-05:00

A common keyword for the Second Sunday of Advent is Love. For victims of sexual or domestic violence the word is entangled with all sorts of connotations. Unfortunately, not all of them are good. Feelings and positive emotions are often twisted in abusive relationships. They can become words of torture instead of words that bring healing.

Advent is a time for Christians to refocus and gain clarity. The word Love for the Second Sunday in Advent reminds us that it is okay to receive and give healthy love.

The Bible tells us in 1 Corinthians 13:4 that love is patient, kind and does not envy. It is not proud in an arrogant type of way. This is a scripture that many survivors find worth remembering because it outlines the tenants of a healthy relationship. Envy, lust and arrogance doesn't build up a relationship it destroys it.

During this Second Sunday of Advent let us reflect on the word and what it may mean in our lives. Let us take inspiration in it and know that we are worthy of healthy love and of being loved. Love shown through patience and kindness endures. It builds each other up and most of all it doesn't abuse.

Purple memories from my youth

2011-11-27T22:19:00.000-05:00

One of the good things about growing older is how your taste in style changes. I can remember a set of http://home-and-garden.become.com/purple-table-lamp that a friend of mine had when I was younger. The large butterflies were made in the ceramics studio that her grandmother owned.

The bottom line is that a ceramics show was coming up. We were close in age and always competed against each other. Her lamps were pretty and made me nervous. It was a relief when we both brought home blue ribbons.

I can laugh about this because when my daughter was about the same age she found a purple lamp that she liked. Fortunately, she grew out of that notion before Hubby could get involved.

Hubby enjoys working with his hands. If we had access to reconditioned table saws he might have made the lamps for her. Wiring them is easy. Creating the bases and the lamps themselves are what's difficult. However, a new saw is out of our budget and without the right tools any job is impossible.

It goes without saying that Hubby rarely fails to mention that a reconditioned table saw would be just as useful as a new one. I saw this great cabinet at the craft store a couple of days ago. It's just the thing for my kitchen. Hubby pointed out that a saw would mean that he could build a cabinet at the fraction of the cost of buying one. This is an ongoing exchange that we have.

One day, I'll probably come home to the cheerful buzzing of his new toy. That buzzing could indicate that my cabinet won't be too far behind. If so, I just hope that it won't be painted purple.

Advent can bring hope to victims of domestic violence

2011-11-27T21:57:00.000-05:00

It was pointed out to me that today is the first Sunday in Advent. This begins the Christian season of preparation before the birthday of the Christ child. It is a time of new beginnings and of hope. Possibly no group of people need hope more than victims of domestic violence.

The cycle of violence holds victims in darkness. Today, the first candles of Advent are being lighted across the globe. These tiny flickers are said to be lights of good in a dark world.

The flicker of hope is that keeps many victims of domestic violence going every day. We perpetually hold hope in our hearts that the abuse will end. Each day that dawns brings another opportunity for the violence to stop. Some say that victims of domestic violence live in fear.

At least some of the people that I have spoken with have dared to say otherwise. At least one person told me that she lives in hope that her situation will turn around and was actively working on making that happen. Others have echoed different versions of a similar belief.

It seems appropriate that she came to mind today as the Advent candle was lighted. The church softly glowed with the light of the tiny flickering candle. It is a reminder that even the tiniest flicker can hold meaning for many. For victims of domestic violence the light is a reminder that we have hope for a better world. Not only can we do this but we must. We have the right to hope. Abusers can take away a lot but this is one thing that cannot be taken away.

If you are in danger the people at the National Domestic Violence Hotline can help you. Visit www.ndvh.org or call 1.800.799.SAFE to create a safety plan and learn more about ending the cycle of abuse.

Halloween Mart has costumes for every occasion

2011-11-14T16:32:00.000-05:00

Halloween can be a grand time of fun and games. Children of all ages enjoy going from one house to another for the greatest candy grab known to man. My kids used to participate in the festivities when they were younger. They used to love being able to dress up in their Halloween costumes for trick or treating.

Both of my kids are in college now. Even this year, my daughters dressed up in their costumes for parties. I'm not sure if they had more fun as youngsters or as kids. Finding safe outfits and gear for Halloween has always been a challenge.

Masks may be a popular choice for Adult Halloween Costumes but they are not great for kids. Face make-up is frequently suggested. It comes in every color imaginable and doesn't get in the way when it comes to vision.

Visibility is a prime concern for parents. Kids Halloween Costumes are often in bright colors. We always tried to pick these whenever possible. Reflective tape can be used to help brighten up dark costumes. Flashlights and reflective trick-or-treat bags can also help when it comes to visibility. Of course, when it comes to safety nothing will beat trick-or-treating outdoors with mom, dad or another responsible adult.

Halloween isn't the only special event that costumes are used for. Mardi Gras is a wildly popular season. Jesters, Kings and other characters are needed by the crewes who put together the colorful floats. Easter Bunny means spring to many kids across the country. Children everywhere look forward to the arrival of Santa Claus at Christmas.

Humans aren't the only ones to get into the action. Pet costumes are becoming more popular every year. Dogs and cats now have their own outfits for everything from Mardi Gras to Valentine's Day.

I never fail to smile when I see pets in a costume. They're almost always adorable. Halloween Mart is a good source of costumes for every occasion. Click any of the links in this article to find out about them.

Moving away

2011-11-04T09:17:00.000-04:00

Moving Away

Author: Joseph Sandoval

Moving out here was great for my career but it really put distance between me and my family, literally. I really worry about my folks and how they’re doing now that they’re older and I know it won’t be long before they need more help at home to get through a day.

I love that they’ve still got old Bessie (our golden retriever) and that they let me get them ADT San Francisco so they’d be safer at home but you know at the end of the day I sure wish they’d let me hire someone to come in and help. I guess it’s a pride thing and they say they’re not old enough but it sure would put my mind at ease and I know it would make their daily lives easier.

They’re great people but keeping up that big house has got to be draining for them at their advanced age, you know? I admire their resistance nonetheless and will continue to respect their wishes until I really just can’t any longer, you know.

~~This post is by the guest blogger listed above~~

Domestic Violence Awareness Month draws to a close

2011-11-01T07:09:00.000-04:00

It's hard to believe that Domestic Violence Awareness Month has drawn to a close. It seems like the initiative for 2011 began only yesterday. Advocates all across the U.S., shelters and organizations pulled together for the cause. Together, we each did our own part to tell the public about the cycle of violence.

Hope for Healing.Org posted one social media update every day during October. These were tweeted, RT and posted on Facebook profiles. There is no real way to count the number of lives that have been reached. We'll never know the depth of how they were touched. The only thing that we'll know for sure is that we've all done our part.

But isn't that an amazing thing? For one month people across the country and across the globe pulled together for a common cause. I believe that it is this kind of effort that will one day bring domestic violence to an end. I also believe that we're off to a very good start.

Memories of fall festivals in the East Tennessee Mountains

2011-10-28T20:45:00.002-04:00

There is no place like Tennessee in the fall. A festival happens somewhere in the Knoxville area every weekend and corn mazes are open daily. Of course, an afternoon drive through the Smoky Mountains is a great way to get away from the office. Why stay inside when fall foliage and cool temperatures of the Appalachian Mountains are just outside your door?

Cades Cove fall foliage in the Great Smoky Mountains 2011

I love that the mountains are close enough to Knoxville that getting ready is a snap. Throw one of those lightweight women's sweaters in the car next to a picnic cooler and you're almost ready. Toss in folding chairs or a large quilt and you are on the way. I just love it. If I can catch a fall festival then the trip is even better.

My husband got me hooked on fall festivals when he was working in Jefferson County. Three of his country churches each held one in October. These were always complete with auctions, crafts and always homemade treats to take home.

Fall leaves in the Great Smoky Mountains 2011

People came from all over to these festivals but the crowds were smaller than at Dollywood. The crafts and food items were just as good or better than those in a large festival. This was proved by one of the churches.

Homemade apple butter cooked the old fashioned way is a huge draw for this church. Despite the cool weather the butter was cooked outdoors in a huge cast iron pot. The hot apple butter was carefully ladled into jars and allowed to cool.

The jars were sold during the afternoon auction. Those who were able to purchase were envied by the rest of us. Apple butter cooked this way has an unbeatable flavor. There isn't anything in the grocery store that comes close to the taste.

I haven't see it cooked that way before or since. The benefit of a smaller crowd meant actually getting to watch the full process. This remains one of my fondest memories of fall in Tennessee. What is your favorite memory? Let us know by leaving a comment.

Will Topeka stand up for victims of domestic violence? Will you?

2011-10-26T00:34:00.000-04:00

Will Topeka stand up for victims of domestic violence? Not if they can help it. Under the excuse of a budget shortfall this down did the unthinkable. They decriminalized domestic violence and simple assault. The problem is that decriminalization does nothing to help victims.

I just signed a petition that was started at Change.org. Take a look at it and see if you can sign it. You may know a friend who can help. If so, don't spam but please send the url to anyone you feel may have an interest.

We all need to work together on this. If decriminalization happened in Topeka it may not be too much longer until it happens here. Let's stop this disease before it spreads, shall we?

Go here to learn more http://chn.ge/topekadv