ALABAMA LIVING is delivered to some 450,000 Alabama families and businesses, which are members of 22 not-for-profit, consumer-owned, locally directed and taxpaying electric cooperatives. Subscriptions are $15 a year for individuals not subscribing through participating Alabama electric cooperatives. Alabama Living (USPS 029-920) is published monthly by the Alabama Rural Electric Association of Cooperatives. Periodicals postage paid at Montgomery, Alabama, and at additional mailing office.
1-800-410-2737 For advertising, email: advertising@areapower.com For editorial inquiries, email: contact@alabamaliving.coop
NATIONAL ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE:
American MainStreet Publications 611 South Congress Ave., Suite 504 Austin, Texas 78704
1-800-626-1181
www.AMP.coop
www.alabamaliving.coop
USPS 029-920 • ISSN 1047-0311
Look for this logo to see more content online!
9
24
34
WHALE OF A FIND
A whale skull 34 million years old found in Monroe County by Lindsey Stallworth continues to fuel interest in paleontology and hints at the possibility of a whole new species of whale.
Heirloom quilts
Family quilts are favorite heirlooms that remind us of our grandmothers, aunts or other relatives who crafted them with
Worth the Drive
Cullman’s historic downtown is the perfect spot for Flavors Bakery, convenient for shoppers at nearby boutiques and other businesses.
Warm up with a bowl
Nothing is better on a cold January day than a hot bowl of chili or soup. Treat yourself to one of our reader recipes!
Tombigbee Electric Cooperative Board of Trustees
Curt Morris
Chair
David Collins
Vice-Chair
Sheila Gunter
Secretary Treasurer
Terry Gosa
Jim McRae
William T. Hulsey
Mitzi West
Chad Williams
Warren Williford
January Comments
By Britton Lightsey
Happy New Year! We hope you all had a great Christmas season with your family and friends. 2024 was a great year for us at Tombigbee, and we believe 2025 will follow suit.
In the January article last year, I spoke about having a continuous commitment to improving our services for both our electric members and our fiber customers. We have made vast improvements on both sides, and we plan to continue this into 2025. For our electric members, we always look for ways to reduce outage times and improve our electric grid. In the next couple of months, we will be sharing some exciting news on various projects to help us achieve these goals that will benefit our members and communities for the years ahead.
On the fiber side, we strive every day to be the best internet provider in the area. The end of our fiber deployment is in our sights. This project has spanned over seven years, and we are proud to say we have connected
over 23,000 customers in Northwest Alabama to freedom FIBER. We have some still waiting to be installed outside of our electric footprint, but we will have all those customers connected in the next several months.
Finally, we want to remind our members that we will never call you and demand immediate payment for your electric or internet bill. While we do send automatic calls as a reminder, please never give anyone any of your private information over the phone. If you receive a call requesting information, please feel free to reach out to our office prior to providing anything to the caller. We want your information protected. If you have any questions about this, do not hesitate to give us a call.
I sincerely hope every one of you have a great start to the New Year. We are looking forward to a great 2025.
Britton Lightsey is the president and CEO of Tombigbee Electric Cooperative. Contact him directly at blightsey@tombigbee.org
Visit our website www.tombigbee.org
Headquarters: 3196 Co. Hwy 55 Hamilton, AL 35570
205.921.6712
Our office will be closed January 1 to observe the New Year with our family and friends. We will also be closed on January 20 for Martin Luther King Jr Day. If you need to report an outage or reach technical support, please call: 205-498-8070 (Electric) 205-498-8147 (freedom FIBER)
Underground Digging and Excavating Safety first with 811
In this article, you will learn about:
§ The importance of contacting 811 before any digging project.
§ Utility color codes.
§ Best practices for digging.
§ Legal requirements.
§ Commitment to safety.
Excavation safety
For professional excavators such as construction workers and contractors, ensuring safety is crucial. Beneath every site lies a network of utility lines — electric, water, gas and telecommunications. Striking these lines can cause:
§ Costly delays.
§ Expensive repairs.
§ Ser vice disruptions to the community.
§ And most importantly, serious injury or death.
Contacting 811
Contacting 811 before digging helps prevent these risks.
When you contact 811, they will notify relevant utility companies to mark underground lines, free of charge, using colored flags or paint. This process usually only takes a few days.
Different colors are used to mark underground utilities, and each color is universal:
§ Red – electric
§ Orange – communications, telephone/CATV
§ Blue – potable water
§ Green – sewer/drainage
§ Yellow – gas/petroleum
§ Purple – reclaimed water
§ White – premark site of proposed excavation
Best practices for digging
After receiving utility markings, follow these practices:
Respect the marks. Dig carefully around them. Maintain markings. Refresh if they fade or are removed.
Verify responses. Ensure all utilities have reported. Hand dig in tolerance zones. Use hand tools within 18–24 inches of marked utilities.
Remember, 811 does not locate private utilities. Hire a private locator for systems including underground sprinklers, invisible fences, data communication systems or gas piping to a garage.
Training and communication
Train your team on excavation procedures and the importance of contacting 811. Regular toolbox talks can reinforce safe practices and potentially save lives.
Failing to contact 811 is unsafe and often illegal. Many states have laws requiring excavators to use the 811 system and to premark proposed sites, with potential fines for non-compliance.
Your responsibility
Always contact 811 before any excavation, no matter what the project size. Once utilities are located, wear proper protective gear before digging.
Whether you’re digging a foundation for a skyscraper or installing a fence post, check before you dig. It’s free, easy and helps keep your crew and the community out of harm’s way. Prioritizing 811 reflects your commitment to safety and professionalism. Stay informed, stay prepared, and stay safe!
If you have any additional questions about this, feel free to reach out to our office during normal business hours.
Can You Dig It?
An underground utility line is damaged once every 9 minutes because someone didn’t call 811.
Call 811, the “Call Before You Dig Number,” at least 2 business days prior to digging.
811 locators do not detect underground sprinkler systems, invisible fences, data communication systems, private water systems, or gas piping to a garage.
Even if you have previously had underground utilities marked, utilities can shift, so it’s best to call before starting a new project.
Once all of your utilities have been located, then you can start your digging project!
Learn more at
1 2 3 4 5 6
Heirloom quilts
off her
by
Quilt cut and pieced from my grandmother’s collection of aprons (1930-2010) for my mother Ginger Johnson Sullivan of Hueytown. SUBMITTED by Lacey
Ryann Lambeth with hand-pieced quilt by her grandmother Jodie Bolton from scraps of her outfits throughout her childhood. SUBMITTED by Jodie Bolton, Andalusia.
RULES: Photos submitted for publication may also be published on our website at alabamaliving.coop and on our Facebook and Instagram pages. Alabama Living is not responsible for lost or damaged photos. Send a self-addressed stamped envelope to have photos returned.
Charley proudly showing
quilt made
her 92-yearold great-great aunt Georganne.SUBMITTED by Jessica Goodson, Monroeville.
Late Great-Aunt Jodie Jackson’s quilt.SUBMITTED by Charles Runnels, Mentone.
Donna Grice and granddaughter Kylie Dobbins with quilt made by Donna’s husband’s grandmother, Ruth Moak. SUBMITTED by Donna Grice, Arab.
Merritt, Auburn.
First Day Hikes aim to get everyone outdoors
What better way to kick off the new year than by burning off those extra holiday calories in the great outdoors?
First Day Hikes are part of a nationwide initiative led by America’s State Parks to encourage people to get outdoors. On New Year’s Day, hundreds of free, guided hikes will be organized in all 50 states, including several in Alabama.
The distance and rigor vary from park to park, but all hikes aim to create a fun experience for the whole family. The First Day Hikes for 2025 are scheduled at the following Alabama State Parks:
Cheaha, Chewacla, DeSoto, Gulf, Joe Wheeler, Lake Guntersville, Lakepoint, Monte Sano, Oak Mountain, Rickwood Caverns and Wind Creek. For more information about specific parks, visit Alapark.com; for more about the First Day Hikes, visit stateparks.org/special-programs/first-day-hikes/
Of course, if you’re unable to hike on Jan. 1, the Alabama State Parks are open year-round with more than 450 miles of trails.
Find the hidden dingbat!
Our readers had fun finding the hidden gingerbread house in the photo of Sam Gay on Page 20 of the December magazine. Molly D. Smith of Andalusia wrote us that she “screamed when I found it because this is the first dingbat I’ve found since moving here in 2021! It made my entire day!” Glad we could help, Molly! Susan Johnson of Gulf Shores writes, “My family and I love making gingerbread houses. Even though we have adult children, it’s still a fun activity for all during the holiday season!” Sherry Law said she finally found the dingbat and now “my eyeballs hurt!” We hope you don’t strain your eyes this month trying to find the tea cup we’ve hidden in honor of National Hot Tea Month. Remember, it won’t be in an ad or on pages 1-8. Congratulations to Evelyn Miller of Millry, January's randomly drawn winner of a gift card from Alabama One.
By email: dingbat@alabamaliving.coop
By mail: Find the Dingbat
Alabama Living PO Box 244014
Montgomery, AL 36124
Whereville, AL
Identify and place this Alabama landmark and you could win $25! Winner is chosen at random from all correct entries. Multiple entries from the same person will be disqualified. Send your answer with your name, address and the name of your rural electric cooperative, if applicable. The winner and answer will be announced in the February issue.
Submit by email: whereville@alabamaliving.coop, or by mail: Whereville, P.O. Box 244014, Montgomery, AL 36124.
Contribute a photo you took for an upcoming issue! Send a photo of an interesting or unusual landmark in Alabama, which must be accessible to the public. A reader whose photo is chosen will also win $25.
Sponsored by
December’s answer: In May 1844, Episcopalians in Uniontown and Marengo County united to form Union Parish. After the donation of this site in Uniontown in 1847, ladies of the congregation diligently worked to raise sufficient funds for the construction of the first church. In 1900 the frame building was replaced by a brick church through the generosity of Mrs. Maria Price Davidson as a memorial to her late husband, Alexander C. Davidson. The Holy Cross Episcopal Church is regarded as a rare example in the Deep South of the Arts and Crafts style as expressed in religious architecture. (Photo by Allison Law of Alabama Living) The randomly drawn correct guess winner is Dale Givens of Sand Mountain EC.
State holds trapping workshops
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) is offering a series of trapping education workshops during select weekends this winter. The workshops provide instruction on the historical aspects of trapping, the biology of furbearers, and how to use trapping as a sound wildlife management tool.
The workshops are open to anyone ages 7 and up. A $10 registration fee applies. To register, visitoutdooralabama.com/trapping.
DeSoto State Park is one of several that will have First Day Hikes in January.
PHOTO BY BILLY POPE
Take us along!
We’ve enjoyed seeing photos from our readers on their travels with Alabama Living! Please send us a photo of you with a copy of the magazine on your travels to: mytravels@alabamaliving.coop. Be sure to include your name, hometown and electric cooperative, and the location of your photo.We’ll draw a winner for the $25 prize each month.
as
by the control tower of the Atlantic Panama Canal locks. Jackie wrote that is was “so nice to have our flag on this cover with the history of the two countries.”
Frank, a Navy veteran, and Jackie Clair from Foley, members of Baldwin EMC, had their magazine
they passed
Mackenzie Bockhold, daughter of Don and Sandi Bockhold, members of Cullman EC, traveled to Japan where she vacationed after graduating from the chemical engineering doctoral program at Auburn University.
Kathryn Tipton of Ariton, a member of South Alabama EC, took her magazine to Manaus, Brazil.
South Alabama EC member Pam Pearlstein traveled to Paris with her husband, Dr. Todd Pearlstein. This photo was taken on the steps of the Basilica Sacre-Coeur du Montmartre.
John and Sue Lide, members of Pioneer EC and Baldwin EMC, went on a cruise to Nova Scotia and Port Charlottetown on Prince Edward Island with their copy.
Roy McMullin, a member of Dixie EC from Montgomery, traveled to the Mark and Kirche Cathedral in Weisbaden, Germany.
Terry and Becky Hicks of Bryant, members of Sand Mountain EC, took a cruise and carried the magazine off the island of Bimini in the Bahamas.
Jon and Karen Drisko of Troy took South Alabama EC board member Delaney Kervin along with them when they hiked the Appalachian Trail.
A history of Alabama in ten objects
By Scotty E. Kirkland
The Alabama Department of Archives and History (ADAH), the home of our state’s history since 1901, includes the Museum of Alabama, the state’s official history museum. More than 30,000 people visit the museum every year, including thousands of schoolchildren. There they find delights and curiosities aplenty, particularly in Alabama Voices, the centerpiece exhibit that covers the dramatic unfolding of Alabama history from the dawn of the 1700s to the beginning of the 21st century.
More than 800 artifacts and hundreds of images and documents tell the story of struggles over the land, the rise of a cotton economy, the Civil War and Reconstruction, industrialization, world wars, civil rights, the race to the moon and much more.
A “top ten” list for an exhibit such as Alabama Voices is a subjective thing, influenced by age, personal interests and any number of persuasions. This, of course, is the beauty of a well-designed museum: There is something for everyone.
In late May 2025, Alabama Voices will close temporarily for updates reflecting recent scholarship, new artifact donations and upgraded audiovisual components. This work is part of a series of improvements as the ADAH prepares to mark 125 years of service to the people of Alabama and for the 250th anniversary of the founding of the nation in 2026. The objects listed will remain on exhibit once these renovations are completed.
Born ca. 1775, William McIntosh was the son of Senoya of the Wind Clan and Captain William McIntosh, a trader from a prominent Georgia family. In time, young McIntosh became head of the tribal town of Coweta and an important Creek figure.
Brothers Nathan and Joseph Negus, itinerant artists from Massachusetts, painted the portrait at McIntosh’s request in the spring of 1821. His clothing depicts a mixture of Native, European and American cultures, clues to his own sense of fashion and identity in an era that witnessed both the blending of cultures and sometimes violent displacement of those who first called the land of Alabama home.
Four years after the portrait was completed, McIntosh was executed by order of the Creek National Council for signing an unauthorized land treaty with the U.S. government. In 1832, his son sold the portrait to the owner of a Columbus, Georgia, tavern, where it remained for 90 years until one of the owner’s descendants sold it to the ADAH in 1922.
Note: The painting is currently undergoing a professional cleaning and conservation offsite. A photographic reproduction is currently on view in Alabama Voices.
Portrait of William McIntosh
Key to the State Capitol at Cahaba
Four locales served as Alabama’s capital city before Montgomery. St. Stephens was the territorial capital from 1817 to 1819. Huntsville was the temporary capital at statehood in 1819. Soon thereafter, Cahaba (sometimes spelled Cahawba) in Dallas County took the honor. It was a controversial choice but the site favored by Gov. William Wyatt Bibb. A land rush ensued. Cahaba lots that once sold for $1.25 an acre soon fetched $60. The nascent government of the state grew quickly in the Black Belt soil. By 1821, there was a well-appointed state house, multiple other buildings and businesses and more than 1,000 residents.
But the bubble burst in 1825 when the Legislature voted to relocate the capital to Tuscaloosa. The streets of Cahaba quickly fell quiet. Today, little remains of this early capital city. The site is now an archaeological park managed by the Alabama Historical Commission. A “ghost structure” offers a glimpse of the state house.
Civil War flag
During the turbulent years of Reconstruction, the ballot box became a powerful symbol of both freedom and fraud. Under Congressional Reconstruction, which began in 1867, federal officials oversaw the registration of eligible Alabama voters ahead of statewide elections. Those voters included, for the first time, African American men, who were registered alongside white men as free citizens of the state.
Efforts to control voting access were frequent, through various means including manipulation, intimidation and violence. This simple ballot box from Perote, Bullock County, is a reminder of a time in Alabama’s history when voting was an act of courage and a symbol of hard-won freedoms.
A hulking piece of machinery helps visitors understand the scale of the industrial era. Textile manufacturing is one of Alabama’s oldest industries. By the turn of the 20th century, towns like Huntsville, Opelika and Sylacauga were major cotton mill centers.
In the 1930s, the Draper Corporation built this textile loom for the West Point Manufacturing Company, which operated several cotton mills in east Alabama. Before its acquisition for Alabama Voices, the loom was preserved in Langdale Mill by the City of Valley.
Members of the Young Men’s Secession Association of Mobile were presented with this flag on Dec. 18, 1860, two days after South Carolina seceded from the Union. On Jan. 5, 1861, Alabama volunteers under this flag captured Fort Morgan from Union control. The following week, delegates gathered in Montgomery and voted to secede. The flag flew above Fort Morgan until March 13, 1861.
Curators swap out the Civil War flags displayed in Alabama Voices on a regular basis. The ADAH has one of the largest collections of Civil War flags in the country and a robust, privately funded conservation program. Since 1991, 28 flags have been conserved at a cost of more than $350,000. The banner of the Young Men’s Secession Association was conserved in 2009 at a cost of nearly $21,000.
B-24 propeller
After the United States entered World War II in December 1941, government, industry and private citizens mobilized in support of victory. Approximately 300,000 Alabamians donned service uniforms during the war. More than 6,000 lost their lives.
In Alabama, military bases expanded, and new ones appeared. Many of its shipyards, ordnance works, coal mines, iron furnaces, lumber mills and textile mills adapted to serve new wartime purposes. Four-engine B-24 Liberators were flown to Alabama for alterations at the Bechtel-McCone-Parsons Birmingham Modification Center before deployment overseas.
Perote ballot box
Textile loom
Nudie Cohn didn’t make suits for just anyone. The Ukrainianborn tailor, who arrived in America at the age of 11, was known for his elaborate, colorful costuming of rodeo performers, actors and radio stars. A “Nudie Suit” was a flashy, sequined status symbol.
Hank Williams’ “Nudie Suit” on display in Alabama Voices is conservative by Cohn’s standards. Still, the rich layers of the Butler County crooner abound in the exhibit case. It features the Gibson guitar he played early in his career, including some of his first appearances on the Grand Ole Opry, as well as posters and sheet music. Handwritten lyrics to the 1949 song “When You’re Tired of Breaking Other Hearts” includes a mournful reminder that the hillbilly Shakespeare’s time on earth was tragically short. “This is Hank’s own hand writing” reads a note at the bottom. The authentication was written by his mother, Jessie Skipper, after Williams died in January 1953 at the age of 29.
Harper Lee’s Medal of Freedom
In 2007, President George W. Bush presented Alabama author Nelle Harper Lee with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest award given to a civilian by a president. To Kill a Mockingbird had “influenced the character of our country for the better,” President Bush said. He called the novel “a gift to the entire world.” A bestseller since its 1960 release, the book was awarded the 1961 Pulitzer Prize and adapted into an award-winning film. Lee’s literary triumph has been translated into more than 40 languages.
Museum of Alabama
Montgomery photographer Paul Robertson witnessed history through the lens of his camera. Robertson’s photographs of civil rights protests appeared in major newspapers and magazines across the United States.
In 1956, Robertson snapped an image of Dr. Martin Lu ther King Jr. having his book ing photograph taken after an arrest during the pivotal Montgomery Bus Boycott, the event which launched a decade-long period when Af rican Americans carried out a succession of protests to claim their rights as citizens.
(Located on the second floor of the Alabama Department of Archives and History) 624 Washington Avenue, Montgomery, AL archives.alabama.gov
Museum Hours: Monday – Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Closed all state and federal holidays
One of the final images in the exhibit is a photograph of Gee’s Bend quilter Louisiana P. Bendolph, taken by Mark Gooch as a special commission by the ADAH called “Our Alabama.” Bendolph is seated in her family home, working on a quilt alongside other members of her family. The younger generations depicted are the inheritors of the Alabama quilting tradition that Bendolph and others received from their mothers and grandmothers.
What better way to conclude an exhibit chronicling 300 years of Alabama—and Alabamians—than with the idea that all of us, young and old, can be the inheritors of such rich history, such boundless promise.
Hank Williams’ suit
Robertson camera
Bendolph quilting photograph
Monroe County whale skull continues to fascinate
By Emmett Burnett
Awhale skull more 34 million years old found in Monroe County continues to fuel interest in paleontology and hints at the possibility of a whole new species of whale.
Lindsey Stallworth, a junior at the Alabama School of Mathematics and Science in Mobile, drew national attention when she and her biology and paleontology teacher Drew Gentry made an amazing discovery.
While searching for fossils on her parents’ Monroe County property in 2023, the duo unearthed the skull. USA Today, The Washington Post, Smithsonian Magazine, television, social media, and news outlets of international note chronicled Monroe County’s whale of wonder.
Today the skull resides at her school’s Paleontology Lab. Far from idle, the cranium’s story continues to evolve with research,
cleaning, and preservation. How it got here is a whale of a tale that started with a bag of shark’s teeth.
In early 2023, Lindsey, then age 16, brought a bag of shells and shark teeth to school. Such artifacts are common in her Monroe County home area.
“Many families in Monroe County have properties chock full of fossils, seashells, and other bone fragments,” Lindsey says. “We are used to finding these things and often compare fossils we have obtained.”
She showed her collection to Gentry, who holds a Ph.D. in biology with expertise in paleontology. “I was particularly interested in the shark teeth she had,” Gentry recalls, from the Paleontology Lab which houses such ancient bones. “I asked Lindsey could she take me to where she found the teeth.”
Dr. Drew Gentry and Lindsey Stallworth with the 34 million-year-old whale skull set in plaster in Perdue Hill, in Monroe County, Alabama.
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ALABAMA SCHOOL OF MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE
In June 2023, the two visited the Stallworths’ property at Perdue Hill in Monroe County. Gentry recalls, “There were tiny pieces of bone scattered on the hillside. The pieces were getting bigger as we walked up the hill.”
And then, there it was. Shrouded in rock and earth, the whale skull protruded from the ground like the tip of an ancient iceberg. Initially, the two did not know what it was. “When seeing it, I knew this was some sort of fossilized bone but had no idea what it might be,” Gentry recalls.
Lindsey, now 17, adds about her first encounter with the head of bygone years: “I was shocked that it could actually be here. You hear about big whales and dinosaurs and all that fun stuff but never think about it being on your family’s land.”
Meticulous excavation
Many days of work ensued. Using dental picks, the two meticulously excavated the four-foot long skull from a creature that swam here when Monroe County was an ocean.
Gentry estimates the whale was about 20 feet long. It could have died a natural death or it could have been eaten with its bones spit out.
“Judging by the size of shark teeth, some four inches long, discovered in the area,” he says, “we are talking about sharks the size of a Greyhound bus. As the whale went down, other animals feasted on it too, causing bones to disperse all over the ocean floor.”
Fast forward 34 million years to now, when Perdue Hill is not 100 feet below saltwater. Days turned into weeks of digging. In addition to the whale’s skull, other bones of its anatomy were unearthed.
A tooth was discovered. “Once we found that tooth, we were able to identify that the skull belonged to a whale,” Gentry says.
The discovery was taken back to the Alabama School of Mathematics and Science’s Paleontology Lab in several trips. “The discovery was so large it was moved it in several pieces,” recalls Kelley Stallworth, Lindsey’s mom, about the skull and other bones loaded in a U-Haul trailer. “The big hole the skull left is still here on our land.”
The animal’s age was in part determined by a U.S. Geological data survey conducted previously on the area’s rock formations and land.
In addition, Jun Ebersole, director of collections at the McWane Science Center in Birmingham, estimates the whale skull to be approximately 34 million years old, based on the soil and rock the bones were embedded in. “Actually, 34 million years is a young fossil for Alabama,” Ebersole notes. “This state has fossils dating back 500 million years.”
He notes that the new discovery was from a time after dinosaurs and during the beginning of the age of mammals, including great big whales.
The creature that possessed the head of antiquity is possibly related to a whale species, Zygorhiza kochii, according to Gentry, that lived during the Oligocene epoch period.
Years of research ahead
Gentry also notes the skull could be a new species which would make the find much more significant. All agree the research and more definitive answers about the ancient animal will take months, indeed years to process.
“It’s not like what you see in ‘Jurassic Park,’” says Gentry. “Unlike the movies, ancient skeletons are rarely intact. This one is scattered all over the place.”
Meanwhile, Lindsey, the daughter of Tom and Kelley Stallworth, is a high school senior. She continues her work, devoting hours daily to cleaning and researching the prehistoric being. “It had lots of teeth,” she says with a smile, while demonstrating the tedious chore of cleaning the jaw bones and dental structures.
“I was amazed when I first saw the skull,” she notes. “Knowing something that old once lived on our property, was hard for me to process. I was amazed then and I am now.”
She, Gentry, and others continue to visit the Monroe County site, excavating and retrieving the sea creature’s bones. The process may take years to complete.
As a paleontologist, Gentry has participated in many excavations. “But I cannot think of anything that could beat this,” he says about the whale adventure. “This is right there at the top but not just from the perspective that I found something interesting. This whale has the potential to contribute great things, not just in a scientific perspective but also in a teaching perspective, getting students more engaged in paleontology.”
Lindsey is considering college and career choices including biology, marine science, or fisheries. “I love the ocean. I love the water. I want to be in it and working on it,” she says. “Fish is a great resource to feed everyone. I want a career that helps the sustainability of fish.”
In the summer of 2024, the team returned to Monroe County, digging, pulling out ribs, bits of skull, and shoulder girdles. The processing continues.
“The bone is very flaky,” Lindsey explains, “so much care and tiny tools are used to gently scrape rock from bone.”
For Lindsey Stallworth, Drew Gentry, and others involved in the task, both onsite and back in the lab, much work is ahead in a whale of a story.
Lindsey excavating whale fragments at the Perdue Hill whale site. PHOTO COURTESY OF KELLEY STALLWORTH
Lindsey examines a block of chalk and clay containing portions of the whale’s lower jaw.
PHOTO BY EMMETT BURNETT
The ever-changing, fast-growing demand for electricity
How the increasing need for power affects electric co-ops and their members
By Scott Flood
When rural electric cooperatives first strung power lines from farm to farm, across arroyos, and through remote forests less than a century ago, most members had but a handful of light bulbs to power. With time, they added appliances like refrigerators, but we’re sure they couldn’t begin to imagine the number and variety of electrical devices in today’s homes and garages.
Across the U.S., people use a growing amount of electricity at work, at home, and with the growth of electric vehicles (EVs), even on the road.
The demand for electricity increased by 2.5% in 2024 and is expected to grow by 3.2% this year. That was after co-ops saw a 4.8% increase in 2022. Through 2029, the nation’s peak demand is projected to grow by 38 gigawatts. That would be like adding another California-sized state to our nation’s power grid.
accounted for 2.5% of the nation’s consumption of electricity––and by 2030, they’ll use 7.5% of all electric power.
Data centers and facilities like warehouses require a large, steady supply of electricity 24 hours a day. That means the electric co-ops supplying them can’t rely on intermittent sources of electricity such as solar or wind energy to handle the additional load. Instead, they need more of what’s known as baseload or always-available power, much of which is currently generated by burning fossil fuels. The more we depend on technology, the more we’ll need reliable baseload generation.
The rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI) is driving the development of massive data center facilities, often placed in electric co-op service territories to take advantage of inexpensive land and fewer neighbors to complain. By 2022, these facilities
Yet that’s a problem, because at the same time Americans are using more electricity, power providers are being forced to shut down reliable sources of baseload power such as coal and nuclear power plants. Many large coal plants have been converted to use cleaner-burning natural gas, but others have been deemed too costly to convert and are prematurely being shut down. More than 110 gigawatts of always-available generation—enough to power about 35 million homes—is forecast to retire by 2033.
By 2022, data centers accounted for 2.5% of the nation’s consumption of electricity––and by 2030, they’ll use 7.5% of all electric power.
PHOTO COURTESY MANUEL GEISSINGER, PEXELS
Across the U.S., people use a growing amount of electricity at work, at home, and with the growth of electric vehicles (EVs), even on the road.
PHOTO COURTESY ANDERSEN EV, PEXELS
The U.S. Energy Information Administration’s forecast expects coal-fired generation to drop to half of today’s levels by 2030. Renewable energy will capture a growing share of the supply, but as noted, much renewable energy is not reliable enough to provide baseload power.
As electricity powers a growing share of life’s tools and conveniences, overall demand is expected to continue its steady growth through 2050. A great example is the efficiency of electric heat pumps. Federal and other subsidies and tax advantages are powering significant growth in their share of the home heating market.
In other words, at the same time everyone is using more electricity than ever, the supply of the most reliable source is drying up. Add in the uncertainty created by public policy debates around energy and climate change, and you can begin to understand why 19 states face a high risk of rolling blackouts between now and 2028.
The energy industry studies demand closely because construction of all types of generation is costly and lengthy––often longer than a decade from groundbreaking to entering service.
As renewables become more efficient and cheaper to produce, their share of the power mix will only continue to grow. Someday soon, battery technology may reach the point where large-scale storage of renewable generation becomes possible, but until then, we’ll need more of those always-available power sources.
One more factor plays a key role in the ability of co-ops and the rest of the nation’s power industry to keep up with demand. That’s the supply chain, in which too few U.S. suppliers simply can’t keep up with the nation’s needs for power equipment. When a co-op orders new transformers, it may have to wait two years or more for delivery and pay a significantly higher price.
Expect to hear more about the challenges created by record demand for electricity in the coming years. In part two of this article, we’ll examine some of the innovative ways electric co-ops are managing and preparing for demand.
For more than four decades, business writer Scott Flood has worked with electric cooperatives to build knowledge of energy-related issues among directors, staff and members. Scott writes on a variety of energy-related topics for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the national trade association representing nearly 900 electric co-ops.
Facilities like warehouses and factories require a large, steady supply of electricity 24 hours a day.
PHOTO COURTESY MANDIRI ABADI, PEXELS
Flavors Bakery lives up to its name
Story and
Fby Allison Law
lavors Bakery, with its collection of vintage kitchen appliances, cookie tins and other decor, fits nicely in the historic warehouse in Cullman where it’s been for more than 12 years. For owner and baker Lisa Durcholz, collecting the antiques is one of her passions; “People will come in and say, ‘Oh, my mom had that,’ or ‘I had one of those.’”
The vintage pieces are a lovely complement to the decor, but what brings in the patrons are the sweet and savory goodies behind the glass cases and in cookie jars, which are fresh and made from scratch every day.
“I don’t do this because I’m making lots of money, because I’m not,” Durcholz says at the end of a long day at the bakery, which for her begins long before the sun comes up. “It’s here because I just love doing it.”
For Durcholz, a Cullman native, the historical downtown is the perfect spot for Flavors Bakery, which sits among boutiques and other retail businesses in this redeveloped area. The bakery gets many visitors who come to shop in the area and then stop in for a treat, but “we’ve had some people who like bakeries like I do,” she says. As they’re going down I-65, they look into whether there are any bakeries around. Of course there are the regulars who are local, who come in for a specific treat or cup of coffee.
“I love to see the little kids come in,” she says, though she’s been in business long enough now that the little ones aren’t so little. “Every once in a while, I’ll say, ‘how did you get so big?’”
Career move, back home
She was born and raised in Cullman, and after college ended up in Michigan, Tennessee and Indiana, where she met her husband. She worked in the information technology (IT) field, which she enjoyed, but after her husband died, she wanted to do something different. She decided to go to culinary school because she’d always loved to bake; she had lots of family still in Cullman, so she returned home to start a new career path.
“The bakery that had this space, she was vacating, so the timing
was real good,” she says. “We just put it all together, and here we are, 12 years later. It’s just kind of a passion for me.”
She has four full time bakers and one part-timer, but at Flavors everybody does everything – baking, selling, running the cash register. “We have a real good crew.”
Like most cooks and bakers, Durcholz started with her grandmothers and mother, who all baked. Her mom is in her 80s and still spry and active, and lives just down the street from her. Her mom liked to bake pies, but Durcholz said cookies were easier for her.
The menu includes orange and cinnamon rolls (the orange is the most popular item they sell), plus muffins, cupcakes, cheesecake bars, pie bars and some savory items, such as a crustless quiche and a strata, sometimes referred to as a breakfast casserole.
It’s not a gluten free environment, but they can isolate the process to offer gluten free items. The bakery uses Bob’s Red Mill gluten-free flour for cupcakes and brownies, and they can also do some vegan items.
She’s occasionally asked about opening a second bakery, but that’s not even a consideration. “I wouldn’t even want to do two,” she says; as a bakery that does everything from scratch, it’s impossible to get the right consistency at another location. “There are places that take their recipes and make mixes out of them. When you have someone who has a franchise, that’s what they do.”
She’s happy here. “It’s a good place. IT was good, but it wasn’t what I wanted to do forever. … It was good when I had it, and I’m always thankful.”
Flavors Bakery
101 First Ave. NE, Suite 100 Cullman, AL 35055
256-615-2283
FlavorsBakery.com
Hours: Closed Sunday and Monday; 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tuesday-Friday; 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday
Cullman l
photos
“Gems” are made from brioche dough and topped with a chocolate, fruit or cream cheese filling. Sweet rolls are in the background.
Any drop cookie flavor can be made into a sandwich cookie with your favorite icing flavor.
Making Alabama proud
Like many little girls, Abbie Stockard grew up watching pageants on TV with her mom and was captivated by the contestants. They inspired her, and she hopes to inspire others as she competes for the Miss America title on Jan. 5 in Orlando, Fla.
She competed as Miss Hoover to win the Miss Alabama title in June 2024 and says the last several months have been “truly incredible.” She has advocated for cystic fibrosis, her community service initiative, and has personally raised $200,000 to promote awareness for the disorder. She met with Gov. Kay Ivey and both of Alabama’s U.S. senators and has been busy emceeing local preliminary pageants across the state and lending her name to countless other fundraising and charitable causes.
Though she is required to take a year off from school as Miss Alabama, she will return to her nursing school studies at Auburn University after her reign concludes. She has been a member of the Tiger Paws dance team and a student recruiter. When she graduates in December 2026 with her nursing degree, she plans to gain one to two years of critical care experience before applying to nurse anesthetist school.
We asked Abbie to talk about her experiences so far, and what she’s looking forward to. – Allison Law
You’ll compete in the Miss America competition in January, is that right?
Yes! Miss America is in January in Orlando, Fla. We’ll be flying to Orlando with our directors on Dec. 27. After checking into our hotels, the festivities will begin the very next day!
Here’s a fun fact: Last year, Ali Mims, who is now Miss Alabama’s Teen, and I were Miss Hoover and Miss Hoover’s Teen, and we took a trip to Miss America with our director. While sitting in the audience that night, we looked at each other and wondered, “What are the odds that could be us next year?” It turns out it was! This moment is extra special because we’ll be returning to Orlando together, but this time as Miss Alabama and Miss Alabama’s Teen!
How are you preparing for Miss America?
Preparing for Miss America involves many aspects that go beyond what’s visible on stage. There are five competition categories: On-Stage Question, Fitness, Talent, Evening Gown, and the one-on-one
interview with the judges. Through media appearances and public speaking, I’m improving my skills, which helps me feel more confident.
In terms of fitness, I work out three times a week with the Miss Alabama personal trainer and maintain a balanced diet to support a heart-healthy lifestyle. I am also spending a lot of time in the studio practicing my talent which is a dance routine. Mastering the gown walk is more challenging than it seems, especially with nerves involved.
The interview is where I dedicate the most time, treating it like a job interview. It’s essential to be well-versed in political and global affairs, as well as understanding the Miss America opportunity inside and out. For the past month, I’ve been doing interview prep with one of our sponsors at the Miss Alabama office, and we’ll continue with mock interviews until the competition.
What will you do for the talent portion?
I will be performing a contemporary dance to “You Say” by Lauren Daigle. This dance is extremely special to me. It was one of my grandmother’s favorite songs, and she picked it out for me before she passed away. She would say “Abbie, whenever you hear this song, I want you to be reminded of these things. You are worthy. You are beautiful. You are strong, and never let anyone make you think otherwise.” My hope is that when I perform this piece, it will remind people of the importance of remembering your worth and staying true to who you are.
What is it like to wear that beautiful crown?
Wearing the Miss Alabama crown is truly an honor. I’m not just Abbie anymore, I am Miss Alabama. Once that crown is on your head, you take on a responsibility. For me, it’s a commitment to be a light, a role model, an inspiration, and a friend to everyone I meet. It’s an opportunity to use my position of influence to be a source of power and light and to help others feel seen and valued. I could never grow tired of wearing that crown! When my year is up, someone might have to hide my crown just to stop me from wearing it!
Follow Abbie on Instagram at @ missamericaal.
‘SSA Talks’: Benefits available to children
Kathleen Romig, senior advisor in the Office of the Commissioner, joins us this month on an episode of “SSA Talks” to discuss the latest Social Security benefits available to children. These include:
• Sur vivor benefits for children if their parent dies. For more information, please read our publication titled Survivor Benefits at ssa.gov/pubs/ EN-05-10084.pdf
• Supplemental Security Income (or SSI) for children if they have a disability or blindness and their families have limited income and
Kylle’ McKinney, SSA Public Affairs Specialist, can be reached by e-mail at kylle.mckinney@ssa.gov. You may also call Social Security’s tollfree number at 1-800-772-1213.
resources. Visit our SSI webpage at ssa.gov/ssi to learn more.
• Child benefits also known as “family benefits” on the record of a parent receiving retirement or disability benefits. For more information, please read our publication titled Benefits for Children at ssa.gov/ pubs/EN-05-10085.pdf.
• Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits for Youth with Disabilities for adults who have a disability that began before they reached age 22. These benefits are paid from their parent’s Social Security earnings record. For more information, please read our publication titled Benefits for Children with Disabilities at ssa. gov/pubs/EN-05-10026.pdf
As an advocate and the mother of a
New Year Crossword
child with disabilities, Kathleen knows well the challenges that children and their families encounter. During the episode she discusses how Social Security benefits and SSI help children. She also explains how we are taking more proactive steps to reach children who may be eligible for our benefits and programs.
You can listen to the episode on our SSA Talks webpage at ssa.gov/news/audioseries.html and subscribe to receive alerts about future episodes. You can also listen to previous episodes like “Commissioner O’Malley’s Top Priorities” and “Will Social Security be there when i retire?”
For more information and news about Social Security, check out our Communications Corner webpage at ssa.gov/news
Please share this with your friends and family – and post it on social media.
Across 1 12- foot high feature of Mobile’s celebration of the coming of the new year, 2 words
5 Black-eyed ____
8 Break for a rest
11 Decisions about one’s life choices for 2025
12 Not get it right
13 Overtime, abbr.
14 “We’re number ___!”
16 ___ the habit (stops doing something that needs to change)
18 Cover of protection from the rain
19 New Year’s Eve’s celebratory loud noises
22 Eternally
24 “We’re in this love together” singer, Jarreau
25 Where Montgomery’s Downtown Countdown is happening in 2024, _____ Park
28 ____ Restaurant’s Noon Year’s Eve in Gulf Shores
30 Mexican chip with a topping
32 Good grades in exams
33 Nurse, for short
34 Astound
by Myles Mellor
35 _ ___ the New Year (celebrate in a lively way)2 words Down
1 Red wine
2 Eastern is the only type harvested on Alabama’s Gulf Coast
3 Seasoned rice
4 Join in a contest
6 Coast Guard officer, abbr.
7 Seasons
9 It’s better fresh
10 Popular meat choice for the family meal on New Year’s Day in Alabama
13 Approve
15 Type of orange
1 7 Freight
19 Common side order
20 __ in the New Year at the Wharf in Orange Beach, 2 words
21 Take a rest on a sofa, say2 words
23 Sound of hesitation
24 __ Lang Syne song
26 Mushrooms, for example
27 Chowder morsel
29 Land of the brave and free
31 Piece of a machine
33 Email subject intro
JANUARY
10-12
Decatur Festival of the Cranes 2025, Wheeler Wildlife Refuge. This event highlights the annual migration of the sandhill and whooping cranes, which begin arriving in the fall and stay through mid-February. An array of cultural and educational programs for all ages will be held at sites across Decatur, including the historic Princess Theater. Children’s activities, art shows and demonstrations, plus presentations on such topics as crane conservation, falconry, bats, ecotourism and Alabama cave life. FriendsOfWheelerNWR.org
11 Prattville Cruising the Creekwalk 5K, Doster Memorial Community Center. Begins at 9 a.m.; this year features a new race route. Search for the event’s page on Facebook.
Through Jan. 20
Birmingham GLOW WILD, an animal lantern celebration at the Birmingham Zoo. Visually stunning lantern creations of wildlife from around the world help the zoo come alive, with hundreds of animal shapes of all sizes. Event is on select nights, so check the website for more information. BirminghamZoo.com
24-25 Troy Pike Piddlers Storytelling Festival 2025. Festival begins at 6:30 p.m. Friday with supper and stories at the We Piddle Around Theater in Brundidge and continues with three storytelling concerts on Saturday at 10 a.m., 2 and 6:30 p.m. at the Trojan Center Theatre on the Troy University campus. Festival features some of the country’s top storytellers and includes pre-show music by popular old-time bands. 334-403-3394.
24-26 and 31-Feb. 2
Guntersville Eagle Awareness Weekends at Lake Guntersville State Park. Featuring live bird demonstrations, programs by notable speakers and guided safaris for viewing eagles in their
natural habitat. The park offers lodging and dining packages that include VIP access to presentations, discounts at the restaurant and gift shop, photo opportunities with birds of prey, engagements with featured sponsors and access to naturalists. 256-571-5440.
25 Foley OWA Arts and Crafts Festival, downtown OWA. Family friendly arts and crafts show with local handmade goods, live music and kids’ activities. VisitOWA.com
FEBRUARY
7-8
Sheffield 7th annual Northwest Alabama Farm Toy Show, Clarion Inn, 4900 Hatch Blvd. 4 to 8:30 p.m. Friday and 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Buy, sell and trade farm toys; display competition, door prizes and pedal tractor raffle. Search for the event’s page on Facebook.
14-March 4 Mobile Mardi Gras parades. Get ready for beads, Moon Pies and candy at more than 40 parades in the downtown area, culminating on March 2 (Joe Cain Day) and March 4 (Fat Tuesday). For parade maps and up-to-date information, visit Mobile.org
15
Millbrook Millbrook Revelers Mardi Gras Festival and Parade. Festival grounds open at 9 a.m., with more than 60 vendors on site and rides for children of all ages. Parade starts at noon after the staging at Mill Creek Park, behind the Smokehouse Bar-B-Q on Main Street. MillbrookRevelers.org
15-16
Greenville Greenville Camellia Show, Wendell Mitchell Conference Center on the LBW Community College campus, 750 Greenville Bypass. Hosted by the Greenville Camellia Society. Find more information on the society’s Facebook page.
22-23
Andalusia Cookies with Characters, sponsored by
Around Alabama
The Festival of the Cranes 2025 highlights the sandhill and whooping cranes that overwinter at the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge.
Meredith’s Miracles, Covington Center Arena and Kiwanis Building. Children enjoy a meet and greet with more than 90 characters, plus souvenirs, photos, bounce houses and more. Meredith’s Miracles is a non-profit that helps south Alabama families financially during medical emergencies. Find a weekend schedule at CookiesWithCharacters.com
22 Mobile USS Alabama Living History Crew Drill. See history come to life when WWII re-enactors tell the stories of the original crewmen of the battleship USS Alabama and submarine USS Drum. Date may change; visit calendar for confirmation. USSAlabama.com
22 Orange Beach 33rd annual Orange Beach Seafood Festival and MAAAC Car show, The Wharf, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Seafood, 100 arts and crafts booths, music for the whole family, a kids’ zone and a car show featuring antique, classic and hot rod vehicles all along Main Street. Event directly benefits Orange Beach schools. Free. OrangeBeachAL.gov
23 Auburn 4th annual War Eagle Run Fest, outside Jordan-Hare Stadium. Half marathon, 5K and kids’ mile races, ending with a post-race tailgate with music and food. Aotourism.com
27-March 1
Monroeville Monroeville Literary Festival. Visit the courtroom made famous by “To Kill a Mockingbird” for captivating readings, enlightening discussions, amusing conversations and Monroeville’s famous brand of hospitality. For a schedule of events, visit MonroevilleLiteraryFestival.com
MARCH
21-22
Camden Wilcox Historical Society Tour of Homes. Eight homes, two historic churches, a reception and more at this annual event. Registration will be at the Wilcox Female Institute, 301 Broad St., from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. All proceeds help preserve historic buildings throughout Wilcox County. Guest speakers will be Julie and Luke Montagu. Various tour packages available. Tickets available at Eventbrite.com; see the society’s Facebook page for more information.
To place an event, e-mail events@alabamaliving. coop. or visit www.alabamaliving.coop. You can also mail to Events Calendar, P.O. Box 244014, Montgomery, AL 36124; Each submission must include a contact name and phone number. Deadline is two months prior to issue date. We regret that we cannot publish every event due to space limitations.
Alabama Living on FB instagram.com/alabamaliving
Carnivorous plants are the South’s feasting flora
Wondering what plants will be in vogue in 2025? According to garden experts and influencers, this is the year for colorful, lush, resilient, native, edible and something kind of new — carnivorous — plants.
If the word “carnivorous” conjures disturbing images of Audrey II, the infamous man-eating Venus flytrap-like star of the hit films and Broadway show “Little Shop of Horrors,” relax. Audrey II is a fictional plant from the planet Kepler-186, which is a real planet but it’s far, far away, that’s bent on eradicating humankind.
Carnivorous plants from planet Earth, however, are helpful to humankind because they provide ecological services, a degree of pest control and possess valuable medicinal qualities. They can also be beautiful and fascinating additions to our gardens and homes.
Yes, they are flesh-eating, but they only have a penchant for non-human flesh from creatures such as microorganisms, insects, arthropods, crustaceans, small mammals,
At top, a tropical pitcher plant in the Atlanta Botanical Garden traps and digests its prey in this hanging vase-like structure. Above, several of Alabama’s public gardens are working with conservation groups to safeguard some of the state’s rare and threatened native carnivorous plants.
birds, reptiles and amphibians, which they invite over for a meal – or more correctly, to be a meal.
Also called “predatory” plants, carnivorous plants aren’t murderous by nature. In fact, the International Carnivorous Plant Society distinguishes between the two: Carnivorous plants kill to eat; murderous plants kill because they can, though they
mostly kill as a means of self-protection rather than out of malice.
But why do carnivorous plants need to eat meat when they can photosynthesize? Because the boggy, swampy, watery, rocky and sandy environments where they live are typically low in nitrogen, phosphorous and other essential minerals that necessary for photosynthesis and to produce leaves, roots, stems, seeds, flowers and fruit. Since these vital nutrients aren’t available in local soils and water, carnivorous plants developed ways to obtain them from other nutrient-rich sources — their neighbors.
These plants are fascinating examples of the evolutionary process, including the phenomenon of convergent evolution when organisms from different locations and eras independently develop similar traits in response to similar environmental conditions across the globe. The result is that similar though unrelated carnivorous plants can be found on every continent except Antarctica. Today, some 700-800 species are known to exist representing a fascinating array of plant types including Venus flytraps, pitcher plants, sundews, butterworts and bladderworts.
Because they can’t move around to hunt or gather food, carnivorous plants developed physical characteristics that allow
Katie Jackson is a freelance writer and editor based in
PHOTOS BY KATIE JACKSON
them to lure, trap and digest prey. Using color, shape, scent and nectar to lure in prey, the plants snare them in a variety of distinctive traps: snapping “jaws” (Venus flytraps), sticky/ adhesive surfaces (sundews and butterworts), pitfall (pitcher plants), bladder/vacuum systems (bladderworts) and lobster pot snares (corkscrew plants and some pitcher plants).
Once a creature is trapped, the plants use enzymes, and sometimes symbiotic relationships with other insects and bacteria, to dissolve the prey’s body, which releases nutrients that the plants can then absorb.
Alabama is home to four primary genera: sundews, butterworts, bladderworts and pitcher plants (Venus flytraps are only native to North and South Carolina’s coastal bogs). We are second only to Florida in the number of native carnivorous plant species, and we have the most Sarracenia (the genus of pitcher plants native to North America) pitcher plants in the world, some of which are found only in Alabama and often in tiny ranges of the state.
While we have an abundance of carnivorous plant species, two — the Canebrake and Alabama Green pitcher plants — are federally endangered and many others are at risk from habitat loss, fire suppression, wild collection and the spread of invasive species. We can help protect these populations by supporting land and plant conservation and research efforts, protecting and properly managing private lands where these plants are found and supporting and abiding by laws that restrict poaching of these plants from public lands.
We can also enjoy carnivorous plants in our own yards and homes. Pitcher plants,
Garden Style Trends and Themes for 2025:
• Bold colors and lush, textured foliage
• Native plants and wildlife/pollinator friendly gardening
• Fire- and drought-resistant landscapes
• Edible landscapes
• Vertical gardening
• Social spaces and outdoor “rooms”
• Sustainable and low-maintenance gardening
sundews and flytraps are wonderful options for water and bog gardens and in outdoor containers. All three plants can also do well indoors, but key to their survival in any location is providing proper growing conditions — a planting media that mirrors their native habitats, lots of sunlight and a steady supply of rainwater (not tap water). While outdoor-grown carnivorous plants don’t need fertilizer or feeding, those grown indoors will need to be fed fresh or freeze-dried insects.
To learn more about carnivorous plants, check out information provided the Alabama Wildlife Federation (alabamawildlife.org), Alabama Cooperative Extension System (aces.edu), the International Carnivorous Plant Society (carnivorousplants.org), the Botanical Society of America (botany.org) and other expert and professional resources.
“The Carnivorous Kingdom,” a documentary film by Alabama environmental journalist and author Ben Raines, offers a fabulous glimpse into the world of Alabama’s native carnivorous plants and can be found at pbs.org
You can see carnivorous plants in the
wild at several Alabama preserves and public forests in Baldwin and Escambia/Covington counties: Spring is a great time to see them in their full glory, but many are present from February through fall. Many public gardens and arboretums also have carnivorous plant displays and often offer seminars on growing and protecting these plants.
To buy native carnivorous plants, keep an eye out for seasonal sales sponsored by preservation and conservation groups or public gardens. Some native plant and locally owned nurseries also carry native carnivorous plants, and you can order an array of carnivorous plants online but always vet the dealer to be sure they are reputable and ethical sellers. Carnivorous plants should not be harvested from the wild!
If flesh-eating plants don’t appeal to you, check out the various 2025 garden trend lists (see an overview at left) including the National Garden Bureau’s (ngb.org) plants of the year, for additional ideas.
JANUARY TIPS
Plant shrubs, trees, roses and fruit and nut trees.
Plant hardy annuals.
Sow seed for lettuce and other leafy greens.
Plant hardy cool season vegetables such as cabbage and cauliflwer.
Plant cool-season annuals such as pansies and violas.
Prune dormant deciduous trees and shrubs.
Order seeds for the spring and summer garden.
At left, among Alabama’s pitcher plant havens is The Nature Conservancy’s Splinter Hill Bog Preserve in Baldwin County. Above, the bog is home to five pitcher plant species including these White-topped and Wherryi’s Sweet Red pitcher plants. PHOTOS BY KATIE JACKSON
Bowl of
comfort
Soups, stews and chilis to warm you from the inside out.
Food prepared, styled and photographed by Brooke Echols
Tropical Chili
Comfort food season is here! Sometimes our favorite comfort foods tend to be a bit on the rich side, especially soups like Zuppa Toscana. We lighten up this hearty and creamy soup without sacrificingthe creamy flaor you love. We keep the healthy fats like heavy cream and delicious Italian sausage and simply substitute the potatoes with our favorite starch stand-in, hearts of palm. While hearts of palm have been around a long time, it has just been in the last fie years that it has taken the world by storm as a healthy swap for starchier veggies and pasta. Whole hearts of palm can be found in the canned vegetable section of most grocery stores near the canned asparagus and mushrooms. Alone, they even make a great snack. Paired with your favorite soup or chowder, they are a great substitute for potatoes or pasta. Getting your vegetables never tasted so good and so comforting! For more recipes visit thebutteredhome.com.
Quick Low -Carb Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana (Tuscan Soup)
2 tablespoons avocado oil
1 pound Italian sausage, ground
1/2 cup red onion, diced
2 tablespoons fresh garlic, minced
3 cups chicken broth, low sodium 14 ounces hear ts of palm, sliced 12 ounces baby spinach, fresh 1 teaspoon oregano, dried 1 teaspoon basil, dried 1 cup heavy cream
Shredded Parmesan cheese for garnish
Red pepper flakes for garnish
Using the sauté function on the instant pot, allow it to heat up. Add 2 tablespoons of avocado oil. Brown Italian sausage, onions and garlic. Drain if needed and return to the instant pot. Turn off the sauté function.
Add oregano, basil, chicken broth and sliced hearts of palm. Mix well. Add in baby spinach in small bunches, stirring in well to wilt. Put the lid on, seal the vent and cook on normal or high pressure for 6 minutes. Allow the pressure to naturally release and carefully release the vent to make sure all pressure is gone before removing the lid.
Slowly stir in heavy cream.
Serve garnished with red pepper flakes and shredded parmesan cheese.
*This recipe can also be done in a Dutch oven on the stove top. Follow all of the normal directions for browning the vegetables and sausage. Add everything in except for the heavy cream, cheese and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil and allow to simmer for 30 minutes uncovered. Add in the heavy cream as normal and garnish with red pepper flakes and Parmesan.
COOK OF THE MONTH Juanita Graham, Franklin EC
1 pound white ground turkey
1 1.25-ounce package hot chili seasoning mix
1/2 cup prepared yellow mustard
1/2 cup maple syrup
1 15-ounce can Del Monte pineapple tidbits in juice, undrained
1 10-ounce can diced tomatoes with green chilies, mild
1 10-ounce can Bush’s Best Chili Magic Chili Starter Optional toppings: sour cream, cheese, green onions
Cook turkey in a 3-quart Dutch oven on medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, with a long-handled spoon. Drain off fat, add chili seasoning, stir well; add mustard and syrup, stir well. Add pineapple and tomatoes, stir well. Cook on medium heat for 5 minutes, stir occasionally. Cover with a lid and simmer for 15 minutes. Add Chili Magic. Cook an additional 5 minutes, stir. Remove from heat. Serves 5.
May theme: Condiments (dips, dressings, sauces, seasoning and rub blends) | Enter by: February 7
Brooke Burks
Photo by The Buttered Home
Tropical Chili
Onion Soup
1 stick unsalted butter
4 tablespoons olive oil
8 onions, sliced
6 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon rosemary
Loaf French bread
1-2 cups mozzarella cheese
1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
On medium to low heat, add butter and olive oil to a medium saucepan. Add onions, stirring occasionally until onions are tender, careful not to burn. Add beef broth, thyme, rosemary, salt and pepper. Let simmer over medium heat for around 30-45 minutes, checking after 30 minutes for taste and tenderness. Preheat oven to broil. Slice French bread into about ½-1-inch slices. Butter bread and toast in broiler. Ladle soup into oven-safe bowls, place a slice of French bread on top of soup. Add mozzarella cheese and top with grated Parmesan. Place under broiler until cheese is bubbling, remove and serve warm.
Angela Davis and Chasity Rodger Southern Pine EC
All-American Cheeseburger Soup
1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1 stalk celer y, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 14.5-ounce cans reduced-sodium beef broth
2 medium potatoes, scrubbed and coarsely chopped
1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes, drained
1 8-ounce package shredded cheddar and American blend cheese
1 6-ounce can tomato paste
¼ cup ketchup
2 tablespoons Dijon-style mustard
1 cup whole milk
Toasted buns or rolls, optional
In a 4-quart Dutch oven cook beef, onion, celery and garlic over medium heat until meat is browned and vegetables are tender, breaking up meat with
a wooden spoon; drain off fat. Sprinkle flour over beef mixture; cook and stir for 2 minutes. Stir in broth and potatoes. Bring to boiling, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat. Simmer, covered, for 10 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Stir in tomatoes, cheese, tomato paste, ketchup and mustard. Cook and stir until cheese is melted and smooth and soup just comes to gentle boiling. Stir in milk; heat through. If desired, serve with toasted buns and cheeseburger toppings.
Bridget Braswell Peeler Cullman EC
Broccoli and Cheddar
Chicken Soup
4-6 chicken breasts
3 carrots, diced
2-3 stalks celer y (optional), diced
1 medium onion, diced
1 tablespoon butter
2-3 teaspoons flour
4-5 cups chicken or vegetable stock
1 head broccoli
3-5 cloves garlic
Salt and pepper
Dash of paprika
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Dash of turmeric
3-4 small potatoes
3/4 cup white rice
1 bay leaf
Heavy cream
Extra sharp cheddar
Nutmeg (optional) dash
First boil chicken breasts, removing chicken to cool and reserving stock. Cook carrots and celery if you are using celery. Next, sauté onions in butter on medium heat. Slowly add flour to hot chicken stock. Add carrots, broccoli, garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, Dijon mustard, turmeric, potatoes, rice, bay leaf and all your ingredients until done. Add cream and cheese. Ready to serve. Tip: Add cheese to individual bowls so when you heat it back up you won't have to worry about it burning and sticking to bottom of the pot.
Amanda Moss
Onion Soup
Dickie’s Brunswick Stew
1 6-pound hen
1 3-pound pork roast
2 cups ketchup
3 cups chicken broth
3 medium onions
3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 large cans tomatoes
2 cans whole kernel corn, drained
Potatoes, diced
2 cups butterbeans
Black pepper, to taste
½ teaspoon red pepper, optional
Hot sauce, to taste
Boil hen and save 3 cups broth to use in stew; boil pork. Let hen and pork cool, then pull meat from bones and cut into pieces. Mix all ingredients together and cook slowly for 3 hours. Stir often as it will burn and stick to the bottom of the pan.
Sylvia B. Clark
Baldwin EMC
Uncover savings with a DIY energy audit
Q: How do I perform an energy audit on my home?
A:A home energy audit may sound daunting, but it can be as easy as creating a checklist of improvements based on what you see around your home.
Here’s what you’ll need to find opportunities to save energy and money: a flashlight, dust mask, tape measure and cooking thermometer. I recommend taking notes on your phone or a notepad.
First, check the heating and cooling equipment. Determine the age and efficiency of the equipment by looking up the model number on the nameplate. The average lifespan of HVAC equipment is 10 to 30 years, depending on the type of equipment and how well it’s maintained. If your equipment is older, it may be time to budget for an upgrade. Check the filter and replace it if needed.
Then, check the envelope of your home, which separates the heated or cooled areas from the exterior, for drafts and air leakage. Feel around windows and trim for any drafts. Pay special attention to spots where different building materials come together. Check under sinks for gaps around pipes. Seal with weatherstripping, caulk or expanding foam as needed.
Make sure to replace incandescent or compact fluorescent bulbs with LEDs. LEDs use significantly less energy and last longer than traditional incandescent bulbs.
Next, look in the attic, while wearing a dust mask, to make sure it’s insulated. You may be able to see enough from the access area using a cellphone with the flash on to take pictures. Use the tape measure to check the depth of the insulation. It should be a minimum of 12 inches deep. This can vary depending on the type of insulation used and your geography.
Insulation can become compacted over time. It should be evenly distributed throughout the attic. Loose fill or blown-in insulation should be fluffy and evenly dispersed. Rolled batt insulation should fit tightly together without gaps.
Check for leaking faucets and make sure aerators and showerheads are high-efficiency models in good condition. The gallons-per-minute (GPM) ratings should be etched onto them. To reduce wasted energy from using more hot water than needed, aerators should be 0.5 to 1.5 GPM, and showerheads should be no more than 2 GPM.
Also, exterior walls should be insulated. If your home is older than the 1960s, the walls are probably not insulated. Homes from the 1960s or 1970s likely need more insulation. Sometimes you can see wall insulation by removing an outlet cover or switch plate and using a flashlight to look for insulation inside the wall cavity. Turn off the power at the electrical panel to avoid the risk of electric shock. Wall insulation can be blown in from the inside or the outside of the home. This is a job for a professional. If you have a basement or crawlspace, head there next. Unfinished basements should have insulation on the rim joists, at minimum. This is the area between the top of the foundation and the underside of the home’s first-story floor. Use closedcell spray foam or a combination of rigid foam and spray foam to insulate rim joists. Crawl spaces should have insulation on the underside of the floor between the floor joists. Insulation should be properly supported in contact with the floor with no air gaps. Water pipes and ductwork should also be insulated.
Lastly, check the temperature of your water by running it for three minutes at the faucet closest to your water heater. Then fill a cup and measure with a cooking thermometer. Hot water should be between 120 and 140 degrees. You can reduce the temperature on your water heater to reduce energy waste and prevent scalding.
Once your home energy audit is finished, review your findings and start prioritizing home energy efficiency projects. For stepby-step instructions, visit energy.gov/save.
Start your do-it-yourself energy audit by gathering household tools, including a flashlight, dust mask, tape measure and cooking thermometer.
PHOTO COURTESY MIRANDA BOUTELLE
Miranda Boutelle is the chief operating offier at Efficienc Services Group in Oregon, a cooperatively owned energy efficienc company.
Hypothermia can strike anyone with tragic results
Alabama people worry more about hurricanes than snowstorms, but the entire state gets frosty at times. People unprepared for the cold can develop hypothermia, and while rare, deaths do occur.
“In 2022, Alabama had 18 deaths related to hypothermia and 10 in 2021,” says Dr. Wes Stubblefield, a pediatrician and medical officer for the Alabama Department of Public Health. “Older adults and younger children, especially infants, are more susceptible to hypothermia.”
Hypothermia occurs when a body’s core temperature drops too low. Normally, a human body maintains a temperature of about 98.6 degrees. Falling body temperatures can impair functions and even cause death. Hypothermia can even occur at temperatures as high as 45 degrees.
“Hypothermia is caused by a combination of factors,” Stubblefield says. “One factor is air temperature. The other is wind chill. If a person’s skin is wet and exposed, that person can develop hypothermia.”
Water dissipates heat. Wind blows heat away from a body. As a body cools muscles rapidly contract and relax as it attempts to warm itself. People begin to shiver. Jaw muscles also contract and relax, causing teeth chattering.
blood flow to the skin and makes the skin feel warmer. That transfer of blood cools internal organs and weakens a body’s ability to warm itself. Alcohol also affects a person’s decision-making ability, which could already be diminished by the cooling temperature.
If you encounter someone who may be at risk of hypothermia, remove any wet clothing and get that person to an external heat source. Direct skin-to-skin contact with a warm, unaffected person can help. If possible, build a fire. If near a vehicle or building, get inside and out of the wind. Turn a heater on if available. Keep the victim moving. Give the victim hot liquids, like coffee, tea or soup, to help raise the body temperature.
“The body cuts off the blood supply to the skin to save vital organs and a person starts to shiver,” Stubblefield says. “A person’s hands and feet get cold. Infants and older adults have less muscle tissue, so they have less ability to compensate for heat loss.”
As the body chills, people become disoriented. They feel exhausted and drowsy. One’s skin could turn bright red but feel cold to the touch. The person might deny a problem exists or even resist help. Some people become belligerent in their denial.
“As the brain starts to get cold, it impairs judgment,” Stubblefield says. “People have memory loss and slur their speech. It’s almost like they are drunk. If the body temperature drops below 95 degrees, that person needs immediate medical attention. If people don’t get warm, they can lose consciousness. If a person passes out, that person might stop breathing as the body shuts down.”
Many people drink alcohol to warm themselves. Alcohol causes vasodilation, or a widening of blood vessels. This increases
Hunters, fishermen, hikers and others who enjoy outdoors sports probably suffer the greatest risk of hypothermia. Boaters could fall into the water or get drenched by spray. Hunters and hikers walking in the woods could sweat, soaking their inner layer of clothing. That could cause chilling problems as darkness approaches.
“Most of us Alabamians don’t know how to dress appropriately for cold weather,” the doctor says. “People don’t understand what it means to keep one’s head warm. Heat radiates from a person’s head.”
An ice or snowstorm can knock down powerlines, shutting off power to affected areas. Linemen must go out in all types of weather to restore power and communications. Biting winds can batter workers up on high poles.
“Our employees must work in every type of weather,” says Jeff Whatley, statewide safety specialist for the Alabama Rural Electric Association. “When sleet makes driving hazardous, our people are still out working in it. No matter how cold or how much precipitation, we must restore power because people’s lives depend on it.”
Linemen must dress appropriately for any situation. During cold weather, they wear layers and add or remove articles as necessary. In addition, linemen must only wear all-natural fabrics like cotton to avoid possible burns in the event of an electrical flash.
In the winter, people who work outdoors need to wear thicker, bulkier clothing to keep warm, but linemen often can’t do that because several layers can inhibit their movements around high-voltage power lines.
When cold weather hits, watch out for each other, especially when you’re outdoors. Check on relatives, friends and neighbors. Keep everyone safe.
Find more information on hypothermia at cdc.gov/winter-weather/prevention/index.html
John N. Felsher is a professional freelance writer who lives in Semmes, Ala. He also hosts an outdoors tips show for WAVH
To dress properly in the extreme cold, the CDC recommends you wear a hat, a scarf or knit mask that covers the face and mouth, mittens or gloves, a water-resistant coat, water-resistant boots and several layers of loose-fitting clothing.
You’ve read and laughed along with Hardy Jackson for 10 years in the pages of Alabama Living, and now you can have 48 of his best columns all in one place! We are offering this first-ever compilation of the favorite author’s work, illustrated by the talented Dennis Auth. Just scan the QR code here, or use this form to order your copy today!
RETURN WITH $21.95 PER COPY CHECK PAYABLE TO ALABAMA LIVING MAIL TO: Alabama Living PO Box 244014 Montgomery, AL 36124 ONLINE: www.alabamaliving.coop
The Moon Clock and resulting Moon Times were developed 40 years ago by Doug Hannon, one of America’s most trusted wildlife experts and a tireless inventor. The Moon Clock is produced by DataSport, Inc. of Atlanta, GA, a company specializing in wildlife activity time prediction. To order the 2023 Moon Clock, go to www.moontimes.com.
RESPECT SUBSTATIONS RESPECT SUBSTATIONS
and all other electrical equipment
REPORT
SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY
Only authorized utility workers should approach a substation, touch the fence or enter the gate.
Paying attention to activity in or near substations and other utility equipment helps keep everyone safe.
Learn more at:
Authorized workers should:
Wear proper personal protective gear and display an ID badge. Use work vehicles that have utility branded logos/information.
Suspicious activity includes individuals in street clothes who are:
Near or inside a substation fence. Tampering with equipment, such as power poles, meters and padmount transformers.
If you notice anything unusual at a substation, please report it to the electric utility. Examples include:
An open or unlocked gate. A damaged fence.
Obvious damage inside the fence.
Call 9-1-1 and then the electric utility if you see:
Smoke or fire.
Non-utility workers inside the substation fence.
Non-utility workers on a pole or tampering with a meter.
ENERGY SAVINGS SCAVENGER HUNT
Saving energy at home is a great way to help the environment (and save money). With the help of an adult, look for ways you can save energy around your home. Use the tips below to get started, then check off the areas where you’ve identified ways to save!
TASK: Bright Ideas
Ensure your home uses energysaving LED bulbs. If you find incandescent or CFL bulbs, replace them with LEDs.
TASK: Empty Rooms
Turn off lights and ceiling fans in unoccupied rooms to conserve energy.
TASK:
Sealed for Savings
Check windows to make sure they are closed and locked. Sealed windows help prevent air leaks, which saves energy.
TASK: Set to Save
Check the thermostat to see if it can be adjusted a few degrees (either lowered in winter or raised in summer) to conserve energy used for heating or cooling your home.
TASK:
Slay Energy Vampires
Energy vampires are devices that consume energy even when they’re not being used. Unplug these items, like phone chargers and tablets, when you’re not using them.
What’s in your attic? $500 insulation rebate helps homeowners lower bills, improve comfort
For many homeowners, the attic is out of sight, out of mind.
However, giving your attic some attention is one of the better things you can do for your home. Our energy efficiency experts say that attic insulation usually pays for itself within a few years by reducing heating and cooling bills.
It’s a new year and a great time to look for opportunities to save money. TVA EnergyRight has extended its popular rebate program, which gives homeowners $500 in cash for bringing their attic insulation up to current building codes. That rebate is now available through Sept. 30, 2025.
The attic insulation rebate is just one of several cash offers available for homeowners as TVA invests $1.5 billion in energy efficiency and demand management programs through 2028. The programs have helped more than 54,000 homeowners and businesses save upwards of $328 million on electric bills over the life of their energy improvements since October 2023.
“We encourage everyone to take advantage of our energy-saving programs to save money and be a smarter energy consumer,” said Bethany Kitch, senior program manager for EnergyRight residential programs.
The next time you’re in your attic, take a quick glance around and check to see whether your attic insulation is low. If you poke your head up there and you can see the tops of your
wood ceiling joists, you have what’s called a skeleton attic. Here are some additional telltale signs of inadequate insulation – and you don’t even have to go into your attic to check for these:
• You have hot or cold spots in your house.
• Your HVAC unit runs constantly but has trouble reaching the desired temperature.
• You see sweating or condensation on your ceiling.
• Your energy bills are high.
Most homes don’t have enough attic insulation, says Jake Snavely of Insulation Plus in Huntsville.
“Based on our experience, about 75 percent of all homes are under-insulated, 90 percent or more if the homes are built in 1990 or prior,” he says.
Building codes have been strengthened over the years. The current standard for the Valley region, known as R38, calls for 13 inches of blown fiberglass insulation. The amount can vary a bit depending on the brand and type of insulation. With more insulation, a home’s HVAC system doesn’t have to work as hard – and that means utility bills go down. Along with the $500 rebate from TVA, there’s also a federal tax credit available.
Upgrading your insulation typically costs $1 to $2 per square foot of your house. It can reduce your energy bills by up to 20 percent, although contractors say they see even higher savings in some homes. To qualify for the $500 rebate, homeowners must work with a TVA-approved contractor in the Quality Contractor Network. The contractor files the paperwork with TVA, then the homeowner confirms the upgrade was completed and receives a check in the mail.
Kevin Chandler is the South Region Customer Relations Director for the Tennessee Valley Authority.
How To Place an Ad in Marketplace
Closing Deadlines (in our office):
March 2025 Issue by January 25
April 2025 Issue by February 25 May 2025 Issue by March 24
Ads are $1.75 per word with a 10 word minimum and are on a prepaid basis; Telephone numbers, email addresses and websites are considered 1 word each. Ads will not be taken over the phone. You may email your ad to hdutton@areapower.com; or call (800)410-2737 ask for Heather for pricing.; We accept checks, money orders and all major credit cards. Mail ad submission along with a check or money order made payable to ALABAMA LIVING, P.O. Box 244014, Montgomery, AL 36124 – Attn: Classifieds.
Miscellaneous
FREE MATERIALS: SOON CHURCH / GOVERNMENT UNITING, suppressing “RELIGIOUS LIBERTY”, enforcing NATIONAL SUNDAY LAW, Be informed! Need mailing address only. POB 374, Ellijay, GA 30540 –tbsmads@yahoo.com, (888)211-1715
FUNERAL INSURANCE PLANS FOR ANY BUDGET. No Exam, Easy Qualification. Visit finalexpenseassured.com or call (813)352-2587
Vacation Rentals
OWNERS – Join the fastest growing regional site in Alabama. Low annual fee. Verified Owners, no booking fees or commissions. Alabama Vacation Home Rentals. Locally Owned and Operated. (251)333-6500, ALAVHR.com
GULF SHORES / ORANGE BEACH / FORT MORGAN – Choose from hundreds of beach houses and condos! Verified Owners. No Booking Fees. ALAVHR.com
GROW MUSCADINES AND BLACKBERRIES , half dollar size – We offer over 200 varieties of Fruit and Nut Trees plus Vines and Berry Plants . Free color catalog. 1-800-733-0324. Ison’s Nursery, P.O. Box 190, Brooks, GA 30205 Since 1934 www.isons.com
by Dennis Auth
The 58-year-old grudge
Later this month, the college playoffs and Super Bowl will be over. That means no more office football pools until next September. Football and office pools go together like peanut butter and crackers. Even Baptists know how they work: Everyone buys a square with a random number for each team. If your numbers match the last two digits of both team’s final score, you win the cash. And I can’t think about office pools without thinking about my dad.
This story began on January 1, 1966. Alabama was playing Nebraska in the Orange Bowl for the National Championship. But there was another reason the game was so important. My dad was participating in a huge office pool.
Since this was such a big game, the price of the squares were $25 each - an unheard-of number back then. This made the total winnings $2,500. Adjusted for inflation, that would be over $23,000 today.
My dad didn’t draw good numbers: Alabama 9, and Nebraska 7. Consequently, the money wasn’t on his mind as kickoff approached.
From the get-go, Bear Bryant’s team kept Nebraska dizzy. Alabama kicked on-sides kicks, passed from the end zone, and even threw the ball to their linemen. Nebraska was ill-prepared for such an onslaught, so Bama took a comfy 24-7 halftime lead.
As the bands played, Dad was doing math. If Nebraska could finish with 7, 17, 27, or 37 points, he was halfway there.
But, Alabama would need to score 15 or 25 more points to come up with a total ending in 9, Dad’s winning number. Highly unlikely.
The third quarter began with Nebraska scoring a touchdown and missing a two-point conversion. 24-13. Alabama answered with a TD and made their two-point conversion. 32-13.
Dad’s legs began twitching. Another touchdown by Alabama, and two more by Nebraska, and he would hit the jackpot.
When the fourth quarter started, Nebraska moved down
the field, scored and made the PAT. 32-20. Dad began pacing as Bama shredded Nebraska’s defense. Another easy TD made the score 39-20 with very little time left.
Once Alabama kicked off, my father began cheering for Nebraska like an alumnus from Omaha. The Cornhuskers drove into Alabama territory, and with time winding down, scored a touchdown.
Dad leaped, did a pirouette, and began doing a little jig. Our den was a joyous place. It’s 39-26! He began singing, ”Kick the PAT and it’s cash for me!
Then my father saw Nebraska Coach Bob Devaney holding up two fingers. They were going for two.
The dancing and singing stopped. Darkness fell over the room. Instantly, my father became the Spawn of Satan. His face turned red. His eyes bulged. He began cursing loudly. My dog ran out of the room.
This was not stuck-in-traffic, gonna-be-late-for-the-movie, kind of cursing. What came out of my Dad’s mouth was something I had never heard before. He was using words that I still don’t know today. A few years later, I went to see “The Exorcist,” and was struck by the similarity between the possessed girl and my father.
I was terrified, but strangely found myself admiring this outburst. If anger and rage was art, then dad was Michelangelo.
Nonetheless, I was torn between staying in the den with Beelzebub, or hiding under my bed with the dog. I kept my seat.
Mother walked in from the kitchen and watched in silence. Clearly, she did not approve of this insanity, but allowed it to go on for a few minutes. Wisely, Mom was letting steam out of the pressure cooker.
Finally, she spoke.
“James, that’s enough.”
He wasn’t ready to give it up. “That stupid,^%#~*%#, Devaney! He didn’t even have to go for two! I was going to use some of that money to buy Joe a car next year!”
Whaaat? Now it was personal. I had become collateral damage. My head snapped around, and I yelled, “That low-life, piece of crap, fat excuse of a football coach, Bob Devaney!”
For the record, the game ended 39-28. Dad didn’t get the money, and I didn’t get the car, but I got a story to tell for the rest of my life.
And for the record, I still don’t like Nebraska much either.
Joe Hobby is a standup comedian, a syndicated columnist, and a long-time writer for Jay Leno. He’s a member of Cullman Electric Cooperative and is very happy now that he can use Sprout from his little place on Smith Lake. Contact him at jhobby2000@aol.com.
Illustration
Dips/dressings/sauces rubs and seasoning blends
See Page 35
Start your New Year off with a subscription to Alabama Living! See Page 45
