Athens Now December 7, 2012

December 7 - 20, 2012

athensnowal.com E-MAIL: info@athensnowal.com ADVERTISING: 256-468-9425

Coldwell Banker Realty...

See Our Listings Inside this edition...

Pages 25 - 32

Special Feature

Hazel Green Chiropractic: Straightening Spines With A Smile... By the time Dr. John Boyle was a teenager doing farm work in upstate New York, he had already had enough sports injuries to inspire him to pursue a career in the healing arts...

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Special Feature Comfort Touch Massage Therapy: Strong Hands And A Soft Heart In A Country Setting... Certified Massage Therapist and Certified Lymphedema Therapist Susie Adams is a remarkable woman by any stretch... Page 9

Dog Barker A Letter To Doggie Claus... Dear Doggie Claus, This is my second Christmas, and this year I realized what a bird was... Page 18

Security Savvy In the Line of Duty...

Often times in our articles, we talk about how to protect you, your family and property...

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Craig’s Guns & Tactical: Over 1,000 Guns In Stock

By Ali Elizabeth Turner Since 2010, I have had the privilege (through Athens Now,) of telling the stories of local folks who felt the “calling,” if you will, to look the Great Recession in the eye and do their best to defy it by starting a new business.

Craig’s Guns & Tactical is one such enterprise, and few things in my business life are more fun than being able to report that not only is business booming at Craig’s, but so much so that they have had to move two doors down to a shop that is fully twice the size of the first one.

I also thoroughly enjoy writing an “advertorial” from the standpoint of being a satisfied customer, and I continue to Continued on pages 16-17

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December 7 - December 20, 2012

Publisher’s Point

Gratitude Versus The Grinch

Publisher / Editor Ali Turner

Contributing Writers Shelley Underhill Janet Hunt Lynne Hart Jeanette Dunnavant Jones Joel Allen Jerry Barksdale Will Anderson Brian Black Drs. Lynn and Lorie Hedgepeth

The Grinch, as always, is once again prowling about Whoville, ummm, Athens, ummm, America, trying to steal Christmas. Now, for the record, anyone with a decent handle on history knows that both Hannukah and Christmas are not biblical in their origins, and the debate will no doubt rage on til the Millenium as to just what constitutes a reasonable celebration thereof. Perhaps the Festival of Lights will be consumed by the Light of the World when He comes back to set things straight, and perhaps His birthday will be celebrated every day, as would be deserving. I don’t know, and it is way above my pay grade, but I do know that until

then, the continual chipping away at our Constitutional right to have a faith based culture that has celebrations which are enjoyed in public, is something that needs to be both resisted and remedied.

Christmas as we have known it (until recently,) was birthed in Catholicism, and the Puritans did not celebrate it. I am not Catholic, (although I did live in a Benedictine monastery for a month over 40 years ago,) and while I am the descendent of folks who came over on the Mayflower, I don’t think I’d do so well in a context where women

Publisher’s Point . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Special Feature . . . . . . . . . . 7 Special Feature . . . . . . . . . . 9 Tourism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Cooking with Shelley . . . . . . 11 What Makes Ronnie Roll . . 13 Clean and Green . . . . . . . . 15

Dog Barker . . . . . . . . . . 18 Health and Fitness . . . . . . 19 World According to Will . . . . 21 Medical Update . . . . . . . . . . 22

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Our family, like many others, becomes frosted over the fact that Christmas now starts showing up in September, and we have chosen to put more energy into celebrating Hannukuh, which choice is guaranteed by the 1st Amendment.

The most recent casualty in the war on Christmas is the city of Santa Monica, California.

“Grinches” from the Freedom From Religion crew successfully won an injunction against the city, who, not only had been called “The City

Cover Story . . . . . . . . . 16-17

Jerry’s Journals . . . . . . . . . . 24

might be considered to be a witch if they knew how to swim.

However, there are those who seem to be baptized in “the spirit of Grinch” who want to take what has been celebrated for centuries away from us, and seem to think that the only way they will have peace is to both hide the Prince of Peace from our view, and hide from the Prince of Peace themselves. Good luck with that.

All Things Soldier . . . . . . . . 4

Security Savvy . . . . . . . . . . 23

of Christmas” since 1953, but had outdoor Nativity scenes in the parks and other public places.

Now there is no Nativity scene in the park, but there is Satan, Poseidon, and a “god” called the Flying Spaghetti Monster. Huh? Wasn’t Poseidon once an object of worship?

Where is this headed, and, more importantly, how do we do guerilla warfare against the Grinch?

By running our “tanks of thanks” over their ingratitude. Atheism, while a philosophy that is also protected by the Constitution, in my view, is fueled by ingratitude. It is the refusal to have a mind, heart, and spirit big enough to think outside the box and be wildly glad for stars that lead wise men, lamp stands that burn without oil, and angels that announce extraordinary news to simple shepherds. And at the end of the day, I’d rather risk thanking someone I can’t see yet, then possibly being a Grinch.

And remember, the Grinch was won over by the love of a child, which is the strongest weapon of all.

Ali Elizabeth Turner Athens Now Information & Inspiration 256-468-9425 ali@athensnowal.com Website: www.athensnowal.com

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All Things Soldier

Sandy Celebrations Of Yore

by Ali Elizabeth Turner

Unless you have had the opportunity to have your holidays honed down by virtue of living in a combat zone, it is way too easy to get sidetracked. As a result of my three Christmases in a row which were spent in Iraq, a few spent in the desert of Mexico, and several where I have not had the opportunity to be with my family, I have learned that the simplest celebrations are the best, even when there is “sandfall” instead of snow, and even when shared with strangers.

The following are some reflections of holidays spent in Iraq, which, as odd as it may sound, to this day have a deep and sweet place in my heart. Why? Because they were spent with the ones who

make sure we in America are free to celebrate…or not. ”One year we put on a Christmas party for both Coalition and Iraqi soldiers, and it was a blast. Mercy and Marly, who were from the Philippines, and Beverly and Elizabeth, who were from the States, made decorations out of every imaginable thing. There were paper snowflakes that had taken hours to cut, and foil covered ping pong balls that became decorations for the tree.

We strung popcorn and lights on an artificial tree sent from home, and had hot food trucked in from an adjacent camp for the party.

Mercy

took apart a New Year’s noise maker and turned it into an angel for the tree. Truly their ingenuity knew no bounds.

The Iraqis were thrilled, and

Hanukkah and Christmas were the times when the American people bombarded us with blessings. There was enough candy to make you waddle, even homemade fudge that was put out for all to devour, the donator’s cry being “Take it!” “Get it away from me!”

The fudge lasted about a half day, remarkably. There were greeting cards by the hundreds of thousands, books, tapes, CDs, toiletries, hot chocolate, tea, cookies, a veritable invasion mounted by thousands of individuals and groups back home. My mom sent wondrous tea in brightly colored packets. People from Athens and elsewhere sent me so many packages for the soldiers that I could hardly get in and out of my hooch, and one even sent stuff for Super Bowl Sunday. They also

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no one seemed to have a problem with getting into the season that is supposed to be about the Ultimate Gift.

Elizabeth was Jewish, and had taught English in the Middle East for 15 years. Gutsy gal. She made sure there was a menorah on the event calendar for the month. There was also a big menorah inside Saddam’s palace, something I don’t think he would have handled real well.

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blessed me with gifts that I treasure to this day, memories of an unforgettable era in my life.

Holidays in the midst of hostilities, like everything else, become more precious due to precariousness of the situation. Pushing away that precariousness for just a moment is heady, rejuvenating stuff, something I hope I never forget. Having the freedom in the first place to celebrate anything, even in a makeshift manner, becomes the most precious of all. And I hope I never get to the place that I ever sit down at home on Thanksgiving, Hannukah or Christmas, surrounded by people whom I love, where there isn’t a significant part of me that wishes I was in a Dfac,(dining facility,) in the Sandbox,(Iraq,) with the Joes and Janes. (Soldiers.)”

Please, won’t you take a moment to send a card or a care package to our brave ones?

There are a number of great organizations who have this down to a science, one of my favorites being Move America Forward. You have no idea how much you will bless a soldier or civilian serving you this winter, and hopefully this “collection of recollections” will help paint the picture.

Thank you for thanking our soldiers, at the holidays and all year long. God bless you!

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Special Feature

Hazel Green Chiropractic: Straightening Spines With A Smile

by Ali Elizabeth Turner

By the time Dr. John Boyle was a teenager doing farm work in upstate New York, he had already had enough sports injuries to inspire him to pursue a career in the healing arts.

Then, when he was around 20, he fell two stories off of some scaffolding, and that made things much worse. Add to that spending many “back breaking” years of being in the construction industry, and his back was a hot mess. He was not at all impressed with the idea of having his spine cut, burned, fused, or the prospect of taking pain meds for the rest of his life, and it was through the expert care he received from a chiropractor that made him decide to leave the construction industry and go to Chiropractic college. He graduated from Life University in Marietta, GA, and has been in practice for 12 years.

I first met Dr. John while working at a health fair in September, and he was offering a very generous introductory package to the vendors and attendees.

While I am no stranger to chiropractic, I knew I was in need of some sustained treatments to deal with the problem of numbness in my hands. I had fallen off a log bridge when I was about 3 years old, broken my collar bone, reversed the direction of my neck, and it was time to start to restore my neck and spine to the original plans of my Maker. Having a career that involves continual-

ly relegating my hands to the movements required to write on a laptop wasn’t helping, either, and I made my first appointment just to see where things stood.

I was grateful to not be in pain, but the numbness was getting worse.

team that dealt with the secondary threat of water-borne illness. He worked with the Javins Brothers to build, literally, a hospital by renovating an abandoned K Mart. “We created it out of nothing,” he said, and people literally came out of the swamp to The X-rays revealed get care. While John’s what I had told them Hazel Green clinic is regarding the reversed state of the art, and has direction of my spine, Back row (L to R): Dr. Jerry Steckler, decompression equipbut there were some Randee Young, Callie Walker, Kris ment, waterbed therapy, new “twists,” literHuggins Front row (L to R): Sarah massage chairs, electric Bagwell, Danny Moon, Dr. John Boyle ally. I was starting to stimulus pain abatement develop both scoliosis right,” and it shows! equipment and more, he as well as bone spurs, and the first smile I got from John believes strongly in giv- can say with the pragmatism Kris, the technician who read ing back to the community, that made our country strong, my “films,” was in connection both here, in New York, and “when the lights go out, we with the good news that my in Louisiana. “I don’t just stop still have our hands.” condition could be remedied, and it would take some time to do so.

Now, Hazel Green Chiropractic isn’t exactly around the corner from Athens, but I can tell you, it is worth the trip.

The place is almost always hopping, and they see approximately 400 patients per week. They are open Monday through Friday from 7am until 6pm, and I have been there at all hours of their working day. Without fail, I have been treated like a friend, and their concern for me, their humor, friendship, and “patience with the patient” has been strong and consistent. Clearly they have been “doing something

being a doc @ 6pm, there is a table at my home, and we’re here to help.” When 9/11 hit, he went to NYC to help, whether it was doing first responder type work,(which he used to do full time,) or giving adjustments to first responders, police, firefighters or other helpers. He was there for 3 weeks. When Hurricane Katrina roared through Louisiana, John was part of the Louisiana state bio-terrorism

These days he also uses those hands as the team doc of the Huntsville Rockets Semi Pro football team, who happen to

be the 2011 defending champions of both the BCS Semi Pro division, and the National Developmental Football League. “We’re the best thing nobody’s ever heard of,” he says with a chuckle. The team tryout date for the upcoming season is December 16th, and they typically have a roster of between 50 and 65 players. Several players, he told me, are as good as anyone in the NFL, “but these guys can go to work on Monday,” and they truly play for the love of the game. Anyone interested in being part of the team can contact the Rockets at www. thehsvrockets.com. The tryout fee is $45.

Whether you are in need of excellent chiropractic care on or off the field, Dr. John Boyle and his capable team at Hazel Green Chiropractic Clinic will fix you right up.

Hazel Green Chiropractic Clinic 13971 Highway 231/431 Hazel Green, AL, 35750 256-828-4288 phone • 256-828-4250 FAX hazelgreenchiropractic@yahoo.com hazelgreenchiropractic.com

Tryouts for the Huntsville Rockets are December 16th.

Go to www.thehsvrockets.com for more information.

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Special Feature

Comfort Touch Massage Therapy: Strong Hands And A Soft Heart In A Country Setting

by Ali Elizabeth Turner California, she completed 2 years training with a naturopath who taught her the role of herbs in healing, and also completed her cranial work studies in Phoenix prior to coming to Tanner. When they first moved here, she worked at Dan Tera Day Spa in Athens, and for over two years was their only certified massage therapist.

Certified Massage Therapist and Certified Lymphedema Therapist Susie Adams is a remarkable woman by any stretch. She has given birth to nine children and has buried two. She is passionate about her faith in Christ and building the Kingdom, but her quirky humor and engaging transparency is anything but stuffy and can disarm just about anyone.

She is tough and generous, has the strength it takes to really work out the kinks and knots out of your body, and if you let her, your soul and spirit.

We first met at a book signing, then again in the parking lot of the Huntsville Costco, where I had just successfully lost my car keys. There she was, my hilarious angel, coming to my rescue in a moment of true need. She took me first to her Huntsville clinic where she had an appointment with a client, and then she took me home. She and her husband, Richard, own a property management business, and in addition to taking care of folks in Limestone County, Susie also has a massage clinic in one of the “shotgun houses” in urban HSV.

For those who are in Athens, going to Susie’s Tanner clinic means “being treated to being treated” in an old two story farmhouse which was built in the 1890s, boasts high ceilings, many rooms, and has the type of deep claw foot bathtub in which I used to soak as a kid. Adding to the ambience at the time of my most recent appointment was the smell of Richard’s cooking, and I felt at home and safe.

Susie’s approach to massage is a delightful blend of professionalism, respect, mod-

Richard had a successful career as a teacher and high

esty, and always, humor that at times brings everything to a crashing halt. But, seeing as Proverbs describes laughter as having medicinal properties, you won’t hear me complaining any time soon.

I have a pretty high pain threshold and typically tell most female massage therapists that “I’ll do my labor breathing before I tell you to lighten up.” Well, Miss Susie took me to exactly the “hurt so good” place, and I didn’t even know I needed it. I never wanted to leave, the sign of a truly extraordinary massage, but she lovingly kicked me out in order to take care of her next client.

school football coach, and made a huge career change by starting the property management business with which Susie helps as well. She took additional training in Fort Lauderdale, and is certified in a number of modalities, including Manual Lymph Drain-

age, (Vodder Technique,) and Decongestive Therapy. She has also demonstrated “competency [in] the application of multi-layered compression bandages for lymphedema,” according to one of her many certificates.

In 2007, Susie was awarded 22 Continuing Education Hours here in Huntsville by the Massage Education & Development Guild for completing a course entitled Massage for People Living With Cancer. The course is described as being one “that instructs massage therapists in giving comfort-oriented relaxation massage.” Touch is always an important part of healing, and cancer patients in particular need a skilled and tender hand in helping them deal with the disease.

Susie is also certified by the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association as a detox specialist, having worked in that field at the Neely Center in Madison, and does facial massage in conjunction with aromatherapy.

Susie has a passion for making pregnancy and delivery as pleasant as possible, especially for first time mothers, and is seriously considering taking

training in order to become a doula, or certified birthing assistant. I think the combination of all her experience giving birth herself, as well as all her complementary training and certifications would make her an excellent candidate, and I hope she does it.

When and if she begins her doula studies, I have no doubt she’ll approach that discipline with the same level of passion and professionalism that she literally “brings to the table,” and would highly recommend that you take advantage of her expertise by calling her at 256874-2856 for an appointment.

Susie truly will bring you the Comfort Touch.

Susie Adams/ The Comfort Touch 3905 Hill Crest Ct, Huntsville, AL 12156 Railroad Ave, Tanner AL 256-874-2856 rose54@hiwaay.net www.comforttouch. massageplanet.com

The Adamses moved here from Hollister, California, which is where in 1998 Susie first got her training and started her practice. While still in

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Tourism

Gospel Musical – “CROWNS” Coming to Athens!

By Jeanette Dunnavant Jones, President, Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association The Athens Limestone Community Association presents the critically acclaimed gospel musical “CROWNS” on January 4th and 5th at 7:00 PM and on Jan 6th at 3:00 PM at the Council on Aging Building location at 912 West Pryor Street, Athens, AL. Advanced tickets ($15.00) may be purchased at Pablo’s on Market, Raven’s Beauty Shop or Kenny’s Kutz. “Crowns” was written by Regina Taylor and

is directed by Frank Travis.

“hat queen rules” of etiquette and proper hat wearing.

The Story of “Crowns” “Crowns”, a play with music and dance, is adapted from a book by Michael Cunningham and Craig Marberry.

“Crowns” weaves together a variety of stories from different characters, time periods and perspectives that, when integrated with music and dance, create a tapestry of voices that transcend time and place. The essential story of “Crowns” is that of

Yolonda, a young AfricanAmerican girl trying to figure out her identity, her place in the world, and her place in her own culture.

Yolonda is a tough girl from

Brooklyn who is proud of her status as a true New Yorker. When “Crowns” starts, Yolonda has been sent to South Carolina to live with her grandmother after her brother has been shot. Mother Shaw, Yolonda’s grandmother, welcomes her granddaughter into a circle of women (Wanda, Jeanette, Velma and Mabel) and a Man who takes many roles. These characters help Yolonda begin linking her own experiences to the stories of her relatives, her history and her people.

“Crowns” follow Yolonda, Mother Shaw and the other characters through a church service. Through its many parts, the service draws Yolonda out of her isolation and grief, teaches her the history of her ancestors and her people, and initiates her into a place in her new community.

The women spend the early morning getting dressed and ready for church. The service starts with a Processional, with Yolonda reluctantly wearing a hat that Mother Shaw has bought for her. The women teach Yolonda the

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When the Morning Service begins, Mother Shaw takes over and ushers in the Spirit, which temporarily transforms the space. Shadows of the past take the place of stained glass windows, and echoes of ring shouts and slave songs envelope Yolonda. She pulls away to perform her own “rebel dance,” a movement that evokes the urban landscape of her Brooklyn home and her homesickness. The congregation tries to embrace Yolonda with their message of everlasting love and their own stories of loss. Yolonda tells them her story last, describing her brother’s death and his funeral. She remembers him with sadness and longing, and the women open their arms to her and soothe her with song. In a final movement, Yolonda is baptized, welcomed and accepted into the legacy of these women and all the ancestors who have gone before her. She recognizes the unique ways her ancestry manifests in herself as she declares, “The more I study Africa, the more I see that African Americans do very African things without even knowing it. Adorning the head is one of those things… whether it’s the intricate braids or the distinct hairstyles or the beautiful hats we wear on Sundays. We just know inside that we’re queens. And these are the “Crowns” we wear.”

For information about the above event and other Athens-Limestone County events call 256-232-5411/256-8671438 or visit our website www.VisitAthensAL.com.

December 7 - December 20, 2012

Cooking with Shelley

Rocky Road Yams

by Shelley Underhill

My hope is that you all had a great Thanksgiving... mine was very quiet. This gave me time to experiment with some new recipes. The first of which I will share with you today. Why I named them Rocky Road Yams; I’m not sure. But ya’ll, everyone that tasted them said, “Make some more!” I really wanted a recipe that would be quick and easy, but also really tasty.

The final result was this...quick, easy and very tasty! MISSION ACCOMPLISHED. Need I say more?!

Put this recipe on your must try list ! Then, let me know if you make these yams. I would love to hear from you. You can email me at shelleysdesk@gmail.com. Happy Holidays to you and yours.

What you will need: 9 x 14 baking dish 2 40oz cans of yams 2 cups brown sugar - lightly packed 1 stick (real butter) - cut in slices

1 bag mini marshmallows 1 & 1/4 cups walnuts 1 bag Heath toffee bits Baker’s Joy pan spray

Heavily spray baking dish with Baker’s Joy, then pour drained yams into dish and lightly smash each yam until bottom of dish is covered.

Evenly spread sugar, butter, walnuts and marshmallows on top of yams. Place in oven, bake on 400 until marshmallows have melted; cover yams with foil and continue cooking on 350 for one hour. Remove from oven, sprinkle bag of Heath chips over the yams. Re-cover tightly with foil and let sit for twenty minutes. Serve and enjoy!

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Great Prices on Everything in Store!

Don’t Delay…Come in Today!

Alabama Christmas Tree 7-1/2 ft Crimson and White $99.95 Alabama Cristmas Wreath 24" Crimson and White $19.95

7-1/2 ft Douglas Pine Tree w/ 400 Lights Alpine Tree with Pine Cones and Snow 6ft

Bows, Bags and Paper

Selected Christmas Ornaments are already 1/2 price!

Glitter Christmas Tree Cone form 1/2 price!

Wreaths, Garlands, Teardrops, Swags, Tapestries, Throws, Bell Pull Banners

Red Bows

$89.99 $69.99

Christmas Flowers for the Cemetery, Saddles, Vase Inserts, Hanging Baskets, Sprays, etc.

Jeff Foxworthy Redneck Items, Mugs, Bottles, Coasters, Plaques

Deco Mesh Ribbon 4" - 21" over 5 Different Colors, Solids and Metallics $4.49 - $12.99

Fresh Alabama Pecans, Pieces, or Halves $9.95 lb.

Alabama Beads for Pandora Bracelets $34.99 Spacers $7.99 Alabama Houndstooth

Battery Operated Lights, 30 to a strand, all clear with timer $2.49 Come check us out! We have something for everyone!

Come see the tool side, we now carry everything for welding, including the gases!

14535 US Hwy 72 • Athens • 256-232-6695

HOURS: 9am-5pm Mon-Sat. CLOSED SUNDAY

We’re only a short five miles out 72 West and county taxes are only 6%!!! Check us out at facebook.com/jandgvariety

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December 7 - December 20, 2012

What Makes Ronnie Roll

“You Make Me Think Of Rainbow”

by Ali Elizabeth Turner

Anyone who knows our Mayor knows he’s nuts about kids, and spent the bulk of his career doing everything he could to protect them and see to it that they got justice if they had been preyed upon. I have watched his eyes light up when a kid, tiny or tall, enters the room, and so it was with special joy I listened as he regaled me with the tale of his recent “reading adventure,” which constituted visiting kids at Creekside Elementary School with the intention of “being” the local personification of Dr. Suess in mayoral form.

He wore his special tie as an ice breaker, the one which shows kids upside down in a roller coaster, and dived straight into the tale at hand. However, it wasn’t long until he was on an “improv roll,” and made up the story he felt the kids needed to hear, to the delight of all.

After it was all done, he returned to “the real world,” and all things associated with running the City of Athens. Then, on Monday, December 3rd, there was the official ground breaking ceremony for the new City Hall building. I have seen the plans, and they are beautiful. There will be a number of uses for the building, and the old green marble from the previous building is going to be recycled and re-purposed, something that should make “greenies” glad.

He has showed me the old letters to the editor that appeared in the News Courier back in the ‘50s when the former City Hall building was built, and not surprisingly, the same kinds of objections were made as to cost as well as questioning the necessity of the building, which one writer described as “looking like the backs of several garages.”

Some things never change, I thought, and then listened to what had inspired him over the weekend. Church had been about reclaiming Advent, and making Jesus the real reason for the season. He talked about the unsung heroes of Athens, the most recent example being the women who decorated the old Athens Cemetery with wreaths, never expecting to be thanked for it. He added that the benefit concert for Vicki Bedingfield, which had been held at the Senior Center, was another example of what makes Athens such a wonderful place to live.

He talked about “the spirit of Athens,” not in reference to the organization, but as to the concept. “What is the spirit of Athens?” he asked. “It’s teamwork,” he said, answering his own question, “and it is what gets me up in the morning.” He talked about the fact that he told his own kids many times when they were growing up, that “the hardest thing you’ll ever do in life is have a relationship.” And, seeing as teamwork is the only way that things get done, then doing the hard work of building and maintaining relationships is the price that must be paid. “It’s the coach, or teacher, or preacher or parent that always has to ask,

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‘how do we do it together’?”

That’s a tough question, with answers that can change from moment to moment, but the key is to tackle the challenge with joy. And, I think a little kid

named Zoey best summed it up (in her carefully written note to thank the Mayor for coming to Creekside,) by saying, “You make me think of rainbow.” [sic] And having the goal of making people dream about what Athens can be, making it a reality by making folks “think of rainbow,” is one of the many things that makes Ronnie roll.

2013 ATHENS-LIMESTONE MARTIN LUTHER KING Jr. HOLIDAY ESSAY CONTEST

Criteria and Instructions: •Theme for the 2013 essay is: “"A Decision Today, Impacting Tomorrow" (What decision(s) could you, your church, your city, your school or national leaders make that would make America Stronger)”

•Must be a student attending a school in Athens or Limestone County •No more than one page in length and typed or written legible by hand •The student and not the adults should write the essay, counselors and parents may assist the students, but make sure it is the students words and thoughts •Please include the student’s name, age and a phone number on the essay.

•The age categories are 6-12,13-15 and 16-18.

•The essay will be judged on, clarity, grammar, and how well you developed the theme based on age of the writer.

•The deadline for us to receive your essay is January 8, 2013 •The completed essay should be mailed to; Limestone NAACP P.O. Box 1071 Athens, AL 35612 or given to Vicki at the Mayor’s Office.

•The winners in each category will read their essay during the MLK program on January 21, 2013.

•The first, second and third place winners in each age group will receive a savings bond.

•If you have any questions, you may contact Benard Simelton, 256-426-6406/256-2165668, Mayor’s Office or any member of the MLK Planning Committee.

The Athens Limestone Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Planning Committee will hold its next meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 12 at 5:30 pm at the NAACP Office located at 17308 Hwy 72 West in Athens. Please contact Benard Simelton, 256-426-6406, bsimelton@aol.com, Mayor Ronnie Marks, Commissioner Stanley Menefee, Wilbert Woodruff or any other member of the planning committee for additional information. We are asking the entire community to join in planning and celebrating this great American holiday.”

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December 7 - December 20, 2012

Clean and Green

To Bag Or Not To Bag...

That is the Question

by Lynne Hart

It’s recycling day and you are about to put your bin out to the curb. You try to be as helpful as possible, so you placed all of your newspapers in a plastic bag to keep them together and dry.

The curbside truck comes by and is able to grab all of your newspapers and toss the bag into the proper section of the truck.

This is a good thing, right?

Actually, once all of that newspaper is dumped at the Recycling Center, employees must manually sort through

the tons of paper that come through to find contamination -- which includes plastic bags. Every time someone puts their newspaper in a bag trying to be helpful, several hours of work must be done to find those bags in the pile of papers so they can be removed.

plastic bags, such as aluminum or metal cans. This is where your help is needed!

The Bottom Line

We appreciate your desire to help. If you will follow these two simple guidelines, you truly WILL be helping the recycling center staff be more productive!

And when the bags are tied shut...well that’s just another step trying to get the newspapers out of the bag.

If you use curbside, please do NOT separate your items using bags of any kind. (Wet newspaper CAN be recycled.)

Why is this important? We could spend hours preparing a semi trailer load of newspapers to ship for sale. If the load is contaminated, we will not be paid for the load and have to pay shipping to have

If you bring your items to the recycling center separated in bags, please dump your items OUT of the bags and deposit your plastic bags in the containers labeled “Plastic Bags.”

Jason Barksdale sorting through a load of paper pulling out plastic and other contamination

I speak for the staff at the Recycling Center when I say, THANK YOU!

the load returned. All the time and effort spent is lost... and then some.

I recently spent just a few hours helping sort through a mountain of newspaper at the center and it is a very time consuming process that could be avoided. The same process takes place when any other material is placed in Church & Senior Discounts

Become a Fan

(256) 233-8728 KeepALBeautiful@att.net

www.KeepAthensLimestoneBeautiful.com

Emergency number 256-777-9698

December 7 - December 20, 2012

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Cover Story

Craig’s Guns & Tactical: Over 1,000 Guns In Stock

by Ali Elizabeth Turner

continued from page 1

be so. Please allow me to tell you about how they have taken care of me, and then we’ll get to what’s “trending” at the new digs.

I am a relative newcomer to shooting, enjoy it greatly, and still need to increase my knowledge of all things connected to firearms. For people like me, who let’s just say didn’t exactly grow up with much use for the freedoms guaranteed by the 2nd Amendment, there were a lot of gaps in my education, and firearms regulations were very confusing to me. Last year Craig patiently explained to me the difference between fully automatic and semiautomatic weapons, the impact of the 1986 NFA Act on gun owners and sellers, barrel lengths, suppressors, and all that is involved in becoming a class 3 and federal firearms licensed dealer.

And, just for the record, these guys go totally by the book when it comes to all the requisite background checks and other requirements for gun shop owners to follow, and they always stay on the good side of the law.

Craig’s Guns & Tactical has an excellent, longstanding relationship with local law enforcement and ATF officers. They custom build guns for use by local law

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enforcement departments, and much of their clientele are members of our Athens area police force, the Limestone County Deputy Sheriffs and our state troopers.

Craig’s can custom build AR 15s, AK 47s and tactical shotguns. They carry or can order all manner of ammunition, and offer a full line of accessories, including those made by Yankee Hill, Magpul, Troy, Tapco and others.

There are clips and grips, and a full line of lights and lasers. “We now have enough space to carry over 1,000 guns, and new lines previously not carried,” says Craig. One such example of a newly carried line is made by Palmetto State Armory, about which Craig says is “a good gun at a good price.” But, you have to move fast, as several lines of guns and ac-

cessories are moving so quickly that they continually hover closely to “sold out” status.

Part of the reason that

sales have been so good this past fall is the increase in the female market. “If you listen to women, they are scared,” says Craig. “Used to you could

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go a month without one sale to a woman, now it’s probably two per week,” he added. I might add that both of Craig’s daughters, Sarah and Katherine, now work at the shop, grew up hunting, have “bullets in their blood,” and Sarah can confidently assemble an AR 15. These gals will listen, help, and get you exactly what you need.

Craig went on to tell me some real life scenarios that some of their female customers have encoun-

tered. “One woman was almost kidnapped from the Kroger’s parking lot,” he said. What was even more disconcerting was the tale of a woman who lived in a lovely home in a good subdivision in our area. “She pulled the car into the garage, went into the kitchen, and there he was,” Craig told me.

Thankfully, the guy ran off, as she was unarmed.

She, (as I was for years,) was formerly “antigun.” The reasons were the same: being afraid

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of guns, and the stigma attached to those who “pack,” for whatever reason. “I was far more scared of him than any gun,” she said. That was a turning point. She was expertly walked through the process of finding the right gun for her, and offered the opportunity to take classes run by Cameron Bucy, owner of Self Defense Solutions, who is the in house instructor at Craig’s.

Cam’s technical title is “personal protection specialist,” and offers small classes with a lot of individual attention.

Basic, advanced and tactical firearms training is available, and classes are certified by the National Rifle Association. There are also classes available for training in CCW, (Carrying a Concealed Weapon,) a rifle and shotgun course, defense awareness, personal defense, and a combative hands course. Private classes are available as well as those for groups and corporations.

I have taken Cam’s classes, have loved them, recommended them, and will continue to take them. The guy has taught me to shoot upside down, clear a house of intruders, protect myself in a number of situations, and helped me select last year’s Hannukah/ Christmas gift from my husband, a sweet Glock that is just right for me.

Recently when I checked in with Cam, he was giving firearms lessons to a 70 year old woman and headed to the range so she could practice.

The increase in the female gun market has made waves in the firearms industry, and some gun

producers have responded by producing guns that are literally pink, and/or purple. Well trained users are not to be trifled with, though. Craig’s crew will help any woman say with confidence to any would be attacker, “I’ll show you what I can do with my little pink gun.” There are also more women getting involved in hunting.

Savage Brand makes the “Lady Hunter,” a long gun with a smaller stock that is designed to fit a woman’s smaller frame.

As a result of the increase in sales to women and the need to follow concealed carry laws, a “fashion accessory” industry has sprung up. There have always been T shirts and baseball caps, but there are now “pistol purses” that look good, are made from leather, come in a variety of styles and colors, and have zippers accessible from both sides of the handbag that make getting to your pistol faster and easier. They have Velcro holsters within,

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and it is impossible to tell that the person is packing. The hand bags at Craig’s are made by Gun Totin’ Mamas, and Roma, and range in price from about $50-$100. One of the trademark slogans is “taking control in style,” and women can indeed do just that. Sarah also told me that they will have Cody brand women’s range bags in stock in the next couple of weeks.

They would be the perfect gift for any woman who makes the gun range part of her “regular workout,” and can accommodate long guns and pistols.

“We offer great customer service with a personal touch,” says Craig, “and our prices are some of the best in North Alabama.”

They completely repaired a small .25 Astra that had been given to me years back, and found a new clip, as the other one had gotten bent. I am much fonder of my Glock than the Astra, and I appreciate all that the crew at Craig’s has done for me

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to help me make an educated choice, and get the firearms education that I needed to become a competent gun owner.

Thankfully in the State of Alabama, our gun laws pretty much reflect what our Founders had in mind when they (thank God!) wrote the 2nd Amendment into the Constitution, and we have much more freedom than states such as New York, California, or Washington. I, for one am glad that there are shops like Craig’s, and I am looking forward to continuing my firearms

education there. If you are a guy who wants to help protect your family, or help them protect themselves, Craig’s is the place to go. If you are a woman who is looking for a competent, helpful place so you can learn what you need to do to get safe,(and not feel stupid,) again, Craig’s is the place to go. They truly are there to help, and I speak with passion as a “raving fan” customer, who intends to be one so as long as the 2nd Amendment is still a part of our Constitution.

Craig’s Guns &Tactical 1802 Highway 72 B Athens, AL 35614 256-232-0308 www.cgtarms.com Hours: Tue-Sat 9am-6pm

Self Defense Systems Cameron Bucy, NRA Certified Firearms Instructor 256-337-3467 www.handguntrainin.net Page 17

Dog Barker

A Letter To Doggie Claus

by Joel Allen

Dear Doggie Claus, This is my second Christmas, and this year I realized what a bird was. My parents were not happy when I chased the birds out of the yard. I heard them screaming at me, but I was killing two birds with one stone, so to speak. I like chasing birds and my parents chasing me! Sure, when they caught me, I looked mournful as if I learned my lesson and would not do it again. That being said, could you bring a big bird feeder for our yard so I can bait and trap birds next year?

himself? I will of course be watching him play with it to ensure he is enjoying it.

Should he get too slow with it, I promise to speed him up!

My chewing habits have gotten better. Instead of chewing in the open, now I chew on things in spots where

it can’t be seen until it is found. The good thing about it is, like that show, Law and Order, they need proof to convict me of the crime.

“That is not my teeth impression on the wood! What hole in the sheetrock?! That was already there when you brought me home! What do

My patience has improved.

Instead of swallowing one of my parent’s whole hands down to their elbow in my mouth when they offer me a treat, I gently take it now. However, it was fun seeing the look of shock and

Once again, my year has been an awesome experience, Doggie Claus, and should there be anything I didn’t cover, like bones and food, could you please surprise me and bring me some? Thanks, and Merry Christmas!

The Cat complained again this year, and as always I had to look at my parents with the “I didn’t do it” look! Then there’s the trusty, “I was set up!” And, the ever popular, “He has mistaken me for the neighbor’s dog.” Of course, they took his side. So, for a peace offering, could you get the Cat a catnip fishing feather toy, so he can enjoy

Love Sincerely, Everybody’s Favorite Canine Family Member

you mean the Cat doesn’t chew?!” So, I guess I need more toys.

I still walk proudly by my parents when they walk me.

I need a new leash, though.

I kinda nibbled the old one while they were taking too long browsing at things that bored me.

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would like another to match.

That way, I can have my own fresh linen while my other bed is washed. Else, I will have to start reverting back to sneaking into my parents’ bed again. After all, it is the love I leave, not the smell and hair of my presence that counts.

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the hollering about spitting out their arm that kept things fun. Can you bring me a huge meat log that can be cut up and refrigerated in a zip lock baggie? I promise to only nibble their fingertips for the yummies this year.

My bed you brought me last year was awesome! Now, I

“Remember to love your dogs because they love you. Maybe not the way you want them to, like chewing up your favorite shoes or what not, but that is just love chewing. Be thankful for the time you have with them always.”

Joel and Zues Allen 256-651-2211

December 7 - December 20, 2012

Health and Fitness

Why Move? (As In Exercise)

by Janet Hunt

Janet Hunt is a Certified Personal Trainer and can be reached at 256-614-3530 to schedule an appointment.

Strong Evidence:

• lower risk of metabolic syndrome

• lower risk of early death

• lower risk of colon cancer

• lower risk of coronary heart disease

• lower risk of breast cancer

• lower risk of stroke

• prevention of weight gain

• lower risk of high blood pressure

• weight loss, particularly when combined with reduced calorie intake

• lower risk of adverse blood lipid profile • lower risk of type 2 diabetes

• improved cardio respiratory and muscular fitness • prevention of falls • reduced depression • better cognitive function (for older adults) Moderate to Strong Evidence: • better functional health (for older adults) • reduced abdominal obesity Moderate Evidence: • Lower risk of hip fracture • Lower risk of lung cancer • Lower risk of endometrial cancer • Weight maintenance after weight loss • Increased bone density • Improved sleep quality Source:

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www.health.gov/paguidelines/pdf/

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paguide.pdf

Want to get started on a safe exercise program, but don’t know where to start? Contact a certified Personal Fitness Trainer – Janet Hunt @ www.janetsfitnessindustries.com or 256-6143530.

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December 7 - December 20, 2012

Like me on

The World According To Will

The Will Anderson Show M-F 6pm-8pm on 800 and 1230AM and 106.5FM WBHP

The Unsinkable Conservative

by Will Anderson One of the delights of hosting a radio show is the immediate feedback afforded the host.

Whatever I say, it best not be preposterous, or I’ll suffer the consequences from callers, if I choose to take the call, or e-mailers, if I decide to read their protests during the show (which often leads to calls backing up the e-mailer’s opinion that I’m a dolt).

During the fiscal cliff imbroglio that has obnoxiously occupied the headlines, conservative conventional wisdom seems to be that Speaker Boehner is going to cave in to tax rate hikes. The word “revenue,” brilliantly employed by the President, is euphemistic for rates, so that when Democrats say that we have to be balanced and address revenue, what they really mean is that we must raise rates.

The object, remember, is to reduce the deficit, which regularly weighs in around a trillion dollars a year these days. Raising rates won’t do it; cutting spending, and cutting spending only, will.

But no matter. Obama and the Democrats think they have us right where they want us. He won (the fact that they lost the House again doesn’t fit the narrative, so it ought not be dwelled upon), so it’s time for wealthy folks to ante up.

If you’re a Democrat, you should be doing cartwheels.

Which is why the ongoing reaction among Democrats to Obama’s re-election is intriguing. It began—for me at least, as a talk show host who confidently predicted a Romney victory—with a sentiment that went something like, Will, how are you? Are you making it okay? One e-mailer to the show actually wrote to

ask whether or not I had gotten over my loss, to which my response was that I wasn’t on the ballot.

After a few weeks of con-

angry about the results. Disappointed, yes; all of us face four more years of policies from Manhattan to the Middle East which won’t work. But

tinuing to be happy despite the outcome, I’ve found, remarkably, that Democrats are angry with me for not being

all of us have a choice about how to deal with it. We on the Right can pack up and head elsewhere (despite the fact

that even with Obama at the helm, America remains the greatest nation on Earth), or we can continue to strive to be our best at raising our families, succeeding in our work, and giving of ourselves to our neighbors the way we’re supposed to—voluntarily.

On my show Tuesday night, I threw out a question to a caller: if Jimmy Carter had won a second term, and Reagan had never been president, would our republic have survived?

There’s no doubt that, given the direction the economy was headed and the incoherence of our foreign policy, already rough times would have gotten rougher. But we would

have made it. We’re that resilient.

Today, the economy is as bad as it was then, and our foreign policy challenges are exponentially worse. As scary as the Cold War was, there was a comfort in the Soviets’ healthy fear of nuclear annihilation. The present nuclear concern is all ours. The other side celebrates with eager anticipation the acquisition of a nuke.

So why are liberals the angry ones? Perhaps because they rarely overcome obstacles with a smile on their face, and the fact that we’re already smiling again makes them jealous.

12.31.12

December 7 - December 20, 2012

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Medical Update

Neck Pain: Chiropractic Treatment and Prevention

by Drs. Lynn and Lorie Hedgepeth

The neck, like the low back, is a complex area needing proper evaluation.

Knowing where pain originates helps both diagnosis and treatment. Because of its proximity to the head, shoulders and upper back, pain in these areas often accompanies a neck issue.

Each one of these regions, along with the Temporomandibular Joint, can refer pain into the neck.

Chiropractic Neck Pain

Treatment The first and primary solution a chiropractor will provide for neck pain is the chiropractic adjustment.

Chiropractic adjustments remove subluxations, bringing movement back to the nonmoving spine, and ultimately reducing muscle spasms, inflammation and nerve irritation. As a whole, the chiropractic adjustment brings neck pain relief by returning proper function and allow-

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tator cuff muscles will take much pressure off the neck muscles in stabilizing the region. A good chiropractor can show you the proper neck and shoulder exercises to stabilize the area and prevent future neck pain.

ing the body to operate the way it’s supposed to.

Whether your neck pain symptoms result from muscle spasms or an atlas of occipital subluxation, among many other causes, chiropractic adjustments help relieve acute or chronic neck problems by restoring the spine to proper function.

Posture goes hand in hand with neck and shoulder strengthening. Good posture takes pressure off the neck and spine and preserves the discs. Good posture is a life-long process and needs to be thought of continuously.

Neck Pain Prevention Preventing neck pain is the wisest thing you can do to avoid a neck issue from becoming a chronic recurring problem. Prevention can occur by— regular chiropractic care, strengthening the shoulders and improving posture.

Regular chiropractic care keeps the neck moving and functioning the way it was created to function. By removing subluxations, neck motion is restored at the spinal joints, and ultimately this will prevent degeneration

and neck arthritis. Without a doubt, chiropractic should be part of your regular health regimen to prevent future neck pain problems, as well as to keep your body functioning optimally.

Strengthening your shoulders will also go a long way in preventing neck pain.

Strengthening the small ro-

If you are suffering from neck and back pain, seeing a doctor is important to determine the cause of your problem. Hoping your neck pain will go away on its own is the least productive action you can take. Don’t suffer unnecessarily—see a qualified professional that can give you an accurate neck pain diagnosis and effective treatment to alleviate your neck pain today.

Drs. Lynn and Lorie Hedgepeth are both chiropractors at ChiroCare in the East Limestone Community. Their office is located at 15093 Limestone Road, Harvest, AL 35749.

They can be reached at 256-216-1006.

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December 7 - December 20, 2012

Security Savvy

In The Line Of Duty

by Brian Black of Madison Security Group

Often times in our articles, we talk about how to protect you, your family and property. We have in the past talked about security officers and the role they have in the work place. For this article, we want to bring attention to those that never get mentioned when disaster strikes. We rightfully see the stories of policemen, fire fighters and military personnel, who have lost their lives in service to their community.

We rarely read about the security officers that are injured or killed in the line of duty.

Here are a couple of their stories.

In New York City, two officers, Edwin Sawyer and Evans Jean-Jacques, were found dead in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy in late October. Sawyer was guarding the building he had watched for more than twenty years.

ficers code says “we are the last to leave.”

In Salinas, CA, a female security officer guarding the Northridge Mall was trying to detain a person who was drunk in public. As she approached the man, the suspect got into his car and drove away; running over and critically injury the security officer.

He was found the next day on the sidewalk. Jacques drowned while guarding his site on Fulton Street. There were also reports of three other security officers that were seriously injured during the storm in New York and New Jersey. These individuals stayed, knowing that they could be harmed, but they followed their directives and remained behind to protect their assigned sites.

In Tampa, FL, security officer Michael Valentin was

December 7 - December 20, 2012

killed in mid-November. He was patrolling the Grand Oaks apartment complex. He was shot to death, and reports are that it was at point blank range.

On September 11, 2001, we don’t have to be reminded of the tragedy that happened in New York.

Nearly 3000 people were killed, including policemen and firefighters. We honor those that ran into a building that was on fire and eventually collapsed around them. We know about the people that were saved by their efforts.

But what you do not hear about is how many security officers, which stayed in the buildings directing people to the exits, helping the police and fire fighters get to the trapped victims; were also killed when the building collapsed.

The Security Of-

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In Madison, WI, a security officer working at JC Penny was injured when two Black Friday shoppers attacked him after he accused them of shoplifting.

The 24 year old was attacked by two females-- 22 and 14 years of age. The officer witnessed them placing clothing

beneath a baby in a stroller.

The officer received a cut near the ear.

At this time of year we reflect on the past; what we have gained and what we have lost, we also look to the future, to brighter days. As you go to the malls and stores, when you see a security officer, please remember these officers are not there to put a damper on your holiday fun, unless you intend to be “naughty.” These officers are there to provide a safe environment for your shopping enjoyment. We hope you plan to be “nice” and be safe during this Holiday Season.

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Jerry’s Journal

Across the Purple Sage Part 4

by Jerry Barksdale

Friday the 13th broke clear and cool in Santa Fe. I had slept fitfully, waking up gasping for air every few minutes. After breakfasting on my usual “curds and whey” (skim milk and bran flakes) at the El Rey Motel, Bonnie Pitts, his 12-yearold son, Leslie and I drove downtown. The Plaza was a square of green, shaded by ancient cottonwoods where people were lounging on park benches and vendors were setting up their wares on the sidewalk. It’s where the 800 mile Santa Fe Trail that began in Independence, Missouri ended and, in 1846, during the Mexican War, General Stephen Kearny ran up the stars and stripes and declared that New Mexico was part of the United States. We crossed the street to the Palace of Governors built in 1610. The old adobe one-story building with three foot thick walls extends some 300 feet east and west. It was there in the late 1800’s that territorial governor, Lew Wallace wrote Ben Hur. Beneath the front portico, Native Americans sat displaying their jewelry on blankets. I stopped in front of a man wearing a black cap with “1st Cavalry – Vietnam” stitched across the front. We talked. He was from the Santa Clara Pueblo, north of Santa Fe. “I guess everyone is much better off financially since casinos opened,” I said.

“I can’t tell any difference,” he replied. “Except that the tribal leaders now live in bigger houses.”

Across the street, at the Overland Sheep Compa-

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ny, a middle-aged Hispanic man wearing a western hat was leaning against the wall singing – Red River Valley in Spanish. We stopped and chatted. “Did you see me in All the Pretty Horses?” he asked.

exclaimed. “That’s what I want to do!”

I didn’t remember him.

“There’s Taos,” I said, pointing where sunlight glinted in distant windows. At an elevation of 7,000 feet, the small town is bordered on the north by the pueblo where natives still live in ancient adobe buildings. West of town are sagebrush flats that stretch as far as the eye can see, interrupted only by the Rio Grande Gorge.

“I also had a part in Young Guns,” he added.

It was at Overland Sheep Company during my meltdown days 27 years earlier, that I had seen a neck- toankle black wool coat displayed in the window. “It’s handmade from Tuscany wool,” the sales lady said.

“The only other one like it is owned by Rod Stewart. It would look good on you.”

And it did – on the single occasion I wore it during an ice storm in Athens.

Later, I phoned Shannon, who had just returned home at 9 p.m. the previous night following a 12-day trip to New York with her boyfriend, Phillip. They have been seeing each other off and on for the last 15 years, including working together in the Alaskan Salmon catch. I attribute the success of their relationship to the fact that Phillip lives 1,200 miles away in Lebanon, Tennessee.

In my opinion the most destructive factor in a relationship is living together. Men don’t like women messing with their stuff. And women just can’t resist moving things around.

We drove north to Espanola and angled off on Highway 68, which took us through the Rio Grande Canyon.

The water was running clear and swift. Leslie was excited. When we met a raft full of screaming people running the white water, he

Miles later, the road climbed out of the canyon and we rounded a curve. Before us was a breathtaking view of Taos nestled against the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

The dusty little town has been home to Spanish Conquistadors, Mexicans, fur trappers, mountain men and, with the arrival in 1917 of heiress, Mabel Dodge, it became a mecca for writers, poets and artists. The old Hippies, New Agers and just plain nuts came later.

We were waiting in the lobby of the Taos Inn when Shannon entered, blonde, blueeyed and radiant. I hadn’t seen her since Thanksgiving. We got a table at Doc Martins and lunched. She was excited, but sad. She and Phillip had decided to move to Maui, Hawaii for at least two years. “I’ll miss my friends in Taos,” she said. “That’s the sad part.”

“View it as a long vacation,” I said, which seemed to lift her spirits.

Following lunch, we headed to Shannon’s rental place on Wild Horse mesa. “Follow me, but in case you get lost, cross the gorge bridge and turn left onto a dirt road, go past the first junk yard on the left, then pass the second one where goats are in the road and then bear left.

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When you see a boot hanging on a fence post, turn left. You’ll see my place.

It’s seven miles through sagebrush.”

The dirt road was washed out in places and not maintained by the county. People who live on the mesa are “off the grid.”

The rectangular, two-bedroom house where Shannon lived had a metal roof that caught rain water that was stored in a 500 gallon underground cistern. Drinking water was purchased.

Solar panels provided power. There was no fan and no air conditioner, and one is not needed. A pole fence enclosed a court yard where Shannon had a raised garden, fire pit, chairs and a panoramic view of purple sage, and in the distance, the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. There were two bathrooms and a “one-holer” outside with a screen door, and a side window that offered a spectacular view of the mountains.

My granddoggie, Marley, greeted me with love and affection, but the chow that had once belonged to Shannon’s mom kept her distance. Good. I never met a chow that didn’t want to bite me. The cat, no doubt had heard that I was coming and disappeared. Also good.

Shannon emerged from the house chuckling. “Penni called,” she said. “She and Pat left Athens a little while ago in your pickup and wanted to know my address so they can put it in her GPS. That’s funny. I told her there are no streets, no roads with names, no mailbox and no house number.”

“Tell her to punch in the sec-

ond junkyard with the goats in the road,” I said. I knew that both redheads were already dog-cussing my little red Toyota pickup. It was a modest, but honest little truck with straight shift in the floor and a bench seat.

It wasn’t my fault they had short legs.

Near twilight, Leslie started a fire in the fire pit and we sat around its warmth as light faded to gray.

“I like living out here,” Shannon said.

“Is it patrolled by the Sheriff’s Department?” I asked.

“Are you kidding? No one comes out here. There are no addresses for one thing; no power, water lines and no fire protection. People want to be left alone.” She told us about two guys who moved to nearby Two Peaks and tried to take over. “Folks ran them off,” she said. “People are their own law. They work and ask nothing from the government.”

I liked that idea, not withstanding, I didn’t want Uncle Sam to forget to deposit my monthly Social Security check.

When I crawled in bed, Marley padded in to sleep with me. I tugged her ears.

“No, Marley,” I grunted.

She departed, her feelings hurt. The window was raised, allowing cool air to enter the room. I slid beneath the covers and was soon warm and cozy as coyotes yipped in the sage brush. Later, I woke gasping for air. A squirt of Afrin up my nose worked magic. My last thought; yeah, it was a lucky Friday the 13th.

-To be Continued –

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