The Loafer 58

h!

’t Forget on

Vote on N

ember 8 ov t

to

D

To Our Our Veterans: Veterans: To We Thank Thank You You For For Your Your Service Service We

Publisher Lisa Durbin Creative DIrector Jon Bill Forrester Managing Editor Peggy Gale DIstribution Elizabeth Armstrong Sales Jessica Carlisle Entertainment Coordinator Andreax Jarre

your week’s line-up

Volume 03 Issue 58

03 Scary Stories at Fort Watauga 04 Spotlight 07 Karaoke 07 Trivia 08 Puzzle Page 09 Pets of the Week 11 Things To Do 12 The Loafer Salutes Our Veterans 14

Create Appalachia Hosts Free Community Concert at Tennessee

Contributing Staff

Hills Brewstillery

Andy Ross Kathie Scalf

14 Bike Events

Ken Silvers

22 WQUT Concert Schedule

Wendy Hayden Ann Hartley

The Loafer Po Box 39 Telford, Tn 37690 423-930-7319

15 Beanz Biker Corner

www.theloafer.net theloaferonlineprint@gmail.com All advertisements are accepted and published by the publisher upon the representation that the agency and/or advertiser is authorized to publish the entire contents and subject matter thereof. The agency and/or advertiser will indemnify and save the publisher harmless from any lossof expense resulting from claims or suits based upon contents of any advertisement, including claims or suits for defamation, libel, right of privacy, plagiarism, and copyright infringement.

Founder: Bill Williams

LBD FAMILY MEDIA Let’s Get Social!

Halloween

columns & reviews

theloafer.net | November 8, 2022

2

17

Social Sentiments:

Create Your Social Media Branding 19 Tea Time with Appalachian Barbie:

What Makes Dining “Fine”?

21 Pop Life: DC League of Super Pets 23 Batteries Not Included: How the Tables Have Turned

NOTE

FROM THE

PUBLISHER Hello Friends!

Veterans Day is observed annually on November 11. It's a holiday honoring men and women who have served in the U.S. armed forces, on the anniversary of the end of World War I. As a society I do not feel we give this day enough recognition. These men and women are literally the reason we have the freedom that we do. I personally want to say a huge Thank You to every single person who has ever served this wonderful country and also to their families that served as their support system. My husband and my dad served along with many of our friends and my son in law is currently in the Air Force. Please take a moment to thank a Veteran.

Did anyone happen to see where October raced away to??? It was just here and everyone was decorating with pumpkins and skeletons and suddenly cashiers are telling us Happy Thanksgiving. I don’t know what happened but November is here! Let us all have a wonderful and thankful month.

Thank you for your continued support!

Take Care, Lisa Durbin Publisher

3

theloafer.net | November 8, 2022

Spotlight

theloafer.net | November 8, 2022

4

Ryan Clevinger | Ashton Brown 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House Bobby Clay & The Hillbilly Borrachos7:00pm at State Street Brewing Company Classic Highway7:00pm at Quaker Steak & Lube Bristol TN/Va Bristol, TN/VA WEDNESDAY Nov 9th Justin Moyer 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House THURSDAY Nov 10th Trevor Meade Music 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House Farm and Fun Time: Caitlin Krisko & The Broadcast, Adam Bolt 7:00pm at Birthplace of Country Music Museum FRIDAY Nov 11th RJ Smith | Cody Fair 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House Seth and Sara 6:00pm at State Line Bar & Grill Lily Comer 8:00pm at Quaker Steak & Lube No Filter 8:00pm at Mountain Bar & Grill SATURDAY Nov 12th Monthly Community Jam 2:00pm at Birthplace of Country Music Museum Alli Epperson 3:00pm at Black Wolf Harley Davidson

MONDAY Nov 14th Anthony Childress 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

Johnson City, Tn Johnson City, TN

Daniel Byrd’s Boogie Machine, Big Son and and The Dimestore Cowboys 10:00pm at Capone’s SUNDAY Nov 13th Shelby Stephenson & Richard Hood 7:30 at the Down Home Kingsport Kingsport, TN FRIDAY Nov 11th Big Son 7:00pm at Gypsy Circus Cider Company

TUESDAY Nov 8th Brim & Marci Leal 6:30pm at Rocks Wood Fired Pizza WEDNESDAY Nov 9th HB Beverly 6:30pm at Rocks Wood Fired Pizza

Justin Mychals and Q&B 7:00pm at Renaissance Arts Center & Theatre

THURSDAY Nov 10th Justin Mychals 6:30pm at Rocks Wood Fired Pizza FRIDAY Nov 11th Luke Bulla 8:00pm at the Down Home The Twang Bangers 7:00 at Wild Wing Cafe FILTH | Paradoxum | Autumn Lies Buried | Dielation 10:00pm at Capones SATURDAY Nov 12th Tammy Rogers, Thomm Jutz and Mike Compton 8:00pm at the Down Home

Alma Russ 7:00pm at Gypsy Circus Cider Company

Crossfire 9:00pm at CJ’s Sports Bar SATURDAY Nov 12th

Legends of Music Christmas Special 7:00pm at Renaissance Arts Center & Theatre Gypsy Moon Coalition 8:00pm at The Sports Mill Shooter Band 9:00pm at CJ’s Sports Bar ABINGDON Abingdon, VA SUNDAY Nov 13th John Bullard 3:00pm at Virginia Highlands Community College

Submit Your Live Shows to: theloaferonlineprint@gmail.com or call 423-930-7319 to be Featured in the Loafer Spotlight

TUES. Oct. 8th, 15th, 22nd & 29th BRIM & MARCI LEAL WED. Oct. 9th, 16th, 23rd & 30th HB BEVERLY THUR. Oct. 10th, 17th & 21st JUSTIN MYCHALS

HAPPY HOUR Visit Our Website for Daily Specials and Events

PIG OUT MENU Available for a Limited Time

HONEY SMOKIN’ PORK TACOS ULTIMATE FRIED PORK TENDERLOIN SANDWICH PIG OUT SANDWICH PIG OUT NACHOS PIG OUT SALAD

3119 BRISTOL HWY, JOHNSON CITY, TN (423) 262-0444

There are 5 Vote Stickers hidden in this issue of The Loafer.

Can you find them all?

Contact us for a FREE ESTIMATE or more information (423) 268-1944 • JUMPPLAYBOUNCE@GMAIL.COM

5

theloafer.net | November 8, 2022

WOOD FIRED PIZZA. BURGERS. DRINKS. & FUN.

theloafer.net | November 8, 2022 6

TUESDAY TUESDAY

Karaoke at Numan’s - JohnsonEntertainment City Karaoke with Absolute at The Pub Out Back Karaoke with Bert & L.A. at Kingsport Moose Lodge 7pm (The Italian Pizza Pub) - Johnson City 7pm

WEDNESDAY

WEDNESDAY

Turn the Page Karaoke at VFW Post 2108 – Johnson City Karaoke Night at Eric Wonderland Karaoke w/ HuskinsLounge VFW and PostBar 2108 – Johnson City, TN 8pm Karaoke at Quaker Steak and Lube (Bristol, VA) 7pm Karaoke Night at Wonderland Lounge and Bar Karaoke at- Kingsport Lodge Johnson Moose City, TN 9pm6pm Karaoke at Thunder Tavern 8pm Karaoke with RonValley at Kingsport Moose Lodge 6:30pm

THURSDAY THURSDAY

Karaoke at Zachary’s Steakhouse Karaoke with Karaoke with Open Mic Entertainment Michael’s Krazy Karaoke at Stateline Bar & Grill at Wild Wing Café Johnson City,atTN Karaoke w/ DJ Marquez Top Shelf Entertainment Wild8pm Wings Café JC Karaoke at Numan’s Johnson City, TN 10pm Karaoke at Numan’s - Johnson City Karaoke at Jiggy Rays Pizzeria - Johnson City, TN Karaoke at Jiggy Rays Pizzeria Abby’s Hell Yeah at CJ’s Sports Bar - Kingsport, TN 8pm Karaoke w/Tony & Rod Karaoke at CJ’s Sports Bar 8pm Karaoke at Tipsy Toad Tavern JonesboroughTN Karaoke at Tipsy Toad (Jonesborough) Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Tulips Grub & Pub 8pm Open Mic & Karaoke at Wonderland Lounge/Bar N Grill Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Tulips Grub & Pub 7-10 Karaoke at Midnight Oasis - Brtistol, TN Karaoke at Sonny's Marina/The FrenchPost Quarter Restaurant Karaoke w/ Eric Huskins VFW 2108 – Johnson City, TN 8pm Karaoke at Numan’s – Johnson City, TN 10pm Karaoke with Absolute Entertainment Rainbow Asian Karaoke w/ ShaneatRouse at Bear’s Bar Cuisine 9pm Karaoke at Kingsport Moose Lodge Karaoke w/ Reverb Karaoke at The Cottage 8:30pm Turn the Page Karaoke at VFW Post 2108 – Johnson City Karaoke w/ Eric Huskins VFW Post 2108 – Johnson City, TN 8pm Karaoke at Elizabethton VFW Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Tulips Grub & Pub 8-11 Karaoke w/ Michael Hawkins at Holiday Inn (Exit 7) – Bristol, VA Karaoke at Numan’s – Johnson City, TN 10pm Karaoke at Numan’s – Johnson City Karaoke at 27 Lions (Marion, VA) 9:00pm Karaoke with Absolute Entertainment at Rainbow Asian Cuisine 9pm Karaoke with Absolute Entertainment at Laurel Marina on South Holsten 9pm

FRIDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Trivia

TUESDAY

Wild Wing Café JC- Team Trivia Tuesdays 8:30pm Johnson City Brewing Company- Trivia Tuesdays 7pm Aubrey’s Johnson City- Trivia Night 7pm 27 Lions - Trivia Night 7pm Union Street Taproom - DJ Trivia 6pm Gypsy Circus Cider Company - Trivia 7:00pm

WEDNESDAY Tipton Street Pub- Trivia Wednesdays 9pm Aubrey’s Bristol- Trivia Night 7pm Johnson City Moose Lodge 1831 - DJ Trivia 7pm Tipsy Toad (Jonesborough) - Trivia 7pm

THURSDAY Holy Taco & Cantina Trivia Night 9pm JRH Brewing - Trivia Night 7pm Mellow Mushroom Johnson City - Mellow Trivia 7pm

MONDAY

Barley Waters- Trivia Night 7pm Yee-Haw Brewing- Trivia Mondays 7pm Woodstone Deli - DJ Trivia 7pm Model City Tap House - Live Team Trivia Night 7pm

SATURDAY

Karaoke at Kingsport Moose Lodge Turn the Page Karaoke at VFW Post 2108 – Johnson City Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Tulips Grub & Pub 8-11 Karaoke at Numan’s – Johnson City Karaoke w/ Tony & Rod at CJ’s Sports Bar

SUNDAY 7pm Open Mic with Karaoke at Go Burrito Johnson City Karaoke at Kingsport Moose Lodge 6pm

MONDAY

Karaoke at Thunder Valley Tavern 8pm

**The schedule is subject to change due to the request for social distancing at this time.**

theloafer.net | November 8, 2022

KARAOKE Kara ke

7

theloafer.net | November 8, 2022

8

SODOKU

CROSWORD

DROP QUOTE

C RYPTO G RA M NMPH KIAOLN TQNK ZBO'K GH RHNZEAGHR. BOR NKHYYAOL MOKM KIH PMMO SBN MOH MV KIHP. —Buzz Aldrin

Down

1. Peaks, for short 2. "This is bad!"

3. 80's robotic rock group 4. One-time Korean carmaker 5. Geog. or geol.

6. Dry riverbed 7. War god 8. God of creation 9. New Testament opener 10. Post-op spot 11. Insect egg 12. Potent pesticide 13. FICA stipend 18. Fibbing 22. Hard wood 24. Type of jet 26. What Ritalin treats, for short 27. "____ of Innocence," Wharton title 28. Mediterranean island 29. Stoked 30. Book of religious songs 31. Approving vote ACROSS 32. Captain on the Bounty 42. 3/9/70, for example 1. Former CBS anchor Roger 33. Crystal Gayle's "Our Love ___ 43. "___ vincit amor" 5. Q-Tip, for one Fault 45. Valley 9. Gives a hoot Line" 47. Roam (about) 14. Train of song 34. Oasis animal 48. Almost equal 15. Author John Dickson 38. Knighted ones 16. Aminos, e.g.

52. Standout player 40. Phillies' div.

17. Original thought 53. "Can ___ honest with you?" 41. "____ Am" (Melissa Etheridge 19. Half a rhyming flavor 54. Big-budget movies, often song) 20. Grandiose 44. Revised 57. Disgrace 21. Strike while the iron ___ 61. Meat-___ (non-vegetarian) 46. Queen Amidala's home 49. High-pitched bark 23. Vinegar's partner 65. In a brutal way 50. "Jeopardy!" details 25. Brahman sage 67. West of rap 51. Her looks could kill 30. Sweet meat 68. Mr. Stravinsky 55. Butts 33. Very cold 69.

Prefix with Tibetan 56. Harbor sight 35. Scottish native 70.

Like many estates 58. "Whose Line ____ Anyway?"

36. Sassy kid (improv 71.

Even ____ speak 37. ____ Club show) 72. Run ____ (alternative to (warehouse store) 59. Limb bone paying asyou go) 39. Inclement 60. "This doesn't concern you!"

61. Heart chart, for short 62. Bond rating Answers to last week’s 63. Dynamite relative puzzles can be found 64. Needle feature on page 09.

66. Extreme anger

3107 W. Market Street Suite 1 Johnson City, TN

W

(423) 328-7991

hi S

te

ERIN MCARDLE LAW CAN HELP YOU WITH YOUR LEGAL NEEDS.

ox White Sox is a sweet boy who loves to be petted. He is 4 yrs old, has beautiful markings with black stripes and white toes, good with other cats, litter trained, good with children over 12, not good with dogs. White Sox was already adopted once and returned

because he kept hiding for a month, so he would need someone with a lot of patience. Sadly, not all animals adapt right away. He has been neutered, current on vaccinations and microchipped.

• Criminal Defense • Juvenile/Family Law

Let the experience work for you.

ERIN MCARDLE LAW erinmcardlelaw@gmail.com

www.erinmcardlelaw.com

Get unparelled legal representation from a former prosecutor who has handled thousands of criminal matters and has tried difficult jury trials.

M s

M

is

Last Week's Puzzle Answers Crossword

Cryptogram:

Dropquote:

"The problem is that the people with the most ridiculous ideas are always the people who are most certain of them."

"The fundamental defect with fathers is that they want their children to be a credit to them."

ol

Sudoku

ly Look at this beautiful smile!! Meet Miss Molly. She loves to play and always has a toy in her mouth !!! Her tug of war rope is her favorite. Miss Molly will sit for treats and enjoys playing in the pool during the summer months. Inside her kennel, she loves belly rubs. She has been at the Rescue for a while now and we would love to

find her a forever home. Miss Molly would prefer to be an only animal.

She is housetrained, has been spayed, microchipped and is current on her vaccinations. Bday 5/14/18. She’s inviting you to come and challenge her to a game of tug of war.

Oh, I will tell you, she will win the game - every time!!!

If you are interested in adopting : The Bridge Home No Kill Animal Shelter 423-239-5237 • 2061 Highway 75 Blountville, TN Facebook: bridgehome

bridgehome.org

theloafer.net | November 8, 2022

PETS

OF THE WEEK

9

theloafer.net | November 8, 2022

10

Become Our Next Tennessee Talent Office, Remote and Hybrid work available | $17 per hour We Want You Opportunities for promotion Tremendous bonus opportunities Employee Ownership Program Healthcare and other benefits Locations in Johnson City, Boones Creek, Kingsport, & Blountville ACT is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To Apply Now Text ACTTODAY to 51893 | careers.acttoday.com

JOHNSON CITY SATURDAYS ACOA (adult children of alcoholics) 1:30-3:00pm.

Call for info Bill 423-444-6107 or Cheryl 423-262-6149 TUESDAY NOV 8TH MARVEL-ous Day 1:00pm at Johnson City Public Library FRIDAY NOV 11TH Johnson City Love & Hiking Date For Couples (Self-Guided) 7:00am at Willow Springs Park SATURDAY NOV 12TH Johnson City Love & Hiking Date For Couples (Self-Guided) 7:00am at Willow Springs Park Johnson City Farmer’s Market 8:00am at Founders Park Fall Open House 8:00 am at ETSU D.P. Culp Student Center Blue Ridge Artisan Days 10:00am at Freedom Hall Civic Center SUNDAY NOV 13TH Johnson City Love & Hiking Date For Couples (Self-Guided) 7:00am at Willow Springs Park

KINGSPORT WEDNESDAY NOV 9TH Farmer's Market 7:00am at Kingsport Farmers Market

THURSDAY NOV 10TH IBN Biz Lunch 11:30am at Pratt's BBQ PEAK Young Professionals 6:00pm at The Fizzy Fairway Mini Golf Bar Open House 6:00pm at The Inventor Center SATURDAY NOV 12TH Farmer's Market 7:00am at Kingsport Farmers Market Indian Springs Community Fall Festival 9:00am at Indian Springs Elementry School SUNDAY NOV 13TH Have Yourself a Handmade Little Christmas Market 10:00am at Kingsport Farmer's Market

BRISTOL THURSDAY NOV 10TH Free Covid-19 Vaccination Clinic 12:00pm at Bristol Public Library FRIDAY NOV 11TH Bristol TN Gun Show 9:00am at Bristol Motor Speedway SATURDAY NOV 12TH Tri-Cities Mayhem ( Strongman) 9:00pm at Iron Mayhem Strength and Conditioning

Cars & Coffee at the Colosseum 1:00pm at Bristol Motor Speedway SUNDAY NOV 13TH Virginia Sunburst Fall Preliminary Pageant 1:00pm at Delta by Marriott Speedway in Lights 5k 6:00pm at Bristol Motor Spedway

JONESBOROUGH TUESDAYS Jonesborough Storytelling Guild “Stories n’More” Show 7:00pm at The International Storytelling Center FRIDAY NOV 11TH Made Around Here Market 10:00am at Downtown Jonesborough SATURDAY NOV 12TH Farmer's Market 8:00am at Jonesborough Farmers Market Made Around Here Market 10:00am at Downtown Jonesborough Historic Jonesborough Town Tour 1:00pm at Chester Inn State Historic Site

ABINGDON, VA WEDNESDAY NOV 9TH Bingo 5:00pm at Abingdon Community Center

To be featured in The Loafer's Things to Do email us at: theloaferonlineprint@gmail.com or call 423-930-7319

SATURDAY NOV 12TH Farmer's Market 8:00am at Abingdon Farmers Market SUNDAY OCT NOV 13TH Bingo 5:00pm at Abingdon Community Center

GRAY, TN FRI NOV 11– SUN NOV 13 Gem, Mineral and Jewelry Show at Appalachian Fairgrounds

LIMESTONE, TN SATURDAY NOV 12TH The Traveling Bazaar’s Annual Holiday Barn Sale 10:00pm at Harvest Acres Farm

COMEDY SHOWCASE WEDNESDAYS Comedy Open Mic 7:30pm at Blue Ridge Comedy Club THURSDAY NOVEMBER 10TH Veterans Fundraiser With Jon And Johnny 8:00 at Blue Ridge Comedy Club FRIDAY NOVEMBER 11TH Spencer Bland And Jordan Huggins 8:00pm at Blue Ridge Comedy Club Pick a Side Stupid 10:00pm at Blue Ridge Comedy Club SATURDAY NOVEMBER 12TH Bop Or Flop Live! 8:00pm at Blue Ridge Comedy Club Spencer Bland And Jordan Huggins 10:00pm at Blue Ridge Comedy Club Boomtown Improv! 8:00pm at Wallace Theatre

11

theloafer.net | November 8, 2022

THINGS TO DO

FRIDAY NOV 11TH Movies for Grown-Ups 2:00pm at Washington Co. Public Library

theloafer.net | November 8, 2022 12

13

theloafer.net | November 8, 2022

theloafer.net | November 8, 2022

14

Create Appalachia Hosts Free Community Concert

BIKER EVENTS sponsored by biker wear at Tennessee Hills Brewstillery Local Events: Where: 458 W Walnut Street, Johnson City, TN 37604 When: 11/19/22 4 PM to 6 PM Free admission

Johnson City: Create Appalachia will celebrate the grand opening of its Johnson City Center for Art and Technology (JCAAT) with a free community concert by the popular East-Tennessee based band Bill and the Belles. These hometown favorites are making a major splash across the country with their toe-tapping, country-flavored retro sound. The ETSU Old-Time Music Program’s Broken Down Ramblers will open the show. Anne Spurrell Darden will emcee the event.

This outdoor concert begins at 4 PM and is free and open to the public.

Drinks will be available for purchase from Tennessee Hills Brewstillery, and there will also be food trucks on site.

Door prizes and other giveaways will be part of the program, along with some demonstrations of the kinds of digital media artistry that can be created in the JCAAT. This is Create Appalachia’s invitation to the community to learn more about their non-profit organization, which seeks to improve the regional economy and quality of life through

incubating businesses that marry art and technology. Pre-concert tours of the JCAAT, located at 714 W Walnut Street, just a couple of blocks from Tennessee Hills, will be available between 1 and 3 PM. Visitors will see that the JCAAT is carefully curated to meet the needs of creative small businesses and entrepreneurs.

Co-working spaces and dedicated desks are available to members, who will enjoy access to state-of-the-art equipment, commercially licensed software for digital creatives, and high speed internet. Other amenities include a fully equipped film production studio, a streaming lab for content creation (think video and podcasting), a photography studio, a recording studio, and spaces for meetings and conferences.

Sethay McK

This concert is sponsored by a marketing grant from the Tennessee Valley Authority, and from in-kind donations from Tennessee Hills Distillery and the East Tennessee State University Old-Time Band.

Create Appalachia’s JCAAT location is provided through the generosity of Rugged Media.

1. Autumn Heritage Celebration Nov. 12th – 13th Fort Watauga 2. Speedway In Lights Nov. 18th to Jan. 7th 3. Bikers & Bowling at Holiday Lanes 6pm -9pm Nov. 18th 4. Grown & Sexy Johnson City VFW Nov 26th Cook out 11am to 4pm sale from cook-out go to help a child in need - then Dress To Impress Party at 7pm NO TENNIS SHOES, T-SHIRTS, HOODIES, OR BALL CAPS. Pre-sale $15, at the door $30 VIP $100 for more info: 423-557-7801 5. Winterfest Art Show Nov. 20th to Dec. 4th Sycamore Shoals 6. Bristol Christmas Parade 5pm Dec. 1st 7. Jonesboro Christmas Parade 7pm Dec. 2nd 8. Johnson City Christmas Parade 13:30am Dec. 3rd 9. Christmas at the Carter Mansion Dec, 3rd and 4th 10. Holiday Market 8am Pavilion Founder’s Park Dec. 10th 11. Elizabethton Christmas Parade 6pm Dec. 10th

Rides:

1. Bikers 39th Annual Toy Run 1927 Irvin Cobb Drive Paducah KY Nov. 19th

Useless Facts:

1. Benjamin Franklin was half-joking when he suggested daylight saving time.

2. Official credit for the daylight-saving time idea goes to a bug collector.

3. Germany made daylight saving time the law.

4. Daylight saving time gained new popularity during the energy crisis.

5. Daylight saving time may actually be an energy waster.

6. Daylight saving time might also be a health hazard.

7. Daylight saving time can deter crime.

8. Daylight saving time is not mandated by federal law.

9. The candy industry lobbied for an extension of daylight-saving time.

10. Different countries use different terms for daylight-saving time.

11. Daylight saving time wouldn’t help countries near the equator.

12. For decades, states could implement their own daylight-saving time.

13. Less than 40 percent of the world observes daylight saving time.

14. Most farmers actually oppose daylight saving time.

15. A study found that most people lose 40 minutes of sleep when daylight saving time starts.

15

Hello everyone, hope you are enjoying the spectacular colors of Fall, the warm sunny days and the cool nights let us know old man winter is on his way. Get all the riding in that you can and breathe in the fresh air of Autumn.

Please continue to be safe and keep your knees in the breeze, cause real soon we all will be in a cage but hopefully you have 4-wheel drive and can still get out and enjoy the snow.

Halloween is almost here.

Halloween is almost here. Halloween is a holiday celebrated each year on October 31, and Halloween 2022 will occur on Monday, October 31.

The tradition originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts. In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1 as a time to honor all saints. Soon, All Saints Day incorporated some of the traditions of Samhain. The evening before was known as All Hallows Eve, and later Halloween. Over time, Halloween evolved into a day of activities like trick-or-treating, carving jack-o-lanterns, festive gatherings, donning costumes and eating treats.

Halloween’s origins date back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced sow-in). The Celts, who lived 2,000 years ago, mostly in the area that is now Ireland, the United Kingdom and northern France,

Beanz Biker Corner

By Anne Hartley 423-297-5675

celebrated their new year on November 1. This day marked the end of summer and the harvest and the beginning of the dark, cold winter, a time of year that was often associated with human death.

Celts believed that on the night before the new year, the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead became blurred. On the night of October 31 they celebrated Samhain, when it was believed that the ghosts of the dead returned to earth.

On May 13, 609 A.D., Pope Boniface IV dedicated the Pantheon in Rome in honor of all Christian martyrs, and the Catholic feast of All Martyrs Day was established in the Western church. Pope Gregory III later expanded the festival to include all saints as well as all martyrs and moved the observance from May 13 to November 1. By the 9th century, the influence of Christianity had spread into Celtic lands, where it gradually blended with and supplanted older Celtic rites. In 1000 A.D., the church made November 2 All Souls’ Day, a day to honor the dead. It’s widely believed today that the church was attempting to replace the Celtic festival of the dead with a related, church-sanctioned holiday. All Souls’ Day was celebrated similarly to Samhain, with big bonfires, parades and dressing up in costumes as saints, angels and devils.

The All-Saints’ Day celebration was also called All-hallows or All-Hallowmas (from Middle English Alholowmesse meaning All Saints’ Day) and the night before it, the traditional night of Samhain in the Celtic religion, began to be called All-Hallows Eve and eventually Halloween.

Halloween Comes to America. The celebration of Halloween was extremely limited in colonial New England because of the rigid Protestant belief systems there. Halloween was much more common in Maryland and the southern colonies. As the beliefs and customs of different European ethnic groups and the American Indians meshed, a distinctly American version of Halloween began to emerge. The first celebrations included “play parties,” which were public events held to celebrate the harvest. Neighbors would share stories of the dead, tell each other’s fortunes, dance and sing. Colonial Halloween festivities also featured the telling of ghost stories and mischiefmaking of all kinds. By the middle of the 19th century, annual autumn festivities were common, but Halloween was not yet celebrated everywhere in the

116 Buffalo Street Johnson City, TN • www.bikerweartn.com • (423) 631-0542 country. In the second half of the 19th century, America was flooded with new immigrants. These new immigrants, especially the millions of Irish fleeing the Irish Potato Famine, helped to popularize the celebration of Halloween nationally.

History of Trick-or-Treating: Borrowing from European traditions, Americans began to dress up in costumes and go house to house asking for food or money, a practice that eventually became today’s “trick-or-treat” tradition.

Young women believed that on Halloween they could divine the name or appearance of their future husband by doing tricks with yarn, apple parings or mirrors. In the late 1800s, there was a move in America to mold Halloween into a holiday more about community and neighborly get-togethers than about ghosts, pranks, and witchcraft. At the turn of the century, Halloween parties for both children and adults became the most common way to celebrate the day.

Parties focused on games, foods of the season and festive costumes. Parents were encouraged by newspapers and community leaders to take anything “frightening” or “grotesque” out of Halloween celebrations. Because of these efforts, Halloween lost most of its superstitious and religious overtones by the beginning of the twentieth century.

By the 1920s and 1930s, Halloween had

become a secular but communitycentered holiday, with parades and town-wide Halloween parties as the featured entertainment. Despite the best efforts of many schools and communities, vandalism began to plague some celebrations in many communities during this time. By the 1950s, town leaders had successfully limited vandalism and Halloween had evolved into a holiday directed mainly at the young. Due to the high numbers of young children during the fifties baby boom, parties moved from town civic centers into the classroom or home, where they could be more easily accommodated. Between 1920 and 1950, the centuries-old practice of trick-or-treating was also revived.

Trick-or-treating was a relatively inexpensive way for an entire community to share the Halloween celebration. In theory, families could also prevent tricks being played on them by providing the neighborhood children with small treats. Thus, a new American tradition was born, and it has continued to grow. Today, Americans spend an estimated $6 billion annually on Halloween, making it the country’s second largest commercial holiday after Christmas.

theloafer.net | November 8, 2022

Beanz Biker Corner

Sponsored By Biker Wear

theloafer.net | November 8, 2022

16

Get Your Home Ready for Winter!

Country Boys Lawn Services and Decking

35 Years of Experience Honesty & Christian Integrity

Call For a Free Estimate

423-900-3632

Facebook.com/CountryBoysLawnServices Mulching

Leaf Removal Yard Scape Mowing

Landscaping / Design

Brush Cutting

Stump Grinding

Deck Building

Pressure Washing

Gutter Cleaning

All Types of Fences

(Commercial & Residential)

Tree Removal

20% HARD SCAPING OFF MUST PRESENT COUPON. CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER OFFER.

HEDGE 20% TRIMMING OFF MUST PRESENT COUPON. CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER OFFER.

17

Content is king. Three simple words convey the importance of effective social media writing. Social media is about engagement. It is a conversation between friends. Each platform has a different way of initiating the conversation, but the goal is the same: get people talking about your brand.

Twitter focuses on short conversations. It is the equivalent of a text message. With a small character limit, getting your message across can be tricky.

Keeping a thesaurus handy is advantageous to the character count of posts. Hashtags are a great way to reach a large amount of people while also decreasing character count. Text posts work very well on Twitter.

A simple post such as: “What are your #plans for this #weekend?” contains 41 characters (which is well below the Twitter limit), two widely used hashtags (which will

Social Sentiments

By Wendy Hayden socialsentiments @outlook.com

socialsentiments.net

significantly increase reach), and a subtle request to comment on the post. Tweets move at lightning speed. Asking your followers to retweet and comment on your posts will prolong your presence in the Twitter news feed. Retweets are a two way street. If a piece of information is relevant to your business, retweet it. Retweeting posts from other accounts not only helps your reach, it shows your followers that you are interested in providing valuable information, not just promoting your brand.

Posting links to websites can be advantageous to your brand; however, it is best to use a link shortener such as Bit.ly or Ow.ly to decrease the character count of your post. Link shorteners also give posts a clean look.

increase your reach.

Facebook is great for long posts, links, pictures, videos, question posts, and surveys. Although Facebook allows for longer posts, status updates should be short and eye – grabbing, as readers are more likely to skim long updates. Visuals garner more engagement on Facebook than text posts. Pictures and videos are easy ways to engage fans. When posting a link, always remove the link from the status box. A clickable preview of the link will automatically generate. The link is not needed within the status box. Do not leave the status box empty when posting a link, picture, or video. Always post a comment to let your fans know why the post is relevant to them. If you are ever stuck for content or status ideas, check out the pages your brand follows or pages that are relevant to your industry. Following pages is a great way to boost reach and find relevant content; however, going overboard will dilute your newsfeed. Like and follow the pages that are most relevant to your brand while keeping tabs on and posting to pages that can

LinkedIn is geared towards industry professionals. The tone is serious and professional. Posts should be industry oriented. Selling your brand, not your product, is a top priority on LinkedIn. Let your followers know why they should buy from you, use your services, or work for you. Potential employees look to LinkedIn for job

Pinterest and Instagram are visually oriented. Posts should be eye – catching and include hashtags.

Hashtags should be used within a caption to give the post a clean look. A picture of a cell phone with the caption “What is your favorite #smartphone #app?” has a cleaner look than the same picture with the caption “What is your favorite smartphone app? #smartphone #app.” Be sure to include a link to your website on each post. This will help boost search engine visibility while driving visitors to your site.

Women are heavy users of Pinterest. Websites like Gentlemint and Dudepins are similar to Pinterest and are geared towards men.

listings and to gain insight into the brand. Potential consumers, customers, and clients look to LinkedIn to validate their spending.

Posts should be geared towards validating each visitor’s needs.

Blogs are a great way to boost search engine visibility and spread company news. Breaking news can be posted on blogs, but it should also be promoted on other social networking sites as well, since blogs are not shared at the rate of speed of most social sites.

Although each platform has a different tone, the message should be consistent. Connections are more important than sales pitches.

Focusing on connecting instead of selling will create a tone that your customers will respond and relate to. Using humor and slang is appropriate in certain situations, but keep in mind that posts should portray the personality of your brand. Think of your posts as a conversation with a friend.

The expression “think before you speak” is just as true on social media as it is in real life

theloafer.net | November 8, 2022

Create Your Social Media Branding!

theloafer.net | November 8, 2022 18

19

by Kathie Scalf

I’m a woman who loves good food and drink.

who keeps their eyes cast down, mumbles your total at you and sends you on your way. These people are Thanks to my chosen profession, not proud of the integrity of the work I’ve been afforded invaluable they’re conducting and who can experiences in the world of culinary craftsmanship, and if someone were blame them? They’re usually grossly underpaid for the labor they perform to ask me what my hobbies are, I think one glance at my bank account with little to no acknowledgement would support the statement that fine from their equally miserable superiors. Don’t believe me? wine and dining is how I fill my Compare your experience at a Pal’s free time. drive-thru to one at a McDonald’s.

Traditionally, fine dining is Once someone takes pride in demarcated by a certain code of their work, it will reflect in their etiquette- clearly defined courses, performance. They anticipate their served atop crisp linens, marked by guests’ needs and provide before changes in flatware… and it usually the customer has to ask. Things like carries a hefty price tag. But I don’t always align with that thought, as I’ve making sure drinks are never empty, had 5 star experiences at a Chick-Fil-A removing empty plates so as not to clutter the table, and being wellthat far exceeded $250 meals I’ve informed on the menu so they can enjoyed inside glittering high rises in metropolitan cities. The common properly describe dishes and offer suggestions. These are all hallmarks factor that determines whether I consider a meal “fine dining” comes of fine dining, and also skills that don’t cost a dime but truly enhance a down to one word- effortless. The meal. One of my biggest pet peeves experience should be so enjoyable when I’m at a restaurant is to ask a and handled so properly that you question and receive “I don’t know” as the guest doesn’t have a single as an answer. I don’t expect a person thought beyond how good it is. to know every single thing, but it goes The most important factor in the a long way to hear “that’s a great fine dining equation is the staff. You question and honestly not something can tell immediately what kind of I’m as well-versed on. Let me get establishment you’re supporting someone over here who can better by the behavior of their employees. assist you with that.”

People who are appreciated and The next factor in determining if I compensated for their hard work by had a “fine dining experience” is the their management reflect that by quality of the food. Did the food meet taking pride in the job their doing.

Even in fast food, it makes a world of quality standards of the industry standard with relation to the type of difference in your experience if the person taking your order smiles, looks establishment in which I’m dining. Of course the filet I receive at Longhorn you in the eye, greets you properly is not going to be of the same quality and repeats your order to ensure as the filet at Prime Steakhouse in the its correctness. This always stands Bellagio Las Vegas. But is it quality out to me, because typically in fast compared to other Longhorns or food restaurants you get someone equivalent restaurants I’ve eaten at? And did the meal meet basic expectations, like was it cooked and served properly, and if not, did the staff make swift work of rectifying

the situation accordingly? I’ve spent a tremendous amount of time in the service industry and I know mishaps happen frequently. Meat can be under/over cooked, sides can be forgotten…that’s life and I don’t deduct points. I also don’t expect to be given a free meal if my medium rare steak comes out medium well.

What I do expect, once I’ve brought it to my server’s attention, is for them to immediately remove it, apologize and get to work on correcting it. If they offer a discount on my total or a free dessert, that’s a bonus. Were my vegetables tender, was my salad crisp and un-wilted, was my mac & cheese creamy or dry, all these are common proper serving standards for food and as long as they’re met, then the restaurant has done their job. There is no reason why you should EVER expect to have your meal totally comped unless something went horribly wrong like you swallowed broken glass or the cooks purposefully and maliciously altered your food. For the most part, a simple re-cook is all that’s required.

Finally, a great bar program never hurt. This obviously applies to sitdown restaurants, but due to my experience in wine it always delights me to see a thoughtful beverage menu. Again, you have to take in to account whether this is a corporate or independent establishment and gauge accordingly; corporate places have mandated placements on their bar menu and little wiggle room to veer away from that. But if it’s an independent restaurant with full autonomy over beverage selections, I like to see wines that offer more variety than just California and a spirits selection that at minimum includes all the usual suspects. If you only offer a well vodka and Tito’s as your vodka options…why? Throw in bottle of Belvedere or better yet, Chopin, for good measure. There is

an entire planet popping at the seams with unique and beautiful versions of the same ol’ grapes you’re drinking out of California. How about instead of Meiomi Pinot Noir you mix it up and find a beautiful Burgundy at the same price? I mean, the grape originated there; put a little respect on its name.

I hope when taking these things into consideration, whether you’re reading this as a guest or a provider, that you realize a seamless, beautiful dining experience can be achieved on many levels. If you’re not in a position to drop hundreds of dollars on a single meal, find the place within your budget that exceeds the standard expectations and treat yourself. And don’t be afraid to venture off the beaten path; there are some amazing hole-in-the wall spots that will blow your mind if you’re willing to be adventurous.

Happy eating!

XO - Kathie

theloafer.net | November 8, 2022

What Makes Dining “Fine”?

theloafer.net | November 8, 2022 20

21

DC League of Super Pets Most people I know enjoy an animated film in their cinema diet every now and then. One film you may want to consider is "DC League of Super Pets", featuring the vocal talents of Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and Kevin Hart. The film begins on the planet of Krypton where the soon-to-be Superman's parents have placed baby Kal-El into a space pod to send him to Earth. At the last second his beloved dog Krypto jumps into the pod, and heads off into space with his master as Krypton is destroyed. The film then moves forward as we see KalEl, now known as Clark Kent living in a Metropolis apartment with the now adult Krypto (Johnson).

Of course, we know Clark is a reporter for The Daily Planet and is in love with fellow reporter Lois Lane. Krypto becomes jealous of Lois, and is worried when the two marry he will be sidelined and no longer be his master's best friend.

Clark worries that Krypto will be lonely when he and Lois marry so he heads to a local animal shelter to purchase Krypto a furry friend to keep him company. At the shelter we meet Ace (Hart), a boxer trying to escape the shop and take his animal friends with him. Ace does escape but his effort is thwarted by Krypto.Later, Superman and Krypto take on archenemy Lex Luthor who is attempting to retrieve a meteor with a tractor beam that contains orange kryptonite, so he can use the

Pop Life

By Ken Silvers theloaferonlineprint @gmail.com

kryptonite to gain superpowers. The efforts of Lex fail, as he is defeated

by Superman, Krypto and the Justice League. Despite the defeat, a guinea pig named Lulu that was the subject of LexCorp experiments, is residing in the same animal shelter with Ace and company and manages to reel in a piece of the orange kryptonite and gives her the power of flight and telekinesis.

As a result of Lulu's efforts the other animals in the shelter also benefit from the kryptonite and also develop superpowers, with Ace becoming super-strong and indestructible. Meanwhile, back at Clark's, he and Krypto argue over the pending proposal to Lois, and while this is taking place, Lulu shows up and captures Clark. Due to an unexpected appearance of green kryptonite, Krypto is weakened and is not able to rescue his master. In his weakened state, Krypto is still in pursuit of his master and runs into newly superpowered animals. After a bit of arguing, Ace and company eventually agreed to help Krypto find Clark. While the newly formed League of Super Pets begins their rescue efforts, Lulu has recruited a group of guinea pigs, which she gives superpowers to, and Lulu and company are able to capture the Justice League. Krypto and company's initial battle with Lulu and company fails, and they go to the Justice League's Hall of Justice to regroup.Eventually, the Super Pets get to confront Lulu and company again, and the second battle fairs much better for our furry, except of the one in a shell heroes. One epic battle involves a massive sized Lulu taking on the entire Justice League and the Super Pets. Their battle is intense, but who saves the day with all these heroes around? Why, Krypto of course! The film ends with all the shelter pets being adopted by the members of the Justice League, with Ace adopted by Batman, and the pig I failed to mention being adopted by Wonder Woman. The film does have a post-credit scene involving Black Adam and his dog Anubis, so you have been warned.

I thought this film was fun, and I enjoyed the interactions between Krypto and Ace, and the reactions of the other animals when fighting and discovering their individual superpowers. There is an especially funny sequence involving a newly superpowered kitten named Whiskers, who nearly steals the movie. Johnson is the perfect voice for Krypto, and Hart equally matches his efforts as the voice of Ace. This is a film that can be enjoyed by all ages, with kids enjoying the antics of the pets and adults enjoying the

witty dialogue. While certainly not groundbreaking in any way, "DC League of Super Pets" nevertheless introduces fans to Superman's pet Krypto and Ace, who has appeared in various Batman comic books. Sit back and just enjoy this pleasant and action packed animated film. Now on Blu-ray, DVD and streaming on various outlets including HBO Max. (Rated PG)

theloafer.net | November 8, 2022

w

theloafer.net | November 8, 2022

22

CONCERT SCHEDULE Bristol

BRISTOL TN/VA

PARAMOUNT Dec 4 Chris Isaak Dec 16 Mark Chesnut Jan 6 Dailey & Vincent Feb 3 Neko Case

CAMEO THEATER Dec 14 Tab Benoit and the Dirty Dozen Brass Band Dec 22 The Wizards of Winter Feb 11 Lorrie Morgan Mar 18 Bad Marriage May 10 An Evening with Roger McGuinn

JOHNSON CITY TN

Knoxville

KNOXVILLE TN

TENNESSEE THEATRE Jan 12 Tommy Emmanuel Jan 26 Kenny Wayne Shepherd Apr 28 Amy Grant THOMPSON BOWLING ARENA Nov 17 Five Finger Death Punch with Brantley Gilbert Dec 8 Trans-Siberian Orchestra Feb 17 Journey and Toto Feb 18 Cody Johnson featuring Randy Houser Feb 24 Blake Shelton Mar 30 Kane Brown

JOHNSON CITY

KNOXVILLE CIVIC AUDITORIUM Nov 10 Clay Walker & Tracy Lawrence FREEDOM HALL Dec 1 Mannheim Steamroller Christmas Nov 11 Sal Vulcano Nov 18 Aaron Lewis Dec 2 Little Texas Nov 26 Switchfoot Christmas Tour Apr 14 Nate Bargatze MARTIN CENTER FOR THE ARTS Nov 10 Nitty Gritty Dirt Band Dec 13 Michael W. Smith Christmas Show Feb 4 The Black Jacket Symphony: Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours Apr 30 Amy Grant

GREENVILLE TN

GREENVILLE

NISWONGER PERFORMING ARTS CENTER Nov 15 Jimmy Fortune, Bradley Walker, Ike Rogers and Ben Isaacs Nov 19 Atlanta Pops Holiday Radio Show Dec 2 The Gatlin Brothers Country & Christmas Jan 21 The Isaacs Jan 27 The Doo Wop Project Feb 3 Heather Land Feb 11 I Am He Said -a Neil Diamond Tribute Feb 17 Roots & Boots Acoustic tour with Aaron Tippin, Collin Raye and Sammy Kershaw Mar 4 Resurrection- A Journey Tribute Mar 11 Jefferson Starship Mar 31 Gentri (The Gentlemen Trio) Apr 4 One Night of Queen-performed

by Gary Mullen And the Works Apr 14 Mark Lowry Apr22 Masters of Soul

Jan 27 Kenny Wayne Shepherd Jan 30 Mammoth WVH and Alter Bridge Feb 14 Death Cab for Cutie Feb 23-25 Tedeschi Trucks Band Feb 26 Billy Strings Mar 4 Dawes Mar 18 Buddy Guy Apr 7 & 13 Morgan Wade Apr 14 & 15 Lady A May 8-10 John Mellencamp May 19 Crowded House ASCEND AMPHITHEATER Oct 1 Jon Pardi Oct 15 The Head and The Heart Oct 16 Stevie Nicks BRIDGESTONE ARENA Nov 16 Five Finger Death Punch with Brantley Gilbert Dec 2 Maren Morris Dec 9 Jelly Roll Dec 11 PentatonixA Christmas Spectacular Dec 14 Trans-Siberian Orchestra Dec 30/31 Widespread Panic Feb 19 TobyMac with Crowder Feb 24-25 Billy Strings Mar 1 Carrie Underwood Mar 31 Kane Brown Apr 7 Chris Tomlin

BIJOU THEATRE Nov 11 Sam Bush Band Nov 17 Joanne Shaw Taylor Nov 18 Morgan Wade Nov 19 Natalie Grant Nov 30 Eric Gales Dec 1 Paul Thorn Dec 3 Dave Barnes Christmas Dec 6 Herb Alpert & Lani Hall Christmas Asheville Jan 27 Scott Miller and David Childers Feb 3 Amanda Shires THE ORANGE PEEL Mar 23-25 Drew & Ellie Holcomb Scott Bradlees Postmodern Jukebox Dec 3 Dec 5 JohnnySwim Nashville Jan 20 Larkin Poe Feb 18 Elle King NASHVILLE MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM Nov 30 Black Veil Brides, Motionless in THOMAS WOLFE AUDITORIUM White and Ice Nine Kills Nov 20 Nate Bargatze(2 shows) Dec 10 Rainbow Kitten Surprise Dec 3 Lindsey Stirling

ASHEVILLE NC

NASHVILLE TN

RYMAN AUDITORIUM Nov 23 W.A.S.P. Nov 30 Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Dec 6-8 Lauren Daigle Dec 9 Allman Family Revival Dec 10 Leann Rimes Dec 12-15 Amy Grant and Vince Gill Dec 16 Smokey Robinson Dec 19 Aaron Lewis Dec 30/31 Old Crow Medicine Show

EXPLOREASHEVILLE.COM ARENA Dec 10 Warren Haynes Christmas Jam

CHEROKEE NC

GREENVILLE SC

Greenville, S.C.

BON SECOURS WELLNESS ARENA Nov 18 MercyMe Nov 19 Charlie Wilson and Friends Nov 20 Five Finger Death Punch and Brantley Gilbert Dec 9 Trans-Siberian Orchestra Jan 29 TobyMac, Crowder, Cochren & Company Mar 18 Kane Brown

WINSTON-SALEM, NC

Winston Salem North Caroiina LJVM COLISEUM Mar 3-4 Billy Strings

PIKEVILLE KY

Pikeville, Ky

APPALACHIAN WIRELESS ARENS Nov 18 Warrant, Winger and Bullet Boys Dec 31 Noah Thompson & Chase Matthew

CHARLOTTE NC

Charlotte

SPECTRUM CENTER Dec 10 Trans-Siberian Orchestra Feb 8 Carrie Underwood PNC MUSIC PAVILION May 30 Dead and Company OVENS AUDITORIUM Dec 6 Allman Family Revival Dec 31 The Avett Brothers (Bojangles Coliseum) Jan 29 Death Cab for Cuti Feb 8 John Mellencamp e Mar 3 Joe Bonamassa THE FILLMORE Nov 27 W.A.S.P. Mar 16 Static-X Apr 13 Fozzy

MYRTLE BEACH, NC

Myrtle Beach, S.C

House of Blues Dec 3 Blue October Dec 30 Marcus King HARRAH’S CASINO Dec 31 Corey Smith Nov 18 Mike Epps Dec 10 Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland Mar 25 Eric Johnson Apr 7 Scott Bradlee’s Jan 7 Styx Postmodern Jukebox Jan 13-15 Jamey Johnson Cherokee, N.C.:

CALL WQUT @ 477-1015 FOR MORE CONCERT INFORMATION OR VISIT WWW.WQUT.COM

23

When I was a kid, and well into my early ‘20s, I would always feel a sense of excitement and anticipation about the first sign of Christmas things in stores.

This would always elicit a groan from my mother would who say words to the effect of “It’s not even Halloween/Thanksgiving yet.” I would always dismiss this and during my younger years, I felt a sense of excitement akin to when the Holiday JC Penny catalog would come.

The other day I drove my mother around to take her shopping.

One of the stores we entered was already awkwardly displaying Christmas stuff butted up against the waining Halloween section. I saw it all and commented “It’s too early for Christmas. I’m not ready yet. I need Halloween to happen first.” If this had been a movie there would have been a record scratch at this point, followed by a slow-motion zoom-in on my mother as she turned her head toward me in shock.

“Oh, how times have changed” she began. “Mr. ‘it’s never too

Batteries Not Included

By Andy Ross theloaferonlineprint @gmail.com

early’ has now become ‘Oh, no.

Not before Halloween.’” She took great delight in this. Great delight in giving me playful grief for all the times I would comment when I was younger that it never bothered me. Yes, there is a certain irony in that I now think it’s too early to see Christmas before Halloween.

If you’ve read my column lo these many years you know that Halloween is a big deal in my family. It’s a Christmas-level holiday. It’s always done up very big with friends around and a little buffet of food in the kitchen. This is why I suppose that now at my age I want Halloween to just be

Halloween. Now, don’t get me wrong, I love Christmas and when it comes I will go all out.

I think part of why I like Halloween to just be Halloween these days is that for us elder millennials, Halloween is a warm reminder of much more carefree days. We’re a generation that feels a bit “between two worlds,” so Halloween gives us a chance to let our inner kid out a bit more boldly than we would most other days. I wonder too if it’s just a part of getting older and finding that time does indeed seem to speed up the older you get.

You’re reading this shortly after

the end of Halloween, which means you may wonder how I feel about Thanksgiving getting “overtaken” in the spotlight. To be honest, I want Thanksgiving to have its due too. But if the truth is being told come about two weeks I’ll be ready to embrace Christmas. I’ll start thinking about putting my tree up and getting some decorations out.

I might not. I may wait till after Thanksgiving. But though I’ll be a stressed-out ball cooking on that day, as soon as it ends, I’ll be in full Santa mode. But until then, I’m gonna stay spooky for as long as possible. See you next week.

theloafer.net | November 8, 2022

How The Tables Have Turned

JOHNSON CITY’S NEW PREMIER PLACE FOR COUNTERTOP SALES AND INSTALLATION

3314 West Market Street Johnson City, TN 423-946-1500

Hours: M-F 9-5 Sat 10-3 • GRANITEQUARTZGREENEVILLE.COM

GRANITE | MARBLE | QUARTZ | QUARTZITE

STONE COUNTERTOPS SALES • FABRICATION • INSTILLATION

We install within 7-10 business days after template.

Family owned and operated.

100’s of colors available.