The Loafer 79

National Pet Day April 11th

Publisher Lisa Durbin Creative DIrector

Jon Bill Forrester Managing Editor

Peggy Gale

DIstribution

Elizabeth Armstrong

Sales

Jessica Carlisle Entertainment Coordinator

Andreax Jarre

Contributing Staff

Andy Ross

Kathie Scalf

Ken Silvers

Wendy Hayden

Ann Hartley

The Loafer

Po Box 39

Telford, Tn 37690

423-930-7319

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 Let’s

your week’s line-up

NOTE FROM THE PUBLISHER

Hello Friends!

National Pet Day! What an awesome day to celebrate. Thank you for sending in pictures of your sweet pets. My pets may look a little different than most of yours. After moving into our new house in the country last year we started to build our pet farm. We have goats, pigs, sheep, 2 dogs, a donkey and alpaca and over 50 chickens. Other than the eggs we eat, share and sell our animals are strictly for pleasure as our pets and we love them dearly!

Please notice our back cover this week and make plans to attend the public auction at Dealers Auto Auction. They only do this one time per year and it looks to be a great event! You even have the chance to win a Mustang and help the Crumley House. Have

Dancing on the Road Back Home

Anticipating Richmond Ballet’s return to Southwest Virginia next week, Wise-native Tracy Roberts remembers her first role as a professional ballerina. “It never would’ve happened if it hadn’t been for Daisy Portuondo.” Roberts began ballet lessons at five years old thanks to the efforts of many, led by Portuondo, to bring classical dance instructors to the area, eventually founding the Wise School of Dance and the Pro-Art Association. Pro-Art introduced Roberts to performance, and a vocation that would define her career. “The arts changed my life,” Roberts said.

At the Wise School of Dance, young Roberts was mesmerized by her teachers, “That’s where I learned I love to perform.” Over the years, the focus and discipline of her artistry never wavered; Roberts attended dance intensives in North Carolina, Washington D.C., New York City, and Boston during summer breaks in high school. She was working toward her B.F.A in dance at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts when her mother, Lona Roberts, sent an article announcing Richmond Ballet’s transition to becoming a professional company—

and their call for auditions. Roberts was twenty years old when she joined Richmond Ballet in 1984 as one of their original professional company members. She was offered her first-ever contract by Stoner Winslett, who remains the Ballet’s Artistic Director. By then Portuondo was fully immersed, directing Pro-Art, so when she learned Roberts had joined the company, she immediately arranged a tour to Wise. “What a great homecoming that was,” remembers Roberts, “To come back to where it all started.”

Pro-Art and the State Ballet of Virginia have maintained a close relationship ever since. Richmond Ballet II will present an evening of classical and contemporary works highlighting the versatility, dynamic energy, and intense emotion for which the company is known on Saturday, April 15th at 7 p.m. in the Union High School Auditorium in Big Stone Gap, VA in conjunction with Pro-Art’s 46th season. Adult tickets are $10 at the door. Children and students will be admitted free. Artistic Director Stoner Winslett’s “Rachmaninoff Rhapsody”

sweeps audiences away with its elegant costumes, lush music, and virtuosic dancing. “Stay” by Sarah Ferguson is a contemporary pas de deux that portrays the remembrance of a loved one who has been lost, and the idea of their spirit or memory visiting for just a brief moment, where you wish you both could stay. Inspired by the iconic 1967 film of the same name, “Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner” by Jennifer Archibald addresses the intolerances faced by interracial couples and highlights the fortitude, simplicity, and beauty of love. Set to music by soul legends such as Donny Hathaway and Ray Charles, this powerful work breathes new life into a vintage Hollywood story. Closing the program is Ma Cong’s “Thrive,” a joyful ballet exploring the depth and intensity of energetic connections. For more information and reservations, please visit proartva.org.

Pro-Art partners with a variety of venues, therefore individuals with mobility issues or general questions are encouraged to call (276) 376-4520 or email the ProArt office at pro-art@uvawise.edu. For evolving conditions related to weather cancellations, or similar unforeseen circumstances, patrons are encouraged to check proartva. org for up-to-date information. This performance is made possible in part by a grant from the Virginia Commission for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts. Pro-Art is additionally supported by the Slemp Foundation, The University of Virginia’s College at Wise, Mountain Empire Community College, and the Columbus Phipps Foundation.

Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner: Eri Nishihara and Zacchaeus Page in Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner by Jennifer Archibald. Richmond Ballet. All Rights Reserved. Photo by Sarah Ferguson.

Stay: Cody Beaton and Joe Seaton in Stay by Sarah Ferguson. Richmond Ballet. All Rights Reserved. Photo by Sarah Ferguson.

Bristol TN/Va

Bristol, TN/VA

THURSDAY Apr 13th

Bobby Starnes w/ Special Guests Jason Crawford

6:00pm at Delta Blues BBQ

RJ Smith 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

Rebekah Todd & the Odyssey

6:00pm at Bristol Casino Bar

FRIDAY Apr 14th

The Great Big Hug 6:00pm at Bristol Casino Bar

Mchale Bright followed by Corey Smith 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House Shoot to Thrill 8:30pm at Bristol Casino Bar

SATURDAY Apr 15th

Paleface 6:00pm at Bristol Casino Bar

Crash Test Radio 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

MONDAY Apr 17th

Anthony Childress 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

Johnson City

Johnson City, TN

TUESDAY Apr 11th

Brim & Marci Leal 6:30pm at Rocks Wood Fired Pizza

WEDNESDAY Apr 12th

Irish Fiddle Tunes with Keegan & Rheva 5:30pm at Mulligan’s Gaming Pub

HB Beverly 6:30pm at Rocks Wood Fired Pizza

THURSDAY Apr 13th

Justin Mychals 6:30pm at Rocks Wood Fired Pizza

Lightnin’ Charlie 7:00pm at Mulligan’s Gaming Pub

FRIDAY Apr 14th

The Minor Leagues 8:00pm at Mulligan’s Gaming Pub

Dan Herrell & The Troubadours

8:00pm at Tulips Grub & Pub

Club Rewind 9:30 at Wild Wing Cafe

Dimestore Cowboys | The Brothers Gillespie 10:00pm at Capone’s

SATURDAY Apr 15th

Anthony Wayne Vibe 7:00pm at Mulligan’s Gaming Pub

Tray Wellington Band w/ Bluegrass Pythagoras 8:00pm at The Down Home

Marques Puckett and 8 Second Ride 9:30 at Wild Wing Cafe

Primordial Tides | Death Nebula | Poser 10:00pm at Capone’s

Kingsport

Kingsport, TN

THURSDAY Apr 13th

Dan Herrell Acoustic 8:00pm at CJ’s Sports Bar

FRIDAY Apr 14th

Dawn Loves Nash7:00pm at Gypsy Circus Cider Company Well Dogs 7:00pm at High Voltage

Second Hand Smoke 9:00pm at CJ’s Sports Bar

SATURDAY Apr 15th

Gypsy Moon Coalition 7:00pm at High Voltage

Asylum Suite

9:00pm at CJ’s Sports Bar

Elizabethton

FRIDAY Apr 15th

Jason Edwards 7:00pm at Jiggy Ray’s Pizzaria

There are 5 sets of Pets hidden in this issue of The Loafer. Can you find them all?

Northeast Tennessee to Host Appalachian Trail Vista

Hiking enthusiasts from across the country will gather in Northeast Tennessee August 4-7 for a variety of hikes, workshops, and excursions as part of the Appalachian Trail Vista summit. With East Tennessee State University’s D.P. Culp Center as the homebase, the Vista provides a forum for engagement of activities on and near the Appalachian Trail. The summit offers hiking, educational, cultural, and historical learning programs, while working with trail clubs, local communities, and nearby partner organizations.

The Appalachian Trail Vista is a gathering celebrating hiking with an opportunity to learn best tips and practices, outdoor safety, and conservation ethics. The event will include more than 40 guided hikes under two hours from the University, 30 educational workshops, as well as local outdoor related vendors and entertainment. Additionally, there will be opportunities for participants to register for off-site excursions such as whitewater rafting, rock climbing, fishing, tours and more showcasing the

Northeast Tennessee area.

The Appalachian Trail Vista is produced by the Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association along with Visit Johnson City in partnership with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and sponsored by Tri-Cities Airport. Northeast Tennessee borders North Carolina, Virginia and Kentucky in the Appalachian Mountains. With 230 miles of internationally known rivers and 288 miles of the Appalachian Trail, it’s the true outdoors with endless opportunities to explore. Northeast Tennessee’s Tri-Cities of Bristol, Kingsport, Johnson City and small towns along the way make up a diverse region of outdoor recreation, music, history and everything in between. It is the mission for this summit to be a place where diversity is recognized and celebrated for all trails and all people.

Tickets

Early-bird discount registration tickets are available through May 31. To register and learn more, visit atvista2023.org.

TRI-CITIES NIGHTLIFE

WEDNESDAY

Karaoke with Absolute Entertainment at The Pub Out Back (The Italian Pizza Pub) - Johnson City 7pm

Karaoke w/ Eric Huskins VFW Post 2108 – Johnson City, TN 8pm

Karaoke Night at Wonderland Lounge and Bar - Johnson City, TN 9pm

Karaoke with Ron at Kingsport Moose Lodge 6:30pm

Loudmouth Karaoke at Michael Waltrip Brewing Company - Bristol, VA on Wednesday, April 5th at 7pm

THURSDAY

Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Tulips Grub & Pub - Johnson City, TN 8pm

Sing Your Heart Out Karaoke at Wild Wings Cafe - Johnson City, TN 9pm

Karaoke at Numan’s - Johnson City, TN 10pm

Karaoke at Jiggy Rays Pizzeria - Johnson City, TN

Karaoke at Tipsy Toad Tavern - Jonesborough, TN

FRIDAY

Karaoke with Absolute Entertainment at Rainbow Asian Cuisine - Johnson City, TN 9pm

Karaoke with Absolute Entertainment at The Sports Mill - Kingsport, TN 8pm

Karaoke w/ Eric Huskins VFW Post 2108 – Johnson City, TN 8pm

Karaoke at Numan’s – Johnson City, TN 10pm

Karaoke with Handsome Hodge Entertainment at O’Mainnin’s Pub and Grille - Bristol, TN 10pm

SATURDAY

Karaoke with Absolute Entertainment at Tulips Grub & Pub Johnson City, TN 8pm

Karaoke with Absolute Entertainment at Union Street Taproom - Erwin, TN 8pm Jan 28, Feb 18 & Mar 4

Karaoke at Numan’s – Johnson City, TN 10pm

Karaoke w/ Eric Huskins VFW Post 2108 – Johnson City, TN 8pm

Karaoke at Numan’s – Johnson City, TN 10pm

Karaoke with DJ Clyde and Prestige Entertainment at Macado’s -Kingsport, TN 9pm

Karaoke with Handsome Hodge Entertainment at O’Mainnin’s Pub and Grille - Bristol, TN 10pm

TRIVIA BINGO DJ NIGHT

TUESDAY

Team Trivia at Wild Wing Café Johnson City TN

DJ Trivia at Union Street Taproom Erwin, TN 5pm

Trivia at The Corner Bar Bristol, VA 8pm

WEDNESDAY

Trivia at Tipsy Toad Jonesborough, TN 7pm

Trivia Night Mellow Mushroom Bristol, VA 7pm

THURSDAY

Mellow Trivia at Mellow Mushroom Johnson City, TN- 7pm

WEDNESDAY

Bingo at Tipton Street Pub Johnson City, TN 9pm

Singo at Holy Taco & Cantina Boones Creek, TN 8pm

Blazin’ Bingo at Mellow Mushroom Johnson City, TN 6pm

THURSDAY

Bingo at Mellow Mushroom Bristol VA 6pm

THURSDAY DJ B-Digital at O’Mainnin’s Pub and GrilleBristol, TN 10pm

FRIDAY Handsome Hodge Entertainment at O’Mainnin’s Pub - Bristol, TN 10pm

SATURDAY Handsome Hodge Entertainment at O’Mainnin’s Pub - Bristol, TN 10pm

SUNDAY DJ B-Digital at O’Mainnin’s Pub and GrilleBristol, TN 10pm

To have your events added to this list email:

SODOKU CROSSWORD

Down

1. Wise trio

2. Bus. major's study

3. Nukes, e.g.

4. Flew the coop

5. Is ___ (probably will)

6. Prepares, as leftovers

7. Oil-rich fed.

8. Starter with "apple" and "awl"

9. Cabinet Dept. since 1979

10. 1998 Masters golf champion

11. Hock

12. Conspiracy

13. ____ Fifth Avenue

18. First German city captured by

Allies in

WWII

21. Neighbor of Bel.

23. Car assemblers' labor org.

24. Letters of uncertainty

25. Shacks

26. Schleps

27. Fat substitute brand

28. Excessive

DROP QUOTE

ACROSS

1. Whimper like a baby

5. "What ___!" ("Whoa!")

10. Antonyms, in brief

14. Summit

15. Pitted fruit

16. Actress Powers

17. Pizza brand

19. "Star Wars" critter

20. Establish in office

21. Husky breaths

22. Collaborating writer

26. Come into contact with

30. Arranged in order

34. Stan's comic partner 35. Thwack

SV SK ZDV FHRTIKH TZXHOK TPH WDOSHP

VWTZ CHZ DP UHYSOK VWTV

CTLHK VWHC TZXHOK, FIV FHRTIKH VWHJ UD

ZDV HQGHRV WDOSZHKK EPDC

DZH TZDVWHP, FIV EPDC XDU DZOJ.

William Blake

36. Doc end

37. Range of the Rockies

39. Most impregnable

42. Serving of corn

43. Lawn waterer

47. Ave ____

48. Vacation mementos

51. Map part

52. Hair shade

54. AA co-founder

57. Strongest possibility

62. Plunder

63. Again and again

66. Famed racehorse Man ____

67. One may come from the past

68. Dragon's home

69. Like deer meat

70. "____ sexy for my shoes..."

71. "Lolita" director Adrian

Answers to last week’s puzzles can be found on page 09.

29. Union initials

31. Wedding cake layers

32. Spokescow

33. Coup finis

38. Library admonition

40. Surrounded by

41. Air blower

44. Like some NYC theaters (abbr.)

45. Cardinal cap letters

46. 1962 Paul Anka hit subtitled "That

Kiss!"

49. Insignificant

50. Compass pt.

53. "Totally cool!"

54. Keep a web journal

55. Early state for presidential hopefuls

56. Rich soil

58. Narrate

59. Excuse to eat cake, briefly

60. Tiger Woods' ex

61. Phoenician city

63. Offensive baseball stat

64. Shade provider

65. Game show host Sajak

PETS

TUES. Apr. 4th, 11th, 18th & 25th BRIM & MARCI LEAL

WED. Apr. 5th, 12th, 19th & 26th HB BEVERLY

THUR. Mar. 6th, 13th, 20th & 27th JUSTIN MYCHALS HAPPY

PIG

Kali is 2 1/2 yrs old and a very sweet girl and has made great progress since coming to us as a kitten. She used to be very shy and nervous, but now she will come right up to you to demand pets. She needs some space and If

patience, a perfect fit for someone who’s like her. Kali has been at the Rescue for 840 days and qualifies for the Spring Fling adoption fee of $20.23.

Last Week's Puzzle Answers

Sudoku

My name is Maggie and I’m a 4 yr old American Staffordshire Pit Bull Terrier. I love to be outside. I like to go on walks but might need some leash training as I like to pull. I like to explore and sniff out my surroundings. I’m an independent girl who doesn’t

423-239-5237

demand a lot of attention. I would love a fenced in yard with plenty of room to roll and wiggle in. At the end of the day, I enjoy cuddling with my human and being told how pretty I am !!! Maggie qualifies for the Spring Fling adoption fee of $20.23

Cryptogram:

"Every problem has in it the seeds of its own solution. If you don't have any problems, you don't get any seeds."

Dropquote:

"I believe it is the nature of people to be heroes, given the chance."

JOHNSON CITY

SATURDAYS

ACOA (adult children of alcoholics) 1:30-3:00pm. Call for info Bill 423-444-6107 or Cheryl 423-262-6149

FRIDAY APR 14TH

Johnson City Love & Hiking Date For Couples (Self-Guided)

7:00am at Willow Springs Park

Tri-Cities Boat Show at The Mall of Johnson City

Weekly YuGiOh Duel Night

6:00pm at CardFox

Nate Bargatze 7:00pm at Freedom Hall Civic Center

SATURDAY APR 15TH

Johnson City Love & Hiking Date For Couples (Self-Guided)

7:00am at Willow Springs Park

Johnson City Farmers Market

8:00am at Founders Park

Tri-Cities Boat Show at The Mall of Johnson City

Trek Johnson City Ride and Wrench 10:00am at Trek Bicycle

Satur-Yay-Day Events 11:00am at Wrecking Crew Harley

SUNDAY APR 16TH

Johnson City Love & Hiking Date For Couples (Self-Guided)

7:00am at Willow Springs Park

Tri-Cities Boat Show at The Mall of Johnson City

THINGS TO DO THINGS TO DO

BRISTOL

WEDNESDAY APRIL 12TH

Comedy Open Mic 7:30pm at Blue Ridge Comedy Club

“Feather Folk” Canvas Class

6:00pm at Kil'n Time Studio

Improv Stand-Ins 8:00pm at Blue RIdge Comedy Club

FRIDAY APRIL 14TH

Cliff Cash 8:00pm at Blue Ridge Comedy Club

SATURDAY APR 15TH

Board Game Night 5:00pm at Bristol Public Library

Cliff Cash 8:00pm, 10:00pm at Blue Ridge Comedy Club

KINGSPORT

THURSDAY APRIL 13TH

IBN Biz Lunch 11:30am at Pratt's BBQ

FRIDAY APRIL 14TH

Model City Antique & Flea Spring Show 10:00am at MeadowView Conference Resort & Convention Center

PETWORKS Rhinestone Roundup 5:30pm at MeadowView Conference Resort & Convention Center

SATURDAY APR 15TH

Nature: Wolf Howling 10:00am at Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium

Blue Ridge Artisan DaysEaster Festival 10:00am at Kingsport Farmers Market

Model City Antique & Flea Spring Show 10:00am at MeadowView Conference

Resort & Convention Center

SUNDAY APR 16TH

Model City Antique & Flea Spring Show 10:00am at MeadowView Conference

Resort & Convention Center

JONESBOROUGH

TUESDAYS

Jonesborough Storytelling

Guild “Stories n’More” Show

7:00pm at The International Storytelling Center

WEDNESDAY APRIL 12TH

Evening at the Museum 6:00pm at Chester Inn State Historic Site

SATURDAY APR 15TH

Winter Market 9:00am at Boone StreeT Market

Historic Jonesborough Town Tour 1:00pm at Chester Inn State Historic Site

ABINGDON, VA

WEDNESDAY APR 12TH

Bingo 5:00pm at Abingdon Community Center

FRIDAY APR 14TH

Movies for Adults 2:00pm at Washington County Public Library

SUNDAY APR 16TH

Bingo 5:00pm at Abingdon Community Center

ELIZABETHTON

SATURDAY, APRIL 15TH

19th Century Trade Fair 2:00pm at the Carter Mansion

Northeast State Theatre stages

Eurydice April 20-23

Shattered romance and the underworld meet when the Northeast State Department of Theatre proudly presents a production of Eurydice from playwright Sarah Ruhl. This updated version of the ancient Greek drama takes audiences through the pain of lost love and the perils of fate.

Eurydice reimagines the classic myth of Orpheus and Eurydice. Ruhl’s version tells the story not through Orpheus’s infamous pilgrimage to retrieve his bridge, but through the eyes of its heroine. Dying too young on her wedding day, Eurydice must journey to the underworld, where she reunites with her father and struggles to remember her lost love. What does fate hold for Orpheus and Eurydice? Can true love be reunited?

Combining classic Greek tragedy, compelling characters, and Northeast State Theatre’s award-winning sound and visual creations, the play takes a fresh look at a timeless love story. The play is being directed by T.J. Kent, associate

professor of Theatre at Northeast State. Opening night is April 20. The curtain goes up at 7:30 p.m. Evening performances continue April 21, 22, and 23 at 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. One matinee performance is scheduled April 23 at 2:00 p.m. All performances take place at the Ballad Health Performing Arts Center on the Blountville campus next to Tri-Cities Airport. Tickets are $10 general admission and $8 for groups of 10 or more. This play is being presented by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc., a Concord Theatricals Company. In compliance with the American Disabilities Act, Northeast State honors requests for reasonable accommodations made by individuals with disabilities. Direct requests can be made at least 10 days in advance to (voice and TTY) 423.279.7640.

Get tickets now at:

www.northeaststate.edu/boxoffice. For more information please contact the Box Office at 423.354.5169.

Biker Events

sponsored by biker wear

Local Events:

1. Music on the Hill with Car & Bike Show April 29th Happy Valley High School

2. 11th Annual Thirsty Orange Extravaganza April 29th

3. Jesus Fest April 29th 10am to 1pm Calvary Chapel

4. Biblical Citizenship May 1st 6:30pm Calvary Chapel

5. State Street Tattoo Fest 19th to 21st State Street Bristol

6. Chapel Hart & 8 Second Ride May 28th East TN Distillery

Bike Night:

1. Wednesday – 19E Pit Stop

2. Wednesday – Jonesboro VFW – Dog Tags

3. Thursday - Quaker Steak & Lube

4. Friday - Tulips

Rides:

1. WesMann’s Ride For The Ramp April 22nd Black Wolf Harley Davidson 11am KSU 12 noon

2. TN18-8 Poker Run May 6th Black Wolf 9:30am

3. Ride To Fight Suicide May 27th 9am Black Wolf

Rallies:

1. Tallahassee Bike Fest April 14th – 16th Tallahassee, FLA

2. Thunder on Tobacco Road April 20th –23rd Seven Spring NC

3. Thunder Beach Bike Rally May 3rd – 7th

4. Thunder In The Smokies 5th to 7th

5. Boozy Creek Rally May 12th to 14th

6. Myrtle Beach Spring Rally May 12th to 21st

Beanz Biker Corner Beanz Biker Corner

Hello everyone, the birds are chirping, the bees are buzzing, the sun is shining, and everything is blooming. Time to get out and enjoy Mother Nature and all she has to offer. Get on your bike and ride or roll the windows down or open the sunroof. Whatever it is, just enjoy it and be safe. Here is a place you may want to visit. Bay Mountain State Park.

Bays Mountain Park is a 3,550 acres’ nature park and planetarium located on Bays Mountain in Kingsport, Tennessee is the largest city owned park in the state of Tennessee. From the early 1800’s through the early-to-mid 1900’s, Bays Mountain provided for those families who settled on the mountain. The mountain provided settlers with land to farm, wood for building houses, a church and even a school. Obviously, life was much different then, but relying on Bays Mountain to provide the resources, wildlife and harvest needed to survive and thrive was a given. It surely wasn’t

Beanz Biker Corner

By Anne Hartley

423-297-5675

easy, as there are challenges provided by any mountainous terrain, but those families who did make the mountain their home, proudly did so. The Park features a picturesque 44-acre lake, hiking trails, a Nature Center with a state-of-the-art Planetarium Theater, and Animal Habitats featuring wolves, bobcats, raptors and reptiles. Bays Mountain Park has daily events and programs including nature programs, planetarium programs and special events. High Ropes, Low Ropes & Zip Line. The Flying Squirrel is a 310-foot thrill ride zip line that races you through the wondrous and beautiful tree line. Bays Mountain Park has 26 miles of trails approved for mountain biking. Bays Mountain Park is home to two observatory structures housing a number of telescopic instruments. Observe water lilies, deer, raccoons, ducks, geese, turtles, great blue herons, beaver lodges, and sometimes beavers and black bears. Bays Mountain supports numerous plant communities in a relatively un-fragmented forest ecosystem. Pine and oak forest are distributed on ridges and drier upper slopes, whereas more moist forest conditions at lower elevations support a more mesic forest of sugar maple, tulip poplar, and white oak. Hemlock and white pine are found in more restricted locations. Species more commonly associated with the nearby Blue Ridge such as striped maple, yellow birch, rosebay and Catawba rhododendron are also found here. If you are looking for some fresh air, breathtaking views, and wildlife Bays Mountain is the place to go.

Useless Facts:

1. Apple seeds contain cyanide.

2. The cheesiest pizza ever was topped with 154 varieties of cheese.

3. There are giant technicolor squirrels in India.

4. A shark is the only animal that can blink both its eyes.

5. You would likely “mutate” in space without a spacesuit.

6. In most advertisements, including newspapers, the time displayed on a watch is 10:10.

7. There are around 16 million people alive today that are direct descendants of Genghis Khan.

8. An ostrich’s eye is bigger than its brain.

9. There’s a city called “Rome” on every continent except Antarctica.

10. The opposite sides of a die will always add up to seven.

Sponsored By Biker Wear

Climb the Social Media Mountain!

Getting your brand to the top of the social media mountain can be challenging. On top of determining your audience, you must also determine the type of content your audience wants to see. SWOT and PEST analyses can steer your content in the right direction. They allow you to explore parts of your business that you may not have thought of, give you fresh content ideas, and position you ahead of the competition.

A SWOT analysis explores the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats associated with your business. Criteria such as unique selling points, seasonal and fashion influences, political effects, philosophy and values, and likely returns help create content that encourages conversation, which will increase social media ROI.

A PEST analysis is similar to a SWOT analysis, but allows you to explore a different set of content. PEST analyses focus on the political, economical, social, and technological aspects of your business. The criteria examples for a PEST analysis include lifestyle trends, media views, brand image, current and future legislation, economy trends, licensing, and patents. This set of content will help you focus on social media crisis management and can help create a crisis management plan.

Both the SWOT and PEST analyses encourage putting pen to paper and diving in to your business. This approach brings out the best parts of your business, allowing you to make your business shine, as well as the worst parts of your business, allowing you to tackle them before you are confronted with them on social media.

Social Sentiments

By Wendy Hayden socialsentiments @outlook.com socialsentiments.net

Renowned Illustrator Paints Mural at ETSU

University invites community to participate in #ETSUPride365

A partnership with Taylor Swift. Producing street art for Super Bowl 2020. Crafting murals and launching a viral #WhatLiftsYou social media campaign following the devastating school shooting in Parkland, Florida.

Kelsey Montague, one of the bestknown illustrators in the world, has taken her creative craft across the globe.

Add East Tennessee State University and Johnson City to her portfolio. Montague finished painting a mural at the university earlier this week. Located near the Ballad Health Athletic Center (Mini-Dome) and the parking garage, the navy and gold mural features design elements unique to both ETSU and the region: the Ballad Health Athletic Center, Tennessee’s Tri-Star, the ETSU Carillon, 1911 (the year ETSU was founded), the Appalachian Mountains and rhododendrons.

“All my work is positive in some way. I always want my work to be uplifting,” she said.

Despite her work with celebrities and international causes, this marks only the fourth mural she has painted for a college and the first in the South.

“I am a huge fan of universities. The energy and the creativity are always so exciting,” she said. “I hope the university community knows that this is for them.”

ETSU, in turn, hopes the community will use the new mural to spread positivity online.

“We encourage visitors to snap a selfie in front of the mural and then share it on social media with #ETSUPride365,” said Barbara Mason, director of Trademark Licensing at ETSU and the one who helped bring Montague to campus. “We invite you to become part of this exciting piece of art, as well as help us promote the community that we all call home.”

“Whoever walks by this, it’s a gift,”

added Montague. “It’s for you.” Montague’s paintings have proven wildly popular.

Visitors to Nashville may have noticed her work in the Gulch. Long lines often greet those hoping to take a selfie in front of the mural.

Those wishing to see the mural for themselves are invited to stop by Parking Services Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., for a parking pass. Parking is free and open to the public outside those hours. Parking Services is located at 132 Stout Drive.

Rainy Day Recourse by

They say that April showers bring May flowers, and if that’s the case we’re going to be flush with bundles of bloomers this spring! It feels like we’re having a lot more rain this spring than I’ve seen in the last few years, and I’m not complaining. I’m somewhat of a pluviophile or “a person who enjoys rain and rainy days, and is fascinated by the sights and sounds of rain.” (Definition according to dictionary.com) I would take a stormy gray day indoors over sweating in the sun any day of the week. For some strange reason, I become far more productive without the lure of the sun to draw me out of doors and away from looming tasks at home. Being held captive by the rain means I have limited distractions, and honestly, I adore any excuse to stay in my comfy clothes, catching up on my favorite television and enjoying my favorite foods. Lets face it, in these times of inflation, leaving the house at all costs at least a hundred dollars! For those of you not aligned with my dreary state of mind however, I’ve compiled a list of activities to maybe sway your opinion, and at least make you appreciative of the much-needed precipitation before we’re all fully immersed in the sweltering heat of summer.

While curling up in bed or on the couch can be quite tempting on a drab day, its important to first tackle at least one task you’ve been avoiding so you can celebrate the fruits of your labor with laziness afterward. Compile a list of spring cleaning to-do’s and set the intention of only handling one thing. What I’ve found is that -much like working out- our minds are 99% of the problem. Once you just take the plunge and just start the process, you’ll build motivation and go above and beyond the task

at hand. I’ve also realized that the majority of dreaded things I put off for weeks and months end up taking around 15 minutes and weren’t nearly as bad as my mind built them up to be. So start small and work from there. If cleaning baseboards are on the list, set a goal of just handling one room. If that is completed quickly and you’re motivated to do more, then move to the next room. If notgreat! You still got something out of the way that needed to be done. Washing windows, blinds, ceiling fans, cleaning out closets, vacuuming under beds- all those things that get neglected during day-to-day cleaning are perfect to attend to when you’re stuck inside due to the elements. It's also a great time to spring clean your digital living spaces as well as your physical ones. Make storage on your phone by deleting all the duplicate and unnecessary photos taking up space. Clear out all the junk from your email and unsubscribe from spam. If you’re signed up to receive texts from various businesses, request to stop sending the messages. Block your exes on social media. Scroll back to 2014 on your Instagram and delete any grainy pics of hamburgers or sunsets you posted that have no sentimental value. In this day and age, the things that are using up our digital data and slowing down our devices can also weigh just as heavily on our brains and slow down our functioning. While it might take a few hours, just think of the relief you’ll get not being bombarded with ads day in and day out for the rest of eternity!

Once you’ve completed the not so fun stuff, it’s time to reward yourself with something enjoyable. Rainy days are the perfect time to learn something new! While I think we’re all inclined to seek solace in our comfort zones of the familiar, there is no growth in those places. Make a goal to explore something unfamiliar every time the weather has you stuck indoors with

nothing to do. Download DuoLingo and begin learning a second language. Instead of re-watching the same shows you’ve been looping since 2002, find a movie with great critical acclaim you’ve not yet seen. Try your hand at a new foreign dish you can’t pronounce. Pick up an actual book instead of doom scrolling endlessly on social media. Pen your thoughts in a journal or try your hand at a new hobby. Do something to get the wheels cranking in your mind that maybe have been a bit sedentary from the monotony of everyday life.

A rainy day is also the perfect time to invite friends over for an intimate gathering. A spontaneous dinner party or game night is a great way to connect in real life with friends who you maybe only see digitally. Offer a theme and a main dish and host a potluck, asking everyone else to supply a side or a drink. You could also organize a wine tasting, where everyone brings their favorite bottle and you all share; its an opportunity to find a flavor you otherwise would never have known about! Good old fashioned game nights are always a blast. Dig out that Monopoly box out of storage or coordinate everyone for a game of Charades- there’s just something nostalgic about the lighthearted fun of bonding over games from childhood.

Rainy days don’t have to be depressing. I hope this article has given you ideas to consider and maybe-just maybe- you might one day look forward to weathering storms as much as me!

Kathie Scalf

Spring Train Excursion Through Smoky Mountains

ALL ABOARD!

On Saturday, May 20, 2023 the Watauga Valley Railroad Historical Society and Museum will sponsor a train excursion on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate and enjoy the beauty of the spring season while riding the rails in vintage passenger railroad cars. The one-day excursion will cover most of the operating trackage of the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. The track follows the route of the former Southern Railway’s Murphy Branch Line, established in 1891, with its five percent grade and many bridges. Our scenic rail excursion takes us from the historic depot in Bryson City, NC, through the beautiful countryside of Western North Carolina, into the breathtaking Nantahala Gorge surrounded by the majestic Smoky Mountains, and back to Bryson City. Much of the route hugs the banks of the Little Tennessee and Nantahala Rivers. It crosses Fontana Lake on a trestle spanning 780 feet 100 feet above the lake.

[Video clip online at: www.wataugavalleynrhs.org.

Passengers ride in comfort in Tourist Coach, or Open-Air cars. All classes offer seating in classic antique restored passenger cars. There are restrooms throughout the train. See pictures of each class on our web site.

Tourist Coach Class cars have ceiling fans and windows that open and close for fresh-air viewing.

Open-Air Coach cars are great for picture-taking and “experiencing” the ride and scenery.

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad has become a favorite of film producers over the years. The train wreck scene in the 1993 movie, The Fugitive, starring Harrison Ford and Tommy Lee Jones, was filmed along the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad. The railroad was used

in the filming of the 1996 comedy, My Fellow Americans, starring Jack Lemmon and James Gardner, when they stumble onto a charter train full of UNC-Chapel Hill fans headed for the NCAA Final Four. Train scenes in the 1998 movie, Forces of Nature, starring Ben Affleck and Sandra Bullock, were also filmed on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad.

TRANSPORTATION AND PARKING

Bryson City is a laid-back, nontouristy town of 1,300 with more stop signs than stoplights. It is an

Passengers have three options for arrival at the Bryson City Train Depot: they may either ride a chartered tour bus out of Johnson City, TN, or drive directly to Bryson City, NC, if that is more convenient. Please select point of departure location on the order form when purchasing tickets. NOTE: Free parking is provided both in Johnson City and Bryson City.

Schedule for passengers driving directly to Bryson City, NC

Train departs Bryson City 12:01 p.m.

TICKETS

Tourist Coach or Open-Air Coach Class ticket price is $94/adult and $77/child [2-12]

Open-Air Coach Class ticket price is $96/adult $76/child [2-12]

All classes of excursion tickets include free admission to the Smoky Mountain Lionel Train Museum before boarding the train. The museum boasts a collection of 7,000 Lionel engines, cars and accessories, and an impressive operating layout and children’s activity center.

MEAL OPTIONS

Box Lunch – includes sandwich, chips, cookie, and drink. [Make selection on ticket order form.]

Box lunches must be pre-purchased with ticket order and will be available track-side for pick-up before boarding

Concessions Car – sandwiches, drinks, chips, and snacks will be available for purchase on board Bring Your Own – a small cooler is acceptable if you wish to bring food with you

easily stroll-able town with local bookstores, arts and crafts galleries with working artisans, a bike shop, two fly fishing shops, a fly-fishing museum, an historical museum, an aquarium, a scenic train, two breweries, and a surprising variety of restaurants. Bryson City is only 10 miles from the famous Cherokee Indian Reservation. [Information on lodging in the Bryson City area is available on your confirmation form .

Train arrives back in Bryson City 4:15 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.

Schedule for passengers riding motor coach from Johnson City, TN

Motor coach departs Johnson City, TN 7:30 a.m.

Train departs Bryson City 12:01 p.m.

Train arrives back in Bryson City 4:15 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.

Arrive back in Johnson City 7:30 p.m.

Tickets and pre-purchased meals must be ordered online by credit card at : www.wataugavalleynrhs.org/. Click on the EXCURSIONS link The excursion runs rain or shine. Every effort will be made to maintain an on-time schedule. The Watauga Valley Railroad Historical Society & Museum assumes no liability due to passengers not arriving on time at the Bryson City Depot.

The Spring Great Smoky Train

Excursions sell out fast, please order your tickets so you will not be left out. If you like riding a train and the scenic mountains, this trip is for you. Questions about the trip? Go to www.wataugavalleynrhs.org, or email wataugavalley@gmail.com

Jesus Revolution

This week I continue with the theme of films based on true stories with "Jesus Revolution", now playing in theaters. The film begins in 1969 Southern California where we are introduced to pastor Chuck Smith (Kelsey Grammer) and his dying church. Pastor Chuck is having a difficult time reaching young people, which includes the living free generation of hippies.

Pastor Chuck's daughter Janette (Ally Loanides) has also become a bit disillusioned with the church and feels her dad needs to work harder on reaching her age group. However matters are about to change for Janette after she picks up a colorful hitchhiker named Lonnie Frisbee (Jonathan Roumie of "The Chosen") when she is out driving one afternoon. Lonnie says he has come from San Francisco and is traveling around telling people about the life and ministry of Jesus. When Janette brings Lonnie home to meet Pastor Chuck, he is very skeptical at first, but eventually warms to the hippie who spreads the gospel of Jesus. Pastor Chuck brings Lonnie to his Calvary Chapel where the few members in attendance stare at him as if he has the plague. While Pastor Chuck is attempting to get his congregation to warm up to Lonnie, we meet high school student Greg Laurie

Pop Life

By Ken Silvers theloaferonlineprint @gmail.com

(Joel Courtney), who after meeting free wheeling high school student Cathe (Anna Grace Barlow), leaves his Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps school to join her on a trip to a concert where Timothy Leary will be appearing to convince young people to take drugs for self discovery. We learn about Greg's background which includes him living with his divorced mom Charlene (Kimberly Williams-Paisley) in a trailer on the beach. Charlene is very troubled to the point Greg can't take it anymore, and becomes deeply involved with drugs and his new hippie friends. Meanwhile, the combined ministry of Pastor Chuck and Lonnie, at first rejected by the members of Calvary Chapel, has exploded in popularity due to the inspirational messages from Lonnie, and a Christian band now performing at the church. The budding popularity of the movement among hippies and young people in general sparked the Jesus revolution, and eventually reaches Cathe after her sister nearly dies from a drug overdose. Cathe begins attending Calvary Chapel, and eventually convinces Greg to as well, after he is nearly involved in a car accident. The almost accident leads Greg to a meeting in the street on a rainy night with Lonnie who tells the wayward teen that thanks to the love of God he doesn't have to run anymore. Greg is eventually baptised in the ocean by Lonnie, and begins a new life at a house where Lonnie and his wife have taken in many homeless hippies who are helping spread the gospel of Jesus. The movement led to hundreds of young people being baptised at the beaches of Southern California, and even led to a cover story in "Time" magazine in 1971. While all seemed to be running smoothly for Pastor Chuck and Lonnie, they eventually have a conflict leading to Lonnie leaving the local ministry. Despite Greg being heartbroken when the leaders of his new family prepare

to leave, he discovers he is being led to the ministry. Even though his relationship with Cathe has become rocky, the two eventually reconcile, and are to be married.

Pastor Chuck has purchased an old church building for Greg to start his ministry. This film is a wonderful look back at the Jesus movement which began in California in the late 1960's and spread all over the world. The actors are all perfectly cast, with Roumie being just as charismatic

as he is in the role of Jesus on "The Chosen". "Jesus Revolution" is a perfect example of how Jesus loves everyone, so the next time you are sitting in your church pew and begin clutching your pearls if someone walks in who is different from you, just remember Jesus is love. Now playing in theaters. (Rated PG-13)

Bristol

CONCERT SCHEDULE CONCERT SCHEDULE

BRISTOL TN/VA GREENVILLE TN

PARAMOUNT

Apr 15 Best of the EaglesTribute to The Eagles

Apr 21 BlackHawk

Apr 29 Ashley McBryde (sold out)

May 11 Steep Canyon Rangers

May 19 A Brothers RevivalTribute to The Allman Brothers

May 21 Mac Powell

Jun 3 Sara Evans

Jun 13 Marcy Playground

Jun 17 Nightrain-Tribute to Guns n Roses

Jun 24 Bored Teachers Comedy Tour

Jul 13 Farm and Fun Time featuring Rodney Crowell

Jul 22 Head Games-Tribute to Foreigner

Jul 29 Journeyman:

Tribute to Eric Clapton

Aug 12 Yellow Brick Road-

Tribute to Elton John

Sep 16 EW&F-Tribute to Earth, Wind and Fire

Oct 14 Lady SupremeTribute to Diana Ross

Nov 11 Chi-Town Transit AuthorityTribute to Chicago

Dec 16 Soultown to MotownTribute to Motown

CAMEO THEATER

Apr 8 Billy Prine and Prime Time Band

Apr 19 Trampled By Turtles

Apr 22 The Band of Heathens

Apr 29 Billy Idol and Bret Michaels (Street show)

May 10 An Evening with Roger McGuinn

May 12 The Jerry Douglas Band

Jun 17 Vixen

Jun 24 Robert Randolph

Jul 16 Stryper

Jul 17 Tommy Emmanuel

JOHNSON CITY

FREEDOM HALL

Apr 14 Nate Bargatze

Jun 2 Mr. Speed- Kiss Tribute

MARTIN CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Apr 30 Amy Grant

May 20 The Black Jacket Symphony: Tom Petty’s Full Moon Fever

NISWONGER PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

Apr 14 Mark Lowry

Apr 22 Masters of Soul

May 5 Wild World of Animals Free Community Concert Series

May 13 Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives

May 20 Get The Led OutLed Zeppelin Tribute

May 24 The Beach Boys

Knoxville

TENNESSEE THEATRE

Apr 26 Ben Folds and a Piano

Apr 27 Wilco

Apr 28 Amy Grant

May 13 Alice Cooper

May 20 Chelsea Handler

Aug 18 Kansas

THOMPSON BOWLING ARENA

Apr 21 Lizzo

May 16 Stevie Nicks

May 23 Breaking Benjamin /Bush and Another Day Dawns

Jul 15 Thomas Rhett

Sept 12 Guns n Roses

Oct 6 Elevation Worship & Steven Furtick

Oct 16 Shania Twain

Nov 24 Kiss: End of the Road Tour

Dec 8 Lauren Daigle

KNOXVILLE CIVIC AUDITORIUM

Apr 13 Million Dollar Machine

Apr 20 Casting Crowns

Apr 29 Theresa Caputo

KNOXVILLE CIVIC COLISEUM

Apr 15 & 16 Leanne Morgan

Aug 24 Billy Strings

Sep 14 Parker McCollum

BIJOU THEATRE

Apr 7 David Sedaris

Nashville

RYMAN AUDITORIUM

Apr 14 & 15 Lady A

Apr 19 Leann Morgan (Opry House)

Apr 21 David Spade

Apr 27-29 Nickel Creek

May 8-10 John Mellencamp

May 19 Crowded House

May 24 Rick Springfield

Jul 6 Sam Bush

Jul 13 Rhonda Vincent

Jul 27 Ricky Skaggs

Aug 19 Kansas

ASCEND AMPHITHEATER

May 6 Whiskey Myers

May 11 Koe Wetzel

Jun 23 Walker Hayes

Jul 11 Foreigner and Loverboy

Jul 18 Louis Tomlinson

Jul 19 Yungblud

Aug 27 Ghost

Sep 12 /13 Artic Monkeys

BRIDGESTONE ARENA

Apr 16 New Edition

May 4 Janet Jackson with Ludacris

Jun 13 Duran Duran

Jun 17 Bryan Adams and Joan Jett

NISSAN STADIUM

Apr 15 Luke Combs

May 5-7 Taylor Swift

May 19 Billy Joel and Stevie Nicks

Jun 11 CMA Fest

Jun 15 Beyonce

Jul 22 Ed Sheeran

Jul 28-29 George Strait, Chris Stapleton & Little Big Town

Jul 3 Matchbox Twenty and The Wallflower)

Jul 16 Blink 182

Jul 29 Sam Smith

BROOKLYN BOWL

Apr 14 Queensryche

May 20 The Steel Woods

GEODIS PARK

Aug 26 Guns n Roses

Manchester

BONNAROO MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVAL

Jun 15-18 Foo Fighters, Paramore, Nil Nas X, Sheryl Crow, Kendrick Lamar, Korn, The Revivalists, Pixies, Umphrey’s McGee and more!

Chattanooga

RIVERBEND FESTIVAL

Jun 2-4 Maureen Morris, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Trombone

Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Coin, Goose, Big Boi, Blackberry Smoke, Les Claypool’s Fearless Flying Frog Brigade and more!

Asheville

THE ORANGE PEEL

Apr 20 Judah & The Lion

May 12 & 13 Drive By Truckers

May 21 Trae Crowder

Jun 22 Margaret Cho

EXPLOREASHEVILLE.COM ARENA

Apr 20 Mt Joy

May 9 Robert Plant and Alison Krauss

THOMAS WOLFE AUDITORIUM

Apr 27 Brett Young

July 3 The Smile

Cherokee, NC

HARRAH’S

Apr 21 Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo

May 13 Alter Bridge

May 20 One Vision of Queen featuring Marc Martel

Jun 9 Travis Tritt

Jun 16 Colt Ford

Sep 1 Train with Parmalee

Oct 21 3 Doors Down Better Life Foundation Concert in Wilkesboro, North Carolina:

MERLEFEST

Apr 27-30 The Avett Brothers, Maren Morris, Little Feat, Marcus King, Tanya Tucker, Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, and many many more.

Greenville, S.C.:

BON SECOURS WELLNESS ARENA

Apr 27 Kenny Chesney

Jun 23 Dude Perfect

Jul 14 Thomas Rhett

GREENVILLE

Please Sir, I’ve Never Seen Food Before

Every single morning I play a game with my cat. I don’t know what my cat does during the night when I sleep, sometimes she sleeps, and sometimes she stalks around the house. Yet when morning comes I can count on one thing. As I walk from my bedroom to the kitchen, she will jot down the hallway to greet me at my bedroom doorframe. As I walk towards the kitchen she will walk between my legs, stopping to rub her head on my feet. This is her way of saying “Good morning, please feed me.” Which, before getting my first cup of coffee, I always will do. Some mornings she tucks right into her breakfast, and others she sniffs it and walks away in disgust, only to come back a few minutes later to finally eat. But sometimes it doesn’t stop at breakfast. As the day goes on, if you walk into the kitchen for any reason, she will use her laser-focused hearing and you’ll hear her hop down from wherever she is and the next thing you know she’s walking with

you again.

It could be mid-morning, midafternoon, or even late evening.

But it’s just like the morning dance, her adorable little self rubbing against your feet saying “Please sir, I’ve literally never seen food before. I beg of thee. Feed me.” Thus the tug of war begins. “No, Lucy. You’ve been fed” I’ll say, and she’ll rub her head against me more as if to say “No, sir. That wasn’t me, that was someone else who looks like me. The one who has seen food. Not me, who has never known what it is to eat.”

What makes this tricky is when she walks so closely to your feet you have to take a hold of the counters to walk along without getting tripped up. “Sir, Please. The Food” I can imagine Lucy staying to me. Whilst I try to walk slowly around my kitchen without being tripped over like I’m doing a physical challenge on “Double Dare.” “Lucy. Please. I have hot coffee in a cup in my hand” I’ll say in response as I try to make it across my kitchen.

She’ll give up, and accept defeat. I know she’s come to terms with no new food being put down as she’ll walk over to her dry food bowl and begin to much a little on it. This is a process that is sometimes repeated more than once during the day. Sometimes Lucy will try a more subtle approach. She’ll walk into the kitchen if you’re in there, but instead of doing the “walk along you” dance, she’ll simply trot over to her dry food bowl.

contact with me as if to say “Sir, it was my understanding this was a wine and tapas restaurant and the tapas haven’t arrived yet.” Let the record show that her bowl isn’t at all empty when she does this. If you have a cat, you’ve seen them do a variation on this routine.

All cats, mostly, love to play the “I have never been fed” game. Lucy is sometimes trickier than others as she is a picky eater, even by picky cat standards. I’ve tried a lot of those “We promise you that we have tested and tested and even the pickiest of pickiest cats will love this” foods and even Lucy looks at me after rejecting it like she is saying “How dare you!”

It’s a small victory when Lucy will

eat the food I give her instead of not trying it, giving up, or just taking a few bites. What’s funny is even when she’s fully happy with what I’ve given her and eaten well, you can be as sure as clockwork she’ll come in a few hours later and do the “I’ve never seen food dance.” Cats are funny little creatures, but they do make life more enjoyable.

You’ll be happy to know that right now, at this moment as I type this, Lucy is fed and content. She’s currently napping on the couch that’s in my home office. I wonder how long she’ll rest till it’s time to play the “I’ve never seen food before” game again? See you next week.

By Andy Ross theloaferonlineprint @gmail.com

Lucy will sit along the side of the bowl and settle her front two paws down in a little back-andforth motion. Then she’ll look at the bowl, and then she’ll look at you. She’ll make direct eye