For advertising information and rates, contact us today at (336) 416-0938 or by email at weaddvalue@surryliving.com Barn Star Amish Furniture Store: offering handcrafted, custom Amish-made furniture with a focus on quality and personalized service.
On
SOUTHERN TASTE
Peanut Butter: A Family Favorite
Mon’s Mac-N-Cheese
A Call to the Unsung Heroes Behind Our Food
Navigating Life with a Horse, Faith, and Common Sense
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Between Rounds with Kevin Pyles
By Gosh By Josh
Grandma’s House
Sabrina L. Baker
Sabrina hails from Tobaccoville, NC. The passion for arts led her to photography, where she carved her niche. She balances motherhood and her professional pursuits. At 30 years of age, she embraced Jiu-Jitsu, proving there is no age barrier to personal growth. Sabrina is known for her creativity and commitment, her ability to embrace change, and her perseverance. She writes to inspire others to face challenges head-on and to craft their own paths to success.
Rynn is a writer and designer based in the Yadkin Valley region of North Carolina. She loves to share her ideas for adding simple beauty into hectic lifestyles. More than mere recipes, her mission is to offer practical shortcuts for food preparation along with visual tips for presentation. Rynn began her career in Aiken, SC, as a newspaper reporter writing feature articles about food, living, and the arts. For more about Rynn, even more recipes, decorating tips, and much more, visit thehouseofelynryn.com.
Eddie lives in Copeland, NC. His column reflects his life experiences and stories that have been passed down to him. He is an encourager and considers himself a cheerleader for daily life. Eddie builds custom-crafted furniture in his small business, New Venture Woodworx. He also turns wooden bowls on a lathe and sells those at art and craft shows.
Contributors
Madalyn Edwards
Madalyn is from Mount Airy, NC, and is currently a junior at Appalachian State University. She is studying English with a concentration in professional writing and minoring in communication with a concentration in journalism. She writes for Surry Living and also works on the news desk for her university’s student news organization. When she is not writing, she enjoys reading, being outdoors, and spending time with her two dogs.
Sheri, now happily retired, finds nothing more enjoyable than time spent with her husband of fifty years, her amazing daughter, and sweet elderly pup. She authored two novels, A Higher Voice and A Deeper Cut (which also ran as a serial feature in Surry Living Magazine). Her play, No Ordinary Wine, written in collaboration with a fine producer/director, was well received, and a second play, Improbable Grace, awaits discovery.
Blake grew up in and around the outskirts of Winston-Salem. He and his wife, Angie, currently live in the small town of East Bend. Blake graduated from Liberty University with a master’s degree in psychology and loves finding ways to help others. He also enjoys reading the Bible, painting, and spending time outdoors.
Carmen is a NC Cooperative Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences. Making quick, easy, healthy food that tastes great on a budget is a challenge. Carmen and her husband have two grown children, both of whom were involved in sports from grade school through college. With busy careers and lots of time at sporting events, coming up with quick, healthy meals was a necessity. Carmen shares ideas and recipes to make this tough job easier.
Derina is the executive editor and owner of Surry Living Magazine. She is also a professional horsewoman with a passion for connecting horses, nature, and people. Derina lives on her ranch in Westfield, NC, with her husband, Kevin, son, Kage, and daughter, Kaleah. She enjoys horse riding, traveling, and attending church at Asbury Evangelical Presbyterian.
Kevin is a Christian business owner who loves serving Mount Airy and its’ citizens. In addition to being the publisher and owner of Surry Living Magazine, he is also a physical therapist, Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt, and published author. His passion is to help others find their way to health, success, and happiness through his areas of expertise. Kevin has assembled a first-rate team of therapists dedicated to keeping Surry County residents out of pain and in motion. He has an unstoppable, positive attitude that is contagious, and we hope you catch it through his column.
Blake Johnson
Sheri Wren Haymore
Derina Pyles
Eddie Lowe
Rynn Hennings
Kevin Pyles
Carmen Long
Joanna Radford
Joanna is the County Extension Director for NC Cooperative Extension in Surry County as well as the Commercial and Consumer Horticulture Agent with expertise in entomology, gardening, and pesticide education. Joanna began her career with NC Cooperative Extension in Stokes County in 1995 as a 4-H Agent, later switching to Field Crops and Pesticide Education in Surry County. She lives on a farm with her husband and two teenage daughters.
Contributors
Veronica Green-Got
As a roving reporter, writer, and marketer, Veronica is a passionate storyteller. After starting her career in corporate marketing, she founded her own business, Golden Fleece Marketing, in 2019. Now she puts her skills to work as a reporter covering equestrian sports, offering marketing strategy for clients in a wide variety of industries, and providing writing and editing services for small businesses nationwide. She believes that everyone has a story to tell and that they’re all worthy of being told. In her free time, she events her ex-racehorse, LB.
Larry is the Executive Director for the Alleghany Chamber of Commerce in the Blue Ridge Mountains of central North Carolina. Some of you may know him as the former co-owner of SLM. He has more than 30 years of experience as a writer, graphic designer, photographer, and book and magazine publisher. Larry and his wife, Trina, have four wonderful, grown children and live on a small farm just off the Blue Ridge Parkway in Grayson County, VA.
Josh Snow
Josh Snow, from King, NC, is known for his big personality and love for adventure. An avid fisherman, he finds peace on the water. At 41, Josh took on the challenge of jiu-jitsu, proving it’s never too late for new beginnings. He cherishes spending time with family and friends, bringing energy and enthusiasm to every gathering.
Dr. Sarah Southard, DVM
Sarah grew up at Crooked Oak in the Pine Ridge community of Surry County. Raised in the agriculture world, she went on to earn degrees in animal science and veterinary medicine from North Carolina State University. She and her husband, Adam, and son, Malachi, currently live in Statesville with Oliver the house rabbit, a few cats, Blossom the donkey, and a flock of Katahdin hair sheep.
Larry VanHoose
Quality That Lasts a Lifetime
Nestled in the heart of King, North Carolina, Barn Star Amish Furniture stands as a testament to the craftsmanship of Amish artisans. Led by Chris and Claudia Kates, this small, family-owned business offers a blend of rustic, traditional, and contemporary furniture, all crafted from North American hardwood. What sets Barn Star apart isn’t just the quality of their products, but the personalized customer service and deep connections they’ve forged with Amish builders. For Chris and Claudia, Barn Star Amish Furniture is not just a business. It’s a calling.
Barn Star Amish Furniture began with a leap of faith. Chris and Claudia were at a crossroads in their lives. Not only were they thinking of retiring, but both had recently lost their parents. The couple had been searching for a business to purchase, one that aligned with their values and provided them with a meaningful connection to the community. As fate would have it, Claudia wandered into the showroom after a real estate appointment fell through. A simple conversation with the owner led to a profound moment of realization— the previous owners, Bill and Joyce, had been waiting for the right people to continue their legacy.
“Joyce raised her hand to God and smiled,” Claudia recalls. “She went to the office, came out with a contract, and said they knew God would lead the right people to buy their business. That’s when we knew this was meant to be.”
From that day forward, the Kates family embarked on a journey to preserve and promote the exceptional craftsmanship of the Amish community. Bill and Joyce personally introduced them to their Amish builders, guiding them through the nuances of working with these talented artisans. It was an experience that left a lasting impression on Chris and Claudia, solidifying their belief that they were on the right path.
Amish-made furniture is synonymous with quality, durability, and timeless design. The Amish approach to woodworking is rooted in tradition, with each piece crafted by hand, one at a time, without the use of electricity or modern machinery. “Our builders are families and communities that work together in cottage industries,” says Claudia. This dedication to simplicity and precision ensures that every item created by Amish artisans is built to last for generations.
At Barn Star Amish Furniture, customers can find a wide variety of pieces, from classic dining room sets and bedroom furniture to custom-made cabinets and office desks. Whether you’re looking for a rustic farmhouse table or a sleek, modern design, the Kates family works closely with Amish builders to bring your vision to life.
“Our builders create each piece to our customer’s exact specifications,” explains Claudia. “No two pieces are ever exactly alike because they are truly custom-made. This is furniture that people will pass down to their children and grandchildren.”
Chris and Claudia take pride in the fact that every piece of furniture they sell is made in America, sourced from sustainably grown and harvested North American hardwoods, and crafted within Amish communities. “We believe in supporting American workers and communities,” says Chris. “It’s important to us that our products reflect our values: quality, tradition, and a commitment to preserving American craftsmanship.”
One of the defining features of Barn Star Amish Furniture is the personal customer service that Chris and Claudia offer. They guide customers through the design and customization process, ensuring that each piece is tailored to their needs and tastes. For many customers, this attention is what sets Barn Star apart from other furniture stores.
“We love working with our customers to design the perfect piece for their home,” says Claudia. “Many of our customers have become close personal friends, and our conversations bring joy to our lives. It’s about more than just selling furniture. It’s about building relationships and creating something special that will be cherished for years to come.”
The Kates family is deeply invested in making sure that each customer walks away with a piece of furniture that suits their home and reflects their personal style and values. Whether it’s choosing the right wood, selecting a custom stain, or deciding on specific design elements, Chris and Claudia are there every step of the way, offering guidance and expertise.
“Our goal is to help people create furniture that not only serves a functional purpose but also tells a story,” says Chris. “Each piece is a reflection of the care and craftsmanship that went into making it. We want our customers to feel that connection when they bring it into their homes.”
While Barn Star Amish Furniture works exclusively with Amish builders, Chris and Claudia are quick to point out that they are not Amish themselves. However, they have developed a deep understanding and appreciation for the Amish way of life, which is rooted in Christian values, community, and simplicity.
“One of the biggest misconceptions people have about the Amish is that their women are somehow considered lower or less important,” Claudia explains. “That couldn’t be further from the truth. In our experience, Amish women are strong, productive members of their society and are held in extremely high regard by the men in their community.”
Another common misconception is that the Amish mistreat their animals, but Chris and Claudia have found the opposite to be true. “The Amish see the care of their animals as a biblical responsibility,” says Chris. “They take great pride in treating their animals well and ensuring their well-being.”
The Kates family has also learned about the diversity of the Amish community. In Ohio alone, there are over a dozen different sects of Amish, each with its own set of practices and beliefs. From the strict Swartzentruber Amish to the more modern Mennonites, each group maintains its unique approach to life, but they all share a commitment to faith, family, and craftsmanship.
“We’ve learned so much from working with the Amish. It’s given us a greater appreciation for their way of life,” says Claudia. “Their dedication to their craft, their families, and their communities is something we admire deeply.”
For Chris and Claudia, owning Barn Star Amish Furniture goes beyond just running a business. It’s about living with purpose. They feel certain that they were led to this opportunity for a reason and are committed to honoring the legacy of the Amish builders they work with. Every day, they strive to run their business in a way that reflects their values and faith.
“We feel like we’re here for God’s purpose,” says Chris. “We do our best to live each day with that in mind, and we try to bring that sense of purpose into everything we do.”
This sense of purpose is evident in the way the Kates family approaches their business. From their commitment to supporting American workers to their dedication to offering personalized customer service, Chris and Claudia are passionate about making a positive impact on their community and on the lives of their customers.
“We want people to feel good about the furniture they buy from us,” says Claudia. “Not just because it’s beautiful and well-made, but because they know it was created with care and intention. That’s what makes our furniture special. It’s a reflection of the values and craftsmanship that went into making it.”
As Barn Star Amish Furniture continues to grow, Chris and Claudia remain committed to the principles that have guided them from the beginning: quality, craftsmanship, and a deep respect for tradition. They are proud to offer furniture that meets the highest standards of durability and design, as well as reflects the values that are so important to themselves and the Amish community they work with.
“Our furniture is more than just something to sit on,” says Chris. “It’s a piece of history, a work of art, and a legacy that can be passed down through generations. We’re honored to be a part of that tradition, and we’re grateful to our Amish builders for their incredible craftsmanship and dedication.”
As they look to the future, Chris and Claudia are excited to continue working with their Amish partners and helping customers design the perfect furniture for their homes. With a commitment to quality and a passion for serving their community, Barn Star Amish Furniture is poised to remain a trusted source for timeless, handcrafted furniture for years to come.
the air grows crisp, we are reminded that Thanksgiving is just around the corner. This beloved holiday serves as a time for family gatherings, feasting, and celebration, but it also offers a unique opportunity to reflect on the transformative power of gratitude. In a world that often feels chaotic and overwhelming, gratitude can become a beacon of light, guiding us toward a more fulfilling and joyful life. Gratitude is more
than just a fleeting feeling.
It is a powerful mindset that can reshape our perspectives and enhance our overall well-being. Numerous studies have demonstrated that practicing gratitude can lead to improved mental health, increased happiness, and even better physical health. When we focus on what we are thankful for, we shift our attention away from negativity and scarcity, paving the way for abundance and positivity to flourish.
Thanksgiving provides the perfect backdrop to cultivate this mindset. As we sit around the table with our loved ones, we are invited to pause and reflect on the blessings in our lives. It is an occasion to express appreciation, not only for the grand milestones, but also for the simple joys — a warm meal, a heartfelt conversation, or the laughter of children. Each moment we take to acknowledge these blessings reinforces a sense of connection and belonging, reminding us of the richness of our experiences.
Incorporating gratitude into our daily lives can create a ripple effect that extends far beyond the Thanksgiving holiday. One effective practice is to keep a gratitude journal. Each day, jot down three things you are thankful for. They can be as simple as a good cup of coffee or as profound as the love of a family member. This exercise encourages mindfulness and helps to train our brains to recognize the goodness that surrounds us, even during challenging times.
Another way to deepen our gratitude practice is to express appreciation for others. Whether through a handwritten note, a heartfelt conversation, or a simple thank you, expressing gratitude fosters a sense of community and strengthens relationships. This Thanksgiving, consider sharing your appreciation with those who have made a difference in your life. Not only will it uplift their spirits, but it will also enhance your own sense of fulfillment.
Moreover, gratitude has the remarkable ability to transform our challenges into opportunities for growth. Life is not without its trials, and amid adversity, it can be difficult to see the silver lining. However, by consciously seeking out the lessons and blessings within our struggles, we can emerge stronger and more resilient. This perspective shift allows us to approach life with an open heart, ready to embrace whatever comes our way.
As we gather around the Thanksgiving table this year, let us take a moment to celebrate the power of gratitude. Let us remind ourselves that no matter our circumstances, there is always something to be thankful for. By embracing this mindset, we not only enrich our own lives but also spread joy to those around us. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, let’s commit to carrying this practice forward, nurturing our gratitude throughout the year. In doing so, we can transform our lives and the lives of others, creating a more compassionate and connected world. Happy Thanksgiving!
by Kevin Pyles
Email: Info@surryliving.com
Blake & Angie
Building a Life Full of
Joy and Meaning
Family, friends, and gratitude. These three things are more than just words; they are the essence of a meaningful and fulfilling life. They are the pillars that have supported me through the darkest days and the brightest moments. While I’ve not always understood their importance, life has a way of teaching us how much these connections and feelings matter.
Family: Our First Circle of Support
Family has always been my anchor. I remember so many weekends spent running around my grandparents’ yard with my cousins, or sitting on the covered porch listening to stories that somehow made me feel connected to something much bigger than myself. My family has been my biggest supporter, even when I didn’t always make it easy. Even with his gruff demeanor and workaholic-induced long hours, my dad did his best to give us a full, enjoyable life and stressed the importance of the extended family. My mom? Her hugs and forgiving nature made the world feel safe again, no matter how old I got. My brother and sister were the glue to our family and both, in their own way, made sure we didn’t get too busy or distracted and drift away from each other. I can’t tell you how often I’d be on the phone with one, only to have the other call in. I think conference calling was invented specifically for my family!
But family isn’t always about perfection. Like anyone else, we’ve had our moments of conflict and misunderstanding. Some disagreements seemed huge at the time but later revealed themselves as just another opportunity to learn about each other and develop our relationships further. What stands out the most is that my family has always shown up for me, even when it was tough. Those simple, everyday gestures – the check-in texts, the silly group phone calls and chats, the surprise visits – remind me I belong to a circle that will never break.
Friends: The Family We Choose
If family is the foundation, then friends are the color and vibrancy that fill in the rest. I am incredibly grateful for my friends, who have become like family. There’s my best friend from my youth, who knew me better than I knew myself and always seemed to have the right words (or sometimes just the right amount of silence) to get me through. It’s a friendship that has spanned so many seasons of life – from our carefree, young adult days to the stress of parenting and now to the joy of grandparenting!
And then there are those friends who pop up out of nowhere and change your life forever. Like the friends I’ve met at church who turned out to share my love for long, meaningful conversations about life and all its mysteries. Or the work friends that stick around even when the jobs are relegated to the past and still love to catch up over breakfast and share our lives.
True friends are the ones who choose to stick around not because they have to, but because they want to. They won’t let me stay down, they encourage my dreams (even when they seem foolish to everyone else), and they remind me not to take myself too seriously. They have taught me to embrace the power of vulnerability and to find joy in the little things.
Gratitude: The Secret Ingredient for a Happy Life
Then there’s gratitude, a lesson I’ve learned and relearned throughout my life. It’s the quiet, powerful practice that has shifted my perspective more times than I can count. Gratitude isn’t just about appreciating the big things, like a promotion, a vacation, or a holiday. It’s about finding joy in the little moments, like a hot cup of coffee in the morning, an unexpected text from a friend, the quiet evening walks with my wife that let me clear my head and open my heart.
I’ve found that a simple moment of gratitude can make all the difference when everything feels like it’s falling apart. I actively practice gratitude. For years, I wrote down at least three things for which I was grateful on a daily basis. That practice is now embedded into my thinking. I always try to start and end the day remembering all the reasons I have to be grateful. I remember one tough day when everything seemed to go wrong. I felt overwhelmed, lost, and unsure of what to do next. But then, I sat down and wrote a list of things I was grateful for: my family’s love, my friend’s support, the sunny weather, my secret joy (mission trips). It didn’t fix everything, but it changed how I felt. I started to see the good again, which gave me the strength to keep going.
The Magic Thread
When I think about what makes life truly rich, it always comes back to these three things: family, friends, and gratitude. They are the threads that weave together a tapestry of love and joy, even in the face of challenges. I’ve learned that no matter what happens, I can get through anything as long as I have my people and a sense of gratitude.
So, here’s my personal invitation to you: take a moment today to reach out to someone you love, whether it’s a family member, a friend, or someone you are grateful for. Send that text, make that call, or simply sit quietly and think about what they mean to you. Life is too short not to cherish the people who make it so beautiful. Because, in the end, it’s the love we give and receive, the friendships we build, and the gratitude we feel that truly make our lives full of joy and meaning. today to reach out to someone you love, whether it’s a family member, a friend, or someone you are grateful for. Send that text, make that call, or simply sit quietly and think about what they mean to you. Life is too short not to cherish the people who make it so beautiful. Because, in the end, it’s the love we give and receive, the friendships we build, and the gratitude we feel that truly make our lives full of joy and meaning. today to reach out to someone you love, whether it’s a family member, a friend, or someone you are grateful for. Send that text, make that call, or simply sit quietly and think about what they mean to you. Life is too short not to cherish the people who make it so beautiful. Because, in the end, it’s the love we give and receive, the friendships we build, and the gratitude we feel that truly make our lives full of joy and meaning. today to reach out to someone you love, whether it’s a family member, a friend, or someone you are grateful for. Send that text, make that call, or simply sit quietly and think about what they mean to you. Life is too short not to cherish the people who make it so beautiful. Because, in the end, it’s the love we give and receive, the friendships we build, and the gratitude we feel that truly make our lives full of joy and meaning.
By Larry VanHoose
Dear Blake,
Blake’s Take
BLAKE JOHNSON
As I get older, I feel as though I am becoming less valuable. Am I really losing value or am I just becoming paranoid? Is this normal?
Thanks,
Anonymous
KEVIN PYLES, PT
Dear Anonymous,
Thank you for your question. You are not losing value, nor are you acting paranoid. It is normal to feel less valuable, or even lost at times, as we age and transition through the stages of life. Many factors contribute to these feelings, and everyone transitions differently. The key is to find the source of your devalued feelings and rebuild your perception of selfworth.
A common thief of self-worth is the life cycle itself. One day you are starting a family, beginning a career, and taking on certain roles in the community. You have children and a spouse that depend on you for certain tasks. Your job is new, and you are excited about the contributions you can make to benefit the company. You find yourself volunteering or joining clubs to help make a positive impact in the world around you. At this stage, you can hardly keep up with life’s demands and it forges a deep sense of value. All too often, it seems like the very next day we are no longer needed. Spousal needs are gone because parental roles have taken their place for so long. Parental needs are gone because your children have gone off to begin their own separate lives. At your job, the new hires come in with fresh ambition and a better understanding of the latest technologies. Even community roles and volunteer positions tend to recycle, making room for new energy.
Completing a life stage can leave a void where the sense of being needed once was. It’s during this time that many feel less valuable or even irrelevant.
Just because we momentarily feel less valuable or irrelevant doesn’t mean we are. Children will always need their parents, spouses can renew their relationships, new careers can always be started, and there is always the need for volunteers. Fill the void by planning for what comes next. It may not be as demanding as the previous stage, but accomplishing goals will always boost self-worth and provide a sense of fulfillment. Embrace any newfound freedom and enjoy the ability to act spontaneously, or simply rest.
Another contributor to feeling irrelevant is mental and physical decline. From the moment we are born, our mental capacity, along with our stature and physical ability, increase with age. At some point though, this progression reaches its peak and we begin to naturally regress. This is when some of us may begin to feel less valuable. It’s important to realize that everyone who lives long enough will have this experience. Our bodies are simply designed to slow down and maximize efficiency at some point.
If you are feeling worn down mentally or physically, it’s okay to rest, but remember there is always room to exercise the body and brain. A common phrase referring to the aging
brain in psychology is “use it or lose it.” Exercising your mind will help you remain sharp and keep the neurological pathways for learning new things open. Physically, our bodies respond to exercise by maintaining strength and mobility. The longer we challenge our bodies with physical activity, the longer we will be able to perform. If you are forced to slow down by limitations, that’s okay. Tailor your activities to suit your ability.
The formula for maintaining value is simple. Embrace the stage you are in and the freedoms that come with it, but continue to move forward and challenge yourself. You will never be irrelevant if you never stop improving your life. It’s easier to maintain an enriched and fulfilled life when you’re always working towards something meaningful.
I hope this answers your question and helps you overcome any feelings of irrelevance. No matter where you are in life, you are valuable.
Sincerely,
By Gosh! BY JOSH
By gosh, did you know? Horne Creek Living Historical Farm, nestled in the scenic hills of Pinnacle, North Carolina, offers visitors a glimpse into rural life in the early 20th century. The farm, one of North Carolina’s Historic Sites, preserves and showcases the agricultural and domestic practices typical to a small Piedmont farm in the 1900s. As you walk through its fields, barns, and historic buildings, you are transported to a time when farming was a way of life for most families, and daily self-sufficiency was a necessity.
At the heart of Horne Creek Farm is the Hauser family homestead, which was established in the mid-19th century. The Hausers were a prosperous farming family, and their land produced a variety of crops, from corn and wheat to tobacco and vegetables. Today, the house, barns, and outbuildings have been restored to reflect the farm’s appearance in the early 1900s. Visitors can explore the farmhouse, furnished with period-appropriate items, and learn about the daily routines that characterized rural life at the time.
One of the unique features of Horne Creek Farm is its dedication to preserving heirloom varieties of plants and livestock. The farm grows crops that were common in the Piedmont region during the early 20th century, using traditional farming methods, such as plowing with mules and using hand tools. This focus on historical accuracy provides visitors with a more immersive experience, allowing them to understand how labor-intensive farming was before the advent of modern machinery.
In addition to crops, the farm also keeps a variety of heritage breed animals, including sheep, chickens, and mules. These animals represent the types of livestock that would have been found on a typical Piedmont farm during the era. The mules, in particular, play an essential role in demonstrating how plowing and other farm work were done before tractors became widespread.
Horne Creek Farm is not simply a static museum, but an active living history site. Throughout the year, the farm hosts numerous events and programs designed to engage visitors with hands-on activities. These include workshops on traditional skills, such as blacksmithing, quilting, and canning, as well as seasonal events, like corn shucking and cider pressing. These activities give participants a chance to learn about and experience the hard work and craftsmanship that defined rural life in the early 20th century.
For those interested in the natural environment, the farm also maintains an orchard of heritage apple trees, some of which are varieties that are rare or no longer commercially available. The preservation of these apple varieties is an important part of the farm’s mission to protect agricultural biodiversity and promote sustainable farming practices. Visitors can even participate in apple picking events and taste the fruits of the farm’s labor.
Beyond its educational and historical significance, Horne Creek Farm offers a peaceful retreat for nature lovers. The surrounding landscape, with its rolling hills and open fields, provides a beautiful backdrop for a leisurely walk or picnic. The farm’s rural setting allows visitors to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of modern life and enjoy the simpler pleasures of the past.
Horne Creek Living Historical Farm is a valuable resource for those interested in North Carolina’s agricultural history and heritage. By preserving the practices, crops, and livestock of the early 20th century, the farm provides a unique and educational experience for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply looking for a peaceful day out in the countryside, Horne Creek Farm offers a glimpse into a bygone era that continues to shape our state’s identity.
On Life & Pecan Pie
November is a month of transition. No longer autumn, but not quite winter, November’s wind can have us reaching for a jacket, while the shorter days might hold us indoors. This can be depressing for some folks and invigorating for others. I find that with the leaves off the trees, we get a new perspective of dark limbs against blue sky that is particularly artistic. I also enjoy the vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains that had been previously hidden behind summer foliage from vantage points all over Surry County.
My favorite thing about November has nothing to do with the weather or the view, however. My favorite thing is pecan pie. I’m talking about pecan pie made the way Mama and Aunt Margaret always made it, more buttery, sweet, and nutty than the gooey stuff that some folks call pie.
When I was growing up, every Thanksgiving my family would journey east to Nahunta, North Carolina, where my Aunt Margaret and Uncle Milo farmed and ran a feed mill. My cousins and I, along with my sisters, would tromp through fields, ride bikes, sing silly songs, climb on the rooftops of the farm’s outbuildings (for which we got in trouble!), and pile up on the floor to play board games and sleep. Best of all was Thanksgiving lunch! I suppose Aunt Margaret roasted a turkey, but the foods that stick in my memory are these: smoky country ham and flaky homemade biscuits; butter beans, made creamy with the addition of an okra pod and butter; collard greens, salty-sweet with bacon and sugar; peppery crowder peas; fluffy sweet potatoes whipped with butter and brown sugar; and — the star of the meal for me — pecan pie.
And where did the pecans for those Thanksgiving pies come from? The pecan grove on my aunt and uncle’s property, of course! I remember Daddy craved those fresh pecans so much that every Thanksgiving he’d shake the trees for any remaining
nuts and gather them to take home for Mama to use in appetizers, salads, and desserts. The cracking and picking of those precious brown nuts once we returned to Mt. Airy was a ritual event. Using the silver nutcracker and picks stored upright in the center of the wooden nut bowl, Daddy would carefully crack each nut so that Mama had perfect, whole pecan halves for her many varied recipes.
Pecans can be a persnickety crop. The trees are particular about the kind of soil they like, and it will take several years of growth before a tree produces nuts. Even after repeated abundant harvests, a mature tree may take a break and yield a disappointingly slim harvest one year for no discernable reason.
Even in a good year, you can’t hurry the process. The pecans will let you know when they’re ready: the green husks will open and the nut shells will turn their signature, rich shade of brown and begin to fall from the trees on their own. It does no good to commence shaking the tree before the pecans are ready.
Once the pecans have signaled their readiness, then it’s time to shake the trees. And no, commercial growers don’t climb the trees and shake limbs like my daddy did. Specially designed tree-shaking machinery will pass through the orchard and, with a mechanical arm, grasp each tree by its trunk and shake it heartily. Next, a tractor with a blower attachment will blow the fallen nuts away from the trees, followed by a sweeper tractor that moves the nuts into rows. Lastly, the harvester drives over the rows and blows the pecans into a wagon.
Life can be persnickety like a pecan tree and complicated like the harvesting process, can’t it? We might have an ambitious dream that we know is great, but the soil (circumstances) may not be ideal, or the timing could be wrong. Even the best ideas can involve an anxious waiting period, and prosperous seasons might be followed by a lean season, or even disaster (Aunt Margaret’s pecan trees were destroyed by a storm). And sometimes we need professional help to sort it out and show us how to pick up the pieces, like the pecan harvesting process.
My friend, whom we’ve dubbed Storysmith Susan, recently recorded a talk on the topic of impermanence. She spoke of sandcastles, and how even the most beautiful things we build in life can be lost to the next wave. Specifically, Susan spoke of her health, the home she grew up in, the loss of friends and family, the pivots and vagaries of her career. She recounted the story when, as a five-year-old child, she was given a devastating diagnosis with a survival chance in the single digits. She told how her parents separately went to the altar of their church to beg, bargain, sob, and yes, even scream at God. Each then squared their shoulders, and returned clear-eyed to the doctors to ask, “Okay, what’s next?” (As it turned out, Susan’s initial diagnosis was incorrect and there was a cure. Even then, her parents didn’t waste time moaning over the error; they focused on moving forward into a full life with their child.)
Susan’s story reminds us that we can be fully invested in every aspect of our life, and still hold it all loosely, knowing that life will change with the next wave. Lean seasons are as much a part of living as prosperous ones. And yet, can we face it all with joy and courage? Can we learn to square our shoulders against disappointment and ask, “What’s next?” Can we accept inevitable waiting periods and learn not to “shake the tree” before the timing is right?
I believe we can, with faith. With persistence. With assurance that underneath it all is a goodness that is unshakeable. And maybe, when we pick up the pieces, we’ll discover that whatever comes next can be as sweet as pecan pie.
by Sheri Wren Haymore
Grandma’s House
Some of my fondest memories of my childhood were running in the yard with my cousins as we gathered at Grandma’s house for Sunday lunch. For a trip back in time, one only needs to see the modest kitchen where so many great meals were prepared and aunts and uncles seem so young and vibrant in my memory. A Sunday lunch usually consisted of pintos and potatoes and fatback and biscuits or cornbread. Green beans were a staple. They were grown just outside the door and canned right there on the stovetop. My grandma always wore a dress and kept her hair pinned up. The first time I spent the night I was amazed at how long her hair was when she took it down before bedtime.
My grandpa dug the well by hand, after which he built a well house beside the home in which canned goods were put up. Their cabinets were filled with snuff glasses, which beckon us back to a simple time. A small radio on top of the refrigerator, or “Kelvinator,” as she called it. In the early morning hours, the small radio would be tuned to an AM station for the obituaries, then weather and local news would play.
Sometimes I’d spend the night. To this day, I’ve never understood why we went to bed so early! Tucked under several blankets, it seemed I’d lie awake and listen to crickets and a lone Whippoorwill in the distance for the longest time, only to wake long before the sun came up. At my grandparents’, there was a room in the back with a large cabinet-style television. This room was seldom used and I only remember my cousins and I watching a football game once on the large television. A clothesline stretched between locust posts and a tractor shed was surrounded by smaller buildings, all of which had a lock with the key to each one hidden above the door. Perhaps I’m describing your grandparents’ home, also?
The setting I’ve described may seem mundane to some, but to me it’s a place of fondness, where the 1970s and 1980s passed marked by Sunday visits. As I think back, my heart warms thinking of family, many of which have since passed. Beehive hairdos and small talk filled the air. Years have gone by and the gravel ridge road has since been paved. The small shack and buildings are gone. My cousins and I are all grown with lives and kids of our own. I hope all of you have a special place in your mind you can hearken back to, where cousins laugh and hills are rolled down or there’s a creek to be waded in and lightning bugs to catch. A place frozen in time, where cares melted and family gathered.
by Eddie Lowe
SURRY SEEN
Peanut Butter
A FavoriteFamily
We always had two jars of peanut butter in our house, one crunchy and one smooth. My mom is the crunchy lover, and my dad prefers smooth. He always says, “why would you want to tear holes in your bread trying to spread crunchy peanut butter?” Evidently, I spread softer than he does, since I too enjoy the crunchy variety and don’t end up with holes in my bread. My husband, on the other hand, prefers smooth, so we too boast two jars of peanut butter in our pantry.
According to the National Peanut Board, most women, children, and people living on the East Coast prefer creamy peanut butter, while men and those living on the West Coast choose crunchy. Whichever you choose, Americans are eating enough peanut butter each year to coat the floor of the Grand Canyon. I had the chance to visit the Grand Canyon in September and it is huge. That is a lot of peanut butter.
I hope you will enjoy one of my family’s peanut butter favorites as we all work towards consuming the American average of 4.4 pounds peanut butter per person per year, according to the National Peanut Board. This recipe will not only add to your holiday celebrations, but will make any day special.
For more interesting facts about peanuts and peanut butter, visit the National Peanut Board website at http://nationalpeanutboard.org
Source: National Peanut Board
PEANUT BUTTER PIE
INGREDIENTS
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• ¾ cup sugar
• 1/3 cup peanut butter
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• 1 baked pie crust (8 or 9 inch)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 cups milk
• 1 large Tablespoon peanut butter
• 2 egg yolks
• Whipped topping
DIRECTIONS
1. Mix together powdered sugar and 1/3 cup of peanut butter to form crumbs. Spread half of the crumbs in the baked pie crust.
2. Blend sugar and cornstarch together and add milk and egg yolks to make the filling. Cook until thick in a heavy saucepan on low heat, stirring frequently. (Alternatively, you can also cook it in the microwave in a large glass bowl, stirring every two minutes, until thickened.) Add vanilla and a large tablespoon of peanut butter, stirring well.
Prep time: 25 minutes
3. Pour pudding mixture over the crumbs in the pie crust. Cool. Top with whipped topping and remaining crumbs when ready to serve. Garnish with grated chocolate or chocolate syrup if desired. This is also delicious in a chocolate cookie crust!
This recipe is from the Noble County Indiana Extension Homemakers’ Cookbook. My grandmother was a member there for over 50 years.
MOM’S BASIC PIE CRUST
INGREDIENTS
Makes one (1) 9-inch pie crust
• 1/3 cup butter flavored Crisco
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2-3 Tablespoons cold water
DIRECTIONS
1. Cut the shortening into the flour and salt until the particles are the size of small peas. Sprinkle in water, 1 Tablespoon at a time, tossing with a fork until all flour is moistened and pastry almost clings to the side of the bowl.
2. Gather pastry into a ball and shape into a flattened round on lightly floured cloth or wax paper. Roll pastry two inches larger than the inverted pie plate with a flour-covered rolling pin.
3. Fold the pastry into fourths, unfold and ease it into the pie plate, pressing firmly against bottom and side.
4. Trim the overhanging edge of pastry and crimp the edges.
5. Heat oven to 475 degrees. Prick the sides and bottom of the pie crust with a fork. Bake until light brown, 8 to 10 minutes.
by CARMEN LONG
MOM’S MAC-N-CHEESE
Though I am no professional cook, preparing meals for my son, Osiris, has always been one of my favorite ways to show him love. Over the years, I have perfected my mac-n-cheese recipe just for him. Hearing him say, “Wow, Mom! You make the best mac-n-cheese!” never gets old. It is a simple dish, but his excitement and appreciation turn it into something special. Cooking for him has become a cherished part of our routine, and each time he gives me that enthusiastic praise, it brightens my day in a way that nothing else can. Knowing I have made something that makes him so happy fills me with a sense of pride and joy.
INGREDIENTS
• 1 family sized box of Velveeta Shells
• ½ stick of butter
• 1 ¼ cup of whole milk
• 1 sleeve of Ritz Crackers
• 1 cup block, sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
DIRECTIONS
• In a medium sized pot, boil shells on high for 6-7 minutes in 6 cups of water.
• Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.
• While shells are boiling, shred 1 cup of sharp cheddar cheese, melt the butter and crunch up the Ritz crackers. I like to leave the Ritz a little chunky to maintain the crunch
• Drain shells and add them back to the pot.
• Stir in cheese sauce that comes with the Velveeta, ¼ cup of sharp cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, garlic powder and milk. Add the milk slowly so that the mixture does not cool too quickly.
• Add the mac-n-cheese to a round, glass pie dish. You can substitute this with a square or metal one based on your thickness preference.
• Add the remaining cheddar cheese so that it covers the top of the dish completely.
• Add the crackers over the cheese evenly.
• Drizzle butter over the dish, covering all crackers.
• Put dish into the oven for 20 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
• Let cool for 20 minutes, then you are ready to dig in! Enjoy!
RECIPE NOTES
• I always prefer shredding my own cheese. It makes the taste better and seems to come out creamier.
• The mac-cheese is even better when warmed up the next day once everything has settled in.
by Sabrina Lee Baker
Prep time: 10 minutes
farm, Garden Home, &
Appreciate A Call to the Unsung Heroes Behind Our Food
by JOANNA RADFORD
As we gather around the table this Thanksgiving, indulging in turkey, stuffing, and all the trimmings, it’s easy to forget the unsung heroes who make our feast possible: the farmers. In the United States, farmers work tirelessly in all kinds of weather — through scorching heat, freezing cold, hurricanes, tornadoes, and torrential rain — to ensure that we have all the food we enjoy on a daily basis. Their dedication is nothing short of remarkable, yet they receive only a fraction of the food dollar that consumers spend.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture, more than 85 cents of every food dollar spent in the U.S. goes towards off-farm costs, such as marketing, processing, wholesaling, distribution, and retailing. This leaves farmers with just a small share of the retail price, despite the hard work and risk involved in producing the food we consume.
In Surry County alone, with nearly 1,000 farms, the average age of farmers is approaching 60 years. This highlights not only their dedication but also the urgent need to support and appreciate them.
Consider the numbers for last year’s Thanksgiving staples, according to the National Farmers’ Union:
These figures starkly illustrate how little of each dollar spent on these items actually goes back to the growers. For example, the turkey you enjoy might only return 66 cents to the farmer from a $21.89 purchase. The stuffing you savor provides just 9 cents back from a $3.99 box.
The next time you enjoy a meal, take a moment to remember the hard work and dedication of the farmers who made it possible. Their contribution goes far beyond what can be measured in cents. Farmers are the backbone of our food system, working selflessly to provide us with the essentials of life.
So, this Thanksgiving, as you enjoy your feast, take a moment to thank a farmer. Whether through a personal note, a social media shout-out, or simply by being more mindful of their contribution, showing appreciation is a meaningful way to acknowledge the critical role they play in our lives. Farmers are indeed the unsung heroes of our tables, and it’s time we recognize and appreciate their invaluable contributions. Thank a farmer — because behind every bite of your Thanksgiving meal is their hard work, dedication, and commitment to feeding our nation.
Data for this article was sourced from 2023 USDA NASS, and other industry sources.
Navigating Life with a Horse, Faith, and Common Sense
by DERINA PYLES
“Talley-ho, old chap!” Traveler yelled as he burst from the corner of his paddock. Startled, I jumped sideways, gripping the water hose tightly in my hand.
“First of all, your British accent stinks, and second, I’m not old or a chap. If you’re trying to annoy me, you’re doing a good job.” I kept dragging the hose to the next trough, knowing good and well our conversation was just getting started. “And furthermore, if you think I’m going to take up jousting with you, you’ve lost your mind.”
“How did you know I wanted to be a jousting horse, Hay-Woman?”
“Ever since you watched the Olympics this summer, you have been on this kick. Every week, it’s something different–dressage, showjumping, eventing. I just figured jousting was next. Am I right?” I said, looking at him out of the corner of my eye.
“Maybe,” he said, pawing the ground, trying not to admit I was right.
“What’s wrong with being Traveler, the rock-solid trail horse?”
“That’s soooo boring,” he said, hanging his big, gray head. “I want the glitz, the glamor, the excitement. Those horses on the Olympic team were so elegant and athletic. I bet they are super smart, too. I don’t want to be an old boring trail horse, Hay-Woman.” His tone was melancholy.
“Old, boring trail horse, huh? Let me tell you a thing or two,” I said, my serious voice making him point his ears forward. I had his attention now. “‘Boring’ is not an adjective I would use to describe you at all. What about all the obstacle course challenges we have done together? You have scaled steep steps, swaying bridges, high teeter totters, deep water, fire rings, flapping plastic curtains. I could go on and on…”
“Do go on,” he interrupted with a half-grin. I could see in his eyes he was thinking of all the fun we had had traversing dangerous obstacles.
“My point is,” I continued, “you forget you have mastered all those things. Things that would scare those big Olympic horses to death. They would literally bolt, bucking and farting, all the way back home.”
Traveler looked me in the eye, and we both busted out laughing at the thought of that. I composed myself to finish my lecture. “You make that stuff look like a walk in the park. And what about all the scary things we have encountered on our trail rides? The bears, the turkeys flying up out of nowhere, the narrow trails near a cliff’s edge, the creeks full of slippery rocks? You always take your time, and are extremely careful with your feet, to get us safely home. How can all those accomplishments label you as boring?”
“Well, when you put it that way, I guess I’m not an old, boring trail horse.”
He perked his head up, lifted his front knees in a grand motion, and began strutting around his paddock.
“Now, I didn’t say anything about the old part,” I mumbled. Traveler put his feet down snickering at himself and my comment.
“Thanks, Hay-Woman. I am grateful to have you as my friend. God knew we needed each other from the very start.”
“Don’t start getting mushy on me, Traveler.”
Wiping a tear at his thoughtfulness, I grabbed the water hose and turned back to the trough.
He certainly did.
Quote of the Month:
“Gratitude opens the door to the power, the wisdom, the creativity of the universe. You open the door through gratitude”
— Unknown
Hometown Heroes
Submit your hometown hero’s photo along with 1-2 paragraphs on why he or she is a hero and we may use it here.
