The BEST Of Ellijay, Blue Ridge & Jasper "FUNpaper" #10

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“The average dog is a nicer person than the average person.” ― Andy Rooney

“A lie gets halfway around the world before the truth has a chance to get its pants on.” ― Winston Churchill

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DON’T MISS The Next First Saturday Celebration August 3rd

OR.. For a FREE Coffee or Tea say “SAUERKRAUT” to Michael!

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“Whoever said you can't buy Happiness forgot little puppies.” ― Gene Hill

“Know yourself. Don't accept your dog's admiration as conclusive evidence that your are wonderful.” ― Ann Landers

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oday was a beautiful summer day in North Georgia.

It was warm with just a few scattered clouds. It was a perfect day for a relaxing tubing float down the River in Ellijay. I have enjoyed tubing in different rivers in north Georgia, but my favorite has always been the Coosawattee River.

The Coosawattee River wanders through the Coosawattee River Resort. You never know what you will see. You might float along with a flock of geese or see deer along the shores. The river has a good mix of small class one rapids and some smooth flowing water to relax in. I find the excitement of the rapids to be fun, but then it is nice to relax and just float along and enjoy the scenery when things calm down. Here and there you will see some nice homes along the river. I wondered how they built the steps from up high at those houses down to the river. They are so steep, I would not even want to walk down some of them.

A few years ago I was working as a tubing bus driver taking the guests to and from the river.

I have enjoyed talking to the guests on my bus. I always found it interesting to see where they come from. Many have traveled a good ways to get here. Once I had a guest tell me he was working out of town and staying in a motel. He was searching online for something fun to do with his family when he got home. He found a video on tubing the Coosawattee River. His wife checked it out too, and they ended up in Ellijay for tubing. It was a small world that day, because I am the

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Story & Photos by Jim Harmon

“If a book about failures doesn't sell, is it a success?” ― Jerry Seinfeld

one that made the video!

I have been tubing myself, and have watched the ones I bused go tubing.

Everyone always enjoys themselves. But one day I had dropped off the tubers, made sure everyone got in the river okay, and was ready to drive away, when I noticed this one woman that was trying to get back to shore. So I pulled back in.

Sure enough, she was too scared to tube. So I got her up the bank and took her back to the General Store. We talked and joked and I went on my way for another trip. At the end of the day, the store had something for me. It was a ring with a note rolled up in it. It was made from a carefully folded ten dollar bill and a five dollar bill. The note said thank you for being so nice and saving my chicken butt. She had sat on the front porch at the General Store for two hours waiting for her family to get back while she folded that ring.

She made my day with her thoughtfulness.

Sometimes funny things happen on the river. One day I warned some people not to just drop down on the tubes, but to just sit down easy. Well, I have the fastest camera in the west. And I noticed this one woman was about to do exactly what I said not to do. She hit that tube fast and bounced back up with feet in the air and head under water. I snapped a photo and caught the whole thing. The embarrassed woman asked me to erase the photo. She even offered to pay me!

But being the nice guy, I am, I just deleted it. It was funny though, and she was going to get wet eventually anyway.

Today, I am working as the writer and photographer taking pictures for a story on tubing with the Coosawattee River Tubing Company. We start out at the Eagle Mountain General Store, where Jan gives everyone a little speech on what to expect and safety rules for enjoying the tubing trip. After the talk, everyone loaded up on the buses for the short trip to the river put in that is located inside the Coosawattee River Resort. Everyone was ready to enjoy the day. Tubers ranged in age today from about 10 years old to senior citizens. I saw those adults out there smiling and having fun just like the kids.

One new thing out is a float called a

Tube Tracker. It is like a small rubber boat with a back rest. You even get a paddle. When I go tubing, one thing I always take is my personal push stick. It is nothing more than a piece of 1” x 2” lumber about five feet long. I put a short loop of rope on one end to put around my wrist. It comes in handy when you get hung up on a rock or want to push off to go around rocks. Once on the river, it is time to sit back and relax, the rapids will be popping up soon enough.

The float part of the trip can take an hour to two hours depending on the river height and how fast it is flowing. I have seen teenagers racing each other down the river and they have made it in less than an hour. When I was driving the bus I used to tell them that they won the grand prize. “You get to sit and wait for the rest of the tubers.” If you use the Tube Trackers with a paddle you can also make it down the river fast if you want to. Myself, I just like to sit back and relax and enjoy the floating and the scenery.

The two hours went quickly and before we knew it, everyone was back at the take out dock. When you get off your tube, check out the ice water stream flowing into the Coosawattee River right next to the dock. A great place to really cool off on a real hot day. Once at the dock, the bus drivers help people out and loaded the tubes for the ride back to the General Store at Eagle Mountain.

The ride back gives you some time to sit back and enjoy the view. It is a chance to see what the resort homes are like and watch for wildlife. I have seen many deer and wild turkey on the trip back to the General Store. When we get back, I always enjoy purchasing an ice cream bar out of freezer for a little snack, and sitting for a while on the front porch of the store. So if you are looking for something to do that’s fun and relaxing in the north Georgia Mountains on a hot summer day, try tubing the Coosawattee River!

Check out the website: www.eaglemountaingeneralstore.com

“A word to the wise ain't necessary, it's the stupid ones who need advice.”― Bill Cosby

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hen planning to venture into the great outdoors, a quote by Benjamin Franklin always comes to mind; “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail”. Truly sage wisdom from one of our great Founding Fathers.

However, as much as I respect and admire Mr. Franklin, I am convinced that he’d never met – or accounted for, some guy named Murphy. I don’t know much about the historical significance of Murphy – or if there is any, or if that’s a first name or last. Who knows, maybe he just happened to be the most unlucky person to ever walk the face of the earth. I’ll never know, and really don’t care, but he has this Law that seems to pretty much usurp Ben Franklin’s sage wisdom generally more often than a little bit.

Back to planning excursions into the wild…I have the wise and honorable Ben telling me to “be prepared”, with Murphy laughing uncontrollably, shrugging and boastfully proclaiming “It doesn’t matter, really. Whatever can go wrong, will go wrong”. It’s like in the movies, where someone has the angel in white on one shoulder whispering good advice and the bad devil in red on the other saying not to listen. But, instead, I have Ben and Murphy.

When considering that things could go wrong, it must be said that when in the great outdoors, where humans are generally out of their natural habit thanks to thousands of years of evolution, technological advances such as microwaves and self flushing toilets and those domesticating inventions further quelling our primal instincts such as instant grits and the Snuggie, things will and often do go wrong. This, despite how vehemently I hold credence to good ol’ Ben’s droplet of scholarly insight, I know to be true.

But, regardless and meticulously, I prepare – just as good ol’ Ben Franklin would’ve wanted. And for the record, I’m an expert preparer of the highest pedigree. If preparing were an Olympic event, I’d win gold. If preparing were steak, I’d be filet mignon. If preparing were…well, you get the idea.

The struggle and consistent cause of grief and discontent, though, is that Murphy’s Law seems to somehow circumvent even the most diligent of preparation efforts - and not just ever so slightly either. These spontaneous instances of general misfortune always seem to be of outrageous proportions, cartoonish in nature – often resembling the disastrous conclusion to one of Wiley Coyote’s misguided attempts at catching the Road Runner and, quite often, are just simply ridiculous.

For example, you just can’t prepare for a snake crawling into a tent. It doesn’t matter if it’s venomous or not, there’s a snake in the tent. If you don’t believe me, get in a tent with a snake in it and assess your situation…carefully. Its horrifying, a critical emergency of epic magnitude and a situation that can only be resolved by much screaming and running in circles.

And, you just can’t prepare for dropping keys into the dark, murky depths of a State Park Port-A-Potty.

There’s certainly no going in after them, no fishing them out and no asking for help because, by asking for

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help, you’ll inevitable be asked, “How on earth did you drop your keys into the dark murky depths of the State Park Port-APotty?” And, let’s be honest, there’s no good or rational response that can be given to this most embarrassing of questions. It’s simply best not to ask, but rather commence to going forth keyless.

Another example is that you’ll never be prepared for your first black bear encounter. Sure, there’re books and lists and such that’ll provide you with a textbook “How-To” when encountering one. Heck, you can even pack one of those most helpful of lists when venturing out.

But, when hiking along a trail, all seems good in the world until you turn that corner and there it is, just in front of you, a black bear. You see, those textbook black bear encounter “How To’s” are highly effective as long as the encounter involves a happy, somewhat lethargic black bear, a hundred or so yards away, leisurely strolling through a meadow of wildflowers eating from a big jar of honey with a wooden spoon.

But, for those sudden up close and personal encounters, there’s a nauseous churning in the pit of your stomach, profuse sweating and you’ll quickly begin to reassess your position in the food chain. And, more than likely, you’ll need that handy dandy black bear encounter “How To” list to clean your undergarments before continuing the hike. Yes, spontaneous first time black bear encounters of the right-in-front-of-you variety can be a little unnerving.

And, finally, you just can’t prepare for a good and thorough skunking from a skunk. There’s no amount of washing and scrubbing that’ll make this most awful, putrid of smells subside. Your clothes? Forget about them. They’re done, ruined, forever skunked. No industrial grades cleaners, no home skunking remedies, nothing takes the smell away. You’ll temporarily lose friends over this, be asked to leave restaurants and your spouse will expect you to sleep in the yard until the smell wears off – and this smell actually has to wear off.

Murphy, perhaps, identified the dynamic in the universe that can’t be accounted for, the unexpected and unaccountable. Even preparation on the grandest of scales will leave opportunity for the unexpected and unaccountable to slide in – like a snake in a tent, and simply destroy even the most thorough of preparations. Sorry Ben, Murphy wins.

That said, and despite my many “you just can’t adequately prepare for that” moments, I’ll continue to fight my personal war against Murphy’s Law with Ben Franklin’s little nugget of knowledge as my battle cry. You can’t prepare for everything – particularly when heading out into the wild, but you can prepare for most things…mostly anyway.

To read all of Brian’s Misadventures just go to www.TheBestOfEBRJ.com and type Brian Young into the site search window.

“I found there was only one way to look thin: hang out with fat people.” -Rodney Dangerfield

“Don't make the mistake of treating your dogs like humans, or they'll treat you like dogs.” ― Martha Scott

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t’s summer and that means it’s the start of a lot of things for a lot of people. For me, it’s the start of the summer concert series.

Being a Rock ’n Roller, I look for the schedule of up-coming Oldies concerts. The lineup changes every year. A lot of the groups have been performing for over forty years. The Rolling Stones have been doing it for fifty years. Some people say that’s amazing. Mick Jagger is now a great-grandfather. Some people say that’s amazing. To me it’s not that the Rolling Stones are still touring that’s amazing, it’s that Keith Richards is still alive. Now that is amazing!

Because of the longevity of rock ’n roll, the summer concert series now reads as follows. Coming to a city near you: “The Bee G”, “Gladys Knight and the Pip”, “Two Dog Night”, “The Two Tops”, and last but not least, “The Temptation”.

I had a lot of people come up to me about my last column where I listed sayings that make no sense but have become part of our vocabulary. You seem to like these, so here are a few more for you,

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“holy mackerel”, “it suits your fancy”, “it ain’t worth a hill of beans”, “in a pig’s eye”, “so what’s the latest scuttlebutt”, “stop your lollygagging” and “dead as a doornail.”

My wife and I recently went to Las Vegas. Our first night there, we decided to go wild and live it up. Go out and do the town. We dressed up, went down the elevator to the main lobby, and played the slot machines for awhile. Had a good time, lost a few dollars and then decided to go out to the strip. One small problem, the casino was so big we couldn’t find our way out. After walking and walking we did manage to find the right exit to the strip. We walked to another casino had a drink at the bar, and then we went to a buffet. After the buffet, we again couldn’t find our way out. More walking. We had reservations to see a Cirque du Soleil show in another casino. More walking. On the way to the show, I noticed that in my haste to dress up, I put on one black sneaker and one white sneaker. It was too late and too far to go back and change. It’s Vegas, no one noticed. And if they did, they might think it’s a new trend. So if you see people starting to wear two different colored shoes, it was me that started it. After the show we had another drink at a bar and then couldn’t find our way out again. It had nothing to do with the drinking, these Casinos are bigger than Ellijay, and they don’t want you to find your way out.

After our “night on the town” and our walking marathon, we found our way back to our hotel. Exhausted and waiting in the lobby for our elevator to take us to our room, we realized we should have picked a smaller town to "do the town" then the door opened and a bunch of young people got out with drinks in their hand just leaving to go out. We were tired from all our walking and “doing the town” and heading to our room and they were just leaving to party. I looked at my watch to see how late it was. It was 9:45 PM. I just laughed and remembered how I used to be that way when I was young. I used to fly like an eagle. Now it’s more like I’m crawling with the turtles.

I went to a restaurant last week and my wife ordered the veal marsala.The waiter said excellent choice. I ordered the chicken franchise. He didn’t say anything but just wrote it down. He was ready to leave and I said wait I think I’ll have the veal scaloppine instead. He said yes sir and wrote it down and started to walk away. I’m thinking I’m making a mistake and ordering the wrong thing. My wife got an excellent choice and so far I got no reply at all. I said no wait I’ll have the eggplant parmigiana. Finally he said excellent choice. He left and I felt satisfied that I ordered the right meal. There was only one problem. I don’t like eggplant parmigiana. But apparently the waiter did.

I went to a fast food sandwich shop which had a sign that said we have “every sandwich ever made”. If we don’t have it, you get $50.00. I figured here’s a fast fifty dollars. The waiter came over and asked for my order. So I said I’ll have a possum gizzard sandwich fried in whale oil with a goat milk reduction sauce on nine grain pumpernickel bread toasted on one side only and a Mountain Dew no ice. He turned around and yelled out #623. I have a mark on my chin where it hit the table. I should have ordered the grilled cheese.

Hope you have a good summer. Go out and do stuff.

Maybe see an oldies concert. It won’t last forever you know.

They’re not as young, they’re not as many, but they’re just as good. Have fun.

“Cross country skiing is great if you live in a small country.” - Steven Wright

“Men don't care what's on TV. They only care what else is on TV.”- Jerry Seinfeld

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guess you could sum up Cucina Rustica this way-Italian gourmet cuisine, prepared by a world traveled chef, one dish at a time. The kind of place to go when you want to treat yourself to an amazing meal.

We were seated in a cozy corner, everybody’s favorite table, the hostess told us. Cucina Rustica has a very comfortable, homey feel, the staff are all very friendly and attentive.

We were lucky enough to have the owner, John, sit and talk with us awhile. He told us that Cucina Rustica is a labor of love, it has to be as it is their entire life. The restaurant business is not an easy one and it is one that demands full time dedication. His wife Isabella is the chef, and John says, “If she’s not here, we’re not open.” They stand behind their food.

John even told us he offers a money back guarantee! I checked all the review sites and found that the great majority were excellent reviews.

Allow us to add ours to the heap.

The menu is the perfect size, there’s plenty of choices, but not overwhelmingly so. Cucina Rustica has the largest wine list in the county, with bottles starting at $18. Important to mention is the Gluten-Free Menu which includes Gluten-Free personal pizza, and several Gluten-Free pasta choices.

Our appetizer “Crustini” was a plateful of crispy fried cheese raviolis served with a spicy marinara sauce, it was delicious. A great set up for the rest of an exciting meal.

Melinda was our attentive, knowledgable server. She explained several dishes to us, made suggestions but not too many. You know those sit-

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uations that you feel yourself going glassy-eyed? No, this was just right.

A large salad of greens and tomatoes with a scrumptious simple dressing was up next along with fresh made chunks of warm bread.

I had the Surf & Turf which was a large cold water lobster tail and a tender filet mignon served medium along with garlic mashed potatoes and sautéed peas with onions. Robb ordered the “Polo Alla Parmigianna” or Chicken Parmesan with a side order of pasta and sauce.

Robb: I absolutely loved it. Expertly prepared, delicious and fortunately, as I was starved that night, the portion was large. This is not one of those “Elvis Restaurants” the kind of restaurant that leaves you wanting more.

Speaking of more, we just barely had room for dessert. We shared a tasty cannoli.

Another must mention is that there are two other restaurants in Cucina’s Rustica Complex. La Pizzeria where you can grab a more casual meal and watch a sporting event. Here you can choose from pizza (even by the slice), calzones, subs, burgers, salads and more. (also has a gluten free menu) And The Taqueria which serves several kinds of tacos; fish, shredded pork, shrimp, chipotle steak as well as good old ground beef. There’s a free salsa bar to top off your tacos.

Cucina Rustica, interesting and delicious. Robb agrees, we give it 2 Forks Up! Cucina Rustica - 76 Forge Mill Crossing, Morganton, GA 30512 (Just outside Blue Ridge) 706-374-7474 www.cucinarustica-ga.com

To read all of our “2 Forks Up” Restaurant Reviews just go to www.TheBestOfEBRJ.com/restaurant-reviews/

“You want a friend in this city? [Washington, DC.] Get a dog!” ― Harry S. Truman

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“Once you have had a wonderful dog, a life without one, is a life diminished.” ― Dean Koontz

“If I could be half the person my dog is, I'd be twice the human I am.” ― Charles Yu

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t was early for me to be up and about, but I was excited about where we were going!

We were on our way to watch a baby be born! That baby, was a Cabbage Patch baby, and we were on our way to Baby Land General Hospital (BLGH)! Yep, two adults, just me & Robb, with no kids in tow, were on our way to a huge mansion in Cleveland, Georgia that is full of Cabbage Patch dolls!

Back in the early 80’s Robb and I were at the Oakdale Mall in Binghamton, NY. I’ll never let him forget that we saw an original hand-sculpted Cabbage Patch Doll. I remember it laying in a crib in front of Spencer’s Gifts. The cost was under $100, and I really wanted one. They were so cute! But Robb said “I don’t know, they’re actually kind of ugly.” and it was not something we should be spending money on. “One hundred dollars for a doll?” he said. Well that was a lot of money in those days, and truthfully, we had much more important things to spend that on, like the rent! BUT, if we bought that doll, and had it in perfect condition today? It would be worth at least 10,000 dollars! We saw many original dolls behind glass in the showcases at Baby Land General Hospital that were for sale for $15,000! One was worth $37,000!

Of course, that is an idealized view. To be realistic, how many of those original “Little People” do you think made it through the decades “alive”? Our kids played hard with anything we bought them and if we had gotten an original Cabbage Patch Doll, she would have been very played with until she was loved to death and destruction. But I still like to tease him about the doll he should have bought me.

Although we didn’t have any originals, that doesn’t mean our life wasn’t filled with a Cabbage Patch Family. When our kids were little, they loved those dolls. We had Cabbage Patch girls, boys, babies, toddlers, cats, dogs, our Cabbage Patch Kids even had their own Cabbage Patch Pony! And we did play with them and have a lot of fun.

Back in those days getting a Cabbage Patch doll was no easy feat either. Not long after the gas lines of the seventies did we learn what really long lines were. Before Christmas of 1983 people camped out in front of stores for days to get their kids a Cabbage Patch doll! While we never went to THAT extreme we DID do our share of searching store after store after store to find one that hadn’t sold out. Finding a Cabbage Patch doll remaining on an otherwise empty shelf was like striking gold. Then, before we knew it our kids grew up, became teenagers and then adults, and those toys were gone.

I thought Cabbage Patch dolls were gone.

A passing fad of the time. What did I know? I had no reason to spend much time at Toys “R” Us, because we had no babies in the family, that is until our beautiful granddaughter was born. Imagine my surprise when I found out in 2011 that not only were Cabbage Patch

By Thia & Robb Newman

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dolls not gone and forgotten but toy store shelves were filled with more of them than I had ever before seen! And not only that, but, one of them bore a striking resemblance to our granddaughter, Lainey! Ok… ok.. at the age of 6 months she wasn’t all that impressed but for me, it certainly revived some feelings I thought I’d only have once in my lifetime.

I had read about it a few times, I think it was even on the box Lainey’s baby came in but, it wasn’t until we took a trip to Helen, Georgia that we were reminded by a sign that not far away was the Cabbage Patch Baby Land General Hospital. I knew we HAD to go there. It was literally the “birthplace” of so many of our fondest memories. I couldn’t wait!

We arrived and introduced ourselves to the very friendly nurse Cyndi and Nurse Donna at the front desk. They introduced us to Dr. Alan, who was to give us a tour of the place. Dr. Alan had just graduated from high school and had been working at the hospital for a few months. He started as an intern, but was already an MD! What a smart kid to get that far with no medical training! He did have theater training though, he told me. And I think that acting and imagination are very important qualities to work there.

So is patience and a love of children.

There are so many things for children to look at and touch, and even play with. The kids seemed to really like a hair styling station where they could comb, brush and curl some dolls hair. There’s even Cabbage Patch Wigs! Moms, your REAL baby can now look just like a Cabbage Patch Doll!

You can bring your own doll in for a well baby check up, and you will get special and attention from a nurse or Doctor. They will measure and weigh your baby and diagnose any problems. The check up we witnessed was so cute, and I heard Nurse Brooklyn tell the child that her baby had a

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frog in her throat, but it wasn’t serious and could be easily fixed with lots of hugs and kisses. Here at BLGH your well-loved baby can be mended or bathed and made to look like brand.

Speaking of brand new, my favorite part was the “birth” of a new Cabbage Patch Kid. Dr. Alan was called up for a delivery. The “BunnyBees were all excited!

Mother Cabbage was ready and a quick sonogram shows the baby is too. With the help of Dr. Alan out pops the baby…. yes… butt nekid! After receiving a shot of “Imagicillin” she was wrapped up in a blanket and made ready to be adopted by a loving “parent”.

Parents, you can even take a picture of your kids, I mean YOUR kids packed into a Cabbage Patch Box, they are all dolls, aren’t they? Outside the mansion, are beautifully landscaped grounds.

There are picnic tables so you could pack a lunch and drinks and make an afternoon of your visit. There really is a lot to see and many fun things to experience.

This is such a joyful place, filled with staff that care about children and the belief that those cabbage patch babies make the world a better place. Creator Xavier Roberts stops by from time to time, so do many of the world’s most famous people. There are walls full of signed photographs of celebrities that have been to Baby Land General including (as you might have guessed) Michael Jackson, Captain Kangaroo, Mr. Rodgers, Jim Henson and many more, all fans of Cabbage Patch Kids.

There are Cabbage Patch dolls of all shapes, sizes, and types available for adoption (purchase) and if you spend some time there, you are going to want one! Lots of accessories available too. But no purchase is necessary to enjoy all the fun of a visit to at happy hospital where all you need to get in is some imagination.

Hey Lainey… guess where you and G’Ma and G’Pa are going!

Mapquest From Jasper & Ellijay & Blue Ridge- to Babyland General Hospital, 300 Nok Dr, Cleveland, GA 30528 About 1hour 15 minutes www.cabbagepatchkids.com

“Dogs are how people would be if the important stuff is all that mattered to us.” ― Ashly Lorenzana

Who’s Playing Where? What’s Going On? What Do You Want To Do? - www.TheBestOfEBRJ.com/calendar

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Review by Thia Newman Photos by Robb Newman

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have never been more impressed with a place than I was with The Martyn House in Towne. It did take me a little bit to figure it out, but I’ve got it now and it is many things, so different people visiting will take different things away from it. And truthfully, it might take a few visits to find out what it is for you. The Martyn House has a unique personality. The owners, JoAnn and Rick, are creative, energetic, motivated and out of the box thinkers. I really enjoyed their “coffee house.” I put that in quotations, because it is so much more than just that. In our two hour visit, we had three selections from the daily menu. They are called “small plates”, much more than a sampling, but not a big heavy meal either. Big enough to satisfy but still leave you room for their wonderful desserts and other coffee bar specialties.

That night Curried Zucchini Soup, Rising Forest Salad, North Carolina Trout, Crispy Chicken Leg & Thigh and Braised Pork Shoulder were on the menu. We chose to share the pork shoulder, a salad and soup. All were delicious and definitely unique gourmet creations. Each day brings a new and different selection of menu offerings.

The chef, David, was working hard in the open kitchen, but he was also accessible to speak with. We had to know what the creamy sweetness in the soup was! His answer-coconut milk!

After our small plates, we sat down to talk with JoAnn. She’s been an entrepreneur all her life. And when you can finally get her to sit still for 5 minutes, you will realize, she is an extraordinary individual and what a decorator!

Just wait till you see this place!

Playing in the Venue Room, Lon Eldridge, was an amazing and special surprise. You can reserve seats, or a table in there, and it will be an experience you’ve never had before (around here any way) sitting at a comfortable table, ordering some amazing small dishes, bringing your own bottle of wine, or six pack of beer, or ordering any type of coffee drink you can think of (and they will make it) The Venue Room is more an intimate concert place with food and drinks than it is a restaurant or bar. A subtle difference but an important one.

A featured artist rather than background music. By bringing in unique tal-

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ent from outside the area The Martyn House In Towne gives you the opportunity to hear someone like Eldridge who is a very talented and equally interesting performer (sounding a bit like Leon Redbone) that you might never otherwise get the chance to experience.

Oh my goodness, do you love coffee? Okay, The Martyn House is where you want to get your coffee. We ordered an iced cafe latte for Robb, and a cafe latte for me, and I wanted them with a little vanilla syrup added to each.

It was literally, meaning I’m SHOUTING RIGHT NOW, this was the BEST COFFEE I have ever had in my entire life!!! Truthfully, it is 3:30 a.m. as I am writing this, and my mouth is watering for another one. Cody, Bethany, Nick and Kelly are the professional Baristas that you will find behind the counter. We were lucky enough to meet the first two and enjoy the drinks they made for us. Bethany & Cody were delightful to talk with. Cody explained that the four requisites for making espresso are coffee, grind, machine and barista. The Martyn House uses Dancing Goats coffee one of the finest blends available. JoAnn said “We use the Cadillac of espresso machines and have highly trained baristas.” That is why they have the best coffee!

With our coffee, we had the perfect desert. It just worked out that Lauri, who is a chef in the kitchen, was out in the main area cutting a cake, when I was about to order. I asked, what should I get for dessert, and she described all the beautiful things in the case, and then said, “I made the Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Ganache” and I said well that is what we want then!

And truthfully, I have NEVER, and I put that in bold capital letters because I mean it, NEVER had a more delicious desert than that cup of coffee and slice of chocolate cake. It was hard to share it with Robb.

I ‘ll certainly be back to The Martyn House. What a great place and special treat it would be to get our staff at the paper together to have a meeting there!

That is yet another one of the many things The Martyn House In Towne is, but we are out of room. Robb and I give MHIT 2 Forks Up!

Lauri & David

JoAnn

Cody

131 North Main St. Downtown Ellijay 706-635-5565 www.theMartynHouse.com

To read all of our “2 Forks Up” Restaurant Reviews just go to www.TheBestOfEBRJ.com/restaurant-reviews/

Dear business person... you are reading this, shouldn’t you be advertising here? www.TheBestOfEBRJ.com/advertise

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Tell me about your life from the start.

I was born in downtown Ellijay at the O'Daniel Clinic, owned by two doctors who were brothers. I've lived here almost all my life, except for a few years in the 70's. In high school I loved chorus, had a lot of solos. I wrote for the "Bobcat Den", the high school newspaper. I married the summer after high school, 1972. Divorced in 1984. Said I'm NEVER getting married again.

Met David, a thirty-five year old bachelor at work, and we became buddies. I never dreamed I’d fall in love with him. But I did. The rest is history. Married David in 1985. After a few years of not having a baby, we felt God was strongly leading us to adopt. We applied in May 1989. They accepted us in October and told us it could be five years, but it wasn’t.

Anna Kate was born in June.

When did you know you were a writer?

I think it was always "in me." I come from a family of great story-tellers. I wrote my first short story in fifth grade and never looked back!

How did being an author fit into your family life?

Well, when something comes to me, all bets are off on everything else... I have to at least get the idea down before I can do much more than pee right quick. Sometimes I feel guilty because I'm writing and everyone else is delegated to chores. My husband David is also my illustrator. I think my family is proud of me, and they seem to like to be at book signings, award presentations, guest author talks featuring me, etc. I think all in all it is a positive thing.

Why did you think you could write a book?

I never actually thought I could write a book. I thought my first book was going to be a short story, but it got too long for that!

How do you decide your subject matter?

I don't make that decision, actually. The characters of the book do. I am as helpless as a newborn babe when it comes to what I write and what they say and do. It just happens (throw in a shrug here).

You currently have five books out. I read Out on a Limb of the Family Tree and loved it! How did you write it?

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I started writing this book in 1997! It was a short story, (the prologue), then another, then another...I finally gave in and said, "Ok, ok, I get it. It's a book." Whew! Hardest thing I've ever done. I speak Appalachia, but typing it is quite a different matter. The book is about relationships: Four generations of Appalachian women: Missouri, the matriarch, who is 88 years old in 1987, the year the book begins.

Her daughter, Georgia, Georgia's daughter, Wylene and Wylene's twenty year old daughter, Samintha, whom everyone calls Mint. It covers several years of their lives, and it's simply the day to day life of family. I've been told it's funny. I certainly meant for it to be! That was published in 2012.

You also wrote a teen romance novel?

Falling, published in 2009. It's a romance written specifically for girls aged twelve to early twenties. Lela Sawyer is a young girl who gets injured and is away from all current events. She is New York City to see a specialist when a guy hijacks her cab because a bunch of thirteen year old girls are chasing him. He is the newest pop star sensation, but of course, Lela doesn't know this.

That sounds like fun reading! And your next book?

I have a new book coming out, hopefully late summer-early fall of this year. The Year of Nine: Where the Rain Begins It's told in first person by a nine year old little girl in 1963, living somewhere in the North Georgia Mountains. Took me one year to finish.

How does it feel to have people ask for your autograph?

At first it was unreal, almost embarrassing.

Then after the first book signing, when I woke up the next morning and I couldn't open my cramped hand, it was painful. Now it is a pleasant thing! (As long as I don't have to sign 150 books at one time...)

What are the best things about your current path as a published book writer?

The best is getting to work and feeling the greatest pleasure. The other best is hearing people tell me what they got out of the book; if they cried, if they laughed, if they identified with the characters. I had one teenager ask me what happened to Lela and Henry after the end of Falling. I realized she took them to her heart as real people. That feels like success to me. I got a huge response about the characters in Out on a Limb of the Family Tree. People said Missouri and Kizzie (Missouri's sister) were exactly like their grannies and aunties - that when they looked up from the book they were surprised to find themselves where they were instead of on the front porch with family. That makes me nearly cry right now!

We couldn’t fit our whole interview in the paper, the long version is at TheBestofEBRJ.com/Kathi-HillInterview and you can read the author’s blog at kathi-harper-hill.blogspot.com

“Dogs are like kids. Cats are like roommates.” ― Oliver Gaspirtz

“Where should we go for dinner?” - Read all of our Restaurant Reviews at www.TheBestOfEBRJ.com/restaurant-reviews 25

Thia Says, “This is the stuff that Jerry puts on his FaceBook page, and it cracks me up!”

I ordered a chicken and an egg from Amazon, I’ll let you know..

Do you know the feeling when you get a bright idea? Me neither.

Got to get groceries, a mouse just ran his head out of the cupboard and said, I can't live like this anymore.

I was just making you breakfast in bed honey. A simple thank you would have been good, instead of “how did you get into my house?”

I've always heard if one door closes another one will open. Don't go for it. Just move. Your house is haunted.

Got stopped by the police again last night. He asked me if that was a bottle of wine I had. I told him it was water. He took it. I just put my head out the window and looked up and said. Oh my God, you did it again!

Sorry buddy, if you don't like my driving, don't walk in the ditches at night.

Walked over to my neighbor's house last night. Got soaking wet. She asked me if it was raining. I told her no. Just taking my fish for a walk.

I honestly think my last words here on earth will be: What does this button do ?

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“If you have a secret, people will sit a little bit closer.” - Rob Corddry

Have you ever noticed that if you're driving somewhere and you are lost you turn the radio down? Why is that?

Found a bottle on the beach the other day. Rubbed it and a genie came out. He asked if I wanted a wish? Told him I wanted to be a singer. Now I have to spend the rest of my life as a sewing machine.

I was at the park this morning and I was thinking 'Why does that Frisbee look like it's getting bigger?' and then it hit me.

I love to stop the microwave with just one second left. Makes me feel like I work for the bomb squad.

I have received a warning that aliens are abducting all of the beautiful people in the world! Don't panic, you are safe! I am just writing to say goodbye!

To the teenagers out there that think you are too cool for school. Please practice this phrase. DO YOU WANT FRIES WITH THAT? By the time I get skinny, being fat will be in style. So I’m just going to wait.

People can't drive you crazy if you don't let them have the keys.

I

hear the saying "It's All About The Music" all the time. For me, though, it's not just about the music. After eight years of traveling to shows, the music is just the icing on the cake.

There's nothing like being able to plan a trip to a fun place I've never been to, with friends who love the music just as much as I do!

After Taylor's first tour, I was thrilled when he announced his second tour. I was still working in Florida and made up my mind I was going to all of his Florida shows! Two days before his Florida tour began, I got an email from his fan club, telling me I had won the opportunity to meet Taylor. I was happy, but nervous because I was so shy. Here’s my rundown on the Florida and surrounding concerts I attended.

My boss let me go early on that Friday. I drove down to Clearwater Beach, where I met up with my friends Audrey and Bradley. We had a great time at the show that night, but it was an early turn in because I wanted to be on the road to Pompano Beach the next morning. That's the day I was going to meet my hero! I'll never forget driving over the Causeway that beautiful Saturday morning, just as the sun was coming up. I turned on the radio and "Here Comes The Sun" was playing. Taylor often played that song and I remember thinking what a great day it was going to be.

As it turned out, my day didn't go as I had envisioned it to. When I got to Pompano Beach, I met my friend Debbie and some others. First on my agenda was to go to the ticket booth and get my meet and greet pass. I have no words for how disappointed I was when they told me my name wasn't on the list and there was nothing they could do. Thankfully Debbie and the others were there and

dragged me along to dinner. I was still disappointed, but I've never been one to wallow in self pity for long. Some of my friends did get a meet and greet with Taylor that night and he told them he would be playing at a bar in Fort Lauderdale, called the Poorhouse, after the show. As it turned out, that's when I got to meet Taylor.

There's no way I would ever approach him in public. As I see it, that's his own personal time and the last thing I would want to do is disrespect him. My friends had other plans though. While I was watching the band, they were up at the bar telling Taylor all about what had happened. They came and told me I could either walk up there and talk to him or they would carry me up to him on my stool! I went up to him and embarrassingly told him I had just wanted to meet him. He shook my hand, asked me my name and where I was from. Apparently he had picked up on my accent.

I just talked to him briefly, then excused myself back to my table.

The next night at the Hard Rock in Orlando, Audrey had got us front row tickets. During his encore everybody got up and walked to the front of the stage. Taylor walked over to me, leaned down and handed me something. It took me a second to realize he had gave me his harmonica!

The next weekend would be the one that would lead my musical journey down another path. The first thing I did when I got home from Orlando was buy tickets for Taylor's shows the next weekend in Charneton, LA and Orange beach, AL. Orange Beach would quickly become my favorite vacation spot. Taylor played at the world famous

Flora-Bama after his show at the Wharf. A bunch of us loaded up and headed over there as soon as the last note was played.

I had never been to the Flora-Bama, and for somebody that don't drink, it was an unforgettable experience! Through the years, Taylor has sat in with a lot of great musicians. I wouldn't realize it that night, or even get to meet them, but the band he played with that night was Rollin' In The Hay! Little did I know at the time that they would became some of my closest friends and that I would follow them to even more shows than I have Taylor. As the song goes, "The Road Goes On Forever. And The party Never Ends.� That's been my experience!

A few weeks later, my friends, Jason and Melissa, posted a video of Taylor playing with Rollin' In the Hay at the War Eagle Supper Club in Auburn, AL. After watching them, I decided I had to go see them! My first Hay show was at a little bar in Mobile, AL. Normally I would have sat there for the show and never talked to them, but they had shirts and I wanted one! I met Rick Carter that night. He was amazed that I had drove six hours to see them. After the show, the guitarist, John Kulinich, ran me down in the parking lot to thank me for coming. I never talked to Stan Foster than night, but it wasn't long till I would be a fixture at as many of their shows as I could possible get to!

Because of Taylor Hicks, I discovered a world of music that I would have otherwise never known. I have made new friends and been places that I would never have gone. Find out next issue how the adventures of the Hillbilly and the Canadian began and the learn the story behind my 260,000 mile odometer!

To Advertise In The Best Of Ellijay, Blue Ridge & Jasper Call Robb 706-889-5851

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28

“There's no better feeling in the world than a warm pizza box on your lap.� - Kevin James

Sometimes life is funny by accident.

Something unexpected happens that cracks you up and you just have to tell the story again and again and again because it’s too funny to be true, but it IS true. Or sometimes, it’s something SO touching or cute you just have to share.

If you have a story like that, a true one, send it to us, preferably with a picture that goes with it and we’ll feature it here.

Send yours to: TheBestOfEBRJ@Gmail.com

Allison Grooms - Rush hour in Robbinsville, NC.

Howard CallYesterday Peggy and I were riding around north of Asheville, NC, heading up toward Mount Mitchell.

We stopped in a beautiful little town that had a park right in the middle of it like ours but much larger and had a concrete walking path around the outside edge of it. I noticed an older man and woman holding hands and making loops around the park. I went over and talked with them a while and he told me he was 93 and she was 92. Said they had been married 72 years, got married in 1941. I was only 1 year old then and it would be 3 more years before Peggy would be born. He smiled at me and said they were still out enjoying life. I thought it was beautiful. Sweetest couple you could ever run into. He got me to thinking, said he would be married 73 years in September but that was a pretty long time from now.

I guess if you are 93 that 3 months might seem like a long time away.

Lora Dillard BunchTalking to my 7 yr old Tristan and told him it took 3 years of wanting him for him to get here to me and I asked him what took him so long and he looks at me and says "well momma God took a long time and a lot of hard work to make me for you" This kid cracks me up, I love him to pieces.

Devin Spivey Aaron(4 years old) David’s Quote Of The Day "I wanna grow my hair out all the way to my toes so I can be a hippie."

Tiffany Camp Watson-Luke Luke-"Mommy you make the best spaghettios in the whole world!!"

Me-"Aww thanks honey, but all I have to do is warm it up." Luke"But that still makes you the best spaghettio maker ever because they are warmed up perfect!!

Mistie HughesJust had to share, so we’re closing up Jilly’s pub and I was tabbing the last customer out and he says how much tip do you want me to leave, and might I add the bill was small so I tell him $20 bucks and to my surprise that's exactly what he leaves. Thank you! I wish all the customers asked me that!

"I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love. For me they are the role model for being alive." - Gilda Radner

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30

“If you can't explain it to a six year old, you don't understand it yourself.� - Albert Einstein

A

couple of months ago, a friend of mine asked if I had any old lumber she could use to make a picture frame. I immediately thought of the old barn my grandfather built in 1952. When I was sixteen, my papaw offered me twenty whole dollars to paint its roof to stop the tin from rusting. He gave me silver aluminum paint and a four-inch paintbrush. I was surprised at how easily and quickly the paint went on and was even more impressed at how new it made the old sheet metal look. When finished, I stood back to admire my work and saw the fresh coat of paint made it shine like a new quarter. I ran to the house to let Papaw know I’d finished the job and he walked over to the barn with me to check out my progress. He smiled and patted me on the shoulder saying, “Son, you did a real good job.” I appreciated those words more than the twenty dollar bill he handed me. For the next couple of the weeks I couldn’t help but admire my work as I walked to the bus stop.

That old barn hasn’t been used in over thirty years. Weather, rust and rotting lumber have taken its toll. When I retrieved the lumber for the picture frames, I got an empty feeling inside as I looked at the collapsing building. I could see the builders (my grandfather and his sons) had been master carpenters. Even as old and neglected as it was, the framework was still square and it was as level as it was when they built it.

Even the stable doors still worked as if they were brand new. I stared at the structure for a while filled with memories and then decided I couldn’t let this piece of my family’s history just rot away. The way the roof was rusting and falling apart, the remaining lumber would only last a few more years. I needed to take some action. I began pulling the best of the rough-cut oak boards and carried several of them to my workshop.

Later when I started to remove the old nails, I realized it wasn’t going to be as easy as I’d thought. It’s a good thing I didn’t know how much work was ahead of me or I might not have signed on for the project. But as Daddy would say, nothing worth doing comes easy.

Some of the nails on the ends refused to budge and just broke off inside the board. To me the best solution was to just cut a couple of inches off the ends and throw the part with the broken nails into the trash.

I have a twelve-inch planer and it was perfect.

The widest boards from the barn were only ten inches across. I held my breath as I sent the first plank through the planer, scared to death I’d missed a nail.

When the board came out the other side, it looked like new. Over the sixty plus years the rough cut red oak plank had lost all of its color and looked like poplar wood.

My next project was to trim the edges. Most of the boards still had tree bark along the edges as it had been cut specifically to build the barn. Once I’d done all that, I realized I had an even worse dilemma.

What on earth was I going to build out of this wood? After thinking about it for a few moments, I remembered one of the lessons I’d learned as a commander in the army – forget your ego and ask for guidance when you need it. And people, believe me, there’s no one who can give me more guidance than my sweetie, Ann! It was clear there was no dilemma to her. She didn’t even think about it for a second before she replied, “A bookshelf.” That really makes sense when you consider she reads hundreds of books every year. So a bookshelf it was.

The next problem was making it perfect. When I planed the boards, they looked as good as the ones you see at Home Depot except for the nail and knot holes here and there. I became almost possessed in my desire to cover these with wood filler and anything else I could think of to use. The filler made the problem even worse because no matter what I tried I couldn’t get the holes to stain like the rest of the board. When I expressed my frustration to Ann, she just looked at me in disbelief. She shook her head and gave me some more guidance, “Don’t you dare cover those holes.

They add character to an otherwise dull board.” On the walk back to the shop, I began to talk to myself wondering why I didn’t think of that. After the conversation with her, the shelf seemed to fly together.

When I stained the finished product, I stood and looked at it in admiration – not only did it have character, it was absolutely beautiful. I guess I need to thank my friend for sending me to the barn and back to my childhood which allowed me to remember another life lesson, and to Ann for pointing out that often seeking perfection makes you miss a lot of the beautiful and unique things in life.

To read all of Raland’s Columns just go to www.TheBestOfEBRJ.com and type RALAND PATTERSON into the site search window.

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T

he question is not IF, but WHEN! Very soon, someone is going to win a ton of prizes and cash totaling over TWO THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS! I personally think we have spoiled you guys by already giving you clues to two of the four numbers. And NOW we are going to reveal them to you along with some other clues !

The first clue we gave you was on the cover of our Issue #8 ( the Safe issue) ! We showed you the safe, open with the dial pointed to 75. So one of the numbers is 75. And actually there is a second clue on that cover! But you are going to have to figure that one out for yourself for now!

The second clue we gave you was in the last issue, #9 (the CLEM issue), on the bottom of page 34, which is the page of the last safe story! It said 34 This is important!

So now we have told you two of the four numbers of the combination. The numbers are 75 & 34.

In this issue, you will find, if you look hard enough, a very important, THIRD number in the combination. We have not given you the numbers in any particular order. At this point, that is still part of the puzzle for you to figure out. Also we have not yet give clues on left turns, right turns etc..

We are revealing clues a bit at a time until someone wins! It could easily be YOU! Right now with this paper in your hand, you have 3 of the 4 numbers in the combination, and an extra clue. We wish you the best of luck. We actually so can’t wait to give away all these prizes!

The last two months we had a blast on our safe tour. We spent a couple fun hours at Wolf Creek Canyon with lots of friends doing our raffle and letting people try the safe! Let me just say that Patti’s granddaughter is a smart little girl who, along with other patrons, won great prizes!

Shane’s Rib Shack was so much fun! It was a wicked stormy night, but that didn’t stop the people who loved Shane’s food and wanted to try the safe from stopping in for dinner. We had lots of laughs with those guys, and it was a totally unbiased raffle, but somehow the policeman and firefighter munching on ribs both won prizes!

We went to Fightingtown Tavern in Blue Ridge, a fun, FRESH, restaurant with a great bar, an original menu, live music, and terrific owners! Robb rocked the microphone and everyone was so happy to get their picture taken, especially if they won a prize!

The weather was perfect, and lots of outside eaters enjoyed the evening, the stylings of Nancy Chancy and waiting for their raffle number to be called!

Mucho Kaliente was “mucha diversión” which means a lot of fun according to Google translator. I love rice & beans and I was so happy to have some authentic Mexican food! The people eating dinner were very happy to get to try the safe. Several of them had figured out some clues, but no one had all the right luck yet to get the safe open. We did have many thrilled dinners who won cool raffle prizes too.

So as of right now, lots of winners for our raffle prizes, but no one has opened the safe. We will keep giving out clues until someone gets it open.

It could be YOU! 32

“A day without sunshine is like, you know, night.” - Steve Martin

“Where should we go for dinner?” - Read all of our Restaurant Reviews at www.TheBestOfEBRJ.com/restaurant-reviews

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34

“Sometimes you don't need words to feel better; you just need the nearness of your dog.” ― Natalie Lloyd

“One trained dog equals 60 search-and-rescue workers.” ― Charles Stoehr

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Y

es, there really IS such a place as Tank Town U.S.A.! A place where you can drive a tank and use that massively powerful, monstrously heavy “Big Boy Toy” to crush a car! On the day I was there several people lined up waiting for their turn to climb into and get behind the wheel of a tank.

Tank Town U.S.A. has been open just a bit over a year but is responsible for crushing more cars than Godzilla, well, in North Georgia anyway. Ever since Fox News (National) did a story about it people from all over have been making the trek to fulfill this slightly bizarre wish/bucket list item. It’s also, evidently, a great present for the person who has everything. Many have received their Tank experience as a birthday or Christmas gift.

When you’ve run out of ideas, this is a new, fresh one.

For example, Paul is a fifty-something physician from Charlotte, his wife was watching when Fox aired the story and knew right away THAT was a perfect present for her husband. “He loves to drive big things, and this is one that he can’t get stuck. Usually, he’s driving and I would say, “I wouldn’t go through that mud puddle” and then he does and we get towed out, so I figured here, in the tank, he could run through all the mud puddles he wants and he won’t get stuck.” Paul had no idea what he was going to do that day, his wife had brought him here as a surprise birthday gift but they ended up making it a family event. Paul’s wife, daughter and son-in-law all rode in the tank. I asked Paul, why crush a tank? With the smile of a mischievous little boy he said “Because they don’t have anything here for us to blow it up with.” Not yet Paul, but Todd is probably working on that. Todd is the owner of Tank Town, a former Merchant Marine turned full-time supplier of thrill-seeker’s adventures.

Todd readied the tank and finally Paul climbed aboard. There sat the car, in the middle of a huge muddy field. It was like a surreal bull fight, the tank traversed the field at high speed several times… stopping up on the hill, as if to stomp it’s feet before its full-force, high speed lunge toward the car. How ironic that the car was bright red like a matador’s cape. But this fight was rigged. This matador was going to lose, big time. Todd directed Paul’s attack. Or, I should say… attacks. With the aid of a several ton army tank, crushing a car is like carefully folding a dinner napkin. Each time the tank drove off to a far away corner and launched its attack from another direction. With each pass the napkin was creased once more as the huge machine effortlessly crawled over what was once a car.

I was having a ball just watching so I can only imagine how much fun Paul was having inside. Trust me, I’m a grown-up. Just turned 60 years old but the “cool factor” of this was not lost on me. This experience far exceeded blowing up soda cans with firecrackers as a kid.

But then my wife says I’m still just a kid.

After the tank turned the car into a veritable metal, plastic and glass pancake Paul emerged from the tank to inspect the damage as his family cheered and took photos. Paul posed in a victory stance atop his trophy but had the look of a fifteen year-old that had just blown out the toilet in the boys room with a cherry bomb, though without the look of worry that follows as the fear of getting caught comes over them. This is pure mischief without penalty.

Maybe that’s the real draw here? I forgot to ask Paul if as he was crushing that car he was thinking of every car he’d ever gotten stuck behind going 55 mph in the passing lane. I have little doubt he did. Great therapy I’d say.

Next up was Lawrence from Hiawassee whose daughter booked him a tank experience for Christmas. We chatted as we watched Todd remove the squashed CARcass (Ha! Get it?) with a huge crane and swing another fresh “victim” into place. I asked Lawrence “So, when you opened up the present and saw what it was, did you go, “What the Heck?” He said “No, I had seen it on the TV prior to opening it up and I knew what it was. I’m looking Todd forward to crushing a car.” and that’s exactly what he did….

Drive a Tank… Crush a Car! www.tanktownusa.com 10408 Appalachian Hwy Morganton, GA 30560 (706) 633-6072

Story & Photos by Robb Newman

Paul

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“You can usually tell that a man is good if he has a dog who loves him.” ― W. Bruce Cameron

"Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole." —Roger Caras

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Interview & Photos by Robb Newman

I

t seems Downtown Roy is an overnight success.

Suddenly emerging to appear at almost every event and venues all over our local music landscape, but truth be told the band is really years in the making.

Ellijay’s version of a “supergroup”, seasoned professionals coming together from similar but separate musical roots almost as if by fate. I recently attended a practice session and got to know them a bit.............

40

Robb: So, let’s start with Steve ‘Possum’ Jones. Where did you get the name possum?

Steve: It came from music, actually. Back in the 80’s, while I was a professor at Clemson University, the town of Clemson always had an annual festival called the ‘Festival of the Redneck Performing Arts’ otherwise known as “Spitoono”and a friend and I were always the opening act every year for eight years running. One year we built ourselves as “Muskrat Myers and Possum Jones.” We didn’t realize it, but NPR Radio was there filming a segment for ‘All Things Considered’ and it aired about a fifteen or twenty minute segment of three days of the festival.

They played five songs out of those three days and it turned out that they played three of our songs. So, from that point on I was ‘Possum Jones.”

Robb: Where did the name Downtown Roy

come from?

Dan: Downtown Roy came from the area that we’re in right now, which was originally known as Roy, Georgia, with the original post office outside of Ellijay, back at the turn of the century. My grandmother and grandfather were actually the store owners and postmistress, here in Roy, and Roy Road is named after an ancestor of mine as well so that’s where ‘Roy’ came from and we are in the middle of what was considered downtown Roy, Georgia.

Robb: So, there was an actual downtown Roy? Dan: Yes. Actual downtown Roy and the picture on our logo is a painting of the original store that was here.

Robb: And that one store was downtown Roy? That painting is depiction of what it actually was?

Dan: Absolutely.

Robb: That doesn’t even count as a one horse town.

Dan: No, there were probably, maybe, eleven.

Robb: Eleven horses?

Dan: Eleven horses, yeah Robb: Wow! A metropolis!

Dan: Absolutely.

Robb: Alright. So, how did you guys all get together? Don Roberts?

Don: Well, I booked Dan’s band for a party one night and we hit it off. They actually invited me to come up and play a song because I had a cool guitar, I guess.

Robb: A cool guitar? What guitar was it?

Don: Oh, it was a Taylor 514.

Robb: Wow. Cool.

Don: We hit it off and became friends. He took me under his wing to teach me a few things that I’d forgotten since my dad took my guitar away from me for being bad

“There is a fine line between fishing and just standing on the shore like an idiot.” - Steven Wright

when I was about 9 years old.

Robb: How long has Downtown Roy been together?

Don: About 3 years. It started out Dan, Frank and I and we were practicing right here in Dan’s studio in Roy, and we decided to take an offer to play the Blue Door Café in Downtown Ellijay. Our good buddy, Jim Stover, put us together and we started jamming.

Robb: So, the original members were who?

Don: Dan, Frank and myself.

Robb: How did Steve get into the act?

Don: Well, that’s a good question. We were desperate for a mandolin player and he was available.

Robb: (To Steve) I think you just got slapped in the face!

Steve: I know. I’m used to it. It hap-

pens. You should be at our regular practice here; it’s brutal.

Dan: Actually, I have played music with Steve before I met these guys when they played Pickin’ on the Square. I had met Steve then and that was about 5 years ago, I guess.

Steve: I believe. Maybe more.

Dan: Yeah. So Steve and I actually played together before I even met these guys. I met Don at a mutual friend’s house. She had invited him over to do some pickin’ and invited me over to do some pickin’, and that’s been at least 5 years ago, I’d say.

Robb: So, you actually had been playing together, although not ALL together, for quite a while?

Dan: Yep. We all practiced the same songs in different cars.

Robb: That’s a good way to put it. So,

when you came together, it was almost natural, you already knew what each other played and everything worked out.

Don: We went to different schools together.

Robb: Better way to put it, still.

Don: We’re all about the same age and we all like the same kind of music across the board. From The Kingston Trio to Pink Floyd.

Robb: Who’s the leader of the band?

Don: Steve. It’s all about Possum.

Steve: Nah, Bojangles. Bojangles is the leader Robb: Bojangles?

Steve: You saw Bojangles didn’t you, at the Apple Festival parade?

Robb: Oh the mandolin playing possum!

Steve: Yeah. He’s the band leader. He

couldn’t make it tonight Robb: So he’s the decision maker and the tie breaker?

Steve: Right. Yeah, he was gonna come, but he was sleeping, it looked like, and I couldn’t get him to wake up. He was playing possum so I couldn’t tell if he was dead or playing possum.

Don: He was dead asleep.

Robb: Frank, you want to talk? You want to tell me anything about this new album? Do they still say album anymore?

Frank: What would you like to know?

Robb: I don’t know; you tell me. It sounds great. I listened to most of it.

Frank: It was like a whim, when we first did it. It was like, ‘eh, we’ll go lay down a few tracks and see what it

“What is a committee? A group of the unwilling, picked from the unfit, to do the unnecessary.” - Mark Twain

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sounds like, and it just kind of grew into this finished project that ended up being a lot more than we ever anticipated going into it. I thought it was just going to be like, eh, we’ll just put down a few tracks to hand out to people when we go to someplace and try to get in to play because they’ll ask us if we have a CD, just kind of a rough recording like that, and it just kind of grew into what it is now.

Robb: Yeah, it came out really good.

Frank: Yeah. I’m pretty happy with it; the more I listen to it, the less it sucks.

Robb and others: Ohhhh! That’s terrible! Ok we’ll allow you that self-depreciating humor.

Robb: You play the bass, ok. Steve plays the mandolin.

Steve: I play the mandolin. You know, cause bass players are a dime a dozen. Usually, there’s two or three standing on the road when you come down Roy Road when you’re driving down through here.

Robb: So, you just kind of let them in the band because you feel sorry for them?

Dan: Yeah. They’ve had signs that said, “Will play for food” Steve: I usually just show up here first.

Dan: That’s how we got Frank. He was standing down the road with a sign Robb: So it was like the day laborers that wait around just hoping to get some work.

Don: But, those two are excellent harmonica players too Robb: Oh yeah? Frank and Steve?

Steve: Yeah. That’s what I started out with, at the time I got the name Possum, I was playing harmonica and my friend was playing guitar and we’d do Blues and Folk and so that was kind of my original instrument was playing harmonica.

Robb: Cool. So, this brand new album has already gone platinum, is that correct?

Steve: (All laughing) Seven copies sold.

Dan: I’ve sold that many.

Steve: I’ve sold about $200 worth, not bad.

Robb: $200 worth; that’s great!

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Dan: I had a person that bought one one day and came back the next day and bought two more.

Robb: So, it’s not available on Amazon or anything like that? I mean, they pretty much have to know you to get one?

Don: It’s available in this box right here.

Robb: It’s available in that box?

Don: You have to come to one of our shows Robb: You come to the show and get one.

Don: Yeah, they’re free.

Robb: They’re free?

Don: With contribution.

Robb: Oh. Free with contribution.

Steve: Well, they’re $10 a piece and two for $25 and you can get autographed copies for $6.13 Robb: What are most of the places that you play that people can catch you at?

Dan: Around town we’ve played at Cider Ridge and we have played at Jilly’s, but it’s small for four people and all the equipment Frank: A great venue is Wolf Creek Canyon BBQ. We like playing there and usually have big crowds.

Don: We just finished Cartecay Vineyards and we’re going to Vogel park.

Steve: We played at Coosawattee Pickin' on the Porch a few weeks ago. I think we’re scheduled for the Lakewood Amphitheater down near South Atlanta.

Dan: We played in the Apple Festival Parade last year and Ellie May Clampett, (Donna Douglas) said we were her band during the parade.

Robb: And you were playing on a moving trailer, I see a picture over there.

Steve: Just before they took that picture, all the people out in front of us there with Ellie May had cameras and getting ready to take pictures and she wanted to know when to smile, so she said, “well, somebody needs to count to three”, meaning the people with the cameras, so I’m standing right next to her and she got her arm around me and I said, “one, two”, and she just looked at me and goes, “not you!”

Robb: Boy, people loved her huh.

Dan: Oh yeah. She loved it. That’s why she said she wanted to come back.

Robb: Well, we love Downtown Roy! Group hug?

“I am not a vegetarian because I love animals; I am a vegetarian because I hate plants.” - A. Whitney Brown

“I wish there was a knob on the TV to turn up the intelligence. There's a knob called 'brightness,' but it doesn't work.� - Gallagher

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Story & Photos By Amy Kratish

R

ecently, I was watching, The Doctor Oz Show and he was explaining that we should use our refrigerator as our personal medicine cabinet.

The concept was simply that many of our natural foods we eat can possibly take the place of some routinely prescribed medications for blood pressure and cholesterol. He explained how eating fresh strawberries daily can help lower your cholesterol within weeks! Well, that is all I needed to hear from my beloved, trusted doctor! Later that night I was relaxing and catching up on all the exciting news on Facebook and came across Mercier Orchard's post that they had just opened their UPick strawberry fields. It was a SIGN! So I packed up my hubby, and invited our daughter, son in law, son and his girlfriend to join in on the fun!!

Mercier Orchards is my all time favorite U-pick orchard. I always plan our U pick activity earlier in our trip so that we can enjoy our freshly picked fruit during our entire visit. Although, before expecting my family to work long and hard in the strawberry fields, I knew I must provide them with a delicious boost of energy. So. we made a quick pit stop to Mercier's counter service restaurant. We all were pleasantly surprised how delicious their food tasted and looked. If you go, you must try their pecan crusted chicken on a bed of greens.

The rest of the family dined on Sandwiches, salads and wraps. We quickly gobbled down our lunch and headed off to pay for our “ U- pick" baskets.

Our family opted on paying for two half gallon baskets and two " eat a berry" tours, The eat a berry tour includes a tractor ride to the strawberry fields and allows you to eat as many berries as you desire while watching everyone else stoop, squat and sweat as they hunt for the most perfect strawberries. Of course, the kids and I opted to hunt and pick strawberries to fill our buckets while my hubby opted to eat a berry, or a hundred berries!

Well, truthfully, Marty wanted to just buy the strawberries someone else had picked that Mercier’s had in the store!

We boarded the next available tractor and were greeted by the friendly tractor driver and our guide. Our guide provided us with a short description about the farm and told us about their beloved " Miss Adele" the owner of Merciers who just recently passed away. The guide pointed out the

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"It's tough to stay married. My wife kisses the dog on the lips, yet she won't drink from my glass." - Rodney Dangerfield

many varieties of fruit that the orchards grow. I‘m hoping to get back in time to do U-pick again for the beautiful cherries, blueberries and apples that he pointed out. As we were approaching the fields we were discussing the many varieties of strawberries they harvest on their farm. I was trying so hard to look attentive but all I could think about was jumping off the tractor to begin hunting for the most perfect ruby red, juicy berries.

Finally, we were able to get off the tractor and begin our expedition. Let the picking begin! I was truly overwhelmed by the rows and rows of strawberry plants. One cannot help themselves from breaking out into song singing the chorus of The Beatle’s famous "Strawberry Fields Forever" Strolling, stooping and singing, I found myself in a row all to myself. It was there that I hit the jackpot!! I plucked and picked the most vibrant red, succulent, cholesterol lowering berries.

I happily sampled a few of these scrumptious berries. I felt like I was a kid again, "One for me and one for my take home basket" I filled my basket to the brim and carefully walked back carrying my precious fruits of my labor.

As we re-boarded the tractor I noticed everyone was surveying each others berry containers. I can honestly say that my family did a great job picking and our baskets were overflowing with beautiful ripe fruit. It was then as if a bolt of lightening struck I thought "oh my gosh, who is going to wash and dry all these berries?"

The answer was ME! Back at the cabin I washed and dried hundreds of strawberries while taking suggestions as to what we should do with them.

Without a doubt, we all agreed that chocolate dipped strawberries would be our family’s first choice.

We also decided on making pitchers of strawberry sangria, and a strawberry desert pizza using a shortbread cookie crust and fresh whip cream. My daughter also made a fresh strawberry syrup that she infused into fresh brewed Ice tea.

In closing, there is nothing like the taste of freshly picked fruit. I am not quite sure that Dr. Oz would approve of some of the ways we chose to eat our antioxidant filled berries. However, I know he would strongly approve of the physical efforts it took to pick our own fruit verses buying the berries. There is something to be said about spending a day outdoors with your family enjoying a wholesome activity.

Be sure to grab a " U Pick" schedule and “Like” Mercier Orchards on Facebook! The picking continues with various types of fruit until late fall.

The orchard even has a Pinterest site filled with delicious looking recipes! So many cherished moments to create. Enjoy.

For More Info: www.mercier-orchards.com

Have you checked out our website lately? www.TheBestOfEBRJ.com

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D

o you remember the days of rolling up play dough? Coloring with Crayola crayons? Finger painting with tempera paint? If so, if you’re like me, they are fond memories of relaxation, creativeness, and just plain fun. Unfortunately, so many of those opportunities diminish in time for young minds. Emphasis is placed on other things, important things all the same, but other things rather than art and creative thinking. Coloring in the lines becomes coloring in the correct bubble letter on a test. Fingers that felt the coolness of brightly colored paint transform into technical digits. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not knocking any of those things. I am all about education on every level. I actually love school and am planning on possibly returning myself.

However, my point here is that so often, the creative arts of any kind, take a back seat to other subjects, and sometimes they are tossed out of the learning bus altogether.

Over the past two years, I have had the privilege of being the Assistant Co-coordinator at the Copper Basin Learning Center inside Copper Basin High School. This job has opened my eyes to so much, mainly the importance of the arts to young minds. I have watched kids create things they never thought they could and have seen the confidence that follows. I have felt the frustration at not knowing how to even start a project that wasn’t lying within the pages of a textbook.

I have seen kids that had no “place” find that place within the arts. Yes, working with these kids has taught me something I kind of knew all along, creativity is just as important as science, math and every subject in between.

I’m not trying to convince anyone to agree with me or start a movement to ban everything BUT the arts. I’m simply writing about the concept of being creative, no matter your age really. Imagine this, believing in yourself and your ideas enough to take the time, skill and patience to make those ideas come alive. Imagine turning off the television or the computer where your mind is bombarded with facts, opinions, drama or knowledge, and sit with your own thoughts for a while. Think about how YOU feel, what YOU believe and express that accordingly. It’s pretty powerful when you really stop to consider it. No one is telling you what to think, or what to be. You figure that out yourself and for many people that comes through creative expression. It builds esteem, a sense of self, an independent spirit and many times, an inspirational one. Another aspect of art, whether visual, musical or dramatic, is that it can be relaxing…soothing to the soul. There is so much pressure in society for kids and adults alike; make good grades, make more money, do it this way, do it that way, now do it better. Sometimes we all need to know that it’s perfectly ok to just BE sometimes. It’s ok to think in colors rather than numbers. It’s ok to sing rather than “perform”. Yes, sometimes the soul needs more than “have to’s” and sometimes 2+2 needs to equal blue or pink or yellow.

So when the pressures of life get to you; when a beautiful child asks you for guidance; or when you just aren’t sure of much at all, grab a simple set of crayons, knead clay into a form of your liking or sing at the top of your lungs just because you want to. Tell the young souls to do the same. Tell them their ideas and dreams are worth creating, worth pursuing. Let them explore the world through beautiful colors. Let them work through their fears, their insecurities, their “not knowing how to” mentality, and sit back and wait for their masterpieces to come to fruition. They will get there. They just need to be given the chance. If you are still that child, it’s never too late. Now go dip your fingers in paint and remember how that feels. Make the first mark and see what happens next. Then through the years, your canvas will be full of all things YOU and all of your wonderful, creative thoughts that belong to you and you alone. Kids of all ages need to CREATE!

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“Dogs and philosophers do the greatest good and get the fewest rewards.� - Diogenes

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I

n the summer of 2013, Tami Davis wanted a volunteer job training horses, but couldn’t find one close to home. So instead she tried her hand at working with dogs at Homeward Bound. She says she started out “to scoop poop and walk dogs” She was a natural at relating to the animals. The animals responded in kind, and in less than three weeks Tami was part of the pack.

When she started her senior year at Gilmer High, Tami didn’t want to leave her Homeward Bound family. That's when the epiphany hit!

Part of her curriculum included a community service project, called work based learning. She contacted the organization's volunteer coordinator. Would it be possible to fulfill her course work through Homeward Bound? Of course, it would!

Tami's initial task was to teach the dogs basic commands; come, sit, stay, off. She assigned herself two dogs per week and worked with them diligently. Their response was positive and gratifying, and both the staff and Tami were delighted with the outcome.

Tami felt the dogs needed more, they needed a purpose!

She started with some duct tape, PVC pipe and some old blue barrels, teaching them how to jump up and over, and run through obstacles she had set up. The dogs loved this training! Soon Homeward Bound was able to upgrade Tami’s teaching tools by holding a fundraiser, and buying her some “real” equipment.

After several months of Tami doing training on the new equipment in the middle of the ring of dog kennels, (which was quite distracting), HB’s volunteers decided they wanted to build a dedicated structure for an obstacle course. They have begun fundraising and luckily a wonderful person donated the fencing they needed. As I write this story HB is now building a separate enclosure to house the agility course! (It will also be used for adoptions, training and alone time with the dogs) Things have really changed in a year. Tami has now graduated from high school and is going to Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. Her favorite dog, and best student “Joe” has just been adopted!

When Joe first arrived he would drag the walkers all over the place, but after training and practice with Tami, he is much more manageable and follows several commands. Tami is currently working with Alaska, a Siberian Husky mix that she is fostering and training, and Rolo, who is a Basset Hound/Labrador mix that Tami has trained and continues to work with.

What started out for Tami as a volunteer job at Homeward Bound, has turned into an amazingly wonderful accomplishment that has improved the lives of the dogs living there, and their adoptability. It has also changed Tami’s mind on what she wants to do as a career. She no longer wants to be a horse trainer. She is currently going to college for criminal justice. She wants to be a police officer, then a K9 cop and finally become a trainer for K9 dogs. Tami's parents are very proud of her, and Tami wants to thank them for all their love and support.

We applaud Tami for improving the lives of all the dogs at HB waiting for forever homes. At only eighteen she has already made the world a better place. We can only imagine all the good things to come in Tami’s future!

Homeward Bound is a wonderful place to volunteer, or to find the new member of your family. (They have cats too!)

For more information- https://www.facebook.com/HBPR30540 706.698.4663 http://hbpr.org

Story by Thia Newman Photos by Robb Newman

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“I looked up my family tree and found three dogs using it.” - Rodney Dangerfield

Robb: Thank for taking the time to speak with us Rolo.

Rolo: You’re welcome. Tami keeps me busy, I’ve been on a very tight training schedule. Physical training and polishing my social skills, you know. I love doing the obstacle course with Tami. She’s taught me to take directions well. Probably more like relatively well from her perspective, but hey, I’m trying. I can already do sit, stay & come.

Robb: I see in your bio that you are 2 1/2 years old. What kind of a dog are you?

Rolo: Well, I’m not into labels Robb, but I’m part Basset Hound, Labrador and mix of other things too. I think that grounds me. Makes me a better dog, I know my roots and they give me balance. I’m not like some of those spoiled, snooty purebreds. I don’t have papers, but I have personality and a good heart.

Robb: Let’s be honest Rolo, you DO have a bit of an ego. And you DO have a list or requirements for any family that would want to adopt you.

Rolo: I believe in Win/Win situations. If I’m not happy, my new family won’t be either and then nobody wins.

Robb: So first off you like the lime light. Or if we’re to be totally honest Rollo, you’re a bit of an attention hog.

Rolo: Oh! You wound me! Ok, Ok… so I’d like to be the only pet in the house, yes, I want to be your only pet, I don’t want to share you with other cats & dogs. While I’m at it… I like teenagers well enough but little kids, not so much. “Mommy! Mommy!

Look at what I drew!” little attention grabbers and they’re always smelly. You don’t need little kids if I’m around, I’m very affectionate and you can pet me and play with me as much as you want! And there’s a bonus! You don’t need to pay my way through college. Just buy me lots of treats.

Robb: So how can an interested family get in touch with you.

Rolo: Just email me here at Homeward Bound. Make it “Attention Rolo” someone will read it to me and get back with you for me. I haven’t conquered the keyboard yet.

If you think you fit Rolo’s criteria contact Homeward Bound, Rolo would like to interview you.

“People say I train dogs, but in many ways I train people.” - Cesar Millan (The Dog Whisperer)

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IMPORTANT! Be a hero NOT a zero!

“Chaser”, not our product was seen on TV, the story that aired on the ABC Television Network had absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with Fido FlashCards. Important Notice: Your results may vary and most probably will if you have a life and have better things to do than devote exorbitant amounts of time to teaching your dog to read. In addition, Bootsie is pretty smart, she’s no “Einstein” like Chaser, but pretty sharp. Unless your dog was the brightest pup in the pack you’re in for a tremendous challenge. Research shows that 9 out of 10 dogs tested will simply ignore you or stare blankly at you like “Nipper “the RCA dog staring into the Victrola. If you have a moderate to low threshold for boredom and frustration we suggest you do not purchase FIDO FlashCards.

“Dogs are the only mammals that will actually stare and look into a human's eyes.” - Jerry O'Connell

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“It's simple, if it jiggles, it's fat.� - Arnold Schwarzenegger

A

nna Ruby Falls is right outside of Helen, Georgia in the Chattahoochee National Forest. Two spring-fed creeks meet and drop from 150 feet above, flowing over rocky cliffs as two separate waterfalls, that splash down to form Smith Creek. Rumor has it that Civil War Colonel J.H. Nichols was out horseback riding when he discovered the falls and named them after his daughter, Anna Ruby. From Jasper it is 1 hour 45 minutes. From Ellijay, it is 1 hour 30 minutes. From Blue Ridge it is one hour, 15 minutes.

Even though the skies were overcast, and there was a good chance of rain, we really wanted to do the hike to Anna Ruby Falls. Some of the terrain is steep, but is a really safe trek because the entire path is a cement walkway. You can even push a stroller up to the top.

At 4/10ths of a mile each way it’s do-able for most people. Wear comfortable sneakers though, I had on clog type shoes and that made my walk about twice as hard. Thankfully it was 70 degrees outside with overcast skies and that led to a comfortable climb.

It was challenging in parts for me and Lexi, but not too hard, and the beauty we saw at the top was so worth being a little out of breath! There were rocks and benches along the way where you could take a rest. Bring a bottle of cold water or two with you.

There is a machine to get some before you start the trail. But no where along the way or at the top can you get a drink.

After your almost half mile hike, that is all uphill, you will feel it get a little cooler, and the air a little damper. Then you climb the last bit and you see it, WOW! There in front of you is a double waterfall, coming down from so high you have to crane your neck to see the top. We made it to the wooden viewing platform! Lexi and I spent awhile enjoying the beauty, and the cool breeze and moisture blowing on us. Robb walked up to the even higher wooden deck, that was probably another 50 feet up. We spent twenty minutes catching our breath, basking in the cool mist and being in awe of nature. What a view!

We then started our trek back down. I thought coming down would be so much easier than the trudge up, but I was wrong! Again with the clogs, I know. Time for me to get some good sneakers! It was actually harder on my knees to walk carefully down steep grades. Lexi was too tired to make the journey back down, (she is almost 15 years old), so Robb being the sweet wonderful guy he is, picked her up and carried her on his shoulder. (I wanted to yell, hey, carry me!)

I was so glad we did this hike, it was good for us physically to get some exercise, and it was great for us mentally to see such awesome natural beauty. I will say though, if it was 10 degrees hotter and/or really sunny, I don’t think Lexi & I would have made it to the top.

This is probably the safest hike you will find that has such an amazing reward for your trouble. I suggest that anyone comfortable with a strenuous walk give this trail a try. It is really worth it for what you will see.

BUT, I personally, knowing my fitness level, would only do it on a cool, over cast day. So please assess your skills and health before attempting it. If you are in decent shape, and want to go see something that is off the charts gorgeous and close by, visit Anna Ruby Falls. Let us know what you think.

NOTE From Robb: Thia gets out of breath walking up our driveway. Just say’in.

“I wish all men were like dogs.” - Halle Berry

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“Where should we go for dinner?” - Read all of our Restaurant Reviews at www.TheBestOfEBRJ.com/restaurant-reviews

I

f you were asked to choose the cutest farm animal you could think of, what would your choice be? A cute little baby goat out in the pasture jumping around and frolicking? A little lamb with all its adorable fuzziness? How about a little piglet with its short little legs and adorable grunts and squeals? Maybe a kitten or puppy is what you may picture in your head when asked this question, but would it have ever entered your mind to choose a rabbit? Yeah, a rabbit.

Can you believe that there are actually a lot of people out there that have never considered a rabbit as livestock.

Yeah, I know we're in the country and most of you probably DO think of them like that, but humor me. Ok? I know when I was growing up, rabbits weren't necessarily considered one of the 'good guys' in some of the many books I read as a child. I mean, did Peter Rabbit ever actually decide to stay out of Mr. McGregor's garden?

And that darn prankster Br'er Rabbit; always getting the best of Br'er Fox. You get what I'm saying? Well, while it is true that rabbits can wreak havoc on your garden, and your spirits, it's also true that rabbits can be an excellent addition to your home or farm.

First off, they ARE cute. I'm sure there are some people out there that consider that an important quality in a pet. They are also small and quiet, which makes them suitable for apartments, subdivisions and urban homesteads. (check your local zoning laws) They don't eat a lot. Mostly just feed once, sometimes twice, a day.

Most people feed their rabbits a complete pelleted feed that’s at least 18% protein and some type of hay (usually Timothy hay). But a lot of people choose to feed their rabbits a more natural diet consisting of certain weeds such as plantain, dandelion greens and clover, and things they can grow in the garden like the leaves from raspberry, strawberry, blackberry, radish and kohlrabi plants plus wheat, barley and oats and dark, leafy greens and herbs. I feed a mixture of pellets, hay, weeds and grasses, as well as things I grow in the

garden. Rabbits that are fed a more natural diet will take a little longer to reach butcher weight, but it’s not a bad trade-off when you consider that a lot of pellets that are sold on the market contain animal byproducts and GMO grains. Most rabbits, when given the choice, will choose a natural diet over pellets, but if your rabbits aren’t used to eating greens and such, go slowly so that they have time to become accustomed to the change in diet.

Rabbits don't demand or require tons of your time, but you do have to watch the temperature. Make sure they are kept dry and cool. (Rabbits don’t tolerate heat very well) My rabbit ‘hall’ is under a shade tree and has a tarp over it. I also keep a fan blowing to circulate air. On really hot days, they get either bricks that were wetted down and put in the freezer, or frozen 2 liter bottles to lie next to.

They don't require a lot of space. My rabbits are kept outside in hanging cages that are inside a bigger, covered pen.

We raise two types of rabbits here: Silver Fox (for meat) and Netherland Dwarf (for pets). I chose Silver Fox, not only because they are a big, beautiful, meaty breed, but because they are also a heritage breed. They were pretty close to being extinct not long ago and I like the idea of helping to preserve a species. We have four of these: Broad Rivers Buddy is our black buck; he has the most beautiful silvering. Then we have Bella, our blue doe who happens to be the first Silver Fox I ever bought. We also have Screaming Freebie, a black doe, who truly earned her name. When I went to pick her up for the first time, this rabbit made the most horrible noise. I can only compare it to the shrillest squeal you could imagine coming out of something like the tiniest piglet. It still gives me shivers when I think about it. I didn't even know rabbits could make a noise like that. Anyway, since she was a gift to me, aka 'free', the name Screaming Freebie was born. And last, but not least, Miakoda, our chocolate doe. Her name means, 'power from the moon'. Mia is our youngest doe and the prettiest

one.

Rabbits are useful in so many ways. You can eat their meat, use their fur, and put the poop in your compost or on your garden.

And worms! Worms LOVE rabbit poo, so if you've ever considered vermicomposting you might want to consider a rabbit or two. I do get asked about how I feel about my rabbits being food. That was a hard thing for me to deal with in the beginning, and sometimes is still a tad hard, but I look at it like this: I’m a meat eater. I have nothing against vegetarians at all, but I’m a meat eater, SO, I figure, would I rather eat meat from the grocery store that was most likely raised very inhumanely and pumped full of hormones, steroids, crappy food and goodness knows what else, or would I rather have meat from an animal that I raised myself so that I know that it had a happy, healthy life and a humane upbringing? An animal that knew love, that knew what it was like to play and live as natural a life as I can give it? People are too far removed from where their food comes from these days and I’d just rather know where my food comes from, how it was raised and what it was fed.

Now, on to the other end of the spectrum. I chose Netherland dwarfs because, well, they're just so darn cute. Netherlands make wonderful pets. They weigh between 2-3 pounds when fully grown, which in my opinion, makes them so much more of a joy to own because they are so small and are so much easier to handle. Trust me, the claws on the hind legs of a ten - twelve pound rabbit that does not want you picking it up, isn't something that feels very good. We have 2 of these: Nibbler, who is our brokenorange buck, and Kianna, who is our broken-black doe. Kianna has never had babies, so I will be so excited to see what her first one's look like. You ain't seen nothing as cute as a baby Netherland Dwarf!

Want to read more by Eva? Go to www.TheBestOfEBRJ.com and site search for EVA CARTIN

“Computers in the future may weigh no more than 1.5 tons.” - Popular Mechanics, forecasting the relentless march of science in 1949

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M

y granddaddy was perfect in my eyes. I worshiped him when I was a child. One of my fondest memories was working in the garden. He would take me between the rows of corn to pick beans. I would look up at him while he spun tales to entertain me. I can still see the sun dappled through the stalks that hung above and around his head. I was a teenager before I realized that Br’er Rabbit, Br’er Fox, and The Tar Baby were not from his imaginings, but tales told by the slaves of the Joel Chandler Harris family.

Grandaddy’s full name was John Henry Harper. He was Henry to everyone but me. To me he was Daddy John.

Born in 1895 up on Wolf Pen Gap, he and his family farmed land purchased by his great-grandfather. He was one of eight children.

One of the sweetest stories Daddy John told me is retold in my book, “Out on a Limb of the Family Tree”. He decided to catch a bird for a pet. He rigged up a crate, propped it open with a stick, and put feed under it. His brothers teased him, confident this would never work. One morning at the breakfast table, which sat overlooking the field, they saw a flock land around the crate. Several birds wandered into the underside to eat the grain. Suddenly, the stick snapped! Daddy John said he and his brothers leapt from the chairs and flew to the field. They arrived just as the crate lifted off the ground….and flew away.

I’ve been to the “old home place” several times, the last time probably twenty-five years ago. There was almost nothing left of it, holes in the roof and floor, the porch floor dangerously rotted. But there was still a sense of the home that had been. I could almost see that little boy’s blond head tilted to the sky as his dream flew away like the clouds above it. Here was a man who spent his life behind a mule or on a horse, and wound up seeing a man walk on the moon. Daddy John never believed that happened. He said it was a trick and they had filmed in the desert “sommers”, because God would never allow a man to leave Earth. I don’t know why he felt strongly about this. But he was so vehement in his belief, he almost convinced me.

Daddy John shared stories about trips “to market”. They would start out before day break, stopping late evening.

They’d sleep under the stars; the produce having the more comfortable bed in the back of the wagon while he and his brothers slept on the ground. The following morning they would continue the trip to the big market, starting home late evening. This long, hard trip that took them away from home for three days and two nights was to Dalton, Georgia.

Daddy John went off to fight in World War I at age twenty-two. He was a sharpshooter, as many of the Appalachian men were. A sniper, and trapped in the Argonne Forest in France. He was one of the few that survived. Almost starving to death, all he had to eat was hard tack and dried fish.

Years later, if my mother had fried fish the night before, Daddy John would take one step in the house, back up and leave without a word. He never was able to tolerate even the faint hint of fish.

When he returned from the war, he courted Viola James, who became his wife in July, 1919.

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Daddy John farmed a while, then he and Mama Harper moved to Ohio. He almost bled to death when his tonsils were taken out. That winter he became crippled when the harsh winter set off a terrible bout of rheumatoid arthritis.

They returned home. He was barely able to walk with crutches. Their firstborn, Macille, was a toddler. He wasn’t even thirty years old. He asked his father, Jesse Harme Harper, for his part of his inheritance. He was done with farming and moved to town.

He drove an oil truck a while, then purchased a large tract of land and a general store. The house they lived in sat on the street behind the store. He sold off most of the land, and a neighborhood was born. He and Mama Harper ran the store called Henry Harper's General Merchandise, until they retired in 1961. (When Daddy John sold the store, the big old wooden building was torn down and the new person built the brick building that GAHA is now using.)

My early childhood memories are tied up in their store and house. When I was in first and second grade I walked home (alone) for dinner. Mama Harper and Daddy John would take turns cooking.

My memories include sitting at the table, having mashed potatoes, corn bread, and soup beans. Daddy John cooked and served like the house was on fire. You better not get in his way or he’d simply run you over.

One day he was slapping food on my plate so I could eat and get back to school. I thought the potatoes looked chunky, but we had potatoes fixed different ways. I took a big bite and like ta died! The famous story is I looked up wide eyed and asked, “Daddy John, what happened to the taties?”

They weren’t taties. They were turnips. I still can’t look a turnip in the eye.

Upon retirement, they moved to Flat Branch Road, almost back to where Daddy John had begun. He helped remodel the church his daddy had helped found, and he began to….farm.

The last summer he lived, he used a potato sack to protect his knees, crawling between the rows in his garden because he could no longer stoop to pull weeds.

The grief I experienced when Daddy John died was almost unbearable. I was filled with such sorrow I had a hard time functioning for a while. He had an old red Ford. My daddy was driving it. When I saw him pull in, I literally felt a leap of joy in my heart that Daddy John wasn’t gone. Of course, a split second later, I knew…and it hit me all over again.

I miss him to this day, even though he died in 1982.

He was eighty-seven, dying five years before my grandmother, in spite of his prayers to outlive and take care of her. Instead, God took him home. I can’t wait to see him again. The reunion will be sweet indeed.

To read all of Kathi Hill’s Columns just go to www.TheBestOfEBRJ.com and type KATHI HILL into the site search window.

“We anticipate a global world-maket with place for perhaps five computers.� -Tom Watson, IBM 1949

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ven though our work is really FUN, sometimes you just need a break from normal surroundings to refresh your mind. Robb and I decided we needed a few days away and we headed out to Helen, Georgia.

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Thia’s take: We had never been there before and had heard how cool of a place it was. Mapquest says from Jasper or Ellijay to Helen is less than one and a half hours. From Blue Ridge it’s just an hour.

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I’d seen pictures of this unique town at the edge of the mountains and we wanted to see it for ourselves. We decided to take the long way though. We weren’t in a hurry, so we took the scenic route right down through the middle of the ChattahoocheeOconee National Forests with great views of the mountains and valleys, and narrow winding roads that took us to places we’ve never seen before.

Suches for one. There are amazing nature filled activities in this area including hiking, and fishing. But

don’t hold your breath or you will miss “downtown.”

Cool fact- Suche’s Woody Gap is the smallest public school in Georgia, the one building holds grades K 12. This year there are 67 students and eleven teachers… Total!

After our leisurely three hour drive around and through the mountains, we are just a little bit outside of Helen and we glimpsed the beautiful winding Chattahoochee River. The river is crowded with people floating in colorful tubes! As we arrive in Helen,

“Guitar-groups have no future.” - EMI-manager for The Beatles 1962

we see the reason we came, the architecture! It’s an Alpine village filled with Swiss/German looking buildings. The downtown and surrounding blocks have that “Hansel & Gretel Cottage” look that I’ve never seen anywhere else.

We are lucky to be here on a not so busy day. The overcast weather, cloudy with a good chance of rain, has keep it from being crowded. Although there are lots of people on the sidewalks, and a line of cars on the main drag, it is not packed. I guess I would consider it traffic for about five blocks of the main drag,

further out, or one turn off and it’s calm enough.

We pulled up to my first choice hotel, Riverbend Motel & Cabins (I had checked the reviews on line and picked the one with the best ratings) and after talking to Mark the manager I was satisfied that we would enjoy our stay. For around $250 per night we rented half of a river front duplex on stilts. It was a nice clean two- story efficiency apartment right on the river with a gas fireplace and a jacuzzi tub. It was far from modern, but it was clean with a good view of the river. It was well cared for, and we had a

microwave and fridge, and most importantly, they take pets. If Lexi can’t go, we don’t go!

We walked around town to check it out. And being hungry decided to grab a bite for a quick lunch. What looked like the best solution was The Hooch Pizza right off the main thoroughfare. Two slices, a water and a diet coke was $15.

Being a tourist attraction, Helen draws not only crowds of visitors, but those that benefit from crowds and tourists, like street musicians.

CONTINUED NEXT PAGE

“Of all the things I've lost, I miss my mind the most.” - Ozzy Ozbourne

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We saw three different players strumming guitars and singing with their tip jars out. We enjoyed all of them, but one in particular, a young pretty talented girl named Camille. While we were listening to her sing and play, we noticed a man interrupt her song to strike up a conversation with her. He then dropped a bill into her tip jar and walked away. She turned to us all excited and said, “He just gave me a hundred dollar bill!” She told us that she had never gotten tipped a hundred dollar bill before this week, and now, here in Helen, this week, she had just been tipped a one hundred dollar bill for the second time! We were so happy for her!

And ironic enough, just minutes before, I was thinking how hard it would be, to have her chosen profession, as a public musician. And to make it even more difficult, she just had to stand there and sing and play, while people walked by her. She seemed so vulnerable to me. But obviously, she enjoyed it, especially when she was getting big tips. We talked to her for a while, and then apologized for our measly $2 tip.

She laughed and thanked us. She was having a great day, we were too!

Now that is was dark out, we decided it was time for dinner, and The Troll had the best view of the river, with outdoor seating. We ordered Nachos for our appetizer. Good enough. I liked them but nothing special. Gotta say the view and waiter made up for it.

Robb said he had to have some Wienerschnitzel since we were in a German town and he’d never had it before. Sadly, it was made out of those frozen chicken fried steak patties ( far from anything near authentic, probably far from anything containing veal) served with “german” potato salad, two kinds of sauerkraut and a slice of bread. Very disappointing and expensive. It was close to $20 for only his meal. We enjoyed the atmosphere on the river, the other guests and the service. But the food, not so much.

We were walking back through downtown, thinking that we needed just a little more fun before we left Helen the next morning, and we found it! We took a horse drawn carriage ride! Pam our driver was very nice. The horse, Nellie, so beautiful, used to be an Amish work horse and seemed

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happy pulling us around the block.

Pam and Nellie were so friendly and we enjoyed our little ride home. It really was a perfect end to our out of town break, and we were then dropped off back close to our hotel.

We walked the last block, and thought we might just fill up the up the Jacuzzi….

Robb’s take: Let me set the stage here… I don’t find calling a place a “Tourist Trap” derogatory, I find it merely descriptive. Let’s face it, Americans LOVE their tourist traps, that’s WHY they ARE tourist traps! Not only that but foreign visitors LOVE America’s tourist traps, again, that’s WHY they ARE tourist traps! If everybody didn’t love them the streets would be empty rather than jam-packed. I equate a tourist trap with what astrophysicist Stephan Hawking calls a “Black Hole.” They have this mysterious power to suck everything towards them and then finally into them. Hawking discovered what he called the “Event Horizon” the outer edge of the black hole, a point of no return. In this case I liken the Helen city limits with an event horizon. It was a point of no return because we had already invested the time and gas driving there and our eagerness to finally actually see what Helen Georgia was all about became insurmountably powerful. At the event horizon…. I mean Helen city limit, I could feel a sort of gravitational pull on my wallet… in fact, when I finally needed to pull out my wallet, not long after arriving, the bills inside were already pulled halfway out!

The town is beautiful, a Bavarian Village. Like something you’d see at Disney World. (By the way, tell me Orlando Florida is not a tourist trap albeit a really good one.) There’s lots of restaurants and shopping in Helen, some live entertainment. It was a very nice experience.

I have never had Wienerschnitzel, though I’ve heard the word all my life. I remember the first time hearing it as a child it made me giggle.

I guess it’s just one of those kinds of words. Come to think of it, it still makes me giggle, just not out loud. I figured, “Hey! I’m in a German town, what a perfect opportunity! I ordered the Wienerschnitzel at The Troll, unfortunately I have a strong suspicion I still have never had Wienerschnitzel. The Troll does have an excellent view of the

river on its outside patio.

Helen Georgia looks like the tubing capital of the world. The river runs all through the city and is packed with tubers while the streets are packed with busses ferrying the tubers around. I think I enjoyed the ride in the horsedrawn carriage the most. That’s just my speed. Like my friend Kelly said “Helen, Georgia is a tourist trap but everyone has to go there at least once.” I agree.

Your take: We wanted to know what YOU thought, Thia posted this on FaceBook “Having a hard time writing this Helen, Ga story. Truthfully, I found everything we did fun, but overall too expensive!” Here’s what some of our FaceBook friends had to say about Helen GA.....

Brian: Weirdly expensive = Helen... No idea how it happens but just always seems that way Jerry: most expensive place in Georgia.. lol Kathi: I have not been there in 35 years or more, and I said exactly the same thing.

Paul: YES, you have been to Helen!

Nancy: Helen is way expensive, Ellijay is where it's at!!!

Elijah: That's Helen Ga for ya. A tourism trap.

Julie: Don't sugar coat it- readers want truth.. Good, bad, and ugly!

Amy: Oh you got caught at tourist traps. Muellers Famous Cafe have Authentic German food. & Nacoochee Grill, both were very good.

Roy: Yep can be a little pricey Lora: I love the feel of the place. It's nostalgic and quaint. I think it makes a good day trip and is especially beautiful around Christmas. Tubing and flea markets are fun and the food is delicious!!

Lynelle: It's one of those places that going once is enough.

Mark: Giant expensive flea market that looks like a Bavarian town. If they had people constantly floating down the river in Bavaria.

Junior: Very high don't go much Kellie: I love Helen Ga!!! Its my forever escape from reality!!! Use to skip work and go to Helen from Decatur about 3 times a week ! LoL that was back in the day.. early 20's I got my 2nd tattoo there! October Fest is off the hook!

Love it!

Kristen: I love Helen. we go every chance we get.. its where matt and i fell in love. yonah burger, 1920 tattoo, and the little german pub thats in the tiny allyway.. Helen has my heart

Kirstie N'd Troy: I love Helen too. The nicest people there manage the Helendorf Hotel. I honestly don't find it any more expensive than any other tourist town. Where else in GA can you find a little German town? Oh and we must not forget Octoberfest.

Samantha: LOVE LOVE LOVE Helen!

Have been going there for 30 years Rob: I go every October! One of the jewels of north Ga. Beautiful drive, and did I mention they have fresh fudge.

Lynne: I think it's cheesy. . . much prefer Dahlonega Vickie N Larry: Very busy. Too much traffic. Over rated. Expensive. But if you like to hike there are some beautiful hikes and waterfalls to see. Buildings are pretty Brian: It's a place that you have to visit..... . ....I did get one of my tattoos there though.

Bonnie: Just there yesterday no good food places to eat. Lots of traffic.

Kellie: Paul's on the river is awesome!

Scotty: There's really nothing to do there but eat, sleep and drink. I can do that at home and save money.

Barbara: its a nice get away and parking is a little challenging, especially for disabled. The troll cavern is where we like to eat.

Dan: Last time I was there, there was a little store that sold over-priced dachshund stuff - German dogs ya know.

Also, it was over run with Harley/biker groups and stores and had little German flavor. There used to be a little restaurant that was family owned by a nice German-American couple (her name was Olga) and it served cultural fair - it was still there last time I was but was just regular, run of the mill food. I've not been back which is sad because I used to love going there and hiking around Anna Ruby Falls.

Lisa: "Cheesy"...good description.

Every store has the same tired souvenirs...the shopping is sadly lacking.

The food is poor to mediocre, the "water park" is a joke. It's a place to visit once, but not much to bring you back. Dahlonega, Blue Ridge and Ellijay have much more to offer, as does Asheville...a great place to visit!

Jennifer: Oktoberfest is the best time to visit if you like beer.

Shayne: Overrated, expensive,tired, blah! One visit is enough! Gatlinburg isn't much farther and there's no comp!

Sheryl: We stopped going to Helen 2 yrs. ago.....the parking fees too high, restaurant fees priced way too high for CONTINUED NEXT PAGE

“ Part of the secret of success in life is to eat what you like and let the food fight it out inside.” - Mark Twain

families....the shops had a lot of China made products and there again, priced too high! The first time I went back in 2005 it was Amazing!! I never saw it like that again!! Of course, coming here from Gatlinburg....well, there just isn't any comparison!!

Amanda: One of the best things about Helen is that you can go tubing on the Chattahoochee during the day and enjoy the rest of the town when you're done.

Naomi: had my honeymoon there and I did a carriage ride there that night ,and that was the only night I stayed.

Tammy & Robby: We love Helen!

Pauls on the River has the best steaks ever!

Eric: Tourist trap Jennifer: I love Helen its beautiful their and has good food and awesome fudge.

Kami: It's absolutely beautiful, but it is expensive!

And there you have it. A wide spectrum of opinions regarding Helen Georgia. What do YOU think?

Tell us: TheBestOfEBRJ@Gmail.com

Thank you for reading The Best Of Ellijay, Blue Ridge & Jasper - The “FUNPAPER�

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his craft is a special one to me because summer is my favorite season and I wanted to make the place, the people and craft are reflective of how much we enjoy our summers. We have spent many summers with some great friends so let me introduce you to my friend Amy and her children Cassie, Christopher, Cody and baby Coleman. We have been going swimming, picnicking and more for about 15 years of summers so I asked them to join us for this craft. We chose to make homemade bouncy balls and what better place to do this craft than at the beach at the lake we have been going to for over 15 years. We decided to meet one beautiful sunny day at the pavilion at Harris Branch Beach on Carters Lake in Ellijay Georgia to make our bouncy balls, have a picnic, then go swimming for a while.

Upon arriving at the pavilion, the kids were crazy excited to see each other and it took a little calming and talking and hugging before we could get down to crafting business. It had been a couple months since they had seen each other so this was so sweet to see especially Tristan and Christopher who share the same birthday being born only an hour and forty one minutes apart and being delivered two doors down in the same hospital by the same doctor.

The two of them have always been very close and always hug when seeing each other. The teachers in the school in Kindergarten even said that when they met in the hallway they always stopped and hugged each other. I love that they are so close and such good friends and cousins.

We settle down and decide to make our bouncy balls at a picnic table, then start to get out our materials and ingredients. You have to have a couple of cups, something to stir the ingredients with, measuring spoons, hot water, borax, glue, corn starch and food coloring which is optional. We did not use the food coloring but if you want to add color or design to your bouncy balls then the food coloring is definitely an ingredient you would need to pick up otherwise the balls will be a plain milky white color.

I chose to do the mixing of ingredients since the kids are still quite young and some of these ingredients are hard for them to be able to work with. They were very excited and watched intently as I did each step. In the first cup I poured the 2 tablespoons of hot water and the half teaspoon of borax and stirred it until it had completely dissolved well into the water. In the second cup I poured the one tablespoon of glue, one tablespoon of corn starch, and if you use food coloring you would add it at this time as well. Then you will add the ingredients in the first cup to the second cup stirring them together well. Once the mixtures in both cups are completely stirred together you let it sit for about 15 seconds. This time, as short as it is, can feel like an eternity when you are sitting at a beach with small children who want to get on with this craft so they can have bouncy balls and go swimming.

Once the fifteen seconds of eternity was over all there is left to do is to scoop out the mixture and let the kids roll the balls out in the palms of their hands. Each child got a scoop and began to roll them out. It is much the way that you would do rolling play dough into a ball. The mixture is a lot like play dough or silly putty when you first start to work with it.

As you might imagine rolling out the bouncy balls caused lots of excitement and giggles as they all talked about theirs and showed them to each other. It takes a little while of doing this to get the ball to the texture that you need it to be. You may even have to add some corn starch if your mixture doesn’t want to firm up the way that it should to make the bouncy ball stay together.

Once the craft is complete and the kids have the bouncy ball they are happy with then they are free to play with them as they choose. They are a lot of fun indoor or outdoor as you can imagine and playing with them at the beach only added to the excitement. I am so glad that I chose this craft and the people and place combination just made it all the more special. I would say this craft was an overall success in many ways.

The kids all had a very fun time together and learned some new lessons also. They learned about measuring ingredients and mixing them together as well as about textures and patience. The most important lessons that were learned at that lake that day were learned by not only the kids doing the craft but by the older kids watching and the adults who made the arrangements for the event. That lesson was one in friendship and fun. Friendship is very important to us all so that we have someone to share things with and lean on when that is needed as well. As I watched those children together I thought about my friendship with their mother which started when we were eleven years old and still is close and going strong today and their fathers friendship which started when both their daddy’s were in Kindergarten and still is going equally as strong today. It is my prayer that these children remain close in friendship over the years so that they have that bond and someone to share the good and bad with through life.

The other lesson was on fun and honestly I believe fun and laughter is necessary to make it through this life. Bouncy balls, crafting, and friends all lead to laughter and fun. Always find a way to have fun and enjoy life. That is one very important life lesson. I hope you all had fun reading about our crafty day at the lake with our silly kids and good friends.

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am asked from time to time about the Carla Tatum Band, and how did you and Carla meet? What is it like to be in a band with each other? So I thought I would take a minute and tell y’all the story of how it all began. I was driving a Yugo if any of you happen to remember those cars and I had an 8 foot Christmas tree tied to the top of it. So basically I needed to add a little more car to that Christmas tree! Well it is about 8 degrees outside and I run out of gas. I am about a mile from the good ole Country Cupboard so I get out of the car and start limping. Yep limping because I had been in an accident and was on a cane. I finally get to the Country Cupboard and buy me a gas can and a little gas. To say my mood was beyond bad is an understatement ! I get up to the register and it wasn’t hello or hi. It was “Smile your face won’t crack.” I couldn’t believe what I had just heard. Was she insane? Did I hear her right !? I looked up and seen this little mischievous grin and a sparkle in her eyes that I couldn’t help but laugh at what she had said. A very attractive, friendly, brave soul indeed. As I left the Country Cupboard I knew that I would see her again.

Well low and behold I did. My brother Greg who is a very talented guitarist himself and Dave a drummer friend of ours was putting together a band and wanted me to come and jam. I agreed and Greg started talking about this singer that he was seeing and thought that she might be a pretty good fit for the band . Well I was like uh oh! A girl has a crush on the bass player in the band and now claims she can sing. Hmm surely that never really happens. Please note the sarcasm. Well we get there and get loaded in and our female singer hasn’t arrived yet. I’m upstairs when I hear Unchained Melody by the Righteous Brothers being sung acapella by a woman and I thought, how neat. It was such a beautiful version of the song. I thought to myself, man someone

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had a heck of a good idea. I wondered if it was Reba or Pam Tillis or Tammy Winette? I yelled downstairs, hey man can you rewind that? Well the answer I got was a bunch of giggling. I thought what the heck? Does it cost money to rewind a cassette? My brother yells up the stairs that what I’d heard was the new female singer. I started down the stairs yelling back the statement “Yeah yeah and I’m Bugs Bunny about to blast off for the moon in my carrot shaped rocket ship” Well just as I get down the stairs I notice how quiet it had gotten and I was about to tell everybody to lighten up, when I look around the corner and see this girl. She’s got a hat on with a yellow gold shirt and wearing a tie rocking the Debby Gibson look better than Debby Gibson and standing behind the mic with those same sparkling eyes that I had seen a year earlier, except this time they were glaring at me! So there I stood not able to even muster an I’m sorry out of what ten seconds earlier was a really really big mouth! The night went on and we had a blast. We played together another time or two in that little basement but that was about it Her and Greg broke it off and went there own ways. I never forgot that cashier girl that could sing better than a lot of singers on the radio.

Some years later we wind up together again writing songs! The magic we had as song writers was amazing. That beautiful voice was still just as beautiful but even better. We worked together some more and it didn’t take long to figure out that we was in love with each other and in love with making music together too!

So the story continues today.

Yep I went on to marry that brave cashier. I got off of my cane and nope my face didn’t crack. Her name is Carla Tatum and we just celebrated 20 years together and along the way we have enjoyed many successes. We have done radio interviews together, television together,

Cody

concerts together, even had a baby, named Cody, that grew up to be our drummer in… yep, you guessed it…

The Carla Tatum band! We have watched all our four boys grow up to be good men and one of them even has children of his own. Our son and drummer Cody recently got to see his first concert. Yep! That’s right, he had never seen a concert that he wasn’t there to play. I remember watching Cody meet with drumming legend Richie Albright who was Waylon Jennings drummer. We had opened for Waymore’s Outlaws who was basically Waylon’s touring and studio band. Carla and I watched our son walk up to Richie and tell him he felt like he was in the presence of royalty and Richie tell him he had done a great job. To watch the music of tomorrow meet with a legend of yesterday to create a magical moment in the present was something we will never forget.

Carla has been nominated for best female artist on Georgia–country.com. Go give her a vote. I did, a long time ago and I have no regrets. If the Good Lord is willing and the creeks don’t rise I’ll see ya’ll next month ! Peace !!

"I spilled spot remover on my dog. He's gone now." - Steven Wright

"I named my dog 'Stay'... so I can say 'Come here, Stay. Come here, Stay.'"- Steven Wright

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eautiful and serene. Contemporary and clean. Plus calm and modern describes Ably Asian. If you had not seen the name of the restaurant before you walked in, you would not know what kind of food they served by looking at the decor. This is not your typical Asian Restaurant. The hand rubbed metal fronted bar does serve several kinds of saki, but they also have wine from California, Washington & Italy. You won’t find clock cats or red plastic lanterns here either. What you will find is first class service, fresh cooked food at reasonable prices and an atmosphere of caring, about their customers and the food they serve.

Our waiter, Jimmy, is well-know in the area as the guy who can remember everyone’s order without writing it down, and he has proven it to us several times, whether it was just Robb and I, to when we were with 6 other friends. The owner, CK Phang, seems to always be there, watching over, helping out and checking up, which is why you will find everything at Ably Asian is just about perfect.

Our most recent visit was with our friends Amy and Marty. Amy calls the restaurant and the decor, “trendy!” We walked in right after they had just sat two large parties. Now since the kitchen is not very big, and they cook everything custom to order, we were going to wait a little bit while the other two tables were attended to. But while we waited, it was not without the constant presence of the owner, who brought us a delicious complimentary spicy crab salad appetizer. I’d never had it before but my first thought after a bite was "fresh"! It was shredded raw vegetables, crab, sesame oil and spices.

Very light and tasty. Perfect to whet our appetite for the amazing food to come.

Our appetizers of Fresh Basil Roll & Satay Chicken were flavorful and delicious.

As usual when Jimmy took our order, he did not write it down, but when the food started coming out, it was just as we had ordered, no mistakes. All the way down to me asking for extra veggies thrown into my Sesame Chicken, which I ordered spicy. But I wanted more than just broccoli for veggies, so that’s just what I got, along with tender, white chicken and yummy fried

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rice. We've witnessed his memory prowess even at a large table ten. He's amazing!

When Marty ordered just a Dragon roll for dinner, I didn’t think it would be enough for him to eat. But when it arrived, it was HUGE! And as he said, absolutely delicious.

Amy ordered "Golden Shrimp with Glazed Walnut" which we all tasted. It looked beautiful on the plate and tasted beautiful in my mouth! Shrimp isn’t one of my favorites, but I would definitely order this for myself next time we eat there. It was amazing!

Robb usually gets Shrimp with Lobster Sauce when we eat asian, and he’s had it at Ably Asian before and it was great. But he wanted to be adventurous and try something different. He ordered the "Triple Delight", chicken, beef and shrimp sauteed with assorted vegetables in brown sauce with rice. He said "It was absolutely delicious, a non-stop delight on my tongue."

We were pretty stuffed but wanted a taste of something sweet so we had a shared dessert of mango and sticky rice. It was different and tasty. A perfect end, to our perfect meal.

My fortune cookie said… "While too much food may fill the stomach, too much knowledge can never fill the brain." Perhaps, but no amount of knowledge will taste as good or fill you up like a meal at Ably Asian. Robb and I give it 2 Forks Up! So do Amy and Marty.

Ably Asian - 744 Noah Dr, Jasper, GA 30143 - Next to FATZ (706) 253-1155 www.ablyasiancuisine.com

To read all of our “2 Forks Up” Restaurant Reviews just go to www.TheBestOfEBRJ.com/restaurant-reviews/

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ver 149 years ago, even our beautiful neck of the woods could not escape the carnage that was the Civil War or as many refer to it, The War of Northern Aggression.

Don’t think for a minute just because we are below the Mason Dixon Line, there weren’t a lot of sympathetic supporters for the Union cause in these mountains.

Many men left the area and joined either the Union or Confederate forces. This in itself pitted family against family and friend against friend. This also left the women to raise their children and tend to the farms.

Everyone suffered and sacrificed.

My Great, Great, Great Grandfather (Francis Marion Ellis) was a Private in the 11th Regiment, Georgia Infantry. He was wounded in a battle at Sharpsburg. He suffered a gunshot wound to the leg and was unable to travel with his unit to the Battle of Gettysburg.

He is now buried up in Morgantown with his unit. He has a CSA (Confederate states of America) tombstone. We all know that the Battle of Gettysburg caused massive death and destruction.

The Confederate Home Guard was a kind of militia made up of those who did not leave to fight. The guard worked under the direction of the Confederate States of America and was tasked with both the defense of the Confederate home front as well as to help track down and capture Confederate Army deserters. They were considered the last line of defense against the invading Union forces. The guard was also used to identify and control any local civilians who were considered sympathetic to the Union cause.

Needless to say, this power caused many problems for both the guard and those they were supposed to protect.

There are countless stories of the home guard committing the very crimes they were supposed to protect against. I remember, several years ago, hearing a story about a group of the home guard. It seems there were several of them involved in some not so nice things. When the soldiers returned from the

war and learned what had been going on, they proceeded to round up the offenders and, after a “trial” the members of the home guard were hanged for their misdeeds. I have also heard that on a really still night down in the southeast part of Gilmer County, the faint glow of several rolled cigarettes can be seen moving through the woods. It is believed this is the ghosts of the home guard, roaming the area, looking for something to pillage.

There are several accounts of a military presence in our area during the Civil War. It is said, the Confederates had a hospital located somewhere near the Gennett Poplar up around Bear Creek. One person told me he had found names of soldiers and dates carved in the root system of some of the older stand of trees in that area.

There are also stories of the Union maintaining an encampment in the area of Noontootla Creek and also along the river where the Cartecay and Ellijay rivers meet to form the Coosawattee where the Ace Hardware now stands. Gilmer County historian, Lawrence Stanley, had published in one of his books about a lone war related death taking place in Gilmer County. He said a Union officer was asleep on a bench in the area of the courthouse on the square when a Confederate soldier rode up and saw him; he drew his weapon and killed the officer as he slept.

Although I have not been able to locate it, I have been told of a military grave marker located a few miles away from Carters Lake. It is said to belong to a Union soldier who was caught in the area, tried, hung as a deserter and buried on the spot. I would love to have chance to see it, if anyone happens to know the location!

Our country was affected in many ways by the war. No one really escaped the hardships caused by it. Even our beautiful mountain area bares scars if you are willing to look. We are blessed with a very rich history and we need to make sure it is always remembered. That is what we owe our children for generations to come.

"Yesterday I was a dog. Today I'm a dog. Tomorrow I'll probably still be a dog. Sigh! There's so little hope for advancement." - Snoopy

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"Did you ever walk into a room and forget why you walked in? I think that is how dogs spend their lives." - Sue Murphy

My daughter and a friend built a green house this spring and are growing organic vegetables and herbs. We are trying to eat healthier and I have been looking for recipes that are healthier. This was sent to me on Facebook by my sister. I have made this recipe several times and it is a big hit with friends and family. It's is so light and refreshing, I'm sure you will want to serve this to your family.

Salad 1 pint of cherry tomatoes 1 avocado 2 ears of corn 2 Tbsp cilantro

Honey Lime dressing Juice of 1 lime 3 Tbsp vegetable oil 2 Tbsp honey 1 clove garlic (minced) 1 jalapeño Sea salt & pepper Dash of cayenne

Grill corn about 10 mins. When cooled cut off cob. Dice avocado and put lime on to keep it from turning brown. In a bowl add tomatoes, avocado, corn and cilantro. Using a jar make Honey Lime dressing. Shake to mix and pour over salad.

If you like less heat remove seeds from jalapeño and only use half.

I served this with cheddar biscuits and some tea. What a perfect meal for the summer or anytime.

Until next edition have a great summer, Nan “Free puppies: 1/2 cocker spaniel, 1/2 sneaky neighbor's dog.” - Classified Ad

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“And In The End... The Love You Take, Is Equal To The Love... You Make.” - The Beatles