The best of the north georgia mountains issue 17 november 2015 by The Best of the North Georgia Mountains

It’s funny how divine intervention can change someone’s life in an instant. For example, if you had talked to me in July about the possibility of becoming the owner of a newspaper (and the head of a snowman) in the North Georgia mountains, I’d have said you were one apple shy of a bushel. But one Saturday afternoon in August, my wife Cindy had felt sick all day - then out of the blue - suggested that we take the family up to the Swan Drive-In in Blue Ridge. She didn’t particularly want to see the movie that was showing, “The Fantastic Four,” but she was adamant about going to the Swan that night. So, we loaded up the Pilot with half of our kids - Jack, 7, and Sophia, 14 - and

FR E

As country comedienne Minnie Pearl always said, ‘We’re jes’ so proud to be here!’

HOWWW-DEEE!

headed from Calhoun to the mountains. (Our two other sons, Drake, 23, and Chris, 16, were busy with other pursuits.) In the middle of the movie, Jack (a few days shy of his eighth birthday at the time - he was born on Labor Day in 2007) had to go to the restroom, of course, and fortunately for him and his insatiable sweet tooth, the concession stand just happened to be on the way to the potty. Cindy volunteered to take him, and after a stop

By MITCH TALLEY

See MITCH, Page 78

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The love of family and the admiration of friends is much more important than wealth and privilege.â&#x20AC;? - Charles Kuralt

“I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.” ― Charles Dickens

Could that be...

Away from the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season and far removed from the spectacularly beautiful “leaf” season with its fall festivals and such, lie the Cohutta Mountains of late December. Devoid of visitors, eerily quiet yet wonderfully peaceful, the mountains have emptied except for those hearty enough to brave the cold, dreary weather winter brings to the higher elevations. Along with the unforgiving weather, beginning the first of January, the forest service roads along the upper portions of the Cohutta Wilderness will close and will not reopen until early March – essentially “closing” the mountains for winter. So, each year around this time, I have my “Christmas Hike.” It’s that last hike of the season and my final opportunity to add one more memory to the bank of memories I have created to carry me through the dark and gloomy days before spring. This particular hike, my “Christmas Hike,” fell on Christmas Eve. My plan was to hike the East Cowpen Trail, (the trailhead located at the junction of Forest Service Roads No. 64 and No. 2), to Panther Creek. From there, take the Panther Creek Trail to Panther Creek Falls.

YOU KNOW WHO? f! Woof! o o W ! f o o W , Santa Is that you Claus???

“Today you are you! That is truer than true! There is no one alive who is you-er than you!” - Dr. Seuss

There was a slight chance of snow, otherwise overcast, with a foggy mist blanketing the valleys. No breeze to speak of, not a sound could be heard and – as far as I could tell, I had the mountains to myself. Lucy, my precocious pit bull and hiking buddy, is with me as always. With this being her first “Christmas Hike,” she doesn’t exactly take to the idea of the ornamental Styrofoam Reindeer Antlers I’m trying to strap to her head. Yes, that’s right, ornamental Styrofoam Reindeer Antlers. I’m a festive kind of guy so we’re going to be festive… a Santa Hat for me and made-for-dogs festive Reindeer Antlers for Lucy so, willingly or not, she can share in the spirit of Christmas. Now, I don’t know what tiny little docile critter these ornamental Styrofoam Reindeer Antlers were tested on for fit and durability, but I’m certain it wasn’t a 60-lb. precocious pit bull with a penchant for destroying shoes, pillows and any other assorted household objects. And, yes, there was a more durable, plastic set of ornamental Reindeer Antlers I could’ve gotten but I wasn’t sure how she was going to take to the festive doggie headgear so I went the way of cheap and Styrofoam. Twenty minutes and one destroyed Styrofoam antler later, the battle is over. A single partially chewed Reindeer Antler remains, dangling to the side rather than upright but, nonetheless, it’s there. We’re festive, both a bit disheveled, but festive. East Cowpen runs along a ridgeline a ways before tapering downward and meeting up with Panther Creek. Here, there’s an open grassy area and, it’s here, where I see him. A light snow begins to fall as we come upon the man. He is an older gentleman with a long grey beard. He’s bundled for winter - though, unusually so and in a way I can best describe as Davy Crockett meets Viking from Norse mythology. A worn but sturdy dark crimson coat

with fur lined cuffs and collar. Toboggan and trousers to match. Black boots, muddy and scuffed. A hardened, grizzled woodsman from many, many years past but, for some reason, here before me. Alone, he sits on a log and warms his hands by a tiny campfire. The snowfall increases and a slight breeze tickles the air. He shivers a bit, rubs his hands together for warmth then stokes the fire with a broken pine limb. Lucy is ahead of me and, before I have a chance to call her back, makes her way to the mysterious woodsman. His head turns - face weathered from many years in the harshest of elements, and looks upon Lucy through dark, piercing eyes. Placing the tip of the pine limb in the now roaring fire, he props the stick on the granite rocks bordering the fire. Slowly raising his hand, he reaches for the ornamental Styrofoam Reindeer Antler precariously perched on the side of Lucy’s head. “Com’ere little girl. Whatcha got around yer head there? Lemme see if I can fix that for ya,” the jovial tone of his gravely, baritone voice bringing comfort to the odd, unexpected encounter. “I’m sorry sir. She just likes people and, well…come here Lucy.” Not acknowledging my apology and completely focused on the excited little bundle of pit bull energy before him, he continues to fumble with the chewed, tattered Reindeer Antler. Eyes softened - twinkling even, and voice now a cheerful roar. “Well Lucy, I don’t believe there’s much I can do for that antler ya got there.” Again, pleading, “Sir, I’m sorry. Lucy, please…”

“The mountains are calling and I must go.” - John Muir

“Oh-h-h-h-h, ho-o-o ho-o-o ho-o-o.” the hearty laugh echoing through the Cohuttas. “Nothing to apologize for, my good man. Sweet little dog ya got here. Not much can be done for that antler though.” His giant smile was wrapped by a million wrinkles on his leathery face. “Yeah, she kind of ate the other side of it a ways back.” For some reason, I’m feeling a little embarrassed. “Lucy, come here and let me take that thing off.” Removing what remains of the Styrofoam antler, I cram it into my backpack. “Where ya headed with yer little dog?” he asks. “This weather’s gonna pick up before long.” “Down to Panther Creek Falls for a look and then back out.” To the west, the skies darken and wind now rattles through the frigid tree tops. The snowfall becomes heavier and the ground is now dusted with a fresh, Christmas Eve snow. Still sitting, the woodsman pulls his coat tight – snow gathering on his shoulders. He stokes the fire again – glowing red coals dance with swirling snowflakes while racing upwards toward the sky. He rubs his hands together for warmth, more deliberate this time and with a sense of purpose and conviction. Now somewhat puzzled at the man before me, I ask, “So, where’d you come in from? There were no other vehicles at the trailhead and, from any other direction, it’s at least a day’s walk to here.” Not pointing or looking in any specific direction, the woodsman says, “Oh, round about from here and there. This is just one of my favorite places to come and relax before the big day.” Snow covers the ground and the now ominous sky gives no indication of this just being a passing storm. Given it’s Christmas Eve, I still have a ways to go before the falls and not wanting to explain to my wife how I once again got myself into another harrowing predicament way up in the Cohuttas, I decide to turn back. “Well, looks like the weather’s getting pretty bad. I believe Lucy and I are going to head back. You gonna be OK out here?” “Oh-h-h, ho-o-o ho-o-o ho-o-o!” the hearty laughter barreling through the mountains again. “Yes, my good man. Just a pit stop of sorts on the way…” he pauses, “…on the way from here to there.” “Have a Merry Christmas!” I say before heading back towards the trailhead.

“Merry Christmas to you, and to yer little dog Lucy,” he says with a chuckle and gleam in his eye. I turn and head away. Suddenly, from behind me, I hear a thundering “Swoooooooooosh!” The trees rattle at their tops and from somewhere above, I hear, “Oh, and please make sure to tell your wife, Patti, that I said Merry Christmas! Hooo hooo hooo!” I spin around. Nothing. The woodsman is gone and the blaze extinguished with just a slight wisp of smoke giving any indication a fire was even there. I rush to where the woodsman once sat. The ground is churned, scuffs and scrapes all about and, at least I think it to be so, I can make out hoof prints in the tattered mix of earth and snow. And, if I didn’t know better, it appears that something on two rails was being dragged – at least to a point anyway before disappearing. A sleigh maybe? No, that’s just crazy. The sound of jingling bells fills the air - hundreds it seems, from all around. “Swooooooosh!” A sonic boom shaking the earth this time. “Hoooooo hoooooo hooooo!” comes the sound from above, seemingly circling me at this point. I look towards the sky, eyes darting in every direction. Still nothing. As chaotic as the last few moments had been, the mountains draw silent again, still. Not a sound to be heard. “Patti?” I say aloud. How did the woodsman know my wife’s name? I look down at Lucy, who’s calmly sitting at my side, tail wagging. “Lucy, do you think that was … you know, Santa Claus?” Looking back at me, she tilts her head and – and this may sound crazy, I think she smiles. Making our way back to the trailhead, I discover a little box – wrapped in red paper with green ribbon and bow, on the hood of my truck. On it, a card which reads, “For, Lucy. From, Santa.” Upon opening the box, I find a set of doggie ornamental Reindeer Antlers – and these were plastic! I hear again – this time tailing away and far in the distance, “Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night! Hoooo Hooo Hoooo!” I smile and wonder if Patti will ever believe me when I tell her the story of how I came back from my “Christmas Hike” with a brand new set of plastic ornamental Reindeer Antlers.

What do you call people who are afraid of Santa Claus? Claustrophobic.

GONE FISHIN’ Students - and parents alike enjoy a field trip to the Tennessee Aquarium, where a world not always seen and appreciated awaits visitors My wife Cindy and I have been on dozens of school field trips over the past 20 or so years with our four children. But a recent trip to the Tennessee Aquarium may just rank among the best. Our son Jack is in second grade at Calhoun Primary School, and all the second graders piled into buses to go see the aquarium, which has been open in Chattanooga now for 23 years. When I was a kid in the 1960s, there wasn’t much to do in Chattanooga, other than maybe go to Rock City or Ruby Falls or eat at the Krystal. Visiting those places might have been a requirement to get your official degree as a true Southerner back in those days. Now, though, Chattanooga has rebounded nicely from the old days when it was known for being a dirty, polluted city thanks to the many heavy industries in the area. If you haven’t been to the aquarium, Cindy and I – as well as Jack and the rest of the second graders – overwhelmingly can tell you it’s well worth the trip. The aquarium is divided into two sections – the River Journey and the Ocean Journey. We all agreed that the Ocean section was more interesting and exciting, though both sections had their good moments

By MITCH TALLEY

“You have to feel the bite of the wind to appreciate the warmth of a winter coat.” - Fennel Hudson

and it’s worth going to see both. For the $29.95 price of admission, you get a two-sided ticket that lets you get into both sections. If you do go, we strongly recommend that you set aside the better part of the day, depending on how in depth you want to get with your study of the river and ocean. If you’re like me and enjoy reading the little signs that tell you interesting facts about what you’re looking at, then you should be prepared to stay all day. (Cindy says: Hurry up, Mitch; we’ve got shopping to do!) On the other hand, Jack’s class was on a tight schedule and had to hurry through to get to see all of the exhibits. In fact, we got

lost from his class about midway through the Ocean Journey and weren’t able to find them until they were enjoying a sack lunch at the nearby Imax Theater. With 8-year-olds, however, that fast pace might not have been a bad thing since their attention spans can sometimes fade pretty quickly. The folks at the aquarium have done a great job coming up with a good blend of interesting creatures, and even old-timers like me can still learn some things along the tour. I never knew that owls, for example, can’t move their eyes. At least the one at the aquarium couldn’t, according to the fellow who was holding it for the kids to look at. To change what they’re looking at around

Maybe Christmas, the Grinch thought, doesn’t come from a store. - Dr. Seuss

them, owls have to turn their whole head, which appeared to be on a swivel that locked into place at 45 and 90 degree angles, sort of like a car door swinging open at different intervals. The kids seemed to love the petting areas the most, where they were able to touch a baby hammerhead shark, stingrays, and other slimy creatures. Each side of the aquarium had special areas where the kids (and even Cindy) were able to touch the animals with two fingers, being sure to use hand sanitizer nearby to clean up afterwards. I’m not into slime and I like having all my fingers intact, so I just took pictures. One of my favorite parts was the jellyfish exhibit, which was really beautiful, and the electric eel fascinated me, too. I also liked the octopus who was kind enough to allow us to see the many suction cups on the bottom of his (her?) arms. Another interesting and beautiful part was the butterfly exhibit, where we had been warned by a tour guide several times (20 times according to one of the teachers LOL) NOT TO TOUCH THE BUTTERFLIES. Well, lo and behold, no one told the butterflies NOT TO TOUCH THE HUMANS. I got some great shots of one of the teachers with a butterfly calmly sitting on top of her head enjoying the view! Be warned: There’s a lot of walking involved in your

“People who think they know everything are a great annoyance to those of us who do.” - Isaac Asimov

visit, and you’ll be dead tired by the time you get through. But it’s well worth it – the aquarium obviously put a lot of thought into designing the exhibits, and it shows. It’s almost a case of sensory overload sometimes, with the beauty of nature literally enveloping you like a cocoon at every twist and turn. Another great thing is that during your tour, you’ll get to see magnificent views of the Tennessee River and the surrounding land through the huge windows that have made the top of the aquarium a landmark in downtown Chattanooga. We especially liked the beautiful bridge right next to the aquarium. Even the trip back to your car offers more fun for the kids. Jack climbed up on top of a concrete sidewalk creation that had been intentionally split in half to create a mini-ramp

“Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.” - Norman Vincent Peale

over some water. He had a great time lying on top of it. There is also a bridge with what seemed like 500 steps to the top that Jack made a special point to run to the top of, where he raised his arms triumphantly into the air a la Rocky. If you like to eat, like me, you’ll also love the many restaurants within walking distance of the aquarium. We ate at the Mellow Mushroom and happened to be sitting next to some folks from an unidentified foreign country. We couldn’t understand what they were saying, but the words sounded beautiful, like maybe French. I’m inclined to believe that they may have been romantic Frenchmen since they were giving my lovely wife the up-and-down look all through the meal. These folks were getting ready to leave after taking part in the nearby Ironman bicycle competition that had just finished up the day before. Chattanooga is a great little city, and you would really need a week-long vacation to see everything if you don’t live in the area. Of course, if you live in our North Georgia mountains, it’s just a short drive up to Chattanooga so you could make several day trips over a period of months and see something different each time.

What kind of music do elves like best? “Wrap” music!

A little history courtesy of the Aquarium: Within our two buildings, you’ll trace the path of water from the mountains to the sea. Come faceto-face with the fascinating native animals that live in our backyards and the amazing creatures that thrive in some of the most remote locations on Earth. We celebrate the rich biodiversity of the Southeast through our exhibits and are actively engaged in preserving and restoring that biodiversity through our work in the field. The Aquarium’s research arm, the Tennessee Aquarium Conservation Institute, has a focused expertise in restoring freshwater ecosystems and helping people appreciate the need for environmental health in our region. Since opening its doors in 1992, the Tennessee Aquarium has played a crucial role in Chattanooga’s economic development efforts and has become a nationally acclaimed attraction. A recent analysis by the University of Tennessee Center for Sustainable Business and Development reveals how our nonprofit organization leads the way to a future that is economically, educationally and environmentally sound. We continue to be a driver for Chattanooga’s growth, contributing annually $101.3 million in economic impact. We attract more than 700,000 visitors to our facility, many of whom bring to our city out-of-town dollars that local businesses may not otherwise earn. Our activities support a robust tax base that support essential services in our community, like funding for roads and schools. And the multiplier effect of our Aquarium operations support 1,086 jobs across our community.

“You can’t get too much winter in the winter.” - Robert Frost

His name is Rambo and he is a 2-year-old Australian Cattle dog/lab mix. He is leash trained, playful, and extremely affectionate. True to the breed, Rambo is an intensely focused dog, highly intelligent, instincPAWS BE GOOD, INC., tively protective, and remarkably tenacious. For Rambo, giving up on life just isn’t an option. That tenacity 501C3 Company and local animal rescue workers are what saved his life when he was struck by a car and left to die alone 1711 John Teem Road on the side of the road. Rambo’s new adopting mom recently lost her loyal companion of more than 17 Talking Rock. GA. 30175 years. That loss left an enormous void in both her home and her heart –a void this incredible little guy 706-669-7670 with the shattered leg was destined to fill. As much as his waiting family needs and wants Rambo, he also PawsBeGood.com needs this family to love and protect for the remainder of his days. It’s a win-win for both of them. But the severe injury to his leg must be treated before he can go to his new home and that treatment will require $6,000 in veterinary fees. An insurmountable goal? Only if we allow it to be. Yes, Rambo faces a huge roadblock on his highway to happiness. His kennel cough is being treated thanks to Paws Be Good (a charity that trains service dogs for our military veterans). But the cost of the surgery needed to repair Rambo’s leg is far more than Paws Be Good can pay. Rambo’s only hope lies in human kindness and the charitable spirit of the holidays. Whatever you can spare, -one dollar, five, ten?—together we can all play a part in bringing this family together, in assuring that Rambo finally finds his way home. Life didn’t give up on Rambo. How can we? Donations can be mailed to the address listed or on the web site. Thank you for caring.

A little rain can’t stop these new friends from enjoying A LOT of great Chinese food It was a cold and rainy night. Not wanting to make dinner and sick of being in the house, it was time to get out for a good meal and some fun! Robb and I decided to meet up with By Robb and Thia Newmann our friends, (the new owners of the paper), Mitch and Cindy, for some yummy Chinese food, lots of laughs, and of course some business discussion. We met at Hot n Cold Buffet (Restaurant Row, Walmart Plaza, Ellijay) and were greeted with a smile by Sue the owner. Sue and her family bought the restaurant in 2012 and take pride in the food they serve. The place is clean. The food is fresh and refilled often. The minute you walk in the door, you will be overwhelmed with the delicious smells and HUGE amount of food waiting for you. We grabbed a nice table, ordered soft drinks and were off to grab some food. I started with some delicious and steaming hot wonton soup. It tasted so good and warmed up my hands and my insides. Then I was ready for a big plate full of my favorites. We eat at H& C all the time, so I even know where on the huge bars “my” food is! Starting with a couple scoops of Thai Spicy rice, and topping that with mushrooms, I then wander down to find my

“The smells of Christmas are the smells of childhood.” - Richard Paul Evans

sweet and sour (white meat) chicken and Crab Rangoon. I usually grab a couple kinds of veggies too. All of my choices are top notch and rank with the best Chinese food I’ve had. I know I should be more adventurous and try new things, but I know what things I love and I get them over and over again. Luckily Mitch decided that he would be adventurous tonight so he, for the first time ever, had breaded frog’s legs. He liked ‘em and said… ( guess what?) “They’re good. They taste like chicken!” Robb here: You know what also tastes like chicken? CHICKEN! No, I’m not as adventurous as Mitch. I’ve never had the frog legs, but I have tried all the many varieties of chicken-heavy dishes at Hot n Cold. There are many to choose from. But also many beef and pork and shrimp and vegetable dishes and soup and desserts — so I guess if I’m ever still hungry after a few trips filling up my plate with all that, MAYBE I’ll try a frog leg? Or, maybe not, and just leave more for all the frog leg lovers among you. Also, besides all the choices out on the steam tables, there’s a Hibachi and Sushi chef at the back, you can choose all your raw ingredients and have your dish custom cooked or get some freshly rolled Sushi. I love Hot n Cold Buffet. By the way, there’s lots of other choices besides Chinese on the buffet. I’ve had Polish sausage, steak, pizza, chicken wings, fried chicken, peel and eat shrimp; they have fish, soup and a salad bar. Like Thia, I have my “go to” favorites, but I always try to find something new each time. There are so many different things to choose from, you probably won’t get to 10 percent in one visit. In order to just get a taste of everything they have, you’ll have to come back several times. If I gave you a list of all the items to eat I would have no room for the story! It’s like a gastronomical adventure! And I have to mention the prices are really fair-Lunch is $6.99, Dinner is $10.99. Thia’s Back: After a leisurely meal with many refills of food and drink, we made a final browse for a taste of the dessert items. ( I was so stuffed, I looked but didn’t take any). And then our server brought us out our fortune cookies. Cindy had a trick on how to pick which one belonged to each of us. We really had a wonderful evening, and it certainly made me forget the cold and rain. Oh, and I don’t remember exactly whose fortune said what, but I think Mitch’s said something about being a great success in business! ;) All of our forks way up!

“What’s another word for Thesaurus?” - Steven Wright

RAIN, SLEET OR SNOW... To the barn I go!

Much like the old saying for the mail service, winter on the farm means you get out in the weather no matter if it’s rain, sleet I thou ght yo or snow. u said we we There are days re beach going to th where I slide my this w e inter! feet into my furlined barn boots and throw on my big coat over the top of my warm fuzzy robe. I slide my gloves on and put my crazy knit cap on my head and open the door to exclaim ... “Baby it’s cold outside!” No matter what it’s like out there I have to venture out to the barn, because there are a lot of little critters waiting to see my happy face. Well, we all know that’s not true - they are waiting to see my happy face holding a bucket of feed. There is a lot of preparation during the fall months to get ready for winter on a farm. Along with getting wood chopped and ready for the fireplace, What’s the first thing elves learn in school? The “elf”-abet!

we have to insulate the animals’ house to make sure it’s warm on winter’s cold nights. I mentioned before that our animals’ house is definitely not the Hilton, so I like to save my feed bags all year long and stuff them with hay. I attach them to the walls of the house with zip ties to help insulate the walls. This warms up the house by several degrees during the winter. The goats love it too. When boredom strikes on rainy days they find ways to eat through the bags and eat the hay out of them. It’s a win-win situation in the barn for all the animals. I have been known on really cold days to take an oil-filled radiated heater out to the barn and plug it in for my chickens and goats. I know that is not typical for a farmer, but we are talking about me, and I am always thinking outside the box, so that I feel better about my poor animals out in that barn. Yes, if it was allowed I probably would have them all nestled in front of the fireplace, at my feet. I kept our old rooster Bright in the house last winter, and I’m glad I did since it was his last winter and I think it made his life a bit easier. We start fattening up the chickens and ducks in the fall, by adding more corn to their daily feedings. This gives them a little extra fat to help insulate themselves during the winter. The goats stay fat enough around here so I don’t worry so much about them. Now that our granddaughter Jo-Jo is big enough to feed the animals, she helps a lot with the fattening up of all our farm animals and dogs. She can spend hours outside dropping one piece of food at a time down on the ground for them to gobble up. She loves to come to the farm, and even at 18 months old is becoming quite the farmer. Another winter activity here on the Ponderosa is seed starting in the winter. Jo-Jo already has a knack for filling the little pots with soil to get ready for the seeds. I can’t wait until next spring; she will be big enough to help me plant all those little seedlings we start during the cold months. During the winter I make the animals hot oatmeal for a treat in the mornings. The chickens love it, and it warms them up after a cold night. I save all my meat fat in aluminum pans and add berries, seeds and chopped up greens in layers. I keep it in the freezer. Once the pan is full, I pull it out and let it warm up to room temperature and put it out in the barn for a boredom activity for the birds. It’s great in the summer straight out of the freezer for a cold treat on hot days.

“Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson

A nice head of cabbage tied up in string is another great boredom buster for chickens. Hanging it in the barn where they can reach it and peck at it gives them a fun, winter day treat. There are a lot of days during winter where the animals stay inside most of the time. So, I feel like they need things to do to keep busy. My husband wonders if we have a farm or an animal kindergarten. I’ll let you know the answer to that when my chickens start counting! I have three giant Great Pyrenees dogs that absolutely love the winter. They are the only ones around here that look forward to it and love being outside all day long. Our smaller dogs don’t care for the winter and spend most of their time waiting for their blankets to come out of the dryer to burrow into. The Pyrs are energetic and excited and don’t mind the cold or the rain. I spent last winter at the door dangling hot dogs outside trying to lure them inside on rainy days because I didn’t want them to get too cold. They snatched up the hot dogs and ran right back out into the nasty weather. I dread how my floors look all winter with the giant red mud prints running all over the place. Luckily, with the cold weather keeping me indoors more, I have plenty of time to mop and mop and mop. Thank goodness we have tile and wood floors. If I ever get carpet again, I would definitely choose a nice rusty red color! For me, winter is hard to get through without a case of cabin fever. I get antsy about a month into the cold weather and start yearning to be outdoors playing in the dirt or doing anything for that matter. Like I said, I start seeds indoors with my little greenhouses and grow lights. I start ordering them in January, and everything is ready when they arrive. I spend hours each day placing one tiny seed in a tiny pot until I have more than I know what to do with in the greenhouse. I also spend a lot of time fattening us up during the winter. I love to cook and bake and we love to eat; that works out great! I have to have a craft going, so I will usually start crocheting and making everyone I know a hat and scarf. I‘m sure some of those I know are reading this and thinking “Oh great, another hat and scarf for Christmas again.” My favorite thing about winter around here is a nice roaring fire in the fireplace and a hot cup of tea, plus a good book to read on a dreary, cold day. Now, if I can convince my husband to let the animals come in to sit at my feet, I think we would have a Norman Rockwell picture ready to frame. For the most part, winter is a quiet time around the Pierce Ponderosa, and we spend a lot of time indoors. We make the most of it, but honestly, I spend more time daydreaming of blooming flowers, ripe, red tomatoes, and warm spring sun.

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

SALT + DOUGH = ONE VERY FUN

CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT! It is my favorite time of year to do crafts! The holiday season opens up many opportunities to decorate your home. I can’t think of any better way to decorate than to make your decorations with your children. It is a rainy day here today so I called some parents from our neighborhood and asked if some of my son’s friends could join us in making our Christmas craft today. We decided it would be fun to make salt dough ornaments for the Christmas tree. The boys that are crafting with me today are my son Tristan and his friends Payton, Cameron and Jackson. All the

By LORA BUNCH boys live here in the same neighborhood and really enjoy playing together so they are very excited to be able to make a craft together today. We began to gather our supplies together and placed them on the table. We need a bowl, a spoon, flour, salt, cinnamon, water, measuring spoons and cups, dough roller, and cookie cutters. Turn on your oven to 325 degrees and let it be warming while you are mixing and cutting out your ornaments. You put 2 cups of flour, 1 cup of salt, and ¾ cup of water

Where does a snowman keep his money? In a snow bank.

into a bowl and stir. You use the same measurements to make the cinnamon dough for the gingerbread ornaments except you also add Âź cup of cinnamon to the mix. Once you have them all mixed you can add flour and knead as you would if you were making biscuits. When you have a dough ball then you use the rolling pin to roll out the dough so it can be cut. This is where the boys began to get excited as they picked out the cookie cutters they wanted to use to cut out their ornaments. Once the boys had cut out their ornaments I lightly sprayed a cookie sheet with some cooking spray to keep the ornaments from sticking. Use a toothpick or other object to make a hole in the top of each ornament so you

can put your string through it later for hanging on the tree. Place the ornaments on the cookie sheet and put it into the oven to bake for 45 minutes. While the ornaments are baking the boys and I begin to clean up our baking and mixing activities and gather together our decorating supplies. We are using acrylic paints and glitter glue for decorating, and as a finish we chose Modge Podge. We also decided googly eyes would be fun for this craft as we usually do. We really love googly eyes! While they are cooking the boys are giggling and deciding what colors and patterns they want to paint their ornaments when they are finished.

Finally the ornaments are ready and it takes those about 15 minutes to cool off so we can begin to decorate them. Once they are cooled the boys are back at the table eager to get started. I let them go right to painting with their choice of colors and just listen, take pictures and enjoy the laughter that is filling the room. Four little boys painting Christmas bells, stars, gingerbread men, snowmen, candy cane, and stocking shaped ornaments. They also begin to talk about their family traditions for decorating their Christmas trees at their homes and how much they love to do it. It reminds me just how much children really do get out of the time we spend with them and the traditions and memories families make together. When the ornaments are all painted I help them glue on the googly eyes with hot glue and we let them dry for a while. Once they are all dry we feed some string through the holes in top of each of them and tie them on so we now

Which elf was the best singer? ELFis Presley

have a way to hang our ornaments. The boys are very happy with their creations! I take some time after they go to play to apply the Modge Podge to them to put a seal on them. This will protect them so they will last a long time and look nice for many Christmases to come. It is my hope that all of you have as much fun and make as many special memories this holiday season as we are doing. I think that my favorite part of the season is the traditions and memories that we make and how it seems to put a smile on the faces and joy in the hearts of the ones that we love. There are so many gifts you can buy and give to the people you love, and there is nothing wrong with this at all. I do however encourage everyone to remember that there is no price tag and nothing more valuable than the time we spend with the people we love and how we make them feel by simply loving them. There are many who do not have enough of this in their lives and some not any at all so I encourage you all to show some compassion and share some love and joy with those in need this holiday season and all year long. There are many ways to do this: put some change in the dona-

â&#x20AC;&#x153;A good conscience is a continual Christmas.â&#x20AC;? - Benjamin Franklin

tion bucket, donate toys and clothing to those in need, volunteer in a homeless shelter or soup kitchen, or simply take some time to talk with, share a smile with, or just listen and spend time with those who are lonely.

You will be amazed at how much something so simple and easy to give can make a difference in or even change someoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life for the better. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you all!

‘I have been places and done things that without music and the cattle business I wouldn’t have been able to do.’

-JOE CHASTAIN, lead singer

An interview with...

STONE COLD COUNTRY I had the pleasure of attending a show at the Pourhouse in Ellijay to see Stone Cold Country. They are a country band who play both classic and modern country and certainly know how to put on a show. It was clear that the audience was into the show and that the band took every opportunity to make them feel included. From taking requests to giving By LORA BUNCH out T-shirts to winners of a dance contest that the band declared, it was a fun and upbeat show. When I got the chance to meet the band before the show they were all very nice and gracious. They all have great senses of humor cracking jokes and poking fun at each other and made me feel very welcome. A few days later I got the chance to sit down and talk with the lead singer Joe Chastain for an interview which I am excited to share with you all.

“Christmas is the perfect time to celebrate the love of God and family and to create memories that will last forever.” – Joel Osteen

Lora: How old were you when you started singing? Writing? Joe: I first started singing as a kid in church. I started playing drums at age 12 and at 15 I played on my first record and became a session player. Most of my early stuff was in gospel groups, and at 17 I really wanted to be a drummer. I played with Deep South Boys as a teenager but my parents said I have to finish school so I played and went to school and my senior year I got a call and moved to Nashville. Lora: Which instruments do you play? Joe: Drums and guitar Lora: What was the first tune(s) you learned to play? Joe: On the drums it would have been whatever the school band was playing and on guitar it would have been Merle Haggard’s Sing Me Back Home. Lora: Is your family musical? Joe: My dad is a singer and my mom played piano. My grandfather was a choir director and

“Christmas, my child, is love in action. Every time we love, every time we give, it’s Christmas.” - Dale Evans

leader in the choir in church. Lora: Which famous musicians have you worked with if any? Joe: I have been on tours with Salem Country Gold tour in 1982 with Thrasher Brothers, Mickey Gilley, Johnny Lee, Alabama, and I have opened for Vern Gosdin, BJ Thomas, and Stella Parton. Lora: Do you get nervous before a performance or a competition? Joe: Not anymore. It’s like second nature now and I just love to play the music. Lora: How often and for how long does the band practice? Joe: We have all been playing music so long we really don’t practice very often maybe every two weeks or so. Lora: Where would you like to perform one day? Joe: Carnegie Hall Lora: Who are the members of your band and what do they do? Joe: The bass player and my best friend is Russell Teague from Jasper who lives in Hickory Flat. The drummer is Greg also known as “Gumby” Whatley who lives in Murphy, N.C. Bret Short plays lead guitar and is from Jasper, and I am Joe Chastain and do the lead vocals and play guitar. Lora: Who is your biggest musical inspirations? Joe: I am inspired by quartets in which I love the four-part harmonies. Lora: What is an interesting or different event that has happened at a show? Joe: About a year ago we were doing the Watermelon Crawl song and a lady does a face plant and we all thought she was about to do the dance but she had passed out and an ambulance had to come get her. Also a few years ago one of the guys on stage was singing and working the crowd and he fell off the stage and no one caught him but he wasn’t stage diving. Anyway he just fell off the stage. “Christmas is the day that holds all time together.” – Alexander Smith

Lora: What awards have you won? Joe: My Stone Cold Country song was one of countryatlanta.com’s Song of the Month in 2013 for July. In August of this year we won Atlanta Society of Entertainers contemporary country award for the fourth year in a row. Lora: Where can we find your music? Joe: We are on Amazon and iTunes as well as Facebook under Joe Chastain and Stone Cold Country. Lora: Tell me about why you love country music? Joe: I love country music because of all genres it is the blue collar style that is most related to who we all are and how we all have lived our lives growing up, working hard, and working on the farm. Lora: What do you see in the future for your music? Joe: I see us keeping on plugging along doing what we love to do for the love of the music. Lora: Where are you from? Joe: I grew up in Kennesaw and live in Jasper

You are the Detective. Can you solve... This mystery rates 4 out of 5 magnifying glasses The Case Of The Novel Hiding Place You are summoned to the Gilmer County Library on a case of robbery. The famous Blackstone Letter, being on special display, was taken early that morning. The witness, Mrs. Ican Read, was found on the floor of the Historic Letters room with a nasty bump on the head. “What happened?” you ask. “Well, I arrived early this morning to get some research done when I noticed someone in the room looking around and generally making a complete mess. I was afraid that he might have found the Blackstone Letter,” she tells you. “Ah yes, I understand that it is worth thousands,” you say. “Yes, however, when I creeped into the room, I saw the letter lying on the desk and quickly slipped it between pages 77 and 78. He saw me and as I turned to run, he hit me. The next thing I remember the head librarian was standing over me,” she tells you. As you look around, you say, “There’s no book here now.” “But it must be here!” she exclaims. “Perhaps he took that as well. I even remember the title. It was “The Grapes of Wrath”, a first edition, also very valuable.” You smile at the woman and say, “I think that you had better come up with a more believable story for the police.” WHAT WAS THE CLUE THAT GAVE MRS. READ AWAY? Solution -- While the bump on the head would have made the story plausible, she claimed that she had put the Blackstone letter between pages 77 and 78, which would have been impossible. Odd numbered pages are printed on the right side of a book, even numbered on the left. Pages 77 and 78 would be on the same piece of paper. It just can’t be done.

“Christmas is joy, religious joy, an inner joy of light and peace.” – Pope Francis

now. Lora: What is your favorite song you have written and why? Joe: Lyrically All She Ever Wanted I think is the best but commercially Stone Cold Country has been the most successful. Lora: What is your overall favorite musician or song? Joe: My favorite song is called The Lighthouse by Ronnie Hinson and my second favorite song is My Home’s in Alabama by the band Alabama because even though I am not from there it relates to my life in lyrics as to the way of life in the song being the same as how I grew up and lived. My favorite artist today is Jamey Johnson. Lora: Do you have another job besides music? Joe: I am the farm manager at Circle M Cattle Services in Jasper. “The thing about Christmas is it almost doesn’t matter what mood you’re in or what kind of year you’ve had-it’s a fresh start.” – Kelly Clarkson

Lora: What’s the biggest show you have ever done? Joe: The one with the most people was in the Midwest around Arkansas at a co-op picnic which had all day entertainment and food. There was about 8,000 people there. The Grand Ole Opry is the biggest name place I have ever played and there is something about being there that even if you don’t get nervous to play anywhere else that place makes you nervous because there is something about it like nothing else. If you ever get to play there take your time and enjoy every minute of it, smell the roses so to speak and take lots of pictures because once you get there it may not be so easy to get back. Lora: Do you have any unique fans out there you want to tell us about? Joe: When we were on the road years ago it amazed me how we could be in Kentucky one night and in Texas another and have the same crowd that would follow us, but that doesn’t happen as much today. I consider the people who come to see us friends instead of fans. I don’t even like the word fan really. I prefer to call them our friends who come out to support us and have a good time. After all when people work hard for their money and come out to spend it to see you play, they are more a friend than a fan and I appreciate them more than anyone knows. Lora: What are three things you cannot live without? Joe: I cannot live without my wife, my Gibson guitar/music, and my family of course. Lora: What are the top songs on your play list right now? Joe: Smoke by 1000 Horses, Jamey Johnson songs maybe High Cost of Living, and Black Berry Smoke Ain’t Much Left of Me. Lora: If you could open for anyone who would it be? Joe: Dead Elvis and Alive, Garth Brooks Lora: What hobbies do you have outside of music? Joe: I like traveling a lot and we like to travel to New York and Florida and Savannah as often as possible. Lora: What advice would you give to beginners? Joe: Perseverance is the key and you are going to hear no often, but don’t let it get you down and stay with it. Do not take no for an answer. Always take criticism but don’t let it run you off or scare you away because it’s just one person’s opinion and you can’t make everyone happy no matter what.

way that I have very few regrets because I have enjoyed my life and lived it to the fullest. I have been places and done things that without music and the cattle business I wouldn’t have been able to do. I don’t wake up dreading my work, and I love my life. I’m happy with all that I do and all that I have accomplished.” Joe’s advice is that if you can make a living doing what you love be it music or anything else then that’s what you should do. He says that the more you can do the better off you are because you don’t want to work yourself into a box. You will have to pick a genre because they need to know how to market you, but that doesn’t mean you can’t do anything else either. Joe is a very talented and social person with an honest and creative soul and I really enjoyed the chance to get to know him and talk about his love of life, family, farming and music. If you get a chance to see Stone Cold Country perform, I promise you that it is well worth your hard earned dollar and you will have a good time.

Joe is a great hometown guy who says: “Being misunderstood is something at some point everyone has faced. Every musician and artist is kind of ‘weird’ so to speak in one way or another. I like the spotlight. I love music and performing as well as songwriting. I am a free spirit who is laid back and goes with the flow. I have been fortunate because the Lord has blessed me in the

“Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

THE ‘SECRET’ ROOM A family pastime of ours is to watch movies. Back when times were a little harder, we did not want to pay this huge unnecessary price for cable...so we bought tons of DVDs. Then on the weekend we would treat ourselves to the local cinema. Emma Gail is now 10 months old! I know! Where has the time gone?! We have not been to the movie theater since she was born. So we decided to give it a try. Thursday night was the last viewing of “Hotel Transylvania 2” at the local East Towne Cinemas. I had messaged a few days earlier to ask if we could reserve the room upstairs. Did you know there was a room upstairs that you could reserve?? I did not until Mrs. Thia informed me!

www.facebook.com/east.towne.cinemas

“Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine.” - Anthony J. D’Angelo

We made our way to Ellijay; the girls were so excited. Hubby Brandon was still working :-( so I invited a longtime friend Ashley. We arrived just about the time the movie was starting! I paid for our tickets, and bought the big family pack; which included two medium drinks, a large (delicious!) popcorn and one box of candy, then we added another candy to the mix - cost about $15 for the refreshments. The gentleman working, Brandon Adams, showed us the way upstairs and informed us not to turn the light on during the movie. We settled in and waited for the movie to begin. Natalie and Lacey chatted about how neat the room was, and how the seats rocked. Emma was tickled; she kept wanting to slap the glass. The movie began and everyone became quite quiet. Emma was enthralled by the Surround Sound and movie. She sat staring for the longest time until suddenly she was squealing with happiness. I was a bit worried; I looked around but no one seemed to hear us. I thought to myself this is my new favorite room! Emma can be as loud as she wants and she is not disturbing anyone...how great is that! When the movie was over we turned the light on and cleaned up our mess. I spoke to Mrs. Hannah Towns, the owner. T: How has business been since the upgrades? H: When we bought the Cinema, it had 35mm projectors from the 1940s. In 2012 we were told we must convert or it would put us out of business. It was a big decision, but we chose to go for it. It has improved the movies being digital, and we upgraded the Surround Sound. Hannah told me about how, for big movies, they do midnight showings. “A lot of people have said how they love it, and how fun it is. Being local makes it easier to see those shows, since you do not have to drive an hour or more to get home.” Hannah and her husband Jeremy married six months before buying East Towne Cinemas.

“...A lot of Grinches ...would like nothing better than to take any references to religion out of the holiday season.” – Ernest Istook

She says it has become part of the family. “We went to the movies every Friday and Saturday. Then one night we heard them talking about closing if no one bought it.” “Our son Jackson was 3 days old when he saw his first movie; he is 3 years old now! On weekends his grandparents keep him upstairs. But most of the time he enjoys selling candy and sweeping. We want him to be a part of everything.” Hannah wants her customers to know they really do appreciate the people who support them. They understand how important it is to shop local. When it is a corporation you are just lining their pockets. When you shop local you are helping families with bills and daycare expenses, etc. She says keep things local here (Ellijay), or even surrounding counties. It keeps the community going. She hopes everyone would try local first and then if you cannot find what you need look elsewhere. East Towne Cinemas prices are: Adult $7, children ages 2-12 $4. If you want to reserve the upstairs room you simply message East Towne Cinemas on Facebook. It is an additional $2 per person, or they offer for $10 per person-the room, a small popcorn and medium drink. The room has 10 seats. They also offer private birthday party showings! On Saturday and Sunday afternoon. message them on Facebook for pricing. Their next big project is to reupholster all the seats. They are hoping they can do it by next year. We really had a great time in the comfy room upstairs, the movie was fun, the snacks were yummy and baby Emma didn’t have to be quiet! We can’t wait to go back!

Jackson, the theatre owner’s son, is cute as a button!

“If you asked me for my New Year Resolution, it would be to find out who I am.” – Cyril Cusack

MAMA! MAMA! MAMA! A Southern girl can never have too many Mothers

Growing up I had several mamas. (And after I married I had the best mother-in-law in the world). Mama Hill, or just plain old Mama, was my great-grandmother, and I was fortunate to spend a lot of time with her the first 11 years of my life. Granny Kate was my mother’s mother, and she lived the street up above us. Mama Harper was my daddy’s mother, and until I was 7 they lived directly across the street from us. Mother, was, well, my mother. She was “Mother” because when anyone said mama, they meant Mama Hill. But there were plenty of other mamas, too. Every friend I had came with a mama, and when in their house I was under their rule. Believe it or not, I was a well-behaved child and never had the wrath of any mama down on my head much, but I saw what happened with kids who misbehaved. If you were at church, every woman there Mama Harper and Daddy John with me, Christmas 1963

My mother-in-law Evie Hill, myself and my daughter Anna Kate could, and did, act as your mama. If you were in a store and there was a mama in the place, she became your mama if you acted out the least little bit. There were some boys I grew up with that got a whipping from every decent woman in this county by the time they were 10. And that was just when they got caught. But those mamas were also there when you fell down to offer Mercurochrome or Merthiolate with a Band-Aid and a Popsicle to ease your pain. They might pet your head and kiss your cheek if they were the affectionate type. If you are a mama, you know your role changes as your

“A lot of people like snow. I find it to be an unnecessary freezing of water.” - Carl Reiner

child grows up. You know this intellectually, but admit it, you don’t know it emotionally. When you look at your 50-year-old baby boy who just got fired, you don’t see a 50-year-old man who lost his job because of downsizing; you see that sweet little boy who just got bullied on the playground. And it’s all you can do not to go straight to those bullies and take care of things. Or at least give them a scathing call they’d never forget. But our grown children have outgrown us. Oh, they still love us, but they don’t need us, at least not in the same way they did. We annoy them, we embarrass them, we bore them, but we keep on loving them. Because, you see, we know them even more than they know themselves. We know the newborn, the toddler, the preschooler, the first grader, the awkward middle schooler, the high school student, the final product of their childhood. We remember things they don’t. Then something else happens. While you are struggling to let your adult child be an adult, your mama begins to be your…child. Except she is an exceptionally grumpy, independent, disobedient child who needs you. Come to think of it, it’s like your adult children. So you become the middle of the sandwich. What do you do? You move across the country and change your name, leaving no forwarding address. I kid! Sorta. What you really do is begin to look at the world differently: How this part of the journey can be dizzying but maybe the most fulfilling of your life. For example, a little episode we had three years ago: Keep in mind my mother is 83 years old and her bladder ain’t what it used to be. She is also being fed lots of fluids IV as she was dehydrated upon admission due to puking non-stop for six hours or so. We are sitting there calmly, when suddenly she says, “I have to go to the bathroom now.” That’s pretty impossible. First, there is helping her sit up. Then finding the bedroom shoes with her feet, because, and I quote, “I’m not walking barefoot on this floor.” I have to unplug the IV stuff from the wall, and

My parents, brothers and I.

Mama and Papa Hill holding my brothers (this picture was taken shortly before she passed away)

“What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness.” - John Steinbeck

Mother, Daddy Saw, Granny Kate, me, my brothers, Jerry and Gerry she and the pole have to partner dance to the bathroom. She almost made it, and did for the most part. But since she didn’t make it a little part, she decided that while she was up, it would be a good time to bathe since no one had offered to help her with that. I go and make sure her room door is closed while she washes her face and hands. By the time I’m walking back over, she is pulling her gown over her head. I see there’s gonna be a problem, and say, “No, no, don’t do tha - “ But it’s too late. Her gown is now hanging on her IV tube, to which she is attached. She’s yanking on the gown, and finally I say sternly, “STOP IT!” And squeeze between her and the pole and a chair and manage to push the nurse call button. When they answer, I tell them, “We need some help.” Then I turn around to squeeze my way back to my mother, who is standing there in the altogether. And notice that her window blinds are wide open. Hello, everybody! And I can’t get to them to close them. The giggles begin. The nurse comes in, has to get another nurse, and they finally untangle the whole mess while I wrap Mother in her housecoat so it looks like a fuzzy baby blue sarong. Ten minutes later she has a new IV in a new place on the other arm and is sporting a clean gown. She even brushed her teeth before she lay back down. I never did get those window blinds closed.

Merry Christmas to you and yours!

THE MYSTERIOUS

FORT MOUNTAIN

Just who built its 855-foot-long stone wall? 49

This is part of the stone wall atop Fort Mountain. Did Indians or someone else build it thousands of years ago?

Not your ordinary hike in the woods Looking for a relaxing hike in a scenic area with some unusual things to see? Then Fort Mountain State Park is the place to visit. It is not a real strenuous hike. Only if you head to the back by the observation platform and take the trip around the top around the edge to the right, you might want to take a hiking stick. It has a couple spots with tall steps, and my bad knees did not like them. I did make it without a stick though. If you are in Ellijay, take Highway 52 west out of town and en-

Story and photos by Jim Harmon

“Christmas is a season not only of rejoicing but of reflection.” - Winston Churchill

joy the scenic views to the top of the mountain where you will find Fort Mountain on your right. You cannot miss it. Stop at the office and pick up the maps. My favorite trail is right out of the parking lot to the observation platform and stone wall. The trails are well marked. One of my favorite places to take my guests is the observation platform looking out west to Chatsworth. It is high up and you could say it looks like you are looking down out of a plane. Be sure to take your camera. You will find stairs built to take you over

some rough areas. The next thing you will want to check out is the mysterious 855-foot-long stone wall. Many stories and ideas of its origin can be found. One is that it was built by Indians as a fortification and for ancient ceremonies. The time frame ranges from 500 BC to 1500 AD. The myths about who built it abound. You will find information about this along the trails to the stone wall. You will also find stone steps and paths in the area to everything. The park and the steps were completed in 1930 by the

“Hope smiles from the threshold of the year to come, whispering, ‘It will be happier.’ ” – Alfred Lord Tennyson

Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas from your friends at The Best of the North Georgia Mountains!

Civilian Conservation Corps from materials found in the area. A four-story stone fire tower was also built on the highest point. It had been closed to climb up, but I read this year that it has been repaired and is now open. While you are there look and see if you can find the heart shaped rock on the walls of the fire tower. if you are a mountain bike rider, there are bike trails for you also. Camping and a lake are also located here. In the summer

there is a swimming beach. Some say it is one of the best fall hiking places. It is in the top 10 for Georgia. If you hike it October to November you could find some fall color. Even if it is gone, it is still a beautiful and interesting place to see. Also keep it in mind for other times of the year. I have enjoyed this park many times throughout the year and have taken my visiting guests here. Like I said before, take your camera and enjoy.

“What I don’t like about office Christmas parties is looking for a job the next day.” – Phyllis Diller

FIRING UP MEMORIES OF

WINTER IN THE MOUNTAINS When I was a kid, winter always seemed to start around Thanksgiving. I always felt that way because it seemed to snow around the holiday every single year. That was good and bad. It was great for tracking rabbits, sledding down long hills, building snowmen and having snowball fights with my friends. Best of all though was starting with the second snow of the season, Mother always made snow cream. Old timers always said the first snow got rid of the impurities in the air and it wasn’t safe to eat until after that. I have no idea what her recipe was but it was good and there was never a limit on how much we could eat of what she made. The bad side was the snow only lasted a day or so. It began to melt and then there were no more snowball fights because

it was too wet and there seemed to be more mud than snow. That always seemed to make it feel even colder outside. That brings up another winter memory – the fireplace. Now people have fireplaces for looks and for romance, but in the ’50s we had one in the center of a threebedroom house – not for looks as it was our only source of heat. A lot of my neighbors had pot-bellied stoves in their houses, but not us. The fireplace was located in our living room. You wouldn’t believe how much wood one fireplace can burn! Being the oldest, carrying in that wood was one of my biggest chores along with milking that old cow, which I’ve already told you about.

“Christmas is, of course, the time to be home - in heart as well as body.” – Garry Moore

To have a good heat-producing fire, you need a large log in the back of the fireplace. They call that the back stick. Then you had two andirons to hold the smaller sticks about three or four inches above the hearth. That helped the fire to get air and also made it easier to remove the ashes as they built up. Before going to bed at night, you’d place another log or two against the back stick. That way you’d have hot coals when you got up in the morning. Otherwise there’d be a cold floor and a really long time before you even came close to being warm again. As I said, our fireplace was in the living room, so we had no heat in any of our bedrooms or the rest of the house. Of course they tried to tell us back then that having a warm bedroom wasn’t good for you – right. Not to worry as each bed was provided with a minimum of four quilts handmade by our Mother. They were both heavy and warm. Each had three layers. The top layer was a beautiful design from pieces of cloth, old dairy feed sacks, dresses, our outgrown clothes and pieces of curtains. The bottom layer was just a normal bedsheet, but the middle was pure rolled cotton. Mother didn’t spare on the cotton, and I’m sure that’s where all the weight came from on them. One thing was cer-

tain. When you went to bed, there was no tossing and turning. As they would say, you slept as cozy as a bug in a rug. But back to our fireplace. They look wonderful in a romantic movie, but if you depend on them for heat, be prepared to stand in front of them burning up on one side and freezing on the other. It made it a little tough to watch our black and white television. It was okay when you were standing with your back to the fire, but when you turned to warm your front, you were forced to look over your shoulder if you wanted to see the screen. As I write this, I just remembered the best thing about having a fireplace. Cooking potatoes in the ashes on the sides of the fireplace is something everyone needs to try. Every kid would get at least two potatoes and bury them in the ashes. If they weren’t completely covered, the potato would burn and taste just awful. However, if you did it right they’d cook through and through and had the most unique flavor that I still love today. You know I had a wonderful childhood – potatoes from the fireplace, apple butter and cathead biscuits for breakfast. I almost feel sorry for the kids today because they will never know how good we really did have it.

“I love the excitement, the childlike spirit of innocence and just about everything that goes along with Christmas.” – Hillary Scott

TO ADVERTISE IN THE BEST NEWSPAPER, CALL MITCH AT 706-264-4485

Not just

CLOWNING

around STORY AND PHOTOS BY MITCH TALLEY

Shawn “Kee-Kee” Damon (center) celebrates producing a canary out of thin air inside the bag he was holding. Unfortunately, he got a little too excited and the bird suffered some “injuries” from all of Kee-Kee’s clapping.

Whitfield County firefighters use the Clown Posse to get across their serious fire safety message to young students each year

Students enjoy a laugh, learn how important fire safety is! “What are all these kids doing in my bathroom?” Kee-Kee the Clown asks the students at Cedar Ridge Elementary School, peeking out from behind a shower curtain. Kee-Kee had just been singing slightly off-key - in the shower, “Don’t play with matches!” to the tune of 2001: A Space Odyssey when he is interrupted by moderator John Chester. A few minutes earlier, Kee-Kee and his fellow clowns from the Whitfield County Fire Department had been doing the latest craze, the Whip and Nae Nae, much to the delight of the hundreds of screaming

s o t o h dp n a y r Sto EY L L A T CH T I M students. y b

“Your nae nae is a no no!” an unimpressed Chester tells the clowns. “But we’ve been practicing, like all day long,” Kee-Kee insists. “You need just a little bit more practice, I think. We’re here to talk to the kids about fire safety,” Chester says. “Why?” Kee-Kee answers. “That’s what they invited us here to do.” “Wait a minute. Fire safety? That’s a serious matter,” Kee-Kee replies. “Why, of course it is.” “The word serious is not in our vocabulary. We gotta go.” “Kids, you don’t want the clowns to leave, do you?” Chester asks. A loud roar “No!” shakes the rafters in the gymnasium, forcing Kee-Kee to come up with a plan.

Isaac Walters and Aiden Ketchem, students at Tunnel Hill Elementary, have a good time with Pluggie the Fire Plug after the Clown Posse show at their school.

“Every gift which is given, even though it be small, is in reality great, if it is given with affection.” – Pindar

“Wait a minute, wait a minute, let me think. I got it. We can take serious fire safety … and we can take fun, that’s us, fun … and we will mush ’em together.” “How are you going to mush those two together?” “That is something you can’t ask, you can only see. “ “Well, what are we gonna do?” “Hold on, I’ll show you.” Kee-Kee returns with what he calls his “Fun Box,” and it is off to the races again for the Clown Posse, delivering an action-packed hour of chuckles “mushed” together with a serious message about fire safety. During a frantic 10-day period in October, Kee-Kee and the Clown Posse delivered their “serious fun” to thousands of students at all 13 county elementary schools and North Star, too. This year marks the 15th for the Clown Posse, which started

207 Dalton Street, Ellijay n 706-635-5605 n gilmerarts.org

COMMUNITY CHORUS HOLIDAY CONCERT Saturday, Dec. 5 at 7 p.m., Gilmer High School Theatre.

Advance tickets $10; children 12 & under free Get in the Christmas Season spirit with family and friends. GET YOUR TICKETS NOW! The Gilmer Arts Community Chorus is thrilled to have participation from noted area choral directors including Charles Clairborne, Scott Eaton, Sarah Harbin, Lisa Lacey and accompanist Gabrielle Cornett, along with direction from Gilmer Arts’ Coordinator Judith Rathbone.

Gilmer Arts Players presents: Dinner Theater production of Sam Club, Private Eye, in The Case of the Malted Falcon Gilmer Arts Center – 207 Dalton St., Ellijay Jan. 28, 29, 30, 31, 2016 - 6:30 p.m. $30 +tax (10% Member discount) Call early; this is always a sell-out!

Gilmer Arts B.E.S.T. Series presents A Closer Walk With Patsy Cline SATURDAY, FEB. 6

Shawn “Kee-Kee” Damon peers out of a shower curtain as he was singing “Don’t Play With Matches” to the tune of “2001: A Space Odyssey.” Asking Kee-Kee about his performance is Lt. Chris West, emcee.

Ellijay Elementary School Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. Call 706-635-5305 for tickets, or go to www.gilmerarts.org $27 +tax advance, $29 door

from humble beginnings in 2001 when Kee-Kee (also known as Lt. Shawn Damon) and Lt. Chris West did a two-man show at Cohutta Elementary. “It was just me and him, straight man and clown,” West recalled. “We had just a few little props, and we went in and taught fire safety. It caught on in the county. That first year, I think we only did four or five schools. The second year, in 2002, we did all 10 county schools, and now it’s just grown to what it is today.” The popularity of the show has grown not only with the schools but also with the firefighters. “We’ve been averaging 14 or 15 people helping each day, including full-time, part-time, and volunteer firefighters,” West said, noting that it takes several volunteers behind the scenes to man all the props and sound system. “When we first started this,” he said, “we had to sell the idea to the schools. Now the minute I walk in the door, they say, ‘Oh it’s time again! We’re ready.’ Before, for many years, trying to get it scheduled was a nightmare because we had to work around the school’s schedule. When I walk in the door now, I say these are the days and this is what you’ve got available, and they’ll jump right on it. “That tells me it works for the school system,” West said, “because they believe in it enough to take time out of their curriculum lineup to do it. Schools have a lot to teach now, and they can’t deviate much. But they believe in the fire safety message delivered by the clowns, and the kids will talk about it for days. Last night, we were at A student at Cedar Ridge Elementhe Dalton Community tary School hugs Samantha “Edith” Center for the National Splawn. Lights Out, and kids

Wesley “HOSE A” Williams pushes the nose of his “smoke detector,” Meghan Lentych, a student teacher from Dalton State College, during a Clown Posse show at Cedar Ridge Elementary School. were running up and saying, ‘I saw you yesterday, Kee-Kee, I saw you yesterday!’ ” Dr. Judy Gilreath, superintendent of Whitfield County Schools, also remembers the clowns from her days as an administrator at Pleasant Grove. “Our elementary children and their teachers love the Clown Posse,” Gilreath said. “Not only are they funny and entertaining, but more importantly, they teach the children about fire safety in a way that they will remember long after elemen-

“‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ makes me cry in exactly the same places every time, even though I know it’s coming.” – Nicholas Lea

school. It is evident that the firemen who make up the Posse love children and are truly dedicated to keeping them safe.” While the program has changed over the years, one thing hasn’t changed, according to West. “We have funny skits in the beginning, funny skits in the middle, and funny skits in the end,” he said, “to keep the kids watching. But our three main purposes of the shows are not to play with matches, the importance of stop, drop and roll when your clothes catch on fire, and the importance of getting out of the house safely through EDITH, Exit Drills in the Home.” As an example of how things have changed, EDITH now has a face, volunteer firefighter and Probate Court employee Samantha Splawn, who has portrayed Edith the Clown since 2013 and comes running out on the set to holler ‘Hey, y’all!’ whenever KeeKee mentions her name while talking about the other EDITH. At this year’s show, though, the clowns didn’t pay attention to those three important fire safety messages, at least at first. They got in trouble for making bad grades, went to their room, got bored, cranked up the fireplace to roast giant marshmallows, and promptly caught their bedroom on fire when they tried to hide the marshmallows from their dad, hurriedly poking them under their cots.

Students watched as the clowns first went a little crazy running, but then remembered to get down low and crawl out of the burning house, then all gather at their pre-determined meeting place, their mailbox. Firefighters dressed in real garb responded to the blaze, showing the kids what firefighters would look and sound like in case of a real fire. Students also watched as the clowns got in trouble with Battalion Chief Chester for their antics. A lot of important messages crammed into a funny, fiveminute skit. “We want the kids to know how important it is to know two ways to get out of their house in case of a fire,” West said. “We try to make sure that families know that if their kids live on the second story and there’s no way for them to get out on the roof so they can jump off, to make sure they’ve got an escape ladder for the kids to get down from the second story.” They also talked how no one should go back into a burning house once they’ve escaped, no matter how tempting it might be to try and save another family member, a pet, or a favorite toy. West emphasized that the students should never hide in a bathtub or closet or under a bed because a firefighter might not be able to find them. “Get near a window, and make a lot of noise, or get near a door and make a lot of noise,” he said. A catchy song also helped the students remember the importance of “Stop, Drop and Roll” in case they catch on fire, to help smother the blaze.

What's worse than finding a worm in you

“Pets, like their owners, tend to expand a little over the Christmas period.” – Frances Wright

VERY LONG WALK in the WOODS

Hiking the Appalachian Trail is never easy, but for Niki Rellon, it represents a chance to become the first woman with an artificial limb ever to complete the 2,190-mile journey! Robb and I went to see the movie, “A Walk in the Woods.” Starring Robert Redford and Nick Nolte, it is about two old guys deciding to hike the Appalachian Trail. A lot of the film was shot at our very own Amicalola Falls & Lodge! The movie was hilarious and really good. ( Adults only though, rated R, lots of bad language) This got me to thinking about the fact that the Appalachian Trail is almost in my back yard, and yet I had never even been on it. Robb has a T-shirt that says “I hiked the entire (width of the) Appalachian Trail” and sadly that will probably be an accomplishment if we even achieve that! Story by Thia Newman “The Appalachian Photos courtesy of Niki Rellon Trail is one of the longest continuously marked footpaths in the world, measuring roughly 2,190 miles in length. The Trail goes through 14 states along the crests and valleys of the Appalachian mountain range from the southern terminus at Springer Mountain, Georgia, to the Trail’s northern terminus at Katahdin, Maine. Known as the “A.T.,” it has been estimated that 3 million people visit the Trail every year and about 2,500-3,000 people attempt to “thru-hike” the

“My New Year’s resolution is to stick to a good workout plan that will keep me healthy and happy.” – James Lafferty

Trail.” (According to http://www.appalachiantrail.org) One of those people currently doing a “thru-hike” is Niki Rellon, aka Bionic Woman. I found Niki on Facebook and was very impressed at what she was working on accomplishing. You see Niki is right now attempting to set a world record. When she finishes her journey, she will be the first woman with an artificial limb ever to complete the AT. Niki has always been an athlete and adventure seeker with many accomplishments under her belt. But all those took place before she lost her leg. This is her first attempt at an athletic undertaking with one leg and a prosthetic. Niki considers this journey part of her rehab. On a hike last year, Niki took a bad fall while rappelling which lead to the amputation of her lower leg. She spent time with her parents in Germany doing physical therapy to recover. She was in a lot of pain and given lots of medication by her doctors. She quickly decided she had had enough of that and decided that the best way to get back in her old healthy shape was to walk the whole AT! She’s already completed more than 1,400 miles of it and has had to take a couple breaks for medical treatment and adjustment to her artificial leg. I was lucky enough to catch up with Niki on one of these breaks to do a little interview with this very inspiring lady. Thia: So you are 900 miles from done, and you are going to finish this right? Niki: Yes. Where there is a will there is a way, right? T: Yes. You are very inspiring to people. N: I hope so. T: You are doing something never done before. I’ve read that only 25 percent of thru hikers (who have both legs) finish the trail. N: That’s true. There was a guy in 2004 who hiked it all the way through, with a prosthetic leg. Now that I’ve gone this far “All of us every single year, we’re a different person. I don’t think we’re the same person all our lives.” – Steven Spielberg

You can read more about Niki on her Facebook page www.facebook.com/rkieh. rellon under Niki Rellon, Denver, Colorado and on her fundraising page- www. crowdrise.com/oneleggedwomenwantstohiketheappalachiantrail

I know why the other females didn’t finish (Laughs) It’s very challenging. T: What made you decide to take this on? N: I was injured in 2013 and I did my rehab in Germany. I couldn’t take the routine anymore and I decided to walk to recovery. I didn’t take the advice of my doctors and my family members. I listened to myself. There were people telling me what I could not do. But it it is better to have friends telling you what you CAN do. That will be the name of my book when I find myself an editor and a ghost writer, “Walk to Recovery.” Hopefully my book will inspire even more people. I am a good story teller, but English is my second language, so I will need some help with the writing. I would also like to get on stage and do some speeches. T: How did you get injured? N: I was rappelling down a cliff in Utah and took a 45-foot free fall. T: Oh wow! You are lucky to be alive! When are you planning on being done with your hike? N: I got an infection and had to take antibiotics, so I took a rest. I never know what to expect or what will happen next. I am very competitive with myself, but it is the journey not the destination. My plan is to be done in December at the latest. T: I have confidence in you. I know you can do it! And I bet you already have your next adventure planned. What are you doing in 2016? N: I think I will be invited to participate in the Skeleton races. It’s a race where you lay head down in a sled and go through ice channels at 90 miles per hour. T: Did anyone ever tell you that you are an adrenaline junkie? N: Yes, they have. (Laughs) T: You saw the movie “A Walk in the Woods.” What did you think of it? N: It was good. But it’s harder than they made it look. T: I liked it too. Losing your leg doesn’t seem to have changed your adventurous spirit. You are definitely an inspiration. N: I like challenges I guess. So this leg is a new one. T: Do you have a quote or something important to you that you repeat to yourself when you are going through these challenges? N: Where there is a will, there is a way. The sky is the limit. Whatever you want to do, you can do it. Your brain is a powerful machine and if you really need to push yourself, you will and you will be able to accomplish a lot. T: You have accomplished so much already, Niki. I wish you the best on the rest of your journey!

“Deep breaths are very helpful at shallow parties.” – Barbara Walters

THE ART AND MUSIC SCENE By Jennifer Danner

HOME IS WHERE THE MUSIC IS A trip to Nashville makes me realize how much the artistic scene has grown in our area

I spent some time traveling recently. Granted, they weren’t long trips, nor were they trips to exotic locations across the seas. They were, however, refreshing and a much needed reminder that there’s a big ol’ world out there even within driving distance. One of the places I visited was Nashville, Tenn. My job allowed me to participate in an art conference there at Belmont University. You know how it is when you attend any group function with like-minded people? It fuels you and reinforces all the things you already knew were important to you. This conference was based on anything artistic, visual art, music, drama; you name it, we covered it. It was five days of valuing creativity, and I was at home.

On the evenings when there weren’t classes, I would go downtown to the Boardwalk to catch some live music. I was in for a surprise when on a Monday night, there was a band at every bar and restaurant and people dancing on the street.

“Dick Clark will be truly missed. We will carry on his legacy every New Year’s Eve.” – Fergie

Talk about refreshing! The day of the week didn’t matter. What mattered was that musicians were doing what they loved, and the music lovers were celebrating every second of it. I saw first-hand why they call it Music City. It was a Monday evening, and the streets felt like they were filled with hundreds of weekend, music-loving visitors. Every pub had a different band, and people were even dancing in the streets. Did I mention it was a Monday? But music doesn’t just belong in Nashville. It belongs to anyone at any time at any place, big cities and small towns alike. As a singer/songwriter, I have found several small, local venues to play at in and around Blue Ridge, Ga. I have also heard many different types of musicians playing as well. Sometimes it is restaurants or pubs and sometimes it is places like Mercier Apple Orchards that host local musicians. The number of people in a small town is obviously different than in a big city like Nashville. The buildings and landscape are as well. However, music is the same no matter where you live or where you are from. It moves people of all types and from all areas. If you get a chance, support your local musicians either with tip money or a generous applause. Trust me. We appreciate either. Everywhere I turned in Nashville, there was something musical and/or artistic to be seen or felt. This thought leads me to home, the place where I grew up. I technically grew up in Duck-

“New Year’s Day is every man’s birthday.” – Charles Lamb

town, Tenn. However, home for me consists of Ducktown, Copperhill, McCaysville and Blue Ridge. Thanks to a job at ETC, Ellijay later became an extension of home as well. I thought about our local areas; what they offer, what they are lacking. I remembered growing up in what was then a copper mining area and all the small town camaraderie that was prevalent. I remembered how the area seemed to “sleep” for quite some time after the mines shut down. And now I’m seeing how the local areas are stretching their arms a bit and rousing from a temporary hibernation from what was, to what is becoming. One of the changes I am seeing as a local native is within the realm of the arts. Over the last 10 years, I have seen so much artistic growth in this southeast corner of the world, especially in Blue Ridge, which was recently named one of the top art towns in the nation. I have witnessed the growth of local artists, galleries, live music, and numerous shops filled with creative flare. There are active art centers in Blue Ridge, Ellijay and Jasper offering classes, festivals and a haven for artists and art lovers alike. It’s encouraging and inspiring to see small communities rally around the arts and value the many wonderful things that the arts can bring to small towns and large cities alike. I encourage you to take a stroll, a drive, or even an Internet browse to see what your local area has in the way of the arts. Visit the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association in Blue Ridge, the Gilmer Arts and Heritage Center in Ellijay or the Sharp-

top Arts Center in Jasper. Catch a live music act one evening and support local musicians. Browse through some local art galleries and shops in your town, even if you don’t consider yourself an “art lover.” You may be surprised by what you find, see and feel. Not only will you possibly catch a glimpse of your heritage, but you may also catch a glimpse of your future as well. Art has a way of capturing both. Enjoy!

“I think in terms of the day’s resolutions, not the years’.” – Henry Moore

It’s kinda hard to think about winter while you’re sitting on a beach in Florida putting on sunscreen and sipping a margarita. Winter in Florida is when it gets into the low 50s … brrrrrr. I have to put my sweater on before I get a chill. Or maybe I’ll just have another margarita. Being from New Jersey I know what winter is like. When I think about winter, I think about hunting. I used to go bow hunting for deer in North Jersey every year until I moved to Florida in 1973. One time in late October, around 1966, I had a hunting “incident” which I’d like to share with you. I had a 1959 Corvette (sweet) at the time and drove that to the place where I was to meet a friend to go hunting. It was late afternoon past the time we were supposed to meet, and I couldn’t wait any longer because I had to get up into my tree stand. I figured he would be along soon so I went into the woods alone. I know you shouldn’t go hunting alone, but I was young and macho and stupid. Besides I thought he would be there later. As I was climbing up the tree the branch that I was grabbing with my hand and the branch my foot was on both broke at the same time. I was about 10 feet up and was now coming down quick. I tried to right myself before I hit the ground. I also tried to quickly learn how to fly.

I guess I didn’t have enough time for that. I was horizontal when I hit a rock wall. You know those piled up rocks that mostly divide one section of property from another. Well, I hit that wall flat with my chest. I got on my feet and seemed to be alright. I was sore, but not as bad as it could have been. Now I’m in the woods and can’t climb a tree because I’m too sore to do that. So I go to another spot not far away and stand under a tree. After about an hour of not moving or making a sound, a beautiful eight-point buck appears - of course right under the tree I fell out of. That would have been an easy 12-foot shot. Now I was about 50 feet away. He didn’t see me yet. Being very careful I started to pull back my bow. That’s when I felt a sharp pain in my chest and let out a gasp. Needless to say the buck took off. I was “Not Happy.” Realizing I couldn’t pull back my bow without pain, or gasping, my hunting for the day was over. I was moving slow and it got dark before I got to my car. I must have tripped over at least 200 deer on my way out of the woods. Okay maybe it was just one small dead possum. I tend to exaggerate when I’m “Not Happy.” Just trying to get into my Corvette was painful. I should have taken the station wagon. There was no power steering in the ’Vette and I felt every turn and every bump the 40-some miles I had to drive home. Just as I was walking in the door the phone rings and it’s my friend calling to tell me why he didn’t make it. I told him what had happened and he said I should go to the hospital to get checked out. Being a macho man, I said I would go in the morning if I still had pain. He convinced me to go now because I could have some internal injuries and might wake up dead if I didn’t go. Not wanting to wake up dead, I hung up the phone and went. When I got to the emergency room, it was then that I noticed I had rips and blood on my clothing. There were a few small cuts on my arm and neck. Here I am late at night, tired, hungry, sore, longer hair than anyone there, still in my camouflaged outfit, ripped torn and bloody. I must have been quite a sight. I was told to sit at this desk and someone would be there to take care of me shortly. After waiting almost four hours, (okay maybe it was about 10 minutes - I tend to exaggerate when I’m “Not Happy”), an older woman in a nurse’s outfit came and started asking me questions from a form that she was going to fill out. Here I am in pain, bleeding, and I have to answer questions

“Going to a party, for me, is as much a learning experience as, you know, sitting in a lecture.” – Natalie Portman

Seeing the positive in any given situation is a choice Gratitude tends to be a positive word. When I think of the word gratitude it can be hard not to smile as you feel the sound pass through your lips. I will say, however, that gratitude may not always stem from what we may feel is positive. I will serve as an example. Like anyone, my life has its challenges. Generally a positive person with a positive outlook, I tend to see the positive - even in the challenges….most of the time. Got stuck in traffic – maybe that keeps me from the accident of the tree falling on my car, but instead it fell onto the empty roadway because of that delay. I walk out the door to find my tire is flat in my driveway – at least it didn’t blow out on me, or go flat in the middle of nowhere, in the dark, in the rain, with no cell service. You see it is about perspective; there is good and bad to be seen in every situation. Choosing to see the positive in a given situation is about choice. You can choose the gratitude of the “negative” situa-

tion and turn it into a blessing. Gratitude is about accepting what you have as enough, what you are as enough, and what you have to offer others as enough. In its purest form it is everything we long to be and surround ourselves with – pure love for the moment – who we are, who others are, where we are and what we have – right now. For it is in THIS moment that we can choose to be grateful and experience gratitude, peace and love. You are enough. Enjoy the moment. Love and be loved. It all starts with gratitude. Here’s hoping you are able to find something every day to be thankful for….grateful for you, enjoy your day! ☺

RANDOM THOUGHTS Continued From Page 70 remember. Finally, she asked me the reason I was here. I said because it’s an Emergency Room. She asked what had happened. I said I fell out of a tree. She looks at me over her reading glasses, you know that look, and says, aren’t “we” a little old to be climbing a tree? I said “we” were hunting (although I swear I didn’t see her or remember her being there in the woods with me). She says in a tree? What were you hunting in a tree? I said owls. She writes down on the form owl hunting in a tree. I start to laugh and the pain starts in my chest and I gasp again. Out of the corner of my eye, I think I saw a little smile on her

face. Revenge is sweet. It turns out I had one broken and four cracked ribs. No laughing matter by the way. The next day was Sunday and I’m lying on my couch watching football. I can’t even move to the side without pain and a tear in my eye, and I need help just to sit up. Here I am watching some guy playing football making tackles with two broken fingers, a sprained wrist, three broken ribs, a separated shoulder and a ruptured spleen that all happened while he was on his way to the game that morning. Okay maybe he didn’t have all of that, but I tend to exaggerate when I’m “Not Happy.”

“I like to go to parties where I know everyone. How are you going to have fun with people you don’t know?” – Mary-Kate Olsen

Devin Aaron - I’ve been cleaning. I was going through Leah’s outgrown clothes, and she got quiet. She’d retrieved a washcloth from the laundry hamper and decided to “wash” half the bathroom with potty water! Aren’t toddlers fun?

Jennifer Danner - Suddenly Psycho had an epiphany...”So THAT’S why mascara doesn’t look right on me. I don’t even have eyelashes!” Lightbulb on. Brad and Heather Simmons visit Paris!

Jonathan Grizzell - I was asking an 8-year-old what his goals were. He told me he wanted to work drive-thru at local restaurant. ... I told him maybe I could go by there when he is working. His reply: “No offense but you will be dead ... cause you are so old....”

“And suns grow meek, and the meek suns grow brief, and the year smiles as it draws near its death.” – William C. Bryant

Susan Wilson’s granddaughter This child melts my heart!! — with Rachel Hofmann (mom) and Patricia Barton (greatgrandma)

Matthew and Rachel Wallace Starks - Her parents like them Dawgs! Paislee Grace Starks

Sue Taylor Wearing my glasses and she is fixing her products order with us.

Tiffany Camp Watson - One of my favorite pics of Jake this year. He decided he needed to meditate to keep himself relaxed. Out of the blue I turned the corner and he was perched on the counter meditating. Soooo Jake!!

DeAnne Bearden Stenberg - That moment when you get a call from Thelma and Louise, where they are sitting at a rest stop in Alabama, to say, “Mama, I accidentally flushed the car keys down the toilet!” Also CariAnna Bryant assured me she reached in for the keys but was not as fast as an automatic flushing toilet. LOL

“Christmas carols always brought tears to my eyes. I also cry at weddings. I should have cried at a couple of my own.” – Ethel Merman

Wow ... me ... a ...

GRANDMOTHER! I’M GONNA BE A GRANDMOTHER!! These words are still ringing in my ears…and my heart skips a beat every time I hear the echo! Wow…a grandmother. Granny. Gma….me. I still claim that I’m never having kids! Where did time go? This also rings through my seemingly empty brain so much more than ever before. My daughter, Chelci, and I were talking about all the things of becoming a mommy (I will have to let you know about the grandmother part, I’m still new to this…but I hear it’s the most amazing thing EVER!), and the memories of her childhood just flooded areas of my heart that I had long misplaced. Then I just laughed as she became worried about all the rumors and wives tales of her child being just like her during her childhood. Aaaaahhhh…the memories! Bless her heart if that is true! We enjoyed lunch and just reminisced a while about those wonderful times. The stories you may have already read about with her cooking and hiding the raw ingredients in her clothing drawers for goodness only knows how long; the spaghetti noodles stuck to the walls; coloring her hair with a Sharpie; and that horrible messy room!

A few more new stories that she and I had both long forgotten sprang back to life as we were talking about names and school. The first one was school. My daughter HATED school. With a passion. Well…I guess I should rephrase that, she hated school work. She thoroughly enjoyed school! She didn’t let the teachers slow down her social life the first little bit. The most interesting thing was how incredibly quickly her mood would change, totally and completely without warning.

“One of the most glorious messes in the world is the mess created in the living room on Christmas Day. Don’t clean it up too quickly.” – Andy Rooney

Like that one morning dropping her off at school. It was second grade. We pulled up in the Lil Puttermobile Honda and she was perfectly fine. Just like any other day. Right up to that point where the teacher opened the door of the car. I told her, “Bye, I love you, do your work and make good grades, blah, blah, blah,” That was our sendoff every single day, and still is! Then the teacher told her good morning, and she just sat there. I said, “Bye baby, time to go to school.” She said no. That was it. Just no. I thought she was kidding at first, but she stared straight ahead and refused. I had to pull over to a parking space as the traffic line was getting pretty long. I was absolutely BAFFLED!! I didn’t know what in the world was going through her mind! So I pulled over and she said NO! I explained that she had to go to school and I had to go to work. Again, no. I proceeded to get out of the car and had to physically pull her out of the car! She was grabbing the emergency brake and the gear shift, anything that she could hang onto to keep her in that car! It was like trying to give a cat a bath in the potty, only backwards! She started screaming to the absolute top of her lungs! I can’t describe how embarrassing that was! I finally pried her tiny fingers from the car (that I’m pretty sure still has the imprints) and carried her into the school. All I remember was every teacher peering out their doors as they heard me coming down the hall hoping and praying it wasn’t their student making all the noise! Finally (it seemed like hours later), I reached her teacher’s room and just handed her to the teacher and left! I’m so sorry if you’re reading this!! I did call and as soon as I had left she was calm as she could be! But that memory of me walking what seemed like the Green Mile is still here! Then dating. Oh her poor boyfriends! She was 12 when my

youngest daughter, Charlee, was born. I remember Chelci going on a “date” with a sweet young man, bless him. I always joked around with my kids’ friends, especially the nervous date ones! We went to the movies, I believe, and that’s the only reason he was with us. He was so very polite, had wonderful manners, but was an absolute bundle of nerves! We had a van and he was riding in the middle row next to Charlee, and Chelci was beside me up front. The poor boy wasn’t feeling well, and I told him to let me know if I needed to pull over. Well, we had to pull over and he was leaning out of the door trying to be sick with as much grace as he could muster, given the situation. Then we heard it. A loud HEEEEEEEEHAAAAAAAW of a donkey right outside the car where we had pulled over. I looked in my rearview mirror, and the horror on Charlee’s face was epic!! She was looking at the poor boy, wondering how in the world he made that kind of noise when he was sick! She thought he had absolutely turned into a Halloween critter, especially since she had never heard a donkey braying before! She was waiting on him to grow a second head or something. I had to point the donkey out to her and could hardly stop laughing as the poor fellow tried to collect himself on the first… and last….date with my daughter! Yes, motherhood is a blessing. That’s what I always want her to remember, even in the difficult time she is bound to face when her tiny bundle of joy gets here. I hope he/she isn’t tooooo hard on her! I also want her to be able to handle everything with a smile and find laughter in every situation…like…did I mention…I’m gonna be a...gulp…GRANDMOTHER!

“The new year stands before us, like a chapter in a book, waiting to be written. We can help write that story by setting goals.” – Melody Beattie

Talley Continued From Page 4 for a funnel cake shared by all of us, they headed back to the SUV. First, though, knowing just how much I love to read newspapers wherever we go, Cindy saw a rack and picked up a copy of The Best of the North Georgia Mountains for me. Since it was dark, I just tossed the paper on the dash and, once we got home that night, threw it on the kitchen counter, planning to look at it the next morning when I wasn’t so tired. Well, it didn’t take long for that previously mentioned divine intervention to take hold. No sooner had I gotten to page 4 of Issue #15 than I saw a column by Robb and Thia, announcing that Robb was having a few health concerns and they were thinking about selling the paper and slowing down a little. Since it has been my dream since I was editor of my high school paper to own my own newspaper one day, I quickly shot off an e-mail to Robb. We met over breakfast at Annie’s two days later, and after listening to Robb, I was really excited about the possibility of buying the paper, eager to add a nice little exclamation mark to a nearly 40-year career as a journalist in Calhoun and Dalton. But how to come up with the capital for the purchase, though? Well, that’s when more of that divine intervention arrived. My mama passed away in September 2014, and I just couldn’t stand to part with the house where I grew up and where she and Daddy had lived since 1966. For months, I planned to buy the house from my siblings, but things just never lined up right to complete the deal, though. The purchase kept being delayed for one reason or another.

Wanting the blessings of my wife of 26 years, Cindy and I met with Robb and Thia at Charlie’s Italian Restaurant the Saturday after our visit to the drive-in, we talked, and the rest is history. Now I just needed to come up with the money. When we got home that night, Cindy listed Mama’s house for sale on Facebook, and after fielding so many calls from interested parties over the next 48 hours, I decided to have an open house at 6 p.m. that Monday and let everybody look. Well, the first person who did look made us a full-price offer, and my share of the proceeds suddenly provided the money to fulfill my dream. I look at it as a blessing from above from my mama and daddy, who always supported my journalism career and knew how much I always wanted to buy my own newspaper some day. They would be so proud. The past few weeks have been a whirlwind, but it’s been great getting to know the people of Ellijay, Blue Ridge, and Jasper - not to mention Cherry Log and McCaysville and lots of other places. Of course, we’re no strangers to the area; my mama grew up in Hinton, and I still have lots of cousins and other relatives in Pickens County. In fact, we recently toured downtown Jasper and accidentally wound up at the site of the old high school where my mama had graduated in the 1940s. More of that divine intervention, huh? I’ve been in the newspaper business since 1976, when I was a senior in high school and started working as janitor at the Calhoun Times. I’m very impressed with the job that Robb and Thia have done in three short years to build The Best of the North Georgia Mountains into

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a thriving publication. It’s never been easy to start a paper, but with the economy still recovering from the recession and the Internet seemingly sounding the death bell for printed products, the growth of this paper has been nothing short of amazing. We think that shows the print media isn’t dead, yet, not by a long shot. We know better than to mess with a good thing, so don’t worry about any massive changes in the paper.The collection of writers they have compiled is already outstanding, and we thank these men and women for their invaluable contributions to making this Funpaper what it has become. It’s our intention to build upon their talents and just add our own personal touches and keep making The Best of the North Georgia Mountains even “Bester and Bester” in the years to come. Thanks so much for the kindness already shown to me and my family in just a few short weeks, and we look forward to meeting lots more of you in the coming days. We also pledge to use the pages of this newspaper to help the communities thrive as much as possible. Feel free to call me at 706-463-0175 if you have any ideas. We’d love to put the spotlight on local people as much as possible, so let us know if you know of any interesting characters in the mountains of North Georgia. We’re sure there are lots of interesting folks in this area willing to share their stories! Give me a call!

Call Mitch at 706-264-4485 for more details!

10% off your order with this coupon through Jan. 31, 2016 one coupon per purchase

You can get the power of advertising in The Best of the North Georgia Mountains for as low as $25!

FR E

As country comedienne Minnie Pearl always said, ‘We’re jes’ so proud to be here!’

HOWWW-DEEE!

By MITCH TALLEY

See MITCH, Page 78

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The love of family and the admiration of friends is much more important than wealth and privilege.â&#x20AC;? - Charles Kuralt

“I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.” ― Charles Dickens

Could that be...

YOU KNOW WHO? f! Woof! o o W ! f o o W , Santa Is that you Claus???

“Today you are you! That is truer than true! There is no one alive who is you-er than you!” - Dr. Seuss

colwith fur lined cuffs and col lar. Toboggan and trousers to match. Black boots, muddy and scuffed. A hardened, grizzled woodsman from many, many years past but, for some reason, here before me. Alone, he sits on a log and warms his hands by a tiny incampfire. The snowfall in creases and a slight breeze tickles the air. He shivers a bit, rubs his hands together for warmth then stokes the fire with a broken pine limb. Lucy is ahead of me and, before I have a chance to call her back, makes her way to the mysterious woodsman. His head turns - face weathered from many years in the harshest of elements, and looks upon Lucy through dark, piercing eyes. Placing the tip of the pine limb in the now roaring fire, he props the stick on the granite rocks bordering the fire. Slowly raising his hand, he reaches for the ornamental Styrofoam Reindeer Antler precariously perched on the side of Lucy’s head. “Com’ere little girl. Whatcha got around yer head there? Lemme see if I can fix that for ya,” the jovial tone of his gravely, baritone voice bringing comfort to the odd, unexpected encounter. “I’m sorry sir. She just likes people and, well…come here Lucy.” Not acknowledging my apology and completely focused on the excited little bundle of pit bull energy before him, he continues to fumble with the chewed, tattered Reindeer Antler. Eyes softened - twinkling even, and voice now a cheerful roar. “Well Lucy, I don’t believe there’s much I can do for that antler ya got there.” Again, pleading, “Sir, I’m sorry. Lucy, please…”

“The mountains are calling and I must go.” - John Muir

“Merry Christmas to you, and to yer little dog Lucy,” he says with a chuckle and gleam in his eye. I turn and head away. Suddenly, from behind me, I hear a thundering “Swoooooooooosh!” The trees rattle at their tops and from somewhere above, I hear, “Oh, and please make sure to tell your wife, Patti, that I said Merry Christmas! Hooo hooo hooo!” I spin around. Nothing. The woodsman is gone and the blaze extinguished with just a slight wisp of smoke giving any indication a fire was even there. I rush to where the woodsman once sat. The ground is churned, scuffs and scrapes all about and, at least I think it to be so, I can make out hoof prints in the tattered mix of earth and snow. And, if I didn’t know better, it appears that something on two rails was being disapdragged – at least to a point anyway before disap pearing. A sleigh maybe? No, that’s just crazy. The sound of jingling bells fills the air - hundreds it seems, from all around. “Swooooooosh!” A sonic boom shaking the earth this time. “Hoooooo hoooooo hooooo!” comes the sound from toabove, seemingly circling me at this point. I look to wards the sky, eyes darting in every direction. Still nothing. As chaotic as the last few moments had been, the mountains draw silent again, still. Not a sound to be heard. “Patti?” I say aloud. How did the woodsman know my wife’s name? I look down at Lucy, who’s calmly sitting at my side, tail wagging. “Lucy, do you think that was … you know, Santa Claus?” Looking back at me, she tilts her head and – and this may sound crazy, I think she smiles. Making our way back to the trailhead, I discover a little box – wrapped in red paper with green ribbon and bow, on the hood of my truck. On it, a card which reads, “For, Lucy. From, Santa.” Upon opening the box, I find a set of doggie ornamental Reindeer Antlers – and these were plastic! I hear again – this time tailing away and far in the distance, “Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night! Hoooo Hooo Hoooo!” I smile and wonder if Patti will ever believe me when I tell her the story of how I came back from my “Christmas Hike” with a brand new set of plastic ornamental Reindeer Antlers.

What do you call people who are afraid of Santa Claus? Claustrophobic.

By MITCH TALLEY

“You have to feel the bite of the wind to appreciate the warmth of a winter coat.” - Fennel Hudson

“People who think they know everything are a great annoyance to those of us who do.” - Isaac Asimov

What kind of music do elves like best? “Wrap” music!

“You can’t get too much winter in the winter.” - Robert Frost

“The smells of Christmas are the smells of childhood.” - Richard Paul Evans

sweet and sour (white meat) chicken and Crab Rangoon. I usually grab a couple kinds of veggies too. All of my choices are top notch and rank with the best Chinese food I’ve had.

I know I should be more adventurous and try new things, but I know what things I love and I get them over and over again. Luckily Mitch decided that he would be adventurous tonight so he, for the first time ever, had breaded frog’s legs. He liked ‘em and said… ( guess what?) “They’re good. They taste like chicken!” Robb here: You know what also tastes like chicken? CHICKEN! No, I’m not as adventurous as Mitch. I’ve never had the frog legs, but I have tried all the many varieties of chicken-heavy dishes at Hot n Cold. There are many to choose from. But also many beef and pork and shrimp and vegetable dishes and soup and desserts — so I guess if I’m ever still hungry after a few trips filling up my plate with all that, MAYBE I’ll try a frog leg? Or, maybe not, and just leave more for all the frog leg lovers among you. Also, besides all the choices out on the steam tables, there’s a Hibachi and Sushi chef at the back, you can choose all your raw ingredients and have your dish custom cooked or get some freshly rolled Sushi. I love Hot n Cold Buffet. By the way, there’s lots of other choices besides Chinese on the buffet. I’ve had Polish sausage, steak, pizza, chicken wings, fried chicken, peel and eat shrimp; they have fish, soup and a salad bar. Like Thia, I have my “go to” favorites, but I always try to find something new each time. There are so many different things to choose from, you probably won’t get to 10 percent in one visit. In order to just get a taste of everything they have, you’ll have to come back several times. If I gave you a list of all the items to eat I would have no room for the story! It’s like a gastronomical adventure! And I have to mention the prices are really fair-Lunch is $6.99, Dinner is $10.99. Thia’s Back: After a leisurely meal with many refills of food and drink, we made a final browse for a taste of the dessert items. ( I was so stuffed, I looked but didn’t take any). And then our server brought us out our fortune cookies. Cindy had a trick on how to pick which one belonged to each of us. We really had a wonderful evening, and it certainly made me forget the cold and rain. Oh, and I don’t remember exactly whose fortune said what, but I think Mitch’s said something about being a great success in business! ;) All of our forks way up!

“What’s another word for Thesaurus?” - Steven Wright

RAIN, SLEET OR SNOW... To the barn I go!

Much like the old saying for the mail ser service, winter on the farm means you get out in the weather no matter if it’s rain, sleet I thou ght yo or snow. u said we we There are days re beach going to th where I slide my this w e inter! feet into my furlined barn boots and throw on my big coat over the top of my warm fuzzy robe. I slide my gloves on and put my crazy knit cap on my head and open the door to exclaim ... “Baby it’s cold outside!” No matter what it’s like out there I have to venture out to the barn, because there are a lot of little critters waiting to see my happy face. Well, we all know that’s not true - they are waiting to see my happy face holding a bucket of feed. There is a lot of preparation during the fall months to get ready for winter on a farm. Along with getting wood chopped and ready for the fireplace, What’s the first thing elves learn in school? The “elf”-abet!

“Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson

SALT + DOUGH = ONE VERY FUN

Where does a snowman keep his money? In a snow bank.

Which elf was the best singer? ELFis Presley

â&#x20AC;&#x153;A good conscience is a continual Christmas.â&#x20AC;? - Benjamin Franklin

‘I have been places and done things that without music and the cattle business I wouldn’t have been able to do.’

-JOE CHASTAIN, lead singer

An interview with...

“Christmas is the perfect time to celebrate the love of God and family and to create memories that will last forever.” – Joel Osteen

“Christmas, my child, is love in action. Every time we love, every time we give, it’s Christmas.” - Dale Evans

“Christmas is joy, religious joy, an inner joy of light and peace.” – Pope Francis

“Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

www.facebook.com/east.towne.cinemas

“Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine.” - Anthony J. D’Angelo

“...A lot of Grinches ...would like nothing better than to take any references to religion out of the holiday season.” – Ernest Istook

Jackson, the theatre owner’s son, is cute as a button!

“If you asked me for my New Year Resolution, it would be to find out who I am.” – Cyril Cusack

MAMA! MAMA! MAMA! A Southern girl can never have too many Mothers

Growing up I had several mamas. (And after I married I had the best mother-in-law in the world). Mama Hill, or just plain old Mama, was my great-grandmother, and I was fortunate to spend a lot of time with her the first 11 years of my life. Granny Kate was my mother’s mother, and she lived the street up above us. Mama Harper was my daddy’s mother, and until I was 7 they lived directly across the street from us. Mother, was, well, my mother. She was “Mother” because when anyone said mama, they meant Mama Hill. But there were plenty of other mamas, too. Every friend I had came with a mama, and when in their house I was under their rule. Believe it or not, I was a well-behaved child and never had the wrath of any mama down on my head much, but I saw what happened mis with kids who misbehaved. If you were at church, every woman there Mama Harper and Daddy John with me, Christmas 1963

“A lot of people like snow. I find it to be an unnecessary freezing of water.” - Carl Reiner

My parents, brothers and I.

Mama and Papa Hill holding my brothers (this picture was taken shortly before she passed away)

“What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness.” - John Steinbeck

Merry Christmas to you and yours!

THE MYSTERIOUS

FORT MOUNTAIN

Just who built its 855-foot-long stone wall? 49

This is part of the stone wall atop Fort Mountain. Did Indians or someone else build it thousands of years ago?

Story and photos by Jim Harmon

“Christmas is a season not only of rejoicing but of reflection.” - Winston Churchill

“Hope smiles from the threshold of the year to come, whispering, ‘It will be happier.’ ” – Alfred Lord Tennyson

Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas from your friends at The Best of the North Georgia Mountains!

“What I don’t like about office Christmas parties is looking for a job the next day.” – Phyllis Diller

FIRING UP MEMORIES OF

“Christmas is, of course, the time to be home - in heart as well as body.” – Garry Moore

“I love the excitement, the childlike spirit of innocence and just about everything that goes along with Christmas.” – Hillary Scott

TO ADVERTISE IN THE BEST NEWSPAPER, CALL MITCH AT 706-264-4485

Not just

CLOWNING

around STORY AND PHOTOS BY MITCH TALLEY

Whitfield County firefighters use the Clown Posse to get across their serious fire safety message to young students each year

s o t o h dp n a y r Sto EY L L A T CH T I M students. y b

Isaac Walters and Aiden Ketchem, students at Tunnel Hill Elementary, have a good time with Pluggie the Fire Plug after the Clown Posse show at their school.

“Every gift which is given, even though it be small, is in reality great, if it is given with affection.” – Pindar

207 Dalton Street, Ellijay n 706-635-5605 n gilmerarts.org

COMMUNITY CHORUS HOLIDAY CONCERT Saturday, Dec. 5 at 7 p.m., Gilmer High School Theatre.

Gilmer Arts B.E.S.T. Series presents A Closer Walk With Patsy Cline SATURDAY, FEB. 6

Ellijay Elementary School Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. Call 706-635-5305 for tickets, or go to www.gilmerarts.org $27 +tax advance, $29 door

“‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ makes me cry in exactly the same places every time, even though I know it’s coming.” – Nicholas Lea

What's worse than finding a worm in you

“Pets, like their owners, tend to expand a little over the Christmas period.” – Frances Wright

VERY LONG WALK in the WOODS

“My New Year’s resolution is to stick to a good workout plan that will keep me healthy and happy.” – James Lafferty

“Deep breaths are very helpful at shallow parties.” – Barbara Walters

THE ART AND MUSIC SCENE By Jennifer Danner

HOME IS WHERE THE MUSIC IS A trip to Nashville makes me realize how much the artistic scene has grown in our area

“Dick Clark will be truly missed. We will carry on his legacy every New Year’s Eve.” – Fergie

“New Year’s Day is every man’s birthday.” – Charles Lamb

“I think in terms of the day’s resolutions, not the years’.” – Henry Moore

“Going to a party, for me, is as much a learning experience as, you know, sitting in a lecture.” – Natalie Portman

“I like to go to parties where I know everyone. How are you going to have fun with people you don’t know?” – Mary-Kate Olsen

Wanda Nolen - A sad good laugh. This sums up my day. Went to the store this evening and the sweet lady asked ... “Did you have a hard day?” I said yes. She smiled and said “I can tell, your shirt is on backwards and inside out.” Yes you can laugh. I did:-) LOL … If that’s the case I may or may not be wearing clothes tomorrow. Lol. Jennifer Danner - Suddenly Psycho had an epiphany...”So THAT’S why mascara doesn’t look right on me. I don’t even have eyelashes!” Lightbulb on.

Brad and Heather Simmons visit Paris!

“And suns grow meek, and the meek suns grow brief, and the year smiles as it draws near its death.” – William C. Bryant

Susan Wilson’s granddaughter This child melts my heart!! — with Rachel Hofmann (mom) and Patricia Barton (greatgrandma)

Matthew and Rachel Wallace Starks - Her parents like them Dawgs! Paislee Grace Starks

Sue Taylor Wearing my glasses and she is fixing her products order with us.

“Christmas carols always brought tears to my eyes. I also cry at weddings. I should have cried at a couple of my own.” – Ethel Merman

Wow ... me ... a ...

“One of the most glorious messes in the world is the mess created in the living room on Christmas Day. Don’t clean it up too quickly.” – Andy Rooney

“The new year stands before us, like a chapter in a book, waiting to be written. We can help write that story by setting goals.” – Melody Beattie

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Call Mitch at 706-264-4485 for more details!

10% off your order with this coupon through Jan. 31, 2016 one coupon per purchase

You can get the power of advertising in The Best of the North Georgia Mountains for as low as $25!