Tomorrow's Poet!

While looking through my library, I came across Sonnets From The Portuguese by Elizabeth Barrett Browning. Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeek! How did that get in there? I never liked the stuff nor am I much on poetry. I always found the stuff boring. I have no explanation for my intense dislike of prose or poetry. I looked inside this book only to discover that I bought it one hundred years ago while in college. I have tried from the heart to appreciate this unique form of language but all to no avail. I get bored. I did find someone who has a natural draw to poetry; he is my little friend Austin.

Austin began reciting lengthy passages of scripture since the age of four. This little man is still loosing his baby teeth but has mastered verbal recitations with ease. I can't remember a phone number lest I write it down yet he can recite lengthy bible passages from Isaiah! I have seen adults stand Austin on a chair and ask him to recite anything he knows. Austin will recite upon request if asked to do so. I have actually sat speechless when he concludes a lengthy recital. I hope to see what this young man does with this gift years on down the road.

Austin is blessed to have parents who encourage him. He is part of a young family that care enough to teach and encourage he and his siblings. He is a great kid who loves giving hugs and he is full of life around people. Every time that boy would loose a baby tooth, not only would the tooth fairy take great care of him but he would be eager to share his tooth fairy money. He would insist on taking me to dinner at McDonald's with tooth fairy money. I told him to save all that money and maybe buy a new truck or something. Sweet little boy.

It is because of Austin and only Austin, that I tolerate prose and poetry. No professor could ever make me tolerate the stuff. Maybe Austin should have the Sonnets rather than me keeping the book on my shelf.

Cows Or Cats?

With my love of cats, I have been asked if I like other animals. Hey! I'm an ol' farm girl! Who are you talking to? My first pet was a little polled white face heifer named "Popeye". Cows are so docile and the calves are even more docile and always smell like fresh milk. As a little girl growing up on the farm, I turned all livestock into pets. I learned to put a cow to sleep while it was standing just by petting it on it's throat-they love it.

I was once given a couple of rabbits not knowing at the time that they reproduce every thirty days. I never let my parents down as I took care of them daily. Dad decided to go out and see just how well I was taking care of my darling fluff balls. When we finished counting, the math proved my rabbit population grew to seventy-four rabbits! I enjoyed sneaking the babies indoors. If I thought my folks were on their way to my bedroom, I would put the little critters in my desk.

I can't ever forget my horse "Patsy". She was part Palamino and part Tennessee Walker. I spoiled her by daily grooming and giving her carrots, apples and oats. It is little wonder that she always followed me around like a puppy dog. I still remember the day my Dad sold her and her her colt because we were moving to another farm. My reasoning was to take her and the colt with us but Dad had different reasons for letting them go.

I still love farm animals. I was blessed to be taught how to approach them. Actually, I along with my brothers had little choice in learning how to approach the livestock as we had to work and take care of them daily. However, I would get very sad when "my pets" met their fate to the dinner table. Though not a vegatarian, I would always worry if I was actually eating my "pets".

Today, armed with cameras, I still wander into a county fair or pull off on the road side to shoot pictures or pet the livestock. While I think county fairs are educational to teach youngsters about farming and livestock, I do get sad knowing that the livestock has spent a week at a time chained to stalls in humid temperatures. Yes, I'm very guilty of getting too emotionally involved with animals. I do not get out and protest. Rather I serve as a peaceful advocate for humane treatment because I always remember that God put them here for a purpose (I will come after you or turn your butt in if your ever mistreat an animal!!!). I will always enjoy the presence of the animal kingdom and I hope mankind will feel the same.

Until the next dive bomb, meow.

Not My Santa!

Darlings? Looky at what I found-Santa! Thus far the dern Thawt police have not arrested him. I think he is rather cute. Actually, I was asked about decorating here at home. Darlings are you kidding me?! With two very active kitties I just don't think holiday decor is feasible. I tried this once and the place was vandalized by the little darlings. I do hang stockings for Moo and Teddy Bear in which I put little kitty toys for them. We have fun without the decdorations. So this one will be short as I am beginning to dodge dive bombs now!

Until the next dive bomb, meow.

A Coalminer's Christmas

My darlings, I don't know about you but this season brings so much beauty! Homes are so inviting with their lovely Chirstmas decor. It's enough to lift your holiday spirit to the hilt! I grabbed something today that brought back Christmas memories when I was a youngster. I grabbed hold of a wall calender with those pocket leaves that a local funeral home passed out. If memory serves me correctly, I think these calenders disappeared in the late 1970's. So I got myself some ice tea in a mason jar and thought I would share some of those memories

This calender reminded me of some of those things brought into the Adams household at Christmas time. Dad was famous for bringing in some of what I consider long gone holiday items. That type of calender was one item that was usually an annual item. Actually, he would bring home several of these from local businesses with whom he was in good standing. Usually these pocket leaf calenders came from the Farmer State Bank or the nearby feed mill. Dad and Mom used those pocket leaves to put paid and unpaid bills in them. It is also about this time that the feedmill would give Mom her Farmer's Almanac, something she faithfully follows to this day.

Dad, would frequent turkey shoots in his spare time around the winter holidays. He must have been pretty good because he always brought home a slab of smoked bacon wrapped in that infamous brown paper. Not that we needed the meat since we lived on a farm. But since we were in hog killing season, that slab of bacon put a hold on the Saturday morning butchering for a few weeks. For Dad, being famous for gun sports, he just enjoyed the thrill of winning the best shot.

Dad was pretty well known for some of the best farm raised pork and beef. This is something he was dead serious about that he did have an ego when it came to his livestock. Therefore, he knew he would have no trouble selling a side of beef or pork to get extra money to pay bills and have a good Christmas. People knew when snow was on the ground and temperatures became frigid, the Adams were the ones to contact for the best pork and beef. So he would take orders during the holidays, gave the promise date to deliver the meat and set the money aside.

Dad may break out the moonshine for what he called a holiday drink. He made the best toddies with that stuff. Mother never touched the stuff as she destested alcohol. Dad's boss always gave him a gallon bottle of Canadian whiskey with a pump. I confess, I would sneak in that stuff and do my own holiday drinks. Later in my life, Dad told me he knew I was the culprit. In those days, Coors Beer was hard to come by in the Midwest and Southeastern Kentucky. Dad would get a case of Coors when his employer sent him to Colorado. He saved the stuff until his hunting and fishing friends came by during the holidays.

Dad's employer always took great care of him around the holidays. He always got a big bonus which meant more stuff for us kids at Christmas. In those days, the only state of the art electronic stuff available were small transitor radios. Needless to say, one Christmas I did ask for and got a white transitor radio enclosed in black leather. I used that thing until 8-track tape players came onto the scene. My oldest brother got one of those jet air hockey tables when he became a teenager. I fell in love with that thing that I would beg the rest of my brothers to come and play a game with me on that table. I found the secret to winning in jet air hockey; my brothers are right handed and I am left handed and this is a huge difference. Some of them eventually figured out that I excelled at the game because I played left handed. Some of my brothers outright accused me of cheating. Of course today, I'll admit that I only excelled at two sports: jet air hockey and tether ball because I am left handed.

In addition to Dad's Canadian whiskey and his bonus, his boss would give him a ham or turkey. Again, this gave us a stay on hog killing season coming up. We were never hungry, especially around the holidays. All that Dad expected in return during the holidays was a big dinner and his homemade candy, especially peanut butter fudge. He did not have to worry about me with that as I was and still not much on fudge. My oldest brother sure enjoyed it and to this day he makes chocolate fudge and passes it out as gifts.

I think what I enjoyed the most at Christmas time was that family and friends would call on our parents. I loved when they would visit and visit for hours. They would come in with a gift of cookies and food for the Adams family. Most of all they would stay for hours. Dad also made a point to call all of his family long distance during this time. He loved to stay in touch with family. Many of them have passed on and many have made it to their elder years. I still make an effort to stay in touch with them.

Finally, a church we went to would pass out treats after the Christmas play. This consisted of a small white paper bag with candy, apple and orange. This little country church still carries out this seasonal treat to this day. I always break away from my own church schedule to visit this little church for that traditional treat. I would rather be in this little country church than in the malls.

As for Christmas decor in the Adams household, we just put up a tree. Oh Mother would put a few Christmas candles and plastic things on the kitchen table but that is about all. When I was little, I saved money and bought this little plastic Nativity scene of which I still have to this day. I still love Nativity Christmas cards. I would get sad when the tree had to come down because it meant the end to all month long fun. It also meant we had to return to school.

Dad never so much as helped decorate the Christmas tree, sang one carol, posed for a family picture nor attended church services during Christmas. However, he did make sure that we had the best Christmas. He did what he did from the heart and I loved him for it. Thinking back on this, Dad never really got much for Christmas because he honestly did not want anything. As a matter of fact, Dad just gave and gave without understanding that Christmas is about giving. The irony of it all, I got him a pullover shirt and a hansome wallet one Christmas. Strange was that he wore that shirt to special functions then it became a favorite. He treated that wallet like it was better than the next man's wallet.

As I sit here, my mason jar now empty, I think how I really miss the traditonal stuff we did around the Christmas season. Our hearts were really into Chirstmas back then. Today, all of these traditional things are gone. Most of all, Dad has been gone for many years but he bent over backwards to have the best Christmas for all us and not one credit card was never used for any of this. As a matter of fact, most coal miners and farmers never heard of credit cards. Dad really aimed to please everyone. When Dad opened our home and asked you to stay awhile, he refused to accept 'no' from visitors. When Dad left I think he took tradition with him. That wallet I got him? I have it in a small white oak box along with his driver's license and his solid gold Elgin pocket watch. I think the commercial side of Christmas as we know it today would not appeal to Dad. Businesses really don't pass out much in terms of calenders. Employers really don't do the bonuses, turkeys or hams. Farmer's Almanacs can now be purchsed for five dollars. Turkey shoots are only in the minds of those who participated in them. As a matter of fact, today a farmer is not permitted to sell small portions of meat like a slab of bacon to anyone. It is little wonder I can handle what is called meat today in the stores. Today's Chirstmas is so worldly and politcally correct. You know what? You can have it my darlings. The dern Thawt police can't take Christmas past from me nor can they rewrite it for me.

Until the next dive bomb, meow.

The Secret Of Seco

Still new to my blog? Yeah me too. If you become a regular of my blog, you are going to find that I have an insatiable appetite for history. Working in my photo libarary, I came across some photos I shot down home outside of Whitesburg in a little place called Seco, Kentucky (pronounced SEE-co). As I scanned through the photos, I began to feel bad as the lady who was my host that day was promised by me that I would send her some photos I shot of my day with her. I hope this blog will make up for it as well as a phone call from me.

Seco was incorporated in 1915 as a coal camp. Now watch this. South East Coal Company, thus the name "Seco", set up their headquaters at this location. Based on information I researched down there and on line, very little has changed in terms of the town's layout. Over in Millstone, an exact headquarter building by South East Coal Company rest in the center of town (please refer to my blog, Customer Service: Past And Present). Please see photos and by all means, use your mouse to enlarge them if detail and quality becomes challenging.

When I go down home, I like to grab my cameras and meander through the mountains. The day I shot these was no exception. I wondered over to Seco and as a rule, before I shoot anything where people are around, I always get permission. I have made many friends by doing so. As I stood before this huge building, I was amazed at the wonderful condition of it's structure. Someone had preserved the original building. Why? I was amazed at it's size for a small coal camp. I had just stood at the edge of town, holding my hand in front of my eyes only to see Seco disappear. This is typical of all coal camps throughout the mountains down there. They are small.

I walked in to find a lady standing behind what appeared to be a bar in the middle of a large but restored country dinner hall. Like all southerners down home, she welcomed me. We introduced ourselves. I, being the question lady, began asking about this majestic place. She invited me to sit at the bar to sample wines. Wait a minute! I'm in a dry county! She explained that she has a legal license to run a winery and serve wine. I sat down because I was dying to know more history about this awesome place. She gladly began a tour. I felt regal.

This place is now owned by Mr. And Mrs. Jack Looney. The old South East Coal Company headquarters is now a lovely bed and breakfast as well as home to Highland Winery. If wine is your thing, she will take great care of you. She walked me through her entire wine list and explained their tastes. On Friday evenings, they serve a fabulous country dinner and host bluegrass shows. What would this place be without bluegrass?

I realized that I was getting pressed for time as I had many, many more relatives to visit and be back on the road toward Cincinnati early in the morning. Wish I had found this place earlier in the week. However, I could not let this opportunity to photograph and learn pass me up. I asked permission to have liberty to shoot photos. Not only did she grant permission, she joined me.

As we went outside, she began pointing at various houses. She stated that any house painted yellow belonged to her and her husband. They bought up these little houses destined to become part of their bed and breakfast business. As we stood on the side of the building (see photo of where I stand in the garden then compare to old black and white photo), Mrs. Looney explained to me that this is where the train came up to the headquarters to unload supplies. The sliding door is actually still there. Today, she has converted this very spot into a beautiful garden to use for dinner parties in the warm months. One has to see an actual layout of a coal camp to appreciate this place. I told her that many of the men in my family had worked for South East Coal Company and it became a common household name.

Before I left, I just had to ask Mrs. Looney one question; What made her and her husband endeavor to take on Seco, Kentucky and create the business they now have? I will never forget her answer as long as I live. She stated, with a smile that "I'm sick and tired of people up North thinking that all we do is sit around on a porch toothless and carrying a shot gun. I want people to come here, relax, have a good time and see what people of southeast Kentucky are really like". I couldn't agree more.

Darlings, I know that if you are willing to experience something different, the Looneys will take great care of you should you ever become their guest. You will encounter southern hospitality as it is meant to be. People down home take hospitality very seriously and do not appreciate their hospitality taken for granted by outsiders. The Looneys are no exception. Mrs. Looney invited me back for the evening as dinner and bluegrass music were on the agenda. Sad to say, I was very pressed for time. However, I do plan on returning.

This wonderful place is about three hundred miles from where I now sit. If you want to experience a bit of Americana, call ahead at 606-855-7968. While enjoying your time there and you want to learn more of Appalchian folk lore and southeastern Kentucky's coal industry there is plenty of that around. The Virginia state line is just up the road if you want to see Clinch Mountain and the now famous Pound Gap. Whether you are a historian, artist, geologist or hopeless romantic, give the Looneys a call. I promise you will not be disappointed.

Until the next dive bomb my darlings, meow.

Moo's Optical Illusion Part II: The Illusion

Moo's Optical Illusion

Witness the mystique and deep thawts of the Divine Miss M.

Darlings, we hope to bring you more adventures and deep thawts in the upcoming week. Until the next dive bomb, enjoy Madame's beauty.

Yall Come Back

And now we conclude our day. Indeed it has been a day of business. I was blessed to see my friend Jason though he is going through trials. If he is reading this let me just say I think all with be well with prayers and time. Hang in there my friend.

My friends who view my blog have lovingly harped as to why I have not appeared in my blog. Darlings? I'm the one behind the camera most of the time. I will sneak one in just for you. You owe me. I feel better dressed more appropriately when I'm exposed to the public. Most of all, I don't think anyone from church has ever seen me out of my make up or a dress.

Finally, for my cat loving friends, especially those of you in Cincinnati, often ask me what a typical day is like living with Moo and Teddy Bear. I assure you they own the place. I just clean and pay the bills. I hope these recent photos will show a typical day here. They also love when people go by the windows, call their names and wave to them.

Darlings, until the next dive bomb. We love you.

Let It Snow...Whiny Butt

Cold weather has finally arrived here in Southwestern Ohio and already people are complaining. Summer was just here and complaining prevailed about the heat and humity. Six months ago, people griped about too much rain. Winters around here seem to be mild. However, if there is snow, I'm sure someone out there will gripe about that. Don't forget, you are not the only human enduring what you consider inconveniences of the seasons. If the seasons are as bad as you think they are, remember, geographically speaking, someone else will benefit from your discomfort. I on the other hand, enjoy the seasons and make the best of them while they are here. Always packing a camera, I'm always ready to shoot something. As I was working on my archives, I finally completed Wings Of Grace. shot from various porches (please read my blog, Porch Revival) and while someone complained about the weather conditions. Photos from this series took first place in competitions. Most of all, this moth and butterfly beauty was incredible to watch. Looking at these photos today I tell myself I will have to wait eight months from now before I see these creatures again but they sure were beautiful in season. Blog technology does not allow me to show the entire series. Here is one of the series. Nonetheless, throw another log on the fire and enjoy.

More nature in the future my darlings, I promise! Merry Christmas!

Volunteers Needed!

Merry Christmas my darlings. Hope yall had a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Here at home, we begin our day with a kidnapping. Moo has decided to kidnap Teddy Bear's "Morris" catnip pillow. May I say that my babies have mastered kidnappings around here. However, Madame is not asking for a ransom. She is just daring us to take Morris away from her. This is the "thanks" I get for waking up this morning. Nonetheless, I don't mind. My babies wake me up no matter my lack of sleep. Typically, they wake me up to either watch them play or they want me to play with them. What would my wake up call be without a hair pull or a dive bomb. We have loads of fun all the same. I still awoke with many blessings!

Will I join the "Black Friday" crowd today? Not!!! I will watch the evening news to see greedy shoppers start fights at the malls. I am curious as to who the selfish shopper will be broadcast on television tonight. Modesty seems to be rare around the holidays. It becomes clear that Jesus is NOT the reason for the Black Friday season. Frankly, I don't recognize the Christmas season any more as today's shoppers recognize it.

I intentionally took time out yesterday to see something I have heard about all my life but refused to acknowledge. I wanted to see what life is like for the less fortunate. I was shocked at the people I had encountered. I found people that not only have less in terms of material things but family who completely ignore them around this time of year. I chose not to delve into why they are alone as I'm sure they were uncomfortable discussing their singular lives. It is obvious the Black Friday crowd is not even aware of their existance. Of course there are those who think of the less fortunate when a box of macaroni or a can of peas that has sat in a pantry all year needs to go so why not pass it off to whom you would never stoop to interact. So I ask, is your real reason for the season vaninty? Shopping? Guilt? To be seen? Expect something in return? Don't know? Have no opinion? All of the above? If you answered 'yes' any of these, then you poor soul.

I fully realize that there exists dysfunctional families. There are some people that are naturally born to be so selfish so as to mistreat their family. I personally have witnessed people out there that are so engulfed in their own world that they will step on their own family to get what they want. Sad to say, this has probably created more lonliness that surfaces during the holidays than any other time of the year. As a result, it is the selfish, not the lonely and less fortunate, that battle to cope with the upcoming new year.

Do I have a solution! Absolutely! However, you have eyes but they do not see; you have ears but they do not hear. I can't change the world but I will try to make a difference in it. So I decided to think less of me and become part of the solution. I will share one of my volunteer efforts. One thing I did during this year was get involved in a Saturday ministry for an elderly group. This group loves to watch Gaither videos and just fellowship with each other. Their families rarely take time for them. Nonetheless, I have never witnessed a group of lonely souls that have such a great time that they forget that they are alone at that moment.

Finally, for those of you wondering about my gratitude during the Thanksgiving holiday. I am grateful that God's mercy is new everyday. "I laid me down and slept. I awakened, for the Lord sustained me". Gratitude feeds me to the fullest. Greed creates thirst for more. Volunteer where you can make a difference and consider doing so year around. Seek volunteer work where you are qualified. Everyone has some sort of gift that would benefit someone else. Be honest and find work where you will touch a life. I promise that you will soon see less of yourself and more of others. The blessings are amazing.

Merry Christmas my darlings!

Cereal Is Criminal

Cereal. That favorite morning staple for every youngster including us middle age youngsters. Darlings, may I say to you that it is not the cereal that is criminal. Rather the prices of cereal are the culprit.

After my morning paper, coffee and kitty divebombs, I went to the pantry and pulled out a box of Corn Flakes. I don't know what got my mind back into cereal history, but the first thing that came to mind was the cereal prices of old. I distinctly recall when I was young, the average price of a box of cereal ranged from $.59-$.89. (that price is so old I do not have a "cent" symbol on my keyboard). Today, the average price for a box of cereal ranges from $3.00-$5.00 and this does not include a prize. This is outrageous! Darlings, the last I checked commodities in Preble County, the price per bushel of corn, wheat, and soy beans, the ingredients for cereal, was about the same range per box of cereal. No wonder farmers feel the need to get out of farming.

Personally, I am partial to Cocoa Pebbles and Count Chocula. These are definitely expensive and because this I do not buy them often. I may try to cut a corner and buy Cocoa Pebbles for $3.50 at the nearby Dollar Store. I will not buy these cereals at regular stores as they are simply too high. So I have learned to treat cereals as a luxury and purchase it sparingly.

With these prices as high as they are, darlings, I want some answers that you and I have been asking for years; Where are the dern prizes that we used to get inside the cereal box? We older folks demand to know. For goodness sake, Cracker Jack is still putting prizes in their product. I miss fussing with my brothers as to who gets the prize next. You can bet your mouse pad that as kids, we kept track of who got that cereal prize last so we would know who is in line for the next prize. Today, prize offers require postage and a billion UPC's. Give me a break!

I have another question; why is cereal no longer advertised on television? I see more and more drugs, beer, doctors and lawyers doing their sales pitch in the early evening hours. Why not pitch cereal? It is harmless. Could it be that the prices are so outrageous that the only way for cereal to sale is to have a crying little kid standing in front of it begging mommy to get that cereal? Has cereal become a liabilty like the cigarette industry? I would love to know why cereal is not advertised any longer. If the reader knows the answer to this, by all means contact me with the skinny.

Editor Calls It Quits!

With all the remodeling going on around here, Mama's boy has called it quits for today. Moo is ministering her beauty, Teddy Bear is sacked out, toys everywhere and I will get to sleep until the next dive-bomb lands on me. Coffee pot is on stand by.

Good night my darlings.

Merry Christmas But Don't Shoot!

Wow! I have been in the Christmas spirit since halloween. Everywhere I have been, I have been wishing everyone a "Merry Christmas". Thus far I have not been challenged from politically correct anti-Christian people. Just because you are not allowed to say "Merry Christmas" or you don't want to say "Merry Chirstmas" should not stop me from saying "Merry Christmas". Therefore, I am going to say "Merry Christmas" everywhere I go. I do not shoot anyone down for wishing me a Happy Hannukka, Happy Ramadan, Happy Kwanza, Happy New Year, Happy Birthday, Happy Anniversay, Happy Fourth of July, Happy Trails, Happy Hunting, Happy Cookout, whatever. I do believe Jesus is the Reason for the Season so Merry Christmas to all of you my darlings! I love Nativity scenes. I am suprised that political police have not declared it a work of art like they do everything else. Actually, with the thawt police's repulsion by a Nativity scene has created kidnappings of the baby Jesus from Nativity displays in and around Cincinnati. Knowwhatimeanvern? With such hostility toward the spiritual and traditional side of Chirstmas, Santa Claus may be in a witness protection program for all I know. I look for the Easter bunny to get the boot in the future. I can just hear the thawt police indoctrinating little kids perhaps by telling them Peter Cottontail was apprehended for terrorist acts by infecting marshmellow Peeps with HIV.

Oh heck, Merry Christmas and may you have a blessed Season!

Customer Service; Past And Present

Darlings, I have been going over this week's schedule. Again this week, I have to pencil in some time to correct another customer service error. I have noticed that since September, I have had to chase down customer service mistakes on a weekly basis. As frequent as this problem has been, I have put enough time in that I should have a full time paid postition. Darlings, I mean these are customer service mistakes made against me that could prove to be costly for my pocket book. I am not only inconvienced, I am alarmed at the attitudes that accompany these mistakes. Furthemore, the entities from where the errors occur concern me as well. Then when I take the initiative to call those entities, I, like you, get a recording. I have also observed that when you get a live human being, they frequently do not show up for work on Monday's and Friday's or even worse, fail to return calls. When this happens, I take the "secret weapon", called paper work, and make my infamous unannounced visit to these places of business. I actually got so fed up with a gentleman refusing to return my calls or cancelling appointments without a follow up, that I actually walked into his office unannounced, found him asleep, beelined to his desk, picked up his phone and stated "I see there are no technical problems with your phone and apparently the phone bill has been paid. Why have you failed to return my calls? Why have you ignored appointments that you have made with me" No one should have to encounter customer service errors as often and in the manner as I have in the past. I am sure that you are no stranger to such treatment. I am also sure that in years past, you have encountered much better service than what transpires in businesses today. We employ more technology under the guise of improving customer service only to find that it is worse. Remember the days when you did business with with your local supermarket, post office, physician, hospital, feed store, school, etc. and you were treated like a valued AND regular customer? I think you and I can kiss those days goodbye. Therefore, I chose to go back through my photo archives and share with you my past memories of true customer service. I hope to bring to the older reader some fond memories. For the younger readers, I hope to inspire your work ethics. For those of your who haven't a care in the world, I hope to bring conviction.

Darlings, as a child running around Whitesburg, Kentucky, I got the best lessons in life by watching my elders. I had never observed such responsible, hard working people in my life as my family. My people where those who worked so hard and yet had so little. I did not understand the use of indoor plumbing, telephones, refrigeration, furnaces, air conditioners and sometimes, electricity, until the 1980's. Cable, cell phones and the internet are gradually getting noticed in those hollers as I write this. Why? Many of us could not afford these luxuries that are taken for granted today by the human race. If the opportunity for these luxuries ever came our way, we were somewhat intimidated by these. Still, we were never without. My Mother had shared with me what life was like for her growing up poor. She used the backs of calender leaves for school paper as she attended a one room school in the mountains. Coal banks and wells were used for refrigeration. Air conditioning was open windows or a shade tree. Washers we used were of the old ringer type out on the porch when weather permitted. For hot baths, water was boiled on old coal stoves and of course there was the infamous lye soap. My point? We did not have the lousy customer service issues that comes with these modern luxeries today. Life, though hard, did not become a burden without these conviences. My aunt's Reneva and Oma never had much to speak of but they were never without and never complained. Nor did they have any desire to leave those hollers (spelled like we say "hollows) Though gone, their lives truly insire me to this day.

However, as I found some fairly recent photos of old businesses around Whitesburg in which my family had a good relationship. Though we did not have much in material terms, we had a good reputation that small businesses would extend credit to our elder relatives. Here are just a few examples.

Grandpa Adams was a coal miner and blacksmith. Though he has be gone for many years, the old timers still speak highly of him today. Their testimonies of Grandpa really humble me. I must be honest, I will rely on my late father's testimony regarding the little Mom and Pop stores in and around Whitesburg.

Like all coal miners down home, business was done in the coal camp. For the historically challenged, coal companies owned everything. This means that coal miners and their families had a company doctor, company school, company shoe store, company store, etc. Coal camps created most small towns in Souteastern Kentucky because of the camp business layout. A coal miner could get an advance on his pay with the use of "scrip", a coal company's issue of currency with it's company name and logo on it. If there was a family need, Grandpa would obtain the neccessity there in the coal camp with an advance on his pay.

After Grandpa Adams passed on, Grandma relied on SSI. It is said when she passed on in 1971, she survived on sixty-six dollars a month. If she struggled finacially, I never knew. I do know that every time my brothers and I were at her old homestead, we had a home cooked meal. She some how managed to always give us a bottle of seven-up and a milkyway bar. I have no idea how she could afford such commodities. She just enjoyed giving these to us every time we came over.

Grandpa Sexton, a coal miner and school teacher had the same advantages but sold his home made whiskey on the side. Grandmother Sexton made extra money by selling her eggs and home made quilts in town. She had the distinct priviledge of working for Dawahares, the southern version of Macy's (see photo).

Dawahares was founded in Neon decades ago by a Jewish Syrian immigrant named, Surur Dawahare. He fled his home country due to religious persecution. Mr. Dawahare began his business as a pack peddler within the coal camps. Some of my aunts and uncles remember when he travelled around the mountains selling merchandise out of two suitcases. He built up enough capital that he opened his first store in Neon, 1935. The second store opened in Whitesburg, now considered the home base. Mr. Dawahare took great care of his customers because he knew in those days that customer loyalty to a specific business did not go elsewhere to do business. He treated his customers as friends. Grandmother Sexton served as Mr. Dawahare's housekeeper and they got along well. My Mother and I stop in Dawahares whenever we go down home. She had mentioned to a employee that Grandma worked for Mr. Dawahare. That dear lady actually remembered my Grandmother by her first name, Ella. Grandma's service was to Mr. Dawahare was remembered at her funeral in 1979. My Mother remembers Mr. Dawahare's oldest son, Willie, who runs the business today with stores throughout Kentucky, Tennessee and West Virginia.

Not only did my grandparents have good relationships with small area businesses, but so did my own father. Dad was famous for paying for our needs up front. He was a good customer everywhere he went. Dad was so outgoing that over the years business owners and their customers would be at our supper table. We grew up thinking it is normal to make friends at the check out line. Business always knew us by our first names and took great care of us. We still think this is normal today and anything less than this is considered rude.

While we never had much, businesses valued regular patronage because our reputation to pay the bills. Mom and pop stores would extend a little credit because they knew it would be paid with a coal miner's pay, selling fresh killed farm meat, produce, quilts or whatever legal resource we could find. Businesses of long ago knew there are going to be some rough times. I had seen many hard times in the family but as kids growing up, we were never without. I once learned from my uncle Andrew that he went through a layoff at General Motors. He instantly called all his creditors to let them know of his situation. His creditors were all too happy to work with him because he had a history of paying his bills. Though retired for many years, he will tell you that he is not without and he took great care of his family. Countless times I had been in their house when Aunt Shirley would bring him the mail. He would examine the bills, make sure they were acurate, hand them back to Aunt Shirley and tell her get the checkbook and pay the bills. Aunt Shirley passed on this past March but I'm sure Uncle Andrew still follows what he disciplined himself to do all of his life-pay the bills as soon as they arrive. I never saw them squander anything. They only cared for that which they needed and nothing more. He taught me to that if you have a good relationship with your creditors and hardships come your way, and they will come your way, never, ever avoid your creditors. They understand hardships and will be happy to work with you. Lesson well learned but often ignored today.

Wish I could say the same for customer service today. Patronage is no longer valued. Customers tend to be treated like a nuisance or enemy. Like most people, I do not expect customer service to part the Red Sea nor rearrange the furniture but I do expect courtesy. Sometimes I feel like I have to drag courtesy out of a business. I may not spend a gajillion dollars in a business but I am there to do business. What if people like me frequent your business all day? All week? All Year? It adds up for you financially. If you treat me like a doormat, I will let your boss know. If you are the boss and you treat me like a doormat, I will put you in my blog and you know it.

Darlings, when money changes from my hands to yours, this is customer service. Sad to say, this concept went out in the slop bucket a long time ago. Here are just a few examples of what I have experienced since October 31, 2006:

First, the nurse at McCollough Hyde hospital walked into pre-op with tentacles. She used her awful attitude to insert an IV into my arm. In the past, nurses who claim to have trouble inserting needles in my arms either switch to another arm or get another nurse to help. Some nurses are so good at inserting needles that I can't tell a needle was ever in there. It all depends on who is doing the needles. This nameless nurse was so awful after killing my arm that I requested another nurse. This awful nurse made no sincere attempt to apologize. She should have just stayed home that day.

Next, I was required to do a follow up visit at Dr. Stein's office in Oxford. Darlings may I say to you if you love cats and a quick witty sense of humor, you must make it a point to meet Dr. Stein. He has a spectacular sense of humor! However, he does have a pack of "Taliban" women working for him and I told him this. Before the appointment, I went to the billing lady to update some insurance changes which will benefit me. Keep in mine this was a courtesy. The only problem was I had not recieved my insurance card as of that day. Sherry, now known as the "Blair Witch Project," pitched a fit after I explained seven or eight times how she can still get the insurance information. She insisted that I was going to pay $107 in full before I was allowed to see Dr. Stein. No way Geraldine! She called the insurance company and they told her what had spent about a half an hour explaining. When all was done and over, Sherry made me late for an appoinment that could have been billed and rescheduled. I told them they are going to honor this appointment as scheduled. Guess what? Sherry made no attempt whatsoever to apologize. Later, I went to McCulough Hyde hospital to pay my share of the bills. The staff there indicated that while they think a lot of Dr. Stein, they will not go back to his office because they have been treated the same way as I was treated. Sherry and other "Taliban" women...Dr. Stein is a wonderful doctor but you are going to kill his practice. You pack of women are not fit to work in a local animal shelter.

Here is a good one. The Middletown City tax department sent me a letter last week stating I did not pay taxes for 2004. Took me two seconds to pull those tax records. I went straight to this office, gave a lady that letter. Then she looked at me and claimed they had no record of me filing taxes for said year. I responded by holding up a packet stating "Now, this is everything that was filed for 2004". She refused to admit the error was in that office. I then said "Look, the error is yours. Since this office is not going to offer an apology, could you draw up a letter stating that this matter has been resolved by this office?"

Of course in my previous blog there was the incident at Dr. Ulyshen's office regarding the service Moo and I received last Thursday.

There are countless other service inconveniences that I could go on with as I am sure you can do the same. I have learned to provide feedback through the appropriate channels involving good and bad service. I always keep paperwork to back me up. I always remember, if I have been treated bad, chances are you have been treated the same. If someone has good attitude toward me, I promise I will let their superiors aware of it. Remember, good and bad service does get registered with the BBB and it goes in your employee file. I will personally see to it. Why? I built up a solid work history based on how I treated people. I was not always perfect but I had a boss that would let me know. As a result, I grew from that feedback. Many could care less about this today. Just go into a fast food restaurant or a local supermarket and ask for help. Commonly, missing is politeness. Next, and I find this irritating, an attitude from employee that looks and acts like they would rather be some place else. Dress codes are down right pitiful. You have girls wearing skimpy clothing when it is two degress outside. I'm sorry, I don't want you serving my french fires with puss coming out of your lip piercing. When I say "sir" and "mam" I say that without apology so don't correct me. When I say "thankyou", you are to say "You're welcome". My name is not "Hey you" but you may call me "mam" or "miss". When I am talking to you, look at me and listen so I do not have to come back to fix mistakes you made because you had your head somewhere else. If you have a problem getting along with people or just have an attitude like "The Blair Witch Project" consider finding work with as little contact with the public. Better yet, adjust your attitude because you will have contact with a human called your "Boss" who will decide your future employment. Go to work when you are scheduled then you will appreciate your pay check. Next you will pay your bills regularly then maybe, just maybe, you will appreciate me and other customers. Finally, there are you customers that do think when you walk into a business that customer services shoud bend down and kiss your feet. Stop doing this because you are going to upset that representative. Then when I walk in I will have to bear the brunt of both of your rotten attitudes.

I would like to conclude by saying that I think we can look at one of the best customer service examples on the planet. This would be one of my favorite examples in my life. This would be a business relationship that has often been ignored and remains taken for granted today. This relationship would be between a feedmill and a farmer. Feedmills, though hard to come by in this region, valued a successful farmer and took great care of him. This was an honest friendship as well that I always enjoyed watching. Today, not only is the American farmer fading into history but I think the generation coming up is clueless as to who he is maybe considering him as part of a fairy tale. I'll say that I have more respect for an Indaina hog farmer than I do for AK CEO's here in Middletown. Chances of a farmer going to congress for bankruptcy protection are slim but I'm sure the bank would swoop over his farm in a heart beat if he encountered a hardship.

Darlings, let's face it, the days of a handshake and promise are gone. In their place is technology that is supposed to make life in the business world better. What do you think? How many times have you come home upset because of the way you were treated despite your good intentions for the day? Thank you for shopping with us.

NOTE: I shot these photos around Letcher County, Kentucky. All locations are within minutes of Whitesburg. Insert: Secondary location of Southeast Coal Company, Millstone, Kentucky; Original location of Dawahare's, Neon, Kentucky; Abandoned general store, HWY 15 Mayking, Kentucky.

Things I Just Don't Give A Dern About Right Now.

Today, there are noteworthy news stories I just don't give a dern about right now.With all the hype about the Ohio State/Michigan football game today, I ponder that annual question I get from my Yankee friends every year, "Who do you hope will win the game?". My answer is annually the same; I'm not a fan of either team. If you are a fan of one of these teams well then wonderful. My people come from southeastern Kentucky where we only care about our UK Wildcats. You may say "what an attitude". Ok, I don't blame you only if you have done your homework first. Part of your homework should include the fact that the great state of Kentucky has no professional sports. As a result, the professional field and college field of sports is wide open for us to choose whomever we like. I have my favorites.

Another response I give to my Yankee friends about this annual contest is the fact that not only do I not care who wins but I don't indulge in an annual rivalry where the fans act like complete idiots. I will see these fans on the eleven o'clock news tonight. Good thing me and my Yankee friends get along.

I have always been annoyed by Ohio State's mascot "Brutus" the buckeye and the buckeye leaf. I shared my thoughts recently with a very good looking gentleman who is from Columbus and is a die hard OSU fan. I told him I thought that the head of Brutus looks like a turd and the buckeye leaf looks like a pot leaf. To my suprise, this gentleman gave me his phone number. Too funny!

I also pick on my friends from Pittsburg when it comes to the Steelers. They mistakingly thought I was a Steelers fan due to the awesome pictures I shot of Ben Rothelisburger. I had to explain that I had great pleasure of watching Big Ben play at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio and I showed them the pictures I shot of him (as soon as I find the disk, I will post a photo of Big Ben in his Miami jersey that I shot before a game). While I think a great deal of Big Ben as an outstanding quarterback, I'm not interested in the Steelers. Furthermore, I'm not interested in how much people in Cleveland and Pittsburg hate each others guts.

I'm also not interested in the new Sony Playstation on sale this weekend along with all the yahoos camping out in hopes of being the first in line to buy this whatever it is.

I could give only a fart about Tomkat's wedding. I guess that boy is going to do what most people fantasize about marriages; keep marrying until they think they get it right.

I'm not interested in a Middle-eastern war in a country whose people have made it clear for three decades they hate Americans. Yet, our brain dead government spends two billion dollars a day for a war that has taken too many American lives. This same government will not acknowledge let alone help the needs of the rising lower class here in the United States.

I definately don't give poop about the city of Middletown's tax woes when the liberal rag Middletown Urinal reports that various council members failed to pay their own taxes.

I definately was not interested in the politicians on the ballot when I voted on November seventh. They sure convinced me they are all "Demacrooks and Repoopblicans". I have faithfully voted since the age of eighteen but voting is becoming increasingly difficult because all politcians have lost touch with American citizens. One of my doctors admitted the only reason he went to vote was for the new levy for the Butler County animal shelter (by the way, it passed thank goodness). I am just as guilty.

Finally, I don't care about the AK lockout here in Middletown. I got fed up with this the day it was disclosed the AK's CEO earns over $900,000 annually.

There is more stuff that I'm not interested in so much that I'm not going to print it.

Folks , there is some stuff that gets dragged out to repetative proportions that before you know it, you just don't give a dern.

Madame Is In Charge

Grettings my darlings! Sorry I have been away for so long. I went for a medical checkup in September. Doctor discovered a few problems and next thing I know I faced surgery. Nonetheless, I had a great time at the hospital. They even let me go trick or treating in the hospital and accomodated me with my one hundred year high school reunion. What blessings I received! I was even re-elected class clown within one minute of my arrival at the reunion.

In the middle of all of this, I had to take my darlings to the vet for their annual shots and checkups. Teddy Bear did well and is not too bad of a passenger. However, though he is a spoiled rotten "mama's boy", he is incredibly nervous around other people. After visiting others who had not seen him since he was a baby, he had had enough. Needless to say, he peed in Mama's lap. The little darling is always by this laptop when Mama is working. He may serve as my editor as soon as he learns to stop plopping down on this laptop, rolling over only to want his belly rubbed. I can't count how much of my work he had deleted whenever he wants my undivided attention He is a sweety.


Moo on the other hand was quiet a different case with her check up. She hates going to the vet. I will give her credit for doing better on the way to the clinic. She stayed in my lap then entire drive. She did well in the clinic during our wait. It is when we got in back that she picked up on the fact that the doctor was not himself that day. I had noticed this myself.


The moment the doctor placed hands on Moo then that was it. Madame took control of the visit. Moo became angry. She left doctor 4 presents one of which was in his hand. He got upset at her and this made her worse. She no longer wanted him to touch her and he knew it. Man does she hiss! Her hissing made him decide to stop the examination. He then got testy with me. Would you believe I still had to pay for the exam in it's entirety? Common sense dictates that a practicing veterinarian of many years is no stranger to feline aggression.


Moo remained upset during the ride home. When I parked, I had one heck of a time getting her to calm down. Keep in mind, Moo has never conducted herself this way. I had no luck in getting her out of my truck. Finally, a friend came along and I asked for her help. Thank goodness she came by when she did.


Madame continued to remain angry the rest of the evening. It was not until late at night she finally jumped up in the couch to rest beside me. She was tired from all of the stress.


Moo certainly lives up to her full name, "The Divine Miss M". She is generally friendly with everyone but on HER TERMS! She is resentful of how she was handled this week. So we have decided that if YOU are having a bad day, stay away from us and don't feed on our joy. We have also decided that the little darlings will obtain their medical care elsewhere. If you are going to let a cat or two ruin your day, then you should stay at home, in bed, maybe pouting and blame the world for your miserable life. Moo, Teddy Bear and myself are destined to have a good time with this life. Don't even think of man-handling us either-we are not footballs!