February 20, 2020 - The Nearly Completed List of Random Thoughts

1)    These come in no particular order. If you would like to add something to this list, please let me know.

2)    Hug someone. Every single day.

3)    Honor women like Jesus and Paul would. 

4)    Go enjoy some "French Fried" taters with your burger, even if it is a veggie burger. 

5)    Some part of every holiday should be used to honor what that holiday stands for.

6)    If you look in the mirror and you are not satisfied with something you see (inside or outside), it's your choice. 

7)    Cats love YouTube also. Fish, birds, squirrels, and even the commercials.

8)    Gift someone with an experience not just an object.

9)    Control your temper. All. The. Time. 

10)A drink or two , or quite a few truly won't solve much at all. 

11)When you go to the rental car counter, make you sure walk out with the keys to the big truck. Be sure to let the lady drive it as well.

12)Eat your vegetables. You only get one chance on Earth, so eat some vegetables. 

13)Get off the couch and take a hike. Seriously.

14)Change your hair color. If you have hair. This one is for the pure enjoyment of others. Ha ha.

15)Go to a Farmer's Market. Make sure you buy plenty. 

16)If you don't know the answer, that's okay. You can always phone a friend, ask a "know it all", ask Google, Siri or perhaps Alexa will know. 

17)Speaking of Alexa, you should ask her to make animal sounds in the presence of your pets. This one is pretty fun.

18)Speaking of Siri, she doesn't know the answer to "Who let the dogs out" anymore, does she?

19)Teach your dog or cat to fist bump.

20)Never, ever give up. When you realize you did, it will hurt like crazy! 

21)One should always answer the phone with a little "Who Dat?", when they answer a call.

22)Vegan sweets? They are actually pretty darned good.

23)Make someone's day.

24)Be thoughtful, and not just sometimes. 

25)Be prudent and give thought to each step you take. 

26)Snowy days in the South are special. 

27)Snowy days in the South are bad reasons for people to drive. 

28)Some people just can't drive know matter what the weather is like.

29)Live like you have a timeline. 

30)Pick up your dog or cat high in the air and sing that Lion King song to them. 

31)Lose your independence for the sake of others in your life. 

32)People watching at airports - very fun.

33)Go run at sunset. At least take a walk if you don't run.

34)Share your awesomeness with others. Sharing is caring.

35)Write down your thoughts, fears, joys, etc, daily. 

36)Try using a calendar. I'm not talking about that one that auto syncs on your phone.

37)Plan a trip with someone. You do all of the planning though. 

38)Write a poem for someone. Be creative and corny.

39)Dress up for friends and loved ones as if you they were the most important people in the world. 

40)Open every single door for every single woman.  

41)Never let the lady walk on the side of danger when walking on a sidewalk. 

42)Plant something and learn how to properly care for it.

43)Always see a sunrise or sunset when on vacations.

44)Learn about another country's currency.

45)Kids love foreign currency. 

46)Then again kids love money.

47)I paid two bucks for a newspaper recently. Heck fire, where did the days of giving two quarters for a paper go?

48)Sudoku. That's all.

49)Those ads in flight magazines. Goodness gracious folks.

50)Home Depot is super fun on a Black Friday. 

51)Learn to play an instrument. There is still time. 

52)Boys II Men anyone?

53)All the past can do is educate you.

54)Get off the couch and go for a run.

55)Read this until the end and then go for a run.

56)Open the door for all women and children.

57)Be brutally honest with everyone.

58)Take care of yourself as a favor to those who love you.

59)Help a homeless animal find a home.

60)Give some food or warmth to a homeless person. 

61)Apologize sincerely and take responsibility when you hurt someone dear to you.

62)If someone doesn't forgive you, always love, honor and respect that person no matter what. 

63)Forgive abundantly. Jesus would appreciate you.

64)Take risks.

65)Branch out of your foodie comfort zone.

66)Watch your mouth, especially around kids and the ladies. 

67)Do you know about Jesus's gene pool? Maybe yours isn't so bad after all. 

68)Give up something, especially if it is harmful your mind, health, or your relationships with others. 

69)Visit a state park. I'll find one that you will be guaranteed to enjoy.

70)Go vegan for a day. It ain't that hard. 

71)Bake something, and not just a 'tater. 

72)Use a Crock-Pot. That was an awesome invention.

73)Buy an Instant Pot thing. I wouldn't, but go ahead. 

74)Pray for someone you do not know, every day. 

75)Compliment someone every single day of your life. 

76)If you see someone drifting off their path or needing some direction in life, then help them out. You might be their light.

77)If you have a fear of doing something, just do it anyway. 

78)Get a passport and use it. You have ten years to do so when you get it.

79)Take that hike. Or tell someone else to take a hike - I'm sure their reaction will be priceless. 

80)Go play some putt-putt. 

81)Put that phone down in the presence of others that are close to you.

82)Texting is great, but make that call. Please make that call.

83)Visit a national cemetery and honor those that are buried there. 

84)Kimchi - it is good for you and me. Like my rhyme? 

85)Bake some cookies. I might even do that one soon!

86)Go ride a horse. 

87)Hit a punching bag. It's better on your hand than a wall, or a window, or a face. 

88)Do some burpees - or watch someone do burpees, and then do them.

89)Clean out your closet. You probably have way too much stuff in there anyway. 

90)Go a week without TV - as long as football as season isn't around, right?

91)Practice abundant forgiveness. 

92)Hold yourself accountable for all that you do.

93)Honor, respect, and love your family and friends. 

94)Buy a stranger coffee/lunch/dinner. 

95)Wake up and watch a sunrise. 

96)Go walk the dogs. They need it and you probably do too.

97)Find the best places in your area to watch the sunset. Then take a bunch of pictures of it.

98)Send thank you cards. 

99)Find significant events that took place on your birthday. 

100)      Learn some words in a foreign language. Use them in a sentence. 

101)      Those "white lies" are still lies. They aren't cool either. 

102)      Don't give up on people. Don't ever give up on people.

103)      Taco Tuesday. Heck, tacos any day of the week.

104)      Moderation is important.

105)      It is okay to cheat. . . on your exercise routine or diet. 

106)      Many of us cheat, but we don't realize it. We cheat through over committing ourselves to jobs, and other obligations that take keep us away from loved ones more than we should let them.

107)      Turn off the car radio and spend time talking.

108)      If you are going to have that car radio on, then at least sing the songs together. 

109)      ALWAYS support loved ones in their endeavors. 

110)      Don't be so hard on yourself. 

111)      Help someone conquer their fears. 

112)      Go get in a kayak. 

113)      If they treat you like family, love them, honor them, and cherish them.

114)      Please and Thank you. 

115)      Chivalry will never die. Some of us boneheads just need a little lesson here and there. 

116)      Everything in life works out for a greater purpose. 

117)      Buy a Sunday paper. You'll find something in it that you like. 

118)      Learn something about another culture.

119)      Learn how to make or build something new. 

120)      Invest in those around you. The dividends will be priceless. 

121)      Spend ten minutes a day in silence and prayer.

122)      Fear is a liar. 

123)      Be that person that pulls someone out of their darkness. 

124)      Pancake suppers are some awesome. 

125)      Pancakes are awesome. 

126)      If you had to choose between waffles or pancakes, what would you do?

127)      Be grateful.

128)      Dogs Rule.

129)      Run for a long time. Then you can really eat lots of pancakes. 

130)      Buffets are overrated. 

131)      You are never, ever alone. 

132)      Get off the couch and go for a drive. 

133)      While on said drive, go eat somewhere new. 

134)      Mexican Ice Cream is amazing. 

135)      Pick berries. 

136)      Go dance. Wherever you please. Keep it clean, as well.

137)      Do some Karaoke. That kind where the windows are down and the car next to you can hear it all. 

138)      Respect others and their beliefs. 

139)      Always vote. Then you can always complain.

140)      Go photo-bomb some tourists.

141)      Learn new words and use them correctly. 

142)      Always use spell check and grammar check. I hope to do the same with this. 

143)      Prayer works. 

144)      The bible is full of stories that still apply to the world we live in.

145)      LeBron definitely whines and complains a lot. He is also a heck of an athlete, businessman, and philanthropist as well. He seems to be a pretty good dad too. 

146)      Tom Brady, eh, he's Tom Brady. 

147)      Drew Brees - that is one incredible dude. 

148)      In Louisiana, many people wear Black and Gold on Sundays in Fall. It's fun to experience.

149)      If you can't touch your toes, then you got work to do. 

150)      Speaking of Saints, we all have those in our lives that can be truly considered Saints. 

151)      Donate some books to a library or school

152)      Run a race, don't it for just the medal

153)      Read something.

154)      Go dig for diamonds (there is a state park in AR for it)

155)      Go eat a doughnut, if you have another one, that is completely fine.

156)      Drink 64 oz of water in a day, and not just in a week.

157)      My alma mater has a much cooler mascot than your's does (hint: it's a big red blob). 

158)      Choose kindness.

159)      Show mercy.

160)      Be grateful.

161)      Travel, and not just across town.

162)      Take a look at your spending habits. 

163)      Make a budget for once. 

164)      Choose your words very, very wisely. 

165)      Put in overtime for God, family and friends, not just your company. 

166)      Learn how to use chopsticks.

167)      Read a biography about someone you admire. 

168)      Cancer sucks. Cancer really does suck.

169)      Stop smoking. 

170)      Go a week without something.

171)      Some of it you learn the hard way. Most of it comes with age. Thanks Eric Church.

172)      Do yard work with your old man or son. 

173)      Help a family member.

174)      Be a leader for your family. 

175)      Be a leader, period!

176)      Start a new hobby.

177)      Make a photo album. Google Photos will help. I'm sure Apple can help too.

178)      Go do a Polar Bear Plunge!

179)      Have your steak and 'taters. I'll have beans and cornbread!

180)      Amazing cornbread is not easy to find.

181)      Use proper grammar when texting.

182)      Use proper grammar in public.

183)      Use proper grammar at home.

184)      Always make eye contact with others. 

185)      Don't judge unless you are a picture of perfection. 

186)      You aren't, so just don't judge. 

187)      Work hard. Always work hard. Someone will notice and appreciate it.

188)      Put your phone down when you are ordering food or paying someone at a business. 

189)      Don't just walk your dog, or dogs and use your phone the whole time. They might need to use a phone too. Or at least take a selfie with your dog.

190)      Always be a protector and leader for the women in your life. It doesn't matter if they are friends, girlfriends, wives, co-workers, or family members, or the ladies at church. They are all created in the image of God.

191)      Make goals. Make reasonable goals. Work your butt off to reach those goals.

192)      Become a gentleman. A true gentleman. Thanks Mark.

193)      Never give up.

194)      Every single one of us is gifted. We may not always know what that gift is, but we must become aware of it. Others can tell you if you need help.

195)      Stop what you are doing and call or text someone you haven't spoken with in a long time. 

196)      Do what you say. Say what you mean.

197)      Stop, and help someone. 

198)      Hold yourself accountable for your actions. 

199)      Hold those closest to you accountable for their actions.

200)      Almond butter? I'll stick with peanut butter!

201)      Speaking of, peanut butter, banana and honey. YES!

202)      Take an unexpected road trip.

203)      If you make a mistake, take a step back, pray for those who have been affected, and become a better version.

204)      Think twice and be nice. 

205)      Drugs tests. Every business or company should test once a year. Athletes have to have them, why not the workforce?

206)      Forrest was right, "stupid is as stupid does."

207)      Don't let the past dictate your future. 

208)      Sports can help people heal. 

209)      Dogs can help people heal. 

210)      Cats, well they can be cute.

211)      We are all tempted by certain things in this world. We can choose not give in to those temptations. 

212)      Blame is lame. 

213)      Clarity and courage. Those are important.

214)      Teach your pets some cool tricks.

215)      I could go without TV for a long, long time. Then again there are sports. Never mind that idea. 

216)      Headstands always make my face turn flush red. Yes, I understand why. 

217)      Learn a martial art. They are fun.

218)      Break free from those chains.

219)      Ladies love some Tractor Supply. 

220)      Tractor Supply is pretty awesome!

221)      My dog loves Tractor Supply. 

222)      I confess Tractor Supply is one of the happiest places on earth to go shopping.

223)      Ask for help. Heck, even ask for directions. 

224)      We have Siri and Google Maps for directions, but it's still fun to think we (men) know the way.

225)      Pecan Pie.

226)      Take a compliment sometimes. Accept credit. You deserve it.

227)      Pay it forward.

228)      Everyone should have a guy like Dabo coach their kids. He lives by faith and instills some great values in the young men he coaches. 

229)      Sports are awesome. Find a sport to like. 

230)      Have some darn compassion sometimes. 

231)      Weather in the South is jacked up. Almost 70 degrees one day, 25 the next. Shorts one day, barn coat and jeans the next. 

232)      Don't repeat the same mistake more than once. 

233)      Put the same effort into your family or personal life as you do your work life. 

234)      Enjoy every single moment of it!

235)      I recently used a paper map. It was fun, only it couldn't tell me where to find the  nearest gas station, so I had to cheat just a little bit.

236)      I have two waffle makers. I love to make waffles. Everyone should have a waffle maker. 

237)      I learned this year that due to a few recent innovations there is always time to make dinner. See Air Fryer, or Instant Pot -- thought I'm a big Crock Pot guy in Fall and Winter 

238)      Steve Gleason has coined a phrase "Awesome ain't easy." I have a feeling that Jesus probably said those words too. 

239)      Tennessee has a lot of waterfalls. Around 500 to be exact. You should see one or two of them. I can tell you where to find some of them!

240)      Books are awesome.

241)      My dog loves a good squirrel chase. Thankfully she isn't that fast. 

242)      I named my dog after a lady in the Old Testament. She's that awesome.

243)      Driving is so much more fun than flying. You never know what you might see.

244)      Kids can teach us so much about life.

245)      Dogs can also teach us so much about life. 

246)      Fasting is important, especially when combined with some prayer. 

247)      It feels good when you reach out to others for help. 

248)      Spend time listening, really spend time listening. 

249)      Practice taking 12 hours to log out, or log off. Or just turn off your wifi, or data. You can be asleep during some of it, don't worry. 

250)      Drive the Natchez Trace. 

251)      Eat lots of biscuits. If you can, don't eat those hypocrite biscuits!! Hint, hint. . Involves a dough boy!

252)      Photography is fun. So take pictures, and take lots of pictures. 

253)      Write letters. 

254)      Get a pair of overalls. 

255)      Always be thankful. 

256)      Have at least two pairs of boots. Then you'll have your goin' out boots and your work boots.

257)      Having my dog in the car during a recent car accident has taught me a little bit about PTSD, though on a smaller scale. Ruth didn't take it well. 

258)      I have watched an air fryer make cornbread multiple times this year, and it was really cool. 

259)       I ate cornbread as a pre-run snack and I thought it made me faster.  

260)      If you make really good cornbread, please let me know.

261)      I really love the city of Huntsville. It is very kid friendly.

262)      When taking road trips with a dog, always find a nearby Tractor Supply as a pit stop. You'll thank me later. 

263)      Don't resolve to make a change. Just make it. Just do it. FYI - I still struggle too. 

264)      New Year's resolutions are tough. Try monthly resolutions. Thanks to a few folks for that one. 

265)      Winters in the South are stupid. 

266)      So Tennessee actually has more than 500 waterfalls. 

267)      I almost registered for a race once because I saw the words banana and pudding somewhere on their web site. 

268)      I used to love running races that had beer at the end. These days I usually reward myself with some pancakes or biscuits soon after. 

269)      It's not over yet, just keep going you got this. Thanks for King and Country. 

270)      The older I get, the more I love coming up with corny puns. 

271)      My dog snores a lot. I hope she doesn't say that about her human. 

272)      I once lost my knees. Yeah, that one time I was sleepwalking. 

273)      Forgiveness is tough. Forgiveness is really tough. We just gotta keep doing it though. 

274)      Tabasco is my favorite condiment. 

275)      Honey would be my next favorite. 

276)      The word can't can often be translated as doesn't want to do it. 

277)      Throw the word fear into the conversation and then we might have a sermon.

278)      I love the Proverbs. 

279)      Dark chocolate is a great alternative to all those other things people need to keep them going. 

280)      If I drink a coffee drink at noon, I might be able to get to sleep by midnight. 

281)      It is always best to not offer me coffee. 

282)      I'm sensitive. That's in relation to the previous statement.

283)      Redemption is something we all deserve. 

284)      Grace is a beautiful thing. I heard last week on the radio (3/21) that at this time we should offer maximum grace to everyone. That. Can. Be. Really. Hard. Just. Do. It.

February 19, 2020 - Waterfall Wednesday - Piney River State Natural Area

Upper Piney Falls

In the state of Tennessee there are thirteen landmarks that are designated as National Natural Landmarks. Piney Falls State Natural area is one of those thirteen. Apparently that is kind of a big deal. According to the National Park Service website, nps.gov "Piney Falls located within Pine Falls State Natural Area, contains a rare virgin mixed mesophytic forest stand representative of the primeval eastern deciduous forest biome".

I do recall reading something similar to that when visiting last Summer with my friend Teddy. We had visited Ozone Falls first thing that morning. The next waterfall on our list was actually supposed to be Stinging Fork Falls. We turned on a road that leads to it, but we noticed a sign for Piney Falls, and decided to save time and see what this hike might reward us with. This was one of those parts of the state where you may or may not have cell phone service. We did not have it in this area, until we trekked through the creek a bit.


I wish we had paid close attention when we arrived at Piney Creek. We looked down and noticed this beautiful waterfall that dropped down about 80 feet into a nice plunge pool. My waterfall book would have really come in handy. Turns out there was a sign that was fifteen feet across the creek that we just flat out missed. Instead, we went on a little "trek" if you want to call it that. We walked back the way we came and ventured to the cliff edge of Lower Piney Falls.

Very important information can be found here!

So I was saying something about a trek. Yes, we really did hike or trek (whatever you want to call it), through the lower part of Piney Creek, with this idea that it would lead us to Upper Piney Falls. It worked out really well, thank goodness. We really did rock hop and venture through the water all the way to the spot we had from above. It took a bit of work but it was really, really fun. If you want to take a date here, I advise you make sure you know where you are going first.

As it turns out, there really was a little sign across creek that was supposed to lead us all the way down toward the base of the falls. There are some ropes strategically placed to help folks down and if you really do it the right way you will follow the path behind Upper Piney Falls while walking along the walls of an overhanging rockhouse and eventually come down to Lower Piney Falls. If you are the swimming type then take that rope down the other direction and step into the plunge pool area. It is an awesome feeling.

The hiking at Piney Falls State Natural Area is fairly easy except for the part where you have to rely on the ropes to get you up and down. Just make sure those with you are close by you when you reach this part.

Piney Falls State Natural Area can be found on Firetower Road in Spring City, TN. 

February 16, 2020 - Weekend Spotlight - St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

A little filtered version of St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

In my travel experiences I visited the city of Sofia, Bulgaria three times between 2010-2013. The first time I visited I went on a recommendation from Lonely Planet. I also needed a place to go for a few days before meeting Aunt Jane and Uncle Jack for a weekend in Greece. The 2nd time was to visit the friends I had made on the first visit. When I traveled during my time overseas the people were always an important factor in whether or not I wanted to come back and visit a place a second time. The third and final time I actually stayed for a few months and worked at a hostel in Sofia, which was quite the experience.

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

Nevsky Cathedral at night (side view)

The most photographed building in almost all of my photo albums is the topic of this post. Saint Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is a Bulgarian Orthodox Church that is actually known to be one of the top 50 largest Christian churches in all of the world. Saint Alexander Nevsky himself was a Russian prince. The cathedral was built as a way to honor the Russian soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-78. 

As you can see in these pictures that dome is made of a little bit of gold. So, maybe a lot of gold. The gold plated dome itself is about 148 feet high and its bell tower is about 174 feet high. In various parts of Sofia you can easily get a glance of this cathedral as it does stick out quite a bit. I even remember hearing stories of folks trying to climb this dome and get some gold for themselves. I do not even want to imagine how they thought they could get away with such a stupid task. The inside of this place is even more amazing than the outside. 

Saint Dobre (as the locals called him)

The Inside of Nevsky Cathedral thanks to Wikipedia

There was a man that I read about several times during my last trip to Sofia. This man was a "well known" beggar who always seem to post up outside of this cathedral. I may have given him something on one occasion, but rarely gave much thought to it if I did so. Dobre Dobrev would often dress in a long black coat and take the bus from his hometown into the city and stand outside of the cathedral and beg. He had to walk long distances when bus rides were not available. This man who renounced materialism towards the end of his life raised over 40,000 Euro (around 60,00 USD), for this particular church, and thousands more for other churches in the area. 

I loved walking into all of the churches of Sofia, but this one always left a mark on me. It could have been that I saw a few sunsets around that neighborhood. It could be how I always found something different to admire every time I stepped in to this church. It could be how it helped me in my faith walk. I know I always admired the folks that came into light candles and pray. Sometimes they would even walk up to pictures of Jesus and kiss them. I once wrote a blog post about this act. I certainly have many memories of this building and all of its glory.

Rare appearance by author in front of Nevsky Cathedral

February 14, 2020 - Chef Tam's Underground Cafe

So today's foodie post comes from a familiar Memphis restaurant that has just relocated to a new zip code. Yesterday, I joined my old man and his buddy Robert for lunch. Robert called me Wednesday at work to tell me we would be eating at a place located near the old Commercial Appeal building on Union Avenue. Usually the three of us go eat somewhere in the Cooper Young area, but yesterday my father had a different idea.

Food Network? Yep, Chef Tam is well known.

Have you ever heard of Chef Tam's Underground Cafe? I had heard of it numerous times, but failed to visit while it was still a part of the Cooper Young community. So, yesterday was a totally new, but very cool experience.

First of all, this restaurant is located in a building that is sure to help Chef Tam and the bunch grow and succeed to the max. There is plenty of space, and yes, it can be noisy, but the building is very accommodating. Secondly, the service is getting there. They have a lot of folks with a lot of different roles on staff, and you can see it all coming together. It might just be a matter of timing. We had a few short delays, but overall I was pleased with how courteous and kind everything was.

Fried Green Tomatoes and What? Deviled Eggs!

Most importantly, how about we discuss this really good food? When the menus came to our tables, I went straight for the appetizer list to see what kind of fried goodies they may have. I choose some fried green tomatoes, which were as good as any fried green tomatoes that I have ever had. A tad bit of grease, but nearly cooked to perfection. Robert ordered some kind of deviled eggs, and you should see those suckers. Wow! Talk about artistry. These deviled eggs had all kinds of things on top of them. I went with the basic ones, but only one of them might pass for a basic deviled egg. I also ate the one that had shrimp on top of it as well.

How about that Salmon and some Candied Yams?

For my main dish I ate some Pontchartrain Salmon that came in a seafood cream sauce on top of some dirty rice. I ordered a side of the candied yams to go with the meal. First of all, that was some of the best salmon I have had in a long time. I eat a good bit of fish when I go out since I usually do not touch other protein sources. Yes, salmon is pretty easy to cook for most, but when it is flavored and comes with an awesome sauce, you will be pretty darn satisfied. The candied yams were the bomb. I don't recall ever eating any yams like that during Thanksgiving. Those were amazing. I wished my gut had felt better before the meal, but somehow I still finished everything in front of me. When it tastes that darn good, it is best not to leave anything on the plate.

I would highly recommend this place to anyone. It is definitely clear that with the creative flair put to every dish on the menu, all patrons should love with having one dish they just really love. We did not get any dessert, but I do understand that the Peach Cobbler Nachos are amazing. There is always a next time. I will even leave a shot of the menu here, so you can be prepared for when you decide to check out Chef Tam's Underground Cafe. Do give yourself an extra few minutes to work out the parking situation as well.

Chef Tam's Underground Cafe is located at 668 Union Avenue, near The Edge and The Medical District. They are open Tuesday - Saturday from 11 am - 8pm. 
 https://www.thecheftam.com/

February 13,2020 - Throwback Thursday - Lost

I have been having trouble recovering from the short trip that I took to Seattle last weekend. I decided this evening that I would "plagiarize" myself. This is a post from when I lived and worked on a farm in the mountains of Bulgaria. That night upon my return from the city back to the town where the farm was located, I departed the train at either the town before, or the town after my designated stop.

So here is the story.

The light

So last Thursday night I had quite the adventure in finding my way back to the CROP farm. It kind of starts out like this. I departed a train in what I thought was the village of Tserovo. Upon viewing my surroundings I was surprised to see that I was in the wrong. What does one do in a moment like this? Try to just relax and look at the map. Oh yeah, I was without map, so forget that idea. Instead I decided to walk the train tracks to the next town. 

Unfortunately I strolled down the wrong side of the tracks. After a two mile walk if the tracks, I discovered the town of Bov.  I found a local fellow who appeared to have some car troubles. After saying good evening (with my very limited Bulgarian vocab) to him, I asked where Tserovo was located. Turns out that  I was only a three mile walk to the village where I have been staying at the farm. After dodging cars on a narrow two lane road, I arrived in the vicinity around 10 pm.

The next part of the adventure was getting up to the mountain outside of the main village. I was running low on water, as well as light (which I was using on my IPod).

I was very appreciative of the village homes lighting my way to the trail (that leads to the farm). I definitely was not ready to hit the panic button though. Coming down the mountain in sunlight was cake. Going up in darkness could not have been too bad.  Then you starting to consider your adventure getting to that point. According to my legs and calculations, I had walked about eight miles and possibly more throughout my whole evening.

The more I wanted to just stop and sleep in the forest, the more I began to look toward the stars. I started to pray to God to be my guiding light. I knew that the eventually I would be in an open field. My iPod even started to flash low battery too. This meant that giving up could be an option, or I could just look up to the stars and be led.

I took a moment to think things over, and suddenly a rush of energy hit me. I felt as if I was gliding through the forest into the open field. Sure enough it was just myself in that field joined by the starlight.

It was there that your path was illuminated by the stars above

After entering someone else's land, I found the power lines that led me to CROP farm.

The next day as I was sawing away, I reflected on this adventure. God lighting my way led me to recall a sermon I heard earlier this year based on Matthew 5:14 (though I feel 14-16 is more appropriate here). 

It states 14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

How is it that we are lights for those around us?

Based on my life in the past few years, I often credit young children as being a light for me. My little Korean babies (students), were very often a big light in my workweek. They were a big reason that I rarely felt the stresses of living abroad.

One of the best examples I know was a little girl I met in Vietnam this summer. Her family did not seem to have much. Her mom would scavenge through garbage bins looking for plastic bottles to collect. This little girl came from so little, yet her smile seemed to be a message to me from above. She enjoyed using my phone a few times, but not for the games. There was something about looking at pictures that just lit up that face of hers.

My little nephew Ethan is the same way. So full of life, yet always being a strong light for my sister. Perhaps God has made them lights for each other. Watching him bounce around on the trampoline lights up my evenings when I'm able to visit.

Who has been a light for you?

Does our light always shine for others? Or does it flicker on and off?

Speaking with an honest heart, I know I have had a deceptive light at certain times in life. Selfishness is to credit for the ways that I have hurt people in the past. I hope these days the light burns and burns like a wildfire, instead of one with a self-controlled on/off switch.

How does your light shine?

 How is it that we affect those around us when our light flickers?

This question leaves a horrible taste in my mouth. I say this, because I understand the hurt and pain that I have caused to some. Instead of guilt tripping myself, I pray that those affected have the light of forgiveness in them. This enables me to forgive myself in the long run.

What must we do to insure that our light is always shining for others? 

That should be an easy question to answer right. Put away our selfish pride and live as if tomorrow were our last day. Or pray to the good Lord for strength, and discipline to help us be a guiding light for others in our world. 

Who are some good examples of light in our big world?

There should be multiple answers to this one. I think of a man that I call Uncle Tom, as well as most children that I've been around in my life as well. Animals can have that same effect on us as well. I am sure my Grandpa and his cats light each others' lives up on a daily basis.

 Who is a well-known figure in the world whose light has deceived us?

 My best answer to this one is a man named Lance Armstrong. There are definitely some other answers when we look at our society today. I feel that the man was admired by many for his courageous fight through cancer, and then his amazing wins in the Tour De France.

Every person on this earth needs some form of light. Some need a light of encouragement. Some need the light of a hug. Some just need the light of a smile. Others may need much bigger lights in this world so they don't have to face their hardships in life alone. For the believers out there, God needs each and everyone to be a light.  

So I leave you with a small prayer to help you through this day. I will possible have one more post here tonight, and then I will be away for five more days. 

Lord of light, help us to be the light the others around us need. We may not know the reasons you call us to be light, but Lord we trust in you, and you entrust you spirit within us to do your work. We thank you for the light you provide us. The light of hope that helps to see a new day. The light of love that others give to us. The light of sunshine that on the face of young children. Lord, we thank you for all such light in our lives, and in the lives of our loved ones. Amen

February 12, 2020 - Waterfall Wednesday - Short Springs Natural Area

Machine Falls

Located on Short Springs Road in the Tullahoma, Tennessee area, you will find a set of waterfalls  on a gorgeous 3.2 mile hike. This hike is in an area containing 420 acres designated as Short Springs State Natural Area. This area is collectively managed by three different groups: the state of TN, the City of Tullahoma, and the TVA.

Almost 200 years ago, a gentleman by the name of Thomas Busby noticed how strong the water flowed in the streams here and built himself a mill in the area. The mill would eventually close, but locals would use the area as a way of luring outsiders in to come visit. How did they do this, you might ask? Evidently these gleaming springs had "healing powers"according to those living nearby.

Side view of Busby Falls

Along this 2-2.5 hour hike you find yourself admiring the beauty of three separate waterfalls. All are beautiful in their own way. The biggest and most popular one is known as Machine Falls. This is a very unique waterfall for photography enthusiasts, and those who just love the sight of an awesome creation. This was the first of the a few that my friends and I visited on a weekend trip back in August of 2018. Machine Falls measures at 60 feet. The piece of beauty pours out over various layers of mossy limestone around the 1 mile mark of the Machine Falls Trail. You will also find yourself admiring Busby Falls, and Adams Falls, 20, and 25 feet respectively.

Machine Falls 

If you ever find yourself traveling along Highway 64 near the towns of Shelbyville, Bell Buckle, or even Winchester, I advise you to head on in to Tullahoma to the Short Springs Natural Area. Heck, it's not very from Murfreesboro, or Nashville either. You will definitely be glad that you stopped by. Bring mosquito repellent, be kind to the frogs, and bring a little water too. It can get steep in a few spots.

February 11, 2020 - Tasty Tuesday - Tabasco, My Favorite Condiment

We all have that one condiment that we just can not live without. Some of us need extra salt, or extra pepper. Perhaps you love your mustard, mayo or ketchup? Maybe you hopped on that bandwagon for that stuff they call Sriracha. eck, maybe you prefer to live your life condiment free. That would just be downright boring.

Let me tell you about something that has been a staple for most of my life. These days I can't seem to help myself with this issue. Okay, so I have had moments in my life where I went long periods of not using it, but it has been there quite a bit since my return from Korea. Twice I have even made the pilgrimage where this stuff was made in Avery Island, Louisiana. Truthfully speaking, my good friend Jeff lives down in Lafayette, which is not too far away from Avery Island. It just makes it even more enticing though.

Look at all of those barrels of. . . Peppers!

I am very, very fond of Tabasco Hot Sauce. I will throw it in as an ingredient in my chili. Or, I douse my chili with it after the Crock Pot has finished doing its thing. I love me some Tabasco sauce on eggs, omelettes, and even on hard boiled eggs. Back when I was a gym rat in Korea I used to eat lots and lots of eggs before work in the mornings. Often they were topped off with Tabasco. Heckfire, I even put it on sausage (plant-based or real sausage). 

Tabasco does come in many different flavors. Grocery stores may not always carry those flavors, but they are pretty fun to have around the house. My personal favorite is the chipotle flavor. It has that amazing smokey taste to it, and I am always determined to find a new use for it. Lately, if I buy a quinoa salad at Costco I will flavor it up with some chipotle style Tabasco. It is pretty darn awesome. Then again quinoa salads are bland a little bland anyway. I do love throwing that stuff on some pizza as well. Then again I would probably try out every Tabasco flavor that exists on some pizza crusts. 

One of my happiest moments in the last year or so of my Korean adventure was on one of my first Costco trips. First off, Costco is build on different levels there, so when you check out you can go check out the food court on the bottom floor. Little did I know that I would be able to enjoy my chicken bake while sitting at a table with a bottle of Tabasco sauce. I was determined to light up the chicken bake with a little spice after that. 

You might not realize it but Tabasco Brand Pepper Sauces are sold in over 180 countries. That is one heck of a global reach from a little island in Louisiana. Most of the peppers grown these days are in Central and South America. Avery Island still produces quite a few as well, but sends their seed stock to areas down south with friendlier year round climates. 

Some flavors you may not be familiar with

These days there are twelve different flavors of Tabasco Pepper Sauces ranging from Raspberry Chipotle to Scorpion (do not try), Garlic Pepper, Original and others to name a few. You can even get yourself some Tabasco flavored pickles, spicy okra, spicy stuffed olives, and we must not forget the Tabasco spiced green beans as well. 

Yeah, I would not suggest you make this at home

If you really want a treat and find yourself down near Avery Island, Louisiana, then head on over and take a Tabasco factory tour. There you will learn how this awesome condiment is made. You will also get to see how it has been marketed throughout the years in music, TV, and film. There is a map that shows you all of the countries that stock it on their shelves, and so much more to learn about this cool company. When you get to the Tabasco Country Store, take a darn good look around at everything. Try as much as your taste buds will allow you to try and if you can force yourself to do so, try the ice cream or coke. Only if you can force yourself to do it.