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. 

February 9, 2020 - Eugene J. Ballard - An Unknown War Hero

Every month via email I get an awesome newsletter from the fine folks at the U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum located in Huntsville, Alabama. It comes in a nice little PDF format and there are usually some great stories to read in there. Yesterday, while I was sitting on a plane I found two really interesting stories, one of which I'll give you a little info about.

Did you know that the first African American pilot to fly in a war didn't even fly for the United States? Could you believe that back before The Great War this man actually bet a friend $2000 that he could despite the color of his skin that he would enlist in the French flying service? How about if I told you this gentleman ran away from an abusive father in 1906 at age 11, only to end up in Aberdeen, Scotland by way of a German freighter that was bound for Germany in 1912. He spent six daring years before that voyage wondering around the South in search of freedom. That would have been pretty darn courageous in itself right there.

Eugene J. Ballard served as a fighter pilot in World War 1 with the Aeronatique Militaire and was said to have completed 20 combat missions with French flying units. When Americans joined the way he requested to join his homeland as a pilot, but due to racial prejudice he was rejected. So, he rejoined the 170th Infantry Regiment until he was discharged in late 1919. Evidently Ballard even flew with a Rhesus Monkey named Jimmy as his mascot. One more interesting fact is that he wore an insignia that showed a heart with a dagger through it with the slogan "All Blood Runs Red".

When Lt. Ballard (an honor bestowed on him posthumously by President Clinton) was discharged he went into the night club business  in what was known as the Jazz Age in Paris. Bullard was friends with such names as Louis Armstrong, Langston Hughes, and Josephine Baker.  He became such a great speaker of the German language while living in Paris that he assisted the French in becoming a Nazi spy. Nazi agents would frequent his club and Bullard did what he could to relay info back to the French government before the S.S. would eventually take over Paris in 1940. Upon joining a group of French fighters in defending Orleans, he suffered a horrific spinal injury. Later that year after fleeing to neutral Spain with his two daughters he returned back to life in his native land of the United States.

This war hero was unknown in his country during the last twenty years of his life. The great French President Charles de Gaulle was so impressed by this man's contributions to French History that he once sought him out on a visit to America. The United States government had no clue who this man was so they scrambled to find his whereabouts. The French President had a special gift for him when he found Bullard. Bullard was awarded the status of knight, better known as Chevalier of the French Legion Army.  Eventually Bullard would receive his own bronze portrait, sculpted by the famous African American sculptor Eddie Dixon. This piece of work sits in the National Air and Space Museum.

This man had such an interesting history, that I could not fit everything I wanted to in this post. It is great that our country has published Eugene J. Ballard's contributions to military history, especially since he served human kind, France and the United States (though he technically did not serve the U.S.). It is said he may have been the first of his kind all around the world. Big thanks to the U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum for shining the light on such a man in their recent newsletter. Also, thanks to the Smithsonian Institute and Harlem World Magazine, for their works recognizing Eugene Jacques Ballard.

Eugene Ballard, along with Jimmy his flying friend