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Almost Dog Days
The heat of August seems to be steady and unmoderated all over the United States. I’ve talked to people from all over the country lately, and I can’t recall a single exception to the “It’s very hot, and even worse, it’s very humid” remark when I ask about the weather in someone’s locale. Mrs. Orr was talking to the kids and grandkids in Texas last night, and I spoke briefly to Numbah One Grandson. I asked him, “Is it hot there?” And he replied, with eyes cast up at the ceiling fan, propellering above his head, “Oh, it’s real hot.” This from a Texan. ‘Nuff said. Yesterday was a two-shower…
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Cold Spring Water
I received word of the death of a friend. He was a genuine old-timey mountain man, and a moonshiner deluxe. Like the legendary Popcorn Sutton (pictured above), my friend moved easily among the hills and hollers of this region, fashioning well-crafted stills and firing them with wood he cut himself, filling them with clear, cold spring water that trickled through the cuts and valleys beneath stands of oak and rhododendron. Unlike Mr. Sutton, my friend owned and ran a respectable business and his moonshining was strictly a side venture. He was a master at distilling corn down into the potent clear liquid that so many have savored. Who can number…
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Santa and the Bad Man Behind Blue Eyes
For over seventy years, a sweet tradition has been observed in this region. Every year, the “Santa Train” snakes its way through the steep ridges and hollows from Pikeville, KY down to Kingsport, TN, stopping along the route at several locations. Santa Claus rides the train, and from the back of the train he throws candy, winter clothing, toys, stuffed animals, and other gifts to the children who await the train. The tradition started all those decades ago as a way to bring Christmas to the wretchedly poor children of isolated hamlets of Appalachia, and through the years has featured a special guest to ride with Santa and help distribute…