House Mountain Hike #200, 3-23-2025: Milestone Hike with and for Family! (published 3-26-2025; article #521)

Introduction

A milestone is a significant point. It denotes a meaningful achievement. A milestone is memorable. Last Sunday afternoon was a hiking milestone.

Almost 25 years ago, starting on Sunday afternoon, April 23, 2000, the House Mountain State Natural Area in east Knox County, Tennessee, has been calling me, and I have gone. Before last Sunday afternoon, my hiking record indicates that others (family, friends, former coworkers, and dogs) had accompanied me on House Mountain hikes 38 times. Thus, I had hiked “my mountain” alone 161 times.

Last Sunday afternoon, for my 200th milestone hike on House Mountain, my youngest brother, his wife, and their two daughters ventured with me along every trail and saw the views from all four bluffs! Alone, I still have hiked House Mountain 161 times, but I have now been accompanied 39 times!

Welcome, dear hiking enthusiast, to the 78th entry in the hiking topic section! This article is also included as the 132nd entry in the family topic section. Are you ready to read about my 200th hike on House Mountain? Four photographs from the hike are included. Further, I recorded a brief audiovisual episode at the upper-middle bluff. You are welcome to tune in and watch it. The conclusion includes a personal invitation to hike with me, if you would like to do so!

Preparing for the Hike

Shortly after morning worship, my youngest brother and his family arrived at our house. They came in his Nissan Frontier. Church-going clothes were changed into comfortable hiking attire. Mrs. Appalachian Irishman, who was invited to hike but declined, helped prepare a light noon meal for the six of us.

My trusty canteen was already filled with water. I filled another of my canteens and one of my wife's canteens with water for my brother and his family. Hiking shoes on, we were ready for the seven-mile drive to House Mountain!

Interestingly, as I was backing my 2006 Frontier down the driveway, I saw a hawk circling about 20 feet above my brother's truck! His family and he were already inside and preparing to follow me. My wife and Molly, our mature puppy, who was also disinterested in hiking, were near the front porch. Once my brother started backing his truck down the driveway, the hawk flew away. What did that hawk want? That was the closest to the ground that I have ever seen a hawk circle above our house.

Hiking Up the East Trail

The temperature was in the 70s Fahrenheit. The variable wind, strong at times, indicated the coming rain that arrived later overnight. The sky was mostly sunny, but clouds were forming to the north. Arriving at the upper parking lot, we were fortunate to find two open spots.

At 1:16 PM, I touched the marker near the enclosed picnic area to begin our hike. Just before the bridge, smooth rocks were stepping stones across the mountain stream, still full of runoff from recent rain.

Just beyond the bridge, where the trail forks west or east, my sister-in-law and nieces decided to take the east trail up to the ridge. Three noticeable rock outcroppings are along the lower part of the trail. My nieces had to climb up onto the first outcropping! Their mother photographed them. I wish that I had.

Hiking on up, we talked, paused for sips of water, greeted other hikers, and enjoyed the views. The upper switchbacks challenged and invigorated us. My brother, feeling his oats, ran up a part of one section! The final and highest switchback is somewhat treacherous. Cutouts, caused by careless hikers, have eroded the area, making it more steep and difficult.

Once carefully above that switchback, the ridge was not much farther up. Several yards away from the bench and sign at the ridge, I noticed the time on my watch. I had 40 seconds to touch the sign! I ran as fast as my “bionic” right foot and knee would allow! I tapped the sign at 2:16 PM! My brother and his family were right behind me.

We had hiked up the east trail in exactly one hour! I'm glad that I looked at my watch when I did.

Years ago, before acquiring 25 pieces of surgically implanted steel in my left shoulder, right knee, and right foot, I could hike up the east trail in about 30 to 40 minutes, according to my hiking record.

As an interesting point of brotherly competition, nine years ago on Sunday afternoon, 3/20/2016, Molly, about a year old at the time, my next-to-youngest brother, and I hiked up the east trail in 65 minutes. Last Sunday, we hiked up the same trail five minutes faster!

Of course, nine years ago, I almost died on Tuesday, 3/29/2016, when an uninsured female failed to yield to my right of way. March 20, 2016, was my next-to-last House Mountain hike in my “pre-bionic” life. Two now-former coworkers and I hiked the mountain on Saturday, 3/26/2016, three days before I was almost killed. My first “bionic” hike on House Mountain, the loop trails only, was on Thursday, 12/22/2016.

The Upper-Middle Bluff

Enough reminiscing about the upcoming ninth anniversary of my near-death experience! I am still alive and not breathing hard! Let's continue hiking!

After catching our breaths and sipping water, we continued the short hike east along the ridge trail to the upper-middle bluff. Before reaching the bluff, we heard and spotted a woodpecker, pecking away at a nearby tree!

Standing on the largest rock outcropping at the bluff, we gazed at the panoramic views of the valley below us and the mountains farther from us. The mostly sunny sky included clouds blowing in from the north. I wanted to see at least one hawk circling nearby. Over the years, I have seen several. I even recall seeing a bald eagle at least once. Unfortunately, no birds were flying around us.

At 2:43 PM, I photographed my youngest brother and his family. They are a good-looking foursome. That's my opinion. Feel free to make it yours!

The view looks north. The clouds in the background indicated the coming rain.

Last fall, our older niece, in her freshman year, made the President's List at Walters State Community College (WSCC)! When I attended WSCC (1978 - 1981), I focused on my studies well enough to make passing grades, but I also paid attention to my part-time job, dating, and especially to having fun with friends! Our niece, also working part-time, is more mature than I was at that age! Our younger niece, in her freshman year at Cherokee High School, is also excelling in her studies. She is a member of the ladies basketball team. Go Chiefs! Needless to say, my wife and I are proud of these two Christian young ladies and their parents!

Warning my relatives beforehand, I recorded an episode of Appalachian Irishman - Podcasts (YouTube) at the bluff. The episode, published the next day, is House Mountain Hike 200, 3-23-2025: a Family Hiking Milestone! (published 3-24-2025; episode 35).

During the almost two-and-a-half-minute presentation, I honored my father-in-law, whose 87th birthday was the next day. On his birthday, my wife, sister-in-law, her daughter, and I surprised Paw, as I call him, with a birthday supper and party! My sister-in-law is a good cook.

In the episode, I also honored my “adopted” brother-in-law and sister, Mike and Carol Sue. They were married the day after Mike, or Michael, as Carol Sue prefers to call him, turned 18! Carol Sue, I know that you miss your beloved husband. We will see him again in heaven, where he awaits us. The two of you will be even closer than husband and wife.

Hiking to the East Bluff

The short hike from the upper-middle bluff to the east bluff takes only about eight minutes. That section of the ridge trail reminds me of sections along the ridgeline on Devil's Nose mountain in Hawkins County, Tennessee. The topic section Devil's Nose includes six articles.

At 3:07 PM, I photographed the following view from the east bluff. The view looks northeast.

The remnants of Hurricane Helene, which brought flooding and damaging winds to this area late last September, must have toppled the trees. The article from 10/19/2024, part two of my 192nd hike on House Mountain ten days before, focused on fallen trees caused by Helene and includes 20 photographs.

My two nieces like to pick on each other in a playful manner. While at the east bluff, they picked pine cones up off the ground and started throwing them at each other! If it were permissible, the east bluff would be an excellent overnight camping spot.

Hiking toward the West Bluff

Leaving the east bluff, we started hiking west back toward the upper-middle bluff, the lower-middle bluff, and the west bluff.

At 3:20 PM, I photographed the following scene behind the lower-middle bluff. The view looks northwest.

The American flag is on the bluff, the rock outcropping not visible in the image. It is below the higher rock ledge that is in the shot. I hadn't seen that flag before. The no trespassing sign, on the tree to the right of the image, prohibits access to the bluff. Over the years, I have spoken a few times by phone with the owner of the section of land below and up to the bluff. He said that unruly hikers were building fires on the bluff and throwing garbage onto his property below. He put up the no trespassing sign to stop them.

Continuing west along the ridge trail, we saw the “picnic rock,” as I call it. Farther along, I pointed out the water cistern, which is near where the fire tower used to stand. The two-seater outhouse, leaning but still standing, is still visible. Holes are signs of shotgun blasts from the past.

I forgot to point out the “dinosaur rock,” as I call it, but I did pause briefly at the location where, on Sunday afternoon, 12/3/2017, Dr. Antonov examined me and predicted a ten-year recovery. That was during my 141st hike on House Mountain. Dr. Antonov is mentioned kindly in at least the following four articles: 3/29/2021, 8/15/2021, 3/31/2023, and 2/10/2024.

Hiking Down and Out the West Trail

We did not tarry long at the west bluff. My youngest brother and his family wanted to return home before suppertime. At 3:52 PM, however, I took the following stealth photograph, capturing all but my youngest niece, as they began to hike down.

They had started down the marked trail. I joined them by taking my usual route down the steep section beside and below the rock formation to the left in the image. The view looks west.

I caught up with my family members just above the “defiant tree,” as I call it. The seemingly petrified trunk still juts out between two rock outcroppings. Recent photographs of that tree are in the articles from 5/5/2023 and 12/30/2024.

Hiking across the rugged trail below the ridge brought up conversation about the cutouts, caused by careless hikers. Years ago, the trail was pristine and not eroded. The original trail is still visible. I still take it.

The three ladies, moving quicker than my brother and me, were ahead of us, hiking down the six upper switchbacks. They waited for us, before we started down the four lower switchbacks. I asked my nieces to help me find a proper rock to take home as a souvenir of my 200th hike. I had been looking for rocks while hiking down.

The New Year's Day 2021 article includes a photograph of the rocks from House Mountain hikes 125 (10/18/2015), 150 (10/18/2018), and 175 (12/30/2020). It mentions the plaque for my 100th hike (12/31/2013).

Close to the marker near the covered picnic table, my older niece gave me two rocks that she had selected. Thanking her, I asked her to pick her favorite one. She did. I happened to find two rocks also. I came home with four souvenir rocks for my 200th hike!

Taken from my home office earlier today, the following photograph shows, from left to right, the plaque for my 100th hike, the rocks from hikes 125, 150, and 175, and the four rocks from my 200th hike. My nieces' favorite is in the upper left in that grouping of four. Mine are the lower two in that grouping.

As an aside, the 100th hike plaque should read “Tuesday, 12/31/2013, 100th hike,” not “Wednesday” and “100th mile.” In 2015, when I finally decided to place the order, I instructed verbally and in writing the aged owner to engrave “Tuesday, 12/31/2013, 100th hike, House Mountain.” Paying only 15 dollars for the plaque on 2/4/2015, I didn't have the heart to point out his mistakes.

Conclusion

Touching the marker at 4:42 PM ended our milestone hike with and for family on House Mountain. This 200th hike was definitely meaningful and memorable! With heartfelt gratitude, I thanked my brother and his family for hiking with me. My brother replied, “We did it for you!”

Three hours and 25 minutes in the woods with and for family was better than watching “March Madness” basketball games on television! Mrs. Appalachian Irishman chose to do the latter, of course, with her father and sister. It was their family time together. During her grade school years, my wife played on the school's ladies basketball team. Also, her father and she enjoyed attending Lady Vols basketball games, when Pat Summitt was the head coach.

Is House Mountain calling you, dear reader? Would you like to answer that call by hiking with me? If so, you are invited to email me, using the Contact Form on my website's main page. I need to reach my next goal, 225 hikes on House Mountain! I enjoy hiking alone. Hiking with others is better.

House Mountain Hike #199, 2-25-2025: Early Spring and for Smokie (published 3-1-2025; article #520)

Introduction

Welcome, dear reader, to the 77th entry in the hiking topic section! One more hike, Lord willing, will be my 200th hike on House Mountain!

Our niece, my sister-in-law's daughter, and I hiked House Mountain for the first time on Sunday afternoon, April 23, 2000, almost 25 years ago. I started hiking House Mountain more often in the fall of 2003. Hiking records that I started after that first hike are kept up to date.

Family members and I have hiked other locations. For example, the article from 3/31/2023 includes a section titled “Hiking Records: Grand Total of All Hikes, Since 4/23/2000.” Therein, I tallied hikes on House Mountain and other locations at the time. My mountain, as I call House Mountain, is close to home. Thus, I have hiked there more frequently than other locations. I still enjoy the challenge of the rugged trails and the scenic views.

Four days ago, on Tuesday the 25th, I trekked House Mountain for the 199th time. My next hike will reach another milestone. How many more times will House Mountain call me, and I must go? God, in His omniscience, knows. I don't, but I look forward to finding out!

Come on along with me virtually as we reflect on Tuesday's hike! The hike was dedicated to our beloved and deceased kitty cat, Smokie. The conclusion mentions the passing of a friend from grade school.

Felt Like Early Spring

On Wednesday, the 19th, snowfall accumulated to two inches, a dinky amount. The overnight low was 32 degrees Fahrenheit, and the high reached 34 degrees. The next day, when the temperature stayed below freezing, I photographed the snow around the house.

Photograph by M. Fearghail, Thursday, 2/20/2025, 12:31 PM. The view looks east.

Six days later, on the Tuesday of my hike, the overnight low of 24 degrees warmed to a late afternoon high of 72 degrees. If you don't like the current weather in northeast Tennessee, wait a few days. It will change!

Tuesday felt like an early spring day. Under a clear blue sky, the warm and breezy weather made me wonder why I wore a short-sleeve shirt over my T-shirt! I sweated enough.

Up the West Trail

Various tasks at home delayed my start, but at 2:31 PM, I touched the signpost near the picnic area to start hiking up the west trail! The parking lot was full, but I found one open spot. A group of young people and adults was having fun around the picnic area. I passed several from the group hiking out as I started in.

Just before reaching the bridge, where the entrance trail splits to the west or east, I stepped easily across the rocks that provide stepping stones through that wet and muddy area. Rainwater running down the mountain forms a runoff stream in that area. Years ago, I had to be more careful, due to my “bionic” right foot. Thankfully, that foot, despite still not bending forward at the ankle like it should, is much more nimble than before.

By 2:47 PM, I had already passed through the low areas and gone up the four lower switchbacks. The six upper switchbacks were above me. Recent sunny weather had dried other muddy areas from previous rain and snow.

Seven minutes later, I reached the final upper switchback. The trail leading west below the ridge was next. I still enjoy the rugged, narrow, and steep challenges along that section of the trail.

The article from 4/14/2023, in the hike up to the west bluff section, mentions the cutout that uneducated hikers made years ago and my mistake. At that location, I met a family of three who were hiking down. They were trying to go down that steep and muddy cutout! I warned and redirected them toward the correct trail at that section, up which I had hiked. The family had not hiked House Mountain before. The father thanked me for correcting their route.

Hiking theology came to mind. Don't turn the wrong way onto the devil's cutout. Turn right and stay on the godly trail!

At the West Bluff

Reaching the west bluff, I touched the rock that marks my time at 3:06 PM. Thirty-five minutes from the trail entrance to the west bluff must be my “new normal.” In my “pre-bionic” life, during good weather, I could hike up in about 25 minutes or less. My “bionic” right foot and knee still slow me down. I am still an overly cautious “lame mountain goat.”

Starting at 3:15 PM, I took the two photographs below near the west bluff. The first view looks southwest toward the bluff. The second image, taken two minutes later, points northeastward to the ridge trail.

Having seen these views 199 times, they are still remarkable. I was tempted to continue to the upper-middle bluff, but I needed to get back to the house to peel taters for supper!

Down the West Trail

At 3:20 PM, I started hiking down the same west trail, up which I had hiked. I had not gone far when I met three pleasant young men hiking up. One had hiked House Mountain once before. It was the first time for the other two. I encouraged them to hike often and to try to hike up the west trail in 25 minutes. They seemed to enjoy the challenge from this older man!

Continuing carefully down, I happened to meet Trooper and his owner again! They are mentioned in the article from 6/1/2024. Trooper is a large and friendly German Shepherd. I wish that I could recall his owner's name.

Along the way, I stopped to cut down some thorns with my sheath knife. They were growing exactly where they could stab an unobservant hiker in the arm or head.

Again, a hiking theology point came to my mind. Avoid or cut down the devilish thorns of life. Keep the heavenly path clear!

At 4:12 PM, I touched the same signpost near the picnic area to end my hike. An hour and 41 minutes in the woods is better than not having been there!

Smokie

My 199th hike on House Mountain last Tuesday was in remembrance of our beloved and departed kitty cat, Smokie. She died on Wednesday, 2/25/2015, ten years ago.

The humorous article from 6/21/2009 includes a photograph of Smokie, resting near the entrance door to my home office. Her eyes seem to ask, “Why are you taking my picture?”

The 2/27/2021 article, about life such as it was then, recaps how my wife and I got Smokie and about how she died.

Smokie was a good cat. Molly, at age 10, is our great old puppy. Molly would have liked Smokie. Smokie would have tolerated Molly.

Conclusion

Before publishing this article today, a friend from grade school, who lives in Hawkins County, called to tell me that a mutual friend since those days, who was living in Florida, passed away a day or two ago. Saddened by the news, I hoped, before he passed away, that our mutual friend had cut down the devilish thorns of life and opened the heavenly path.

Dear reader, please hike along the right trail in life. You will come out right if you do. If you would like to begin a private conversation, please use the Contact Form on this website to email me a message. I am just a former hungry beggar, who found the Bread of Life. I want to share that Bread.

Buffalo Mountain Hike & Photographs from 5-30-2012 (published 2-17-2025; article #519)

Introduction

Today, the morning clouds gave way to afternoon sunshine. Sunny, cool, and breezy conditions are good hiking weather. Recent heavy rains, however, left muddy trails. I do not like to hike through mud, even if it is thawing. Frozen mud is fine. Instead, here I sit, writing about hiking. I would rather hike this afternoon!

The article from 10/23/2024 was about my 24th hike the day before at Norris Dam State Park. That article, inspired by Susan, a friend since our school days, expressed my desire to hike at Beauty Spot in Unicoi County, Tennessee. The conclusion stated, “When do I organize a family hike at Beauty Spot in Unicoi County, Tennessee? We will see. The thought is in my mind.” Then, I hoped to arrange a hike around last Thanksgiving or Christmas. Other priorities and interests sidelined the idea. The visit and hike, however, are still on my mind.

This 76th entry in the hiking topic section goes back almost 13 years ago to my hike with two coworkers at Buffalo Mountain in Washington County, Tennessee. Buffalo Mountain and Beauty Spot, both in northeast Tennessee, are not that far apart! I would like to have known that back in 2012. If so, I would have hiked Beauty Spot about 13 years ago.

Proximity of Buffalo Mountain to Beauty Spot

Beauty Spot in Unicoi County is only about 23 miles or a 45-minute drive south from Buffalo Mountain, which is near Johnson City, in Washington County. Sources: Visit Unicoi County: Things to Do: Adventure: Hiking Trails & Greenways: Beauty Spot & Unaka Mountain; Johnson City, Tennessee: Services: Parks and Facilities: Buffalo Mountain; and Google Maps: Directions: 570 Highridge Rd., Johnson City, TN 37604 to Beauty Spot Gap, Tennessee 37692.

In the spring and summer of 2012, I was part of a small group of newly hired state employees. We were in new-hire training in Johnson City, Tennessee. I drove up there on Sunday afternoons. I returned home on Fridays. My “long-suffering” wife had a weekend husband. The state lodged us in a swanky hotel and gave us a travel allowance. Two fellow new hires and I liked to hike. On a weekday, we decided to hike Buffalo Mountain! I wish that we had known about Beauty Spot. We could have hiked there also.

Hiking Buffalo Mountain on Wednesday, 5/30/2012

The date was Wednesday, May 30, 2012. The three of us guys were tired of sitting in the training room and enduring the bureaucratic policies and procedures that we were learning to do our jobs. The instructor tried her best to make the prolonged and mind-numbing experience palatable. Workday training was from 8 AM to 4:30 PM. After work that Wednesday, we drove to Buffalo Mountain to purge the “policy wonk” drivel from our minds and hike the mountain!

Johnson City, Tennessee: Hiking & Biking Trails states that Buffalo Mountain “offers 8.2 miles of moderate hiking trails with a more strenuous 1,500-foot rise from picnic area to top.” On that web page, clicking the Buffalo Mountain Park - Trail Map opens a trail map.

As I recall, from the trailhead (2,380-foot elevation), we hiked southeast and up the White Rock Upper trail and connected to and up the Hartsell Hollow trail. Turning east, we continued up The Noggin trail. I remember joking about that trail name. “Don't fall and burst your noggin!” We turned right or south, where The Noggin trail connects to the Tower Ridge trail. Shortly afterward, we turned left or north onto a section of the White Rock Loop. That took us to our destination, the White Rock bluff (3,100-foot elevation). The hike up was steady and not very strenuous. The weather was sunny and warm. We sweated enough.

That day, I saved nine photographs taken from the White Rock bluff. They were all taken around 6:50 PM. Would you like to see a few? I thought so! I'll share the best four.

The first three below are panoramic views from the bluff. Based on the sun and shadows, the views look mostly north. Can you spot my trusty canteen in the first image? That canteen still goes with me, hung across my shoulder, on every hike.

One of my now-former coworkers snapped the following image of yours truly. I'm looking right at you!

My canteen was strapped behind me. I still have and wear the cap and wristwatch. I may still have the blue jeans. I was wearing the same warm-weather hiking shoes that I still wear today. The soles are only a little more worn, despite all the hikes since then. The views behind and around me were outstanding that day.

Hungry after our hike, I recall the three of us going somewhere to have supper together. I probably changed out of my sweaty T-shirt and into the casual shirt that I wore earlier that day.

Conclusion

The recent unpleasant weather is making me itch for clear and crisp hiking conditions! Hopefully, a stretch of sunny weather will dry the muddy areas on House Mountain. I need two more hikes to reach my 200th hike along those rugged trails.

Bring on good hiking weather! I need to get into the woods. Of course, Norris Dam State Park and Big Ridge State Park are both nearby. Muddy areas along those trails are not as bad as House Mountain.

What is Pill Commercial Overload Syndrome (PCOS)? (published 2-15-2025; article #518)

“Colorful medication,” published 8/22/2016. Free to use under the Unsplash License.

Introduction

In the above photograph, are those pink M&M's? I didn't think M&M's came in pink. Do I see a brown M&M? Are those little blue pills SweeTARTS? I hope that those oblong, waxy-looking things aren't suppositories!

For months, I have contemplated an article that answers the question in the above title. Today, I decided to place my thoughts into written and audiovisual presentation.

Welcome to the 119th entry in the humor topic section, dear reader! Are you tired of the onslaught of prescription commercials on television and radio? Like dandelions in spring, they pop up everywhere, cajoling us to buy and pop their pills! Needling further, commercials attempt to shoot us up with prescription injections. The cream of the crop are the greasy-handed commercials that lather us up with prescription creams, ointments, and salves.

My use of the acronym PCOS is original. Overloading medications can cause a real medical syndrome. Before my concluding remarks, I highlight a couple of audiovisual pill commercial parodies that I find funny. I hope that you enjoy the humor in those! I did.

Pill commercials need to, well, take a pill. They should be flushed down a commode.

My Use of the Acronym PCOS is Original!

Acronyms can be tricky. For example, “AI” is usually understood as “artificial intelligence.” The acronym, however, can also mean “Appalachian Irishman!” News segments about “AI” could be about this website! Yes, I'm dreaming. My website is based on real human intelligence, not the fake kind that involves complex programming and algorithms. I do not need an artificial crutch.

I hoped that I was creating a new acronym, PCOS, meaning “Pill Commercial Overload Syndrome.” “Pill” stands for all types of prescription pills, capsules, tablets, injections, and creams.

To find out if another witty person had already beaten me to the punchline, I searched online for “What is Pill Commercial Overload Syndrome (PCOS)?” Several results were about a disorder that can affect women in their reproductive years. Sympathetic, I chose and read “Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS),” Mayo Clinic, by Mayo Clinic Staff, 9/8/2022.

Although disappointed to learn that PCOS is already used as a medical acronym, I realized that my meaning for Pill Commercial Overload Syndrome was original! No other witty barb has used the acronym in that way yet, as far as I know.

Medication Overload is a Real Syndrome

Finally, my next online search was simply for “drug overload syndrome.” I discovered that it is a real syndrome. It is usually called polypharmacy or medication overload. Too many people are taking too many pills.

One source of several is “Don’t Be Fooled by Ads: Medication Overload Is Real: Polypharmacy is a devastating public health issue.” Next Avenue: Twin Cities Public Television, Saint Paul, MN, by Terry Fulmer, PhD, RN, FAAN, and The John A. Hartford Foundation, 12/13/2019. The third paragraph begins by stating:

Medication overload among older adults—also known as polypharmacy—is a real and devastating public health issue.

Pill pushers on television and radio are similar to drug dealers, who sell illegal drugs on the street. “Ask your doctor if [insert name of drug] is right for you” is a standard line in many of those commercials.

Years ago, I visited our primary physician at the time. I was suffering from an aggravating cold and fever. In humor, I showed my doctor a list of drugs that were being advertised constantly at the time. With tongue placed firmly in cheek, I asked my doctor, “Are all these medications right for me?” Of course, the doctor understood my joke.

While waiting for my appointment in the lobby, several young and sharply dressed pharmaceutical sales representatives came and left. Each wanted time with a doctor in the medical group. While standing in line to check in, one of those pill pushers tried to cut in line ahead of me. Politely but firmly, I directed him to the back of the line!

Thankfully, at age 64, I do not need or take any prescribed medications. Blessed genetically, I eat right, exercise, and know how to take care of myself. The mute button on the remote is my “pill,” which prevents a migraine, when pill commercials appear on television. My radios have off buttons.

Two Humorous Audiovisual Pill Commercial Parodies

I know what you're thinking. “If this is the 119th entry in the humor topic section, where is the humor?” You have found it here! I happened to come across the following two audiovisual episodes that are quite funny. Serious topics that add a touch of humor often get the point across much better.

First up is “Side Effects Commercial,” NEI Psychopharm (YouTube), 11/3/2016. It's just under three minutes in length. The description states:

Enjoy this parody commercial from the NEI Psychopharmacology Congress. Side effects can occur with any medication, including psychotropics. Adequate management of side effects is essential in order to improve adherence and maximize the chances of successful treatment.

The best one is “Abrain | A Pharmaceutical Commercial Parody,” Nick Peterson (YouTube), 7/22/2024. In just over a minute, the episode nails pharmaceutical commercials! It is a great parody that made me laugh out loud! I know a few people, who need to be taking “Abrain,” don't you?

Conclusion

Do readers with a little age on them remember when cigarette commercials were allowed on television? It was not an April Fools' Day joke. On April 1, 1970, President Nixon signed legislation that officially banned cigarette advertising on television and radio. I was nine, but I recall those commercials. Source: History.com: This Day in History: April 1, 1970: President Nixon signs legislation banning cigarette ads on TV and radio.

Did you know that the United States and New Zealand are the only two developed countries that tolerate direct-to-consumer advertising of prescription medications? They are. Source: “Most high-income countries ban direct advertising of prescription drugs–why does NZ still allow it?” The Conversation, by David Menkes, MD, PhD; Barbara Mintzes, MD; and Joel Lexchin, MD; 8/7/2024.

The constant and harassing pill commercials on radio and television need to stop! In the meantime, I hope that you enjoyed the two audiovisual parodies. One of these days, I may record my own audiovisual parody, but not today.

The University of Tennessee Medical Center: Paw's Recent Hospitalizations (published 2-13-2025; article #517)

Photograph of UT Medical Center from the top level of a parking garage by M. Fearghail, 2/10/2025, 2:12 PM. The view looks northeast.

Introduction

When will The University of Tennessee Medical Center take down the artificial Christmas tree, still perched atop the building in the photograph? Someone needs to remind them that the tree is still up there.

Welcome, dear reader, to the 131st article in the family topic section. I affectionately call my father-in-law Paw. This is a story about Paw's two recent hospitalizations, thirteen days apart, at UT Medical Center. Thanks to God, my 86-year-old father-in-law is now back to normal at home.

In a complex hospital maze, have you ever taken a left turn, when you should have turned right to get back to your truck in a parking garage? The conclusion explains and adds a humorous conclusion to the stress of Paw's recent hospitalizations. The occasional twitch below my left eye is about to stop.

January 25-29

My father, Earl Ferrell, born on Saturday, September 17, 1927, passed away at home on Friday, January 25, 2008. I remembered silently. Mrs. Appalachian Irishman didn't say if she remembered. The coincidence of the following was not funny.

Last month, on Saturday, January 25, my aged father-in-law was admitted to the UT Medical Center. At about 2:20 PM, other family members and I watched as an ambulance took him to the emergency room. He was admitted that evening. The conclusion to the first article this month mentioned hospital stays last month by my brother and father-in-law.

Just over six weeks prior, on Monday, December 9, 2024, at about 6:30 PM, Paw was taken by ambulance to the emergency room at the UT Medical Center. He was released, not admitted, about 2 AM the next morning. An infection was treated further by a follow-up visit to his primary care physician. His hospital admission on January 25 was due to a similar infection.

My wife, sister-in-law, our niece, and I took turns sitting with my father-in-law in his hospital room. His interior room offered no windows to see the outside world. I pulled one night shift, sleeping only about an hour. Paw, well enough, was discharged to home on Wednesday, January 29. A follow-up with his primary care physician was arranged.

February 7-11

Paw was getting along about as usual at home. On Friday, February 7, however, laboratory results from his primary care appointment earlier that week indicated another infection. His primary care doctor wanted him to be taken to the emergency room. My sister-in-law drove him there in her car. Later that evening, he was admitted again at UT Medical Center. Weekend plans changed. At least this exterior room had a window and offered an outside view.

Once again, the same four family members as late last month took shifts to stay with my father-in-law at the hospital. Hospital beds must be designed to be uncomfortable. The two plastic-covered chairs were not ergonomically designed for human comfort. With no thermostat to control the room temperature, the centralized heating and cooling system constantly blew too cool air into the room. I covered the long vent, below the window, with anything handy to restrict the frigidly cool airflow.

Properly treated with intravenous antibiotics, my father-in-law was discharged again to home on Monday, February 10. A ten-day regimen of oral antibiotics and follow-up at his urologist's office next Wednesday afternoon should permanently resolve the problem. That is our hope and prayer as a family. Dear Lord, thank you for your grace through Christ Jesus. Please allow next Wednesday's office visit to fully resolve my father-in-law's recent difficulties. In Christ's name, Amen.

A kidney stone was the culprit all this time. Thankfully, it was nothing more serious. A kidney stone that causes an infection, three trips to the emergency room, and two hospitalizations is serious enough.

How would you like to be hospitalized twice, thirteen days apart? May no one reading this article ever have to endure that ordeal. Paw did.

My Review of the UT Medical Center

The doctors and staff at the UT Medical Center did right by my father-in-law, for which we are thankful. That is the main point. Before his most recent discharge on Monday, Paw and I conversed at length with one physician in the room. That arranged a call that I received from Paw's primary specialist. In his hospital room that day, one doctor was in the room, while I conversed by phone with the primary specialist. We do not want my father-in-law, in a few days, to have to come back to the hospital for a third stay. Two admissions thirteen days apart were enough.

Hospitals, however, are not fun. Monitoring devices beep and chirp. Hospital odors linger on clothing. Bright and cheery rooms are not a top priority. Why do hospitals prefer dark shades of wall paint in patient rooms? Wouldn't white or light blue wall paint be better?

From home, the one-way drive to the UT Medical Center is about 20 miles. Along the way, stretches of Alcoa Highway need to be repaved. The highway is rife with potholes. The entrance and exit ramps to and from the hospital are rugged and should be repaved. These critiques, however, are toward the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT).

As for the hospital facility, a primary parking garage, where we parked, is six levels high. The two-way lanes are narrow and lit only by the sun during the day. Turning at least nine corners leads to the top level, where I often parked my 2006 Frontier. Driving the distance from the top level down to the entrance is about seven tenths of a mile. Circling at least nine tight corners while facing oncoming traffic, with sunlight and headlights providing the only light, is frustrating. It could make a driver dizzy. At least we didn't have to pay for that type of parking experience. The garage is lit at night. Why can't the lights stay on during the day?

The UT Medical Center itself is a maze of buildings. To find a patient's room, you must know which elevator takes you to the correct floor in the right building. Finding the right elevator is somewhat challenging.

At least the cafeteria food offers variety at a reasonable price. I suggest, however, that buttermilk be added to the beverage offerings. I like a good glass of buttermilk at supper.

Surgeries Today and in April

Today, my youngest sister-in-law, who lives alone in Nashville, underwent surgery. My other sister-in-law, who lives with her father, drove out to stay with her younger sister. Thankfully, the surgery for my youngest sister-in-law went well. She should recover quickly and completely. Her discharge to home should be later today or tomorrow.

In April, my sister-in-law, the middle sister, will undergo surgery to replace her bum right knee with a sparkling new “bionic” knee. As far as we know, no hospital stays or surgeries are in the works for next month. Of course, a person never knows.

Conclusion

What about the humorous conclusion to the stress of Paw's two hospitalizations thirteen days apart? I will confess it now.

Outdoors, especially in the woods, I find directions without a compass. The position of the sun, even behind clouds, points the compass. I often simply sense which direction is north. At night, observing the right stars, if visible, finds north.

Last Sunday, I stayed the second shift with my father-in-law. My local sister-in-law relieved me. Darkness fell before I left. Clouds hid the stars. If it were a clear night, light pollution from various light poles and buildings would have filtered out starlight.

Exiting the south elevator, I turned a second left instead of right. Outside in the darkness, I turned left again, not right as I should have. Meandering around various buildings and parking lots, I finally waved at a passing vehicle. With egg on my face, I asked the kind lady if she knew which direction led to the main parking garage. She pointed in the exactly opposite direction that I had taken. Thanking her, my surgically repaired and “bionic” right foot pounded the same asphalt and concrete back to where I started.

Back inside, near the same elevator, I turned properly to the right. Weaving correctly through the building maze, I came out near the correct parking garage, where my truck awaited me. My truck laughed when I shared my story with him. At home, my wife was somewhat amused.

I hope that you also laughed a little. Just remember to turn right and go straight from the south elevator at UT Medical Center and in life. You will come out right!

Dear Lord, thank you again for blessing us with everlasting life through your Son. I do believe that my wife's side of the family has experienced enough hospitalizations recently. Please bless us all with good health, if it is your will. In Christ's name, amen.

Groundhog Day 2025: One Egg Costs 69 Cents! Rename the Gulf of Mexico Old Man Kelsey's Ocean! (published 2-2-2025, article #516)

Gobblers Knob, Young Township, PA, USA, Unsplash, by Steve Wrzeszczynski, 10/16/2022. Free to use under the Unsplash License.

Introduction

Happy Groundhog Day, dear reader, and welcome to the 118th entry in the humor topic section! This morning, if Punxsutawney Phil had been around here and was a late riser, he would not have seen his shadow. This morning in our neck of the woods, the clear sky at dawn gave way to clouds a couple of hours later. Of course, the afternoon became springlike, sunny, warm, and breezy.

Let's first talk about Groundhog Day today. Moving to other points of humor, we will touch on the recent cost of one egg. Finally, why not rename the Gulf of Mexico Old Man Kelsey's Ocean?

I hope that you enjoy a laugh or two. Sometimes we need a good laugh. Life is serious. A steady diet of humor, however, helps when life becomes too serious.

Groundhog Day 2025

Have you ever wondered how Punxsutawney got its name? Punxsutawney is a small town in Jefferson County, Pennsylvania.

Research indicates that the indigenous people named the area “Punkwsutènay,” which translates to "mosquito town." Settling in an area known for mosquitoes was a biting decision. It may not have been the wisest. I do, however, like the sound of Punxsutawney. Improvising, I say “punk-sa-wanty,” “punk-sa-gooney,” or something similar. In this neck of the woods, Punxsutawney would have been named “Skeeter Town!”

What about that groundhog seeing or not seeing his shadow? According to folklore, if the morning is sunny and clear, he comes out, sees his shadow, and goes back underground. That means six more weeks of dreary winter. If, however, the sky is cloudy, he stays above ground, which means spring is coming early. The folklore has always seemed backward to me. Clouds predict bad weather is coming. Sunshine predicts good weather.

The most famous groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, saw his shadow this morning on Groundhog Day. Don't worry, dear reader! Phil is only accurate about 40% of the time.

If you're looking for sources, check out Punxsutawney Groundhog Club: What is Groundhog Day? and “Groundhog Day 2025: Will Punxsutawney Phil See His Shadow?” The Old Farmer’s Almanac, by Catherine Boeckmann, 2/2/2025.

It seems that Groundhog Day has origins in an ancient Celtic celebration. Further, early Christian tradition associates the day with the presentation of the child Jesus in the temple at Jerusalem (Luke 2:22-40).

One Egg Costs 69 Cents!

Groundhogs don't lay eggs, but chickens do. Let's move from groundhogs to eggs! In 2025, how much does a dozen eggs cost? That is a dozen grade A, large hen eggs. What about the cost of one egg this month?

According to US Inflation Calculator: Egg Prices By Year And Adjusted For Inflation, a dozen of these eggs cost $1.51 in 2020. That would be just over 12 cents an egg. The calculator shows the price of a dozen eggs from 1980 to 2022.

Sticker shock alert! Yesterday, while shopping at the local grocery store, I was shocked at the price of a dozen grade A, large eggs! The shelf was about half empty. Shoppers were buying plenty of eggs, probably anticipating further increases.

Yesterday, I bought those dozen eggs at a cost of $8.29! They were marked down 10 cents. I almost didn't buy them. The “long-suffering” Mrs. Appalachian Irishman fixes me a country breakfast on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Through the week, I eat cereal. This morning, I enjoyed two scrambled eggs. That cost us $1.38 or 69 cents per egg.

With egg on my face, I may just eat cereal for breakfast on the weekends. Yesterday, I paid $3.00 for my box of cereal. It was marked down 59 cents. A box of cereal lasts me about five mornings.

My wife and I may need to build a chicken coop, fence it in, and raise chickens. We could sell the extra eggs.

Rename the Gulf of Mexico Old Man Kelsey's Ocean!

“The Education of Ernest T. Bass” on The Andy Griffith Show aired on 10/12/1964, when I was but four years old. I have watched that episode countless times. Each time, it makes me laugh. Andy is trying to teach geography to Ernest T. Bass, specifically national borders.

What is that large body of water to the west of this country? Ernest T. says it's old man Kelsey's ocean! Enjoy watching a clip on “Andy Griffith: Old Man Kelsey’s Ocean.” Sam Manley (YouTube), 3/9/2018!

President Trump has been doing several good things in his first month in office. A few decisions are confusing. He has renamed the Alaskan Mount Denali back to Mount McKinley. Furthermore, he renamed the Gulf of Mexico the Gulf of America. Source: White House: Restoring Names that Honor American Greatness: Executive Order, January 20, 2025.

Let's take it a step further, Mr. President. Why not rename the newly renamed Gulf of American Old Man Kelsey's Ocean!

Conclusion

As I wind down, I hope that you enjoyed a little humor. Last month, my brother, three years younger than me, was hospitalized for four days (1/11-14). Thankfully, he is home and fully recovered. After that, my father-in-law was hospitalized for five days (1/25-29). Thankfully again, he is now home and recovering.

Life is serious. A steady diet of humor, however, helps when life becomes too serious.

House Mountain Hike #198, 1-22-2025: Icicles, Mud, and Snow! (published 1-23-2025; article #515)

Introduction

I decided not to photograph the mud. Hopefully, you aren't disappointed. After hiking, using a twig, I dug out clumps of mud, still lodged in the tread of my hiking boots. The icicles, snow, views, and experience were worth a muddy hike!

Welcome, cool weather hikers, to the 75th entry in the hiking topic section! Yesterday's hike on House Mountain was my 198th along those rugged and scenic trails.

Yesterday, according to our front porch thermometer, the morning low was five degrees Fahrenheit (F) or -15 degrees Celsius (C). Under a crisp, clear, and perfectly blue sky, the late afternoon high at the house rose to 38 F or 3.3 C.

Icicles along the West Trail

Yesterday, at about 1 PM, the outside thermometer showed 31 F or -0.5 C at the house. Shortly thereafter, cranked and ready, my 2006 Frontier took me to “my mountain” for another great hiking adventure! The temperature in the parking lot was probably about 31 degrees. Seven vehicles were in the parking lot at our arrival. The ridge, at a 2,100-foot elevation, was cooler, probably in the mid-to-upper 20s. A light and cool breeze was blowing. Layered properly but not excessively, I didn't sweat a drop. Hiking when it's cool enough to not sweat is great!

Touching the sign near the sheltered picnic area at 1:30 PM exactly started my hike up the west trail. I expected mud, but there was more than I thought, especially in the lower areas along the trail. Thankfully, I wore my older pair of hiking boots, instead of my warm-weather hiking shoes. As mud clumped into the tread, nearby rocks were useful for scraping excess mud from the soles.

Taking my time, due to the mud, having navigated through the four lower switchbacks, I started hiking up toward the first upper switchback at 1:52 PM. Nine minutes later, I reached the sixth and final upper switchback.

That's where I expected to see icicles. I wasn't disappointed. The following photograph, taken at 2:04 PM, looks up, to the north, and along the south side of the mountain.

Those were huge sheets of icicles! Can you see the ones farther in the distance?

After hiking farther up and west along the trail below the ridge, I paused to take the next two photographs.

Looking up, the view is to the northwest, facing the south side of the mountain. I took the shot at 2:15 PM. A few steps farther along the trail, and a minute later, I took the next photograph.

The icicles in the distance are not as noticeable as how my eyes saw them. About this time, a younger man was hiking down the trail. We exchanged a brief and friendly hikers greeting. He continued down, as I continued up.

Snow below the West Bluff

At 2:26 PM, I reached the west bluff. Ah! I never grow tired of seeing the views around and below me. Having hydrated myself quite sufficiently, I took a leak toward Knoxville. Just before I took the next photograph, a man, about my age and using two metal hiking sticks, negotiated the trail just east of the west bluff. Circling down and around below me, he never did see me! In silence, I stood and watched him hike away.

Five minutes later, at 2:31 PM, I took the following traditional photograph of my trusty old canteen and Mike's ball cap.

To the left in the image, do you see the shadow of the space alien? His left arm was outstretched. What was he holding in his left hand? His right arm was touching his thin legs. The space alien must have been above and behind me. I never did see him. Am I joking? My adoptive brother-in-law, Mike, who was with me in spirit, laughed.

Where is the snow? In the valley at the house, we had snow flurries last Sunday with no accumulation. Snow had accumulated on House Mountain, as the next image shows.

More snow was below me. I took the photograph at 2:49 PM. The rock outcropping, denoting the west bluff, is above the snow. The view looks up and to the east. I enjoyed crunching frozen snow as I stepped on it. It also helped clean caked-in mud from the soles of my boots.

Conclusion

I had started hiking down the same west trail at 2:45 PM, only pausing to take the above photograph. Careful negotiation down and through the muddy areas slowed my descent. I also paused to enjoy the views. Touching the same marker near the picnic area at 3:45 PM ended my hike. Two hours and fifteen minutes in the woods, even if muddy, was better than not having been there! Almost out, I met a young man hiking in. That must have been his truck in the parking lot. My truck was the only other one there.

Did you want to see more icicles? The article from 1/10/2024 was a late entry about my two House Mountain hikes in one week in January 2018. That article includes six photographs of icicles.

How about more snow on House Mountain? A quick search for “House Mountain snow” on my website turned up at least four articles that include snow photographs. See the articles from 9/3/2006, 1/10/2010, 1/26/2010, and 1/31/2010.

Yesterday's hike was in honor of my maternal uncle Bobby (Robert Allen Wood, 5/14/1939 - 1/18/1941), my wife's aunt Mona Beckner (1/18/1922 - 4/8/2022), our great-niece Bethany (born on 1/20/2005), my adoptive mother, Ozella Scott (1/21/1930 - 4/26/2023), and my father, Earl Ferrell (9/17/1927 - 1/25/2008). Each beloved family member was either born or passed away around the day of this hike.