Introduction
On Saturday, December 7, the 82nd anniversary of Pearl Harbor Day, this Appalachian Irishman and his reliable 2006 Frontier took a road trip to Hawkins County, Tennessee! We returned home about midway into the first quarter of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) championship game. In all, it was a good “man day.” Mrs. Appalachian Irishman had the invitation to accompany me, but she declined. Her priorities were doing three loads of laundry and visiting with her father and sister.
Welcome, dear reader, to the 106th article in the Heritage topic section, which is also the 17th entry in the Sports section. The story begins with stops and visits in Hawkins County. Transitioning, it ends with the SEC championship game.
Saturday's weather, unlike today, was seasonably cool and sunny, perfect conditions for a “man day” adventure! Today's weather is cool, windy, and blustery. The morning dusting of snow melted quickly. Coming down in big flakes, the falling snow was enjoyable to watch.
Picky Aside
As a picky digression, the Imperial Japanese air force struck Pearl Harbor early on the Sunday morning of December 7, 1941. Last Saturday, therefore, was the 82nd anniversary of that infamous attack, not the 83rd as several online articles state incorrectly.
The first anniversary was on December 7, 1942. Last Saturday marked 83 years since the attack.
Trip to Hawkins County
Moving past that picky aside, let's hit the road and drive up to Hawkins County! Wanting to leave the house by 8:45 AM, I cranked my truck at 8:57 AM to start the trip.
What delayed me? I guess it took 12 minutes to thoroughly “mow” (trim) my unruly beard and mustache hair! Those wild hairs wouldn't trim down without a fight!
Homeplace
The first stop was at the homeplace, included in the previous photograph. Arriving at 10:03 AM, the roofing contractor was already waiting on me. A few minutes after I arrived, the heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) contractor arrived. I had arranged to meet both contractors at 10 AM.
My wife and I had visited with my youngest brother and his family on Saturday, November 30, which was also Granny Molly Gertrude Archer Ferrell's birthday in 1892. After a fine meal and great visit, we checked on the homeplace. The condensate removal pump for the furnace was not working. A small amount of water had drained onto the basement floor.
The local HVAC contractor, whom I consider to be a friend, replaced the defective pump. Thankfully, the pump had not leaked more water onto the basement floor. Whatever tinkering that I had done to the old pump the previous Saturday must have fixed it temporarily.
Farther back, on Saturday, October 12, my wife and I met my youngest brother and his family in downtown Rogersville for Heritage Days weekend. As usual, Main Street was crowded with vendors and bipedal shoppers. I didn't recognize anyone. For my wife and me, we bought chicken sticks and lemonade from a food vendor, paying $13 each for two chicken sticks and $8 for one 32-ounce lemonade, which we shared. That was $34! The shock of that expense thwarted any interest in further vendor shopping. The six of us, however, enjoyed the sunny and warm weather. Standing near the old White Store building, we had a good, long visit.
Afterward, my wife and I drove to check on the homeplace. At least one shingle on the northeast corner of the roof had blown off, due to the remnants of hurricane Helene that blew through the area from September 25-30.
The roofing contractor, a new friend, who had arrived before me, had already inspected the roof. He and I are the same age. Looking eye-to-eye and shaking hands, we agreed on the roof work that is being scheduled as of this article's publication date.
Just before the two contractors left, the man, who mows the field behind the house and harvests the hay, dropped by. The four of us conversed on various topics for a while. Thankfully, this fine man keeps the field looking great.
As I was finishing several chores outside, in the basement, and inside the house, our good neighbor from across the road knocked and came inside to greet me. Standing in the kitchen, we talked about recent and upcoming life events. He said that his wife, who remained at home, was doing well. We swapped yarns about trivial domestic disputes with our wives. Mrs. Appalachian Irishman, by not being present, missed a chance to defend herself! His wife did too!
Just before leaving, I called my good friend, Bill, and photographed the house and land in the previous image. The house has some age and wear and tear, but it's still standing, just like me!
My Friend, Bill
The article from 6/20/2024 mentions Bill, my friend since grade school, and his mother. His mother attained the spry age of 90 on Saturday, June 29. My wife and I drove up and spent time with Bill and his mother on her birthday. Still able to get around and drive locally, Bill's mother still has that look in her eye that used to tell us boys that we were in trouble! We reminisced about childhood memories and enjoyed cake and ice cream.
Bill and I visited for a good, long while, and we conversed openly on several topics. I always enjoy seeing Bill. Since we talked for so long, and I wanted to visit my youngest brother and his family, Bill said that he would tell his mother, who lives next door, that I didn't want to bother her with my glib, Irish tongue! In honesty, Bill said that his mother would talk with us for so long that I might not get to visit my brother and family.
Youngest Brother's House
Leaving Bill's, I paused along the side of the road to call my youngest brother. Unable to reach him, I left his wife and him voicemails. I almost decided to drive through downtown, on Main Street, to reach their house. I'm glad that I didn't.
Knocking on the door, upon my arrival, I found no one home. A neighbor's dog came into their yard to greet me. I could hear their two dogs barking from within their sheltered pen behind the house.
Later on, my youngest brother returned my voicemail. His wife, their two daughters, and he had gone to the Christmas parade, which started at 4 PM. It's a good thing that I chose to take the bypass, instead of driving through Main Street! Downtown would have been blocked to traffic for the parade.
Leaving their house, my truck decided to drive through St. Clair and Morristown, to reach Highway 25E. From there, I got onto Highway 11W at Rutledge.
Hungry and with the need to clean bird droppings that splattered directly onto the driver's side windshield, I stopped at a local convenience store. A damp paper towel cleaned the bird splatter. The Coke and corn dog, which cost just over $3, held me over until supper.
SEC Championship
My ol' truck and I returned home about 4:40 PM. The SEC championship football game had started at 4 PM. My “long-suffering” wife knew to have the television on the game.
After playing with and petting Molly, our nine-year-old “puppy,” I went inside, washed my hands, and did a few other things. Once I'd settled down, I started watching the game. Eventually, after supper, Molly joined us inside. The three of us watched most of the game.
Who won the game? Georgia defeated Texas in overtime, 22-19! Great win, Bulldogs! I wish, however, that you would learn how to play a consistent game. Coming from behind in the second half or winning in overtime is getting old.
Up next are the College Football Playoffs! If interested, check out the College Football Playoff: News: “College Football Playoff Selection Committee Announces Final Top 25 Rankings of 2024,” 12/8/2024! In the first round, 9-seeded Tennessee goes on the road to take on 8-seeded Ohio State on Saturday, December 21. On New Year's Day at the Sugar Bowl, 2-seeded Georgia takes on the winner of the Indiana at Notre Dame game. I'm excited! Go Vols! Go 'Dawgs!
Conclusion
Well, that's a wrap, sports fans! Further, I trust that those, who find value in family heritage, enjoyed the story about my trip to Hawkins County.
After my mother went to see Jesus, my father said, “Boys, we're just trying to keep things going here.” He was speaking about life at the homeplace without his wife.
Mom and Dad, I'm still trying to
keep things going there. I love and miss you both, but I will see you
again.
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