Harding recognized as outstanding mentor

RECEIVES MENTOR AWARD

Congratulations to Brette Harding MD, a former resident of Appalachia and daughter of David Harding. She has received the Charlotte Edwards Maguire MD Outstanding Resident Mentor award.

Dr. Harding is an otolaryngologist head and neck surgery resident at the University of Missouri. This award was presented by the American Medical Women’s Association in Indianapolis, Indiana on March 29, 2020.

We are very proud of Brett’s accomplishments. She is a beautiful, studious, hard working, dedicated lady and all her studying and working long hours is paying off for this young lady.

TOMATO PLANTS

We purchased two tomato plants this week. I am taking very good care of these two delicate plants until this frost threat is behind us. Yes, we put them in two large flower pots and they can come into the house if we get a cold April, which is not unusual.

In 1987 April brought us a 26 inches snow in Appalachia.

In those days we made pictures with cameras and sent the film to be developed and yes, I do still have the pictures and they are dated.

Gardening is a wonderful way to enjoy good healthy meals and it is time consuming but right now we are staying home and have the time if we had the place to plant a garden, which we do not.

ARTHRITIS DOCTOR

Last week I had an appointment at the Arthritis Association of Kingsport for this arthritis problem I have had for many years.

I was in with the doctor for  two solid hours. After the exam I had to have blood tests, ultra sounds, X-rays. These all took time. I return in three weeks for the results of these tests. Then in July I will see the rheumatologist. It takes time to get to see his doctor.

Always on a trip to Kingsport, we would look forward to “go in” to a nice place and sit down and have a great meal and enjoy the atmosphere, “No More!” So we went through a drive through, found a nice scenic spot to park our car and enjoy our meal in the car. Wasn’t too bad, just different.

Reminded me of our earlier years in the 60’s when you ordered your food and ate in your car. Then we didn’t have to decide on a place to shop. Everything had “closed” signs on the door. We enjoyed a nice drive home to Appalachia.

EASTER CARD

Thank you sister Sally for the beautiful Easter card. You are a very special lady to us. This too shall pass, God willing.

BIRTHDAY WISHES

Happy birthday wishes to a great lady. Barbara C. Horton had a birthday on Monday, April 6th.

Our old friend for more years than I remember had a birthday this week on Tuesday, April 7th, J. Fred Tate in Big Stone Gap. Most all senior citizens remembers J. Fred. He was a very well known insurance man. Happy birthday old friend.

48TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

Today, Thursday, April 9th a very special couple is celebrating their 48th wedding anniversary. Wilma B. And Ron Flanary have shared a wonderful and successful life together. This couple lived and attended schools in Appalachia and at the best years of our lives, 1960’s. Rock and roll music, diners, Shorty’s Place, football games, proms, parties all were held at AHS. Great place to be and share memories.

Happy Anniversary Wilma and Ron Flanary.

75TH BIRTHDAY

Robert Anderson Sr. will be celebrating his 75th birthday on Saturday, April 11th.

Robert has lived his entire life in Appalachia and he has been here when the town was very productive. Robert was fire department chief for many years. Happy birthday and thank you for your service to this town.

NORTON REHAB

Anna Lee Smith’s family visited her last Sunday at the rehab in Norton. Due to the quarantine no one was allowed in to visit the patients. The daughter made a picture of Roy (Dad) kissing mom through a glass window. It was a great picture. We all enjoyed seeing it on FaceBook.

Well, the Roanoke Times newspaper picked up on the photo and printed it in their newspaper on Tuesday. This is truly a love story.

At her request, hubby Roy was home on Thursday morning preparing her favorite meal for the “homecoming”. Soup beans, kraut and winners, cornbread. You can’t ask for anything more. Home, good food and your family. Now let the quarantine begin.

STAYING AT HOME

It is hard adjusting to the fact we stay at our home and only go out for necessary items and doctor appointments. We have gotten familiar with freedom to go and come as we please at anytime. 

When we were younger children a trip to go “trading” was done by our parents and the kids stayed at home with our grannies. We did not know the word “shopping”. The last 50 years has brought the economy to every state with shopping centers, malls, large name stores so seven days a week you can shop. We had the blue law and nothing was open for business on Sunday! Church was where we went. Strange how things can slowly change in our lives.

VIRUS IN APPALACHIA

Last week we had our first two cases of the virus confirmed in Appalachia. None of us are immune to this virus, so wear a mask when we go out and wash our hands frequently is not too much to do so that we are asked to stay safe and not have to fear did we come in touch with the virus? 

Follow the instructions we are given, be patient and ask God’s help to see us all through this time.

TOWN ELECTIONS

Town elections are scheduled for Tuesday, May 15th. Gary and I received in the mail at our request an application to vote by mail in this election. Next we will receive our ballot to vote when the time comes nearer to the election.

We never know how this quarantine requirement will affect our traveling and so we have the right to exercise our right to vote. To receive an absentee ballot request call the general registrar’s office in Wise and ask for an application, 276/328-8331.

MISS SUNDAY CHURCH

One thing that I miss most of all is Sunday Church. We worship, pray, read, listen to ministers on TV but it’s not the same for us. Sunday was Palm Sunday. Tomorrow is Good Friday. With Easter Sunday coming this week I have purchased the plain flower to make the unleavened bread and I had to purchase a gallon of grape juice for the fruit of the vine, unleavened bread and grape juice communion. We will take our Easter Communion in our home. Who knows, this might be the last one on this earth.