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Columns

  • Corned beef always a hit on Saint Patrick’s Day

    I’m a member of the Anderson County Cattlemen’s Association.
    Every pound of beef I own is in the freezer, not on the hoof in the pasture. I produce good meals, not healthy calves and heifers. I’ll leave that end of the business to someone else.
    If you are interested in educational programs on beef production, please contact the Extension Office and consider joining the Anderson County Cattlemen’s Association.

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  • Food safety tips to consider when anticipating severe weather storms

    In the aftermath of last Friday’s storms, we all have much to be grateful for in Anderson County.
    The storms convinced me to take shelter in a safe place when the warning is sounded. I’m not going to stand outside and look at it.
    In addition to having a safe room for shelter, it’s good to be prepared for a power outage. Follow these guidelines for food safety.
    Make a few simple preparations so you can put a plan into action when a tornado watch or severe thunderstorm watch is initiated.
    Keep the freezer full

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  • Be ready for weather to drive you nuts

    Tree frogs in February? Honest to John, I heard them singing symphonies here on the farm last Thursday. I’m half expecting lightning bugs to show up next. This has certainly been a weird winter. I know we’re all itching to plant and I’m going to do just that.
    My peas, carrot and potato seeds and broccoli and cauliflower plants are going in just as soon as I get the time.

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  • March means farm license plate, other renewals

    As we approach the busiest month of the year, I thought this month’s column should be about paying taxes and licensing your vehicles.
    The Anderson County Clerk’s Office strives to provide information that will better assist the consumer with their transactions in our office We want your experience to be as pleasant as possible.  Each year, the Department of Revenue places a value on your vehicle. Tax rates set by each taxing district are then applied to your vehicle’s value.

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  • Eggplant is nutritional hit with seniors

    Eggplant is on sale, and a couple of women at the grocery asked me how to fix it.
    I had a recipe in my purse because I was getting the ingredients for Easy Cheesy Eggplant, which was part of my monthly program at the Senior Center.
    As I gave the recipe to one of the women, the other one asked me to just tell her the recipe, she would remember it.
    It’s easy to make and delicious. Most of the seniors liked it and many had never tried eggplant before.

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  • Gardening bug ready to bite

    March might be cold, wet and snowy, but I still believe we have come out ahead this winter.
    I joked to someone the other day that this is the kind of winters I expected to have when I moved here 16 years ago.
    This is the time of year when I really hit the pantry. I tend to scrimp on using up my home canned stuff in fall and winter, fearing I’ll run out before the fresh stuff is harvested. Now, I can eat all I want of the stuff.

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  • Support the children of military personnel April 28

    Anderson County residents include at least 70 children who are military dependents from all branches of the military.
    Frequent deployments have become a way of life in the past 10 years. Returning home is not necessarily easy for the families or military personnel.
    Community members can help military families by understanding that no one reacts the same to coming home. Rejoice together at reunions and give families time and space to re-integrate.

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  • Nothing normal about this winter season

    Mark your calendars. The Heirloom Seed Workshop will be held at 10 a.m. on March 24 at the public library’s large meeting room.
    Pre-registration is required (to make sure everyone gets a chair). You can call the library at 839-6420 or stop in to register. It is a free workshop.

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  • Fried fish, without the greasy feel or taste

    Fish is healthy but fried fish is not as good for us as fish that’s prepared without frying.
    In fact, nutritionists say that frying fish negates the benefit of eating fish.  
    I like a crunchy coating on the fish but I don’t like a greasy feel or taste. The best way to get crunch is to use panko bread crumbs. Corn flakes will work, but they still look like crunched corn flakes to me.
    Regular bread crumbs are softer and don’t get as crunchy.

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  • Now’s the time to start planting tomato seeds

    There are only five more Mondays until spring.
    I have to say that I have loved this winter. I haven’t had to walk up the drive even once.
    Last winter I walked for almost a month. Sure, it got me in shape and offered plenty of beautiful night skies, but slipping and sliding while carrying groceries or dog food, was not my idea of a good time.
    We should be done with the snow, if the August fog predictor is accurate. The number of foggy mornings predicted the number of snows accurately last year, so I’m hopeful.

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