Tonight I will be celebrating New Year's Eve for the 50th time in my life. What a ride so far, I can't wait to see what the next 50 bring. Optimistic aren't I? There were many times in my younger years that I thought I wouldn't make it to 30, so I find it quite amusing that I'm looking forward to 50 more years. Funny how your life changes the older you get.
We have plans tonight, something we haven't done in many, many years. I think the last time Dave and I went out on New Year's Eve was the first year we lived in Kentucky and we went to my cousin's house in Nicholasville. I'm really thinking that's the last time we were even up at midnight. Again, funny how your life changes....
I have many memories of New Year's Eve, and yes, some of them involve partying. I was a child of the 70's, and I did my share of partying. But not all of them.
I spent my middle school and high school years babysitting on New Year's Eve. For the same family usually. I was always a babysitter, my first job being in northern Maine when I was 10 years old. For a couple that lived two doors down on the military base. I was scared to death that first night, although excited at the same time. But, I was always the 'babysitter' in the family anyways.
I actually don't have any memories of new years before moving to Lewiston, Idaho in 1974. We moved so many times growing up in the military, I couldn't [accurately] tell you which state I lived in each new year much less what I did. (Note to self: this needs to be documented....).
One of my first good memories of New Year's Eve though? Sledding at my aunt and uncle's house in Deary, Idaho. They had a little farm there, in a little logging community high in the mountains of Idaho. It snowed alot there, at least it did back then. They still get their fair share every year, but not like years ago. All my cousins were there that weekend and we were having a blast sledding down this one hill behind their house. We pulled our sleds up that hill for hours.
After a while my great aunt Marie called us in to eat chili and we all said 'no', but she then informed us that it was 18 degrees below zero. We were having so much fun that we didn't even realize how cold it was. I also remember my great uncle Wesley tying all of our sleds together so it made a big long train. Then he hooked us up to his pickup and pulled us through town. What fun we had!
For some reason my best memories involve snow..... another wonderful time I remember was when I lived in Pierce, Idaho. Jenni wasn't even in school yet and we lived high up on a hill overlooking town. Pierce is about an hour north of Highway 12 in the mountains of North Central Idaho and at the time most of the people were supported by a lumber mill that was located there. Unfortunately the mill is gone now, but several of my good friends still live up 'on the hill', a term commonly known by the locals in the area.
The local band, who was composed of Jack Smith and the Graham brothers, had quite a following of fans. We would drive to wherever 'Shotgun' was playing, no matter how far sometimes. So, alot of people came up the hill from Orofino for New Year's Eve. We went into the Timber Inn that night and it was barely snowing. We came out of there several hours later and you couldn't hardly see, much less drive. Snowmobiles were used to get people home. Needless to say ... there were alot of people sleeping on floors in various homes in town that night. The roads were pretty bad and most of those there listening to the band ended up not going home until later on the next day. I just remember coming out the next morning and seeing bodies laying everywhere, with whatever blankets and pillows I could find to keep them warm.
Ahhh, it's days like this that the memories start flowing. Remembering the past .... and looking forward to the future. The holidays fall at the perfect time of the year. Right at the end. It's a great time for reflection. I'm wishing every one of you a happy and safe New Year's Eve, wherever you are. And all the best to you in the new year!
God Bless you all.... Pam
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Friday, December 30, 2011
Week Between The Years ...
The week is called the week between the years, a time to visiting with friends .... at least that's how they celebrate it in Germany. I think it's a great week. Well, for the most part. For some, it is the end of the year, which means lots of work for business-people. Trying to get everything done before the close of business today.
I kind of like the "visiting with friends" tradition myself. Although I seem to be too busy to do much visiting, because I'm one of those trying to get everything done. And of course, throw in deadline week and I'm really busy. As busy as I am this week, I took the time to go to the Kiwanis Meeting last night. It was so nice catching up with people I haven't seen in a few weeks. Plus Dave did a pretty nice presentation about All Things Country and our farm.
Dave does a lot of visiting with people, but I rarely get away from this computer long enough to go to town. Now, I don't mind that at times .... but I sure miss talking with some of my friends down in town. I guess I should make it a goal for 2012 to do more visiting!
This week also brings alot of Year-End Reviews. Highlights of what has happened in the past year. Whew. The scope of how our world is changing is evident when you watch these reels of highlights from 2011. The world's weather sure did alot of damage in the past year. Gosh, I hadn't realized how many earthquakes, hurricanes and tornadoes happened. Or just had forgotten. The folks in those areas surely haven't forgotten.
And we lose so many people each year. Not just family and friends, but greats from the world of music, actors and actresses, sports starts and so many more. When you wrap it all up into a 10 minutes montage it brings it all home.
So, I hope you get to do lots and lots of visiting with your friends and family in the next two days. You just never know what tomorrow will bring. It is definitely not guaranteed.
And Happy New Year to all of you. Thanks for reading.
Pam
I kind of like the "visiting with friends" tradition myself. Although I seem to be too busy to do much visiting, because I'm one of those trying to get everything done. And of course, throw in deadline week and I'm really busy. As busy as I am this week, I took the time to go to the Kiwanis Meeting last night. It was so nice catching up with people I haven't seen in a few weeks. Plus Dave did a pretty nice presentation about All Things Country and our farm.
Dave does a lot of visiting with people, but I rarely get away from this computer long enough to go to town. Now, I don't mind that at times .... but I sure miss talking with some of my friends down in town. I guess I should make it a goal for 2012 to do more visiting!
This week also brings alot of Year-End Reviews. Highlights of what has happened in the past year. Whew. The scope of how our world is changing is evident when you watch these reels of highlights from 2011. The world's weather sure did alot of damage in the past year. Gosh, I hadn't realized how many earthquakes, hurricanes and tornadoes happened. Or just had forgotten. The folks in those areas surely haven't forgotten.
And we lose so many people each year. Not just family and friends, but greats from the world of music, actors and actresses, sports starts and so many more. When you wrap it all up into a 10 minutes montage it brings it all home.
So, I hope you get to do lots and lots of visiting with your friends and family in the next two days. You just never know what tomorrow will bring. It is definitely not guaranteed.
And Happy New Year to all of you. Thanks for reading.
Pam
Thursday, December 29, 2011
He sure paints a pretty picture
What a gorgeous sunrise this morning. Dave took a picture to show you .......
We got to talking about it out on the back porch this morning, how beautiful the sunrises are here in Kentucky, when Dave said "God sure paints a pretty picture." Boy, isn't that the truth? If we are lucky enough, we get a beautiful picture twice a day. And it's different everyday. The sunrises and sunsets in Kentucky just can't be beat.
We didn't get this in Idaho. Not in the same way at least. The sunrise this morning lasted about 30 minutes for us. We watched for a very long time as this beautiful picture happened right before our eyes. We knew is was going to be awesome and we just stared in awe.
Dave and I were both born in Lewiston, Idaho. It's located at a little over 800 feet above sea level. The mountains surrounding Lewiston, Idaho? Oh, about 3,000 feet! Lewiston is literally down in a deep valley and you have to drive up and over a mountain in any direction you go anywhere. So, the sunrise and sunset last about 5 minutes, if you are lucky enough to see one! The mountains block them. And certainly not in the wintertime, like this morning. They are probably looking at big fluffy clouds containing moisture of some type, be it rain or snow. At least I don't ever remember being as impressed with them like I am here! Maybe some of my Facebook friends will send me a picture if they have them there.....
I try about every day to get a picture of the beauty outside my window. Whether it's the beauty of a sunrise or sunset, or just one of the critters, we take alot of pictures. No matter how bad the day might go with All Things Country, you can't help but smile when you arrive back at the farm and view the wonder that is our lives. And when we have a really good day, it's just an added bonus!
Here's hoping that you have a beautiful sunset to view tonight - and every night for the rest of this year! God bless you all.
Pam
We got to talking about it out on the back porch this morning, how beautiful the sunrises are here in Kentucky, when Dave said "God sure paints a pretty picture." Boy, isn't that the truth? If we are lucky enough, we get a beautiful picture twice a day. And it's different everyday. The sunrises and sunsets in Kentucky just can't be beat.
We didn't get this in Idaho. Not in the same way at least. The sunrise this morning lasted about 30 minutes for us. We watched for a very long time as this beautiful picture happened right before our eyes. We knew is was going to be awesome and we just stared in awe.
Dave and I were both born in Lewiston, Idaho. It's located at a little over 800 feet above sea level. The mountains surrounding Lewiston, Idaho? Oh, about 3,000 feet! Lewiston is literally down in a deep valley and you have to drive up and over a mountain in any direction you go anywhere. So, the sunrise and sunset last about 5 minutes, if you are lucky enough to see one! The mountains block them. And certainly not in the wintertime, like this morning. They are probably looking at big fluffy clouds containing moisture of some type, be it rain or snow. At least I don't ever remember being as impressed with them like I am here! Maybe some of my Facebook friends will send me a picture if they have them there.....
I try about every day to get a picture of the beauty outside my window. Whether it's the beauty of a sunrise or sunset, or just one of the critters, we take alot of pictures. No matter how bad the day might go with All Things Country, you can't help but smile when you arrive back at the farm and view the wonder that is our lives. And when we have a really good day, it's just an added bonus!
Here's hoping that you have a beautiful sunset to view tonight - and every night for the rest of this year! God bless you all.
Pam
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Such sadness on the news today .... and everyday!
Gosh, the early morning fire on Christmas Day in Connecticut has really broke my heart. This morning's news say it was because of embers cleaned out of the fireplace. Even more devastating to this family is the thought it could have been prevented. I survived an apartment fire when I was 13 years old, and my memories are always revived when I hear stories like this. Our family had to jump out off our 2nd story deck to safety. I remember so well the noise. Between the actually roaring of the fire and the sirens of fire engines and ambulances, it was so loud. Worse yet, the screams of those on the top floor balconies who couldn't get out. There were people yelling at them to jump, people yelling at them to wait for the ladders. The same noises that I'm sure were heard Christmas morning in Connecticut. Simply heartbreaking.
That was just the start of the bad news though. An interesting series has been on the Today Show for the past few mornings. I'm sure it's going to be an all-week series, so I'm equally anxious to see what tomorrow brings. We sure live in a scary world, that's about all I can say. The story yesterday involved identity theft. We all worry about identity theft, especially when doing alot on the internet. We run our credit scores to check on things from time to time. But yesterday's story didn't involve adults - who are well aware of the risks out there. No, the story revolved around children, babies even! Crooks are stealing baby and young children's social security numbers and by the time the child is grown up, there credit has been ruined.
Like I said, we all watch our own credit history. But never would I have thought to run a credit report on my child. They don't need credit. The story says you really should run credit checks yearly on your kids. Sad, huh? The sadder part .... they actually showed the people that had stolen this family's social security numbers. They showed them right there on the television. But nothing can be done? Hogwash.....
Today's story? Locksmiths, of all things. Who would think you can't trust your local locksmith? (Well, actually you probably can trust him if you live in a small town! Love small town living!!!). This story showed people looking up locksmith numbers when they are in need of one. They call, get a quote of $49.00, as an example. The homeowner thinks they are getting a good deal and say come on over. By the time the 'locksmith' has left, the bill totals over $600.00. They destroy the lock, sometimes the door. Whatever damage they can do and then say you owe more than the quote. And they want cash. If you pay by check they tack on a couple hundred dollars more. What a racket!
The saddest part of these stories? All of the 'masterminds' of these crimes, the ones they showed on television doing it - not a one of them could speak english. Several had interpreters. Are you kidding me? Our world is getting overtaken by people who can't speak our language, who are taking our jobs, and even stealing our identities. It's no wonder everything is so screwed up.
Again, I've made the mistake of watching the news. The newsperson in me can't resist, but I'm almost to the point of just throwing the television out the window so I don't start my day off by watching the horror that is our world around us. Again, I'm thankful for the small community I live in, for the many friends and neighbors I've got around me every day, for the love that small town folks show to each other. Sure, we've got problems too. But, I would have no problem calling any of the businesses in our area for help. At least most everyone speaks English!
Have a wonderful day everyone. I'll be busy today finishing up the typing about our reader's favorite snow memories for our January book. And I'll be thanking God for everything he has given me yesterday, today, and hopefully tomorrow too!
That was just the start of the bad news though. An interesting series has been on the Today Show for the past few mornings. I'm sure it's going to be an all-week series, so I'm equally anxious to see what tomorrow brings. We sure live in a scary world, that's about all I can say. The story yesterday involved identity theft. We all worry about identity theft, especially when doing alot on the internet. We run our credit scores to check on things from time to time. But yesterday's story didn't involve adults - who are well aware of the risks out there. No, the story revolved around children, babies even! Crooks are stealing baby and young children's social security numbers and by the time the child is grown up, there credit has been ruined.
Like I said, we all watch our own credit history. But never would I have thought to run a credit report on my child. They don't need credit. The story says you really should run credit checks yearly on your kids. Sad, huh? The sadder part .... they actually showed the people that had stolen this family's social security numbers. They showed them right there on the television. But nothing can be done? Hogwash.....
Today's story? Locksmiths, of all things. Who would think you can't trust your local locksmith? (Well, actually you probably can trust him if you live in a small town! Love small town living!!!). This story showed people looking up locksmith numbers when they are in need of one. They call, get a quote of $49.00, as an example. The homeowner thinks they are getting a good deal and say come on over. By the time the 'locksmith' has left, the bill totals over $600.00. They destroy the lock, sometimes the door. Whatever damage they can do and then say you owe more than the quote. And they want cash. If you pay by check they tack on a couple hundred dollars more. What a racket!
The saddest part of these stories? All of the 'masterminds' of these crimes, the ones they showed on television doing it - not a one of them could speak english. Several had interpreters. Are you kidding me? Our world is getting overtaken by people who can't speak our language, who are taking our jobs, and even stealing our identities. It's no wonder everything is so screwed up.
Again, I've made the mistake of watching the news. The newsperson in me can't resist, but I'm almost to the point of just throwing the television out the window so I don't start my day off by watching the horror that is our world around us. Again, I'm thankful for the small community I live in, for the many friends and neighbors I've got around me every day, for the love that small town folks show to each other. Sure, we've got problems too. But, I would have no problem calling any of the businesses in our area for help. At least most everyone speaks English!
Have a wonderful day everyone. I'll be busy today finishing up the typing about our reader's favorite snow memories for our January book. And I'll be thanking God for everything he has given me yesterday, today, and hopefully tomorrow too!
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
The year is almost over.
We are almost to the end of another year. Where does the time go? Seems like only yesterday that we were celebrating Christmas of 2010 ... and now Christmas of 2011 is over. The older you get the faster time flies. Hmmm.... not sure I like that. But I'm sure most people don't like it either.
Now that the holidays are over, we switch back to newspaper mode. Yes, the January paper will be heading to the printers next week, so that makes this week our deadline week. It's always a rush around here to get the newest magazine off to the printers, but I have a feeling this is going to be a rough week. Lots of people take the whole week off. I'm just praying that the folks that want to advertise are in.... so we'll have a good size magazine for our readers to enjoy.
The news on the television is saying we have now surpassed the mark for the wettest year on record. This morning's downpour put us over the mark. They say rain will be switching to snow this afternoon. My goodness, we sure haven't had any snow to speak of. It's been a pretty warm December, especially in comparison to last December! We had already had snow several times by this time - and boy was it cold!
We have decided to cancel our Chili Feed and Snowman Contest for New Year's Eve day. There are several other functions going on that day in our community, so we don't want to conflict with them. And heck, with no snow it wouldn't be a bit of fun anyway!
Well, here's hoping you have a fantastic week. And if you are wanting to try out our advertising, give us a call. We've got several end of year deals going on now!
Have a blessed day everyone. Peace to you all.
Pam
Now that the holidays are over, we switch back to newspaper mode. Yes, the January paper will be heading to the printers next week, so that makes this week our deadline week. It's always a rush around here to get the newest magazine off to the printers, but I have a feeling this is going to be a rough week. Lots of people take the whole week off. I'm just praying that the folks that want to advertise are in.... so we'll have a good size magazine for our readers to enjoy.
The news on the television is saying we have now surpassed the mark for the wettest year on record. This morning's downpour put us over the mark. They say rain will be switching to snow this afternoon. My goodness, we sure haven't had any snow to speak of. It's been a pretty warm December, especially in comparison to last December! We had already had snow several times by this time - and boy was it cold!
We have decided to cancel our Chili Feed and Snowman Contest for New Year's Eve day. There are several other functions going on that day in our community, so we don't want to conflict with them. And heck, with no snow it wouldn't be a bit of fun anyway!
Well, here's hoping you have a fantastic week. And if you are wanting to try out our advertising, give us a call. We've got several end of year deals going on now!
Have a blessed day everyone. Peace to you all.
Pam
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Merry Christmas from All Things Country
So, I woke up this morning in a sour mood. Guess I didn't sleep too well, or maybe I slept too well. Who knows. I hate waking up and being in a bad mood. I'm guessing that the Dave person hates it when I wake up bad too.
As I enjoyed that first cup of coffee, and contemplated life ... our life to be exact, we turned on the television. First thing I saw, gas prices are going up. By a bunch. A busy travel time arrives and prices rise, hmmm. Even though I'm not traveling farther than Olive Hill this holiday season, it still means more money for gas. Even worse, it means our business expenses just went up. And why? Because of greed. We travel alot each month. Between Dave and I we put alot of miles each month on vehicles. And the daily expense of gasoline is dictated by greed. I hate it.
Can you guess that my mood isn't getting any better? Nope, not a bit. And the next news story involves our crooked politicians and the fight 'this time' over how much money we make each month. These crooked politicians who make MILLIONS of dollars themselves are dictating my bottom line. They've been fighting amongst theirselves for years now and get nothing done. Again, my life dictated by greed.
Maybe another cup of coffee will help. Surely can't hurt by this point. But, oh yes, in my bad mood I figured out a way to ruin that too. I put sugar and cream in my coffee .... chocked full of preservatives and junk that is killing me. Our conversation turns to how our food is slowly killing us all. Dave and I consume alot of our own food, grown out in our gardens. We have really only eaten beef off of the C2H2 Farm since moving to Kentucky, except for eating out. Yet, we consume alot of crap too! And our food is all approved by agencies that don't care about the consumer, they would lose their jobs if they spoke up. And goodness, they have big salaries. Greed, yet again.
Well, goodness. I poured the coffee out and headed to the back porch. What does the morning bring now? Fog, that's what! It's so darned foggy out there, I can't even see the neighbor's house. And there is rain on the way. More rain. Can nothing be beautiful this morning?
Yes, it can. You see, in just a few more days it's Christmas. It's a magical time of the year, at least for most. That is, if you see the true spirit of the season. It's not about the gifts and trying to have the next 'big thing'. It's about the music, the lights, the spirit of why we have Christmas. At least it is for me this year. I could spin this thing around and make it another bad part of my morning. I really could. Ad sales are non-existent this month. Between businesses being closed, some of them for good, and people taking time off during this time of year, the Dave person has had a hard time. Which makes his mood as raw as mine. Our book is printed each month through the generosity of our advertisers, so when we have no ad sales ..... it makes it pretty darned small. And realistically .... no paycheck for me!
But, even that isn't going to ruin my day. Nope. I can't do anything about it but to keep on working hard each and every day. As long as the good Lord gives me another day, I'll do what I can to justify being here. And for today, well I'm going to go with all my might. But as I go through my day, I'm going to listen to CHRISTmas music, enjoy my CHRISTmas lights, eat a few CHRISTmas cookies and keep in mind that I'm here for a reason and the man above has a plan.
Here is wishing each and every one of you the very best CHRISTmas yet. I appreciate that you've taken the time to read my blog and hope you'll pass it along. YOU have improved my day just by reading!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Blessings......Pam
As I enjoyed that first cup of coffee, and contemplated life ... our life to be exact, we turned on the television. First thing I saw, gas prices are going up. By a bunch. A busy travel time arrives and prices rise, hmmm. Even though I'm not traveling farther than Olive Hill this holiday season, it still means more money for gas. Even worse, it means our business expenses just went up. And why? Because of greed. We travel alot each month. Between Dave and I we put alot of miles each month on vehicles. And the daily expense of gasoline is dictated by greed. I hate it.
Can you guess that my mood isn't getting any better? Nope, not a bit. And the next news story involves our crooked politicians and the fight 'this time' over how much money we make each month. These crooked politicians who make MILLIONS of dollars themselves are dictating my bottom line. They've been fighting amongst theirselves for years now and get nothing done. Again, my life dictated by greed.
Maybe another cup of coffee will help. Surely can't hurt by this point. But, oh yes, in my bad mood I figured out a way to ruin that too. I put sugar and cream in my coffee .... chocked full of preservatives and junk that is killing me. Our conversation turns to how our food is slowly killing us all. Dave and I consume alot of our own food, grown out in our gardens. We have really only eaten beef off of the C2H2 Farm since moving to Kentucky, except for eating out. Yet, we consume alot of crap too! And our food is all approved by agencies that don't care about the consumer, they would lose their jobs if they spoke up. And goodness, they have big salaries. Greed, yet again.
Well, goodness. I poured the coffee out and headed to the back porch. What does the morning bring now? Fog, that's what! It's so darned foggy out there, I can't even see the neighbor's house. And there is rain on the way. More rain. Can nothing be beautiful this morning?
Yes, it can. You see, in just a few more days it's Christmas. It's a magical time of the year, at least for most. That is, if you see the true spirit of the season. It's not about the gifts and trying to have the next 'big thing'. It's about the music, the lights, the spirit of why we have Christmas. At least it is for me this year. I could spin this thing around and make it another bad part of my morning. I really could. Ad sales are non-existent this month. Between businesses being closed, some of them for good, and people taking time off during this time of year, the Dave person has had a hard time. Which makes his mood as raw as mine. Our book is printed each month through the generosity of our advertisers, so when we have no ad sales ..... it makes it pretty darned small. And realistically .... no paycheck for me!
But, even that isn't going to ruin my day. Nope. I can't do anything about it but to keep on working hard each and every day. As long as the good Lord gives me another day, I'll do what I can to justify being here. And for today, well I'm going to go with all my might. But as I go through my day, I'm going to listen to CHRISTmas music, enjoy my CHRISTmas lights, eat a few CHRISTmas cookies and keep in mind that I'm here for a reason and the man above has a plan.
Here is wishing each and every one of you the very best CHRISTmas yet. I appreciate that you've taken the time to read my blog and hope you'll pass it along. YOU have improved my day just by reading!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Blessings......Pam
Thursday, December 15, 2011
I appreciate Kentucky even more!
Good morning everyone. I have just returned from a 8 day trip to the West Coast and although I enjoyed parts of my journey more than others, what I enjoyed the most was returning to Kentucky safe and sound. Well, as sound as I get anyway!
Our kidlet graduated with her Master's Degree in Special Education on December 10th from the University of Idaho, so my sister and I headed west for the special occasion. Unfortunately the Dave person had to stay behind in Kentucky to keep the farm and All Things Country running. Roben and I had a nice visit with our children and grandchildren, saw a few special friends and toured the Winter Spirit display in downtown Lewiston.
As much as I love visiting our hometown, I was pretty much ready to head home to Kentucky by day two. Well, maybe day three. But it didn't take long. I was kind of surprised. I hadn't been to the valley in over two years, so figured I'd enjoy catching up with what's changed and all. The sad part was, I would have to get out in the hustle and bustle to see all of it - and what hustle and bustle it was! The traffic, the stop lights, the POLICE!
I did most of the driving back there - and my daughter would constantly warn me about the police. On one occasion when I took Jen to work, we saw three different vehicles pulled over in about 10 minutes. The speed limit is 25 everywhere ... and police sit on every corner waiting for someone to go 27 miles per hour. I don't remember that many police. Is this how those cities pay their bills? By giving out tickets? Gosh, I could think of many better things for the hundreds of police I saw there .... hundreds of them in two towns that aren't that big. Yes, I'm probably inflating that number a bit, but it was a bit much.
The weather back there? No snow. Very little snow in the mountains even. There was a lot of it north of us, but I really expected to see more of it. What I didn't expect? The cold. I absolutely froze to death while I was there. It was a straight to the bone type of cold. Even to unlock the car doors froze you to the bone. It was actually pretty cold in Kentucky while I was away, but I was blessed to arrive home in Louisville Tuesday night to weather in the 50s! No coat was even needed to get to the pickup. And yesterday, oh my gosh! Over 60 degrees most of the day, bright blue sunny skies. And again, a day with no coat and gloves.
My sister and I talked all the way up to Spokane Tuesday morning to catch our flights home. We weren't sad and not ready to leave like I had figured when we headed out there. Of course, we miss our kids and grandkids, miss our friends and family. But we were definitely both ready to come home. Back to where we know that our cell service works .... even in the hills of Eastern Kentucky. Back to where we know to drive decently, but aren't fearful of a policeman on every corner just lying in wait. At least the speed limit is reasonable here. And it's more of a drive safe and prudent environment. But, heck, if I want to go slow here and there are cars behind me, I don't freak out thinking they are going to run me off the road or honk. We just know that sometimes there are slower drivers and we respect that. I'll never complain about it again.
I'm thankful to be back on the farm now, watching the serene wildlife out the front window. I'm thankful to be working on our January magazine and spreading the good that is in Kentucky. I love the people here, the many friends I've made and my very simple way of life. Sure, Dave and I stay very busy ... we like it that way. But, it's still a simple way of life compared to what I just witnessed in our old hometown. Note I said old hometown ..... I really think that beautiful Palmer, Kentucky is my new hometown. I think they'll have me now, after 9 years of being here. I'm not a native Kentuckian, but I call myself a proud Kentuckian!
Have a Blessed day everyone.
Pam
Our kidlet graduated with her Master's Degree in Special Education on December 10th from the University of Idaho, so my sister and I headed west for the special occasion. Unfortunately the Dave person had to stay behind in Kentucky to keep the farm and All Things Country running. Roben and I had a nice visit with our children and grandchildren, saw a few special friends and toured the Winter Spirit display in downtown Lewiston.
As much as I love visiting our hometown, I was pretty much ready to head home to Kentucky by day two. Well, maybe day three. But it didn't take long. I was kind of surprised. I hadn't been to the valley in over two years, so figured I'd enjoy catching up with what's changed and all. The sad part was, I would have to get out in the hustle and bustle to see all of it - and what hustle and bustle it was! The traffic, the stop lights, the POLICE!
I did most of the driving back there - and my daughter would constantly warn me about the police. On one occasion when I took Jen to work, we saw three different vehicles pulled over in about 10 minutes. The speed limit is 25 everywhere ... and police sit on every corner waiting for someone to go 27 miles per hour. I don't remember that many police. Is this how those cities pay their bills? By giving out tickets? Gosh, I could think of many better things for the hundreds of police I saw there .... hundreds of them in two towns that aren't that big. Yes, I'm probably inflating that number a bit, but it was a bit much.
The weather back there? No snow. Very little snow in the mountains even. There was a lot of it north of us, but I really expected to see more of it. What I didn't expect? The cold. I absolutely froze to death while I was there. It was a straight to the bone type of cold. Even to unlock the car doors froze you to the bone. It was actually pretty cold in Kentucky while I was away, but I was blessed to arrive home in Louisville Tuesday night to weather in the 50s! No coat was even needed to get to the pickup. And yesterday, oh my gosh! Over 60 degrees most of the day, bright blue sunny skies. And again, a day with no coat and gloves.
My sister and I talked all the way up to Spokane Tuesday morning to catch our flights home. We weren't sad and not ready to leave like I had figured when we headed out there. Of course, we miss our kids and grandkids, miss our friends and family. But we were definitely both ready to come home. Back to where we know that our cell service works .... even in the hills of Eastern Kentucky. Back to where we know to drive decently, but aren't fearful of a policeman on every corner just lying in wait. At least the speed limit is reasonable here. And it's more of a drive safe and prudent environment. But, heck, if I want to go slow here and there are cars behind me, I don't freak out thinking they are going to run me off the road or honk. We just know that sometimes there are slower drivers and we respect that. I'll never complain about it again.
I'm thankful to be back on the farm now, watching the serene wildlife out the front window. I'm thankful to be working on our January magazine and spreading the good that is in Kentucky. I love the people here, the many friends I've made and my very simple way of life. Sure, Dave and I stay very busy ... we like it that way. But, it's still a simple way of life compared to what I just witnessed in our old hometown. Note I said old hometown ..... I really think that beautiful Palmer, Kentucky is my new hometown. I think they'll have me now, after 9 years of being here. I'm not a native Kentuckian, but I call myself a proud Kentuckian!
Have a Blessed day everyone.
Pam
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Why I do All Things Country Magazine
Good morning everyone. Quite a few people ask me every month why I do what I do. Most comments revolve around 'why do you give it away free?', which amuses me. I guess I should ask these folks how much they would be willing to pay each month, huh?
All kidding aside, I do this magazine for a variety of reasons. I witnessed one of those reasons this morning on the Today Show. Kathy and Hoda showed today's copy of the New York Post on the show. The entire front page is covered with a story about Kim Kardashian and her divorce. Big news, isn't it? It just pains me to see that an entire front page of a newspaper is dedicated to a rich little girl, divorcing her second husband in just days. Who knows, the first marriage probably only lasted days too.
That's what newspapers do. They do whatever they have to on the front page to sell their product. I personally don't care who's getting divorced in this world, that's their business and not mine. I would rather hear about someone doing something good for our world than who's getting divorced. So, our magazine concentrates on only good news. And I'm not trying to bad mouth our local papers or anything else. They do what they have to. They are required to put in courthouse news and cover trials and such. I got my start in publishing at a weekly newspaper, then went on to a daily. But after so many years of publishing sadness and sorrow in people's lives, I decided to do something different.
I didn't come up with the whole idea of a free magazine. I got my inspiration from a little free monthly paper in Northern Idaho called the Country Courier. I'm not even sure she is still publishing it each month, but it was basically along the lines of what we do at All Things Country. I always loved to read the Courier each month, with it's earthy columns and dedication to the smaller businesses of the world.
So, back in 2006, I did the logistics of what it would take to do something like the Country Courier here in Kentucky. Being a graphic artist for so many years and with my newspaper background, I was sure I could do something similar to it. My dad paid for the first printing of the paper back then. We gave away the ads to those that would allow us to run something for their business. Our very first edition was 12 pages on newsprint. We managed to sell enough ads the next month to publish it again, and have been hanging on ever since!
I came up with All Things Country because I love living in the country. I learned so much after moving to Kentucky, about gardening and living in the country. It's not for everyone. But it's for me. So, I just wanted to spread the word about country life - offering stories on gardening, raising herbs, animal care and the like.
This leads me to the second reason I do All Things Country. The many wonderful small businesses in the area - and promoting each of them to the best of my ability. You see, the magazine is paid for by these businesses. Those that have enough faith in us to take out an ad. Small businesses don't have much money. We realize that. And it is really hard to go into a business and ask for them to advertise. We know they don't have much money because we are a small business with not much money either! But, from what I've learned over the years, you've got to advertise. Word of mouth is great advertising, but it only goes so far. Advertising in your local paper is good too, but in these smaller towns - if you think about it - the residents should know you are there and what you offer. The problem is, do the folks in the neighboring counties know about you?
With your ad in All Things Country, we cover many counties in our area. Between 20 and 25 each month. I see folks advertise in the local newspapers because they are cheaper. But if you advertised in the local paper in even 10 counties, how much would that same ad cost? If you figure it out, advertising in ATC is pretty reasonable. We aren't trying to get rich, just spread a little good news and promote small businesses. We particularly appreciate the folks that run an ad each month - even though they don't have anything to sell. They just want to help support the magazine and keep it free.
Heck, I've even received a $10.00 check in the mail once from a reader that just wanted to contribute. How awesome was that?
And the final reason I do All Things Country ..... for all of our readers. I've thought about just publishing my last edition and being done with it. You know, go out and get a 9-5 job like I had for the first 20 or 30 years of my working career. Heck, at least I'd know I have a regular paycheck. But, on the flip side, I love All Things Country. I just couldn't imagine our lives without it. The people we've met along the way, oh my! The friendships we've made. The businesses we've found in our journeys. And all the many readers we meet that tell us thank you.
So, we'll keep on keeping on ..... and hoping that people will continue to keep the faith in us and our magazine. Have a blessed day everyone!
Until next time..... Pam
All kidding aside, I do this magazine for a variety of reasons. I witnessed one of those reasons this morning on the Today Show. Kathy and Hoda showed today's copy of the New York Post on the show. The entire front page is covered with a story about Kim Kardashian and her divorce. Big news, isn't it? It just pains me to see that an entire front page of a newspaper is dedicated to a rich little girl, divorcing her second husband in just days. Who knows, the first marriage probably only lasted days too.
That's what newspapers do. They do whatever they have to on the front page to sell their product. I personally don't care who's getting divorced in this world, that's their business and not mine. I would rather hear about someone doing something good for our world than who's getting divorced. So, our magazine concentrates on only good news. And I'm not trying to bad mouth our local papers or anything else. They do what they have to. They are required to put in courthouse news and cover trials and such. I got my start in publishing at a weekly newspaper, then went on to a daily. But after so many years of publishing sadness and sorrow in people's lives, I decided to do something different.
I didn't come up with the whole idea of a free magazine. I got my inspiration from a little free monthly paper in Northern Idaho called the Country Courier. I'm not even sure she is still publishing it each month, but it was basically along the lines of what we do at All Things Country. I always loved to read the Courier each month, with it's earthy columns and dedication to the smaller businesses of the world.
So, back in 2006, I did the logistics of what it would take to do something like the Country Courier here in Kentucky. Being a graphic artist for so many years and with my newspaper background, I was sure I could do something similar to it. My dad paid for the first printing of the paper back then. We gave away the ads to those that would allow us to run something for their business. Our very first edition was 12 pages on newsprint. We managed to sell enough ads the next month to publish it again, and have been hanging on ever since!
I came up with All Things Country because I love living in the country. I learned so much after moving to Kentucky, about gardening and living in the country. It's not for everyone. But it's for me. So, I just wanted to spread the word about country life - offering stories on gardening, raising herbs, animal care and the like.
This leads me to the second reason I do All Things Country. The many wonderful small businesses in the area - and promoting each of them to the best of my ability. You see, the magazine is paid for by these businesses. Those that have enough faith in us to take out an ad. Small businesses don't have much money. We realize that. And it is really hard to go into a business and ask for them to advertise. We know they don't have much money because we are a small business with not much money either! But, from what I've learned over the years, you've got to advertise. Word of mouth is great advertising, but it only goes so far. Advertising in your local paper is good too, but in these smaller towns - if you think about it - the residents should know you are there and what you offer. The problem is, do the folks in the neighboring counties know about you?
With your ad in All Things Country, we cover many counties in our area. Between 20 and 25 each month. I see folks advertise in the local newspapers because they are cheaper. But if you advertised in the local paper in even 10 counties, how much would that same ad cost? If you figure it out, advertising in ATC is pretty reasonable. We aren't trying to get rich, just spread a little good news and promote small businesses. We particularly appreciate the folks that run an ad each month - even though they don't have anything to sell. They just want to help support the magazine and keep it free.
Heck, I've even received a $10.00 check in the mail once from a reader that just wanted to contribute. How awesome was that?
And the final reason I do All Things Country ..... for all of our readers. I've thought about just publishing my last edition and being done with it. You know, go out and get a 9-5 job like I had for the first 20 or 30 years of my working career. Heck, at least I'd know I have a regular paycheck. But, on the flip side, I love All Things Country. I just couldn't imagine our lives without it. The people we've met along the way, oh my! The friendships we've made. The businesses we've found in our journeys. And all the many readers we meet that tell us thank you.
So, we'll keep on keeping on ..... and hoping that people will continue to keep the faith in us and our magazine. Have a blessed day everyone!
Until next time..... Pam
Friday, October 21, 2011
Yes, Abby is really our dog!
We have a contest in our magazine every month. It's called "Abby Tracks" and is sort of like a 'needle in a haystack' kind of thing. You have to locate Abby's paw print in the book somewhere and then send in an entry, along with a paragraph or two about a favorite memory of some type, recipe, or short story. The instructions are in the book each month.
It still amazes me the number of people that talk about the paw print. Just last night at our Kiwanis meeting it was a topic of conversation between several of us. What also amazes me though, is the number of our readers that don't even know Abby is a dog, much less our dog!
When we started the contest in All Things Country, Abby was our only pet. She was just a puppy - and a big handful to us. I hadn't owned a bigger dog since I was younger - only poms and yorkies. So this 'someday 50 pound' ball of fire that joined our lives was a bit overwhelming at first. In fact, we tried giving her away a couple of times. The last time we tried, down at Green River during a camping trip, was about as close as we ever came. She was on their boat, just wanting to call it home. They had lots of kids! But, the mom on that very same boat vetoed the idea before the kids could even bat their big ole' eyes at her.
So, we came home from that camping trip with her - and remarkably, the very next day her whole attitude changed. She actually started to mind, somewhat at least. It was like she knew what we had planned and she figured she had found a good home, she may as well appreciate it. She is, of course, still a handful for us, it's the beagle in her. But she won't be here forever, so we'll just continue to put up with her.
We started the Abby Track contest after deciding the keep her for good. The contest is a real hit each month. I've only managed to forget to put the paw print in two editions since we started. Boy, did we get phone calls those months! One month I forgot to take it out from the previous month, so we had entries with two locations. I've definitely improved over the years, as it's been a while since I've forgotten it.
We've offered some pretty incredible prizes along the way too .... all thanks to our great advertisers! We've had cabin stays in the Red River Gorge area, jewelry from Dan's in Winchester, a gem mining gift package, dinner gift certificates, zip lining and paintball tickets. It's great fun to be able to spread a little fun around - and then present the winner with something fun to do!
If you are interested in sponsoring a prize one month, please contact us at 606-723-0478 for more information. You can even have the entries sent in to your business to see how many you get - and do the drawing from your business.
Thanks everyone - and have a great Friday!
It still amazes me the number of people that talk about the paw print. Just last night at our Kiwanis meeting it was a topic of conversation between several of us. What also amazes me though, is the number of our readers that don't even know Abby is a dog, much less our dog!
When we started the contest in All Things Country, Abby was our only pet. She was just a puppy - and a big handful to us. I hadn't owned a bigger dog since I was younger - only poms and yorkies. So this 'someday 50 pound' ball of fire that joined our lives was a bit overwhelming at first. In fact, we tried giving her away a couple of times. The last time we tried, down at Green River during a camping trip, was about as close as we ever came. She was on their boat, just wanting to call it home. They had lots of kids! But, the mom on that very same boat vetoed the idea before the kids could even bat their big ole' eyes at her.
So, we came home from that camping trip with her - and remarkably, the very next day her whole attitude changed. She actually started to mind, somewhat at least. It was like she knew what we had planned and she figured she had found a good home, she may as well appreciate it. She is, of course, still a handful for us, it's the beagle in her. But she won't be here forever, so we'll just continue to put up with her.
We started the Abby Track contest after deciding the keep her for good. The contest is a real hit each month. I've only managed to forget to put the paw print in two editions since we started. Boy, did we get phone calls those months! One month I forgot to take it out from the previous month, so we had entries with two locations. I've definitely improved over the years, as it's been a while since I've forgotten it.
We've offered some pretty incredible prizes along the way too .... all thanks to our great advertisers! We've had cabin stays in the Red River Gorge area, jewelry from Dan's in Winchester, a gem mining gift package, dinner gift certificates, zip lining and paintball tickets. It's great fun to be able to spread a little fun around - and then present the winner with something fun to do!
If you are interested in sponsoring a prize one month, please contact us at 606-723-0478 for more information. You can even have the entries sent in to your business to see how many you get - and do the drawing from your business.
Thanks everyone - and have a great Friday!
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Deadline week approaches
Good afternoon, wherever you may be in this wonderful world. We are busy here in Estill County, Kentucky getting the November edition of All Things Country Magazine ready for the printers. We've had lots of Abby Track entries this month, the drawing will be held at the end of next week. So, if you haven't gotten your entry in, do it soon.....
We've also had lots of great entries in our photo contest. I'm getting them ready for the judges over the weekend, so we'll know what our front cover will look like soon. Some of the entries are simply gorgeous. Well, all of them are. Some are more breathtaking than others, hows that for diplomacy?
We're now leaving bundles of magazines at the Welcome Center in Williamsburg, Kentucky - so we're looking for a few good realtors to advertise. Get those listings out to more than just residents in our area! Who knows, maybe a few more good people will move to this state - and learn what an awesome state we live in.
We're also offering holiday greeting ads for November and December. If you are wanting to tell your customers 'thank you' for their business this past year, this is the way to get your greeting out to several counties. Give us a call if you are interested!
Another thought with the holidays around the corner .... a subscription to All Things Country Magazine makes a great gift! Subscriptions cost $27.00 per year and the recipient will get their own copy of ATC Magazine delivered to their mailbox each month. We currently mail out subscriptions to about 12 different states.
Well, I'm not getting any ads built doing this blog, so it's time to get to work. I hope each and every one of you have a blessed day! And give us a call if you are interested in helping to keep our magazine free by taking out an ad....... 606-723-0478.
We've also had lots of great entries in our photo contest. I'm getting them ready for the judges over the weekend, so we'll know what our front cover will look like soon. Some of the entries are simply gorgeous. Well, all of them are. Some are more breathtaking than others, hows that for diplomacy?
We're now leaving bundles of magazines at the Welcome Center in Williamsburg, Kentucky - so we're looking for a few good realtors to advertise. Get those listings out to more than just residents in our area! Who knows, maybe a few more good people will move to this state - and learn what an awesome state we live in.
We're also offering holiday greeting ads for November and December. If you are wanting to tell your customers 'thank you' for their business this past year, this is the way to get your greeting out to several counties. Give us a call if you are interested!
Another thought with the holidays around the corner .... a subscription to All Things Country Magazine makes a great gift! Subscriptions cost $27.00 per year and the recipient will get their own copy of ATC Magazine delivered to their mailbox each month. We currently mail out subscriptions to about 12 different states.
Well, I'm not getting any ads built doing this blog, so it's time to get to work. I hope each and every one of you have a blessed day! And give us a call if you are interested in helping to keep our magazine free by taking out an ad....... 606-723-0478.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Change is a'coming!
The weather is gorgeous outside. Not too hot, not too cold. But the trusty ole' weatherdude is telling me that change is coming. Not too sure I'm ready for full blown winter yet. I've got too much to get accomplished still before the cold chilly days of winter arrive. But, alas, what I want isn't exactly what the good Lord upstairs wants. He's got his plan - and at times it just doesn't jive with my plan. I'm good at changing plans in midstream though, so it's all good.
Our deadline week is just around the corner - again! Time just flies by anymore. Why is it when you are younger it drags on, when you are older - you wish it would drag on. I remember when I was younger and would be waiting for dad to get home from one or another of his military missions. His time in Vietnam seemed like years, years he was gone and we were in Idaho just waiting for news from him.
Long before the thought of internet. Long before folks gathered at airports to welcome home our soldiers from the war. No, when my dad came home they were just angry he was even there. Like he had a choice! It was certainly not his choice to leave his family for years at a time. I would have loved to have been able to video chat with him while he was gone. We waited for letters! Or the sporatic phone call. I could not have been prouder of my dad during his military years.
I continue to hold such a strong love of the armed services in my heart. The men and women protecting our country deserve every bit of our prayers and thanks for the job they endure every day while deployed. And the wives and husbands left behind. Goodness, my mom took on quite a job marrying a military guy - something I appreciate more every day.
We were hauled to Japan at a young age and didn't come back stateside for over five years. What my grandparents must have gone through during those years. I get to see Jocey anytime I want by logging onto a computer and chatting with her. My grandparents got to wait on letters.
Well, goodness, I don't know how my conversation went from the cold, chilly weather of fall/winter to talking about the military. Rambling along again I guess. I hope each and every one of you have the best day yet! And continue to keep our military in our prayers .... and the weathermen too....
Pam
Our deadline week is just around the corner - again! Time just flies by anymore. Why is it when you are younger it drags on, when you are older - you wish it would drag on. I remember when I was younger and would be waiting for dad to get home from one or another of his military missions. His time in Vietnam seemed like years, years he was gone and we were in Idaho just waiting for news from him.
Long before the thought of internet. Long before folks gathered at airports to welcome home our soldiers from the war. No, when my dad came home they were just angry he was even there. Like he had a choice! It was certainly not his choice to leave his family for years at a time. I would have loved to have been able to video chat with him while he was gone. We waited for letters! Or the sporatic phone call. I could not have been prouder of my dad during his military years.
I continue to hold such a strong love of the armed services in my heart. The men and women protecting our country deserve every bit of our prayers and thanks for the job they endure every day while deployed. And the wives and husbands left behind. Goodness, my mom took on quite a job marrying a military guy - something I appreciate more every day.
We were hauled to Japan at a young age and didn't come back stateside for over five years. What my grandparents must have gone through during those years. I get to see Jocey anytime I want by logging onto a computer and chatting with her. My grandparents got to wait on letters.
Well, goodness, I don't know how my conversation went from the cold, chilly weather of fall/winter to talking about the military. Rambling along again I guess. I hope each and every one of you have the best day yet! And continue to keep our military in our prayers .... and the weathermen too....
Pam
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
So thankful to live in the United States
I've been watching some of the coverage of Amanda Knox this morning. Quite the story, yes it is. Although I feel back for the young lady that died and her family, I was just so happy when they called the verdict. I really figured that they would still consider her guilty. All I know is, I'm sure darned happy to call myself a resident of the United States of America. I certainly don't want to visit Italy anytime soon, that's for sure.
I just can't imagine what Amanda's friends and family have gone through for the past four years. The trips to Italy must have cost them a fortune. I was thinking this morning, when they arrive back in Seattle, what a feeling they will have - knowing that the trips to Italy are no longer a part of their lives.
How do you just put your life on hold for four years? You do it for the sake of your children. Amazing thing ... that thing called parenthood. It so changes your life, forever. I'm thankful every day of my life for so many things - my wonderful husband, my adorable grandkidlet, my family from church, my family in general. But nothing makes me more thankful in life than having had a daughter almost 30 years ago. I wanted tons of kids, well maybe 10. That wasn't to be. God had other plans I guess.
I was always the one that said my job when I grew up was to be a mommy. I guess instead of being bummed that God only gave me one, I should be thankful that God AT LEAST gave me one! The alternative is unthinkable.
Thankfully I've never had to travel to a foreign country to try to save her butt! She's been a pretty good kidlet - and for that I'm additionally thankful. But, hey, I'd travel to the lengths that the Knox family did. Just glad I haven't had to!
Have an awesome day everyone. God is good, and gave us this day to do good for somebody - whether it's just for yourself or for someone else.
Blessings ..... Pam
I just can't imagine what Amanda's friends and family have gone through for the past four years. The trips to Italy must have cost them a fortune. I was thinking this morning, when they arrive back in Seattle, what a feeling they will have - knowing that the trips to Italy are no longer a part of their lives.
How do you just put your life on hold for four years? You do it for the sake of your children. Amazing thing ... that thing called parenthood. It so changes your life, forever. I'm thankful every day of my life for so many things - my wonderful husband, my adorable grandkidlet, my family from church, my family in general. But nothing makes me more thankful in life than having had a daughter almost 30 years ago. I wanted tons of kids, well maybe 10. That wasn't to be. God had other plans I guess.
I was always the one that said my job when I grew up was to be a mommy. I guess instead of being bummed that God only gave me one, I should be thankful that God AT LEAST gave me one! The alternative is unthinkable.
Thankfully I've never had to travel to a foreign country to try to save her butt! She's been a pretty good kidlet - and for that I'm additionally thankful. But, hey, I'd travel to the lengths that the Knox family did. Just glad I haven't had to!
Have an awesome day everyone. God is good, and gave us this day to do good for somebody - whether it's just for yourself or for someone else.
Blessings ..... Pam
Friday, September 23, 2011
The first day of fall .....
Today is the first day of fall. A beautiful time to enjoy the beauty of Kentucky, the fall season. I remember when we moved to Kentucky, I had to ask my uncle Bobby why prices for lodging were so high in October. It just seemed so odd. But after witnessing a few fall seasons here, I know why.
We had fall in the West too. But it surely doesn't look like it does here! Don't get me wrong ... I love Idaho just as much as I do Kentucky. But fall in Idaho doesn't last very long. Especially once the snow starts flying in the higher country. Fall is just a blink in the scheme of things.
In Kentucky, and our surrounding states too, the fall season lasts a bit longer. I guess because we don't get the high mountain snows, huh? Heck, we rarely get snow here. Or what I'm used to anyways. But, don't get me started on winter..... I'm still looking forward to what's to come.
My sister has never seen a fall in Kentucky. She always came out to visit me during the winter months, so just always saw the bare trees we witness through winter. She's got something to look forward to with our fall, huh? We are thinking about taking a drive down to Gatlinburg in October, I'm guessing it will be gorgeous!
As I look out the window this morning though, it looks more like winter. It's dreary out there.... and a bit chilly too! Do I really have to start unpacking winter clothes? Can't I just get by with a light jacket for a few more weeks? I'm not asking for too much, am I?
We really shouldn't complain though, we definitely need the rain. Maybe not today .... but down the road it will be nice. Our pond is needing some water in it. Thankfully it doesn't go dry - or the ducks would be mighty unhappy.
Where is your favorite place to witness the beauty of Fall in Kentucky? Let me know, maybe I can get another road trip in the planning stages!!
Have a great Friday everyone. Be safe wherever you might be.
~Pam
We had fall in the West too. But it surely doesn't look like it does here! Don't get me wrong ... I love Idaho just as much as I do Kentucky. But fall in Idaho doesn't last very long. Especially once the snow starts flying in the higher country. Fall is just a blink in the scheme of things.
In Kentucky, and our surrounding states too, the fall season lasts a bit longer. I guess because we don't get the high mountain snows, huh? Heck, we rarely get snow here. Or what I'm used to anyways. But, don't get me started on winter..... I'm still looking forward to what's to come.
My sister has never seen a fall in Kentucky. She always came out to visit me during the winter months, so just always saw the bare trees we witness through winter. She's got something to look forward to with our fall, huh? We are thinking about taking a drive down to Gatlinburg in October, I'm guessing it will be gorgeous!
As I look out the window this morning though, it looks more like winter. It's dreary out there.... and a bit chilly too! Do I really have to start unpacking winter clothes? Can't I just get by with a light jacket for a few more weeks? I'm not asking for too much, am I?
We really shouldn't complain though, we definitely need the rain. Maybe not today .... but down the road it will be nice. Our pond is needing some water in it. Thankfully it doesn't go dry - or the ducks would be mighty unhappy.
Where is your favorite place to witness the beauty of Fall in Kentucky? Let me know, maybe I can get another road trip in the planning stages!!
Have a great Friday everyone. Be safe wherever you might be.
~Pam
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Where did September go?
Goodness, where did the month go? It's already the 22nd day of the month - and this is my first post since sometime back in August. I surely haven't disappeared. Just been a busy month I guess.
The September book was printed and distributed right before our Cornhole, Croquet and Country celebration at the farm. Those that came also shared in a surprise for my dad's birthday - he turned 77 that day. We had a lot of fun, between the music by Boot Scootin' Entertainment and all the visiting we got in during the day. And I haven't even gotten to the food part of the party yet!
The meal that we shared that day was simply amazing. It was so nice to get together and enjoy a meal with our friends, family, readers of the magazine and our wonderful neighbors. Yes, we've got some special neighbors. They put up with the music all day - and we never heard a complaint one. We made sure the speakers were pointed outward towards the fields, not the neighbors' homes.....
No sooner did we get the celebration wrapped up, dad and I were off to Gatlinburg for a few days. I quickly learned that a few days in Gatlinburg is not enough. Goodness. How on earth have we lived here for almost 10 years and never gone to Gatlinburg? I am so excited to take Dave back for a visit. Although we'll have to save up for a while - once he sees all those go-kart tracks he'll go wild!
We've been on our share of Go-Kart tracks over the years we've been together. We used to take our kidlets to them too. I can plainly see little Casey driving a go-kart that had a block put behind the pedal so she couldn't go too fast. Here the rest of us, Dave, Jenni and I were actually trying to race each other - and stay out of the way of Casey. She liked to drive around the track in a box pattern. You know - go straight down the stretches, then come to a corner and turn 90 degrees to the left. It was a hoot, I'm telling ya!
We met up with Dad one time in Oregon and went to the tracks over on the coast. Dave and I got done with racing at this one little track we really enjoyed, and Dad's comment? "You guys really shouldn't be on the track at the same time." You could say that the Dave person and I are a bit competitive when it comes to racing. Probably the reason we've never gotten into Saturday night racing around here. We would fight over who got to drive the car!
I've spent the rest of the month struggling with a sprained shoulder. Not a good thing, it's the right shoulder no less. Thankfully Dr. John has been able to give me some relief. I had to break down for an x-ray even. Not a fan of x-rays. But, I had to get this shoulder thing figured out .... deadline week is upon me again! Kind of hard to type with a sore shoulder. And the Dave person isn't too keen on typing up all my stories, so a fix was necessary. It's a whole lot better than it was, we'll see how the next week goes.
Have a blessed day everyone. I'll be back more regularly now, well God willing I will be. He might have other plans for me........
Pam
The September book was printed and distributed right before our Cornhole, Croquet and Country celebration at the farm. Those that came also shared in a surprise for my dad's birthday - he turned 77 that day. We had a lot of fun, between the music by Boot Scootin' Entertainment and all the visiting we got in during the day. And I haven't even gotten to the food part of the party yet!
The meal that we shared that day was simply amazing. It was so nice to get together and enjoy a meal with our friends, family, readers of the magazine and our wonderful neighbors. Yes, we've got some special neighbors. They put up with the music all day - and we never heard a complaint one. We made sure the speakers were pointed outward towards the fields, not the neighbors' homes.....
No sooner did we get the celebration wrapped up, dad and I were off to Gatlinburg for a few days. I quickly learned that a few days in Gatlinburg is not enough. Goodness. How on earth have we lived here for almost 10 years and never gone to Gatlinburg? I am so excited to take Dave back for a visit. Although we'll have to save up for a while - once he sees all those go-kart tracks he'll go wild!
We've been on our share of Go-Kart tracks over the years we've been together. We used to take our kidlets to them too. I can plainly see little Casey driving a go-kart that had a block put behind the pedal so she couldn't go too fast. Here the rest of us, Dave, Jenni and I were actually trying to race each other - and stay out of the way of Casey. She liked to drive around the track in a box pattern. You know - go straight down the stretches, then come to a corner and turn 90 degrees to the left. It was a hoot, I'm telling ya!
We met up with Dad one time in Oregon and went to the tracks over on the coast. Dave and I got done with racing at this one little track we really enjoyed, and Dad's comment? "You guys really shouldn't be on the track at the same time." You could say that the Dave person and I are a bit competitive when it comes to racing. Probably the reason we've never gotten into Saturday night racing around here. We would fight over who got to drive the car!
I've spent the rest of the month struggling with a sprained shoulder. Not a good thing, it's the right shoulder no less. Thankfully Dr. John has been able to give me some relief. I had to break down for an x-ray even. Not a fan of x-rays. But, I had to get this shoulder thing figured out .... deadline week is upon me again! Kind of hard to type with a sore shoulder. And the Dave person isn't too keen on typing up all my stories, so a fix was necessary. It's a whole lot better than it was, we'll see how the next week goes.
Have a blessed day everyone. I'll be back more regularly now, well God willing I will be. He might have other plans for me........
Pam
Saturday, August 27, 2011
The path of Irene .....
Irene has hit the East Coast. We've had our television on the Weather Channel all morning and it's pretty darned windy. Poor Mike Bettis is about to be blown away on that beach he's trying to stand on. The damage reports are already coming in, and they've announced a death already too.
What amazes me is the live shots of New York City. At 10:30 am, Times Square looks like any other day. Big screen TV's still on, people wandering everywhere. And 90 minutes until just about every form of transportation ceases in the city. It's kind of irritating to see that some people just didn't get the grasp of Katrina when it tore through New Orleans. It's just taxing on all of the rescue workers to have to worry about tourists wandering the streets.
Since I'm such a weather geek, I've watched the "What Would Happen" episode's that involve New York City. The wind is going to be incredible, if it hits like they say it will. I couldn't - for the life of me - imagine being in that city when it hits.
Sure, it's a pain to have to pack up and head West. It's costly too. But what cost is your life? I mean, come on .... I'd jump in my car and drive if I knew that a hurricane was headed my way. I say that, though, yet I have never headed for a basement yet when a tornado siren goes off, so what exactly would I do? Judge not.......
My family went through a 204 mph typhoon in the early 1960's, and I'm guessing my parents didn't have much choice then but to hunker down and wait for it to blow over. I have several memories of that happening to us, even though I was very young. There were lots and lots of people at our house. Apparently we had the largest house at the time, so all the air force wives brought their kids and hunkered down with my mom, sister and myself.
I remember the bricks flying through the window in the room where all of us kids were sleeping. We had been upstairs sleeping and all the moms came up and got us and brought us down into the living room. I remember the confusion, so it must have happened pretty quick. I don't really remember the brick that came through the window and hit my mom, breaking her back. But I do remember the ambulance driver closing her hand in the ambulance door as they took her away.
He wasn't really an ambulance driver - just someone they 'recruited' at the hospital because they ran out of drivers. But they managed to get her to the hospital, just as the roof was blowing off. I never do remember going to see my mom in the hospital though. My next memory would be the next morning, after the winds had died down. Us kids were allowed to go outside, and the street crews were on our street tying all the trees back up. Every single tree was laying on the ground with the roots sticking up. The road crews were picking them up and tying ropes to them so they would stand.
It was the most wind I've ever encountered, although one time at the C2H2 Farm we had a pretty good wind come through. It was enough to send me to dad's porch .... but not the basement.
So, heck, I guess if I was in the path of Irene .... I guess I can't say what I'd do. But, I know one thing I would do, the same thing I'll do from our little farm here in Kentucky. And that's pray. Pray that loss of life and loss of property is at a minimum by the end of Sunday, when Irene should be just a bad rainstorm......
Have a great weekend everyone. And if you've got a spare minute, you might say a prayer for those in the path of the storm too.
Pam
What amazes me is the live shots of New York City. At 10:30 am, Times Square looks like any other day. Big screen TV's still on, people wandering everywhere. And 90 minutes until just about every form of transportation ceases in the city. It's kind of irritating to see that some people just didn't get the grasp of Katrina when it tore through New Orleans. It's just taxing on all of the rescue workers to have to worry about tourists wandering the streets.
Since I'm such a weather geek, I've watched the "What Would Happen" episode's that involve New York City. The wind is going to be incredible, if it hits like they say it will. I couldn't - for the life of me - imagine being in that city when it hits.
Sure, it's a pain to have to pack up and head West. It's costly too. But what cost is your life? I mean, come on .... I'd jump in my car and drive if I knew that a hurricane was headed my way. I say that, though, yet I have never headed for a basement yet when a tornado siren goes off, so what exactly would I do? Judge not.......
My family went through a 204 mph typhoon in the early 1960's, and I'm guessing my parents didn't have much choice then but to hunker down and wait for it to blow over. I have several memories of that happening to us, even though I was very young. There were lots and lots of people at our house. Apparently we had the largest house at the time, so all the air force wives brought their kids and hunkered down with my mom, sister and myself.
I remember the bricks flying through the window in the room where all of us kids were sleeping. We had been upstairs sleeping and all the moms came up and got us and brought us down into the living room. I remember the confusion, so it must have happened pretty quick. I don't really remember the brick that came through the window and hit my mom, breaking her back. But I do remember the ambulance driver closing her hand in the ambulance door as they took her away.
He wasn't really an ambulance driver - just someone they 'recruited' at the hospital because they ran out of drivers. But they managed to get her to the hospital, just as the roof was blowing off. I never do remember going to see my mom in the hospital though. My next memory would be the next morning, after the winds had died down. Us kids were allowed to go outside, and the street crews were on our street tying all the trees back up. Every single tree was laying on the ground with the roots sticking up. The road crews were picking them up and tying ropes to them so they would stand.
It was the most wind I've ever encountered, although one time at the C2H2 Farm we had a pretty good wind come through. It was enough to send me to dad's porch .... but not the basement.
So, heck, I guess if I was in the path of Irene .... I guess I can't say what I'd do. But, I know one thing I would do, the same thing I'll do from our little farm here in Kentucky. And that's pray. Pray that loss of life and loss of property is at a minimum by the end of Sunday, when Irene should be just a bad rainstorm......
Have a great weekend everyone. And if you've got a spare minute, you might say a prayer for those in the path of the storm too.
Pam
Thursday, August 25, 2011
I love building ads ..... even the pasted up ones of years ago!
I've been building ads of some kind since 1983. And I love it. When I started in the newspaper business years ago, I typeset everything on this monstrous machine that only showed you about three or four words before it 'returned' and you couldn't see them anymore. After you were done typing everything, you had to take the 'film' into the dark room and process it. It came out on something called a galley, which was essentially a piece of white film that had the type on them. You then had to read it all and if you made a mistake you had to re-typset the line that had the error and PASTE IT ON. Yes, ancient times........
From there I learned to typeset using a Mac computer. On one of the smallest screens ever made, about six inches across. It was a good thing I was much younger, as my eyesight was way better then. I remember learning to use the mouse to do things. It was quite exciting, although scary at the same time. But, this step up meant we no longer had to process film, everything came out of the printer. And we could actually do fancy things back then. Like add a border, ha ha ha. You see, before computers we had to border the pictures with border tape. It was really quite the process to lay out pages before computers.
My - how things have changed. Like everything else, time (and computers) have about eliminated an entire generation that knew how to 'paste up pages'. Using a waxer and an exacto knife. I've still got my very first knife, although it's about worn out. It's not used much anymore. And the good old wax machine. Goodness knows how many items of clothing I ruined over the years getting wax on them.
Ad building back then was very basic. It took alot of time to put type across a picture back then. You literally had to cut the type out of film and position it across the picture. Now you just click your mouse, create a text box, add color and outlines, and place it over the picture. Which I have placed on a page - in one file that holds the entire publication - which will be sent to Dayton, Ohio to print over the internet.
I can recall many times driving from Orofino, Idaho up the Lewiston Hill to Moscow to have the Clearwater Tribune printed. It didn't matter if it was snowing, raining, sleeting .... Miss Cloann was in the van and delivering those pages up the mountain. I enjoyed going with her when time allowed. If I didn't make the trip with her, I was waiting for her return so we could bundle them all for the post office. Sometimes into the wee hours of a Wednesday night, so they could go out early the next morning. Jenni was little then and she would sit in the middle of the table and hold her fingers on the twine so we could tie the knots. She would be in her little footed pj's ... just having the time of her life.
She learned the life of a newspaper person early on. She knew full well what 'deadline' meant for me. I might be home in one hour - or four hours. On days leading up to deadline, if I had a real load of work, she might not see me much for a couple of days. Not the best way to raise a kidlet, but hey, someone had to do it! And I had a fabulous sitter back then too.....
I guess that's one thing that hasn't changed in this industry. A deadline. On deadline week, the Dave person might not see much of me for a couple of days. I'm real good at working overnight during the last two or three days before sending the magazine off. He doesn't handle the whole deadline thing as well as I do. But, hey, he was the pressman when we met - and he always knew I never missed one, so he should be used to my methods.......
Have a great day everyone. Keep those on the East Coast in your prayers, and pray that Irene weakens as it heads north. We don't need another catastrophe to hit our country!
I'm off to build some ads .... for all of our wonderful advertisers that continue to allow us to publish All Things Country each and every month. Love it!
Pam
From there I learned to typeset using a Mac computer. On one of the smallest screens ever made, about six inches across. It was a good thing I was much younger, as my eyesight was way better then. I remember learning to use the mouse to do things. It was quite exciting, although scary at the same time. But, this step up meant we no longer had to process film, everything came out of the printer. And we could actually do fancy things back then. Like add a border, ha ha ha. You see, before computers we had to border the pictures with border tape. It was really quite the process to lay out pages before computers.
My - how things have changed. Like everything else, time (and computers) have about eliminated an entire generation that knew how to 'paste up pages'. Using a waxer and an exacto knife. I've still got my very first knife, although it's about worn out. It's not used much anymore. And the good old wax machine. Goodness knows how many items of clothing I ruined over the years getting wax on them.
Ad building back then was very basic. It took alot of time to put type across a picture back then. You literally had to cut the type out of film and position it across the picture. Now you just click your mouse, create a text box, add color and outlines, and place it over the picture. Which I have placed on a page - in one file that holds the entire publication - which will be sent to Dayton, Ohio to print over the internet.
I can recall many times driving from Orofino, Idaho up the Lewiston Hill to Moscow to have the Clearwater Tribune printed. It didn't matter if it was snowing, raining, sleeting .... Miss Cloann was in the van and delivering those pages up the mountain. I enjoyed going with her when time allowed. If I didn't make the trip with her, I was waiting for her return so we could bundle them all for the post office. Sometimes into the wee hours of a Wednesday night, so they could go out early the next morning. Jenni was little then and she would sit in the middle of the table and hold her fingers on the twine so we could tie the knots. She would be in her little footed pj's ... just having the time of her life.
She learned the life of a newspaper person early on. She knew full well what 'deadline' meant for me. I might be home in one hour - or four hours. On days leading up to deadline, if I had a real load of work, she might not see me much for a couple of days. Not the best way to raise a kidlet, but hey, someone had to do it! And I had a fabulous sitter back then too.....
I guess that's one thing that hasn't changed in this industry. A deadline. On deadline week, the Dave person might not see much of me for a couple of days. I'm real good at working overnight during the last two or three days before sending the magazine off. He doesn't handle the whole deadline thing as well as I do. But, hey, he was the pressman when we met - and he always knew I never missed one, so he should be used to my methods.......
Have a great day everyone. Keep those on the East Coast in your prayers, and pray that Irene weakens as it heads north. We don't need another catastrophe to hit our country!
I'm off to build some ads .... for all of our wonderful advertisers that continue to allow us to publish All Things Country each and every month. Love it!
Pam
Friday, August 19, 2011
Farmer Banker Field Day in Powell County ....
This afternoon/evening is the yearly Farmer Banker Field Day in Powell County. Dave and I have attended this for the past four or five years and it's sure alot of fun. Lots of people come out to tour the farm it's held at each year, so it's extra special to be able to visit with people from the community.
This year's event will be held at the Red River Farm in Stanton. Festivities begin at 5p.m. Mike Reed of the UK Extension Service in Powell County does a wonderful job coordinating this event each year, and we rarely get the chance to even see him at it because he's running every which way. His office should be commended for their hard work, along with Whitaker Bank of Stanton for sponsoring it.
Red River Ranch - the farm of Mr. Glen Salyer - is located at the end of Maple Street in Stanton and everyone is encouraged to attend. There will be farm wagon tours, demonstrations and programs for ladies and youth.
Have a great Friday everyone!
Pam
This year's event will be held at the Red River Farm in Stanton. Festivities begin at 5p.m. Mike Reed of the UK Extension Service in Powell County does a wonderful job coordinating this event each year, and we rarely get the chance to even see him at it because he's running every which way. His office should be commended for their hard work, along with Whitaker Bank of Stanton for sponsoring it.
Red River Ranch - the farm of Mr. Glen Salyer - is located at the end of Maple Street in Stanton and everyone is encouraged to attend. There will be farm wagon tours, demonstrations and programs for ladies and youth.
Have a great Friday everyone!
Pam
Monday, August 15, 2011
A wonderful morning, spent with wonderful people
This morning was the Estill County Chamber of Commerce BREW get-together. BREW stands for Business Roundtable for Estill Women - and we sure have a fun time at these get togethers, or at least I do! Today's breakfast was graciously hosted by Barbara Napier at Snug Hollow Bed and Breakfast. What a treat.
I had never been to Snug Hollow, so it was even more of a treat for me. My sister Roben joined us this morning, so we both got to explore that treasure together this morning. Very impressive. If you have never been to Snug Hollow, I encourage you to do so. It's so pretty up there, and I'm sure even prettier in the evenings. I told Barbara that I would probably never go to town if I lived there. I guess that's probably why I seldom see her in town.
It doesn't help that I try to leave the farm as little as possible as it is. It's so relaxing, living in the country. It's not for everyone, I know that. But, it's sure for me. Whenever we head into Lexington, which is rarely, I just look at all the houses built on top of each other, with very small yards. I just couldn't do it again. I've lived in my share of big cities ... Woodbridge, Virginia; Salem, Oregon; Boise, Idaho. And I enjoyed that type of life at the time, it's just the last 10 years or so that I've adapted to country life.
I've never been one to stick on one place too long. Growing up in the military gave me a love of traveling, so I just never figured I'd stay in any one place very long. My longest stint in one town was probably Orofino, Idaho - and had a career change not taken me out of Clearwater County I might still be there. That is, until that fateful visit to dad's farm here in Estill County during the summer of 2002. I literally called Dave back in Idaho and told him to pack the truck. I flew home and we drove back out here. He must have had faith in me, because he came to Kentucky with me even though he'd never been to Estill County. He had no clue where I was moving him......
He must enjoy it, because we haven't went back to Idaho yet. And I must enjoy it too, because we actually bought property here. Guess we'll just stay a while :-).
Have a great day everyone! Be kind to someone and it'll give you much more joy than you give.
Pam
I had never been to Snug Hollow, so it was even more of a treat for me. My sister Roben joined us this morning, so we both got to explore that treasure together this morning. Very impressive. If you have never been to Snug Hollow, I encourage you to do so. It's so pretty up there, and I'm sure even prettier in the evenings. I told Barbara that I would probably never go to town if I lived there. I guess that's probably why I seldom see her in town.
It doesn't help that I try to leave the farm as little as possible as it is. It's so relaxing, living in the country. It's not for everyone, I know that. But, it's sure for me. Whenever we head into Lexington, which is rarely, I just look at all the houses built on top of each other, with very small yards. I just couldn't do it again. I've lived in my share of big cities ... Woodbridge, Virginia; Salem, Oregon; Boise, Idaho. And I enjoyed that type of life at the time, it's just the last 10 years or so that I've adapted to country life.
I've never been one to stick on one place too long. Growing up in the military gave me a love of traveling, so I just never figured I'd stay in any one place very long. My longest stint in one town was probably Orofino, Idaho - and had a career change not taken me out of Clearwater County I might still be there. That is, until that fateful visit to dad's farm here in Estill County during the summer of 2002. I literally called Dave back in Idaho and told him to pack the truck. I flew home and we drove back out here. He must have had faith in me, because he came to Kentucky with me even though he'd never been to Estill County. He had no clue where I was moving him......
He must enjoy it, because we haven't went back to Idaho yet. And I must enjoy it too, because we actually bought property here. Guess we'll just stay a while :-).
Have a great day everyone! Be kind to someone and it'll give you much more joy than you give.
Pam
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Networking .... Love it!
It's been a long few days here at All Things Country. The Dave person has been working away at Ravenna Florist and Greenhouse, helping the crew tear down the old greenhouse ..... which has left me handling errands in town, attending meetings, handing out copies of All Things Country Magazine. Not to mention chores at the farm, weeding, harvesting veggies. Whew.....
I must say though, I'm so refreshed today and ready to blast through another day. It's been an incredible couple of days networking with other business owners in the area. I love it too. You see, I live in Estill County, but I'm not 'from here.' I don't hold the same love of the county -exclusively- that others that have been born and raised here do. I love Powell County and Carter County and Montgomery County just as much as I do Estill County. It's because I love all of Kentucky.
At the Chamber Luncheon this week, it was awesome to connect with Ethan and Katie Moore from WSKV in Powell County. We have worked pretty closely with them for the past several years and would do anything to help them out, as they would with us. This is how is should work. We're all striving for the same thing. To keep businesses IN our small communities. It's a struggle. Not just here - everywhere.
Since we started All Things Country, the crew at WSKV is the ONLY other news outlet that has ever promoted us in any way. And we are in the same business basically .... selling advertising to all these same businesses. It means alot to us that Ethan and the rest of the crew over there wants us to succeed just as much as they want to succeed - and vice versa. Ethan spoke at the luncheon about not putting all your [advertising] eggs in one basket. Alot of the same advertisers on the radio also advertise in All Things Country. Thankfully most don't choose one of us over the other.
At another function this week, the Kiwanis Club from Lee County came down to join us at our Kiwanis Club meeting. It was another nice connection. We learned some about their park at Happy Top, I'm anxious to go check it out on our next trip up to Beattyville. Their club struggles, the same as ours. With fundraising. The Irvine/Ravenna Kiwanis Club's annual auction is fast approaching and fundraising for that is going to be a priority over the next month or so. The money raised goes to help out with children's projects supported by Kiwanis. That's the main reason we joined Kiwanis - to help out with children in our community.
Maybe I'm most refreshed by our Old Time Camp Meeting at church last night though. It's was awesome. I'm almost giddy to go back tonight. What fun! And the message last night - amazing. Can't wait for tonight's message. Even more 'networking' was done last night. I had no idea that I've been greeting Jeanette King's daughter for the past few months at church, but Jeanette was there last night and that connection was made. Love it......
And love all of you out there in our neighboring counties too. Have a blessed day each and every one!
Pam
I must say though, I'm so refreshed today and ready to blast through another day. It's been an incredible couple of days networking with other business owners in the area. I love it too. You see, I live in Estill County, but I'm not 'from here.' I don't hold the same love of the county -exclusively- that others that have been born and raised here do. I love Powell County and Carter County and Montgomery County just as much as I do Estill County. It's because I love all of Kentucky.
At the Chamber Luncheon this week, it was awesome to connect with Ethan and Katie Moore from WSKV in Powell County. We have worked pretty closely with them for the past several years and would do anything to help them out, as they would with us. This is how is should work. We're all striving for the same thing. To keep businesses IN our small communities. It's a struggle. Not just here - everywhere.
Since we started All Things Country, the crew at WSKV is the ONLY other news outlet that has ever promoted us in any way. And we are in the same business basically .... selling advertising to all these same businesses. It means alot to us that Ethan and the rest of the crew over there wants us to succeed just as much as they want to succeed - and vice versa. Ethan spoke at the luncheon about not putting all your [advertising] eggs in one basket. Alot of the same advertisers on the radio also advertise in All Things Country. Thankfully most don't choose one of us over the other.
At another function this week, the Kiwanis Club from Lee County came down to join us at our Kiwanis Club meeting. It was another nice connection. We learned some about their park at Happy Top, I'm anxious to go check it out on our next trip up to Beattyville. Their club struggles, the same as ours. With fundraising. The Irvine/Ravenna Kiwanis Club's annual auction is fast approaching and fundraising for that is going to be a priority over the next month or so. The money raised goes to help out with children's projects supported by Kiwanis. That's the main reason we joined Kiwanis - to help out with children in our community.
Maybe I'm most refreshed by our Old Time Camp Meeting at church last night though. It's was awesome. I'm almost giddy to go back tonight. What fun! And the message last night - amazing. Can't wait for tonight's message. Even more 'networking' was done last night. I had no idea that I've been greeting Jeanette King's daughter for the past few months at church, but Jeanette was there last night and that connection was made. Love it......
And love all of you out there in our neighboring counties too. Have a blessed day each and every one!
Pam
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Lots going on in Estill County the next few days .....
We just got home from the Irvine-Ravenna Kiwanis meeting, down at the Cedar Village. Had a very enjoyable dinner, with a great group of people. There were quite a few people here from the Lee County Kiwanis Club, it was great to see the room full! The principal from West Irvine Elementary School was our speaker and spoke very highly of the new position she has taken as principal. I look forward to doing an interview with her in the near future for the magazine. It really sounds like the new building is going to be a great addition for the entire community, not just the students. The Irvine-Ravenna Kiwanis Club meets each Thursday at 6pm at the Cedar Village. Myra Finney is the President of the group and does a wonderful job.
Tomorrow is the Estill County Chamber of Commerce Quarterly Luncheon, where Business of the Quarter will be announced. Three very good businesses were nominated, so it will be great to see who was voted as the winner. WSKV 104.9FM is hosting the luncheon and we welcome them as newer members to the Chamber. Ethan and Katie Moore (and Mary and AC too) do a great job, not only at the radio station, but in the community too.
The annual Hospice Benefit at the Verlon Prewitt home is Saturday. Dave and I have to miss it this year, which bums me right out. My grandma Alice was a long-time hospice volunteer and I try to be as involved in our local auction as possible. But another function we must be at has coincided with the Hospice event and we can't be at two places at once. Although that would be nice at times.
Wisemantown United Methodist Church is having their Old Time Camp Meeting Revival Friday and Saturday night at 7pm each evening. Ray Snider, former pastor of the church, will be delivering the message. Everyone is invited.
Estill County Youth Soccer sign-ups are this weekend too. Friday from 6-8pm and Saturday from 11-1. Questions can be answered by calling Staci Owens at 726-9686.
Monday is BREW - Business Roundtable for Estill Women. This time we are meeting at Snug Hollow, owned by Barbara Napier. It should be a fun time and I'm particularly excited because I've never been there! If you have any questions about BREW, Barb Chrisman at Silo Mill Gift Shop would be the person to call! She does an excellent job coordinating this event for the Chamber of Commerce.
In between some of the above events, I think I'll try to get some gardening done ......
Tomorrow is the Estill County Chamber of Commerce Quarterly Luncheon, where Business of the Quarter will be announced. Three very good businesses were nominated, so it will be great to see who was voted as the winner. WSKV 104.9FM is hosting the luncheon and we welcome them as newer members to the Chamber. Ethan and Katie Moore (and Mary and AC too) do a great job, not only at the radio station, but in the community too.
The annual Hospice Benefit at the Verlon Prewitt home is Saturday. Dave and I have to miss it this year, which bums me right out. My grandma Alice was a long-time hospice volunteer and I try to be as involved in our local auction as possible. But another function we must be at has coincided with the Hospice event and we can't be at two places at once. Although that would be nice at times.
Wisemantown United Methodist Church is having their Old Time Camp Meeting Revival Friday and Saturday night at 7pm each evening. Ray Snider, former pastor of the church, will be delivering the message. Everyone is invited.
Estill County Youth Soccer sign-ups are this weekend too. Friday from 6-8pm and Saturday from 11-1. Questions can be answered by calling Staci Owens at 726-9686.
Monday is BREW - Business Roundtable for Estill Women. This time we are meeting at Snug Hollow, owned by Barbara Napier. It should be a fun time and I'm particularly excited because I've never been there! If you have any questions about BREW, Barb Chrisman at Silo Mill Gift Shop would be the person to call! She does an excellent job coordinating this event for the Chamber of Commerce.
In between some of the above events, I think I'll try to get some gardening done ......
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
With the debut of our new magazine ... we've added a blog too!
The August edition of All Things Country Magazine debuted our biggest change to the publication since we started in June of 2006. It's now an 'official' magazine, in my opinion anyway! The magazine is now printed on a sheet-fed press, which allows more precision with artwork - and an overall better look. We'll get a few glitches with type worked out with our September book, other than that I was very pleased with how it turned out.
I've worked in graphic design since 1983, so I'm pretty comfortable with building ads and such. But I've always done it for a web press, which is a whole different process than a sheet-fed press. I have more freedom to be a bit creative with the new printers. It's giving me all kinds of ideas for pages now :-)
We made this switch for a variety of reasons. I know that several of our advertisers are worried about our prices raising. The truth of the matter is, they were going to raise anyway. Not drastically, but some. We've never really had a big price increase since we started, yet the price of gas has doubled, the price of paper and ink has raised, the economy has prevented some businesses from advertising at all. And, yet, we still want to keep our magazine free.
So, we decided to meet everyone half way. Yes, prices are increasing somewhat - but you are getting a much better product for your money too. We didn't feel we could raise prices with the quality of a web-press magazine, but the new look justifies it. We hope to continue to be able to bring you All Things Country free of charge for years to come!
Some people tell us that they don't have anything to advertise, but they still would like to have the magazine each month in their business. We ask that you consider running a business directory ad, which gives your contact information, much like a phone book. Your customers will appreciate you for it! And we would appreciate the support.
I started this magazine because I spent too many years in the newspaper industry - spreading bad news around. And I want to spread good news around. There is good in this world. There really is. You think about your local newspaper ...... and think of this scenario: you have two business people in a small community. One of these business owners goes out of his way to help when asked. He helps out at the food bank, volunteers at his church, gives to the needy. This business-person's next door neighbor is kind of a shady character. His business is run shoddily, when it's even open. And the traffic in and out - you just know something isn't right. And then, bam - he gets arrested for something. Which one of these business-people will have their picture and story on the front page of your local paper? You can bet it isn't the one who does good for your community.
Dave and I moved here in 2002. We knew two people in Estill County when we moved here. My dad and one of my cousins, Carol Ann. As many of you know (or at least those that read ATC), living in Kentucky was my dream for many years. But, it's very scary moving to a new place. We weren't sure where to shop, the good deals, the best places to eat. And it didn't seem like you could find out much through any of the local papers. So, for several years, my mind kept churning on what I wanted to do and how it would involve tourism. I have always loved to travel - and I had this whole new state to explore! Lots of new shops, new parks, rivers, mountains ... and we want to share them all with you!
So, we'll keep on keeping on .... and hope you enjoy the ride along with us.
I hope you enjoy my ramblings .... they'll be a daily fixture from here on out - or until you guys all tell me to shut up :-)
Have an awesome day - and spread a little good news.
Pam
I've worked in graphic design since 1983, so I'm pretty comfortable with building ads and such. But I've always done it for a web press, which is a whole different process than a sheet-fed press. I have more freedom to be a bit creative with the new printers. It's giving me all kinds of ideas for pages now :-)
We made this switch for a variety of reasons. I know that several of our advertisers are worried about our prices raising. The truth of the matter is, they were going to raise anyway. Not drastically, but some. We've never really had a big price increase since we started, yet the price of gas has doubled, the price of paper and ink has raised, the economy has prevented some businesses from advertising at all. And, yet, we still want to keep our magazine free.
So, we decided to meet everyone half way. Yes, prices are increasing somewhat - but you are getting a much better product for your money too. We didn't feel we could raise prices with the quality of a web-press magazine, but the new look justifies it. We hope to continue to be able to bring you All Things Country free of charge for years to come!
Some people tell us that they don't have anything to advertise, but they still would like to have the magazine each month in their business. We ask that you consider running a business directory ad, which gives your contact information, much like a phone book. Your customers will appreciate you for it! And we would appreciate the support.
I started this magazine because I spent too many years in the newspaper industry - spreading bad news around. And I want to spread good news around. There is good in this world. There really is. You think about your local newspaper ...... and think of this scenario: you have two business people in a small community. One of these business owners goes out of his way to help when asked. He helps out at the food bank, volunteers at his church, gives to the needy. This business-person's next door neighbor is kind of a shady character. His business is run shoddily, when it's even open. And the traffic in and out - you just know something isn't right. And then, bam - he gets arrested for something. Which one of these business-people will have their picture and story on the front page of your local paper? You can bet it isn't the one who does good for your community.
Dave and I moved here in 2002. We knew two people in Estill County when we moved here. My dad and one of my cousins, Carol Ann. As many of you know (or at least those that read ATC), living in Kentucky was my dream for many years. But, it's very scary moving to a new place. We weren't sure where to shop, the good deals, the best places to eat. And it didn't seem like you could find out much through any of the local papers. So, for several years, my mind kept churning on what I wanted to do and how it would involve tourism. I have always loved to travel - and I had this whole new state to explore! Lots of new shops, new parks, rivers, mountains ... and we want to share them all with you!
So, we'll keep on keeping on .... and hope you enjoy the ride along with us.
I hope you enjoy my ramblings .... they'll be a daily fixture from here on out - or until you guys all tell me to shut up :-)
Have an awesome day - and spread a little good news.
Pam
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