What Ya' Doing this Weekend?

The fourth weekend in October is a very popular one around here. Looking for something to do? Try one of these:

The Nashville Flea Market: A fun way to spend a beautiful fall day, rambling around this huge flea market at the fairgrounds. We always enjoy it when we get to go, but the October market is the biggest and best one all year. We usually buy a big bag of kettle corn when we get there and munch on it all day!

Jack Daniels Barbecue Championship in Lynchburg, Tennessee. We have gone a few times and it is something to behold. Almost all the competitors give out samples and sell their barbecue plates for lunch. There are many other activities, and Lynchburg has several quaint little shops. Of course, you can tour the distillery while you are there. Don't plan to eating at Miss Mary Bobo's Restaurant unless you have booked reservations months ago.

The Athens Storytelling Festival in Athens, Alabama, is happening today, and they have a line-up of the best storytellers in the country. It is on the courthouse square, and during the lunch break, you can stroll around town and eat at one of the restaurants within walking distance. It was at this festival when I last heard my all-time favorite teller, Kathryn Tucker Windham.

Although the leaves are late in turning this year, if you are in the mood for some leaf-peeping, take a ride on the Natchez Trace Parkway. If you go north, take time to stop at Leipers Fork, Tennessee.

Closer to home, the Alabama Renaissance Faire is happening today and tomorrow at Wilson Park in downtown Florence. There is a Fall Fest downtown at 4 and UNA is playing football at home.

There are too many fall festivals and other activities going on to mention them all here. The problem isn't finding something to do this week-end, but deciding what you want to do most. Don't waste this precious day; go out and make some memories!

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Amish in Stantonville, Tennessee

Last week, my sis and her hub went with us to the Amish community near Stantonville, Tennessee. It was a beautiful day, and we love driving to new places and finding new treasures. We enjoy these mini-trips we take together, where we giggle a lot and get caught up on everything. Also, the squirrels ate all our tomatoes, so we needed to find some to buy. You know the food you are buying is fresh when they bring it from the field while you are standing there waiting for it. Here is part of what we brought home, and it was all delicious. Stantonville is located in McNairy County, Tennessee, northwest of Shiloh National Military Park.

Holy Smoke Pie

I think it was in the late seventies that I first had Holy Smoke Pie. It was at a party at Debra Morris Harville's house. After we ate, Debra had to give the recipe to everyone there. I came home and made it for my family, and it has been a favorite since then. I always make it at holiday dinners, because I believe tradition is important. It has become a favorite of our granddaughters. I've heard it called Chocolate Delight, Four-Layer Chocolate Dessert, and other odd things. We call it Holy Smoke. Here is how I make it: Chop us a cup of pecans; set aside. Add a stick of softened butter (NOT margarine) to one cup of self-rising flour. Cut the butter into the flour. Add the chopped pecans, and work it all together. Save two tablespoons of the pecans to sprinkle on top. Pour into a 9" x 12" pan that has been sprayed with cooking oil. Spread it over the bottom of the pan. It helps to use your hands (or hand, if you have t

Cedar Trees in Cemeteries

If you ever wander in old cemeteries, and I know many of you do, you are bound to see some cedar trees. The tradition goes back to the early days of the United States and even earlier in Europe. Cedar trees were not always used, but some type of evergreen trees were planted because they were a symbol of everlasting life. Some Cherokees believed that cedars contained powerful spirits, including the spirits of the departed buried beneath them. Perhaps because they are known as burial trees, there are many superstitions that surround cedars. My grandmother told us in no uncertain terms that if we planted a cedar tree, we would die when it was large enough to shade our graves. Some others are: Never transplant a cedar tree; it will bring bad luck. If you transplant a cedar and it dies, you will die shortly. Planting a cedar tree in your yard welcomes poverty. Some say Christ was crucified on a cedar tree, and will bring bad luck if you burn it. If a cedar tree com

Faith, Folklore, and Friends

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