Beth Durham's Blog, page 2

Waitin on the Train

I lifted my face to the cool  breeze as it tossed a loose paper across the platform. Heat settled around this place and the scent of coal smoke permeated the air. A whistle soun...

We Planted Half the Mountain in Corn

Corn has popped up green in fields everywhere around the Plateau.  It reminds me that my Grandpa used to say, ‘We planted half the mountain in corn and grew enough to feed an old mule and a milk cow.’ While it may have been a slight exaggeration, corn ...

Memorial Day Reminder

Today is Memorial Day.  I will fire up the grill and throw on burgers and dogs and generally chill out. Many of you will spend the day at the lake (it’s a little chilly on the mountain to consider that) and lots of folks will spend time with family and...

Camp Crossville a.k.a. The Jap Camp ...

Camp Crossville a.k.a. The Jap Camp

Recently, I found myself on the grounds of the former POW camp in Crossville, Tennessee. There is precious little left to identify the origi...

I Found Her in the Bean Field

A mountain man in search of a wife must consider many factors and a good work ethic is high on the list. Historically, life on the hardscrabble mountain farm was never easy and having a spouse who would pull her share of the load was invaluable.

This week ...

Daddy Talks Turkey

I don’t know about your house, but with my family, as we sit around the Thanksgiving table, stories begin to flow.  My daddy always has a good supply of them.  As this holiday wraps up, I wanted to share some of his thoughts on turkey and Thanksgiving.

He doesn’t remember eating turkey very ma...

Grandpa's Stove

I’ve mentioned here before how I like a cozy warm fire when the temperatures start dipping low. Well they have certainly taken a plunge this week! While being able to see a flame seems to mentally warm me, even a wood fire in an enclosed stove is welcome. I want to tell you about my stove.

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One Heroe's Story: Amos Key

Each year in November, America pauses to recognize the brave men and women who have marched under our flag to preserve freedom around the world. Sometimes, we can get really focused on a handful of heroes and forget that everyone who honorably serves one day deserves our gratitude.

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Golden Syrup

Appalachians often take a bit of ribbing for our way or eating. I’ve shared with you foods like “Soaky” (a.k.a. Cofee and Bread) or Kilt Mustard and Lettuce. I recently had the opportunity to feed new friends from Colorado, and East Tennessee a good, country breakfast which, of course, included Chocolate Gravy. No one at the table except my own family had ever even heard of Chocolate Gravy, much less eaten it.

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Golden Syturp

Appalachians often take a bit of ribbing for our way or eating. I’ve shared with you foods like “Soaky” (a.k.a. Cofee and Bread) or Kilt Mustard and Lettuce. I recently had the opportunity to feed new friends from Colorado, and East Tennessee a good, country breakfast which, of course, included Chocolate Gravy. No one at the table except my own family had ever even heard of Chocolate Gravy, much less eaten it.

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