THE COULTER PLOUGH: Kentucky's Monthly DVD Show

Wren Smith: Eating Kentucky's Wild Edibles

2010-04-09T01:40:00.006-04:00

What a joy Wren brings to my life and to The Coulter Plough. I love going to her house and visiting with she and her adorable chickens. Her home is surrounded by beautiful, lush Kentucky pastures. Her yard is filled with spring tulips, wild edible plants, redbud trees, violets beneath your feet. Her house is cozy and warm, and there is a tremendous sense of home and commonplace. Maybe that is in part because my Father was born in the same room that now serves as Wren's bedroom. 50 years before, it was the bedroom of my Grandparents, John Will and Lena Coulter, whom The Coulter Plough series is inspired by. In fact, the house, the surrounding acreage of fields and pastures of this one particular place in Kentucky is the entire inspiration of The Coulter Plough series. Sadly, it has been subdivided into tiny pieces. So strange that when I asked Wren to be part of The Plough, I had no idea she lived in the home that sheltered my Father and inspired a monthly Kentucky DVD series. But this is for another blog at another time.

In Episode 6, Wren gathers wild edibles from her garden area which is the same space of ground that my Grandfather raised his garden years ago. What an awesome feeling this is to me. After Wren gathers a feast of redbuds, dandelions, chickweed, violet leaves, and wild onion, we go into Granny's old kitchen and watch Wren prepare a delicious salad mixture topped with a homemade dressing of olive oil, vinegar, honey, wild onion, and a touch of sea salt. There have been many award-winning meals created in Wren's kitchen in the past 70 years and beyond, many of them by Lena Coulter, and Wren's beautiful wild edible dish just adds to that membership of belonging and memory.

Coterie: An Evening with Beautiful Voices

2010-04-09T01:16:00.006-04:00

Had a wonderful time this past Tuesday night filming a segment with "Coterie," an 11-member vocal ensemble from Louisville for Episode 6. The group began performing in 1989; they are just astonishing. I've never known a more solid group of voices coming together to create a perfect pitch of sound. Coterie also has been in demand for performances with other ensembles, such as Ars Femina, Voces Novae, and the Commonwealth Chorale. The group has been featured on a nationally televised video “Christmas card” on Presbyterian Survey, a magazine-format program produced by the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. In 2003, Coterie spent nine days touring England and Scotland, performing concerts in Ely Cathedral; in Holy Trinity Church, the burial place of William Shakespeare in Stratford-upon-Avon; in St. Giles Cathedral; and outdoors at Princes Garden in Edinburgh. With styles ranging from Renaissance to modern pop, Coterie delivers vocal music with style and humor.

Welcome Kristie Hicks to The Plough!

2010-03-29T04:18:00.008-04:00

We're very excited to announce that Kristie Hicks will be joining The Plough doing a variety of hosting! Kristie has a tremendous on-screen presence and will be a great addition to the show! A native of Bardstown, KY, Kristie has a BA in Theatre and Radio-Television from Morehead State University and has worked professionally in print, radio, and TV. She is a member of The Screen Actors Guild and won a Billboard Magazine Award for her work in morning radio. Kristie is a former Miss Kentucky Teen USA and Miss Kentucky America.

Chris Coulter: The Plough Agriculturist

2010-03-16T03:12:00.006-04:00

In searching for an agriculturist for The Plough series who knows their stuff, I didn't have to look far. Chris Coulter, owner of Coulter's Good Earth Garden Farm, was easily my first and only choice. Chris and I are first cousins and grew up practically brothers. Chris has two things: a tremendous intelligence for the outdoors and gardening, and a natural gift at being in front of the camera.

Chris grows some of the most beautiful Kentucky vegetables and fruits that I have seen and tasted, and I've seen and tasted a lot. I believe he may be our Grandfather's reincarnated green thumb.

I'm excited for viewers of The Plough to watch and enjoy Chris. You will definitely learn from him, his gardening skills and knowledge are truly first rate.

Chris's Bio:

Chris is a Kentucky native who grew up on a farm surrounded by all types of plants and animals. He obtained a BS in Wildlife Management and then went on to complete his MS in Plant and Soil Science from the University of Kentucky. He has worked in a variety of fields including education and the commercial nursery industry. After spending two years working in agriculture overseas he has returned to the family farm to do what he loves best--growing vegetables, fruit, and poultry using sustainable and organic methods. Coulter's Good Earth Farm began providing high quality produce to the local community in 2003. He lives in Bloomfield with his wife Amy, and their two children.

The Plough: Introducing EPISODE 5 and the "NEW LOOK"

2010-03-16T03:00:00.006-04:00

We are excited to unveil our "new look" to The Plough DVDs! The Episode 5 DVD cover features Gladys Reed, owner of The Kentucky Depot Restaurant in Stanford. The photograph was taken by a tremendously talented Kentucky photographer, Amanda Marie Wimsatt.

Here are some of the segments you will see in Episode 5:

"Sweetness in Stanford" - An intimate look inside The Kentucky Depot Restaurant
"Nature Trail Discoveries" - Bernheim Forest Naturalist Wren Smith on Winter Animal Survival
"Kentucky Student Spotlight" - Sarah Parks, vocalist
"Good Earth Garden Tips" with Agriculturist Chris Coulter
"Humorous Findings" in old Kentucky Newspapers
"Unearthing Kentucky" Metal Detecting with Will Plummer

and more!

Metal Detecting the Fields and Hollows of Kentucky

2010-03-16T02:44:00.003-04:00

Here it is, spring is upon us, and one begins to hear the voices of birds that have been hidden away during what has been one of the longest, coldest winters I can recall in Kentucky. Today wrapped segment shooting on Episode 5 of The Plough. My friend, Will Plummer of Louisville, was down today to tape a segment on metal detecting. I have been fascinated with artifact hunting using a metal detector for quite sometime. Will has only inspired a deeper interest. Though there are many out there who just simply don't get into metal detecting, I encourage you to try it. Metal detecting requires much patience and control on mental frustration if you don't find anything on your first dig. But in most cases, you WILL find something on your first dig. It may not be that rare Lincoln- era campaign coin, and instead a piece of barbed wire that fell out of a farm truck last year, but practice patience and you will be rewarded.

Always get permission from landowners if you are hunting on land owned by someone else. If hunting on public property, obey the guidelines and restrictions of the property.

Though I don't get to "detect" as much as I would like, I find that going out into a field and being alone with the metal detector is a way to recharge after a busy week of work. I enjoy the peace and solitude of it. I also get fascinated with it...often feeling overwhelmed that there are thousands of pieces of history waiting to be recovered beneath the soil under my feet.

Some people think that it is wrong to mess with pieces of history buried beneath the ground. If it is human bodies they are talking about, I would most certainly agree. But many artifacts beneath the soil such as coins, buttons of clothing, Civil War era rifles and pistols, buck shot, have been put their by accident, or by way of littering. Some were once looked for and never found by their owners.

Metal detecting is a way of recovering our past. In it we learn. The process of hunting for pieces of history buried beneath the soil is also emotionally, and for me, spiritually rewarding.

A Review of the January 2010 Edition of "The Plough"

2010-03-04T17:38:00.002-05:00

By John Allen Boyd, editor "Sunbonnets & Sweetgum" and author of "Emerson Avery, That Latin Teacher"

If first impressions are important in analyzing art, and they are, my initial reaction to this digital magazine is one of wonder at being in the presence of something new. The very concept of receiving a sleek, innovative publication that is not printed on paper jumped at me. After all these years of holding bound collections of paper pages in my hands and looking at pictures and reading the written word, “The Coulter Plough” is an experience akin to lifting myself over a fence and stepping onto new land There is a sense of moving from one era and into another.

As I went through the articles in this issue, there arose one sure commonality: their familiarity, in the sense of family. With each section, I was in friendly company. Like being invited to sit down at the family table and noting the personality of each one there – listening and seeing one and then another during the meal. Able to partake and enjoy their good manners and company.

In this issue, I was close to the earth, to history, to the lives of our ancestors, and to this part of our nation and state. Whatever the time and place, I found my ease. The moving visuals captivated and lifted me beyond the frequent artificiality and tugging of traditional media. And the artwork and music. Awesome. The disc is green, inexpensive, and easy to store. Most of all, its content is fascinating from beginning to end. Our interests and inquiries are piqued. Each article has its own personality just as each son and daughter around the family table does. There is that unmistakable bond of kinship to Kentucky and the folks who pass their time here and who have preceded us. It is personal and up close. Friendly. Home folks. I found it endearing to be reminded of the early spring wildflowers. I had no idea about the making of chicken soup. It was interesting to be reminded of how Sue Mundy romped around this part of Kentucky and earned the hanging he received during that bloody, raw age - the same century of early stills and whiskey making. There! All of it! That’s what grabbed me. This entire issue of “The Coulter Plough” landed me on my feet in this place I call home.

Welcome New LIBRARIES!

2010-03-02T15:13:00.001-05:00

Welcome to Allen County and Oldham County Public Libraries to The Coulter Plough series!

"The Plough" Coming Soon to Stanford Restaurant

2010-02-21T03:36:00.004-05:00

Monthly DVD Episodes of The Plough will be available for purchase in the famous "The Kentucky Depot Restaurant" in Stanford, Kentucky beginning in March. Look for them in the Gift Shop!

A Viewer's Experience with The Plough

2010-02-21T03:28:00.005-05:00

I took the DVD to Indiana today to show my parents. While we were shopping, my Dad watched most of it and then I had to take it and he made me PROMISE that I would bring it back. He REALLY enjoyed it. I was so excited for you to see someone appreciate your work!! :) He said it made him proud to be from Kentucky (where he was born). He has lived most of his life in Indiana. Thanks again for giving us these great stories. - Amy Kellem, Bardstown

"The Depot Restaurant" To Be Featured in February Show

2010-02-20T03:27:00.004-05:00

Headed to Stanford, Kentucky today to tape a feature segment on the famous "Depot Restaurant" for the February Month in Review episode. Very excited to travel the road from Bardstown through Springfield, Perryville, and Danville. I love driving this route, for some reason I always get a strong sense of the Civil War when headed towards Danville. Perhaps it because one passes through Perryville but the scenery just puts me in mind of the War as there are but few houses along the highway and lots of fields. "The Depot" was featured in this month's edition of Kentucky Living Magazine, though it has been on our list much longer for The Plough! :) My wife grew up in Danville and frequented The Depot with her Grandparents throughout her childhood and she highly recommended the restaurant for a story in The Plough.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xE1R-XCX-fI

Coming to The Plough: Wren Smith, Kentucky Naturalist

2010-02-19T01:12:00.006-05:00

I am very excited to have Wren Smith, naturalist at Bernheim Forest, be part of The Plough series. I first saw Wren on television when I was production manager at a TV station in Bardstown. She is so knowledgeable of the outdoors and will be a great addition to the show. She will appear in the February Month in Review edition of The Plough.

Madison Cawein: Kentucky Poet

2010-02-19T01:01:00.002-05:00

Madison Cawein was a man, contrary to his first name that is most commonly associated with females, and was a poet from Louisville. He was born March 23, 1865 and died on December 8, 1914. According to Wikipedia, Cawein's father made patent medicines from herbs and Madison thus became acquainted with and developed a love for local nature as a child. He wrote thirty-six books and 1,500 poems and was known as the "Keats of Kentucky." Cawein's poem, "Mid-Winter" is read in the January edition of The Plough, and his words are quite beautiful.

January Episode - A Month in Review

2010-02-19T00:50:00.002-05:00

So excited about the January Month in Review DVD of The Plough! The 4th episode in our unique series spotlights poetry by Kentucky poet Madison Cawein (1865-1914), beautifully read by Amy Kellem, the writings of life on a rural farm by late Bowling Green native, Pearl Lowe Boyd, Taylorsville native Thomas Shelby Watson discusses the famous Confederate Guerrilla Sue Mundy's violent raids throughout Kentucky during the Civil War, and Colonel Michael Edward Masters on the history of Bardstown's Chapeze House with a special sampling of various Kentucky bourbons. Also enjoy our homemade chicken noodle soup recipe that is a great cold and flu remedy, gardening tips for February, early spring flowers, and interesting tidbits on astronomy. (Running time: 55 minutes)

Welcome New LIBRARIES!

2010-01-15T04:07:00.009-05:00

We'd like to extend a welcome to the Marion County Public Library and Hopkins County-Madisonville Public Library to The Coulter Plough series!

January Show

2010-01-15T03:24:00.006-05:00

Very excited about the January '10 episode of The Plough! Here are some of the stories you will see.

- Thomas Shelby Watson, author of "Confederate Guerrilla Sue Mundy," discussing the role Mundy played in Kentucky during the Civil War.

- John Allen Boyd, former Kentucky school teacher and editor of "Sunbonnets and Sweet Gum" by Pearl Boyd of Bowling Green, discussing rural lifestyle in Kentucky from the late 1800s to the mid 1950s.

- Colonel Michael Masters, "The Host of Kentucky," gives historic and cultural insight on various bourbon made in Kentucky.

...and much more!

Happy 2010!

2010-01-05T05:01:00.005-05:00

It's been a while since we've had a chance to post, so much busyness with The Plough being a brand new series! If you haven't checked out our new website, take a look at www.thecoulterplough.com.

In the meantime, Happy 2010 to everyone! We hope you had a great Christmas and New Year's and that all your dreams will come true in 2010.

But what a cold start to the New Year! The temperatures have been crazy all over the country and it's been over a decade since we've had such a long stretch of bitter cold temps here in Kentucky.

We're currently working on Episode IV, the January edition and have some really great segments in the works. We're very excited for the coming year with The Plough series! Stay tuned!

Store Locations for The Plough

2009-11-19T04:21:00.008-05:00

Monthly episodes of The Plough DVD Series are now available for purchase in select stores in Nelson County.

*Look for the Buffalo Rings & Rings Coupon in the October episode!

BLOOMFIELD

Snider Drugs

ShopRite Supermarket

Blazers Food Mart

Bart's Mart

BARDSTOWN

Wooden Duck Entertainment

Wickland Spirit Tours (January & February)

Bardstown Booksellers

(NEW) STANFORD, KENTUCKY

The Kentucky Depot Restaurant

OUR NEW WEBSITE!

2009-11-19T04:15:00.005-05:00

We now have a new website. www.thecoulterplough.com

The site is still new and under construction, but we will be posting much more there soon.

How to Subscribe to THE COULTER PLOUGH

2009-11-19T04:13:00.003-05:00

For those of you new to the site, just click on the image to the top right side of the page (with the credit cards) and there you will be able to select a variety of payment options.

Front Page News - The Kentucky Standard!

2009-11-16T02:11:00.005-05:00

We are tremendously appreciative to The Kentucky Standard for their wonderful photo and story on The Coulter Plough in yesterday's Kentucky Standard newspaper!

Godey's Lady's Book - Civil War Recipes - Rabbit Soup

2009-11-01T15:44:00.003-05:00

Rabbit Soup [1861]

Begin this soup six hours before dinner. Cut up three large but young and tender rabbits, or four small ones (scoring the backs) and dredge them with flour. Slice six mild onions, and season them with half a grated nutmeg, or more, if you like it. Put some fresh butter into a hot frying-pan (you may substitute for the butter some cold roast-veal gravy that has been carefully cleared from the fat), place it over the fire, and when it boils put in the rabbits and onions, and fry them of a light brown. Then transfer the whole to a soup-pot; season it with a very small teaspoonful of sweet marjoram leaves stripped from the stalks, and four or five blades of mace, adding three large carrots in slices. Pour on, slowly, four quarts of hot water from a kettle already boiling hard. Cover the soup-pot, and let it simmer slowly, skimming it well, till the meat of the rabbits is reduced to shreds and drops from the bones, which will not be in less than five hours, if boiled gently as it ought. When quite done, strain the soup into a tureen. Have ready the grated yolks of six hard boiled eggs, and stir them into the soup immediately after it is strained and while it is very hot. Add, also, some bread cut into dice or small squares, and fried brown or fresh buttered toast, with all the crust removed, and cut into very small bits or mouthfuls.

- Courtesy University Press of Kentucky

Kentucky Home Kitchens: Apple Pie

2009-10-27T21:20:00.005-04:00

Kentucky Apple Pie (As seen in The Coulter Plough)

by Darlene Crume

Bloomfield, KY

Ingredients

Refrigerated roll pie crust (for bottom and top layer)

6 small fresh apples (Darlene used Washington Red Delicious)

1/2 cup sugar

1/4 cup flour

1/2 stick of butter (regular margarine)

2 tspn. ground cinnamon

1 tspn. allspice

1 tspn. ground nutmeg

Preheat oven to 350˚. Peel and slice apples. Make and add bottom layer

crust to medium sized baking pan. In a bowl, mix apples with sugar, flour

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon allspice, and ground nutmeg.

Pour mixture onto bottom layer of pie crust. Top with 1/2 stick butter

cut into pieces. Cover with top layer of pie crust. Cut a little extra butter

and place on top of crust along with some additional sprinkles of sugar

and cinnamon.

Bake for 1 hour.

Olive Leaf Extract: Nature's Secret for Vibrant Health and Long Life

2009-10-17T17:45:00.004-04:00

Medical experts are just now discovering the wonders of Olive Leaf Extract. It's a natural, safe and effective herbal with unequalled health-giving properties. Called nature's "smart" germ-killer, Olive Leaf Extract seems to only attack harmful micro-organisms - viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites - without harming the helpful ones. What an important discovery in a time when the third leading cause of death in America comes at the hands of parasitic micro-organisms. In addition, users report increased energy, improved circulation, elimination of heart problems, normalized blood pressure, relief from fatigue and muscle problems, freedom from colds and flu and other health-promoting benefits.

The Fourth Generation

2009-10-08T00:17:00.002-04:00

I noticed over the years that it was a rare occasion to see a Monarch butterfly until the fall months. Now I know why. Ever since elementary school we have all known the life cycle of a butterfly. But there's something different about the cycle of Monarch butterflies. In March and April the first generations of Monarchs are born. Thriving off milkweed the larvae grow and in two weeks are fully grown caterpillars. They then form a cocoon and after six days emerge as an adult butterfly. From two to six weeks the butterflies pollinate, reproduce, and die.

In May and June the second generation is born, and in July and August the third. These groups follow the same life cycle as the first generation. The fourth generation, however, has a lifestyle of its own.

Born in the months of September and October, the fourth generation of monarchs hatch and go through metamorphosis but instead of dying after two to six weeks, these fascinating creatures migrate (sometimes in massive amounts) to the warmer climates of southern America and Mexico. Here they will thrive for six to eight months until it is time to migrate back, reproduce, and begin the entire cycle again.

Kentucky is right in the middle of the Monarch's migration path, a mere pit stop for the long journey across North America into Mexico.

October Episode Teaser 1

2009-10-01T17:40:00.002-04:00

What People Are Saying

2009-09-30T18:58:00.012-04:00

What People Are Saying About "The Coulter Plough" DVD Show!

"Watched it when I got in from work yesterday, could NOT stop watching...so dinner was late!! It was fascinating, funny, entertaining, educational and very well done indeed!" - Debra, Newport, KY

"I'm gonna mix me up a batch of honey remedy tonight!!! Wish I had his honey to start with!!" - Donna, Lexington, KY

"Great journalism and wonderful cinema!" - Pat, Bardstown, KY

"I just watched "The Coulter Plough." You did an amazing job...can't wait to see the next one. If you haven't seen this DVD...please do!" - Peggy, Bloomfield, KY

"We really enjoyed the DVD. As always your background music choices were spot-on. I especially like the how-to piece and the how-its-made bits. My six-year-old really enjoyed the bit about the bees and honey and also the guitar making." - Amy, Bardstown, KY

"LOVED IT! We got it on Monday and watched it Monday night! I've already told 2-3 other people they need to buy one! Very well put together." - Jennifer, Bloomfield, KY

"This is a must see for small town Kentucky folk!" - Missy, Chaplin, KY

"LOVE The Plough!" - Charlene, Bardstown, KY

"It brought back some very fond memories! Great work!" - Kathy, Lexington, KY

"I am very impressed with the scope of The Coulter Plough. It came off as a very professional piece of production especially considering as much ground covered." - Jody, Louisville, KY

Baked O'Possum Recipe (for amusement)

2009-09-28T21:46:00.003-04:00

A friend gave me a copy of the 1981 Edmonson County Homemaker's Cookbook called "Kitchen Art." On page 76 I found a recipe for "Baked O'Possum," something you just don't see these days in cookbooks. I'll admit, I was rather amused by this unique recipe. (By the way, the photograph seen here is plastic, not real...even the peas and bread!)

Baked O'Possum

by Edna R. Sanders

1 fat O'possum 1 small pod red pepper

1 c. vinegar 1/2 c. brown sugar

1 c. water 1 clove garlic

Solution for coating O'possum

1 tsp. mustard 1/2 tsp. black pepper

1 tsp. horseradish 1 tsp. salt

1 minced onion 1/4 c. brown sugar

1 tsp. paprika

Remove head from "possum", slit down belly side. Remove insides and skin very carefully. Hold under running water 1 minute. Combine vinegar, water, red pepper, and brown sugar and garlic. Soak "possum" overnight in solution. Next day, remove "possum" ; dry well. Wash a brick well and stretch "possum" over brick in baking pan large enough to place sweet potatoes around the "possum". Cover loosely with foil. Bake 1 hour at 350˚. Remove foil and bake 1 more hour. Remove from oven, let stand 15 minutes. Now, throw the O'possum away and eat the brick and sweet potatoes. P.S. O'possum can really be eaten, if desired.

Episode 1 Mailing

2009-09-22T17:41:00.004-04:00

Hey all! We are excited to announce that Episode 1 of The Coulter Plough will be shipping to subscribers this Saturday - most will receive them on Monday! Stay tuned to your mailboxes!

Antibacterial soaps: More Harm than Good?

2009-09-21T01:24:00.008-04:00

More Harm Than Good
For starters, there is little proof that the antibacterial soap you buy at the drug store actually kills the most-dreaded microbes: S. aureus (staph) and E. coli. Plus, living in a disinfected bubble can actually be bad for your health and the environment. Many experts believe that too much sanitization weakens the immune system and may create lethal superbugs that are antibiotic resistant. If that's not enough, the bacteria-killing chemicals go down the drain and into our waterways, harming wildlife and potentially ending up back in our bodies where they can present health risks.

Although you have likely heard at least some of this before, you probably still reach for the antibacterial soap to clean your bathroom and wash your hands. The psychological draw is undeniable. In fact, scientists' warnings have not dampened the burgeoning market. Antibacterial products are a one billion dollar industry and make up nearly 80 percent of all liquid soaps. In 2003, there were fewer than 200 antibacterial products on the market; currently there are over 3,000.

The biggest--and most publicized--concern is whether antibacterial products, like the overuse of antibiotics, will eventually create more of the untreatable bacteria we fear. By creating a hostile environment, antibacterial agents promote strains of bacteria with certain mutations that allow them to survive. These superbugs are also more likely to be immune to antibiotics. The most commonly used antimicrobial in soaps--triclosa--has already shown resistance to S. aureous.

No Better Than Regular Soap
Still, the most important piece of information when you are staring at an aisle full of cleansers is whether or not the antibacterial soaps fulfill their promise.

According to the Food and Drug Administration and the American Medical Association, they are no more effective at preventing infections than regular soap. The bacteria-killing chemicals in common over-the-counter soaps are too diluted to kill the heartier microbes that pose the most threat to humans; they do not present any advantage over using regular soap. Plus, the average person is a lazy hand washer. Most of us wash our hands for less than ten seconds--five seconds is the norm--which gives the toxins little chance to bind to the bacteria and do their job. In one study, a standard strain of E. coli had to be bathed in store-bought antibacterial soap for a minimum of two hours before being killed. Mutated strains survived for twice as long.

So, these antibacterial agents, having failed at their mission, are then washed down the drain where they go on to cause serious environmental problems. Even after water purification, a large percentage of the toxins remain, entering our waterways and our bodies. A 2007 study detected triclosan in seventeen of twenty-one people. The chemicals were found in blood samples, urine, and breast milk. While it's not yet clear that these chemicals negatively impact humans, animal studies show that triclocarban interferes with rat reproduction and triclosan triggers tadpoles to mature into frogs at a much more rapid rate. Because of their unknown effects in humans, many scientists advise against taking the risk. There is also evidence that when triclosan is mixed with chlorine--even the low levels common in drinking water--it creates a toxin that has been identified as a probable carcinogen.

While the research on the negative effects of antibacterial soaps is far from definitive, the evidence that they are no better at preventing illness than regular soap is. So why use them? It doesn't mean giving up on hygiene. Don't stop washing your hands--or start eating off the floor, for that matter. Buy a regular bar or hand soap that doesn't contain unnecessary chemicals or look for brands with natural ingredients. And when you are washing your hands with your non-antibacterial soap, do it right. Lather up for ten seconds and rub hard. Exfoliation is the best way to rid your skin of bacteria. Most importantly, until more is known about antimicrobial chemicals, avoid them if you are pregnant or have an infant. If triclosan and triclocarban are dangerous to humans, the smaller the body, the greater the harm they can cause.

Dear Season: Tree Stand Safety

2009-09-17T13:49:00.006-04:00

Use a tree stand only during daylight hours.
Practice first with your tree stand and FAS at ground level, using all safety devices that were included with the stand. Then continue to practice, gradually going higher. Practice shooting from your stand while wearing your FAS.
Get enough sleep to ensure that you are well rested before using a tree stand.
Carry a signaling device, such as a whistle, cell phone, two-way radio, or personal locator beacon (PLB), to let others know if you have a problem.
Take your time and plan every move you make while installing and using an elevated stand.
Check your stand carefully prior to each use. Do not leave a stand attached to a tree for more than two weeks.
Never exceed the weight limit of your stand or FAS. Remember that the weight includes you plus your equipment.
Do not climb with anything in your hands or on your back.
- Use a haul line.
- Raise and lower all hunting equipment on the opposite side of the tree from your climbing route.

Episode 1 Update

2009-09-05T02:47:00.003-04:00

Hey all! We are currently finalizing Episode 1 of The Coulter Plough. We expect the premier episode to arrive in your mailbox in less than 2 weeks. We appreciate your patience as we unveil our unique series! For more information about subscribing, contact us at (502) 507-2810 or click the subscribe link on the right hand side of the blog page. Thank you.

Seasonal Update

2009-09-02T03:51:00.002-04:00

20 Days until Autumn!

2009 Junior Miss - Kelli Ralston

2009-08-28T02:15:00.006-04:00

Congratulations to Kelli Ralston, senior at Nelson County High School, the winner of the 2009 Nelson County Junior Miss! The full interview with Kelli can be seen in Episode 1 of The Coulter Plough...coming soon!

Buttermilk Days 2009

2009-08-25T01:02:00.003-04:00

"Buttermilk Days" held each year in August in Bardstown is a time of family, friends, and good (free) food! Look for the story in Episode 1 of The Coulter Plough!

EPISODE 1 TV SPOT

2009-08-21T17:04:00.003-04:00

Here is the new TV spot for Episode 1 of The Coulter Plough hosted by Kevin Harned!

Enjoy!

Seeking Local Cooks!

2009-08-21T16:45:00.003-04:00

Have you ever submitted a family recipe to a church or local cookbook? If so, we at The Coulter Plough are asking you to take it a step further and share your recipe "on-camera" in one of our episodes of The Coulter Plough! E-mail us at jcoulter@tunnellmill.com.

Small Town Sexy - PUBLIC RELEASE

2009-08-18T14:25:00.007-04:00

Small town America has a new allure according to Bardstown, Kentucky economic developer and author Kim Huston who tells all in her new book Small Town Sexy. The public release of Small Town Sexy will be in Nelson County:

Saturday, August 22nd, 12-2pm

Bardstown Booksellers

129 North Third Street

Bardstown, KY

Sunday, August 23rd, 1-3pm

Olde Bloomfield Meeting Hall

104 Taylorsville Road (Main Street)

Bloomfield, KY

www.smalltownsexybook.com

Kim Huston - Small Town Sexy

2009-08-18T14:17:00.002-04:00

Bardstown's Kim Huston is passionate about small town life. In her new book, "Small Town Sexy," she reveals why residents love their not-so-big-city lifestyle and how small town charms are seducing newcomers. Huston speaks from experience, as small town girl who cherishes her roots -- and as a professional who is helping develop her town’s economic prosperity.

“Small towns aren’t just for small businesses anymore. The internet has made sure of that,” says Huston. “Towns joining the wired world of technology realize that you don’t need an office tower in Big City USA to do a million dollar deal, you can do it from Main Street USA.”

The romance reaches beyond business interests. Says Huston, “There are 20 to 40 year-olds coming back home with a real desire to raise their families in communities similar to where they grew up. And, retirees are drawn to many small towns that have the climate, recreational opportunities and accessibility to highways and airports that they are seeking.”

Flipping through Small Town Sexy, chapter titles hint of the authors’ humor and insight:

• It’s Not Your Mayberry Anymore

• Confessions of a Small Town Politician

• Can Big Fish Swim in a Small Pond?

• No, seriously, Size Does NOT Matter

• Big City Envy

Christmas Pickles in July - Part 3

2009-08-16T16:34:00.003-04:00

Christmas Pickles: The Final Step to these tasty treats! Try them with

cottage cheese!

This Day in Weather History

2009-08-15T14:55:00.001-04:00

15 August 2007 → Record heat baked central Kentucky: Bowling Green 104, Louisville 103, and Lexington 101.

Welcome Host KEVIN HARNED!

2009-08-15T14:50:00.003-04:00

We are proud to announce that Kevin Harned will be the Host of The Coulter Plough DVD Magazine Show!

Trail Cameras: To Catch a Deer and A Thief

2009-08-12T01:07:00.008-04:00

I recently purchased a trail camera for my father for the upcoming deer hunting season. After doing much research, I decided to go with the Moultrie i40, an affordable trail camera that delivers excellent results and has great feedback all across the internet by purchasers. A newer version is now available, the i60, but you'll pay a hundred bucks more. After giving it a little thought, I wondered why I'm not hearing more about these cameras being used as security devices in addition to cameras for tracking deer?

It's my opinion that if these cameras are safely hidden or made secure by protective coverings, every homeowner should have one. To only be a 4.0 megapixel camera, the Moultrie i40 delivers extraordinary images. I would argue that there isn't much difference in the Moultrie cam as there is in my 8.1 megapixel still shot camera when it comes to picture quality.

Recently, an old pre-Civil War era mansion was burned in Bloomfield (KY). Before the fire, the home had been the source of tremendous theft and over the years hundreds of antiques had been stolen that were left behind locked doors when the owners moved to another residence close by. Wouldn't it have been wonderful to have a few trail cameras hidden in the shadows of the large house? I can imagine it would have made a tremendous difference and many of the burglars would have been caught.

My only complaint would be the fragility of the shell design of the Moultrie. More expensive trail cameras are more sturdy in their build. But you can't beat the low cost of the i40 Moultrie and the reliability is excellent. But I can't say the same for the plastic casing that houses the camera. Drop the camera a foot to the ground and it could be destroyed quite easily. My suggestion would be to go the extra mile and purchasing protective casing for the camera. Also, the i40 is not camouflaged.

I had a friend paint a camouflage design over the entire body of my Moultrie. You'll want a camouflage camera, especially if the camera is strapped to a tree in the woods, to greatly help prevent thieves stealing the actual camera. Some hunters like to check their camera once a week for images. I would recommend every couple days if you are able to...just for the sake of making sure it isn't stolen.

Also, if you are a deer hunter, make a small tag and tape it to the bottom of the camera where it can only be read if a trespasser is standing close to the camera and is considering stealing or damaging it. Don't be afraid to pose an exaggerated threat: say something to the nature of that by the time they have read the note, the camera has taken and sent photos via GPS satellite to a computer where they will be downloaded and reviewed, so destroying or stealing the device is not a good idea as they are already busted.

May sound hilarious, and it won't work every time, but believe me, I have seen it work and it's better to pose a threat as opposed to the trespasser running off with your $200 camera.

The Interment and Disinterment of John May Hamilton

2009-08-09T14:34:00.008-04:00

THE INTERMENT OF JOHN MAY HAMILTON

An account in "A History of the Civil War in Nelson Co., Kentucky" by John B. Thomas, Jr. tells of the fate of John May Hamilton. The story begins on the night of June 17, 1864, when Col. George M. Jessee's Confederate Cavalry with about 200 men camped somewhere in - mostly Rebel - Nelson County between Bloomfield and Bardstown, possibly at Camp Charity. Five of his men went to the home of John R. Jones who lived nearby in a large brick home that still stands near the Bluegrass Parkway and the Bloomfield-Springfield road [Ky 55]. They demanded a horse, saddle and bridle. Jones refused and fired on the men through the front door, inflicting a fatal wound on one before being killed himself. He was buried three days later at a place called the Camp Ground with a large crowd in attendance.

The previous month, from Washington, Joseph Holt, Adjutant General of the Army, had sent a message to Gen. Stephen G. Burbridge of the Military District of Kentucky suggesting punishment - which might even have been interpreted as execution - of Confederate soldiers captured a second time after being released on an oath not to fight again. Some say Holt - whose wife was from Nelson County - and Burbridge wanted an excuse to shoot Confederate prisoners.

On July 16, 1864, Burbridge issued General Order 59, establishing a policy stating: "When an unarmed Union citizen is murdered, four guerrillas will be selected from the prisoners in the hands of the military authority and publicly shot to death in the most convenient place near the scene of the outrage." This order started what is known as Burbridge's Reign of Terror in Kentucky. During the next seven months, over 60 prisoners, usually selected by lottery, were sent to various places in the state and shot or hanged. The case of John R. Jones was one of the first to come to the attention of Burbridge.

Two young men, John May Hamilton and Richmond Berry, were brought to Nelson County, not knowing their fate. They had been held as prisoners-of-war in Lexington, Kentucky after being captured as guerrillas who served with "Partisan Rangers" in Tennessee and Kentucky. The men in these outfits "lived off the countryside" and were more or less recognized as having official standing by the South, but were seen as bank robbers, outlaws, and guerrillas by the North. Hamilton had been with "Sidney Cook's Guerrillas" when they raided Flemingsburg, Ashland and Olive Hill in Eastern Kentucky. He was captured March 6, 1864, while on a raid in Johnson County, near his home farm. They were taken to "Bunker Hill" [now called Schoolhouse Hill] and executed by firing squad to atone for the death of John R. Jones, a man they had never seen.

In a history of the town, Dr. A.H. Merrifield called it "the gloomiest day Bloomfield had during the war."

The local account of the deaths of these two men tells of the bravery of John May Hamilton, when he realized they were to face a firing squad. "Their bodies were given over to the good people of Bloomfield and were buried handsomely in metal caskets. Before interment their bodies were laid out in the Masonic hall where the whole town wept over these innocent young men." A number of years later the local women's club - who thought he was from Richmond, VA instead of Morgan Co., KY - erected a stone for John that notes, "Though a stranger, he lies among friends."

(The grave of John May Hamilton is shown above - Photo by Stacie Munroe)

THE DISINTERMENT OF JOHN MAY HAMILTON

Hamilton enlisted in Co. K, 5th Kentucky Infantry of the CSA at the beginning of the Civil War.

On Saturday, August 8, 2009, the 5th Kentucky Infantry Re-enactment group at the request of Hamilton's decedents, disinterred the body of John May Hamilton from Maple Grove Cemetery in Bloomfield for removal and re-burial at his home in Keaton, Kentucky. The remains of Hamilton were found and placed in a new coffin and Hamilton returned home after 145 years.

A Cooney-Neck Social

2009-08-07T14:44:00.007-04:00

J.L. Yates (pictured) of Bloomfield plays a fiddle that was given to him as a gift. Every 2 or 3 weekends, the Yates family has an old-fashioned cookout and plenty of Bluegrass music. With my camera in tow, I set out last Saturday night and had a wonderful time talking to the old-timers and listening to some great music, provided by local musicians. The main course at dinner was Florida crappie, deep fried to a golden brown. The atmosphere was wonderful and pure Kentucky. My video journal of the night will be featured in Episode 1 of The Coulter Plough this month.

Black-eyed Susan

2009-08-05T14:10:00.003-04:00

Rudbeckia hirta - Black-eyed susan

Now blooming in Kentucky

Christmas Pickles in July - Part 2

2009-08-03T02:57:00.002-04:00

Day 2 continued of making Christmas pickles!

Christmas Pickles in July - Part 2

2009-08-03T02:15:00.004-04:00

Day 2 of making Christmas pickles!

Heath Seymour

2009-08-03T01:11:00.005-04:00

Today we were out on location in a rural field taping a segment with Heath Seymour, a wonderful Kentucky artist. It is an honor to have Heath be part of the Plough series and his art will be the official artwork of the The Coulter Plough DVDs! This is a tremendous honor. Though today was the first time meeting Heath personally, I have followed his work for years. In 2002, I purchased one of Heath's original pieces from Sutherland Gallery in downtown Bardstown. The gallery has since closed. Heath's work caught my eye immediately. I loved his work for the simplicity and grace and style. His work also captured my attention in that he painted subjects that very much connected to my own tastes. The Coulter Plough has allowed the opportunity to not only meet Heath, but to work with him as well. I look forward to Heath's beautiful art being the official "look" of The Coulter Plough DVDs.

ONLINE ORDERING NOW AVAILABLE!

2009-07-31T14:36:00.003-04:00

SUBSCRIPTIONS TO "THE COULTER PLOUGH" MONTHLY DVD SERIES CAN NOW

BE PROCESSED ON OUR BLOG. Select the PAYPAL LINK to the RIGHT side of the screen.

the 15th Kentucky Infantry Regiment ...

2009-07-30T13:14:00.003-04:00

i recently read 'the battle rages higher: the union's 15th kentucky infantry regiment' and, thankfully, as i always try to do when i read something ... i learned a whole heck of a lot.

for those unfamiliar, the united states was once engaged in a civil war, lasting from 1861 until 1865 ... granted (no pun intended), this war happened a long time ago, so who could blame you if you don't know anything about it ... but let me preach a bit ... you should know something about it. some 620,000 american soldiers and sailors died (from the federal forces and confederate forces, combined) and an undetermined number of civilians ... we can at least say more than a million americans died in this war, though we may never know the true number ... so by this reason alone, americans should care that the union was nearly lost ... the united states as it exists today would not be so if just a couple of battles had gone differently.

and this can be argued, but in my opinion (which is highly uneducated), even if the confederate states had defeated the U.S., they would have been begging by the turn on the 20th century to be let back in ... while the agricultural base was high in the south, the industrial base belonged to the north, which would have led to such high tariff on imports and exports going both ways, the south could have never survived ... so bocephus can sing all he wants 'if the south woulda won' but i just don't think the south could have sustained in a win, even with england on their side.

but back to the book ...

even though kentucky was considered a border state and a bit of a neutral, the commonwealth still had tens of thousands of soldiers enlist for the union ... in the first two months of the war, more kentuckians volunteered for the union cause than did for the south in the entire war ... nevermind that kentuckians were democrats (and largely remain so) and lincoln was a republican, kentuckians were proud of their place in the united states and took it as an affront to that paternal nature of government prevelant in the early years of our nation.

the 15th kentucky was drawn from around louisville and central kentucky, enlisting citizens who were mainly agrarian in background and irish, scottish and german in heraldy ... most of the 980 plus men that served in the unit over its three-year existence were immigrants to the united states, causing a bit of turbulence with the 'native-borne' soldiers ... kind of sounds a lot like today doesn't it?

the 15th fought at perryville (kentucky's major battle), the battle of nashville, stone's river, chickamauga, chattanooga and took part in the siege of atlanta, most of the time facing across the field into the rifle sights of the first kentucky of the CSA, the 'orphan brigade' ... that unit was also drawn from the same geographic region, so many in both units had friends, family and neighbors in common ... it was a rather unique situation.

more than fifty percent of the unit ended up as a casualty, either killed, wounded or mustered out due to wartime sickness and ailments ... only 30 other units, out of hundreds of union regiments, had higher casualty rates.

after reading the book, even while reading, i was blown away by the history that sits all around us east of the mississippi and at some points west of the big river ... these soldiers camped, trained and fought in fields and villages that are now our backyards and subdivisions ... civil war forts sit all around us, many of them overgrown and forgotten to time ... some communities do well to preserve their history (such as tiny sacramento in webster county or glasgow and their fort williams, which is featured in my default pic) ... others simply allow the remnants of our past to erode and decay, never to be considered again.

in kentucky, the civil war is still a bit of a sore spot for some ... both president lincoln and president jefferson davis were born here, barely 100 miles apart ... we have the jeff davis memorial just to the west of us in fairview in todd county and old abe is 200 in 2009, but i just don't think kentucky is getting with the program ... there is still a bit of work to be done.

we get bent out of shape over high schools with rebel mascots, turn our cannons all sorts of directions to avoid pointing it towards 'the friendly side', our squares contain both confederate and union memorials, we preserve musket balls in home's walls, yet we still do not try to teach our young people just how important the outcome we received in the civil war was and is today. in this part of the country, we have battle re-enactments and there is always a larger number of confederates actors than union, though the state was largely pro-union ... it is certainly fashionable in our part of the world to wear the 'stars and bars' and pledge your undying loyalty to the CSA, even if you have no idea what it all meant.

if there is a point to this blog, it is this ... there are plenty of 'sources' of knowledge out there, but nothing beats getting out and learning on your own ... read a book and then visit the sites it talks about ... ask some of the older folks around where the battles and campsites were; they know these things. it is up to you to learn, because if you are relying on someone else for the truth, you might end up like atlantans waiting for a savior from richmond ... under immense fire and not a prayer in hell, save the pity of god himself.

Christmas Pickles in July - Part 1

2009-07-30T03:02:00.005-04:00

Some people love them, others don't. But as a kid growing up in rural Bloomfield, I couldn't wait to get my hands on these each Christmas. Christmas Pickles. Most people think they're apple cinnamon rings or sticks. As a kid, you couldn't have convinced me that these wonderful tasting treats were actually...cucumbers. But in fact, they are cucumbers and you start to see some gardeners making them as early as the summer cucumbers are ready in the garden, canning them and shelving them until Christmas. There is no doubt these sweet and zesty little treats are quite appealing when they rarely appear on the Christmas dinner table. Sometimes they surround a platter layered with lettuce and cottage cheese. Other times they are just eaten right out of the Ball or Mason jar. I happened to be a kid who loved them, as did my younger sister and older brother. My aunt Gail usually provided them. During the summer, my aunt Linda. These crunchy, tangy little red fermented cucumber sticks satisfied my sweet-tooth and there was no such thing as just eating one stick in one sitting. Bottom line, they're absolutely delicious and savory.

Recipes differ from person to person as to how to make them. Christmas Pickles take time to make. Some folks let the process last for six or seven days, others only three days, and others as many as 14 days! Some folks use Alum, others do not. Alum is actually a toxin to humans if too much is consumed, but some Christmas Pickle-makers believe Alum is an absolute necessity in making the "best" pickles. Alum, in addition to pickling lime, is used often in homemade pickling recipes. If properly used in small amounts, Alum is not hazardous to your health.

For the next week, we will be demonstrating how to make Christmas Pickles. Here is Day 1 of the process!

Left-Over Cucumbers? A sweet and tasty alternative

2009-07-27T01:54:00.003-04:00

Watch this week for a step-by-step VIDEO process of how you can enjoy cucumbers on a whole new level, and quite old-fashioned at that!

Kentucky Nature

2009-07-26T15:28:00.001-04:00

There are 20 species of frogs in Kentucky.

Green Treefrog

2009-07-26T15:25:00.002-04:00

Green Treefrog (Hyla cinerea)

Family: Hylidae, Treefrogs

Description 1 1/4-2 1/2" (3.2-6.4 cm). Bright green, yellow, or greenish-gray. Has sharply defined light stripe along upper jaw and side of body; side stripe occasionally absent. Sometimes has tiny, black-edged gold spots on back. Large toe pads.

Voice Cowbell-like when heard at a distance. Nearer, sound is quank, quank. Males call while clinging to vertical stems 1-2' (.3-.5 m) above water.

Breeding March to October in southern areas, April to September in northern areas.

Habitat Trees and shrubs growing in or near permanent water. During the day frequently found asleep on underside of large leaves or in other moist, shady places.

Range Delaware south along the coastal plain into Florida and the Keys, west to s. Texas, and north through c. Arkansas and w. Tennessee to Illinois.

Discussion Green Treefrogs congregate in large choruses of several hundred. A typical treefrog, this species prefers to walk rather than jump. When fleeing a predator in the trees it takes gangly leaps into space.

This Day in Weather History

2009-07-26T14:10:00.001-04:00

26 July 1984 → An F2 tornado struck Spencer County. Several barns were damaged near Taylorsville. Also, an F1 tornado was seen in Warren County.

Lincoln at Knob Creek

2009-07-26T09:47:00.005-04:00

“My earliest recollection is of the Knob Creek place.” So wrote Abraham Lincoln on June 4, 1860 to Samuel Haycraft, of Elizabethtown, Kentucky. Haycraft had invited the future President to visit his childhood home in Kentucky. The Lincoln family lived on 30 acres of the 228 acre Knob Creek Farm from the time Abraham was two and a half until he was almost eight years old. Here he learned to talk and soon grew big enough to run errands such as carrying water, and gathering wood for the fires. Abraham recalled in later years numerous memories of his childhood here; a stone house he had passed while taking corn to Hodgen’s Mill; a certain big tree that had attracted his boyish fancy; the old homestead; the clear stream where he fished, and the surrounding hills where he picked berries were all impressed on his mind.

He could remember how he stayed by his mother’s side and watched her face while listening to her read the Bible. Lincoln could also remember the baby brother who was born and died on the Knob Creek Farm.

He remembered one occasion when he and his sister Sarah, had planted the garden; Abraham said that he planted pumpkin seeds in every other hill and every other row while Sarah and others planted the corn. The following night a big rain in the hills sent water rushing into the creek, the creek flooded the fields and washed away their garden.

It was also at Knob Creek that Abraham first saw African Americans being taken south along the Louisville - Nashville Turnpike, part of the old Cumberland Road, to be sold as slaves.

Lincoln once wrote that while living on Knob Creek he and his sister, Sarah, were sent for short periods, to an A, B, C school – the first kept by Zachariah Riney, and the second by Caleb Hazel. These were subscription schools and lasted only a few months. Free schools did not come to Kentucky until the 1830’s.

Likewise, he never forgot the time he fell in the swollen Knob Creek while playing on a foot log near his home. Had it not been for Austin Gollaher, a friend and school mate, Abraham would probably have drowned. Austin, with a keen sense of pioneer knowledge, grabbed a long tree limb from the bank and held it out like a strong arm to the struggling Lincoln. Abraham spoke of the incident after he became President.

(The Coulter Plough series heads to Knob Creek. COMING SOON!)

The Fabulous Humor of Kentucky Folklore

2009-07-25T17:29:00.009-04:00

In the hilly parts of Kentucky, people often use funny expressions to talk about how hilly and poor the land is. A man might joke that his farm is "so steep I can look down the chimly and see what my old lady's fixin' fur supper." Another farmer might say, "My land's so hilly I'm askeered a fallin' out-a my field and breakin' my neck." Hill farmers joke that "land's so pore it wouldn't raise a fight" or "so pore a rabbit's gotta carry his dinner when he goes acrosst it."

Many Kentuckians from rural areas are tall and skinny, so there are a number of skinny comparison jokes. "I'm so skinny I can take shelter under a clothesline when it rains and not get wet." Or even better, "I'm so skinny I just turn sideways to hide from my wife."

An old Kentucky funeral custom is to put coins on the dead person's eyes. This custom is thousands of years old. Back then people believed that the dead person's soul had to cross a river. The money was to pay for the ferry ride to the other side.

ONLINE ORDERING COMING SOON!

2009-07-25T01:51:00.002-04:00

Online subscriptions to The Coulter Plough DVD Series coming soon via Paypal, Visa, Mastercard, etc. Stay tuned!

EPISODE 1 COMING SOON

2009-07-24T04:50:00.003-04:00

Episode 1 of "The Coulter Plough" will be arriving in mailboxes across Kentucky around mid-August.

Sunflower Season

2009-07-23T16:14:00.003-04:00

Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus) are in bloom across Kentucky this week. Get out with your camera or even your paintbrush and enjoy these beautiful plants.

Salted Sunflower Seeds

1. Sort the raw sunflower seeds, removing any that are unusually small or flat, or that have holes in the shell. Check carefully---tiny holes are often caused by insect larvae.

2. Combine 1 quart of water and 1/4 cup salt in a bowl and mix until salt is completely dissolved. Use less or more salt if desired. You will need additional salt water if you plan to roast more than one pound of sunflower seeds.

3. Soak the sunflower seeds in the salt water at room temperature for 8 hours or overnight.

4. Drain the sunflower seeds in a colander or strainer and pat with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

5. Spread the sunflower seeds evenly in a baking pan or cookie sheet. Don't add more than a single layer of seeds.

6. Roast in a preheated oven at 300 degrees F for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shells are lightly browned and the seeds are fragrant. You can roast the seeds a darker if you prefer, but take care not to burn the seeds.

This Day in Weather History

2009-07-23T15:02:00.001-04:00

23 July 1947 → The coolest temperature ever recorded in July at Louisville (49), Lexington (47), and Bowling Green (46).

Random Acts - Cancelations

2009-07-23T12:13:00.003-04:00

Random Acts is sad to annouce that the show scheduled for August 1st is canceled. We hope to continue to entertain the community in the near future. Please visit our website for up-to-date information and events.

If you are interested in joining Random Acts or helping out in any way please contact me at:

ashleymarie331@gmail.com

Thanks

The Benefits of the Hedgeapple

2009-07-22T19:03:00.005-04:00

Folklore provides numerous claims that hedgeapples are repellent to insects and spiders. The fruit of the osage orange has been placed in households for ages.

"They really do work..can't say enough about them. Iowa biologist say that they do work but only on certain things, but I find that they lessen most bugs and insects by at least 50% or more!" - Dany

"I placed one apple in a central location and it worked through out the whole apartment, I did not even cut, smash, core the apple, and it still worked very well." - Julia

The Edible Maple

2009-07-22T18:37:00.003-04:00

Maple seeds are edible for humans; some Indians would hull the larger of them and then boil them. So are the sugar-rich young leaves. The inner bark of the maple is one of the more appetizing sap layers and is eaten in times of need, either raw or cooked. But it is for the sap that the tree has been famous since the redskin days.

This Day in Weather History

2009-07-22T14:28:00.000-04:00

22 July 1995 → A Louisville man was slightly injured when lightning struck a utility pole and traveled through the phone lines into his living room. Lightning also damaged a house in Bardstown (Nelson County).

22 July 1970 → Bowling Green's coolest July high: 67 degrees.

22 July 1901 → Richmond, Kentucky's hottest temperature on record: 108 degrees.

Local Recipes

2009-07-22T02:21:00.002-04:00

The Legendary Hot Brown Recipe

Ingredients (Makes Two Hot Browns):
2 oz. Whole Butter
2 oz. All Purpose Flour
1 Qt. Heavy Cream
1/2 Cup Pecorino Romano Cheese, Plus 1 Tablespoon for Garnish
Salt & Pepper to Taste
14 oz. Sliced Roasted Turkey Breast
2 Slices of Texas Toast (Crust Trimmed)
4 slices of Crispy Bacon
2 Roma Tomatoes, Sliced in Half
Paprika, Parsley

In a two-quart saucepan, melt butter and slowly whisk in flour until combined and forms a thick paste (roux). Continue to cook roux for two minutes over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Whisk whipping cream into the roux and cook over medium heat until the cream begins to simmer, about 2-3 minutes. Remove sauce from heat and slowly whisk in Pecorino Romano cheese until the Mornay sauce is smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste.

For each Hot Brown, place one slice of toast in an oven safe dish and cover with 7 ounces of turkey. Take the two halves of Roma tomato and set them alongside the base of turkey and toast. Next, pour one half of the Mornay sauce to completely cover the dish. Sprinkle with additional Pecorino Romano cheese. Place entire dish under a broiler until cheese begins to brown and bubble. Remove from broiler, cross two pieces of crispy bacon on top, sprinkle with paprika and parsley, and serve immediately.

Calling Local Musicians!

2009-07-22T02:14:00.004-04:00

We are planning to feature local musicians from all over the Commonwealth in The Coulter Plough series. E-mail us at (jcoulter@tunnellmill.com) for more information!

Welcome to B & B Business Solutions!

2009-07-21T15:33:00.003-04:00

We are proud to welcome B & B Business Management Solutions, PLLC of Bardstown to The Coulter Plough series!

This Day in Weather History

2009-07-21T15:30:00.001-04:00

21 July 1896 → Shelbyville, Kentucky's wettest day on record, with 7.15 inches of rain.

21 July 1973 → Louisville's wettest July day, with 5.09 inches of rain.

21 July 1996 → An F1 tornado touched down south of Corydon IN. The tornado moved southeast about a mile before lifting. Several trees were down, and a mobile home was destroyed.

Poor Richard's Books - Frankfort, KY

2009-07-20T04:30:00.003-04:00

Poor Richard's Books in Frankfort has long been a favorite place for me to visit. Owned by former Kentucky Poet Laureate Richard Taylor, Poor Richard's specializes in Kentucky titles, and also has an attic full of bibliophilic treasures awaiting their rightful home. You can listen to music, and ease into your reprieve from the hectic world with a delicious, iced latte. Definitely visit the upstairs attic and enjoy the creaking floors.

Website

2009-07-18T19:23:00.002-04:00

A sample of the DVD package artwork.

Cumberland River Update

2009-07-18T16:03:00.007-04:00

The Cumberland River below Cumberland Lake near Burkesville, Kentucky is one of the best kept trout fishing secrets in the Southeast. As of July 13, the river was still a bit high but fishing is excellent for Trout, Walleye, and White bass in the creeks.

• Brown trout are hitting spinners and crank baits at the ends of gravel bars.
• Walleye are hitting Night Crawler Rigs.
• White bass are in the creeks hot and heavy with good 2 to 3 pound fish being caught.
• Some good stripers are showing up around Burkesville and are being caught on live bait.

A new lure by Nemire Lures is catching a few fish. It is the Nemire Redfish Spoon in Orange and in Black. Both Stripers and Walleye are hitting the new lure. Do a search for Nemire Lures to find them. The Spoon and spinner combo is working well also on the white bass in white.

(Source: Fishin.com)

Autumn in Mid-July?

2009-07-18T15:52:00.006-04:00

There are 66 days until Autumn and it's 67˚degrees outside. Very un-seasonal for mid-July and feels very much like fall. Enjoy!

(Photo by Donna Shepherd)

This Day in Weather History

2009-07-18T15:12:00.000-04:00

18 July 1915 → The Lexington weather office moved from State College on South Limestone Street to Rooms 1408 and 1410 of Fayette National Bank at Main and Upper streets.

18 July 1944 → The Lexington weather office moved from 41 Montelle Park to the Administration Building at Blue Grass Field.

18 July 1971 → An F2 tornado was seen in Henry County. It destroyed three barns and a silo in the Pleasureville-Defoe area along the Shelby County line and US 421.

18 July 1988 → An F1 tornado struck Meade County.

Summer Garden Green Beans & Steamed Potatoes

2009-07-17T02:12:00.006-04:00

Green beans are being harvested in gardens across Kentuckiana now. Slow cook them with water, home-cured country bacon and potatoes.

Fresh Blackberries Ready to Pick

2009-07-17T02:03:00.007-04:00

Blackberries stewing in a cast-iron skillet and freshly picked from Coulter's Good Earth Farm owned and operated by Chris and Amy Coulter of Bloomfield. See right-hand side of blog for their advertisement and contact information.

kentucky's wild fruit bounty, the blackberry

2009-07-16T21:53:00.006-04:00

It is mid-July and in Kentucky - other than thunderstorms and 100-degree heat indexes - this means blackberry-picking time. And no, tech-savvy readers, I am not talking about a day of hijacking other folks' mobile data devices ... I speak of course of the delicious fruit of our state's wild brambles.

Blackberries are used in a variety of ways, either eaten alone as a snack, baked into a cobbler (we'll give you a recipe later), stirred into yogurt, as a topping for vanilla ice cream, converted to jam (we have a recipe for this, too ... later) and, I am told (ahem), blackberries provide a wonderful mast base for homemade wine.

Chances are, unless you have someone you buy your already-picked berries from or you are the proud owner of a bramble trellis in your backyard, you are going to need to head out into the edges of fields, by the shoulders of country roads or into the electric company's rights-of-way to find your blackberry yield.

Picking the blackberry is not for those without fortitude and determination. Seems like blackberries never grow anywhere it is easy to get to, so prepare yourself for much tramping and tromping to find the best brambles. And the bramble does not give up its fruit easily, so there is a bit a preparation you need to keep in mind before you head into the brush.

Long pants, long sleeves, a hat (baseball cap works best) and ankle-high leather boots are always my 'musts.' If the thought of wearing long sleeves seems a bit much for middle-of-summer attire, consider that the wild blackberry bramble is thorny and enjoys each of every opportunity to grab, prick, slap and scratch at exposed skin.

Once you have your picking spot chosen, how do you know what is ripe for picking? Well, folks, these are 'black'berries, so you want the ones that are a deep black and appear glossy in sunlight. A berry that is black but appears flat in direct light, is most likely overripe. These types of berries are fine if you making a jam or cobbler, but if you plan on snacking on the fruit, overripe is not going to do it. Specimens that appear with bits black and others reddish or purple are fine for picking, but will taste a tad bit more sour than glossy, black berries.

Picking the actual fruit is going to be a test of your pain threshold. The thorns of the cane are small and sharp. Most brambles will be of the type with angled thorns, which will grab and not want to let go. The best remedy is to make slow and steady movements in the bramble. Sudden movements tend to bring blood to the picker, even through clothing. If you move slowly, your clothing should protect you. You may be tempted to wear gloves. Don't bother. How are you going to handle the delicate fruit of the bramble if you can't feel it between your thumb and forefinger?

When moving into a bramble, understand that to get the best berries, you are going to have to work. You must be willing to move into the middle of thickets. This is accomplished mostly with your feet and legs. Push briars and weeds down and out with your feet, being mindful to not tramp down the blackberry brambles. You may want to come back to this spot next year.

Once to a prime picking area, pick first those berries you can see while standing upright. Once those berries are gone, try squatting underneath the bramble. It is important to reach into the bramble for berries you see, because sometimes going for one berry will reveal the location of several more. Grabbing multiple berries at once is possible, but understand when the fruits are ripe, they are very easily knocked to the ground with slight touch or shaking the bramble. Squatting will help you catch a few, but nothing is more frustrating to the berry picker than to have a three-quarter-inch jewel of juiciness fall out of reach just as you get to it.

Be mindful of where you are picking? Is it public land or privately-owned? If privately-owned, always ask permission. If there is an area you would like to search, ask most landowners and they might agree ... that is, for a share of bounty. Which leads to another issue ... be mindful of passers-by if on a country road. Chances are these folks know you, will know exactly what you are doing and will attempt to talk you out of your fruit. Because, you see, blackberry picking is tough business and they know it. That's why they are not in there with you. But sharing makes me feel good, so I never turn anyone down.

Depending on the thickness of the bramble and whether or not anyone else has come before you to a spot, picking a gallon or two of berries may take an hour or two. This really depends on the thickness of the bramble. To make picking easier, cut the top from a milk jug, leaving the handle. Then run a belt through the handle, so you will not be carrying your picking container and have two hands free. You should plan on needing both hands free for blackberry picking.

I picked today for about four hours and came away with three gallons of berries. Because blackberries are so tough to obtain, if you are planning on buying them from an individual, get ready to pay. Prices can range from $10-a-gallon to $20-per. Picking your berries on your own will save you some money and something about picking them yourself makes the eating so much better.

So get out there and start looking. There's probably only about a week left of prime harvest. And as always, as in anything else in Kentucky ... be mindful of snakes, wildlife and insects. You will want to shower soon after picking, as small ticks and bugs will want to be taking up residence on your person. A partner may be required for a thorough checking-out.

We made a cobbler with part of our harvest tonight ... went great with the meatloaf, mashed new potatoes, fresh cut corn and rolls.

Blackberry Cobbler

1 cup butter or margarine, divided
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
1 1/2 cups self-rising flour*
1/3 cup milk, room temperature
2 cups fresh blackberries
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons sugar

Directions
In a 10-in. round or oval baking dish, melt 1/2 cup butter; set aside. In a saucepan, heat sugar and water until sugar melts; set aside. Place flour in a mixing bowl; cut in remaining butter until fine crumbs form. Add milk, stirring with a fork until dough leaves sides of bowl. Turn out onto a floured surface; knead three or four times. Roll out to an 11-in. x 9-in. rectangle 1/4 in. thick. Spread berries over dough; sprinkle with cinnamon. Roll up, jelly-roll style. Cut into 1/4-in. thick slices. Carefully lay slices in baking dish over butter. Pour sugar syrup around slices (syrup will be absorbed). Bake at 350 degrees F for 45 minutes. Sprinkle sugar over top and bake 15 minutes more. Serve warm or cold. (*If self-rising flour is not available, use 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour plus 1/4 teaspoon salt and 2-1/4 teaspoons baking powder.)

Blackberry Jam

6 cups crushed blackberries

1 package powdered pectin

8 1/2 cups sugar

Directions:
Put measured crushed berries in a pot. Add pectin and stir well. Place on high heat and stir constantly bringing quickly to a full boil with bubbles over the entire surface. Add sugar, continue stirring and heat again to a full bubbling boil. Boil hard for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and skim. Fill and seal containers. Process 5 minutes in boiling water bath.

http://thecoulterplough.blogspot.com/

COULTER PLOUGH TV SPOT COMING SOON!

2009-07-16T17:24:00.016-04:00

Stay tuned to your television for our NEW 60 SECOND PROMOTIONAL TV SPOT for THE COULTER PLOUGH DVD Subscription Series! COMING SOON!

Homes to Be Featured

2009-07-16T13:50:00.003-04:00

Ever been interested in seeing inside someone's home? The Coulter Plough show will highlight various homes across Nelson and surrounding counties and their unique interiors!

This Day in Weather History

2009-07-16T13:36:00.002-04:00

16 July 1995 → At 2pm Louisville recorded an exceptionally high dew point of 83 degrees.

16 July 1980 → Record heat baked Kentucky as Louisville reached 101, Lexington 100, and Bowling Green 107.

Go Play!!

2009-07-15T22:01:00.003-04:00

School is just around the corner, bringing early mornings, hard studies, and team sports. Getting ready for fall season, tryouts, camps, and practices are being called across the state for soccer, football, volleyball, golf, cross country, and many others. Get involved. Join a team or cheer on your local schools. We will be updating The Coulter Plough with game information and highlights on local school players so be sure to log on and subscribe!

Laughing Out Loud

2009-07-15T19:31:00.004-04:00

"The human race has one really effective weapon, and that is laughter." - Mark Twain

Laughter can turn even the most serious situations around and help to mend even the deepest pains. Endorphins, the body's natural painkillers and protectors against depression, are released at a rapid rate when a person laughs. In fact laughter is such a strong healer that it is used in methods of therapists and doctors. It has been found to relieve stress, increase tolerance to pain, prevent heart attacks and stroke, increase the brains ability to retain and process information, stimulate the immune system and improve functions such as blood pressure, heart rate, muscle activity, and stomach acidity.

In 1979, it was recorded that a man by the name of Norman Cousins recovered from ankylosing spondylitis (severe arthritis in the lower back) with the help of laughter. Cousins found that ten minutes of "belly laughter" allowed him two hours of painless sleep. Cousins recorded his healing process and experience in his inspiring novel titled Anatomy of an Illness.

But not just any laugh will do. These effects only occur if the laughter is true, honest laughter... your body doesn't respond to fake laughter (clearly you can't fool yourself). So laugh at the little things, be in good company, find and hold onto the silver lining, and by all means feel free to laugh out loud.

This Day in Weather History

2009-07-15T13:28:00.001-04:00

15 July 1936 → Lexington's hottest temperature on record: 108 degrees. Also Frankfort's hottest temperature on record: 111 degrees.

Local Blogs - Savoring Kentucky

2009-07-15T03:20:00.002-04:00

Here is a wonderful blog about the great pleasures of eating and drinking what comes from Kentucky's soil, water, air, and growers. www.savoringkentucky.com

Local Recipes

2009-07-15T02:54:00.004-04:00

Best-Ever Bread and Butter Pickles

Nina H. Lee

4 qts. sliced cucumbers

1/2 C. salt

1-1/2 qts. sliced onions

1 qt. vinegar

4 C. sugar

1 T. celery seed

2 T. mustard seed

1 T. ground ginger

1/2 t. ground turmeric (opt.)

1/2 t. white pepper (opt.)

Gently stir salt into thinly sliced cucumbers; cover with ice cubes; let stand 2 or 3 hours or until cucumbers are crisp and cold. Add more ice if it melts; drain. Add onions.

Mix remaining ingredients; bring quickly to a boil. Boil 10 minutes. Add cucumbers and onion slices; bring to a boiling point. Pack loosely at once in hot jars; adjust lids. Process in boiling water bath for 15 minutes. Remove jars from canner; complete seals unless closures are self-sealing type.

Makes 8 pints.

This Day in Weather History

2009-07-14T13:04:00.001-04:00

14 July 1936 → Louisville's hottest temperature ever recorded: 107 degrees.

Kentucky's connections to space program deepen.

2009-07-13T19:46:00.008-04:00

When NASA finally has a day the weather and its own shuttle launch systems cooperate, Kentucky will add another astronaut to its list of those who have connections here and have flown in space.

Tim Kopra, an Army colonel and astronaut, will take his first flight into space aboard the space shuttle Endeavour as soon things can come together to get STS-127 off launch pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The astronaut is married to the former Dawn Lehman of Lewisburg in Logan County.

Kopra's connection to Kentucky does not stop there, as he served three years at Fort Campbell in the western part of the state as a aeroscout platoon leader in the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). It was while Kopra was serving with the Screamin' Eagles that he met his wife, who was attending Austin Peay State University in nearby Clarksville, Tenn.

Kopra is also part of the Expedition XX International Space Station mission team and is scheduled to remain on the ISS for three months, once the mission is launched.

STS-127 has met with five 'scrubs' in its launch window. Hydrogen leaks in the main external tank postponed the launch on June 13 and June 17. On Friday, July 10, lightning strikes near the launch center caused mission planners to postpone again, while the vehicle was inspected. And on Sunday, the crew of seven astronauts was already sealed in the orbiter when dangerous storm clouds gathered within the 20-mile radius around the shuttle's 'abort' landing site. The delay on Monday was again due to inclement weather.

The launch has been rescheduled for 6:03 p.m. (ET) Wednesday. NASA officials have said the new launch date will be important, as an unmanned Russian is headed to the space station on July 27.

But Kopra's connection to the tiny hamlet of Lewisburg (pop. 900) in southcentral Kentucky is not the only one for a NASA astronaut.

Col. Terry Wilcutt, a Marine, was born in Russellville, Ky., and grew up near Lewisburg before moving to Louisville and graduating from Southern High School. He completed undergraduate work at Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green.

Wilcutt, who now serves as Deputy Director, Safety and Mission Assurance Directorate, Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas, has flown on the shuttle four times - STS-68 Endeavour (Sept. 30 to Oct. 11, 1994), STS-79 Atlantis (Sept. 16-26, 1996), STS-89 Endeavour (Jan. 22-31, 1998) and STS-106 Atlantis (Sept. 8-20, 2000).

Two of his missions took him to the Mir space station, with his final mission filled with preparations for the first permanent crew to occupy the ISS.

He was pilot for his first two missions and commanded the last two. Wilcutt has logged 1,007 hours in space and has flown more than 17.2 million miles. He is also the recipient of NASA's Outstanding Leadership Medal and the Distinguished Service Medal.

Leroy Gordon 'Gordo' Cooper, Jr., was one of the orginal seven Project Mercury astronauts, those made famous with 'The Right Stuff.' Cooper was born in Shawnee, Okla., but spent part of his childhood in Murray in Calloway County where he attended public schools.

Cooper is perhaps best-known for being the first American to sleep in orbit and the last astronaut to launch and conduct a mission alone in space. He was an air force pilot and is one of few NASA astronauts to have ever gone on record with claims of sighting an Unidentified Flying Object (UFO). Cooper often claimed the government was covering up any evidence it had regarding UFOs.

He also flew as part of the Gemini program and was selected for flight in the Apollo program, but was pulled from the schedule after a disagreement with NASA management.

Cooper died from complications from Parkinson's Disease on Oct. 4, 2004.

Story Musgrave, was born in Boston, Mass., yet claims Lexington, Ky., as his hometown. Musgrave, a medical doctor, interned at the University of Kentucky Medical Center from 1964 until 1967 before being selected for astronaut's training. He continued to served on a part-time basis at UK until 1989.

Musgrave is the veteran of six space flights, all on the space shuttle, including STS-6 in April 1983 - the maiden flight of Challenger, which was lost with crew in January 1986. The STS-6 mission included the first EVA to test new space suits that Musgrave himself has designed.

He is the only astronaut to have flown on Columbia, Challenger, Discovery, Atlantis and Endeavour, all of the space-flight ready of the fleet. The first glider-test vehicle is Enterprise. Musgrave was the last of the Apollo-era astronauts to retire from flight status.

Certainly, Kentucky's contribution to space flight goes beyond the astronauts connected to the Commonwealth, as there are engineers, electricians, military personnel and scientists contributing on a daily basis to the future of manned spaced flight in the United States. Engineering and science programs at the state's university's - most notably at Western Kentucky University and the University of Kentucky - help assure the Bluegrass will be contributing to the exploration of space for some time to come.

Contributing Writer: C. Josh Givens

2009-07-13T17:57:00.003-04:00

Hey folks, Josh here.

Just wanted to take a moment to introduce myself and thank John and Anna for welcoming me aboard 'The Coulter Plough.' Seems ol' John thinks I might just be able to add something to the ongoing conversations here, so I'm gonna give it my best.

A little about me, I am Kentucky born and bred, hailing from Diamond Springs in Logan County. I have been writing and taking photographs for more than 20 years now, sometimes for pay, most times, not. Being a journalist type - and naturally-inquisitive - has allowed me opportunities to meet and write about some of the most interesting people and places our Commonwealth.

What types of posts should you expect from me?

Well, let's see ... seeing how my interests are broad, it would be safest to lay claim to a broad stroke of the keyboard when posting. I have a huge interest in Kentucky history, politics, books, writing, music and oh so, so much more. That leads me to believe we are all going to have quite a good time.

So, again, happy to be here and I hope to keep ya'll interested.

Peace.

Random Acts LIVE! at Spinghill Winery

2009-07-13T12:59:00.004-04:00

Come see Random Acts live at Springhill Winery August 1 at 8pm.

3205 Springfield Rd

Bloomfield, KY 40008

502-252-9463

Call for Ticket Prices and Reservations

Random Acts is a newly formed comedic improv group that performs games from the famous "Whose Line Is It Anyway" starring Drew Carey, as well as personally written comedic skits.

August 1st, come see Random Acts and special guest comedian Nathan Royalty.

WARNING: The show is rated PG-13, mature audiences only!

Anna Shepherd LIVE! at Wooden Duck

2009-07-13T03:52:00.005-04:00

Singer/Songwriter ANNA SHEPHERD will be performing live at Wooden Duck Entertainment (Bardstown) Sunday, July 19 at 1 p.m. The performance is FREE to the public. Wooden Duck is located at 1002 Granite Drive.

Upcoming Events at Smith-Berry Winery

2009-07-12T15:21:00.007-04:00

A couple years ago I took a drive to Port Royal and stopped at the Smith-Berry Winery in New Castle. I enjoyed a nice dinner, a tremendous Kentucky atmosphere, and a night of music with many guests in attendance. It was even better to talk with Wendell Berry inside the tobacco barn there. I sampled some of their wonderful wine and brought home a bottle. It may be my favorite Kentucky-made wine. Highly recommended. Here are some of the upcoming events at Smith-Berry.

July 25:
Nervous Melvin and the Mistakes
Great Pop/Rock

August 8:
Arnett Hollow
A fantastic blend of traditional
bluegrass, rock, jazz, and world music called Newgrass

August 22:
Hog Operation
We love their super charged bluegrass

September 12:
Leo Night and the Moonlighters
Dance to the great Motown sound of Henry County's own

September 26:
The Jimmy Davis Band
Funk infused rock, our favorite dance music

October 3:
Johnny Berry and the Outliers
Well rooted and timeless classic country

Larkspur Press, Monterey, Kentucky

2009-07-12T15:06:00.006-04:00

Larkspur Press books are highly acollectible for their scarcity, beauty, and that they are important works. They often feature Kentucky writers such as Wendell Berry, Guy Davenport, James Baker Hall and Bobbie Ann Mason.

http://www.larkspurpress.com/

This Day in Weather History

2009-07-12T04:13:00.002-04:00

12 July 1979 → A tornado touched down briefly with F1 strength in Scott County KY.

The Beauty of Wood Engraving

2009-07-11T16:15:00.010-04:00

I am fascinated by wood engraving art, a relief printing technique, and have been every since the fifth grade at Bloomfield Middle School (the old high school building) and reading "The Beatinest Boy" by Jesse Stuart which contained several woodcuts and engravings for illustrations. The work by Clare Leighton (United Kingdom, 1901-1989) has long been profoundly moving to me, too. Her engravings appear in The Time of Man (University Press of Kentucky) by the late Springfield, KY author Elizabeth Madox Roberts. Andy English in the United Kingdom has a blog and website devoted to his tremendous work in wood engraving. Both sites are very helpful and informative. Click here for Andy's awesome blog.

Seasonal

2009-07-11T14:08:00.002-04:00

73 days til Autumn.

This Day in Weather History

2009-07-11T13:58:00.002-04:00

11 July 1986 → An F1 tornado touched down briefly in Hardin County, injuring one person.

11 July 2000 → Power poles were snapped in half near Bowling Green by winds gusting to 104mph. At Sunnyside in Warren County, a roof was blown off a mobile home.

Kentucky Proud Member

2009-07-11T04:21:00.003-04:00

Quote of the Day

2009-07-11T02:27:00.006-04:00

"We clasp the hands of those that go before us, And the hands of those who come after us. We enter the little circle of each other's arms And the larger circle of lovers, Whose hands are joined in a dance, And the larger circle of all creatures, Passing in and out of life, Who move also in a dance, To a music so subtle and vast that no ear hears it Except in fragments” - Wendell Berry

Via Colori

2009-07-11T02:12:00.004-04:00

Via Colori® is the modern day expression of a centuries-old art form. This very special annual event gathers more than 100 artists in each of more than a half-dozen cities. Each artist's large scale masterpiece is sponsored by a business or individual, and is created directly on the pavement of their closed-off city streets. Each festival is a signature fundraiser, conducted annually.

Via Colori was held in Bardstown June 27 and 29.

http://www.viacolori.com/