Shady Pines Says Happy Birthday to the Man Who Invented the Light Bulb

Shady Pines Says Happy Birthday to the Man Who Invented the Light Bulb

by | Jan 31, 2023 | Shady Pines Stories, The Kindness Connection Blog

From Poor Student to Genius Inventor

Here's a story to inspire you to never give up on your dreams. 

I'm Zulah Talmadge, Editor of The Shady Pines Gazette news. Do you love your cell phone? How about movies or your digital camera? Well, we have one man to thank for those inventions and a whole lot more.

And you know what? When he was a boy a lot of people didn't think he'd amount to much. 

Instead, he grew up to be one of the greatest inventors this country has ever known. That man was Thomas Alva Edison and his birthday is  Saturday, February 11th.

We all see better in the dark because Edison invented a more efficient electric light bulb. Just try and imagine how different life was before his inventions.

Shining Light Into the Darkness

The only way families could communicate with each other was through letters, which could take weeks or even months to arrive. For light, people used candles or oil lamps, which were smoky and messy.

Edison not only invented things but he also made improvements to equipment already in use.  Way before the cell phone there was the telegraph. Edison made the machine smaller and able to send and receive four messages at time.

Those changes let people send messages quickly. In war time or emergencies, telegraphs saved lives. When the luxury oceanliner Titanic sunk in the Atlantic Ocean, it was a telegraph that alerted rescuers to the disaster.

But Edison wasn’t always a brilliant inventor.

The Young Thomas Edison

The young Thomas was a busy, curious boy who got into trouble at school. His teacher called him “addled,” which means slow or dim. That's right. They didn't think he was very smart. Edison’s mother was frustrated with the school.

Nancy Edison knew her son could learn. She decided to teach him at home instead. Her ideas worked. Before long, she had taught Edison everything she knew.

He started reading books from the library and teaching himself.

Born in Ohio, Edison's family later moved to Michigan. In 1859, he took a job selling newspapers and candy on the Grand Trunk Railroad to Detroit.

From Poor Student to Self Starter

In the baggage car of the train, Edison set up a laboratory for his chemistry experiments. At only 12 years old he was operating a printing press and started publishing the Grand Trunk Herald.

It was the first newspaper published on a train.

Unfortunately he accidentally started a fire while doing one of his chemical experiments and they kicked him off the train.

Famous Inventor Who Made American Lives Better

Thomas Edison lived a long and productive life. He submitted his last invention for patent when he was 80 years old. In all, he had 1,093 inventions.

Some of his other best known inventions include the phonograph (which recorded sounds and played them back) and the movie camera. That's right.  Every time you watch a movie you now know who made that possible.

The best thing about Thomas Edison is that he never gave up. Even when he tried something new and it didn't work out, he just kept trying until it did.

Happy Birthday to an American who inspires all of us to have faith in ourselves and know that anything is possible! 

**Please Leave A Comment Below**

6 Qualities Define Southern Hospitality in Shady Pines

6 Qualities Define Southern Hospitality in Shady Pines

by | Jan 26, 2022 | Shady Pines Stories, The Kindness Connection Blog

 Come On In And Sit A Spell

Has Covid got you cooped up for so long you've forgotten how to act around people? Here's a refresher. Southern hospitality isn't just a catchphrase, it's a way of life here in our small Southern town of Shady Pines.

I'm Edna Sanders. 

A happy family hugging their pets

I've come to realize that hospitality isn't a choice. It's more of an institution.

That's why in the Sanders' household, my husband Harold and our four-legged kids Boomer and Halley, abide by Southern rituals and customs.

You should know this goes beyond swinging on the front porch, sipping on sweet tea, and gathering

together on Sunday for a sit-down potluck supper.

While most people define Southern hospitality as being neighborly and welcoming family, friends, and, yes, even strangers into our homes.

But I just read a survey that narrowed it down to six actual qualities. Politeness and down-home cooking top the list.

You know I liked that since Edna's Kitchen is an important destination around here! Well, these are the top six characteristics of Southern hospitality that are as consistent as our famously hot summers.

1. Politeness

Despite what society says, there's still a place for manners in the South and elsewhere. Before most children are taught how to spell or how to count, they learn these few magic words: "yes, ma'am," "no, sir," "please," and "thank you." The idea is that if we're taught at a young age how to be polite, it'll carry us through the rest of our lives as adults.

And because we love company and, admittedly, talking, conversations with loved ones and guests are never rushed.

The motto of the South is "what's the hurry?" and that is certainly reflected in the way (and pace) in which we speak and engage other people.

2. Good Home Cooking

Entertaining and delicious food go hand in hand in the South. Every Southern woman knows how to whip up a warm batch of chocolate chip cookies of a peach cobbler. We make no apologies for loving our tub of lard and embracing tradition in the kitchen, often preparing time-tested recipes passed down through generations.

Our thinking in the South is that one dish is never enough, because you never know when you'll have unexpected guests or relatives for dinner.

And you can rest assured, a slow cooker or cast-iron skillet is almost always involved in cooking comforting and soul-satisfying food emblematic of the South.

 

3. Kindness

As you well know kindness and caring are vrey important to all of us here in Shady Pines Story Town. We treat our guests like they're family and ine anither with respect. As the saying goes here in the South, "There are no strangers, just friends we haven't met yet."

And we extend this kindness to everyone, forming lifelong connections and opening our homes and hearts. The most powerful gesture of kindness in the South is often a simple handshake, where a good, firm grip still goes a long way here.

 4. Helpfulness

You can forget about fixing your own plate or helping with the dishes as a guest in a Southern home. We take pride in preparing a home-cooked meal, serving company, and cleaning up once we hang up our hosting hats.

We're gracious enough to lend a hand to our neighbors, and we're always willing to offer directions if you're lost on some old back road. That is, if you don't mind hearing a few stories or settling for navigation guided by town landmarks.

5. Charm

What some deem as charming is just the natural Southern way of being kind, witty, and considerate to everyone we encounter, whether it be at the post office, grocery store, or at church. Having grace under pressure and making others feel welcome and comfortable is also part of the Southern charm.

Yes, we take our pleasantries very seriously in the South, and we hate saying goodbye to guests who come over. But eventually, we're willing to wave them off like a polite host should, with the age old promise of, "Y'all come back now, you hear?"

 

6. Charity

The golden rule in the South is to do unto others as you would have them do unto you, without expecting anything in return. Southerners don't give or dole out favors as an obligation, but we do it out of courtesy, respect, and mere habit, in hopes that you'll return again and again.

See ya next time! - Edna

Shady Pines Pumpkin Patch Adventure for Halloween Week

Shady Pines Pumpkin Patch Adventure for Halloween Week

by | Oct 26, 2021 | Breaking News, The Kindness Connection Blog

Get The Scoop from the Pumpkin Patch

Halloween week is a special time in Shady Pines. All around town people are picking out costumes and pickng up pumpkins to decorate.  Along with the explosion of fall colors and cooler weather, it's a good idea to head to the local Pumpkin Patch.

I'm Scoop, the Cub Reporter with The Shady Pines Gazette and I'm headed that way right now. My assignment is to discover why so many folks say this is one of their favorite things to do each year as a family.

One thing I've noticed is that from toddlers to teens like myself, a pumpkin patch is fun for everyone. First of all, you get some exercise and you're outside.

Good To Be Outside

And, most of these working farms are so big you don't have to worry about social distancing. At some point you will have to pay for the pumpkins you're going to take home. That puts you close to the person who checks you out. You might want to bring a mask if you're not vaccinated. Okay, I'm here. I've gotta interview people.

One mom I met told said, "If your kids don’t explore the outdoors very often, this is a great way for them to discover nature. Seeing how pumpkins grow out of the ground and are attached to vines is very educational. It helps them understand that pumpkins don't just show up at the grocery store automatically."

I can already see for myself that this is one place where children can run around and discover things for themselves. That's really important. I know I like to find those unexpected, special, moments. For instance, take a look at this shot I got. Do you see the colors of that butterfly next to the pumpkin? Being out on the farm you can just be amazed at Mother Nature. I think this kind of stuff is really cool!

I met another mom who told me, "From the second we arrived, my children ran off with smiles, but quickly, they realized how much work it was to be in a field of pumpkins. Even running took work since the vines were everywhere, waiting to trip little, toddler-sized running feet."

It turns out that not only is this a great way to spend time with the family, there are also some lessons to be learned. There aren't a whole bunch of people working the farms these days. So a lot of  kids don't realize it takes hard work to be a farmer. One young girl I met was getting a little taste of that. Just trying to push a wheelbarrow with a big 'ole pumpkin was something she hadn't done before. The other thing she said was that she didn't know pumpkins grew from tiny seeds. She also didn't realize that they come in so many shapes, sizes and colors. "It's kinda like people, isn't it?" she asked.

I have to admit, I'd never thought of that before.  It seems there are a lot of things to find in the pumpkin patch. One couple I met said they love coming out here each October. But this year it was especially important to them. "We know so many farms and other small businesses are struggling right now because of the pandemic. It was important to us to come out and support them."

Pumpkin Carving and Fun Recipes

That's reason enought for me to go home with some pumpkins of my own. I don't know about you, but our family usually has a pumpkin carving contest. Last year my dad won. It's time for me to take the title back! The other reason I need to pick up some pumpkins is to inspire my mom. Around Halloween she likes to scare up some pumpkin dishes for us. I'm talking about everything from pumpkin pies to pumpkin pancakes. Here are some recipes for you to try: PUMPKIN RECIPES

There's one more thing I want to mention.

These pumpkin patch visits make for some great family photos. Everywhere I look I'm seeing parents taking all sorts of shots.

Oh, look at the time. I've got to get back to the Gazette office. My editor, Zulah Talmadge, is probably wondering why I've been gone so long.  But this is just so darn much fun. Hope you've enjoyed it!

- Scoop out.

 

Shady Pines After The Storm

Shady Pines After The Storm

by | Aug 5, 2020 | Breaking News, The Kindness Connection Blog

The pictures tell the story. Hurricane Isaias walloped Shady Pines and then headed up north.

I'm Zulah Talmadge here at The Shady Pines Gazette news office. It has been a busy time for us covering this story ever since that storm hit us on Monday night and a heartbreaking time for many of our neighbors.

Winds topping 90 miles per hour whipped through here along with pounding rain. Tornado warnings went off constantly Monday night. It was really scary.

As a result of those high winds and water soaked ground, a lot of trees came tumbling down on cars and houses. There was rushing water on the streets and those winds tossed some cars around like they were toys.

To the east of us in River City, boats that are normally all safe and securely tied to their docks, wound up on top of one another.

Tens of thousands of people across our state lost power. Crews are still working hard to get the lights back on for everyone.

Then, after all it did around here, that blasted Isaias took its mischief up the east coast. Don't you know some of the same things happened to towns and cities up there? I'm telling you, even though the storm was downgraded to a Tropical Storm and not a Hurricane, it still did a whole lot of damage.

You can see that 'ole Isaias ripped up a lot of folks' homes. Even houses made of brick couldn't stand up to those winds. You just know it's going to take a good long time before these homes will be fit for people to live in again.

And it wasn't just houses. A whole lot of businesses were damaged, too.

Just when so many of us are struggling to make ends meet because of the pandemic, the storm just came at such a bad time. Not that there's ever a good time for a storm of destruction, but the timing of this one seems especially unfair.

One thing I can say at a time like this is that we all need to pull together to help one another. People are havig to clean up and clear out furniture, clothes, and all sorts of stuff that were soaked. Some things may have to be replaced.

This is when all of us need to rely on others to help us out when it's too much to do by ourselves. There's nothing wrong with that. It's OK to ask for help when you need it.

Here is Shady Pines our neighbors have already been out and about dealing with trees that fell down. They got together to pull those trees upright and secure them with strong, thick, ties that they wrapped around stakes in the ground. That should give the trees time to grow strong roots in case of another strong storm.

Meanwhile, Harold Sanders who owns the Nuts 'N Bolts hardware store downtown, is doing a different kind of raising. He's talking to folks who gather at the soda fountain in his store about starting a fundraiser. He wants to raise money for some of our neighbors who did have damage to their homes.

That soda fountain is a really good place to spread the word and get something going. People of all ages go there not only for a cool drink or dessert, but also to hear Harold tell stories. Take it from me, he can tell some whoppers that'll have you laughing in no time.

Harold is also a very kind man who loves this commuity. 

And, taking care of one another is important to all of us who live here in Shady Pines Story Town. You never know when you, or someone you know, may need help.

What are some things you can think of to do to help your neighbors who might have been hit hard by this storm? Tell us your ideas in the comment section below.

Until next time, Zulah out!

Doggone Hot in Shady Pines

Doggone Hot in Shady Pines

by | Jun 24, 2020 | Shady Pines Stories, The Kindness Connection Blog

BEATING THE HEAT WITH SUMMERTIME FUN

The curtains move gently from the open windows in the Sanders house on Dogwood Drive.

Big ‘ole fans in the ceiling whirr ‘round and ‘round, and a little more of a summer breeze sure would be welcome. It’s another hot, humid day in Shady Pines.

In the kitchen, Edna Sanders pops her latest batch of chocolate chip cookies from the oven. "Perfect for desert," she thinks. Next, she looks through her favorite recipes. “Oh, fiddlesticks. It’s hard to come up with ideas when it’s this hot,” Edna mutters under her breath. “I have no clue what to make for supper.”

Boomerang, the Australian Shepherd dog, lies on the cool tile floor, gently panting.

Edna gets up to put more water in his bowl. “It already feels like the dog days of summer, doesn't it, Boomer? It's tough on you with your beautiful thick coat." As she leans down to pat him, Edna thinks about her cat, Halley’s Comet.

“I wonder where she is,” says Edna. “By golly, I might know. She makes her way down the hall to the bathroom near the front door. Edna quietly pushes the door open and sees the grey and white cat wrapped up in a ball sleeping in the sink. “She’s so smart. That’s probably the coolest place she could find.”

Just then, Edna has one of her ideas. “Ooooh, that just might work. I need to call Harold.”

Edna’s husband, Harold Sanders, is at work at his Nuts ‘N Bolts hardware store downtown. On Saturday the store closes at noon. Right now, Harold is walking up and down the isles with a clipboard checking supplies. “I can always tell when there’s a heat spell,” he thinks to himself. “We sure sell a lot of fans, garden hoses, wall thermometers, and those sorts of things.”

As he makes notes on what to re-order, his cell phone rings. “Hi Honey, what’s up?”

Edna is happy she reached him. “Harold, I have an idea.”

Harold sits down. “Oh, boy. It’s not going to be like the last time, is it?”

Edna frowns. “Harold Sanders. You know perfectly well the bake-off worked out just fine in the end.”

Harold chuckles. “Yes, but the repairs to the stove and the new fire alarm units were a bit – unexpected.”

Edna shrugs. “Yes, well, this is not that. What do you say we get the kiddie pool from the garage and let Boomer and Halley play in the water to cool off?”

That’s something Harold hadn’t considered. “Huh. OK. Except, do you really think Halley will go for this? I mean, she is a cat after all.”

“Don’t you worry. I have a plan, ”Edna says.

Harold shakes his head. “All right. We’ll give it a shot. I’ll be home soon.”

Edna is excited. “Great. I’ll get everything ready. It’ll be fun. You’ll see!”

Harold stares at the phone. “Uh-huh. Love you.”

Edna smiles and says, “Love you, too.”

                           DRINK LIQUIDS ON A HOT DAY

Oh, boy. There are things to do. Edna makes a list. First, she’ll make some lemonade. Besides water, one can never have too many cold drinks available on a day like this.

Cold. That’s it. “Next, I’ll whip up a pasta salad with vegetables and some of that leftover roast chicken from last night. I can put in the refrigerator until we need it. “Boomer, buddy, I just figured out dinner. Plus, you and Halley can have some of the chicken, too!”

Boomer wags his tail and barks. Sounds good to him.

As soon as the drinks and the big bowl of pasta salad are finished, Edna moves on to the next step.

She hesitates for a moment. “Maybe I should put on my swim suit. No, I'll just change into some shorts and a tee-shirt.”

Later, as she heads for the door leading from the kitchen to the back yard, Edna makes sure that the doggie door is open. Halley! Boomer and I are going outside! C’mon Boom.”

Boomer can’t resist shouting. “C’mon, Halley. You snooze you lose!”

Halley is already on her way. The noise and smells from the kitchen had gotten her attention. “Oh, for goodness sakes, you overgrown fur ball, I can hear you.”

The Sanders backyard is fenced with big, beautiful shade trees and lots of grass. Edna is especially proud of her flower garden with its different kinds of roses. But right now, Edna is looking for the hose. She wants to make sure it is hooked up and ready to go.

“We’ll need this to fill up the kiddie pool once Harold hauls it out here for us.”

Boomer scouts the backyard, trying to find the bone he buried. Halley watches a squirrel that is eating nuts up on one of the lower branches of the tree near the house.

“Halley, do you remember where I put that bone?” asks Boomer.

“Pipe down will you, Boomer?” hisses Halley. “The bone's in your mouth. Can’t you see I’ve got a bead on this critter?”

Boomer comes flying. “What critter?” When the squirrel sees the dog running, it races away.

Halley gives him one of her looks. “Really? You didn’t see the squirrel?” Boomer grins at her. “Nope.”

Meanwhile, Edna untangles the hose. “Oh, good it already has a nozzle on it.”Bored with Halley, Boomerang wants to see what Edna is doing. “I’m going over there.” Halley will not be left behind. “Me, too.”Edna sets the nozzle down and goes to turn on the water. “OK kids. Let’s make sure it’s working, shall we?” Edna turns the water on full force just as Boomer arrives and sniffs the nozzle. Halley is close behind. In a matter of seconds, water is rushing through the hose with a lot of power.

There’s just one problem. Edna didn’t realize the nozzle was locked in the open position. Before you could yell, “there she blows,” the nozzle takes off like a rocket, snakes around in the air in a crazy, whirly, swirly, whirlwind and sprays water in every direction.

OUT OF CONTROL!

Edna tries to grab it but misses. Water is spraying in every direction. The only thing Edna can do is scurry back and turn off the water.

All she remembers hearing is the loud barking of a dog and a cat screaming.

That’s when Harold arrives. He bursts through the back door and surveys the scene. His wife is drenched from head to toe, his dog is sopping wet and hiding in the bushes. His cat is up in the tree trying desperately to lick herself dry.

“Edna, honey, are you OK?”

Edna pushes wet hair out of her eyes. Her tee-shirt and shorts drip with water, and her flip flops splish and splosh as she walks towards him. “I don’t think we’ll need the kiddie pool just yet.”

“I think you’re right!” He walks over to Boomerang and puts out his hand. “Boomer. Boy. Come here. You’re OK.”

Two, big, brown eyes blink and look out from the brush. Slowly Boomerang comes out of hiding and puts his head into Harold’s hands.

“Oh, my,” says Harold in a soothing voice. “You’re fine, big boy. You’re fine.”

Halley looks down from her perch. “You’re a mess, Boomer. But you’re not hurt, are you?”

Boomer looks up and sees her way up in the tree. “I’m OK. But this shows you are the ultimate scaredy cat.”

“Am not.”

“Are, too.”

Edna joins in. “Oh Boomer, I’m so sorry I scared you. You, too, Halley,” she calls out. “Harold, we’re gonna need a bunch of towels, and a whole lot of tuna if we expect to get Halley out of that darn tree!”

It’s late afternoon now and the shadows in the backyard grow longer. A nice breeze causes the wind chime made of spoons to sing. The wooden table with blue and red checkered napkins is set. Here we find Harold and Edna enjoying their pasta salad, crusty bread, and sipping on lemonade.

Two bowls are set out on placemats on the ground. One bowl says, Boomer and the other says, Halley. Both are filled with their regular dry food, plus a few pieces of chicken.

“Mine has more than yours,” says Boomer.

“Does not,” says Halley.

“Does, too.”

Harold is relaxed for the first time. Edna has changed into a short-sleeved summer dress. Harold figures it’s safe to ask. “So, exactly what did happen with the hose?”

“Well, it all started when…,” Edna begins. Boomer is lying in the shade, chewing on a new bone, and Halley snoozes in the seat of a lawn chair on a lovely evening in the small Southern town of Shady Pines.

***WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO STAY COOL THIS SUMMER? LET US KNOW IN THE COMMENT SECTION BELOW!