Absolutely Andalusia-Summer 2023

Home Cooking for the World

Brenda Gantt’s lifetime of cooking experience becomes an overnight sensation on the internet

Sew Nice

Babette Koetje makes unique creations in embroidery, monogramming

Keeping It Reel

Jonathan Short keeps athletes in spotlight with his camera

‘Shepherding Outdoors’

Walt Merrell shares stories of faith and fatherhood in book series

about ABSOLUTELY ANDALUSIA

Absolutely Andalusia is published quarterly by Andalusia Newspapers, Inc., P.O. 430, Andalusia, AL 36420. All contents herein are the sole property of Andalusia Newspapers, Inc (the Publisher). No part of this periodical may be reproduced without written permission from the Publisher. Please address all correspondence (including but not limited to letters, story ideas and requests to reprint materials) to: Publisher, Absolutely Andalusia, P.O. Box 430, Andalusia, AL 36420. Advertising inquiries may be made by calling 334-222-2402.

STAFF

PUBLISHER ROBERT BLANKENSHIP robert.blankenship@andalusiastarnews.com

STAFF WRITER

ZACK MAIO zack.maio@andalusiastarnews.com

ADVERTISING RUCK ASHWORTH ruck.ashworth@andalusiastarnews.com

JAKELYN CARTER jakelyn.carter@andalusiastarnews.com

CIRCULATION CHRIS HALFORD chris.halford@andalusiastarnews.com

OFFICE MANAGER

LISA EISENBERGER lisa.eisenberger@andalusiastarnews.com

ON THE COVER

Brenda Gantt makes fruit pies from scratch and drips the delectable icing over the finished product.

PHOTO BY ZACK MAIO

Babette Koetje makes unique creations in embroidery, monogramming

Brenda Gantt becomes national cooking sensation with online videos

Jonathan Short helps put local athletes in spotlight

Recipe: Herb Cheese-Stuffed Garlic Burgers

Walt Merrell combines the great outdoors with stories of faith and fatherhood in “Shepherding Outdoors”

Sew Nice

Babette Koetje makes unique creations in embroidery and monogramming business

Story & PhotoS by Zack Maio

BBabette Koetje combined her love and passion for embroidery and monogramming with the architecture of her iconic home into one and launched her own business called Log Cabin Embroidery, Monogramming, and More.

Born and raised in the western United States, she fell in love with Andalusia while she and her husband Marty were traveling across country in their motor home.

“There are so many options on what can be done and how to embellish someone’s home and personal items. I decided to make my services available to others, so they can also enjoy embroidered and monogrammed items. Having the opportunity to work with these machines means I can create many personal items from clothing to just about anything. This is why I say, if you can imagine it, it can most likely be done,” Koetje said.

She uses sewing machines, embroidery machines, and sergers with unlimited abilities. She does not own any industrial machines but stated she may add those in the future.

“Doing machine embroidery is an amazing process. It is mesmerizing watching these machines do their work. I am always in awe and wish there was more time in a day and more of me, so I can complete some of my ideas. Typically, when you purchase one of these machines that can do embroidery and monogramming, the retailer has classes to show you how to use your machine. I purchased my first embroidery sewing machine around 2005 and had an old Singer sewing machine purchased for me in 1971,” she said.

Koetje first began her business in 2018 when it was known as Babette’s Stitchery at Gantt Lake. When they moved, she changed the name to Log Cabin Embroidery, Monogramming and More and invested in the LLC, which

opened in May 2022. She currently offers general alterations, custom clothing, quilts, and other projects.

“I can do formals, but it is very demanding and time-consuming. It requires fittings throughout the alterations process. Find a pattern you like, bring it to me, and let’s sit down and see what you want. I don’t pick out fabrics and supplies, so the client needs to pick those things out to fit his or her

personal taste in color and textures. I perform alterations on all types of clothing including pants, dresses, and shirts. I will do alterations on formal gowns. In a pinch for my clients, I will see what I can do for a bridal gown, but I do believe wholeheartedly, if it’s new, the store it was purchased from needs to be the one to do the alterations.”

Koetje added that she has made many memory quilts from t-shirts and sweatshirts.

“This is a fun process. These quilts reflect the client’s life story. I use as much of the scraps as possible and embellish with embroidery if needed to make it all fit into place. When I make these quilts or any custom quilts, I work with the client throughout the process. Sometimes, clients have a project they need completed and don’t quite know how to begin or complete the project. Bring your ideas, and I will see if it is within my realm of skills.”

According to Koetje, the time required for each type of project is different. Pickup and delivery services for alterations are available for those unable to leave their homes and subject to a nominal fee.

“Depending on the size and what it is the client wants, quilts may take hours, days, or weeks. I generally use a 40-hour standard time I use for one quilt, but that varies immensely on the type and style and if it gets quilted after pieces together. Each quilt is different and one of a kind. Alterations are done fairly quickly. If I don’t have a backup of client projects, I work on it right away and have been known to be in my shop until 2 a.m. working on a homecoming gown. Custom clothing takes a bit longer depending on what the project is. I generally make a mock item from the pattern to see if it needs to be increased or decreased in size since paper pattern sizes differ so much from store bought on the rack sizes.”

As a one-person shop, she offers services out of her leisure sewing room on her property.

“I am in the south end of Andalusia right on Highway 29. I have clients from Florida and Alabama that stop and see what I have. I also have made quilts and embroidery monogramming that ship across the country,” Koetje said.

Although she enjoys sewing, difficulty can sometimes arise with select materials.

Koetje prepares to alter a client’s piece using one of the embroidery sewing machines in her shop.

Koetje reviews a pattern during the planning stage of her next assignment.

“Denim is the hardest fabric to sew or hem as in jeans. I typically won’t use really heavy fabrics with my machines. I don’t like to risk the welfare of them.”

She and her husband previously lived in California, Arizona, Oregon, and Washington and have resided in their log cabin home just over two years.

“I retired from The Boeing Company in Renton, Washington, in 2017 after 25 years of being a fuel tank sealer in Boeing aircraft. I worked in 737, 757, and 767 wings in both Renton and Everett, Washington. Family within the Florida Panhandle was our motivation to settle in the South. We have accomplished a few changes with our home, and I decided to use the landmark in my name, so others can associate it with the area,” Koetje said.

Log Cabin Embroidery, Monogramming and More is located at 15559 U.S. Highway 29 outside of Andalusia. Hours of operation

are Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and other days by appointment only.

“If you call me and need me, I will accommodate your schedule. These days and hours are adjustable, and over time, if the need arises, I will increase them. Come see me, and let’s get to know you and your projects. If you can imagine it, we can most likely put something together for you.”

Koetje is a military veteran and served eight years in the Army Reserves. When she is not sewing, embroidering, or monogramming, her hobbies include hunting and enjoying nature. She and her husband Marty will celebrate 33 years of marriage in July. They are the parents of three children, grandparents to nine grandchildren, and have one great-grandson.

For more information call or text Babette Koetje at 334-8922757 or visit Log Cabin Embroidery, Monogramming, and More on Facebook. n

Koetje was inspired by the architecture of her log cabin home that she named her embroidery and monogramming business after it.

Home Cooking for the World

Brenda Gantt comes full circle in kitchen after cooking video goes viral

Story and PhotoS by Zack Maio

BBrenda Gantt’s childhood love for cooking as her mother’s assistant led her to become an Internet sensation where she passes along stories steeped in tradition and kitchen skills to a very large audience.

Growing up in a family of cooks, her upbringing led to opportunity and stardom in the spring of 2020 when her Facebook video, intended to teach others how to make homemade biscuits, went viral. Since then, the Southern grandmother has accumulated 3.5 million followers and a perfect 5-star rating on her Cooking with Brenda Gantt Facebook page.

“I grew up cooking. I’ve never had any sort of culinary training. I grew up in the kitchen. My grandmothers on both sides of the family cooked huge country meals at noontime each day. The menfolk seemed to be always hungry after a long morning of working in the fields. They were ready for good food and a short nap before heading back to work.

I was usually attached to one of my grandmother’s hips, watching every move,” Gantt said.

Her grandmothers were not the only ones to inspire her in the kitchen.

“I’ve had other great teachers, too. George’s momma, Edra Gantt, was a fantastic cook. She was the one that taught me how to make jelly. One year, early on in our marriage, George and I made nearly a hundred pints of blackberry jelly, all from the recipe Edra taught me how to make. I guess we were excited that we had learned how to make jelly. Y’all, that was enough jelly to last us a lifetime. The kitchen lessons that Edra, my grandmothers, and others have taught me have lasted a whole lot longer than those jars of jellies lasted.”

Gantt remembers her mother as the one in the kitchen the most.

“She married Daddy when she was only 17, and she knew

nothing about cooking whatsoever. Daddy’s mama, Bertha (my grandmother), and my Aunt Hattie Bee took Momma under their wings and taught her everything they knew. Then, she taught me, and Momma turned out to be a marvelous cook. Even in her last years - she died at age 85 - she would put on a spread of food fit for a king,” she said. She spent time with her mother in the kitchen as long as she could remember.

“Stirring a pot, breaking an egg, setting the table, and cleaning up messes, she always had something constructive in the kitchen for me to do. That’s how I learned to cook. That’s how I learned to make a biscuit. That’s what I try to get people to do. For all you mommas out there, don’t run your children out of the kitchen. Keep them under your wing while you cook. Let them mess up. Let them spill something. Let them break something. Soon

enough, they will get it right more than they get it wrong. That’s how we all learn.”

Gantt recalled a story when she and George lived in their first apartment.

“It was a little two-story apartment at Abrams Court in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. There was a train track about 25 feet behind our apartment, and the whole building rumbled when the train came by. We had an aquarium for entertainment because we were too poor to have a television, and we had one of those little bitty refrigerators for our food. I remember I was so excited the first time I went to buy groceries. George was excited at the thought of a big mess of turnips, but, boy, would we both be surprised before the day was over. You know, I wasn’t always successful in the kitchen. In fact, I still mess up from time to time today. George would have certainly testified to that.”

She put the turnips in the pot

and thought she had cooked them up nicely.

“The hot, crunchy cornbread was ready. George was smacking his lips awaiting his first bite of some good, fresh greens and corn bread. Oh, glory! George chomped on that first bite and had a mouthful of grit and sand. I had forgotten to wash the turnips. All we could do at that point was laugh. Life is too short to pitch a fit, so we ate cornbread and felt blessed to have that.”

Even with the opportunity to eat at nice restaurants and fine culinary establishments, Gantt still prefers a home-cooked meal.

“When we go out to eat, I still find myself thinking, ‘I’d rather be at someone’s table.’ Home-cooked meals taste better to me. Maybe the best ingredient for a meal is the heart that goes into it, and maybe that’s why home-cooked meals are so good to me. I also like the fellowship that comes from eating at home. My second

Brenda Gantt has written two cookbooks that are filled with many of her homemade recipes.

cookbook, ‘Linger Around the Table, Y’all’ is all about the value that comes from family and friends breaking bread together. That’s why George and I loved to entertain and cook for other folks. It was as much about the fellowship as it was about the food,” she said.

She added that her father and George were both into grilling.

“My Daddy would grill big Boston butts and other meats. He loved that hickory-smoked flavor. He always grilled with real wood… never charcoal. George loved smoked meat, too and did most of the grilling in our home. I sometimes might could talk him into putting a few vegetables on, too.”

Gantt also prefers home-cooked meals and grilling over pre-made meals.

“I just don’t know what all they put into those ready-made meals. I don’t want ‘just add water’ meals either. I’m sure they are fine, but I like to pick my ingredients. That way, I know it’s going to be good, and it will be healthy. The trouble is, people are leaning more to those easy made meals because they are just that— easy. I’m trying to teach people that once you learn a few basic things about cooking, that cooking homemade meals is just as easy, too.”

One of her favorite summer activities is making homemade ice cream.

“One of my grandchildren’s favorite treats is homemade ice cream. I know when I am long gone, they will reminisce about ‘when Big Momma made us homemade ice cream.’ Your kids will, too, and it is so easy to make and is so much cheaper than store-bought ice cream. How do I know? I remember when I was in first grade, and we lived in Circlewood in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Every Saturday, every family on our street would go out to the end of their driveway with an old-fashioned ice cream freezer that had to be turned with a crank. Us children were in charge of ‘cranking.’ One of us would sit on a towel on the top of the freezer to hold it steady. Another child would turn the crank. We took turns crank-

ing because we thought our arms might fall off, but our arms never got too tired to hold a coffee cup and a spoon. When all the freezers were ready, we would race up and down the street tasting all the different flavors: banana, strawberry, chocolate, vanilla, black walnut, and caramel. Heck, the adults went from freezer to freezer, too. They would sit in lawn chairs eating ice cream until night fell. Mosquitoes seemed to drive us all into our house until the next Saturday,” Gantt said.

Another one of Gantt’s summer memories is going to a location in Tuscaloosa she referred to as Queen City.

“They had a big pool and a picnic area with some tables. The area was fenced with some trees, and my mother would take my cousins and me there along with any friends from the neighborhood. She would fix us a big picnic with peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and bologna sandwiches and chips. It was a lot of fun; in the summertime, it’s good to get out as

much as possible eating ice cream or watermelon.”

After having a family of her own, she tried to continue the tradition her mother taught her.

“Because I was a teacher, I didn’t work during the summer, so I took my children to Point A when they were little. Just like my momma taught me, we packed a simple lunch and went swimming and played all day long until it was time to come back to start supper for when George got home. Now, my daughter, Hannah, does the same things with her kids. That family mealtime is just so important,” she said.

Although Gantt never planned for cooking to bring her fame, she embraces the stardom.

“This is a God thing. After George died, I prayed and prayed God would show me what my purpose was in his absence. I had always been a teacher, and I prayed often God would make a way for me to teach others in this

When she is not in the kitchen cooking, one of Brenda Gantt’s favorite pastimes is collecting antiques that are displayed near her kitchen.

season of my life. Then, someone asked me how to make biscuits, but I don’t think of myself as famous. I am just a teacher with a lot of students. I am happy to hug necks and say, ‘Hey, y’all’ to folks when I see them around town. At the end of the day, I am still just Brenda trying to figure out what God wants of me next.”

Originally from Tuscaloosa, she made her way to the southern part of the state and has called Andalusia home since 1975.

“George, my late husband, grew up in Andalusia. He was born in the old Andalusia Hospital. I first met George at college at what was then called Livingston State. I remember him with his Buffalo Sandals, Hawaiian shirt, and cutoff blue jeans. I knew from that moment he was going to be mine. He was as cute as a speckled puppy. He tried to kiss me on our first date, but I wouldn’t do it. He won me over, and meeting him was the best thing that ever happened in my life,” Gantt said.

The couple lived in Linden, Alabama, as newlyweds, but moved home to Andalusia 45 years ago in 1975.

“Our children, Dallas and Hannah, were babies at the time. They were raised right here in Andalusia. All the memories they hold so dear were made right here. All of our family memories are here. I taught school, and George worked with the ABC Board. Hannah was a cheerleader, and Dallas played football. Andalusia is a special place. There aren’t many communities (notice, I didn’t say towns… there aren’t many communities like Andalusia anymore. I say community because that is what we are. We are one big family and a community of people who look out after each other. Now, I get to show the world a little bit of what Andalusia looks like.”

When she is not in the kitchen, she attends Bethany Baptist Church and spends time gardening and collecting antiques.

“I’m a big plant person, and I like to be in the yard. I like how dirt smells, and I love to grow veg-

etables and flowers. I love tending to the wildflowers with Hannah and Walt and their girls, and I still cut my own grass. I’m 76 years old, and I’ve always said, ‘If you want to die when you retire, just sit down and do nothing.’ Well, not me. George and I started the Cottle House Bed and Breakfast in 1996, and I still run it to this day. I even cook for my guests three times a week. I also spend a lot of time at or with church.

I go to line dancing classes, and we even have a few line dancing shows every once in a while, too. I do enjoy my grandchildren who have become my life,” Gantt said. Gantt was previously a teacher for 25 years, with 24 of those years in Andalusia.

“I am a science teacher. I taught at Andalusia Middle School, Church Street, and East Three Notch. I taught mostly fifth graders, and I loved those years I had a classroom with a handson science lab. I’ll never forget that time we caught a snake in the schoolyard and then put it in the terrarium. The kids loved it. Of course, it was a garter snake and wouldn’t hurt a fly, but I still didn’t tell anyone when I came in one morning a few weeks later and realized he had escaped. I still have students from years ago who stop me in the grocery store or the post office and remind me I was their teacher. It warms my heart to know they remember,” she said.

Gantt does not have a favorite celebrity chef and models her cooking after her mother.

“Somebody else is chopping up vegetables for most of those celebrity chefs. They tell other people to do all of the hands-on work, and the television studio decides what they are going to cook. I do my own thing, and I cook the things I like and don’t

copy anybody. The only one I’d copy would be my mother who has passed on, so I guess if I had to pick the celebrity chef I like the most, it would be my Momma. My favorite chef is that young woman who doesn’t really know how to cook much, and she just spent a couple of hours learning and trying. She put a meal on the table for her husband and family. Maybe it’s not perfect, but I know it will be good. What makes her a celebrity to me is that she tried, she learned, and she made the meal with heart. She is my superstar whoever she is.”

Brenda and George were married for 50 years before he passed away in 2018 at the age of 72. They are the parents of Dallas (Anna) Gantt and Hannah (Walt) Merrell with five grandchildren: Isabella Gantt, William Gantt, Bay Merrell, Cape Merrell, and Banks Merrell.

For more information, visit her Facebook page at Cooking with Brenda Gantt. n

Brenda Gantt loves being in the kitchen and sharing her stories with a large Facebook audience. One of her favorite desserts to make is fruit pies from scratch.’

Keeping It Reel

Story & PhotoS by Zack Maio

Jonathan Short keeps athletes in spotlight with highlights and clips

JJonathan Short usually finds himself behind the scenes, but his passion for capturing sports highlights in the local community has brought him to the front of the camera with Nxt Up Nation.

He decided to become a videographer in order to provide exposure for local athletes.

“There is a lot of talent in our area that deserves recognition. I wanted to give these kids a chance that I never had in my high school days and what better way to do it than with a video-based platform. It’s something that has never been done here,” Short said.

His favorite part is helping student athletes pursue their favorite sports in the future.

“I really enjoy capturing the plays of the night, the dunks, the touchdowns, and more, but the opportunity to get our student athletes to the next level with the proper exposure is what I enjoy the most. I can’t put in the work for them or do their classroom work. I can’t spend countless hours in the gym and on the field, but I can be there for them. When I show up to their games, I capture their highlights and their sportsmanship, character, and the way they carry themselves when things aren’t going their way. These things make them a true athlete. At the end of the day, if I can give the kids a chance I, along with many others, never had, then I will be content.”

In addition to sports videography, Short also makes cinematic videos with his drone.

“I have also done photography for different clients whether that be sports-related, portraits, car photography, etc. I am currently in the process of filming a small documentary right now. I am soon looking to start shooting commercials for businesses in our area. I really enjoy the drone videos because it is a big change of pace for me versus the sports videos. It is night versus day,” he said.

He added that he is self-taught through countless hours of online research.

“I credit a lot of my learning to YouTube. A lot has also come from trial and error, which is sometimes the best way to learn. Go film any game and miss the play due to user error or equipment malfunction, and see if you ever let it happen again. I have learned the hard way. There is a lot to learn out there as long as you’re willing to put the hours in.”

Short called it a true blessing to be able to work with and highlight local athletes.

“To see kids from this area take pride in their hard work as well as their school and community brings me a sense of joy. I want to help put these athletes on the map. I want colleges to look at my videos of our athletes and see exactly what they’re offering in all aspects of the game. I feel like I have a responsibility to help these local schools and student athletes as much as I can.”

Short is a proud 2019 Red Level graduate who strives to capture high school athletes giving it their all at the sports they love.

He currently captures highlights and makes videos with the Sony A6400.

“This is a very good entry-level camera that can shoot in a very high 4K resolution. It also has the capability to shoot in 60 and 120 frames per second, which comes in handy when wanting to slow some of the footage down. My primary lens is a Sony 18-105 with a constant aperture of F4. That is very useful for having to constantly zooming in and out. I don’t have the worry about adjusting the lighting with a fixed aperture. I am looking to upgrade all of my gear to provide a higher quality video for my viewers soon and also make it easier on me with a better camera and lens,” Short said.

He works around his full-time job in order to find time for videography.

“I try to cover as many schools and athletes as possible. I have to leave work early to make some games the majority of the time.

I cover as much as possible, and if I have the ability to be there, I will be there. There is no set limit for me.”

He chose the name Nxt Up Nation because he wanted it to be catchy and sports- related.

“Many have asked me where the name came from, and to be completely honest, it was something I came up with one night when I first started all this two years ago. NxtUpNation to me means who is next up. The opportunities are out there. Put the work in. Why not you?”

While most of his videos are produced on the fly, some take time to come together.

“Many of my videos are run-and-gun videos. Some of my other videos such as private workout sessions are planned out days in advance, and I have the chance to go in with ideas in mind. You never know what to expect when filming games. It can take anywhere from a day to a week from filming a game

Short developed most of his videography skills from YouTube and launched Nxt Up Nation in the area.

to uploading and editing. It all depends if I am behind on some videos, work, and other things. I am a one-man crew and operate on my own. It is a big task to take on by myself, but I get it done. I have rushed on some videos and wasn’t satisfied with them, so I feel like the ones I take my time with are ones that are more enjoyable to watch. A good video typically takes me about three days,” he said.

He currently promotes Nxt Up Nation through Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.

“I look forward to also uploading on Twitter soon. I usually average 2,000 to 5,000 views on all social media platforms, but I have some videos on TikTok that surpass tens of thousands of views with some doing numbers in the 250,000 to 600,000 views range.”

Although Short has dreams of becoming a videographer/ content creator for college and professional teams one day, he strives to grow more locally.

“At the same time, I still want NxtUpNation to be thriving. I want to have a full team of videographers and editors doing what I do now but on a much larger scale. I would love to make a lifelong career out of videography and content creation.”

A 2019 Red Level High School alumnus and LBWCC MacArthur graduate, he is the son of Brandon and Janie Short of Loango with a younger brother, Braydon.

He credited his family, friends, and the community for helping him reach this point.

“I would like to thank my

mom, dad, and brother for being very supportive of me and NxtUpNation. Thanks to all my friends who support me and always want to see me succeed. Thanks to all the schools and coaches who have welcomed me with open arms. To those that have denied me coming to schools, I hope by now you know I am offering you and your athletes an opportunity they have not had. I am not asking for anything in return and only want what’s best for our students and athletes. To all the parents, thank you for allowing me to help your child showcase their talent on a platform that will only help them and leave a positive impact. To the younger kids that may be seeing this, work as hard in the classroom as you do in the gym and field. If you put the work in, results will come. Do not give up on yourself. Lastly, I would like to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Without Him, none of this would be possible,” Short said.

For more information email nxtupnation1@gmail.com or call 334-542-3127. n

FOOD

Summer time is often when people bond in the backyard over hamburgers and hot dogs. Backyard grilling season begins in spring and continues through summer and, at least here in the South, into fall. Grill-outs allow for the perfect summertime soiree, as they are usually laid back affairs and make use of the pleasant weather.

While it’s fun to expand your culinary horizons over the open flame of a grill, it’s important that you never forget the basics, especially when entertaining crowds who are no doubt looking forward to grilled burgers. Giving the masses what they want is good hosting, but you can still try your hand at a little experimentation when serving burgers at your next backyard event.

The following recipe for “Herb Cheese-Stuffed Garlic Burgers” from Andrew Schloss’ and David Joachim’s “Mastering the Grill” (Chronicle Books) provides the best of both worlds. n

Herb Cheese-Stuffed Garlic Burgers

Ingredients

2 pounds ground beef chuck, 85 percent lean

2 tablespoons chopped garlic

1⁄2 teaspoon kosher salt

1⁄4 teaspoon ground black pepper

3 tablespoons herbed garlic cream cheese, such as Boursin

6 hamburger buns, split

Oil for coating grill grate

The Grill

Gas: Direct heat, medium-high 425 F to 450 F; clean, oiled grate

Charcoal: Direct heat, light ash; 12-by12-inch charcoal bed (about 3 dozen coals); clean, oiled grate on lowest setting

Wood: Direct heat, light ash; 12-by-12inch bed, 3 to 4 inches deep; clean, oiled grate set 2 inches above the fire.

Preparation

1. Heat the grill as directed.

2. Using your hands, mix the beef, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl until well blended; do not overmix. Using a light touch, form into 12 patties no more than 1⁄2-inch thick.

3. Put a portion (about 11⁄2 teaspoons) of cream cheese in the center of each of the 6 patties; top with the remaining patties and press together, taking care to seal the edges well. Refrigerate the burgers until the grill is ready.

4. Brush the grill grate and coat it with oil. Put the burgers on the grill, cover and cook for 9 minutes, flipping after 5 minutes, for medium-done (150 F, slightly pink). Add a minute per side for well-done (160 F).

5. To toast the buns, put them cut-sides down directly over the fire for the last minute of cooking.

6. If serving the burgers directly from the grill, serve on the buns. If the burgers will sit, even for a few minutes, keep the buns and burgers separate until just before eating.

(Do you have a family recipe you would like to share with Absolutely Andalusia? Contact us at 334-222-2402.)

‘Shepherding Outdoors’

Walt Merrell shares stories of fatherhood in book series

MMany people across Covington County know Walt Merrell as the district attorney, but he is also an author with three books under his belt, including his latest that was released in July.

Merrell’s books are each part of an ongoing series, “Shepherding Outdoors,” and are filled with stories about connecting with his three daughters — Bay, Cape, and Banks — in the digital age and overcoming the challenges facing today’s parents. His latest title, “Shepherding Outdoors: Three Dog Days,” continues Merrell’s stories about his outdoor adventures with his daughters and the memories and bonds they have created along the way.

The series of books began when Merrell was facing health issues and the realization that he might not always be around for his family. He found that writing messages and memories was one way for him to cope with the situation and to organize his thoughts in a way that could be shared with his daughters.

“In 2015, a tumor was found behind my eye and I was diagnosed with terminal sarcoma. I was told I had two years to live. At that time, I started writing everything down that I wanted my girls to know, including writing many of the memories I have of the things we had done together. Writing became a part of my life at that point,” Merrell said.

Over the next few years, Merrell underwent rigorous treatments and surgeries, ultimately traveling to Emory Hospital to have the tumor removed. Once removed, it was determined the tumor was not cancerous. “To me, it was a miracle,” Merrell said.

While that health scare was behind him, his habit of writing only grew and he began thinking about what he would do with the many stories he had compiled for his daughters.

“The stories sat dormant for a few years, but I just kept

thinking that surely there was a purpose for it all,” Merrell said.

Having been involved in men’s ministries for a number of years, Merrell moved to family ministry and decided to focus his writing efforts along those lines as a way of helping families connect at a time when children’s lives are filled with outside distractions and parents’ voices are often muffled. He found the outdoors to be the best place to quiet the noise and grow stronger bonds with his children.

“Shepherding Outdoors isn’t just the name of the books, but part of a ministry. The name is exactly what it says. As parents, especially as fathers, we are shepherds of our flocks. Because I have three girls, I sometimes found it hard to relate to them as their father. I did a lot of praying and soul searching about how I could become more relevant in their lives. I finally realized being outside is a great common denominator.”

With a large body of work compiled over the course of several years, Merrell decided to share them with the hope of

helping other families experiencing the same dilemmas.

“As parents we are always competing with technology for their children’s attention. I felt like I was losing relevance, but that is where the outdoors came into play,” he said.

His books tell the stories about Merrell’s outdoor adventures with his family and the lessons they learn along the way. Through these outdoor excursions, the Merrells learn together valuable lessons about family, religion, and nature. All the while building lasting memories and stronger connections to one another.

While the Merrells’ outdoor adventures have taken them to many locations, he is quick to point out that some of the best memories have been made within a short drive from their home. “If you ever been to Open Pond, you know there is no cell service. I always joke that Taylor Swift doesn’t go camping with us … because where we go has no cell service. It takes the competition and distractions out of the picture,” he said.

He also confesses that specific experience isn’t always a requirement.

“The first time I took my girls kayaking, I had never been in a kayak before. We turned over and dumped everything out into the river. At the moment I was embarrassed and felt stupid. I did that with my daughter, Bay, and to this day she talks about that trip with great fondness. I try to remind dads that our children don’t know that we’re not experts, they just know we are investing in them and making memories,” Merrell said.

Those mistakes are all a part of the process and perfection is not a requirement when it comes to being a parent.

“One of our bigger trips was paddling the Buffalo River in Arkansas. It was a weeklong trip and we camped every night. There were thunderstorms, hail and all sorts of things to deal with, but my daughter loved it. I had no clue what I was doing, but it was just the two of us and she loved it.

“I hope that somebody reads my book and says, ‘if that guy

Walt Merrell on an outdoor adventure with his wife, Hannah, and their three daughters, Bay, Cape, and Banks.

can do it, I know I can.’ I write a lot about the mistakes I made and the things I was scared to do, but that I did anyway, and it turned out OK. I hope that the people — dads especially — can see that sometimes we’re not perfect and we mess up, but that things have a way of turning out OK,” he said.

His role as a district attorney also led Merrell to share his stories about family. As a district attorney, he sees firsthand the result of children who lack parental guidance and involvement.

“I always tell people that my job is dealing with the consequences of what happens when fathers disengage from their families. Most of the time, I can take a crime that I am prosecuting and I can track it back to a father who was absent. Maybe the father was in prison, hooked on drugs … there are any number of reasons. People ask me what I would do to fix crime in America and my answer is always the same, restore the two-parent home. I’m not critical of the single-parent, who are unsung heroes in our communities, nor am I being critical of the father who has divorced and sees his children only on a limited number of occasions. What I am critical of are the fathers who have no interest in their children.”

The original printings of Merrell’s first two books, “Shepherding Outdoors” and “Shepherding Outdoors Vol. 2: More Short Stories from a Southern Father,” are both sold out with plans for a possible second printing in the near future. The new book, “Shepherding Outdoors: Three Dog Days” references Merrell’s three daughters with a tie-in to the dog days of summer.

“During those dog days, if you have a dog and live on a dirt drive, the dog is going to go out there and wallow a hole in the driveway because the dirt is cool. They will lay in it and even if you have to go to work, the dog isn’t going to move. Parenting can be the same way. We find a comfortable spot and we don’t want to get out of it no matter what. I see a lot of people do this today. They don’t want to disrupt the apple cart. As a district attorney, I can tell you that one of the worse things we can do is become our children’s friend instead of a parent. Sometimes we have to get out of that comfortable hole and try something different.”

While the new book tells many stories of his family’s recent adventures, Merrell said he also shares stories from his own past.

“There are stories from my childhood as it relates to my parents’ divorce. I wanted my children to understand how my parents’ divorce affected me. It was devastating to me as a child and I put some of those stories in there. You never know, somebody might read it and decide to give their marriage another try. Really, the whole book is about ‘trying’

as parents. Even when we don’t succeed, we have to keep trying,” he said.

Never considering himself a writer, he learned to appreciate it during his illness and is now part of his regular routine.

“Writing is a craft and I’ve found the more I do it the more I enjoy it. I have to be careful about balancing my work and family life with my hobby. I get up at 4 a.m. and write for about two hours. I may not always enjoy the process, but I do like the end product. It is amazing, if you write for two hours a day, that’s about 2,000 words. About 50 percent of it may be junk, but you still wrote a lot and over the course of about weeks you have a novel. It’s certainly something I plan to continue doing,” Merrell said.

As for his three daughters, they enjoy their father’s stories.

“Cape laughs and says ‘I lived it, why would I want to read it?,” Merrell said. “Bay has read them and has suggested that I write my stories and then allow them to write versions based on their own memories. I think it is a great idea. As parents we sometimes think the way we perceive something is surely how our children perceives it, but that’s not the case,” he said.

The “Shepherding Outdoors” books are

available through Hoffman Media and can be ordered at shepherdingbook.com or by calling 1-800-361-8059. Merrell also shares stories to his Shepherding Outdoors Facebook page.

“To a casual reader, they are heart-warming, positive stories about faith and family. Behind it all there are messages about the importance of being a father, being engaged as a father, and teaching your children about life,” he said.

Merrell is married to Hannah Merrell and their three daughters are Bay, 20; Cape, 17; and Banks, 13. n