The Loafer 109

and

Publisher Lisa Durbin Creative Director Jon Bill Forrester Managing Editor Peggy Gale Distribution Herbie Durbin Jon Bill Forrester Entertainment Coordinator Andreax Jarre Public Relations Correspondent Lee Lee Williams

your week’s line-up

Volume 03 Issue 109

04 Spotlight 06 Wellness Tips for a New You in a New Year 06 Beezwax 07 Tri-Cities Nightlife 08 Puzzle Page 09 Pets of the Week 10 Happy New Year!

11 Things To Do 12 Tri-Cities Faces and Places 14 Doctor's Tips for Staying Healthy During the Holiday Season

Contributing Staff

14

Andy Ross Kathie Scalf

Biker Events

16 Give the Gift of Comfort

Ken Silvers

22 WQUT Concert Schedule

Wendy Hayden Ann Hartley

The Loafer Po Box 39 Telford, Tn 37690 423-930-7319 www.theloafer.net theloaferonlineprint@gmail.com All advertisements are accepted and published by the publisher upon the representation that the agency and/or advertiser is authorized to publish the entire contents and subject matter thereof. The agency and/or advertiser will indemnify and save the publisher harmless from any lossof expense resulting from claims or suits based upon contents of any advertisement, including claims or suits for defamation, libel, right of privacy, plagiarism, and copyright infringement.

Founder: Bill Williams

LBD

FAMILY MEDIA Let’s Get Social!

15 Beanz Biker Corner

columns & reviews

theloafer.net |December 19, 2023

2

Cold Weather Holidays 17

Social Sentiments: Please Stop Pushing Your MLM

19 Tea Time with Appalachian Barbie:

The Holiday Hustle 21 Pop Life Leave the World Behind 23 Batteries Not Included: The Diary of the 12 Daays of Christmas

NOTE

FROM THE

PUBLISHER Everyone at The Loafer would

Hello like toFriends! thank all of our advertisers This cold air is sure making it feel us and readers for supporting more like Christmas every day! I hope in 2023.is staying warm. Am I the only everyone parent thateveryone struggles with her kids, We wish a very Merry especially theand boysawanting wear Year.

Christmas HappytoNew shorts to school?! It drives me crazy!

Seeinyathe inworld 2024!

Why do they want to wear shorts and a hoodie? Sorry but I just had to get that off my chest. How is your Christmas shopping going? Do not let this wonderful time of remembering baby Jesus turn into stress about money and shopping. When you are ready to shop I would highly suggest you shop local as much as possible. Whatever you are doing this week I pray you are warm, safe and happy!

Love, The Loafer Staff

Have a great week!

Love, Lisa Durbin Publisher

3

theloafer.net | December 19, 2023

Mark Twain’s

The Diaries of Adam & Eve February 14-18 oi

AMarch e s o16-17 p’s Fables

with

The Rainbow Fish April 20-28

June 7-16

The Mockingbird Sings

Scrooge! usical

The M

September 6-12

November 22-24 & December 6-8

Auditions & Tickets at TheatreBristol.org

Spotlight

theloafer.net |December 19, 2023

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WEDNESDAY Dec 20th Rheva & Keegan’s Irish Fiddle Tunes 5:30pm at Mulligan’s Gaming Pub HB Beverly 6:30pm at Rocks Wood Fired Pizza The Salty Moondogs 7:00pm at Tulip’s Grub and Pub

Bristol, TN/VA Bristol TN/Va WEDNESDAY Dec 20th JC Tokes 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House Thursday Dec 21st From the Edge 6:00pm at Bristol Casino Bar FRIDAY Dec 22nd Trevor Meade 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House Christmas with Samantha Gray 7:00pm at Delta Blues BBQ The Great Big Hug 9:00pm at Bristol Casino Bar SATURDAY Dec 23rd Matt Martin 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House Kayla McKinney 11:00pm at Bristol Casino Bar Johnson City Johnson City, TN TUESDAY Dec 19th Old Time Jam 5:00pm at Yee-Haw Brewing Company Brim & Marci Leal 6:30pm at Rocks Wood Fired Pizza

Southbound’s Christmas Eve Eve Party 9:00pm at CJ’s Sports Bar

Elizabethton, TN Elizabethton THURSDAY Dec 20th Mick Kyte 7pm at 19e Pitstop

THURSDAY Dec 21st

Jonesborough, TN Jonesborough

Jason Mychaels 6:30pm at Rocks Wood FIred Pizza

FRIDAY Dec 22nd

FRIDAY Dec 22nd Jeff Lane 6:30pm at Rocks Wood FIred Pizza

Sam Collie 6:00pm at Tennessee Hills Distillery

Shake It Like A Caveman 7:00pm at The Down Home Artificial Ignorance | Ishmael & the Natives | Crosby & Diesel Fumes 10:00pm at Capone’s SATURDAY Dec 23rd Dan Herrell & The Troubadours 9:00pm at Wild Wing Cafe Elderbug | Accidents Club | EyeCandy 10:00pm at Capone’s SUNDAY Dec 24th Rheva & Keegan’s Irish Fiddle Tunes 5:30pm at Mulligan’s Gaming Pub Kingsport Kingsport, TN FRIDAY Dec 22nd Cari Coates Band 9:00pm at CJ’s Sports Bar SATURDAY Dec 23rd Daniel Byrd and the Boogie Machine 7:00pm at Gypsy Circus Cider Company

Submit Your Live Shows to: theloaferonlineprint@gmail.com or call 423-930-7319 to be Featured in the Loafer Spotlight

5

theloafer.net | December 19, 2023

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theloafer.net |December 19, 2023

6

Wellness Tips for a New You in the New Year If your list of New Year’s resolutions is a mile long, you may be feeling overwhelmed and unsure where to start. Let these three essential wellness tips set you up for a successful year and give you the power, energy and determination you need to reach all your other goals.

Make Time For Breakfast Many people make the mistake of skipping breakfast, particularly if they are trying to lose weight. But breakfast is an essential part of your overall health and wellbeing, giving you the fuel and energy you need to power the day until lunch. This is important to help kickstart your metabolism and regulate your hunger.

Think you don’t have time to prepare a healthy breakfast? You’re not alone. However, many are

open to implementing this habit with quicker breakfast options that cut prep time in half. In fact, 51% of consumers agree that frozen breakfast foods are the most convenient option and 37% said they would eat frozen breakfast foods more often if they were healthier, according to market research from Mintel. Thanks to quick and tasty options like Eggland’s Best Frozen Breakfast Bowls, made with hearty ingredients and ready to eat in minutes, there are efficient ways to enjoy a nutritious breakfast. Not only do the bowls taste great, but they are made with nutritionally superior Eggland’s Best eggs, which contain six times more vitamin D, more than double the Omega-3s and 10 times more vitamin E compared to ordinary eggs, so you can feel confident that you’re getting optimal nutrition before taking on the busy day ahead. The bowls are available in three great tasting flavors, Sausage & Cheese, Salsa, Bacon & Cheese, and Loaded Potato Scramble, meaning you certainly won’t get bored putting your new breakfast plan into action.

Practice Self-Care Between work, family life and other commitments, it can seem challenging to carve out time for yourself. But a little self-care goes a long way toward helping you recharge and better manage all your responsibilities and stressors. Whether it’s going for a run, taking a yoga class, doing arts and crafts or reading a book, be sure to spend some time each week doing something that you love that makes you feel your best.

Prioritize Sleep Prioritizing sleep will improve every aspect of your physical and mental wellness and help you achieve all your other goals. Unfortunately, streaming devices, social media and other

distractions make it all too easy to stay up later than you intend. Setting an alarm in the evening can serve as a gentle reminder that it’s time to put down devices and start your bedtime routine, helping you create a more consistent sleep schedule. This will also eliminate exposure to blue light late in the evening, an environmental factor that has been proven to make it harder to fall asleep.

Achieving your goals starts with feeling your best.

Make that happen in the New Year by prioritizing the most essential building blocks of health and wellness, from sunrise to sundown.

(StatePoint)

NIGHTLIFE

WEDNESDAY Karaoke with Absolute Entertainment at The Pub Out Back (The Italian Pizza Pub) - Johnson City 7pm Karaoke w/ Eric Huskins VFW Post 2108 – Johnson City, TN 8pm Karaoke Night at Wonderland Lounge and Bar - Johnson City, TN 9pm Karaoke with Ron at Kingsport Moose Lodge 6:30pm Loudmouth Karaoke at Michael Waltrip Brewing Company - Bristol, VA on Wednesday, April 5th at 7pm THURSDAY Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Tulips Grub & Pub - Johnson City, TN 8pm Karaoke with Absolute Entertainment at Wild Wings Cafe - Johnson City, TN 9pm Karaoke at Numan’s - Johnson City, TN 10pm Karaoke at Jiggy Rays Pizzeria - Johnson City, TN Karaoke at Tipsy Toad Tavern - Jonesborough, TN FRIDAY Karaoke with Absolute Entertainment at Rainbow Asian Cuisine - Johnson City, TN 9pm Karaoke with Absolute Entertainment at The Sports Mill - Kingsport, TN 8pm Karaoke w/ Eric Huskins VFW Post 2108 – Johnson City, TN 8pm Karaoke at Numan’s – Johnson City, TN 10pm Karaoke with Handsome Hodge Entertainment at O’Mainnin’s Pub and Grille - Bristol, TN 10pm SATURDAY Karaoke with Absolute Entertainment at Tulips Grub & Pub Johnson City, TN 8pm Karaoke at Numan’s – Johnson City, TN 10pm Karaoke w/ Eric Huskins VFW Post 2108 – Johnson City, TN 8pm Karaoke at Numan’s – Johnson City, TN 10pm Karaoke with DJ Clyde and Prestige Entertainment at Macado’s -Kingsport, TN 9pm Karaoke with Handsome Hodge Entertainment at O’Mainnin’s Pub and Grille - Bristol, TN 10pm

TRIVIA

TUESDAY Team Trivia at Wild Wing Café Johnson City TN DJ Trivia at Union Street Taproom Erwin, TN 5pm Trivia at The Corner Bar Bristol, VA 8pm Trivia at Aubrey’s Johnson City 7pm WEDNESDAY Trivia at Tipsy Toad Jonesborough, TN 7pm Trivia Night Mellow Mushroom Bristol, VA 7pm Trivia at Aubrey’s Bristol 7pm THURSDAY Mellow Trivia at Mellow Mushroom Johnson City, TN- 7pm Trivia at Riverside Taphouse at South Fork Bluff City, TN 7pm

BINGO

TUESDAY Singo at Riverside Taphouse at South Fork Bluff City, TN 6:30pm

DJ NIGHT THURSDAY DJ B-Digital at O’Mainnin’s Pub and Grille Bristol, TN 10pm

WEDNESDAY Bingo at Tipton Street Pub Johnson City, TN 9pm Singo at Holy Taco & Cantina Boones Creek, TN 8pm Blazin’ Bingo at Mellow Mushroom Johnson City, TN 6pm

FRIDAY Handsome Hodge Entertainment at O’Mainnin’s Pub - Bristol, TN 10pm

THURSDAY Bingo at Mellow Mushroom Bristol VA 6pm Singo at Aubrey’s Bristol 7:00 PM

SUNDAY DJ B-Digital at O’Mainnin’s Pub and Grille Bristol, TN 10pm

SATURDAY Handsome Hodge Entertainment at O’Mainnin’s Pub - Bristol, TN 10pm

To have your events added to this list email: theloaferonlineprint@gmail.com or call: 423-930-7319

theloafer.net | December 19, 2023

TRI-CITIES

7

theloafer.net |December 19, 2023

8

SODOKU

CROSSWORD

DROP QUOTE

C RYPTO G RAM

IAS LYAP IAS'FC KCHHOYK AUE PXCY DUU HXC YDRCT OY IASF WUDQL WAAL XDZC R. E. DMHCF HXCR. — Arnold Palmer

Down

1. Tuscany city 2. 70mm film format 3. Accept blame 4. San ___, Calif. (border community) that's part of San Diego) 5. Seamen 6. Put in a seat 7. Gamble 8. "___ Did It" (2007 memoir) 9. Examination subject 10. Spiced hot drink 11. Hartford's st.

12. Light, in Lombardy 13. Good and mad 19. Weenie 24. Chang's twin 25. Preside over, as a committee 26. Popular Apple communication software ACROSS 37.

Romanian dance 27. Picture, for short 1. Compassion 39. Shout target 5. Laudable quality 28. Clef locale 41. Bay of Pigs locale 10. 251, in Ancient Rome 29. Paper Mate competitor 42. Rat-___ (drum sounds) 14. "____ serious as a 30. Horseman 44. Have ___ in one's throat heart attack" 31. Minsk money 15. "___ Less Ordinary" 46. Reindeer's kin 32. Furniture woods (1997 film) 47. Of the best quality 16. Day division 49. Chess knights, to some 35. "It is ___ told by an idiot..."

17. H. H. Munro's pseudonym 51. Devon river 38. Email symbols, for short 18. Opposition 52. Chunk of fairway 40. Pitcher's dream game 20. Gave a pink slip 53. Female spider's creation 43. Bunch of papers 21. "That's disgusting!"

57. Plant sci.

22. Like pigtails 45. www.whitehouse.___ 58. Military force 23. Rocker Reznor 48. Juice up 61. Sleeping Beauty baddie 25. Unexciting grade 50. Traveled aimlessly 63. 1,003, in Ancient Rome 26. Must-have gadget launched 52. Charity recipient 64.

Catty remark? in 2007 65.

"We're off ____ the wizard... " 53. Award for a sitcom 28. Common misspelling of a 66.

Wild West lawman fruity ice 54. Greek Earth goddess 67. Swerves a ship 33. "Evita" narrator 55. Soft light 68. Input, as data 34. Unwelcome, with "non" 56. Puts in stitches 36. Tickle one's curiosity 69. Forensic concerns 57. Numero uno 59. "Look!" to Luis Answers to last week’s 60. Puppy barks puzzles can be found 62. Cafe ___ leche on page 09.

C

There are 5 Christmas Stockings hidden in this issue of The Loafer.

Can you find them all?

h a r lo tt e I’m Charlotte, a young Siamese mix with stunning blue eyes and a heart full of friendliness. I’m spayed, vaccinated, and microchipped, FIV tested negative and all set to be your new furry companion. I’m super

easygoing, love cuddles, and bring a playful vibe to any home. Ready to make me a part of your family?

Adopt me, and let’s create some wonderful memories together! Bday 2/02/23

G

Last Week's Puzzle Answers

o o

Crossword

Cryptogram:

Dropquote:

"There are those that look at things the way they are, and ask why? I dream of things that never were, and ask why not."

"It is much easier to suppress a first desire than to satisfy those that follow."

s

Sudoku

e

My name is Goose! I am a Border Collie and German Shepherd mix, weigh 73 lbs, house trained, good with cats and selective with dogs but need a slow introduction with them. I really don’t do well with kids, so maybe if they are teenagers, I would be ok with them. I am reactive to doorbells, people outside and strangers, so your property would definitely be protected, and I would let

you know someone was/is here. If you don’t already know... I am high energy, so I would need plenty of play time or a nice long walk or two to tire me out. If you think I am a dog for you, call the Rescue and schedule a time to see me... Just remember...strangers are my kryptonite, so I might need some time to get to know you. Neutered, current on vaccinations, microchipped. Bday 3-1-18

If you are interested in adopting : The Bridge Home No Kill Animal Shelter 423-239-5237 • 2061 Highway 75 Blountville, TN Facebook: bridgehome

bridgehome.org

theloafer.net | December 19, 2023

PETS

OF THE WEEK

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theloafer.net |December 19, 2023

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New Years Eve Events Balloon Drop and Late Skate

Happy New Year!!!

December 31, 2023 @ 7 p.m.

Johnson City Family Skate Center $20 Per Person Ring in the new year at this family-friendly skating event with an afternoon balloon drop. Or, join the late skate for adults and ring in the new year on wheels.

New Year’s Eve Gatsby Party

December 31, 2023 @ 8 p.m.

Holiday Inn, 101 West Springbrook Drive, Johnson City $78 Per Person At this fun Gatsby party, guests will come decked out in their best 1920s clothes to enjoy dancing, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and more.

New Year’s Eve Skate Party

December 31, 2023 Bristol Skate Way (423) 968-9680 There will be a fun mid-day skate for the younger crowd and a late-night skate where you can welcome in the new year.

Bristol Hotel New Year’s Eve Gala

December 31, 2023 @ 10 p.m.

Bristol Hotel, VA 276-325-2792 Dress to the nines ringing in the new year with a night of fun, friends — and a little bit of mystery! Wear your fanciest attire and be prepared to hide your face behind one of our masquerade masks (while supplies last) or bring your own!

Family Friendly New Year’s Eve Bash

December 31, 2023 Fizzy Fairway, Kingsport $14 Per Person Admission includes a round of mini-golf, an arcade pass, a scoop of ice cream, and a flute of sparkling juice. You can upgrade to an alcoholic beverage for just $3 more.

New Year’s Day Hikes

Every January 1st, local state parks and natural areas host guided nature hikes to help you start the year off right. These are our local parks participating in 2024: • Bays Mountain Park • David Crockett Birthplace State Park • Roan Mountain State Park • Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park • Warriors Path State Park • Rocky Fork State Park

New Year’s Eve Gala

December 31, 2023 LampLight Theatre, Kingsport $40/Show + Food, $15/Show Only At this New Year’s Eve Gala, you’ll enjoy a variety of live performances from actors, comedians, and musicians. You can upgrade your ticket to include heavy hors-d’oeuvres. No alcohol allowed.

New Year’s Eve Rock-N-Wrestle

December 31, 2023 @ 7 p.m.

Net Pro Studios, Kingsport What better way to start the new year than with an action-packed pro wrestling match? In addition to the main event, there will also be food trucks onsite.

JOHNSON CITY

BRISTOL

SATURDAYS ACOA (adult children of alcoholics) 1:30-3:00pm.

Call for info Bill 423-444-6107 or Cheryl 423-262-6149 THURSDAY DEC 21ST Storytime in the Park 10:30am at King Commons Park IBN Biz Lunch 11:30 at Golden Corral Buffet & Grill FRIDAY DEC 22ND Johnson City Love & Hiking Date For Couples (Self-Guided) 7:00am at Willow Springs Park SATURDAY DEC 23RD Johnson City Love & Hiking Date For Couples (Self-Guided) 7:00am at Willow Springs Park Christmas Stand Up Special 8:00pm at Wallace Theatre

THURSDAY DEC 21ST “Jolly Santa” Canvas Class 6:00 PM at Kil'n Time Contemporary Ceramics FRIDAY DEC 22ND “Snowy Landscape” Canvas Class 6:00 PM at Kil'n Time Contemporary Ceramics SATURDAY DEC 23RD Board Game Night 5:00pm at Bristol Public Library

Christmas at the Carousel 6:00pm at Kingsport Carousel SATURDAY DEC 23RD Nature: Wolf Howling 10:00am at Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium

JONESBOROUGH TUESDAYS Jonesborough Storytelling Guild “Stories n’More” Show 7:00pm at The Intl. Storytelling Center

ABINGDON, VA WEDNESDAY DEC 20TH Bingo 5:00pm at Abingdon Community Center FRIDAY DEC 22ND Movies for Adults 2:00pm at Washington County Public Library SUNDAY DEC 24TH Bingo 5:00pm at Abingdon Community Center

ELIZABETHTON THURSDAY DEC 21ST Cookie Decorating Workshop 6:30pm at Riverside Taphouse

KINGSPORT

SATURDAY DEC 23RD

WEDNESDAY DEC 20TH Holiday Teas 1:30pm at Allandale Mansion FRIDAY DEC 22ND Holiday Teas 1:30pm at Allandale Mansion

Winter Farmer Market 8:00am at Jonesborough Farmers ERWIN Market WEDNESDAY DEC 20TH Historic Jonesborough Erwin Candlelight Nativity Town Tour 1:00pm at Chester Inn Parade 7:00pm State Historic Site at Downtown Erwin

To be featured in The Loafer's Things to Do email us at: theloaferonlineprint@gmail.com or call 423-930-7319

theloafer.net | December 19, 2023

THINGS TO DO

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theloafer.net |December 19, 2023 12

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theloafer.net | December 19, 2023

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theloafer.net |December 19, 2023

Useless Facts sponsored by biker wear Useless Facts about Winter: 1. You can hear thundersnow if the conditions are right.

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5. According to the Guinness World Records, on January 28, 1887, a snowflake 15 inches wide and 8 inches thick fell in Fort Keogh, Montana, making it the largest snowflake ever observed.

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Coming in second is Georgetown, Colorado, in December 4, 1913, at 63 inches.

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Useless Facts

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15

Hello readers, well we have long as there is no snow and ice come through Halloween, on the roadways. This is a time of Thanksgiving and fall is over and year to go to holiday parties with winter is here with Christmas just friends and family. We tend to think of winter as a time of rest, around the corner, and a New hibernation, and quiet. But a look at Year approaches. the calendar reveals many holidays The winter solstice marks the around the world that prove this first day of winter, ushering in impression entirely wrong. The months of cold weather and cold months are clearly a popular winter holidays. The winter time for parties and celebrations. solstice will be Thursday, Dec. While some are filled with solemn 21, 2023, marking the first day of tradition, others focus on fun and winter. The winter solstice marks frolic. All pose opportunities for the shortest day and longest interesting and real-life lessons night of the year, according to the in geography, culture, history, National Weather Service. But and religion. Here is a list of a few don't worry, as the days go by, popular traditions celebrated the amount of sunlight increases during winter holidays around while the darkness decreases. the world.

With the colder weather, snow, Hanukkah: For eight days each ice and harsh wintery winds November or December, Jews light riding a motorcycle is not always a special candle holder called a a good option but there are still menorah. They do it to remember outdoor activities that are fun. an ancient miracle in which one Like: ice skating, kick back in day’s worth of oil burned for an outdoor hot tub, stargazing, eight days in the temple. During take a wintry hike, have an epic Hanukkah, many Jews also eat snowball fight, build a snowman, special potato pancakes called go sledding, hit the slopes, go latkes, sing songs, and spin a top snowshoeing. But there are still called a dreidel to win chocolate going to be those of us that will coins, nuts, or raisins. continue to ride motorcycles as Three Kings Day: At the end of the Twelve Days of Christmas comes a day called Epiphany, or Three Kings Day. This holiday is celebrated as the day the three wise men first saw baby Jesus and brought him gifts.

On this day in Spain, many children get their Christmas presents. In Puerto Rico, before children go to sleep on January 5, they leave a box with hay under their beds so the kings will leave good presents.

In France, a delicious King cake baked. Bakers will hide a coin, Beanz Biker Corner isjewel, or little toy inside.

By Anne Hartley 423-297-5675

St. Nicholas Day: A popular December holiday in many European countries, St. Nicholas Day, celebrates St. Nicholas of Myra, the man whose life inspired

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the tradition of Santa Claus and Father Christmas. He gave all of his money to the needy and was known for his compassion for children and all those in need. The holiday honors the man on the anniversary of his death, December 6, 343 A.D. Many celebrate with parades, feasts, gift giving, and festivals.

Christmas: People celebrate this Christian holiday by going to church, giving gifts, and sharing the day with their families. In some parts of Europe, “star singers” go caroling—singing special Christmas songs—as they walk behind a huge star on a pole. The Christmas festivities in Ireland tend to be more religious in nature rather than being about gifts. Christmas celebrations last from Christmas Eve until January 6 (Epiphany). On December 26, known as St. Stephen’s Day, an Irish tradition that is known as the Wren Boys Procession takes place. Children go from door to door singing, holding a stick that is topped by a holly bush and a wren. They ask for money for the “starving wren,” which goes into their pockets. In ancient times, a real wren was killed and fastened to the stick, but today fake wrens are used. The Christmas Eve festivities in the Ukraine are known as Sviata Vechera, which means “Holy Supper.” The celebration begins when the first evening star is sighted in the night sky.

In farming communities, the household head brings in a sheaf of wheat, which symbolizes the wheat crops of Ukraine. It is called “didukh,” which translates to “grandfather spirit.” In homes within the city, a few stalks of wheat may be used to decorate the table.

New Year: In Ecuador, families dress a straw man in old clothes on December 31. The straw man represents the old year. The family members make a will for the straw man that lists all of their faults. At midnight, they burn the straw man, in hopes that their faults will disappear with him.

Mardi Gras: The time of Lent is a solemn one of reflection for Christians, so the Tuesday before Lent begins is a time of merry-making for many people around the world. In New Orleans, people wear costumes and attend huge parades for the festival of Mardi Gras. Brazil’s Carnival also features parades, costumes, and music. This day is also known as Shrove Tuesday.

In England, some towns have pancake contests in which women run a race while flipping a pancake at least three times.

Mardi Gras usually occurs in February or March, 47 days prior to Easter.

theloafer.net | December 19, 2023

Beanz Biker Corner

Sponsored By Biker Wear

theloafer.net |December 19, 2023

16

Give the Gift of Comfort This Holiday Season The holiday season is upon us and what better way to spread warmth and joy than by giving the gift of comfort? Use this gift guide to embrace coziness and style, while making the holiday season truly unforgettable for everyone on your list.

3. Jibbitz Charms: Jibbitz, the iconic For one-stop-shopping, visit a Rack charms designed for Crocs, make for Room Shoes in your area, for more delightful stocking stuffers that allow fun and exclusive accessories and wearers to elevate and personalize their stocking stuffers only available footwear. Choose from an assortment of in store. shapes, colors and designs to reflect the Want to spread cheer this holiday personality of everyone on your list.

1. Snuggly Socks: Cozy socks are the perfect stocking stuffers to keep your loved ones feeling toasty all season long. Choose from a variety of patterns and materials to match their style, whether it’s trendy animal prints or timeless solid colors. Socks not only add a touch of flair to winter outfits, but also keep gift recipients comfortably snug.

4. Hats and Gloves: Winter accessories are practical and thoughtful gifts for the season. From knitted beanies and gloves to fleece baseball caps, there are many styles to choose from, helping gift recipients feel stylish and put together while staying warm outdoors. These small but meaningful gifts showcase your attention to detail.

2. Fur-Lined Crocs: Crocs aren’t just for the summer! The brand’s versatile insulated options are perfect for both indoor relaxation and outdoor adventures. With a plush fur lining, they provide the cozy warmth needed to conquer chilly days. Whether running errands or lounging at home, fur-lined Crocs are the ideal gift to keep feet comfy and fashion-forward.

5. Luxurious Slippers: After a long day of festivities, there’s nothing quite like slipping into a pair of luxurious slippers.

Whether your loved ones prefer faux fur or memory foam, slippers provide the ultimate relaxation experience, making them a fantastic gift choice for unwinding during the holiday season.

For heartwarming gift ideas that seamlessly blend comfort, style and functionality, visit rackroomshoes.com.

season? By shopping with cozy comfort in mind while keeping an eye on stylish details, you can help friends and family feel loved.

(StatePoint)

17

We've all heard the pitch before: Be your own #girlboss! Like nails on a chalkboard, we push through the noise of pushy sales tactics to get to the meat of our feed.

Multi level marketing schemes are popping up throughout all social media platforms. They make promises to increase income enough to quit your job and just work for them. They claim their products will enrich your life and you'll wonder how you ever lived without them.

But you did live without them. And before you sunk your life savings into them life was better. Your friends weren't bombarded with sales pitches and being

Social Sentiments

By Wendy Hayden socialsentiments @outlook.com

socialsentiments.net

guilted into supporting the brand you're pushing.

Your MLM tactics are ruining how people see you. Before pushy sales schemes people saw the real you. Create less MLM content and more photos that show your family, friends, and followers the person behind the page. Your supporters will buy from you without pushy tactics because they want you to succeed. If you enjoy selling the products, show it. Show how they impact your daily life. You don't need to be pushy, you just need to believe in your brand and sales will follow.

theloafer.net | December 19, 2023

Please Stop Pushing Your MLM!

theloafer.net |December 19, 2023

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WOOD FIRED PIZZA. BURGERS. DRINKS. & FUN. TUES. Dec. 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th

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by Kathie Scalf

This week marks my 38th circle around the sun as well as the kickoff to the Christmas weekend. With a week full of celebrations that span the state, I saved half my vacation time so I wouldn’t be trying to fit in the festivities around my work and travel schedule. While most might consider it a waste of PTO to not cash it in on a trip to an exotic locale, I personally am thrilled at the idea of 10 solid days of having no agenda and ample time to travel to my family holiday commitments. The older I’m getting, the more luxurious it seems to simply have zero itinerary and be able to wake in the morning naturally without the aid of a blaring alarm.

This time of year can create burnout for anyone, and for someone like me who works in the alcohol industry and has a December birthday, there’s an added layer of stress that could easily tip me over the edge if I don’t create space for myself. With all the hustle and bustle of the holidays, I suggest you also carve out some time for rest and rejuvenation.

in Nashville for 6 people this year workday at 6p, I kept a healthy work/ and had a complete meltdown life balance. It’s also important to while trying to serve the meal. I had be strict with yourself with your created a vision in my head of all bedtime. It’s easy to be at a holiday the food being plated and properly party having a great time and stay served, with place settings laid, so out late; however, this will throw when everyone arrived they would off the entire next day making you walk in and be blown away with the sluggish and unproductive and perfect execution. Unfortunately, the creating unnecessary stress. Set timing went completely awry and firm boundaries and let people know people came while I was still finishing ahead of time if you will be cutting the sides. We all ended up eating out early so they don’t pressure off paper plates instead of proper you to stay. A friend of mine had dinnerware…and no one cared. After a birthday party a few weeks ago I collected myself, I realized if it were on a Sunday night that started at me walking into someone’s home 7:30p and was 35 minutes from who was gracious enough to cook my home. I always go to bed at 9p a huge meal, the last thing I would through the week to accommodate care about is what I was eating it off my 5:30a alarm and non-negotiable of, or if it was running a little late on workouts, but additionally I had a getting done. We’ve got to stop killing very important meeting with our ourselves with comparison; no one is distributors the next day to account broadcasting their blooper reel, only for. I let everyone in the group know a well-curated feature of highlights I had to leave by 9, but still showed and milestones. up, supported and gave a gift and it In addition to consciously alleviating was totally fine. A lot of time peer self-imposed mental pressure, being pressure can be the source of a lot of diligent in my time management has holiday stress, but if you make your boundaries known ahead of time, One aspect of holiday stress I struggle become critical around the holidays. people will be less likely to rib you If I don’t properly plan my days/ with the most is the pressure to make about it. weeks, it’s easy double book and everything perfect. We’re inundated over-commit.

If you don’t already Speaking of boundaries, one of the with images of holiday cheer from utilize the calendar in your phone or most important things a person the time we’re children. Whether a planner, I definitely suggest doing can do during the holidays is learn it’s in classic holiday films, Hallmark so.

With so many events and to-do to say NO. It’s natural to want to cards, Norman Rockwell paintings lists it would be impossible to stay on accommodate everyone’s plans or just the current social media blitz top of everything by memory alone, and in doing so it’s very easy to put of influencer families in matching which would lead to an enormous yourself last. I am single with no pajama sets snuggled up with cocoa amount of fire-drills and last-minute kids and I get burned out, so I can’t around the tree, it can lead you to scrambling when something is fathom the chaos of adding children believe if your holidays don’t match inevitably forgotten. As soon as a and in-laws and their plans to the up to this unrealistic portrayal of the commitment is made add it to the mix. If someone asks you to prepare perfect family gathering, you’ve failed. calendar, and when any task/gift something you don’t have time for, In reality, everyone is a mess; we all buying arises, place it on the to-do don’t do it. They’ll figure it out. It have crazy family members, money is list. is ok to decline an invitation that is tight, and there aren’t enough hours going to drain you. If people love It is also important to put impose a in the day. I hosted Thanksgiving strict curfew and stick to it; this year you they will care more about your well-being than your presence at a I was diligent in my daily schedule and it has alleviated so much stress. silly event. Do what is best for you and your family and stop saying yes to By making my morning workouts things that make you miserable. The non-negotiable and ending my

holidays are meant to be the happiest time of year, so stop forcing yourself to spend time with people you don’t like in situations that cause anxiety.

Life is too short!

The biggest lesson I’ve learned this year is that your relationship with yourself is more important than anything. When you start giving yourself the same love and respect and prioritization that you’ve given freely and unreciprocated to so many others, your life will improve drastically. Sometimes this might mean we lose people… well, good.

They needed to go anyway. Always carve out time for your own wellbeing, but this time of year it’s especially important. Don’t let the holiday hustle send you into 2024 on a downward trajectory.

Happy Holidays!

XO - Kathie

theloafer.net | December 19, 2023

T he Holiday Hustle

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theloafer.net |December 19, 2023 20

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I admitted in this column I have never been a huge fan of Julia Roberts. However, as the years have passed I have had a change of heart and can now appreciate her talent. Roberts is starring, along with Mahershala Ali and Ethhan Hawke in the new film "Leave the World Behind", based on the 2020 novel by Rumaan Alam. Roberts stars as Amanda Sanford, who, at the beginning of the film, reveals she has a hatred and mistrust for humans. Amanda has unexpectedly planned a trip for her husband Clay (Hawke) and their two kids Archie (Charlie Evans) and Rose (Farrah Mackenzie) to a rented house on Long Island. You know from the beginning of the film, something ominous is going to occur due to the tone of the soundtrack music.

After the family arrives on Long Island, they settle into the beautiful house, with a pool and lots of windows for a perfect view of the woods surrounding the home. This is the type of home you would see on one of those real estate reality shows of which I love to watch. So the scene is set for the family to have a perfect holiday. However, one upsetting factor for the family is the lack of cell phone service when they get to the house, and like most of humanity, this is a disaster in the making. Rose is even more upset at the lack of cell and internet service as she has been watching the entire "Friends"

Pop Life

By Ken Silvers theloaferonlineprint @gmail.com

television series and was ready for the very last episode when the cell and internet service collapsed. Their tech issues aside, the family heads to the beach the next day, and while there an oil tanker runs ashore causing panic and evacuation. Once they return to the rented house, they have no way to connect to the outside world via television or internet to see what caused the ship to run ashore. Late the same evening while the family is asleep, someone knocks on the door, causing Amanda to panic. When Clay opens the door, he is greeted by the supposed owner of the home, G.H. Scott (Ali) and his daughter Ruth (Myha'la).

G.H. says the two returned to their home due to a blackout in the city.

Amanda doesn't trust the duo, but Clay allows them to stay overnight in the basement of the house. The following morning Clay decides to drive to town in an attempt to get information on what is going on, and G.H. is going over to the neighboring house. When he arrives at the neighbors home, G.H. discovers the grounds of the home wrecked, and when he walks over to the hill to the beach makes a shocking discovery. While on the beach, he sees a passenger plane crash before him. Meanwhile, while attempting to get into town, Clay encounters a panicked lady beside the road who only speaks Spanish, of which he does not speak. In a split second decision, he abandons the lady, and then encounters a drone dropping leaflets, causing him to head back to the house. While Clay was away, Rose has seen deer come on to the property in large numbers, but when she tells Archie, he expresses no concern. Later, Archie and Rose walk down to a nearby shed, and while there, a sudden shrill noise causes all the parties to cover their ears in pain. Clay and Amanda soon make the decision to head back to the city, but while on the way encounter a blocked highway full of abandoned vehicles, resulting in their return to the house. After they return to the house matters soon

turn from bad to worse, as the shrill noise returns, this time so powerful it cracks windows in the house. The next morning as the family awakens, Archie is sick and his top teeth begin to fall out. Panicked, G.H. attempts to get help for Archie from one of his neighbors, Danny (Kevin Bacon), a doomsday preparist, but he is uncooperative, unti pleas from Clay make him agreeable.

From this point forward in the film, the families discover what is causing their world to be turned upside down (no spoiler here), and eventually find a safe haven.

Producer and director Sam Esmail

("Mr. Robot") has created a tense and edge-of-your-seat thriller, leaving me pondering "what if", which is clearly the point of the novel and film. The actors involved are all in top form, with Roberts and Hawke making a great onscreen couple. In addition, seeing Kevin Bacon in a brief but unforgettable cameo was great. If you are looking for a psychological thriller, "Leave the World Behind" is your ticket. Now streaming on Netflix and in limited theatrical release.

(Rated R)

theloafer.net | December 19, 2023

Leave the World Behind

theloafer.net |December 19, 2023

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CONCERT SCHEDULE Bristol

BRISTOL TN/VA

TENNESSEE THEATRE Mar 16 Marc Broussard Mar 26 Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox June 8 Brad Williams

Feb 2 Feb 14 Feb 9 Feb 17

Cody Johnson Anita Baker Pantera with Lamb of God PARAMOUNT Disturbed with Falling in Jan 5 Daily & Vincent Reverse and Plush Jan 26 Paul Reiser Feb 23 Billy Strings Feb 3 Brad Upton THOMPSON BOWLING ARENA Feb 24 Billy Strings Feb 20 Farm & Fun Time featuring St. Jan 13 Aerosmith and The Black Crowes Mar 1 Sam Hunt Paul & The Broken Bones Feb 8 Disturbed with Falling in Reverse Mar 21 Dan + Shay Mar 29 Chris Tomblin Mar 3 Twitty & Lynn and Plush Mar 31 Fall Out Boy & Jimmy Eat World Feb 23 Riley Green Mar 15 Lynyrd Skynyrd and ZZ Top with Apr 14 Jeff Dunham JOHNSON CITY Apr 18 & 19 Tyler Childers Black Stone Cherry Apr 25 Tim McGraw Mar 16 Dan + Shay Apr 29 The Postal Service with Death MARTIN CENTER FOR THE ARTS Mar 28 Avenged Sevenfold with Poppy & Cab For Cutie and Pulp Jan 18 Black Jacket Symphony performs Sullivan King May 11 Bad Bunny Journey’s Escape Album Apr 4 Sam Hunt May 24 & 25 Noah Kahan Jun 3 Niall Horan Feb 2 Three Dog Night Apr 6 Bert Kreischer Jun 14 Luis Miguel Apr 13 The Chain-Fleetwood Mac Tribute Band Apr 16 Tyler Childers with 49 Winchester Jun 23 Alanis Morissette, Joan Jett & Morgan Wade Apr 25 Rain: A tribute to the Beatles Apr 26 Tim McGraw and Carly Pearce May 9 Zach Bryan BROOKLYN BOWL GREENVILLE KNOXVILLE CIVIC AUDITORIUM: May 16 Mammoth WVH Dec 26 The Illusionists: BROWN COUNTY MUSIC CENTER Magic of the Holidays NISWONGER PERFORMING ARTS CENTER Feb 10 Yacht Rock Revue Feb 15 Matt Rife Jan 9 Dean Z-The Ultimate Elvis Mar 2 John Michael Montgomery Mar 1 The Fab Four performs The Jan 19 Rhonda Vincent Mar 24 Steve HackettBeatles Rubber Soul Jan 22 Drumline Live Genesis Revisited Mar 5 Joe Bonamassa Jan 27 The Guess Who May 4 Beth Hart Mar 21-24 Big Ears Festival with Herbie Feb 4 The Canine Stars Hancock, John Paul Jones + more Feb 10 Chris Janson NASHVILLE MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM Feb 19 Drew & Ellie Holcomb Oct 10 Three Days Grace and Chevelle Nashville Mar 1 The Steeldrivers Oct 26 -28 Hardy with Lainey Wilson Mar 9 Jeff Allen RYMAN AUDITORIUM Mar 6 Sawyer Brown Dec 29 Pete Davidson Live ASCEND AMPHITHEATRE Mar 22 Stayin Alive: One night of the Dec 30 & 31 Old Crow Medicine Show Apr 27 Cody Jinks Bee Gees Jan 20 American Aquarium May 31 & Jun 1 Lainey Wilson Apr 5 Evil Woman-The American ELO Jan 24 Mr. Big with The Smithereens Apr 13 Firehouse Jan 28 Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons Jun 22 Cypress Hill May 4 Anthem Lights Jan 29 Elvis Costello & The Imposters Jul 12 Styx, Foreigner and John Waite May 10 John Anderson Acoustic with Charlie Sexton Aug 13 Creed with Tonic and May 14 Brothers of the Heart Feb 1 The Milk Carton Kids Finger Eleven Feb 16 & 17 Clint Black MARION VA Feb 24 Kenny Wayne Shepherd NISSAN STADIUM Feb 25 Billy Strings Jul 20 Def Leppard and Journey THE LINCOLN THEATRE Mar 12 Tesla Dec 30 Molly Hatchet Mar 14 K.C. & The Sunshine Band ASHEVILLE, NC Mar 16 Extreme Knoxville May 4 Tracy Lawrence EXPLOREASHEVILLE.COM ARENA Jun 6-9 Matt Rife Feb 16-18 Billy Strings BIJOU THEATRE Mar 6 Geoff Tate and BRIDGESTONE ARENA THE ORANGE PEEL Jan 23 Tool with Elder Adrian Vandenberg Jan 20 The Milk Carton Kids

JOHNSON CITY TN

GREENEVILLE TN

NASHVILLE TN

MARION, VA

KNOXVILLE TN

ASHEVILLE NC

Charlotte, NC

CHARLOTTE NC

SPECTRUM CENTER Jan 14 Nate Bargatze Jan 21 Tool with Elder Feb 22 Lauren Daigle Mar 8 Olivia Rodrigo Mar 10 Bryan Adams with Dave Stewart’s Eurythmics Songbook Mar 16 Eagles with Steely Dan May 10 Bad Bunny May 17 Tim McGraw OVENS AUDITORIUM Brad Williams Mar 1 Mar 13 Celtic Woman Mar 14 Legacy Reunion-Earth Wind & Fire Alumni Mar 22 Aaron Lewis Apr 26 The Piano Guys THE FILLMORE Feb 6 Static-X & Sevendust Feb 20 &21 Lany May 5 Queensryche PNC MUSIC PAVILION Apr 25 Needtobreathe May 14 Judas Priest and Sabaton Jun 5 Niall Horan Jun 26 Alanis Morissette, Joan Jett & Morgan Wade

CHEROKEE, NC

CHerokee, NC

HARRAH’S Jan 19 Styx Jan 27 Mike Epps Feb 16 Blackberry Smoke Feb 23 Little River Band Mar 22 Ministry and Gary Numan

GREENVILLE, SC

Greenville, Sc

BON SECOURS WELLNESS ARENA Feb 14 Journey and Toto Feb 20 Disturbed with Falling in Reverse and Plush Feb 21 Stevie Nicks Mar 14 Lynyrd Skynyrd and ZZ Top Mar 5 & 6 Zach Bryan May 16 Tim McGraw

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Hello friends and loved ones! In the many years I’ve been writing for The Loafer I have tackled the subject of the Christmas season time and time again.

However, in my opinion, I do not think I ever did anything better on the subject than this piece that you’re about to read, which is appearing again in this column this season for the first time in years. A very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you all.

December 25 Dear Diary, Here we are, Christmas day! My wife and I have had a wonderful Christmas!

We had a marvelous meal and enjoyed spending time with family and friends.

However, we're doing something different this year. We're going to roll our gifts out over the 12 days of Christmas.

Should be exciting, and perhaps let that Christmas spirit last a little longer. Today I was given a beautiful pear tree, with a partridge on the top of it. The cat is having a fit over the bird, and I'm trying to figure out where in the yard to put the tree.

December 26 Dear Diary, Today my wife gave me two turtle doves, they're getting along just fine with the partridge. I didn't really ever think I'd have any birds in my lifetime, but now I have three. They're pretty, and they sing

well. The cat drools when he walks by them. We're keeping them as far away from him as possible, I have to run to PetSmart to buy bird feed.

to me by the gross. We've locked the cat down in the basement, he has that same gleam in his eyes that I do when I look at the Waffle House menu.

December 27

January 1

Dear Diary,

Dear Diary,

OK, things are taking an odd turn, more birds! Today it was three French hens— though I appreciate the number thing she has going for her, I don't know what to do with French hens. Why the French ones? What was wrong with American ones? Will they lay eggs? I mean, it would be nice to have eggs on demand. Still, all these fowl are starting to be a bit foul (I'm hilarious, dairy. Hilarious).

Happy New Year! I'm looking forward to a fresh start for a prosperous new year. We had a great time last night at the party, I fully admit that I overdid it. So much so, that I thought I was hallucinating this morning when I looked out on the lawn and saw eight young ladies milking cows. It was very real, and today's gift. I'm starting to think this whole “12 days of Christmas” thing was a horrible idea.

December 28 Dear Diary, Four colly birds! What the hell is up with all the damn birds? Did someone tell my wife I wanted to open up an aviary?

Because whoever did is DEAD to me!

I am now the owner of ten birds. The checkout people at PetSmart all know me by name at this point. Today I'm going to pick up more feed, and move the birds into a shack I've built in the back. Wish me luck, diary.

December 29 Dear Diary,

January 3

Finally! NO MORE BIRDS! Instead today I was given Five Golden Rings. I have no idea what I'm going to do with five golden rings, I'm just glad it wasn't more birds.

Dear Diary,

Dear Diary,

By Andy Ross theloaferonlineprint @gmail.com

Dear Diary, My life is becoming a circus. This evergrowing menagerie now has nine ladies dancing. Birds chirp, maids milk, and now women are dancing all over the house. I'm starting to feel like a club owner. As if I found a barn somewhere full of animals and just said "Dance around it all." If I hear “Cotton Eye Joe” one more time I'm going to scream for 24 hours straight.

December 30

Batteries Not Included

January 2

I spoke too soon. Six Geese. Where did she find all of these things!? Was QVC having a fire sale on birds or something?

I really wish she was a bit more practical in her gifting. It's not that I dislike having these birds around, they're lovely. The thing is, I'm just starting to feel a little like Tippi Hedren. I buy my wife jewelry, and she keeps on giving me the bird.

December 31 Dear Diary, Happy New Year's Eve! We're going out to a friend's tonight for a party, I'm looking forward to it. As you could guess, today it was yet more birds. Seven Swans, who have all taken up residency in our pool. They just swim, peck, eat, swim, peck, eat. PetSmart now sells food

I think today's gift was more for my wife than it was for me—actually I think this whole gift thing is just her attempt to Gaslight me. Today it was nine lords a-leaping. Men dancing this time. You can't move anywhere on my property without running into a man or a woman, wearing a leotard, jumping around as if their life depended on it. I think I've fallen into my own personal Circ Du Soleil Hell.

January 4 Dear Diary, Eleven Pipers. That will not. Stop.

Piping. You know how much I hate Renascence fairs? Well, guess what?

I'm now living in the middle of one.

They won't even stop at night! Who did I marry, what happened to that gal? She loved board games and Apple products, not slow torturing her spouse! I think what's far scarier, is that there was a place she could order all of this from. Do you just search for "Lords A-Leaping" on Amazon? Does that get Prime shipping?

January 5 Dear Diary, Today is the final day, praise Jesus! I woke up this morning to what I thought was the sound of rifles being fired to finally put me out of my misery but instead was my last present. Twelve drummers. Just like the pipers of yesterday, they never stop drumming.

They even followed me all the way down to the police station. Did I fail to mention that I was brought in for questioning this morning? It seems that having nine young ladies milking cows on your front lawn is a borderline violation of labor laws.

PETA has set up a protest outside my house as well, they are upset with the number of caged critters on my land.

I was even on the news last night! To top it all off, this morning in my mail, I found a sternly worded letter from Oprah. Next year, I am not exchanging gifts with my wife. I'm just gonna get her a McDonald's gift card...it'll be all I can afford after the legal bills.

See you next week.

theloafer.net | December 19, 2023

The Diary of The Twelve Days of Christmas

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