Nifty pickle 10 23 14 by James Webster

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Thursday • October 23, 2014 • Issue #10

Marshall County Craft Club Readies For Christmas Show by Elsa Rutherford

Would you like a bigger-than-life size Santa for your house? What about a beautiful, handmade angel to adorn the mantel or top the Christmas tree? Or maybe some unique gifts for those special people on your list? Yes, I know Thanksgiving is not here yet, but if you’re one of the many people already thinking about Christmas, you’ll want to mark your calendar for the Christmas Craft Show presented by the Marshall County Craft Club. The Christmas Craft Show will be open from November 1st to December 23rd at the Alabama Craft Show, a store at Piper Station in Boaz, formerly known as the Boaz Discount Mall. Doors will be open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, except Sunday and Monday. Hours will

be extended after Thanksgiving. Walking into The Alabama Craft Show, I’ve entered a smile-inducing bright wonderland of exclusive handmade treasures, everything from artfully painted gourds and dazzling jewelry to handmade candles of every size and color that perfume the air. I’m met by Ida Stackhouse and Donna Henderson, co-owners of the store. This is Ida’s third term as president of the Marshall County Craft Club and Donna is the current secretary. Donna is a silver-haired lady wearing a bright green shirt with the initials ACS (for Alabama Craft Show) embroidered in red on the front. Her crafts specialties include floral arrangements, wreaths and repurposing items from their original use into more artful and decorative pieces. Ida, a striking redhead, is attired in a confetti-splashed print blouse of pinks, golds, purples, russets, and ambers. She sports a cascading purple bow in her red hair, tucked stylishly behind her ear. She is a gourd crafter and quilt-maker and she also crochets and does other types of sewing. If I didn’t already know, it wouldn’t be hard to guess from their appearance that these ladies possess a wide creative streak. I’m introduced to Roy Henderson, Donna’s husband, who is the Chairman of the Christmas Show. Ida, Donna and Roy, along with the other members of the MarContinued on Page 4

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High Demand Swamps Caregiver Program

Billboard For Rent in Boaz. AL Hwy 168 (Across from Little Lots) The top and bottom of both sides are available. $250 Call JW at per Month for each 256-673-8190 for space. No Contract more information. Required.

The Government Accounting Office report “Actions Needed to Address Higher-Than-Expected Demand for the Family Caregiver Program” is grim. The report assesses the program that was established in 2010 to support family caregivers of seriously injured post-9/11 veterans. The program was to include a stipend equal to the cost of home health assistance, respite, training, health insurance for the caregiver and mental-health support. First, however, a caregiver must be approved and the veteran assessed. Fact: The Veterans Health Administration guesstimated that 4,000 caregivers would be approved for the program. Already 15,600 caregivers have been approved. The Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers haven’t been able to keep up with the workload. They put ONE support coordinator staffer in each medical center. Additionally, onsite nurses and physicians were to handle home visits and medical assessments within a certain timeframe. They weren’t ready either, and some 500 caregivers are being added to the roster every month. Fact: The staff didn’t have access to the workload data they needed to monitor the effects of the program because the software was developed to handle a much smaller program and therefore might not be reliable. Fact: Since officials can’t get good numbers and stats out of the program, they’re trying to get another IT system ... but don’t know when they’ll get it. Fact: At some clinics there just isn’t enough staff to make home visits for the assessment. Directors see the caregiver program as even more work and not a high priority. At one facility, “the director refused to have nurses conduct home visits for the Family Caregiver Program.” And “the number of physicians willing to conduct medical assessments for the program is limited.” To read the whole report, go online to gao. gov and put GAO-14-675 in the search box. Freddy Groves regrets that he cannot personally answer reader questions, but will incorporate them into his column whenever possible. Send email to columnreply2@gmail. com. (c) 2014 King Features Synd., Inc.

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The Rules Are Simple! This contest is for children 3 - 12 years of age. Please submit your entry no later than November 3, 2014. The winners (one boy and one girl) will be announced on our website, www. niftypickle.com, and in the next issue of the Nifty Pickle. You can mail your entry to Nifty Pickle, 7032 US Hwy 431 • Albertville, Alabama 35950. Please include your name, phone number or email address so we can contact you if you are the winner. Your phone number or email address will never be shared with anyone. If you are one of the lucky winners, we will let you know where to pick up your prize.

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Marshall County Craft Club Readies For Christmas Show

Continued from Page 1

shall County Craft Club, are busy preparing for the Christmas Show which has been an annual Marshall County event for twenty years. The Craft Club currently has 84 members, ranging in age from 13 to 91. All of the items featured in the Christmas Show (as well the Alabama Craft Show store) are local, handmade crafts of the highest quality that have been approved by the Craft Jury. No junk store or flea market-type items allowed. During the Christmas Show the majority of items will be Christmas-themed. The spacious building will feature a multitude of imaginatively painted gourd crafts, some which have been transformed into lidded containers that open and could be used in many different ways. There will be original pieces of distinctive jewelry (always great gift choice); lushly appointed Christmas wreaths and vibrant bows; a large collection of ceramic displays; expertly hand-carved wooden products; an impressive assortment of handstitched quilts, from the whimsical to the old-fashion classics; and handmade purses of every description. The Christmas Craft Show will offer Christmas-themed goods in a wide array of almost every craft you can envision. It will be the perfect location for all your Christmas shopping. The Marshall County Craft Club offers various craft classes to all ages of the public. Call (256)9 996-4945.©

PART 1

A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds. If your older children are going alone, plan and review the route that is acceptable to you. Agree on a specific time when they should return home. Only go to homes with a porch light on and never enter a home or car for a treat. Because pedestrian injuries are the most common injuries to children on Halloween, remind Trick-or-Treaters. Stay in a group and communicate where they will be going. Remember reflective tape for costumes and trick-or-treat bags. Carry a cellphone for quick communication.

Be Safe This Halloween! Always Wear Reflective Clothing and have Someone In Your Group With A Flashlight!

Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk. If no sidewalk is available, walk at the far edge of the roadway facing traffic. Never cut across yards or use alleys. Only cross the street as a group in established crosswalks (as recognized by local custom). Never cross between parked cars or out driveways. Don’t assume the right of way. Motorists may have trouble seeing Trick-or-Treaters. Just because one car stops, doesn’t mean others will!

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ALBERTVILLE

Solid Rock Church 2073 Section Line Road Albertville, Alabama 35950 256-891-1818

BOAZ

First Baptist Church 225 S. Main Street Boaz, Alabama 35957 (256) 593-8580

GUNTERSVILLE

Corinth Baptist Church 4183 Rose Road Albertville, Alabama 35951 (256) 894-3400

The Potter’s House 210 Sand Mt Dr. Albertville, AL 35950 256-298-2378

Mt. Zion Baptist Church 623 County Road 2 Boaz, Alabama 35957 (256) 561-3682

Mount Zion Missionary Baptist 1444 Carlisle Ave Guntersville, Alabama 35976 (256) 582-0181

Fairview United Methodist Church 1750 Hustleville Road Albertville, Alabama 35950 (256) 891-1719

BOAZ

All Saints’ Anglican Church 706 North Main Street Boaz, Alabama 35957

Sardis Baptist Church 1501 Church Street Boaz, Alabama 35957 (256) 593-7762

The Church at Lake Guntersville 4525 Wyeth Drive Guntersville, Alabama 35976 (256) 582-5312

First Baptist Church Albertville 309 East Main Street Albertville, Alabama 35950 (256) 878-2291

Belaire Baptist Church 1505 Oak Drive Boaz, Alabama 35957 (256) 593-8773

Mt. Calvary Baptist Church 201 Rose Road Albertville, Alabama 35950 (256) 878-6685

Beulah Baptist Church 1991 Beulah Road Boaz, Alabama 35957 256-878-1516

Rose Road Church of God 804 Rose Road Albertville, Alabama 35950 256-891-7723

Boaz Church of God 115 McGee Street Boaz, Alabama 35957 (256) 593-3689

Albertville Baptist Church 302 Buchanan Road Albertville, Alabama 35950 (256) 878-3933

Zombies! Witches! Spiders! It’s that time of year again. Halloween is one of many holidays that cause division among professing Christians. Since there are more flavors of Christendom than Baskin-Robbins has ice cream, there are countless opinions on the subject. I try not to offend others, but sometimes it’s inevitable. I think it is what you make of it. It can be a fun scary night with the kids or something more dark and sinister. I keep thinking of the scripture that says to the pure of heart, “all things are pure” {Titus 1; 15}. What I mean by that is this: sometimes we magnify the devil and water down God to barely more than weak Kool-Aid. If your heart is pure and you’re thinking about God, you are going to be seeing Him in everything. If your heart is crooked you will lust after a woman no matter how long her dress is. I have heard several variations of a story about Jack-oLanterns. They all go something like this: we are the pumpkin, God chose us from the field, washed off our dirt and took us home. Then He cut us open and removed all the “gunk” {sin, anger, bitterness} and put a smile on our face. He then put His light inside us so we could be a light in dark places. I think it’s a cute story that can teach kids several lessons about redemption. One time we had a zombie party at church and every-

GUNTERSVILLE First Baptist Church 1000 Gunter Ave Guntersville, Alabama 35976 (256) 582-5141

Guntersville Church of Christ 800 Gunter Avenue Guntersville, Alabama 35976 (256) 582-2494

Victory Baptist Church 1644 O’ Brig Avenue Guntersville, Alabama 35976 (256) 582-5054

First United Methodist Church 539 Gunter Avenue Guntersville, Alabama 35976 (256) 582-2001

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one dressed up like zombies. We were the original “Walking Dead”. We are dead to sin, and dead to the world. You get the point. Then the next year we dressed up {zombies again} like something in our lives that had died. We had several zombie brides that year. They had “died” during a divorce and they were hoping to be able to love again. It is kind of a hoot to pray for someone while you are dressed up like a zombie priest. Religion had killed me. I believe it is what you make of it. Dressing up like The Incredible Princess Ninja Zombie Pirate doesn’t make you demon possessed any more than wearing a cross makes you a Christian. We all know enough of THOSE don’t we? The thrills and chills can be harmless fun. Everybody enjoys a good scare every now and again and Truth be told the darkness should fear the Light not the other way around. So in my opinion, go have fun. Pray for your neighbors and neighborhood while you are walking or driving around. Look for “God appointments” to pray for someone one on one. Look for opportunities to teach your kids something really cool about God, The Father. Don’t hide your light under a basket and curse the darkness outside ~ Go be the Light to the world. You may find some little “monsters” with tears running down their check as you share the Love of God with them.

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Author’s note: This story originally appeared in the anthology Fear Itself published by Warner Books, New York in 1995. It is appropriate for the Halloween season, but Be Warned; it is not for the easily frightened or the squeamish. It was nominated for Horror Writers of America’s best short story of the year. Due to the length of this story, we will publish it in 3 parts.

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS Part Two

By Elsa Rutherford I must confess that for a brief moment I had allowed myself to consider what it would mean if Grandfather truly could come back to us. For if he could come back to life, Grandmother’s own vitality would surely be restored as well. Yes, such thoughts were an offense to reason, I know, and only a fleeting speculation, but something deep inside me yearned for reassurance that the dead are not cut off from us forever in our world, that some part, some essence, still lingers here on this earthly plane, surviving even the frigid clutches of the grave. What mortal man has not, at one time or another, yearned for such reassurance? For proof of life beyond death? Surely this is the basic longing at the heart of every ghost story ever told. A desperate desire to believe that some part of the life force remains indestructible, that the dead can and do reach out to us and commune with us. That is our greatest hope and yet, paradoxically, it is also our deepest fear. Even to imagine the dead rising from their tombs sends a cold shiver down the spine. Of course I knew such conjecture was futile; the Good Book teaches that we shall not know the answers on this side of the veil, and I felt rather like a fool, a common grave robber, as I readied myself for the distasteful act of plundering the earth where Grandfather lay. But I had promised Grandmother----indeed she had made me swear----that I would open the coffin and see with my own eyes if Grandfather was, in fact, waiting to be released, waiting to come home for the holiday. And I was willing to go to any length to mollify Grandmother. I sat the lantern on the ground and, with only its scant nimbus to see by, proceeded to penetrate the grave, heaving shovelful after shovelful of dirt into piles at the edges of the growing aperture until, at last, a chasm yawned open before me and the coffin was revealed. It struck me at that moment that what I was about to do was an accursed thing, an abomination, but I had given my word, I had sworn to do it. I had no choice but to break open the coffin and look on my Grandfather’s moldering remains. Thus, I climbed down into the grave and, with a mighty swing of the shovel, smashed the coffin’s hasp and lifted the heavy, creaking lid. I thought I heard a sigh as the lid came open; reason insisted, though, it could only be a pocket of stale air escaping its pent-up confines. I reached for the lantern, held it aloft, and peered down at my Grandfather. At first, what I saw was exactly what I had expected to see: an insensate corpse sleeping the final sleep. To be sure it was a grim sight; the flesh had darkened and begun to wither and fall away and there was an overpowering stench that gushed upward and took the breath from me. But all in all, it was what I had expected. Then, just as I was about to lower the lid, some strange, unexplainable feeling seized me and I knew---against all constraint of rationality I knew! ---that everything was not as it appeared. “Grandfather?” I whispered, my voice as scratchy as a rasp upon the chill night air. Though he did not answer aloud, his dark, dry-looking lips as unmoving as they had been seconds before, I sensed he was speaking to me. I felt rather than heard the words; felt them in the very marrow of my bones. I am alive. Though I am dead, I am alive. That was what he was saying to me. Calling out to me as he had called out to Grandmother through the dream. I was utterly stunned. Who could believe such a thing possible! But I was sure it was! Somehow, some core of life still existed inside Grandfather’s dead body, some vital spark that had reached out to Grandmother and was now reaching out to me. Without question, there was nothing for me but to bring him out of the grave and take him home. Continued on Page 9

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ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Caution dominates the Sheep’s monetary aspect this week. Rams and Ewes might want to shear their big spending plans until a more favorable financial picture begins to emerge by week’s end.

LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) Financial matters once again figure in any major action you might take regarding career, travel or other endeavors. You’ll want a ready reserve to help you back up those moves.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Thrift counts both at home and at work. So you might want to rethink major purchases or investments. Also, be wary of a so-called revelation about a previous decision.

SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) Trying to resolve a problem in a personal relationship could be more difficult than you’d expected. Look into the possibility that someone might be interfering for his or her own reasons.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Both household budgets and workplace accounts might benefit from some judicious trimming of unnecessary expenses. A partnership could lead to an unexpected challenge.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) A project you once rejected might be more attractive because of changes that you feel you can now work with. The weekend is especially favorable to family matters.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22) A previously overlooked opportunity could re-emerge with a new travel-related matter. Check this out carefully to see if it’s what you really want before you decide one way or another.

CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) This is a good week for the gregarious Goat to enjoy being with people you care for. You might even want to show off those creative kitchen skills you’re so adept at.

LEO (July 23 to August 22) This could be the start of a new career-changing phase, so start marking down your many accomplishments for those who need to know how much you have to offer. Good luck.

AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) A colleague might think your attitude is patronizing or even outright insulting. True. That might be his or her problem. But you might want to take some reassuring steps anyway.

VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) It’s not too early for the sometimes procrastinating Virgo to start making those long-distance travel plans. The sooner you decide where to go, when to go and how to go, the better.

PISCES (February 19 to March 20) It’s a good time to jettison those old concepts about a family matter you might have been holding on to. This will help make room for a new and more enlightened way of dealing with it.

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HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Continued from Page 6

Banana-Buster Cream Dessert

Do you love bananas and peanuts together? This show-stopping (but easy) dessert lets that combo shine. Ingredients 12 (2 1/2-inch) chocolate graham cracker squares (divided) 1 (4-serving) package sugar-free vanilla cook-and-serve pudding mix 2/3 cup nonfat dry milk powder 1 1/4 cups water 1 (8-ounce) fat-free cream cheese 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 cups (2 medium) sliced bananas 1 cup fat-free whipped topping 2 tablespoons (1/2-ounce) chopped dry-roasted peanuts Directions 1. Evenly arrange 9 graham crackers in a 9-by-9-inch cake pan. 2. In a large saucepan, combine dry pudding mix, dry milk powder and water. Cook over medium heat until mixture thickens and starts to boil, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. 3. Add cream cheese and vanilla extract. Mix well using a wire whisk until well-blended. Fold in banana slices. Spread mixture evenly over cracker crust. 4. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Spread fat-free whipped topping over set filling. Crush remaining 3 graham crackers. Evenly sprinkle cracker crumbs and peanuts over top. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Cut into 8 servings. ¥ Each serving equals: 143 calories, 3g fat, 7g protein, 22g carb., 259mg sodium, 1g fiber; Diabetic Exchanges: 1 Starch/Carb., 1/2 Meat, 1/2 Fruit, 1/2 Fat. (c) 2014 King Features Synd., Inc.

He was heavier than you might think, nothing but heaps of dried-out bones, but Grandfather had been a large, robust man in life and, dead only six months, much of the flesh still remained, though spongy now to my touch, and oozing a putrid fluid. Grave-clothes, too, were moist and slick, so slippery it was hard to get a firm hold, but by draping him over my shoulder, half-carrying, half-lugging, I was able to convey him, albeit clumsily, from the graveyard to Grandmother’s house in a matter of minutes. As I was lurching along, bearing Grandfather’s weight, I was caught up in a delirium of emotions, aghast and thrilled at the same time. In spite of the fact that Grandfather’s body had deteriorated and putrefaction had set in, I was almost certain I could feel the life-force pulsing deep inside him, though I grant it was difficult to detect, given that my own blood was churning through my veins and thundering in my ears in such a tumult that it overrode nearly all else. A few of the aunts and cousins screamed when I came into the house with Grandfather slung over my shoulder. Others were so stricken at the sight that they could not utter a sound, and some of the smaller children ran from the room and hid. To say the least, everyone was astounded. They had all known that I had gone to the graveyard and why, but no one dared believe that I would actually bring Grandfather home. No one except Grandmother who was beside herself with jubilation, as I knew she would be. I seated Grandfather at the head of the long dining table, where he had always sat, and where he seemed very content to be once again. With an enthusiastic clap of her hands, Grandmother bid us all to take our places round the table and, as usual, we bowed our heads and offered thanks. Oh Lord, thank you for our many blessings. For surely on this Thanksgiving eve we did indeed have an extraordinary blessing for which to be thankful. However, I could not help noticing that some of the family did not look particularly thankful, especially when, as the meal progressed, a few tiny clumps of rotten flesh fell from Grandfather’s face and landed between the mashed potatoes and the cranberry sauce. What I saw on a number of faces appeared to reflect repugnance instead of gratitude, and I noticed that no one seemed to have much appetite. After the meal ended and I had removed Grandfather from the table to his favorite armchair in the living room, Grandmother drew up a seat beside him. Holding his decomposing hand in her own, patting it from time to time, she spoke to him with almost child-like excitement, so effusively warm and affectionate she was. And how attentive to her he seemed to be, how absorbed in her words. So satisfied to sit perfectly still and listen as she talked on and on. In contrast, the others were stand-offish and visibly reluctant to engage him in conversation, but they did file by and speak before moving off to talk among themselves. Mostly “Hello, Grandfather.” And “How are you, Grandfather.” “Glad to see you, Grandfather.” Correct but restrained to the point of awkwardness. It made me feel sorry for the poor old fellow. Surely this was not the sort of response one would expect to receive upon rising from the grave and coming home for the holidays. But I thought they were, understandably, too shocked to say more; it was, I admit, an unusual situation. Continued on Page 10

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HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Continued from Page 9

Grandfather himself gave no indication that he felt slighted by the lukewarm reception. It was evident to me that Grandmother’s heart-felt welcome was all that truly mattered to him. As time went on, I became aware of dismaying snatches of conversation here and there around the room. The gist of it was that much of the family simply could not believe that Grandfather was alive again. In fact, some of them were denying it emphatically, insisting that what was sitting in that armchair, the focus of Grandmother’s loving attention, was nothing but a dead body. Stone-cold dead, they said. Totally, completely, and without question, dead. Disgusting, they said. It was clear, too, that they were quite angry with me. One cousin pulled me aside and demanded to know if I had taken leave of my senses. “Why, it is the vilest thing I have ever seen, digging up the old man’s corpse and parading it around this way, “he said. Another quickly declared I ought to be buggy-whipped and that I would be lucky if the sheriff did not find out and lock me up for good. It was then, feeling unjustly put-upon and ready to defend my actions, that I turned and saw what I had not seen before. On the verge of indignant rebuttal, the scales suddenly fell from my eyes and I beheld a sight that filled me with unspeakable horror. The truth, the reality, of what I was seeing staggered me like a breath-taking blow. God in heaven, my cousins were right! The thing sitting in the armchair was nothing but a corpse! Yes! Yes! I saw it clearly now! Why, anyone with eyes could see there was no core of life, no vital spark, in that awful, cadaverous thing, none whatsoever. Can you imagine the horror of waking suddenly to that realization!© Be sure to see our next issue of the Nifty Pickle for Part 3 of “Home For The Holidays.” About the Author: Elsa Rutherford is a native Alabamian and lives in Albertville with her attorney husband, Nick Kirst, and they have two very spoiled cats. She attended Snead College and the University of North Alabama. Rutherford is a seasoned writer, beginning her award-winning career almost forty years ago as a newspaper columnist and features writer. She has written for numerous magazines and newspapers and sold her first book in the 1980’s. Her short stories have been published in anthologies in the U.S. and many other countries.

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Bass Fishing Tips Fish for Bass During the Pre-Spawn - The holy grail of bass fishing is during the largemouth pre-spawn. The pre-spawn starts in spring around the time when the water temperature gets to be between 55 to 65 degrees. This is when both male and female bass move to the shallow areas, start aggressively feeding and looking for the best place to nest. Fisherman during this period can actually locate bass right from shore, that’s how close they get. This is the best time to get a trophy bass, but remember to catch and release female bass so they can complete their spawn and continue the cycle of life for bass.

Killer Bacon Cheese Dogs “My family has been eating hot dogs this way for years. They are so much better than your average hot dog!”

Know the Habits of Bass - The type of weather dictates where bass may or may not be. When the sun is out and shinning bright bass will look for shelter. When it’s cloudy out and there is little or no sun bass come out of their protective shelter. This means when it’s sunny out you’ll want to fish near areas where bass might go for shelter, so keep your lure or live bait close to possible areas that bass might use for shelter. Fishing for Bass at the Right Time of Day - The best time to fish for bass is the first few early hours of the morning or the last few hours going into the evening. Bass will feed during the afternoon time if it happens to be a cloudy day or if the water is muddy. It’s recommend that you try to get to your favorite fishing hole about an hour before sunup or an hour before sunset.

Original recipe makes 8 servings

Study the Map - Every body of water has a map available online from either state or local resources. This is a great way to identify different depths and drop-offs. It’s also a good way to find out if there are any fish cribs or sunken structures that bass might use for shelter. It’s a good idea to take a map with you so you can use it as a reference point or to mark areas of success or failure

8 slices bacon 8 all-beef hot dogs 8 hot dog buns 8 slices Swiss cheese 1/2 cup barbeque sauce, or amount to taste 1 small red onion, diced

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Directions

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Ingredients

Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat. Lightly oil grate, and set 4 inches from the heat. Place the bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium-high heat until evenly brown. Drain on paper towels. Place hot dogs on grill; cook until browned, 5 to 8 minutes, turning once, or until done to suit your taste. Lightly grill hot dog buns. To assemble sandwiches, place a slice of cheese and bacon on each roll. Add a hot dog, top each with 1 tablespoon barbeque sauce, or desired amount, and red onion.

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Do You Live Alone?

Nearly 30 percent of seniors live alone. Home safety is very important to us, and even more important during the short, dark days of winter. Here are a few hints to stay safe. ¥ Invest in a few of those small “tap” lights -- the kind you touch on top to turn on -- and put them along your path to various rooms, especially if you have to cross a room in the dark before reaching a lamp. ¥ Turn on a light when you reach for your weekly pill container to be sure you don’t grab the wrong day’s pills. ¥ Use a ladder and stepstool only if someone else is around. Keep things you need on lower shelves. ¥ Guard against slipping. Beware of scatter rugs that slide easily on hard floors. If your shoes are worn enough that they’re slick on wood or vinyl flooring, it’s time to replace them. ¥ Keep your door locked when you’re home alone, even if you live in a safe neighborhood. ¥ If you’re on social media, be careful what you reveal online. Never say that you live alone. ¥ Be aware in the kitchen. Be sure the stove and other appliances are off when you’re finished with them. Mop up spills. Have a fire extinguisher and know how to use it. ¥ One of the best ways to stay safe is to stay in touch with others. If it’s available, sign up for daily caller service, likely through your senior center. Or make a deal with a neighbor that you’ll check in with each other every morning by phone. Sign up for Meals on Wheels or attend meals at a local senior center. For more hints, go online and search for “seniors living alone safety.” Matilda Charles regrets that she cannot personally answer reader questions, but will incorporate them into her column whenever possible. Send email to columnreply2@gmail.com. (c) 2014 King Features Synd., Inc.

Healthy Winter Skin Care Tips (StatePoint) Cool temperatures, low humidity, and furnace-blasted dry air can leave your skin dry, flaky, and itchy. Everyone needs to protect his or her skin from drying out in winter, but if you have certain skin conditions, you should step up your routine to keep your skin healthy. “Winter itch is a common name for the skin symptom of generalized itching in winter. While most commonly seen in the elderly and those with a history of asthma, allergies and eczema, anyone can experience winter itch,” says Dr. Vishakha Gigler, a board certified dermatologist.

areas to protect from the sun’s harmful UV rays before heading outdoors. Look for sunscreens with hyaluronic acid in them.

• Moisturize after showering. The most important thing with regards to bathing is your follow-up routine. Pat your skin dry with a towel and then apply a thick moisturizer. Apply in the morning and at night.

• Alleviate winter itch: To alleviate itch safely and effectively, toss a topical treatment into your bag for the day. A topical non steroid-based treatment providing fast itch relief is best, and will help you avoid side effects like skin thinning, stretch marks, increased bruising and enlarged blood vessels. For example, TriCalm is a steroid free, fast acting itch relief gel that is five times more effective than steroid-based hydrocortisone 1% at reducing itch. More information can be found at www. tricalm.com.

With that in mind, here are a few steps everyone can take to prevent and relieve dry itchy skin in wintry weather:

• Protect against windburn. When heading outside on cold days, avoid windburn and prolonged exposure by wearing a hat, scarf, and gloves.

• Avoid irritants. Try to avoid products that can irritate your skin, such as fragrance, dryer sheets, and fabric softeners. Use a hypoallergenic laundry detergent and wear soft fabrics such as cotton.

• Eat right. Stock up on foods with lots of healthy monounsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish, nuts, olive oil, flax, sardines, and avocados. These foods promote good skin health.

• Add humidity to your home and office. Portable humidifiers or those that work with your heating system put moisture into the air that will be absorbed naturally by your skin and hair.

• Hand care. The skin on your hands is thinner than most parts of the body and has fewer oil glands. That means it’s harder to keep your hands moist, especially in cold, dry weather. This can lead to itchiness and cracking. Wear gloves outside; if you need to wear wool to keep your hands warm, slip on a thin cotton glove first, to avoid any irritation the wool might cause.

• Wear sunscreen. Sunscreen may make you think of the beach, but it’s important in winter, too. Apply a moisturizing, broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to exposed

To Advertise Your Business In The Nifty Pickle Each Week, Give Us A Call at 256-673-8190. It’s Affordable and It WORKS!

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How many members of the Tate family belong to your church? There is old man Dic Tate, who wants to run everything, while Uncle Ro Tate tries to change everything. Their sisterin-law Agi Tate stirs up plenty of trouble, with help from her husband, Irri Tate. Whenever new projects are suggested, Hesi Tate and his wife Vege Tate, want to wait until next year. Then there is Aunt Imi Tate, who wants your organization to be like all the others. Devas Tate provides the voice of doom. And of course, there is the black sheep of the family, Ampu Tate, who has cut himself off from the mainstream! But not all the members of the Tate family are bad. Facili Tate is quite helpful. And a delightful, happy member of the family is Miss Felici Tate. Cousins Cogi Tate and Medi Tate are always thinking things over and lend helpful, steady hands.

To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; 1 Corinthians 12:9 The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: Numbers 6:25 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. Jude 1:4

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Wordsearch Contest

Win a $50 Gift Card... Find the Advertisers listed below and tell us which page

that their ad was found. Mail this entire page to us at 7032 US Hwy 431 â&#x20AC;˘ Albertville, AL 35950. Deadline is November 3, 2014. (Date of Puzzle: October 23, 2014)

Find these names: alabamacraftshow alanjackson bottomlinewebdesign brigittesclothing custompestcontrol fullcolorprinting incarerx joespawnshop mcclendonauctionhouse mcclendonwholesale nickkirstjd qslowsmoked sandmountainpest tradebank wlcaccounting

HOW TO PLAY: On this entry form you will find some of the businesses advertised in this issue. Simply browse the Nifty Pickle, looking for these advertisements. When you find them, record the page number on which you found their advertisement in the space provided on this entry form. Then, find and circle that business name in the word search puzzle. Once you have located all of the advertisers listed, complete the entry form and mail this entire page to the address shown above. Your entry must be received by November 3, 2014. We will then draw one entry from the group of correct entry forms and announce that winner in the November 6th issue. Incorrect or incomplete entry forms will be disqualified. All decisions by Nifty Pickle, Inc. are final. There will be only one winner for this contest each week. GOOD LUCK!

Page Numbers: __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________

The Winner of the October 9, 2014 Wordsearch Puzzle Contest is R. Jones of Arab. Congratulations!

Name: ________________________ Address: ________________________ City, State, Zip ________________________ Telephone: ________________________ Email Address: ________________________

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Your Favorite Pet Could Be Featured Here! Would you like to see your pet featured in the Nifty Pickle?

Jot down some information about your pet (name, personality, something funny, tricks it can do, etc.) and send it along with a photo to Nifty Pickle Pet Pix, PO Box 1161 Guntersville, Alabama 35976, email to info@niftypickle.com or bring it by the office at 7032 US Hwy 431 in Albertville (next to Merle Norman).

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ACCOUNTING, PAYROLL, CONSULTING, BOOKKEEPING and Much More. Call James at WLC ACCOUNTING 256-6738190. 7032 US Hwy 431 in Albertville... 3 Doors Down from The Nifty Pickle Variety Store.

Q SLOW SMOKED BBQ 106 South Main Street in Old Downtown Boaz. If you love BBQ, then you will love REAL Q-slowsmoked with natural hardwoods. 256-281-9699. See our ad and coupon in this issue.

ALABAMA CRAFT SHOW Selling Year Around Crafts handmade by local artists. Custom orders welcome. Piper Station, Boaz. 256-996-4945.

SAND MOUNTAIN PEST MANAGEMENT Got Bugs? Call Sand Mountain Pest Management at 256-891-7400 and start protecting your house from unwanted pests. Be sure to see our coupons in this issue of The Nifty Pickle.

BOTTOMLINE WEB DESIGN Web Sites starting at ONLY $29.95 per month. Call 256-673-8190. BRIGITTE’S CHILDREN’S CLOTHING 403 Martling Road, Albertville. 256-744-8404 or 256506-5853. Family owned business Specializing in Boys and Girls Clothing Sizes Newborn to 14. CUSTOM PEST CONTROL Termite and Pest Services. We Guarantee Our Service! No Contract, No Commitment... Just Dead Bugs! 256-593-6613 JOE’S PAWN SHOP 11411 US Hwy 431 in Albertville. Buy, Sell, Trade, Pawn. Open 8am - 6pm, 7 days a week. 256-894-9994. See Our Ad In This Issue of the Nifty Pickle. McCLENDON AUCTION HOUSE Returns and Shelf Pulls from ALL Major Box Stores. Open Monday - Saturday 9am until 5pm. Sale on Saturday and Thursday at 6:30pm. 702 Chastain Blvd West, Glencoe. 256-492-5333.

TRADEBANK The Smarter Way To Barter®.Save Cash on Business and Personal Expenses. See our Ad in this issue or call JW at 256-6738190.

HEADBOARDS and FOOTBOARDS. ALL Sizes and Styles. Prices range from $18 to $40 for a set. These can be seen at the Nifty Pickle Variety Store in Albertville. Call JW at 256-673-8190. BED FRAMES/RAILS. ALL sizes. Prices start at $10. These can be seen at the Nifty Pickle Variety Store in Albertville. Call JW at 256-673-8190.

Place Your Yard Sale Ad Here. Only $5 per week for up to 30 Words. Mail your ad and payment to Nifty Pickle, 7032 US Hwy 431, Albertville, AL 35950 or you can come by the office located at that address. The deadline is every Monday at Noon.

CLASSIFIEDS $5 each week for 30 words or less. 10¢ each additional word.

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Mail your ad and payment to Nifty Pickle, 7032 US Hwy 431, Albertville, AL 35950 or you can come by the office located at that address. The deadline is every Monday at Noon.

CLASSIFIEDS

30% OFF SALE at The Nifty Pickle Variety Store In Albertville. See Our Ad In This Issue!

DUNE BUGGY. Needs to be completed. Big Boy Frame, Brand New Tires, New Seats, New Gas Tank and much more. $3000 obo. Call James at 256-673-8190.

OUTSIDE SALES RepresentaMcCLENDON WHOLESALE tive, Mail Your Resume and SalBuy It By The Pallet. Returns and ary Requirements to Nifty Pickle, Shelf Pulls from All Major Stores. 7032 US Hwy 431, Albertville, AL Great for Auctions, Trade Day, 35950. Yard Sales, etc. Open Tuesday Friday 9am until 4pm. Claybrook Road in Albertville. Call Charlie at 256-477-3914 for more informa- HOUSE FOR RENT 3 BR / 2 tion. Bath Brick Home with carport and large yard outside Boaz in Mt. NIFTY PICKLE VARIETY Hebron area. $500/month. ReferSTORE 7020 US Hwy 431 in Al- ences and Deposit Required. Call bertville, 2 doors down from Ace 256-558-4499 after 5pm please. Hardware. Merchandise Added Daily. 256-673-8190

Very Old Safe For Sale! $1,000 obo 256-673-8190

NOW HIRING: OUTSIDE SALES

Must Be Self Motivated and Work Well With People. Send Resume to: Nifty Pickle, Inc. 7032 US Hwy 431 Albertville, AL 35950 or email to james@niftypickle.com

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