Thanks For Reading The Nifty Pickle!
1
Thursday • October 30, 2014 • Issue #11
Do You Know the Most Written About Topic in the U.S.? by Elsa Rutherford
Trevor Siprelle, of Guntersville, is talking to me about the American Civil War which he says is “the most written about topic in the U.S.” Mr. Siprelle is the founder and leader of the Marshall County Civil War Roundtable, an organization devoted to sharing the history of the American Civil War with people of all ages. The Roundtable meets the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 pm at the Guntersville Public library. Currently there are thirty-one members of the organization, but attendance to the
meetings is free to the public, and everyone is encouraged to attend. “With me, I think it started when I was in my teens and saw the movie Gettysburg, Mr. Siprelle says. He’s remembering how he became interested in the Civil War. “I liked reading about U.S. history in school, too,” he adds. As a youngster growing up in Lowndes County, Alabama, learning that his own ancestors had fought in the Civil War made the subject even more interesting to him. Siprelle is a business man, a friendly, easily approachable person who has an immediate, welcoming smile as he shakes my hand when we meet at a local restaurant. Dressed in a comfortable gray knit shirt and slacks, his dark hair just beginning to show the first sprinklings of silver, Siprelle’s blue eyes light up and his voice becomes particularly enthusiastic when he talks about his 3rd great grandfather. “He was taken prisoner at South Mountain in Maryland, near Antietam. Later, he was paroled and, daringly, managed to reunite with his Confederate comrades. Eventually, he was wounded at Chancellorsville, Virginia.” He also mentions a 3rd great uncle who died of “consumption” (tuberculosis) after being held as a prisoner of war. Siprelle’s enthusiasm is contagious and I can’t help telling him that my own great, great grandfather was a captain in the Confederate Army and when I mention the Continued on Page 4
See Inside This Issue of The Nifty Pickle for Halloween Safety Tips
Do You Have An Idea For A Story That You Would Like To See In The Nifty Pickle? If So, Please Call 256-673-8190 or send an email to james@niftypickle.com.
2
Please Support Your Local Merchants!
Telehealth Care
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.
For the fiscal year 2014, which ended in September, the Department of Veterans Affairs took care of 690,000 veterans via 2 million Telehealth visits. That equals 12 percent of all veterans enrolled in VA health care. More than half of veterans with Telehealth care live in rural areas, making it hard to get to clinics and hospitals, and not all physical locations can take care of all medical specialties. Granted, not every medical concern can be addressed via Telehealth, but there are more than 40 health specialties that can. Rehab, mental health, cardiology, neurology, occupational therapy and primary care are but a few. Surgical specialists also can be hooked in for consultations when required, both before and after surgery. Telehealth works in two ways. With Asynchronous Telehealth, information such as medical images and voice recordings is stored in advance, then sent to the doctor for assessment. For veterans with diabetes, PTSD or heart failure, it’s simple enough that vital signs can be sent via a telephone line. There even are digital stethoscopes and scales to help with weight-loss programs. A care coordinator keeps track of the information and works with the doctor to arrange any treatment changes or appointments. With Synchronous Video Telehealth, both the doctor and the veteran are hooked up with a real-time video communication link for checkups, diagnoses and more. The doctor also can review previously uploaded data and order prescription changes on the spot. Besides the benefit of receiving care while at home, the VA even pays for the equipment. If you’re interested in Telehealth and a possible hookup at your home, call the Office of Telehealth Services at 202-461-6946. Online, go to www.telehealth.va.gov and read more about each type of service. On the left side of the screen, also scroll down to Newsletters. 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.
Thanks For Reading The Nifty Pickle!
3
Nifty Pickle Published Weekly by Nifty Pickle, Inc. 7032 US Hwy 431 Albertville, Alabama 35950
256-673-8190
The publisher, Nifty Pickle, Inc., has no responsibility for claims made by advertisers. No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part without consent of the publisher. The Publisher will not be liable for any error in display advertisement to a greater extent that the cost of the line space occupied in the advertisement. The advertiser and/or agency agree to protect, indemnify and hold harmless this publication, and it’s publisher, Nifty Pickle, against any and all liability, loss and expense (including attorney fees) arising out of the publication of the advertisers advertisement.
Letter To The Editor:
We encourage letters to the editor but we ask that certain guidelines be followed: Letters may be typed or handwritten, and legible. Letters must be signed along with a telephone number and address. Phone numbers and addresses will only be used for verification and will NOT be published. Letters should not exceed 250 words. The Nifty Pickle reserves the right to refuse to print or, at it’s discretion, may edit any letter. The basic content of the letter will not be altered. All letters must be received by Monday at Noon and should be sent to Nifty Pickle • 7032 US Hwy 431, Albertville AL 35950 or emailed to editor@niftypickle.com.
ENJOY!
The Rules Are Simple! This contest is for children 3 - 12 years of age. Please submit your entry no later than November 10, 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.
4
Please Support Your Local Merchants!
Do You Know the Most Written About Topic in the U.S.? Continued from Page 1
company he commanded, to my amazement Siprelle begins to tell me more about my ancestor’s involvement than I ever knew. He knows all the specifics and in which general’s division he would have served. He talks about the various generals with such familiarity and insight it makes me feel as if he actually knew these people. I’m beginning to realize that Trevor Siprelle is extraordinarily knowledgeable about everything concerning the Civil War. I am convinced the Marshall County Civil War Roundtable could not have a better leader. “We especially want to encourage young people to become involved with us,” Siprelle says. He’s pleased that several Boy Scout troops have attended the meetings. At those meetings, various, well-informed speakers present assorted topics concerning the Civil War and discussion follows. The Marshall County Civil War Roundtable is fairly new; it was organized in March, 2013. However, there are many other Civil War Roundtables across the state and the country. “We let people know about any upcoming tours related to the Civil War, and we try to attend as many of those excursions as possible,” Siprelle tells me. When Siprelle discovers that I’m a booklover like him, he suggests several authors and books for me to read: “Failure in the Saddle,” a 2 volume set about Chickamauga by Dave Powell, also works by Richard McMurray, an Atlanta author, and anything by Shelby Foote. “Probably the greatest historian of the Civil War was Shelby Foote,” he says of the noted Mississippi-born writer, who was featured in Ken Burn’s acclaimed Civil War series presented on public television. I am appreciative of all the information Mr. Siprelle has given me, and now is my opportunity to offer something in return. I tell him I own a book containing the written correspondences between Shelby Foote and the novelist Walker Percy, and that I’d be happy to lend it to him. He readily accepts my offer. As we part, he invites me to attend a Civil War Roundtable meeting, telling me he thinks I “will enjoy it.” I agree. I think anyone interested in history, especially Southern history, would enjoy it very much. ©
Set Your Clocks BACK 1 Hour on Sunday Morning at 2am.
Thanks For Reading The Nifty Pickle!
ALBERTVILLE
ALBERTVILLE
5
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
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
Thanks For Reading The Nifty Pickle!
6
Please Support Your Local Merchants!
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 Three
By Elsa Rutherford There was only one explanation for it: a mind-twisting hallucination had overtaken me, entrancing me, as I had opened Grandfather’s coffin, and it had deluded my mind and impaired my reasoning up until that very instant. And---Lord have mercy!---look what it had wrought: Grandmother was talking to a corpse and smiling into its stinking face! Gently stroking its rotted hand! Believing with all her heart that Grandfather had come back to her and that he was responding to her ministrations. This was beyond nightmare, this was depravity, and I alone bore the blame. For a moment, I felt utterly helpless, addled with indecision. Then suddenly a rush of adrenalin surged through me, and I hurried to Grandmother’s side and fell on my knees before her and began to explain, in what must have been an incoherent babble, that I had to return Grandfather to the graveyard at once. While I attempted to pry her hand from his, attempted to lift her to her feet in order to place her into the care of some of the aunts who had come forward, she stared at me as if she did not know who I was or what I was raving about. She refused to be taken away, and when I tried to remove Grandfather from her grasp, she would not surrender him to me. Eyes burning with a frightening intensity, she held him tenaciously, surprising me that such a small, frail person could summon such strength. “Leave us be, you black-hearted ingrate,” she said, flinging the startling words into my face with such vehemence it drove me backwards as surely as if she had struck me. She turned to Grandfather, her hand sliding up his dark, withered neck, and began to whisper in his ear, imparting words that were for him alone. I knew she was reaching deep into her dreams, trusting in something that none of us could begin to fathom. I also knew, it was plain to see, that she was quite mad. But in that madness, there was something else that was plain to see: there was a bliss, a new-found bliss that had totally obliterated her grief, wiped it away as if it had never been, and transported her beyond her dreams and hopes to the conviction that the bond of family truly does transcend even the grave itself. I understood at that moment that I could not take this bliss from her. I would sooner have been damned to perdition than to do so. Even if was based on an untruth, a terrible untruth, I could not take it from her. So I did leave them be---both she and Grandfather, the living and the dead---to commune in whatever incomprehensible way she believed them to be communing. My family, though relieved that I had finally come to my senses, was appalled that I insisted on Grandfather remaining where he was for the rest of the night. “You must take him back immediately,” they urged. A few even offered to help. The aunts said, “We will put Grandmother to bed straightaway, give her a strong draught of sleeping potion and come morning she will think it only another dream.” Yet I remained firm in my resolve and, eventually, grudgingly, they resigned themselves to it and we waited for the night to pass. In the hour before dawn, I took Grandfather in my arms and heaved him over my shoulder, just as I had done before. This time Grandmother had relinquished him willingly if regretfully. “Yes, yes, it is time, I know, “she sighed. “He must go back before the sun comes up.” In the fading darkness, the gray shadows swirling about my feet as I made my way to the graveyard, I tried to numb my mind and shut off my senses so I would not feel that smeary, pulpy flesh against my own, would not smell the rank stench, would not acknowledge the thing I was hauling on my back. When, at last, I returned Grandfather to his grave, lowered him into his coffin and shoveled the last shovelful of dirt over him, I was immensely relieved to be free of my loathsome burden. Continued on Page 9
Thanks For Reading The Nifty Pickle!
7
8
Please Support Your Local Merchants!
ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Lots of choices could make it difficult to select what is best for your needs. Avoid snap judgments. Take the time to check them all out to find the one that really meets your goals. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) You could once again experience pressure from others who would like to see you move in another direction. But heed your Bovine instincts to stay on your own path.
LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) A holiday plan might need to be revised to accommodate an unexpected complication. Come up with an alternative arrangement as soon as possible to avoid more problems down the line.
SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) Don’t accept halfway explanations for a situation that requires full disclosure. The more you know now, the better able you will be to handle any complications that might GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Taking charge arise. of a project that seems to be about to stall or collapse altogether could be a challenge. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to DecemBut once everyone knows what you expect ber 21) The cooperation you relied upon of him or her, things should go smoothly. might not be easy to get. Maybe there’s an information gap. See if everyone underCANCER (June 21 to July 22) Avoid the stands the situation. If not, be sure to offer a pressures of the upcoming holiday period by full explanation. setting a time right now to discuss how to divide up the responsibility of helping a loved CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) one come through a difficult period. Problems caused by that recent workplace distraction should soon be easing, allowing LEO (July 23 to August 22) It’s not too early you to resume working at a less frantic pace. for all you Leonas and Leos to start mak- That personal matter also begins to ease up. ing long-distance travel plans. The sooner you stop procrastinating and start deciding AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) where, when and how you’re going, the bet- Changing your mind about a job decision ter. isn’t easy for the usually committed Aquarian. But once you check it out, you’ll find VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) Some- facts you didn’t know before. And facts one you’ve known for years might disap- don’t lie. point you, or even make you feel you’ve been betrayed. But check the facts carefully PISCES (February 19 to March 20) Your before you make charges that could backfire unique way of sizing up a situation gives you on you. an edge in resolving that upsetting workplace problem. Stay on your current course regardless of any attempts to distract you. BORN THIS WEEK: You are emotionally attuned to what’s going on around you, and you easily pick up on people’s needs.(c) 2014 King Features Synd., Inc.
Please Support Your Local Merchants!
Thanks For Reading The Nifty Pickle!
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
9
Continued from Page 6
Zucchini-Pimiento Bread Who would have thought it? Zucchini and a bread machine ... together. But after one bite, you’ll be glad that we did. Ingredients 1/2 cup water 1 teaspoon table salt 1 tablespoon dried onion flakes 1/4 teaspoon dried minced garlic 1 (2-ounce) jar chopped pimiento, drained 1 1/2 cups grated unpeeled zucchini 2 3/4 cups bread flour 1/4 cup whole-wheat flour Sugar substitute to equal 1 tablespoon sugar, suitable for baking 1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast Directions 1. In a bread-baking pan container, combine water, salt, onion flakes, garlic, pimiento and zucchini. Add bread flour, whole-wheat flour and sugar substitute. Make an indentation on top of dry ingredients. Pour yeast into indentation. 2. Follow your bread machine instructions for a 1 1/2 pound loaf. Remove loaf from machine and place on a wire rack to cool. Makes 12 servings. ¥ Each serving equals: 108 calories, 0g fat, 4g protein, 23g carb., 1mg sodium, 1g fiber; Diabetic Exchanges: 1 1/2 Starch. (c) 2014 King Features Synd., Inc.
Yet, in truth, I was not free of it. The guilt, the obscenity of what I had done, would continue to haunt me. How could there be a more offensive sacrilege, a more offensive wickedness than to deliberately defile the dead? But, God forgive me, I knew I would do it again. The bliss I had seen on my grandmother’s face, the deliverance from dark despair to ecstatic joy, would compel me to do it again. No matter the weight it placed upon my conscience, no matter the revulsion and fear I would feel, for her sake I would do it again. And I did, just over a month hence when Christmas eve came round. And again when Easter came. By that time, Grandfather had deteriorated to an even greater degree, his bones showing beneath the stringy, rotted flesh, and his head shrunken to a wizened skull. The family turned their own heads in disgust as I brought him in, but they, too, understood by then that it was this gruesome holiday recurrence that gave Grandmother courage for all the other days of the year. Some part of her mind was gone, that is indisputable, but because she believed Grandfather would return to her periodically, she continued to function, to live and breathe and laugh and love, in a relatively normal fashion. None among us had the heart to deprive her of that. Nor to deprive ourselves of the grandmother who had been restored to us. For, by then, there was something else we all understood: If she stopped believing, then something inside all of us would wither and die……. Now Thanksgiving eve is upon us again and seven months have passed since Easter, since last I dug up Grandfather. Most likely I will find him beyond recognition this time, the seeping rain, the moldy damp, and the grave-worms having taken their toll. It will be a revolting, almost skeletal thing I will carry to Grandmother’s house this night. Still, I plunge on, my heart racing, my hands clammy as the lantern swings at my side. Ah, yes, there it is, just ahead there, Grandfather’s grave. Of course, I am fully aware that what I do here is a crime against every law of heaven and earth, and I do not know if God will have mercy on my soul or if I shall be condemned to the everlasting fires of hell. All I know is that, in the meantime, Grandfather will come home for the holidays. Now, I must dig. © 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.
10
Please Support Your Local Merchants!
Hold On, Please!
Anonymous Author (1)The three little words are: “Hold On, Please...” Saying this, while putting down your phone and walking off (instead of hanging-up immediately) would make each telemarketing call so much more time-consuming that boiler room sales would grind to a halt. Then when you eventually hear the phone company’s “beep-beep-beep” tone, you know it’s time to go back and hang up your handset, which has efficiently completed its task. These three little words will help eliminate telephone soliciting. (2) Do you ever get those annoying phone calls with no one on the other end? This is a telemarketing technique where a machine makes phone calls and records the time of day when a person answers the phone. This technique is used to determine the best time of day for a “real” sales person to call back and get someone at home. What you can do after answering, if you notice there is no one there, is to immediately start hitting your # button on the phone, 6 or 7 times, as quickly as possible. This confuses the machine that dialed the call and it kicks your number out of their system. Since doing this, my phone calls have decreased dramatically. (3) Another Good Idea: When you get “ads” enclosed with your phone or utility bill, return these “ads” with your payment. Let the sending companies throw their own junk mail away. When you get those “pre-approved” letters in the mail for everything from credit cards to 2nd mortgages and similar type junk, do not throw away the return envelope. Most of these come with postage-paid return envelopes, right? It costs them more than the regular 37cents postage “IF” and when they receive them back. It costs them nothing if you throw them away! The postage was around 50 cents before the last increase and it is according to the weight. In that case, why not get rid of some of your other junk mail and put it in these cool little, postage-paid return envelopes. One of Andy Rooney’s (60 minutes) ideas. Send an ad for your local chimney cleaner to American Express. Send a pizza coupon to Citibank. If you didn’t get anything else that day, then just send them their blank application back! If you want to remain anonymous, just make sure your name isn’t on anything you send them. You can even send the envelope back empty if you want to just to keep them guessing! Eventually, the banks and credit card companies will begin getting their own junk back in the mail. Let’s let them know what it’s like to get lots of junk mail, and best of all they’re paying for it...Twice! Let’s help keep our postal service busy since they are saying that e-mail is cutting into their business profits, and that’s why they need to increase postage costs again. You get the idea ! If enough people follow these tips, it will work---- I have been doing this for years, and I get very little junk mail anymore.
Part 2
Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. Make sure that shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with flame. Consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes and trick-or-treat bags for greater visibility. Because masks can limit or block eyesight, consider non-toxic makeup and decorative hats as safer alternatives. Hats should fit properly to prevent them from sliding over eyes. When shopping for costumes, wigs and accessories look for and purchase those with a label clearly indicating they are flame resistant. If a sword, cane, or stick is a part of your child’s costume, make sure it is not sharp or too long. A child may be easily hurt by these accessories if he stumbles or trips. Obtain flashlights with fresh batteries for all children and their escorts. Do not use decorative contact lenses without an eye examination and a prescription from an eye care professional. While the packaging on decorative lenses will often make claims such as “one size fits all,” or “no need to see an eye specialist,” obtaining decorative contact lenses without a prescription is both dangerous and illegal. This can cause pain, inflammation, and serious eye disorders and infections, which may lead to permanent vision loss. Teach children how to call 9-1-1 (or their local emergency number) if they have an emergency or become lost.
When Carving the Pumpkin:
Small children should never carve pumpkins. Children can draw a face with markers. Then parents can do the cutting. Consider using a flashlight or glow stick instead of a candle to light your pumpkin. If you do use a candle, a votive candle is safest. Candlelit pumpkins should be placed on a sturdy table, away from curtains and other flammable objects, and should never be left unattended.
Set Your Clocks Back 1 Hour at 2am on Sunday Morning!
Thanks For Reading The Nifty Pickle!
11
12
Please Support Your Local Merchants!
Thanks For Reading The Nifty Pickle!
Bass Fishing Tips
13
No Bake Camping Cookies
Examine a Caught Bass for Local Tips - The next time you catch a bass take a peek inside of its mouth. When a bass is fighting you it will sometimes throw up whatever contents are in it’s stomach. This is a great way to see what bass are feeding on in the local area and try to mimic the look with a lure that can mimic it. In some cases if you like to use live bait you can try and catch what they’re actually feeding on and use that as bait. Always Keep an Eye on the Line - Every so often it’s a good idea to examine the line right above the lure you’re using. It’s common for it to get frayed due to it coming into contact with rocks, gravel, branches, stumps, etc. Nothing is worse than losing a monster bass due to your line breaking! Size Doesn’t Matter - The size of your lure doesn’t dictate the size of the bass you’ll catch. Remember, a largemouth bass will strike prey that is 25% to 50% of its length. Even those large lures can catch small bass. If you’re not producing anything on your lures try using something smaller and see if that can produce some bites. Click here to read about the specific lures we recommend. Try Some Live Bait - While many anglers don’t like using live bait it can be a great way to produce a nice bass when lures aren’t producing. Shiners have the best luck, especially when you hook them through both lips or just behind the top dorsal fin. Worms, crayfish and even frogs are great artificial bait alternatives. Use a slip bobber so you can adjust the depth of your bait without having to sacrifice casting ability.
•Cream together butter or margarine, sugar, cocoa, coffee and vanilla. •Add oats and mix well. •Roll into 36 balls about 1 inch in diameter. •Dip balls into confectioners’ sugar. •Set on wax paper.
Stay Tuned Next Week For More Fishing Tips!
ENJOY!
for Supporting Your Local Merchants!
Ingredients
Original recipe makes 3 dozen 1/2 cup butter, softened 2/3 cup white sugar 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder 1 tablespoon strong brewed coffee 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 3/4 cups rolled oats 1/3 cup confectioners’ sugar for decoration
Directions
Don’t Forget! Set Your Clocks Back 1 Hour at 2am on Sunday Morning!
Thanks For Reading The Nifty Pickle!
14
Please Support Your Local Merchants!
Seniors Want to Work According to a study released by Merrill Lynch, seniors don’t really want to completely retire. Nearly three-quarters of us want our retirement years to include work. Given the economy, it would seem an easy guess that we would keep working not because we want to, but because we need the money. But that’s not necessarily so, per the study. Five years before retiring, 37 percent of us already have taken steps to having a career after retirement. Half of us do take a break between official retirement and the next career. The break lasts for two years. We then spend the next nine years or so finding a balance between work and leisure, with most of us opting for part-time work. A third of us become self-employed. The study addresses myths about us: •Retirement means the end of work. Not so. Fully 80 percent of respondents said they work because they want to. •Retirement is a time of decline. No, again. The majority said that work keeps them young and holds off physical and mental decline. •People work past retirement age because they need the money. Twice as many said they work to stay active, not for the money. •Retirees who work keep the same type of career. No, over half have switched to new types of work, preferably with more fun and less stress. Do the working retired have any advice for us? Yes. Be willing to try new things, do something you enjoy even if it pays less, and keep up with technology. To see the whole study, go online to www.ml.com/retirementstudy. This was the third section of a fourpart study. On the right of the screen look for “Work in Retirement: Myths and Motivations.” 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.
New Coffee Table Books That Make Great Holiday Gifts
Fun with Photography You don’t have to have a special affinity for photography to appreciate, “Photography: The Definitive Visual History.” A celebration of the most iconic photographs and photographers of the past 200 years, this stunning book, written by world-renowned photographer, writer and broadcaster Tom Ang, traces the history of photography from its origins to the digital age. The Stellar Solar System Featuring all-new 3D models built using data gathered by NASA and the European Space Agency, “The Planets” is an awe-inspir As so much reading moves into digital ing journey through the Solar System, from spaces, coffee table books with their lavish deEarth to Mars and beyond. signs and entertaining content remain a peren Viewed layer by layer, planets and other nial staple in any home, say literary experts. objects in the Solar System are taken out of the “Coffee table books are a window into night sky and presented on a clean white backone’s personal tastes and interests,” says Rachel ground, revealing every detail of their surface Kempster, DK Publishing’s director of marketand internal anatomy in astonishing detail. ing and publicity. “They also make the perfect Looking at planets, the Sun, hundreds of holiday gift.” moons and thousands of asteroids and comets, Here are five new titles to consider gift“The Planets” includes timelines that chronicle ing this holiday season: all major space missions, right up to the latest Design Love Mars rovers, and infographics that present fas Designing with LEGO Bricks is all cinating facts about all planets and the Solar the rage, thanks to “The LEGO Movie.” Be in System in a fresh new way. vogue by giving enthusiasts a copy of “LEGO Heroes and Villians Architecture: The Visual Guide,” a beautifully For pop culture fans, consider “Marillustrated look at the artists, builders, and invel Comics Cover Art,” which brings together spiration behind the LEGO Architecture series. an unforgettable gallery spotlighting the most Packaged in a sleek slipcase, this coffee iconic covers, along with never-before-seen table book comes with the added benefit of proconcept art from all over the world. Celebrating tection against -- coffee! 75 years of Marvel Comics, it features the likes Maps Galore of Spider-Man, Iron Man, and The Avengers, From Ptolemy’s world map to the latas well as the writers and artists who gave them est maps of the moon and even Google Earth life -- including Jack Kirby and Stan Lee. images, “Great Maps” provides a fascinating More gift book ideas can be found at overview of cartography through the ages. Rewww.us.dk.com. vealing the stories behind 55 historical maps by analyzing graphic close-ups, “Great Maps” also “A beautiful object that serves at once profiles key cartographers and explorers to exas artwork, information and the all-important plore why each map was commissioned, who conversation starter, is a gift that will never go it was for and how they influenced navigation, out of style,” says Kempster. propaganda, power, art, and politics.
Thanks For Reading The Nifty Pickle!
15
Cold Water
A man went to visit his 90-year old grandfather and while eating the breakfast of eggs and bacon prepared for him, he noticed a film-like substance on his plate. So he says, “Grandfather, are these plates clean?” His grandfather replies, “Those plates are as clean as cold water can get them, so go on and finish your meal.” That afternoon, while eating the hamburgers his grandfather made for lunch, he noticed many little black specks around the edge of his plate, so again he asked, “Grandfather are you sure these plates are clean?” Without looking up from his burger, the grandfather says, “I told you, those dishes are as clean as coldwater can get them, now don’t ask me about it anymore.” Later that day, they were on their way out to get dinner. As he was leaving the house, Grandfather’s dog, who was lying on the floor, started to growl and would not let him pass. “Grandfather, your dog won’t let me out.” Without diverting his attention from the football game he was watching, his grandfather shouted, “Coldwater, get your butt out of the way!”
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. Romans 10:9
16
Please Support Your Local Merchants!
Thanks For Reading The Nifty Pickle!
Wordsearch Contest
17
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 • Albertville, AL 35950. Deadline is November 10, 2014. (Date of Puzzle: October 30, 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 10, 2014. We will then draw one entry from the group of correct entry forms and announce that winner in the November 13th 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 16, 2014 Wordsearch Puzzle Contest is M. Simpson of Guntersville. Congratulations!
Name: ________________________ Address: ________________________ City, State, Zip ________________________ Telephone: ________________________ Email Address: ________________________
18
Please Support Your Local Merchants!
Happy Cats We are happy cats because we have the run of the place and even get to walk, jump, lie and sleep on the beds! One of us is a Siamese named Angel (actual name Angelina Jolie), the other is a solid black alley-cat named SweetiePye (actual name Pyewacket, named for the black cat in the old movie Bell, Book and Candle.) Both of us were strays and so our humans have made us become inside cats, but we get to play on the screened porch and watch the birds and squirrels. We own Elsa Rutherford, the writer, and her attorney husband Nick Kirst. 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).
Thanks For Reading The Nifty Pickle!
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.
19
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.
Please Support Your Local Merchants!
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 50% OFF SALE at The Nifty Pickle Variety Store In Albertville. 7020 US Hwy 431, next to Cook and Sons Ace Hardware. 256-673-8190
KARAOKE EQUIPMENT FOR SALE. Amp, Speakers and stands, Microphones, All necessary Cords. $850 obo. Call James at 256-6738190.
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
20
Please Support Your Local Merchants!