Hello to all from this little corner of the world. This column was written on Sunday, 8-16-2026. The sky was a medium blue Sunday with no clouds noted at home at the time of this writing. The weather was HOT, as we all know. The temperature was 94 degrees with a heat index of 110 degrees around noon. There was a slight breeze. James mowed the mini farm yesterday, although four hours on a zero turn does not seem mini. He also started early in the day weed-eating and working around his blackberry bushes so they will do well next year. I did not go out Saturday except with Remi. If you read my column, you know the heat and I do not agree. I can mow because I am moving so it does not seem as hot. James did use some sunscreen. I did things in the house. Please stay in as much as possible; otherwise, take frequent breaks, find shade, wear light colored clothing and a cap/hat to protect head and ears.
We attended the STEMC yearly meeting in Jackson Friday night at the Jackson fairgrounds. They had popcorn, snowballs and someone making balloon animals outside. There were gifts for those in attendance. There was a large five gallon bucket with a braided handle, pizza cutter, rubber jar opener, mail opener and two wristbands with the Southwest number for outages. Aeneas was represented, and they gave an energy saving advanced power strip and penlight flashlights. The Kimberlie Helton Band was entertainment. Hamburgers, cheeseburgers and hotdogs with trimmings plus cookies and a drink were furnished for everyone. The attendance was the largest I have seen. Southwest did give information on the company and its future plans during the meeting.
Condolences to all who have lost loved ones. Prayers are with you.
Happy birthday to Braxton Ellis, Darren Hatch, Brittany Gordon and Kevin Davidson, 8-16; Jason Johnson, 8-17; Braelyn Ellis and Paige Barber, 8-18; Emily Seaton, 8-20; and Jennifer Johnson, Austyn Newman, Diane Jordan and Julia Parchman, 8-22.
Prayer requests for Doug and Donna Bishop, Walker Bishop, Carolyn Goff, Darren Hatch, Danny and Gail Hodges, Alvin and Eva Jones, Chastity King, Kenneth Maness, Elaine Matthews, Harold Nobles, Julia Parchman, Beth Plunk, Pam Priddy, Jimmy Redden, Teresa Tedford, Cheryl Tobey, John Webb, Charles and Natalie Wray. Also, remember our first responders, military, firefighters and law enforcement officers
CARAMEL APPLE SNICKERDOODLES: you will need 3 cups and 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons cream of tartar, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 2 packets apple cider drink mix (0.74 oz. each), 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature), 1 1/2 cup sugar, 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla and 1 cup caramel bits (like Kraft brand). For the topping, you will need 3 tablespoons sugar, 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon and 1 packet apple cider drink mix.
INSTRUCTIONS: Whisk together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, salt and apple cider drink mix. Set aside. In a separate large bowl, using a mixer, cream together the softened unsalted butter and sugar until it becomes light and fluffy (about 1-2 minutes). Next, beat in eggs and vanilla until well combined. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Mix in 1/2 cup caramel bits. Save the other 1/2 cup for the outside of the dough balls. In a small bowl, mix together the sugar, cinnamon and apple cider drink mix for rolling the cookies. Shape the cookie dough into one-inch balls using two tablespoons scoop. Roll each ball of dough in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated. Then press the remaining 1/2 cup of caramel bits into each ball. Place the coated dough balls on a baking sheet and refrigerate for 20 minutes. This helps to create a thicker and chewier cookie. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper, silicone baking mat or no stick foil a few inches apart. Bake 8-12 minutes or until the edges are set and the center is puffy. Remove the baking sheet from oven and sprinkle additional cinnamon sugar mixture onto each cookie. Enjoy!
I pray all of you will have a wonderful week and may it be filled with love, joy, peace and blessings. Remember: if you have news, please email me at mimmiepots@gmail.com. I’d truly appreciate any news. People from here and those that have moved from our area but still want to keep in touch through the newspaper are hungry for news from home.
Until next week, Happy Trails to You.
