Applachian Life
Wild violets taking over the yard like they own the place. That deep purple against all that green is pure Appalachian spring. The woodpile in the back just makes it feel more like home.
“Three central components of subjective well-being were considered: life satisfaction, positive emotional states, and negative emotional states.” - Dr. Susanne Bücker
Research points to the 70s as the happiest decade of all.
But for me, at 50 is my happiest time of my life, living in a tiny house in the Appalachian hills, working a side job on my own terms, sitting on my porch watching the mountains do nothing fast — I think I’ve already found it. Maybe happiness isn’t an age. It’s a life that fits.
But I’ll check back in at 70. Just to see.
Dinner’s on the stove. I looked out the window and saw everything buried under a fresh blanket of snow. The trees and the fence line — quiet and white. There’s something right about cooking for loved ones while it’s still snowing outside.
Drove through the scenic New U.S. 460 / Corridor Q to Pikeville for a doctor’s appointment, spotting sarvis trees popping up here and there on the winter-brown mountains — little bursts of white. March, and spring is nearly here. (AI-generated photos — but pretty close to what I saw!)
Always wondered if water filters actually work. Brita is the obvious name everyone knows — and according to Better Report, they do reduce chlorine and some metals, but miss pesticides and lead entirely. Used a different brand back when I lived in DC, but gave it up. Now in rural Kentucky, hard water is the real issue — and most pitcher filters just aren't built for that.
The minerals that contribute to hardness build up quickly in the filters, meaning that they may leak back into the water unless you change the filter even more than recommended.
— WaterSmart
So, I bought water bottles now.
My dad just got Starlink, and we might hook it up today. I’m excited to see how well it works in our corner of Appalachia. Internet outages here can last for days, especially in the harsh weather, so I’m hoping Starlink will keep us online when our regular service goes down.
Wow, I looked at the window just now, and guess what? It is SNOWING! Big flakes!!! ❄️❄️❄️
What a snowy wonderland—it’s 11 degrees! ❄️ I know I am weird because I’m drinking a cold mocha almond latte.🧋It’s a mood! Oh, I dread doing laundry🧺today, but only one or two small loads. I wonder what I will be doing today? Read a book, binge TV, or write more content? Decisions, decisions!
