Shelbyville Times-Gazette: Columns: Sadie Fowler

Warm feeling results from hospital visits (11/15/09)
Over the past few months I have become well acquainted with hospitals -- but it's all good! Most of the time when I'm in New York I spend some time in the Charlie Wood Cancer Center, where my father receives treatments for cancer, and as much as being there stinks, I think my dad has wonderful doctors and nurses on his side. Last weekend, my husband and I got to know some different departments in Middle Tennessee hospitals...

Everything you wanted to know about Sadie but were (not) afraid to ask (11/08/09)
One of the things I think we need to improve on here at the paper is doing follow-up articles on folks we have chosen to feature in the past. It's something I'm working on, and am proud to say I have a few calls out to contacts trying to get updates on individuals who served as focal points in some of our most popular features...

Potato soup a perfect winter warm-up (11/08/09)
About a month ago, I had a message on my phone at work from an anonymous caller asking me if I knew of any great recipes for potato soup. She had a craving. I know all about those and, though I had plans for the food page already in place for the next couple of weeks, I knew I wanted to help this nice lady feed her craving...

Move over, stuffing: panade is an upscale alternative (11/01/09)
"Having reached age 30, it's not often that I find a food so amazingly delicious that it forces me to wonder why I've never had it before. Sure, I'll sometimes have new variations on pasta or risotto or veggies that are so good they're worth remembering. But rarely do I find a dish that is both unlike anything I've had before and so, so scrumptious that I want to eat all five servings of it in one sitting."...

One short ride, many years of memories (11/01/09)
It's funny how we get sentimentally attached to things ... even the most materialistic things. We know we're not supposed to get attached -- most of us have been told since we were children that things don't matter. It's the people and relationships in life, and how we treat others, that count the most...

Sweet taste of success follows cooking show (10/25/09)
If burning, red eyes with dark circles under them are indicators of success, I'm OK with that -- today. That's how most of my friends at the Times-Gazette, including myself, look and feel this morning, which happens to be the day after our sold-out relish® Cooking School and Expo...

It's look-out-for-deer season (10/18/09)
It's that time of year again where my fear of driving on the back roads increases 10 fold. Last weekend, my husband and I hit a deer while driving home from town. I am surprised this was just my first time hitting one, too, because they're everywhere, it seems...

Remembering what I forgot to remember (10/11/09)
I was watching a touching movie last night about a couple coping with the harsh realities of Alzheimer's Disease when it dawned upon me. I started to panic and realized I had hit my rock bottom. I may be slightly scatterbrained normally, but lately things have gone over the top and it's scaring me!...

Salmon cakes with glazed sweet potatoes make dinner delightful (10/04/09)
I've been in the kitchen a lot these days, and I've got a few Band-Aids on my left hand to prove it. I don't know what my problem is, but when I cook during the work week I tend to rush; hence, I burn myself. You'd think I'd learn by now, but the oven rack and me just don't get along well...

On-the-job training in preparation for the new arrival (10/04/09)
I learned something new last Thursday. Well, actually, I learned two new things. And guess what, they're related to babies and motherhood. (Sorry, folks, that is all that seems to be on my mind these days.) The first thing I learned is that mothers must have really, really strong back muscles. ...

Good will loses to Goodwill in yard sale struggle (09/27/09)
Call it nesting if you wish, but I am using my pregnancy as a wonderful excuse to light a fire underneath my husband's "laid back, we'll get to it later" little behind. He might not clean out his messy office for me, but for our daughter, well, she's already starting to pull at his pinky...

Delicious, filling dinners are easy and quick (09/20/09)
Months back, I received an e-mail from Andrea Bolden of Unionville. Having been a field editor for Taste of Home magazine for 10 years, Andrea loves to cook. She has contributed to several cookbooks -- regional, local and family -- and has also earned awards for her cooking...

The results are in, and the baby's gender is .... (09/20/09)
"You have a 42 percent chance of having a boy .... And you have a 57 percent chance of having a girl." This is what the latest results of an online survey told me this morning. I have taken one survey a week for the past 10 weeks or so. And here, according to feedback I received from the survey after answering a bunch of questions, are some of the reasons why I have a 57 percent chance of having a girl:...

The story of my life, written in a (pocket)book (09/13/09)
Like many women, I collect purses. But I'm not sure why. Probably unlike most women, I rarely change purses. Even though I might have a cuter purse for today's outfit, it's easier to just pick up the one that has my stash of, well, everything, than taking time to switch my stash to a prettier purse for a day...

Fabulous French toast is stuffed, and you will be too (09/13/09)
Crunchy, creamy, zesty and sweet ... all at the same time? Yep, that's what you'll taste if you try this week's Simply Delish recipe. If you take a bite without knowing the ingredients in crunchy bran French toast, I'd bet you'd never guess you were eating something healthy...

Quick spinach salad is tasty and nutritious (09/06/09)
I am really not much of a salad person, so it's sort of odd that I have featured a few salads in this column this summer. If you notice, however, the salads came from sources other than myself (Whitney Danhof made a chicken caesar recently and another friend of mine had me over for jicama salad)...

Everybody needs a Jane (09/06/09)
Everybody needs somebody. Those striking words came from a special woman I know named Jane, a frank but caring mother, wife, sister, daughter, teacher, friend, aunt -- and caregiver. Over the past several months, Jane has sacrificed many of her and her immediate family's own needs to care for her brother, a terminally ill cancer patient. Her brother is divorced and his daughter and son are unable to take care of him full-time...

Unlikely incidents often make the best memories (08/23/09)
Despite my terrible memory, I remember as if it were yesterday a trip I took to Boston as a child. I was probably about nine, and my mother and I traveled to Boston with her best friend and her daughter, and a few others, for a little history lesson about the Boston Tea Party...

Fear, loneliness as pregnancy's terrors increase (08/16/09)
There are two things that scare me most about being pregnant, and last weekend confirmed my fears are justified. First of all, I am terrified that I will lose my mind as a mother. With my family 1,200 miles away and my husband a three-hour drive south, I fear I will have no one to help me, support me, encourage me -- babysit -- when I'm ready to pull my hair out...

Relish Review: Zucchini bread (08/12/09)
There's nothing that says summer sweet treat like zucchini bread, so when I saw a recipe for the versatile bread in Relish Magazine I knew exactly what I'd be making over the weekend. Each month, a few days before you receive Relish inside the Times-Gazette, expect to see a column previewing one of the recipes included in the upcoming insert...

Grumpy service workers need to meet Grandma L (08/09/09)
Folks who work in the service industry seem to have all the power to make or break ordinary days for people like you and me. Frustrated by bellowing bloggers in an uproar over a school dress code (one that's likely not going away) and marathon meetings that conclude without solution, I had to take a step back...

Amazing pregnancy journey continues (08/02/09)
As of a few days ago, I was 14 weeks pregnant. According to my weekly updates from an online baby center, that means my miracle baby is now anywhere between 3 and 4 inches long and weighs nearly an ounce, and is starting to grow quite rapidly. His length is catching up with his slightly larger head, and his (or her) ears have started their move to the sides of the head, and the eyes continue to get closer and closer together...

A miracle occurs, and a life-changing experience begins (07/26/09)
A few weeks ago, I experienced a miracle. What I discovered was shocking, and I could only credit the miracle maker himself for the panic, joy, and confusion that zipped through my body. Hint: My miracle has to do with plus signs and baby doll shirts...

Hot cucumber number (07/19/09)
With summer heat in full force, I wanted to follow up last week's refreshing jicama salad with another unique summer salad. In all honesty, I really wanted to make a creamy cucumber salad, the kind with sour cream, vinegar, and dill (Yummy!) but I figured that just about everyone has tried cucumber salad and has their own version of how to make it....

Think twice about our animal friends (07/12/09)
We get so much junk e-mails these days that often times, if the e-mail is not from someone I know, someone local, or about a topic relevant to my duties at the paper, I delete it. If I didn't, I would spend half the day reading e-mails, which are mostly mass e-mails from company PR departments trying to sell the next best thing or what have you...

Simply Delish: Refresh with jicama salad (07/12/09)
A couple of years ago, I was assigned to take a photo for a local business' donation to the Habitat for Humanity Ball. Angelica Wortham, whom I'd never met until then, represented Habitat in the photo. Angelica was so friendly and I remember once we got talking that day we had quite a bit in common. Neither of us were from here. We had both moved here from out of state during the same month of the same year. And we had both met southern men, with strong ties to this area, and gotten married...

Celebrating in slow motion (07/12/09)
Five years ago, Jack and I flew to Las Vegas and got married. At the time, it just seemed like the easiest way to do it, considering our families live far from us -- and in opposite directions. Now, looking back, getting married in Sin City couldn't have been more fitting for Jack and me. We really are not your average couple...

Deeper thinking: Answers to my own questions (07/05/09)
One of the questions I ask my interviewee each week in Sunday Conversation is, "What do you like best about Bedford County and, if you could change one thing, what would it be?" (Sunday Conversation appears on 1B every Sunday. Contact me if you'd like to nominate a person for this fun Q&A.)...

Relish Review: A sizzling summer snack (07/05/09)
Homemade pesto, ripe and juicy tomatoes and a variety of cheeses ... a summer snack with those ingredients just doesn't get much better. "Pan Del Campo," known as the original cowboy or camp flatbread, features a cilantro-nut pesto, tomatoes, Parmigiano Reggiano, goat, and Monterey Jack cheeses; all atop a warm and crispy crust...

Sizzling sweetness: desserts for the Fourth (06/28/09)
As an alternative to our annual T-G summer picnic, held a weekend in June or July at a local park, the Times-Gazette celebrated Independence Day early last week by having an indoor barbecue at the office. I have been on a major hot dog kick this month, and started off lunch by eating my third hot dog of the week! I am not sure what's up with my addiction to hot dogs, but I am loving them ... ...

I'm a fool for a pool! (06/28/09)
Spring may have been cooler than normal for the most part, but it certainly went out with a bang, with the misery index reaching triple digits last week. I'm just thankful I got to spend the last day of spring at a real-life castle. Just as soon as I remarked to a co-worker that we had been so lucky to have had such a cool spring, I was eating my words...

Sisters deliver savory and sweet (06/21/09)
Have I mentioned I love my job? Whenever I've been asked what my passion is, my answer is a no brainer ... eating! Yes, I like traveling, and I like horses, dogs, and exercising (thank goodness), but my favorite passion by far and wide is trying different restaurants and different foods...

First class memories of my yankee Dad (06/21/09)
The first class upgrade was exactly what I needed as I boarded the plane Friday evening. Normally I'm the person clinching the armrests of my seat with my sweaty hands, as I intently stare out the window with my heart racing for fear of disaster. Often, I can't relax enough to read a book or even listen to my iPod...

I'd go through fire to get what I want (06/07/09)
I'm often amazed by the way some men prioritize their spending, compared to most wise women. A man might ignore the leaking roof, the broken garage door, or the molding he forgot to finish, only to turn around seconds later to state a case as to why he "needs" a new toy...

Yee-haw! It's cowboy caviar (05/31/09)
With Memorial Day taking away one of the three days we (normally) have to put together Life & Leisure, it was essential for this week's recipe to seriously be simple, quick and easy. I began racking my brain this morning about what to make -- but it didn't take me long to figure this one out. ...

Only good thing about this trip was the wine (05/31/09)
I noticed a couple months back while flying from Nashville they have what's called an "expert traveler" lane through the security checkpoints. This is brilliant, and more airports should have these lanes. I just returned from yet another trip to New York, and the entire airport process this time around was nothing short of annoying. Annoying doesn't seem like a strong enough word ... maybe disastrous is more like it...

Fully loaded potato casserole takes to the airwaves (05/17/09)
Just prior to making this week's Simply Delish recipe, I worked up an appetite when talking to Geneva Smith. Geneva had me as a guest on her radio show, "Ma's Kitchen," and I had a blast! Geneva asked me to bring in about five recipes that remind me of growing up, or recipes that carry a special meaning of some sort...

Dynamic duo streaks to food bowl (05/17/09)
Anyone who reads this newspaper, or rather anyone who can see, should know that this county has a major, major problem with the overpopulation of stray dogs and cats. Because I'm an animal lover and because I have written several stories that relate to animal control, I can promise you that we have got to do something about this problem...

Simply Delish: Serve Mom a breakfast worthy of a queen (05/03/09)
Calling all kids -- and dads -- who want to do something special for mom next Sunday! (Yes dad, Mother's Day is next Sunday). If you're a mom reading this, stop reading this column -- but make sure you cut it out and leave it somewhere for dad to find!...

I'll write my speech when I get around to it (05/03/09)
I'll be the first to admit it. I am the world's worst procrastinator. I'm not sure how this happened, because as a child and young adult I was always ahead of myself, always prepared, on time, on target -- with plenty of time to spare. Some people would say I was a worrywart, some would say I was wise beyond my years...

A quick dish in the slow cooker (04/26/09)
When I was asked to fill in for Sadie Fowler and do the "Simply Delish" column this week, I thought about shrimp gumbo, Philly cheese steak sandwiches or minute steak. Then, I decided my husband worked hard enough, and I probably should do the cooking for this one...

Though my tears may fall, my hero will remain strong (04/26/09)
His charisma is unmatched, his charm second to none. His heart is made of pure gold. Yes, he's spoiled -- the only farmer I know who likes the spa as much as Ivana Trump and also has about three assistants who follow him around to perform tasks even the rich do themselves. And, yes again, he can be a bit grumpy at times. But after 45 years of running one of the best dairies in his part of the country, I'd say he's entitled to all of the above...

Don't pinch me - I must be sleeping (04/12/09)
I am a definitely a dreamer -- literally. My dreams are sometimes short, because I have a terrible time sleeping many nights, but often my dreams are vivid, and some are reccurring. Last night, I had a most unusual -- and quite humorous -- dream. I had been invited to have dinner by an active member of our local community. Upon arriving at the lovely home, I immediately felt comfortable with the warm family, while the wonderful smell of homemade country food lingered in the background...

Wondermous wings (04/05/09)
I confessed my addiction to chicken wings a while back. Yes, I love all types, tender, crispy, barbecue, vinegar-based, etc. I like dips, salads, quesadillas and more. You say blue cheese and wing sauce, and I'm there. Yes, there. I'm there because you won't be here for wings, unless it's wing dip...

$120 burger was worth every penny (04/05/09)
I love spring, almost as much as I love a cool, refreshing fall. By April -- actually, by February -- I'm dying to be thawed out from winter. Spring is the time when I can comfortably sit outside and enjoy my coffee, as well as the forsythias and Redbuds in my yard...

Silver lining gilds edges of sad trip home (03/29/09)
I had to make a somewhat unexpected trip home to upstate New York last weekend. One of the hardest parts about being virtually the only one in my enormous family who lives out of town is not easily being able to "be there" for the seemingly millions of family engagements that arise...

A soup to warm your heart (03/22/09)
This week's recipe may be a soup, but don't underestimate its ability to fill you up and leave you satisfied. My broccoli noodle soup is an old family favorite, and just making it last night brought back lots of happy memories, as food often does. My mom's version of the soup is so hearty, that we always ate it as 'the main course' on a cold or rainy afternoon or evening...

Born to boogie (03/22/09)
"I said a hip hop the hippie the hippie to the hip hip hop, a you don't stop the rock it to the bang bang boogie say up jumped the boogie to the rhythm of the boogie, the beat." Oh yes, you know what I'm writing about here ... it's "Rapper's Delight," the 1979 one hit wonder from The Sugarhill Gang...

For me, cell phones are a smash hit (03/15/09)
So many people today have fancy iPhones, Blackberries and other "cool" communication devices that I often feel like I must be missing out on something. But as often has I've indicated -- whined -- about keeping up with the Joneses of cell phones, I have to admit -- fancy phones were not made for me...

A nutty little twist on hummus (03/15/09)
Hummus, a popular Middle Eastern dip, is one of those foods I find that people either love or hate. Ever since my days at Syracuse University, where I lived around the corner from a little Middle Eastern café called Munjed's, I've been a lover of the dip, which is comprised of chickpeas (also called garbanzo beans), lemon, garlic, olive oil and -- the secret ingredient...

Artichoke dip is sure to disappear (03/08/09)
Who doesn't love fresh, grated Parmesan cheese? Add a bunch a mayonnaise, garlic and another very special ingredient, and you have got a little piece of heaven that will have your mouth watering -- and your friends begging for more. Through our new section, Life & Leisure, the Times-Gazette will be delivering several food-related features each month, on this page. Sometimes, I will whip something up here in the office and other times, I will feature some of your recipes...

Now, if I could just find my lipstick .... (03/08/09)
As organized as I try to be, with the million and one lists that cover my desk at work and my kitchen table at home, I am a true professional when it comes to misplacing things. I just don't get it -- how can I be organized and disorganized all at the same time?...

Lizzie and I put our best paws forward (02/26/09)
I had a great weekend recently, highlighted by the Paws for a Cause 5K run and fun walk. I had planned on running in the 5K, but as Saturday morning approached, I didn't have the heart to leave Lizzie at home, so we made our way to the Square to show our support...

A vintage time in San Diego (02/19/09)
I thought I was headed to San Diego last week, but after making my way to the hotel and settling in for my weekend of relaxation, I could have sworn I was in Italy. I am certainly not complaining. San Diego's Little Italy was right around the corner from my hotel, and provided several amazing opportunities to celebrate my 30th birthday by eating some of the best Italian food I've ever had...

Walking or running -- which is better? (02/13/09)
Other than Wednesday morning, we've had some great weather this week, and I've come down with a case of Spring Fever. The warm sunshine has really helped to pull me out of those winter doldrums, and I've thereby been able to keep up with my exercise program for the second week in a row...

Savoring the fellowship of the wing (02/12/09)
I have come to the sad conclusion that I will need to break down my walls and join a recovery group, because I've lost all control. I am addicted ... to chicken wings. It's not so much the drums or wings that get me, but rather, the irresistible flavor of Frank's Red Hot sauce combined with cooling and creamy blue cheese dressing. Is there anything better than that? I don't think so...

A belt-busting trip to Nashville (02/06/09)
Finally, I get to report some success in my fitness world, as I've stuck to my guns this week and done everything I've set out to do. As I wrote last week, I had hit a plateau after losing 30 pounds, and it had become time for me to step up my fitness program...

I can see God's blessings all around (02/05/09)
At first, he wasn't sure what was wrong with the lady sitting next to him. She had bruises around her eyes, as if she may have just undergone plastic surgery. It had to have been painful, although she seemed to be in a great mood. Jack, my husband, didn't want to be intrusive, but when you're sitting arm-to-arm with someone, that sometimes can be quite challenging -- especially for the ever-outgoing Jack...

Woodwing whirlwind takes over newsroom (01/30/09)
Have you missed me? Well, I've missed you, but I haven't missed many meals in the past three weeks since I wrote my last Gut Check. I haven't given up, though, I've just been really busy here at work with other things. Our news and production departments recently went through a computer upgrade (some would still call it a downgrade, I think!) and we have had to learn a lot...

Champagne wishes and tiramisu dreams (01/29/09)
I really start going stir crazy this time of year, itching to get out, go on vacation and try new things. For example, last week I committed to running a half marathon in May -- and I joined a new club. I had really wanted to spend my birthday in Napa Valley this February, but February is not a good time to enjoy the fruits of California's wine country. But after Friday, I am confident that my new club membership is indeed the next best thing...

A turning point in the nation's history (01/22/09)
Regardless of race, faith, or political preference, this week's presidential inauguration grabbed the attention of people in record numbers, around the world. As 11 a.m. CST approached on this momentous day, I found myself anxiously trying to find a way to watch the ceremony...

Stay motivated with list making (01/08/09)
I'm very much of a list person. In fact, making more lists was on my list of things to do in 2009. So, this weekend I made a list about lists, as well as other things I needed to do to start my new year off productively. I'm determined to make 2009 the best year ever. ...

Despite sulfurous stench, Killian Christmas was wonderful (12/31/08)
EDITOR'S NOTE -- When staff writer Sadie Fowler wrote a humorous personal column about visiting her in-laws in Alabama for Thanksgiving, she half-jokingly offered her husband Jack the opportunity to return the favor when the couple visited her relatives in New York. Here is his response....

Sgt. Sadie back on the force (12/18/08)
It's amazing how many people drive around without both headlights working. After dark, start watching for that. I guarantee you'll be surprised, just like I was Friday night, when I rode along with Shelbyville Police Officer Tracey Nelson and her K-9 partner, Remy...

Take care with credit info during the holidays (12/11/08)
I had planned to write my column this week about last Saturday's parade, and in particular, First Choice Pregnancy Center's "Run for Their Life" 5K, which preceded Saturday evening's festivities. I wanted to let you all know that I about died while running that 5K, despite having run in several 5ks in the past. ...

Alabama was a lot of fun...I promise it was (12/04/08)
Despite my frequent pokes and prods in my weekly column, directed at my husband, Jack, I really do love him -- and his kind, generous, gentle and lovable soul -- and I'm very thankful to have him as my husband. Yes, I promise I do ... even if he is from Alabama...

Tired 'pack' needs a guard dog` (11/26/08)
They may not be Rotweilers, Dobermans or German Shepherds, but Shih Tzus -- or most of them -- are supposed to be "alarm dogs," protecting their owners against all forces of evil with their big barks (no bite). These dogs are known to be feisty companions and gentle lap dogs; with their most appropriate nickname being "lion dog."...

Cheers to enjoying 'the moment' (11/20/08)
As I sit here typing this column, I am battling my second cold of the season. Last month, I was sick for a couple weeks, and I thought it was so strange that I got a cold so early in "cold season." I always get one cold a year, but never before December or January...

What about winter makes me so SAD? (11/13/08)
One of the hard parts about writing a weekly column, one that is supposed to be either personal or humorous, is that sometimes nothing funny happens. As I sat here stressing today over things like Lizzie's sudden flea infestation, the dent in my Jeep door for which I'm not responsible, my checks that were lost in the mail, my upcoming "over the hill" birthday, Christmas plans, and writing this column -- when I've had a pretty uneventful week -- I found myself stressing even more...

Sgt. Sadie arms herself with pistolets (11/06/08)
Over the last several years, I have been able to visit my traveling husband in many different areas of the United States. Because he does environmental work, including emergency response and hazardous waste removal work, I never know where he's going to end up -- sometimes for months at a time -- working...

No applause...just throw money! (10/31/08)
I was exuberant Saturday when I finished the United Way Spooktacular 5K run/walk. It was my first official 5K run, and I was proud to be able to finish it -- and I didn't even have to stop to walk! I was still somewhat sore after my practice run three days before the official event, and I must admit, I wanted to quit at least five times. But I dug deep and was able to tough it out. A little perseverance can go a long way...

Sgt. Sadie accomplishes two big goals (10/30/08)
It has been a busy, gratifying and exciting week for me, Sgt. Sadie, as I accomplished two big goals since last week's column. On Saturday, I ran in United Way's Spooktacular 5K run. It had been more than a year since I had run in a 5K race, and an injured ankle followed up by a bad sinus infection weeks before the race put me in a bit of a crunch in terms of my training...

Reaching a triumph, and paying the price (10/24/08)
I experienced a personal triumph two days ago, and I was still paying the price for it this morning. I ran the entire 3.1 miles of the United Way Spooktacular 5K route Wednesday, and when I finally dragged myself out of bed this morning at 5 a.m., even my hair hurt. I was SORE...

Sgt. Sadie studies serious statistics (10/23/08)
We didn't shoot any guns, make any drug stops or solve any murder mysteries Tuesday night, but -- even without the dramatized excitement -- we covered some very important topics at Citizen's Police Academy Tuesday night. Chief Austin Swing opened class with some interesting facts and figures about policemen that had just reached his hands prior to class. ...

Lt. Lizzie might not make best drug dog (10/16/08)
If the last several weeks of Citizen's Police Academy are any indication of my potential as a real patrol officer or a detective, I'm pretty sure I'd be fired after my first week on the job. As a brief recap, Citizen's Police Academy participants examined traffic stops a few weeks ago, and I was the one who dropped the gun -- and mistakenly shot an officer in role play. ...

Cold doesn't stop dedicated 'detective' (10/09/08)
If you had asked me Tuesday morning, during the Times-Gazette's annual community coffee, I would have told you there was no way I would make it to Citizen's Police Academy Tuesday night. I didn't want to miss the coffee, so I managed to come to work, despite the powers above sending me messages over the last few days that I needed to slow down -- signs which I ignored...

'Sgt. Sadie' shoots officer in role play (10/02/08)
I'm not sure if it was more funny watching my partner almost back up into an unmarked police car, or witnessing Shelbyville Police Chief Austin Swing play the role of a drunk driver, but we had lots of laughs Tuesday night at Citizen's Police Academy...

Two heartwarming rides to remember (09/25/08)
A few weeks ago, I wrote my weekly column about the irony in the fact that I've never ridden a walking horse. I grew up riding performance horses -- Morgans and Saddlebreds -- in the Northeast and fondly remember showing horses. Horses are what brought me to the walking horse capital of the world, from New York, almost seven years ago...

A positive look at quest for fitness (09/19/08)
It's been a few months since I began this column, and I've reported some mixed success. But today I think it's important for me to dwell on the positive. At my heaviest, a little more than a year ago, I weighed 256 pounds. When I started writing this column about three months ago, I weighed 244, so I had lost a total of 12 pounds in a little more than a year...

Expecting the worst pays off at cage fight (09/18/08)
My husband always says it is best to prepare for the worst, and hope for the best. I usually don't agree with this pessimistic attitude; I tend to hope for the best -- and expect it -- but last weekend, I became a pessimist. After not seeing Jack for weeks, I drove to the airport Saturday afternoon to pick up my long-distance husband, who had just finished a three-week work rotation near Buffalo, N.Y. ...

Fall is in the air...or is it? (09/11/08)
Late September and October are my two favorite months ... or at least they were when I was living in the Northeast. It's a little different down South, because summer extends into the fall and we often feel the heat even in October. I don't look forward to fall like I used to, but last Saturday, I actually did have that feeling come over me. ...

New Yorkers aren't really rude, but they do know good food (09/05/08)
Sometimes journalistic integrity can be a real pain in the butt. This is one of those moments. I'd love to say I've lost two or three more pounds this week, but it simply isn't true. I have experienced a complete reversal in my weight loss program during the past 10 days, and have climbed back up the scale to 231 pounds...

Saddle beckons to rekindle lost love (09/04/08)
Like many people around this area, I was drawn to Bedford County by the horse industry. Unlike many people in this area, however, it was not specifically the walking horse industry that brought me here. As a child, I was fortunate enough to own horses. Having grown up on a large farm in upstate New York, it all started out with Quarter horses, which my mother and I would show locally and ride around the farm...

Questions which should never be asked (08/28/08)
I wrote a column last week about an acquaintance of mine assuming I was pregnant because of a shirt I was wearing. I did not write the column to make her feel bad about the awkward situation, but rather, because I thought many women would be able to relate to the column...

Morning singing is not for me (08/14/08)
Morning at my house is always crazy, since my husband and I have completely different views on the best way to face the day ahead. My husband wakes up each morning, jumps quickly out of bed and begins his time-tested wake-up routine of silliness. He sings and dances, which, according to him, helps him get pumped up for the day. He says his routine wakes both the mind and body and typically sets the stage for his day...

Moving the candy jar is not an option (08/07/08)
My alarm clock rings each morning at 5:15 a.m., which is about one hour earlier than it had up until about two months ago. Back in early July, I decided that it was about time I rejoined the gym. I'm not sure if it's because the big 3-0 is creeping up on me, because the newsroom's candy jar sits next to my desk, or because I love milkshakes -- or a combination of all three -- but my jeans were beginning to fit a little tighter than I like, and I knew it was time to get moving...

Camping trip proves I'm not much for roughing it (07/31/08)
I knew I was in trouble as soon as I walked through the door Friday afternoon and saw MREs on the kitchen table. Marking our third consecutive weekend getaway this month, my husband and I decided we would give camping a try last weekend. As tired of traveling as I was, I rarely get an opportunity to camp -- and he and I have never been together -- so I figured why not give it a go...

Why we do what we do (07/24/08)
Last weekend, I had my first opportunity to attend the Associated Press awards banquet with some of my fellow Times-Gazette co-workers. Even though I had not submitted any of my work for the 2007 AP contest -- for one reason or another -- I enjoyed supporting my fellow reporters who had won several awards...

Golden Key and weight loss accountability (07/18/08)
Several people have called, e-mailed or commented to me about this column within the past few weeks, and I thank everyone for their encouragement. One gentleman called and asked me how I avoid eating sweets, and the only thing I had to offer him was that I try to pray whenever the temptation arises...

Square's becoming the place to be (07/17/08)
I was very much looking forward to working last Saturday. Yes, on a Saturday. The reason being, Saturday was also the day of the Uptown City Fair, and I was assigned to cover it. John Philleo, my editor, and I set out around 10 a.m. to cover the fair and I was delighted to see the vendors setting up and old fashioned cars parked on the square ... people were beginning to roll in and it seemed like it would be a great day for the city...

Trip to Gatlinburg stimulates economy (07/14/08)
Two important dates were quickly approaching and my husband and I -- being the poor planners that we are -- knew that time was running out. Around mid-June, we decided we had better make plans for our anniversary, which falls the day after Independence Day. Because we'd waited so long to make plans and didn't have much time off from work, we knew we'd have to go somewhere fairly close...

If Liz could talk... (06/27/08)
It's the same thing every morning, or every time I leave the house for that matter. As I head to the door I have to block her from escaping. After I tell her 'no, get back' I turn, one last time, and say 'goodbye, be a good girl. See you later.' I wish my baby girl could talk. If she could, I would ask, "Lizzie, would you like a friend, someone to keep you company while I'm at work all day? Or do you prefer your status as the Queen B?"...

Koreans work hard, play hard (06/07/08)
It was about 10 p.m. when my Rotary-sponsored Group Study Exchange team arrived in South Korea April 23 and it didn't take long for the Koreans to earn our respect. We were greeted by true gentlemen and their kindness flowed into the next morning when we began our first day of touring....

Korean food odd; education system shines (06/05/08)
My month-long journey to South Korea concluded May 20. The Rotary Foundation, which sponsored this group study exchange trip, promised it would be life-changing, and it fell nothing short of being just that. There would not be enough pages in this newspaper for me to disclose all of the highs and lows we encountered on our journey; nor would there be enough room for me to explain how much I learned from my experiences on this trip.....

T-G staffer leaves for Korea trip (04/16/08)
I would like to take this opportunity to say goodbye ... for now. I will be leaving Monday for a month-long trip to South Korea as part of a group study exchange GSE team. Sponsored by the Rotary Foundation, this trip is geared toward Rotary's mission to spread peace, understanding and awareness among different cultures in countries throughout the world...

Of Valentines and puppies (02/20/08)
It was business as usual Thursday morning as I woke up, crawled out of bed and made my way to the kitchen to flip the coffee switch to on, being careful with each step I took not to step on my dog, Lizzie, and the burly gang of six (her puppies). I proceeded to get ready for work, thinking about what I wanted to wear that day, what I was going to eat for breakfast, what assignments I had scheduled for the day, etc. It was just another day...

Dining choices in Shelbyville (02/13/08)
Last week, I wrote a blog entry on the Times-Gazette web site about the recent closing of Shelbyville's short-lived Chick-Fil-A restaurant on Main Street, which followed the closing of Lucille's Chicken & Waffles a couple months prior. A tough location, a somewhat odd concept -- chicken and waffles, together -- and other factors had the odds working against Lucille's from day one, but I was very surprised to see Chick-Fil-A close...

Yelping about whelping (01/26/08)
I'm going to be a grandmother! I took my daughter, Lizzie, to the doctor's office earlier this week and he expressed his belief that my daughter will indeed be giving birth -- in the next couple of weeks. My 2-year-old Shih Tzu will likely have her puppies on Feb. 1 or 2, and I am filled with feelings of nervousness and excitement as I prepare to be a birthing coach/OB-GYN for the very first time...

Mother and daughter find the spirit of Christmas (12/19/07)
A close relative of mine, Marjie, has had a tough year. She's a single mom who's also a real estate agent working in the Northeast. A few years ago, the market was booming and Marjie, the hardworking sales person that she is, was selling houses left and right. Things change, though, and that's what happened to the housing market and consequently Marjie's income...

No more Wal-Mart ... at least this week (12/08/07)
Last weekend was busy as most weekends are this time of year. My husband and I had many items on our "to do" list, some of which included painting the living room, breeding our dog, and shopping for our Child Development Center adopted son, to whom we chose to give a Christmas this year in place of exchanging gifts with each other...

Sadie Says... / Simply Delish
Sadie Fowler