​Did you know the great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited park in North America? There are an estimated thirteen million visitors per year followed by The Grand Canyon National Park. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park straddles the border state lines of North Carolina and the state of Tennessee,  with an awe-inspiring sprawling landscape of luxuriant verdant forests and copious of wildflowers that delightfully bloom throughout the year. The mesmerizing waterfalls, the rivers and  Streams that appear along hiking trails that include a bit of the popular Appalachian Trail is something to behold. And let us not forget the  observation tower tops Clingmans Dome, the highest summit, offering breath taking views of the mist-covered Smoky Mountains region.

​In most family circles, there seems to always be a character who has a strong philosophy of "if you want anything done right, you have to do it yourself." DIY in this context, carries the meaning of performing any task such as general home repairs, woodworking, small or major home remodeling projects with the perspective that no one can do it satisfactorily but you. Does this define your sentiments? But much more than philosophy is required because it also includes having the skillset, the time, and the appropriate tools for it to be done correctly.

​Do you love the idiom, the phrase "variety is the spice of life like I do?" Literally and figuratively spice, adds diversity, variety, or excitement to our everyday culinary life and otherwise.

When we speak in terms of herbs, they come from the leafy part of the plant, while spices derive from the roots structure of the same plant, the outer part of the plant or the bark, and from plant seeds. Without getting too botanically technical, the term herbs and spices can be used interchangeably since they come from the same plant.

Can we agree that in life pain is bound to happen and is inexorable, however, the level of suffering is up to the individual and is optional? I happen to agree wholeheartedly with this truism whether it is physical, emotional, or psychological pain, there is always something that can be done to lessen or eliminate a hardship or a distressing situation.

In a recent episode, an impressive physician in the field of chronic pain, discussed what can be done to mitigate an acute migraine that many are subject to, therefore, some take medication, also , however, some take home remedies of which my guest personally utilizes because of his intermittent cluster headaches, hence, putting him on top of his game without affecting his mental performance to properly care for his patients.