April 2026 Issue by Surry Living

FEATURING

The Quiet Work of Growth

Growth begins in the quiet work beneath the surface

By Gosh, By Josh

The legend of Pilot Mountain unfolds in a four part series

Plant with a Purpose

Grow smarter and save more this season

Publisher: Kevin Pyles

Executive Editor: Derina Pyles

Director: Sabrina Lee Baker

Associate Editor: Veronica Green-Gott

Creative Director: Josh Snow

Graphic Designer: Sabrina Lee Baker

Contributors: Listed on Pages 4-5

Photographers: Sabrina Lee Baker, Natalie Snow & Sybil Slate

Sales: ads@surryliving.com

Gosh, By Josh

Quiet Work of Growth

Sabrina L. Baker

Sabrina hails from Tobaccoville, NC. The passion for arts led her to photography, where she carved her niche. She balances motherhood and her professional pursuits. At 30 years of age, she embraced Jiu-Jitsu, proving there is no age barrier to personal growth. Sabrina is known for her creativity and commitment, her ability to embrace change, and her perseverance. She writes to inspire others to face challenges head-on and to craft their own paths to success.

Eddie lives in Copeland, NC. His column reflects his life experiences and stories that have been passed down to him. He is an encourager and considers himself a cheerleader for daily life. Eddie builds custom-crafted furniture in his small business, New Venture Woodworx. He also turns wooden bowls on a lathe and sells those at art and craft shows.

Kevin is a Christian business owner who loves serving Mount Airy and its citizens.

In addition to being the publisher and owner of Surry Living Magazine, he is also a physical therapist, Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt, and published author. His passion is to help others find their way to health, success, and happiness through his areas of expertise. Kevin has assembled a first-rate team of therapists dedicated to keeping Surry County residents out of pain and in motion. He has an unstoppable, positive attitude that is contagious, and we hope you catch it through his column.

Contributors

Blake grew up in and around the outskirts of Winston-Salem. He and his wife, Angie, currently live in the small town of East Bend. Blake graduated from Liberty University with a master’s degree in psychology and loves finding

ways to help others. He also enjoys reading the Bible, painting, and spending time outdoors.

Carmen is a NC Cooperative Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences. Making quick, easy, healthy food that tastes great on a budget is a challenge. Carmen and her husband have two grown children, both of whom were involved in sports from grade school through college. With busy careers and lots of time at sporting events, coming up with quick, healthy meals was a necessity. Carmen shares ideas and recipes to make this tough job easier.

Kage Pyles

Derina is the executive editor and owner of Surry Living Magazine. She is also a professional horsewoman with a passion for connecting horses, nature, and people. Derina lives on her ranch in Westfield, NC, with her husband, Kevin, son, Kage, and daughter, Kaleah. She enjoys horse riding, traveling, and attending church at Asbury Evangelical Presbyterian.

Kage Pyles, a professional Jiu Jitsu athlete from Westfield, NC, is known for his powerful presence on the mats and his dedication to strength training. With a relentless work ethic and disciplined mindset, Kage brings intensity and precision to every match. Off the mats, he’s passionate about sharing his knowledge to help others grow stronger, both physically and mentally. Starting in May 2025, readers can catch his insights in each issue of Surry Living magazine.

Blake Johnson

Derina Pyles

Eddie Lowe

Kevin Pyles

Carmen Long

Contributors

Joanna Radford Larry VanHoose

Joanna is the County Extension Director for NC Cooperative Extension in Surry County as well as the Commercial and Consumer Horticulture Agent with expertise in entomology, gardening, and pesticide education. Joanna began her career with NC Cooperative Extension in Stokes County in 1995 as a 4-H Agent, later switching to Field Crops and Pesticide Education in Surry County. She lives on a farm with her husband and two teenage daughters.

Josh Snow

Josh Snow, from King, NC, is known for his big personality and love for adventure. An avid fisherman, he finds peace on the water. At 41, Josh took on the challenge of jiu-jitsu, proving it’s never too late for new beginnings. He cherishes spending time with family and friends, bringing energy and enthusiasm to every gathering.

Larry is the Executive Director for the Alleghany Chamber of Commerce in the Blue Ridge Mountains of central North Carolina. Some of you may know him as the former co-owner of SLM. He has more than 30 years of experience as a writer, graphic designer, photographer, and book and magazine publisher. Larry and his wife, Trina, have four wonderful, grown children and live on a small farm just off the Blue Ridge Parkway in Grayson County, VA.

Growth

There is something quietly powerful about the month of April. The ground softens, the air shifts, and what once felt dormant begins to stir beneath the surface. Growth does not arrive loudly or all at once. It unfolds steadily and intentionally, reminding us that the most meaningful transformations begin long before they are visible. April invites us to pay attention to what is happening beneath the surface, both in nature and in our own lives.

In many ways, this season mirrors the process of discovering and living with purpose. Purpose is not something stumbled upon in a single moment of clarity. It is cultivated over time. It is planted through small, intentional decisions and nurtured through consistency, patience, and belief in what cannot yet be seen. Just like a seed beneath the soil, purpose begins quietly, often without recognition, but with immense potential.

In a culture that often prioritizes quick results and immediate success, the idea of planting and waiting can feel unfamiliar. Yet every meaningful life, every trusted business, and every lasting contribution follows this same pattern. The work begins long before the reward. It begins in the unseen commitment to doing things well, even when no one is watching, and in choosing direction over distraction.

Each day presents an opportunity to plant something. The way we spend our time, the conversations we engage in, the habits we build, and the standards we hold all contribute to what will eventually grow. Over time, these small actions accumulate, shaping not only outcomes but identity. A purposeful life is not built in grand gestures, but in the quiet consistency of daily choices.

One of the greatest challenges in this process is patience. Growth, especially meaningful growth, rarely happens on our preferred timeline. There are seasons when effort is being poured in and yet little appears to be changing. It is easy in these moments to question whether anything is happening at all. However, just as roots develop beneath the soil before anything breaks through the surface, the most important progress is often taking place out of sight. Without strong roots, growth cannot be sustained.

This is where discipline becomes essential. Purpose is not sustained by motivation alone, but by a commitment to continue investing even when results are not immediate. Small, consistent actions have a way of compounding over time. Showing up, improving, and maintaining a standard of excellence create momentum that eventually becomes visible. What once required effort begins to feel natural, and what once seemed distant becomes reality.

At the same time, it is important to recognize that not everything deserves our attention. Time and energy are finite, and what we choose to invest in will determine what grows. Being intentional about where we place our focus allows us to align our daily actions with the life we are working to build. Without that clarity, it is easy to plant seeds that lead to outcomes we never truly wanted.April offers a natural opportunity to pause and evaluate. It is a chance to begin again, to plant something new, or to recommit to what matters most. Starting does not require perfection or a complete overhaul. It simply requires a decision to take one intentional step forward. From there, consistency carries the process.

What we plant today extends far beyond the present moment. The habits we build, the values we uphold, and the effort we invest have a lasting impact, not only on our own lives but on those around us. Purpose has a way of creating ripple effects, influencing families, communities, and future opportunities in ways that are often unseen at first.

In this season of renewal, the invitation is simple. Be intentional about what you plant. Trust the process of growth, even when it is not yet visible. Commit to the daily work that supports the life you want to build. Over time, what begins as a single, intentional seed has the potential to grow into something far greater than imagined.

Because every meaningful harvest begins the same way. Quietly, intentionally, and with the decision to plant.

by Sabrina Lee Baker

S t o r e H o u r s

M o n - F r i : 8 a m - 5 : 3 0 p m

S a t u r d a y : 8 a m - 4 p m

with Kevin Pyles

The Work No One Sees

There is a moment between rounds that most people never think about. It is not the walkout, the crowd, or the hand being raised at the end. It is the quiet minute in the corner, when breathing is heavy, the heart rate is elevated, and adjustments are being made. It is in that space, away from the spotlight, where fights are often won. The same principle applies far beyond the mat. The most important work in life rarely happens in front of an audience.

Everyone wants the result. Everyone wants the win. There is a natural pull toward recognition, success, and outward progress. What is often overlooked is the process required to get there. The discipline, the repetition, and the commitment to doing the work when it is hard and when no one is watching are what ultimately determine the outcome. The truth is, the most meaningful progress is built in the unseen moments.

In Jiu Jitsu, preparation cannot be faked. When the pressure is on, there is no way to rely on anything other than what has been consistently practiced. You do not rise to the occasion under stress. You fall back on your level of preparation. The same is true in business, in relationships, and in personal growth. The habits you build daily become the foundation you stand on when it matters most.

Too many people wait for motivation before they act. They look for the right mindset or the perfect conditions before committing. In reality, those conditions rarely come. Growth belongs to those who are willing to move forward regardless of how they feel. Discipline creates momentum. Showing up consistently, even when it is inconvenient, is what separates those who improve from those who remain stuck.

Over time, small actions begin to compound. One round turns into two. One day of effort turns into a week, and a week into months. What once felt difficult begins to feel natural. Confidence is not something that appears overnight. It is built through repeated action, through proving to yourself that you can show up and follow through, again and again.

There is also value in the pause between rounds. It is an opportunity to reset, evaluate, and make adjustments. In life, this is often the missing piece. Many people stay busy but never take the time to reflect. Without reflection, effort can become misdirected. Taking a moment to assess what is working and what is not allows for more intentional progress moving forward.

Growth is not automatic. It does not happen simply because time passes. It requires effort, awareness, and a willingness to stay consistent even when results are not immediate. The work that feels repetitive and unnoticed is often the very work that produces lasting results. It builds strength, resilience, and clarity over time.

The question, then, is not whether you are capable of growth. It is whether you are willing to commit to the process that creates it. What you do in the quiet moments, when there is no pressure and no recognition, is what ultimately defines your outcome.

Between rounds is where everything shifts. It is where decisions are made, where adjustments happen, and where the foundation for the next round is set. Those who learn to value that space, and who commit to doing the work within it, are the ones who step forward stronger when it matters most.

Dr. Leah & Dr. Doug Yarboro DPT, CWS

Weekly provider evaluation

PCR testing on wounds

Renew Wound Care Center provides evidence-based wound care, allowing patients suffering from wounds to receive treatment in a professional and supportive environment. Our comprehensive care plan is centered on patients with complex, non-healing, or slow-to-heal wounds We provide advanced wound care and therapies aiming for faster healing times, lower infection rates, and reduced readmissions

Coordination of care, including advanced imaging and testing

Wound debridement/ advanced wound irrigation

Ultrasonic debridement

UltraMIST Therapy

V-254 UVC Lamp

Advanced wound dressings

Cellular/ tissue-based product application

Pressure off-loading devices

Negative pressure wound therapy

Dear Blake,

Blake’s Take

BLAKE JOHNSON

I’m 32 years old and have recently gone through an unexpected divorce. For years, I’ve identified as a husband, and my focus has been on building a future with my wife. Since the divorce, I can function okay, but inside I feel lost. I’m not sure what I’m working for anymore. Friends tell me to start a new chapter, but I have no direction. How do I rediscover myself and find new purpose after losing it so suddenly?

KEVIN PYLES, PT

Sincerely, Lost but Trying

Dear Lost but Trying,

Thank you so much for writing in and sharing this difficult time. I’m truly sorry you are having to go through this. The only experience I have with divorce is from a child’s perspective. I know that is looking through a different lens, but I was a witness to some of my parents’ struggles. I have also witnessed the divorces of other family members, friends, and acquaintances over the years. I can offer advice based on those experiences, but I hope you also reach out to people who have walked in your shoes.

One thing I can say about divorce is that it is by no means a one-size-fits-all experience. Divorce is unique to each couple and can lead to many different outcomes. However, I do feel that it is often unexpected and traumatic overall. Most marriages include the vow “till death do us part.” That alone expresses the intent to stay together forever. It only makes sense that ending a marriage would, at the very least, be shocking to those involved. You stated that you feel lost and that your identity revolved around being a husband. I would think most individuals feel the same way at some point during the process. Along with these feelings comes pain, and pain from loss can lead to grief.

Everyone grieves differently, but some stages can be common. Many people experience denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance while grieving. Denial is the refusal to believe in the loss. Some say it is a way for the human body to protect itself from the initial impact. Anger usually begins when a person starts to feel that impact. During this stage, people tend to blame something or someone for their pain. Bargaining is associated with the guilt that might come from the loss. In this stage, people often think about things they could have or should have done to prevent the experience. Depression sets in when someone realizes the magnitude of their loss. Sadness is normal, but it can be overwhelming and sometimes affect one’s ability to carry on. Lastly, acceptance is the stage of rebuilding and provides the ability to move beyond distress. These stages are always unique to the individual and the circumstances, but this list helps recognize potential patterns and provides some understanding of the grieving process.

Based on your statement that you feel lost and have no direction, I would say you may be experiencing some level of depression. It’s good that you can function, but as you said, you need to find purpose. Unfortunately, this can take time. You likely spent years developing your identity as a husband and planning that future with your wife. It is no different now. You need to spend time reflecting and defining the person you want to be for yourself. A spouse should be an addition to who you are, not the definition of who you are. This is your life. Discover who you

are and then share that person with the world. If a companion comes along, share yourselves with each other. The relationship is not who you are. It is the experience you share. The same is true for your future.

My recommendation is to take this opportunity to find and do things you enjoy. Pick up a hobby, join an interest group, or consider traveling. Anything that helps get your mind off the divorce, even for a little while, can be beneficial. Continue exploring until you begin to rediscover yourself and develop a new sense of purpose. In the meantime, if you still feel lost, try connecting with someone who has been where you are. Talk to them about their experience. Consider joining a support group and sharing your own. If you ever feel overwhelmed, seek professional counseling. It helps to talk to people who understand what you’re going through. It may be that you simply need a little encouragement to get through this current season. As you gain your footing, the path toward the “new chapter” your friends are talking about will become clearer.

I hope this helps and that you find the nudge you need to move through this difficult experience. I am confident that your future is bright and that your next chapter is just ahead.

Sincerely,

By Gosh! BY JOSH

The Legend of Pilot Mountain Part 1 of

a

4-Part Series – A Walk Through the Park

By Gosh Did You Know.

There are places in North Carolina that people recognize instantly, even if they have never visited. Few landmarks are as distinctive as Pilot Mountain. Rising sharply above the surrounding Piedmont landscape, the mountain’s rounded pinnacle seems to appear suddenly from the rolling hills, standing alone as if it were placed there deliberately.

For travelers moving through the region centuries ago, the mountain was impossible to miss. Long before highways crossed the state, this solitary peak served as a natural guidepost for explorers, traders, and settlers navigating the Carolina backcountry. Its towering presence helped orient travelers moving through dense forests and unfamiliar terrain.

In his book Faces of Pilot Mountain, author J. P. McKelvey begins with a simple but powerful idea: a walk through the park is the best way to understand the mountain. Rather than treating it only as a scenic overlook or tourist destination, McKelvey invites readers to slow down and observe the details that make the place special.

A walk through the park reveals much more than the famous pinnacle. Trails wind through hardwood forests filled with oak, hickory, and tulip poplar. Wildflowers bloom in the spring, and the sounds of birds echo through the wooded slopes. As the path climbs higher, glimpses of the surrounding countryside begin to appear through the trees, offering views that stretch for miles across the Piedmont.

What makes the mountain particularly fascinating is how it rises so dramatically from relatively flat terrain. Unlike the long ridges of nearby mountains, Pilot Mountain stands largely on its own. The massive rock dome known as the Big Pinnacle crowns the mountain’s northern end, creating the unmistakable silhouette that has guided travelers for generations.

McKelvey describes how walking through the park allows visitors to see the mountain from different perspectives. From below, the pinnacle appears almost sheer and imposing. From the trails that circle the upper slopes, the formation becomes even more impressive as its size and rugged texture come into view.

Yet the experience of the mountain is not just about geology or scenery. As McKelvey explains, the park is layered with stories. Every trail, overlook, and wooded hollow carries echoes of the past. Native American tribes, early settlers, farmers, and travelers all interacted with the mountain in different ways.

For many visitors today, the mountain is simply a beautiful place to hike or enjoy a scenic drive. But when you begin to look closer, it becomes clear that this landscape has been part of people’s lives for a very long time. Generations have walked these slopes, each leaving behind pieces of history that still shape how the mountain is understood.

Chapter 1 of Faces of Pilot Mountain encourages readers to start with the land itself, to notice the trees, the rock formations, the shifting views, and the quiet moments along the trail. By doing so, visitors begin to see that the mountain is not just a landmark on the horizon. It is a place filled with character, memory, and meaning.

Standing along one of the park’s overlooks, it is easy to imagine what early travelers must have felt when they first saw the towering rock rising from the forest. The same landmark that once guided explorers now welcomes hikers, climbers, and families looking for a connection with nature.

As any good walk through the park reveals, every step brings another story waiting to be discovered.

In this four-part series, we will explore those stories, beginning with the deeper origins of the mountain and the people who knew it long before it was called Pilot Mountain.

Next in Part 2: Arrival of the Moravians in 1752.

by Josh Snow

The Holistic Path

to Fitness: Body, Mind, and Spirit

April is a season of growth, but growth does not happen by accident. Everything you see coming to life right now was planted long before it ever showed up above the surface. Strength works the same way. It is not something you find. It is something you build, one rep at a time, long before anyone else can see it.

Most people say they want to get stronger, but they do not train like it. Strength is not built through random workouts or going through the motions. It requires intention. It requires progressive overload. It requires pushing your body past what is comfortable on a consistent basis. If you are not adding weight, increasing intensity, or challenging yourself in a measurable way, you are not planting anything that will grow.

Every time you step into the gym, you are planting seeds. Heavy squats, controlled presses, deadlifts, and pulls are the foundation. These are not optional if strength is the goal. These are the movements that force your body to adapt. They demand effort, focus, and discipline. Over time, they build real, usable strength that carries over into everything you do.

There is also a delay between effort and results. This is where most people fail. They train hard for a short period, do not see immediate changes, and assume it is not working. Meanwhile, your body is adapting beneath the surface. Your nervous system is becoming more efficient. Your muscles are learning to recruit more force. Your joints and connective tissue are getting stronger. None of that shows up overnight, but it is happening.

If you quit during that phase, you never get to see the results of what you started.

Strength training also demands consistency. You cannot lift heavy one week and disappear the next. You cannot expect progress if your effort is unpredictable. The body responds to repeated stress over time. Show up, lift with purpose, recover properly, and repeat. That is the formula. It is simple, but it is not easy.

You also have to be honest about what you are planting outside the gym. Strength is not built on training alone. If your nutrition is poor, your recovery is lacking, and your sleep is inconsistent, you are limiting your progress. Fuel your body. Give it what it needs to grow. Respect recovery just as much as you respect the work.

April is an opportunity to reset your approach. Stop chasing quick results and start building real strength. Set a standard for your training. Track your lifts. Push for progress every week, even if it is small. Small increases over time lead to massive results.

Ask yourself where you will be if you stay consistent for the next three to six months. Not guessing, but knowing you showed up and did the work. That is where confidence comes from. That is where strength is built.

Because at the end of the day, strength is not given. It is earned through what you are willing to plant and how long you are willing to stay committed to the process.

by Kage Pyles

by Eddie Lowe

Plow in Hope

As I placed my foot against the aging tiller, an excitement I had never felt ran over me. I had never “made a garden,” but this day all of that was going to change. I began to pull on the rope and the motor sputtered. I knew that my progress rested solely on the cranking of the “blasted tiller.” With limited knowledge, I moved the choke lever to one side and then to the other, but to no avail. Looking back now, I have no idea where this tiller came from, and apparently no idea how to make it run. “Farming was hard work” resounded through my mind.

Unknown to me at the time, there was another lever I had not moved, the fuel shutoff. After several more pulls on the rope, and with sweat now burning my eyes, the motor gave a new sound. As the tiller fought to come to life, I also fought to keep it running. Smoke billowed, and the little tiller backfired, but it kept running. Now the task of plowing my very first row lay ahead as I basically dragged the tiller to the edge of my small plot.

With a youthful eye, I gazed at the grassy area and engaged the lever that spun the digging tines. Before going further, I should explain the difference between a front-tine and reartine tiller. The poor tiller I clutched that day was a front-tine tiller, and one key component I knew nothing about was the shank that hangs down. When you lower the tine, you are supposed to sink the shank into the ground and dip the diggers into the soil. According to those who know, you are meant to dip and lean back on the machine to break the ground before moving forward.

Brother Eddie decided against such knowledge. I dipped the tiller and simply held on while it bounced and jerked, pulling me like a water skier across the ground. I would compare it to lassoing a bull and hanging on for dear life. Farming is hard work. After several trips back and forth with limited success, I realized the correct way to plow, and suddenly the ground broke. The grass disappeared, leaving me tired but happy at the end of my newly formed rows.

As the seed was selected and placed into the ground, the days began to warm and grow longer. To my delight, sprouts began to appear, small at first but soon rising as if straining to reach the sun. It is here that I could branch off into many different lessons life has taught me from that humble garden, but for now we will focus on one, and that is hope.

Hope is a word used many times in the Bible. Nations and people rise on hope. Every dream is built with hope. Every house, barn, garage, store, or anything erected is done with hope. There is hope for prosperous days and something to set aside for the future. Churches are built on hope. In 1 Corinthians 9:10, we are told to “plow in hope.” The word hope is translated as “anticipate with pleasure.”

From an agricultural perspective, plowing or breaking the ground comes with resistance. A study of early settlers shows that the labor involved in plowing the Midwest soil was intense, so much so that without hope, many would have turned back and never troubled the ground again, surviving only by foraging. It is noted that the Vikings, upon settling and leaving raiding behind, began to farm the land, as if to say they were starting a new way of life.

Even today, we have a saying that people “put down roots,” meaning they choose to settle in one place and raise their families there. My little tiller story still makes me laugh, even now, but the lessons came quickly. Lessons such as this: unless the ground is broken, the weeds will soon take over the plants. This principle applies to life as well. If we want better things for ourselves, there are some things that will have to be pulled up and removed.

I pray you have hope. May God shine upon you today.

SURRY SEEN

“Egg”-cellent

Hints and Tips

Are eggs part of your Easter celebration? If so, you are not alone. Thankfully, at least at the time this article was written, there was no shortage of eggs for Easter 2026, and prices were reasonable. Many still remember when eggs were in short supply and so expensive that people joked about dyeing potatoes for their annual egg hunts. Even though eggs are plentiful, it is still important to handle them properly and avoid risky behaviors. Follow these tips for an “egg”-cellent Easter:

• Wash your hands between all steps of cooking, cooling, dyeing, and decorating.

• Be sure all decorating materials are food-safe.

• Keep eggs refrigerated as much as possible.

• Return them to the refrigerator whenever you are not working with them.

• If you hide decorated eggs outside, place them where they will not come into contact with pets, other animals, birds, or lawn chemicals.

• After the egg hunt, discard any eggs that are cracked or have been at room temperature for more than two hours.

While you are boiling eggs to decorate, consider boiling a few extra to eat. Eggs are a whole food and an excellent source of protein, providing about six grams per egg. With only one ingredient listed on their nutrition label, they are simple, nutritious, and versatile. Hard-boiled eggs can be enjoyed on their own or used to make deviled eggs or egg salad sandwiches. Try this recipe for a healthier twist on a classic favorite.

Avocado Egg Salad Sandwiches

• ½ ripe avocado

• ½ teaspoon lemon juice

• 3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped

• ¼ cup finely chopped celery (about 1 stalk)

• 1 tablespoon snipped fresh chives

• ⅛ teaspoon salt

• ⅛ teaspoon ground pepper

• Lettuce leaves

• 4 slices whole-wheat sandwich bread, toasted

DIRECTIONS

1. Scoop the flesh from the avocado into a medium bowl.

2. Add the lemon juice and mash until mostly smooth.

3. Stir in the chopped eggs, celery, chives, salt, and pepper until combined.

4. Divide the mixture between two slices of toast.

5. Top each with lettuce and another slice of toast.

Here are additional safe egg-handling tips from the NCSU More In My Basket curriculum, Holidays Are Egg-Centric, to help keep you and your family safe this Easter and beyond.

Buying Eggs

Purchase eggs from a refrigerated case and choose those with clean, uncracked shells. Check the “sell by” or “use by” date to ensure freshness. Refrigerate eggs as soon as possible after purchase.

Bringing Eggs Home

Take eggs straight home and store them immediately in a refrigerator set at 40°F or below. Keep them in their original carton and place them on an inside shelf, not in the door. This helps maintain a consistent temperature and prevents the eggs from absorbing odors or losing moisture.

General Egg Safety Tips

• Wash utensils, equipment, and work surfaces with hot, soapy water before and after contact with eggs.

• Keep eggs refrigerated and do not leave them out for more than two hours.

• Cook dishes containing raw eggs immediately, or refrigerate and cook within 24 hours.

• Cook casseroles and egg dishes to 160°F, verifying with a food thermometer.

• Always cook eggs until both the white and yolk are firm.

• Serve cooked eggs immediately, or place them in shallow containers to cool quickly and refrigerate. Use within three to four days.

Egg Storage

• Raw whole eggs (in shell): 3 to 5 weeks (do not freeze)

• Raw egg whites: 2 to 4 days (freeze up to 12 months)

• Raw egg yolks: 2 to 4 days (do not freeze)

• Hard-cooked eggs (in shell): up to 1 week (do not freeze)

• Egg substitutes, liquid, unopened: up to 10 days (do not freeze)

• Egg substitutes, liquid, opened: up to 3 days (do not freeze)

For more information about egg safety, visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture resource “Shell Eggs from Farm to Table.”

Do you live in North Carolina and need food assistance? More In My Basket is an outreach program that helps connect North Carolinians to SNAP/FNS. To find out if you qualify for SNAP/FNS, formerly known as Food Stamps, call toll-free at 1-855-240-1451.

by CARMEN LONG

Garden Home, &

farm,

Navigating Life with a Horse, Faith, and Common Sense

“Can you please quit inspecting me so closely Hay-Woman? You are stressing me out! I feel like I’m getting one of those prepurchase exams by the vet before you get sold.” Traveler backed his big Quarter Horse rump toward the corner of the stall in an attempt to get away from me.

“Me stressing you out? That’s kinda funny coming from you, Traveler,” I said, my sarcasm unhidden. “Get a horse they said, it will be fun they said.” I rolled my eyes hard. The last couple of months with my heart horse had been a big fat zero on the fun scale. In fact, it had been downright terrifying at times.

First, he had a colic episode that entailed a trip to the vet hospital two hours away and a five-day hospital stay for him. Once home, he had to have medicine administered every six hours around the clock for fourteen days. About a week after that cleared, during turnout time, he gouged his chest open while frolicking in the pasture. That resulted in eight stitches, a round of antibiotics, and another emergency vet call. The culprit was still unknown after many hours of scouring every inch, nook, and cranny of the field.

The straw that almost broke the camel’s back, that camel being me, happened only two weeks later when I arrived for the morning feedings and he came limping out of his stall. To my relief, it had only been one of his shoes that had come off during the night. It did require another visit from the farrier who had just visited three days prior.

“Wait, who’s ‘they’ and why do I get the impression you wish you hadn’t listened to them?” Traveler seemed genuinely perplexed at my statement.

“Do I really have to rehash all we have been through the last couple of months? If I do, Traveler, I may just break down crying right here in this stall. Right now, all I am focusing on is keeping you healthy and paying all these vet bills. I guess I’ll have to put off buying that custom saddle another year. Dang, I really wanted that saddle,” I mumbled.

“Oh, so it’s a Hay-Woman pity party. I get it.” He pointed his ears forward and declared, “Did you know stress can cause ulcers along with many other health related illnesses?”

“I do know that, but my question is, how do you know?” Traveler was so nonchalant about his statement that he caught me off guard.

“I heard the vet say it. I know you don’t think I do, but I listen to her when she comes around. My point is, stress isn’t good for you or me. Do you agree?” He could tell I was impressed, and he puffed out his grey chest, proud of himself.

“Well, yes, of course.” I could feel the tension leaving the air.

He went on confidently, “Would God want you to feel stressed about things that we have no control over? Or would he want you to live every day focusing on our blessings and his love for us?”

“That’s easy to answer. You are right, Traveler. My stress level has been so high that I forgot to count my blessings every day. Thank you for the reminder. I am so happy you are here with me.” I hugged him tight, grateful I had him, and together we had our faith to help us navigate life.

by DERINA PYLES

Plant

with a Purpose

We have all been there. That first 60-degree day hits in March, the birds start chirping, and suddenly you are itching to dig a hole in the backyard. It is “spring fever,” and in our neck of the woods, it is practically a local tradition.

Before you go out and spend a small fortune on fancy starter plants, let’s talk about how to grow a garden that actually loves you back and saves you some serious cash. First, take a trip to the library or senior center. Five years ago, our own Extension Master Gardener Volunteers had a brilliant idea: to create “Seed Libraries” to help everyone in Surry County get growing.

Thanks to a Steps to Health grant and the generosity of local businesses, these libraries are stocked and ready for you. Last year, 1,290 of our neighbors used them. Whether you want to grow a massive beefsteak tomato, fresh basil for your pizza, or zinnias to brighten the porch, they have you covered.

Here is how it works. Head to any of the following locations and pick out three packs of seeds per visit. Libraries include Mount Airy, Lowgap, Elkin, Dobson, and the Charles H. Stone Memorial Library. Senior Centers include Mount Airy and Pilot Mountain. It is completely free, and the Master Gardeners keep them stocked with vegetables, herbs, and flowers all season long.

I know the calendar says April, and the sun feels great. But remember, Surry County is in Planting Zone 7A, which means our average last freeze happens between April 24 and April 29. If you put those tender plants in the ground too early, one cold night can wipe out your hard work. My best advice is to wait until Mother’s Day.

It is the unofficial safe zone for Surry County. Use that spring fever energy to prepare your soil or organize your seed packets instead. Your future tomatoes will thank you.

Gardeners who plant with a purpose can save money. Be smart about it and think of your garden as a small investment. Focus on the more expensive items you would normally buy at the grocery store. Tomatoes, bell peppers, and fresh herbs are some of the best returns. Set a goal of a $600 harvest. Research shows that households spending around $70 on basic supplies can grow roughly $600 worth of food. That is a meaningful return and extra money back in your pocket.

Just as important, grow what you will actually eat. It sounds simple, but do not waste space on vegetables no one in your household enjoys. Plant the items you find yourself buying every week.

To get the best return on your investment, keep a few simple principles in mind. Most vegetables need six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day. Seeds should generally be planted only two to three times as deep as they are wide. If planted too deep, many will never emerge. Start small rather than trying to take on too much at once. A few well-maintained containers or a small raised bed can be far more effective and manageable.

Gardening does not have to be complicated or expensive. It is about getting outside, connecting with your community, and enjoying food that is fresh, simple, and rewarding.

Happy planting, neighbors.

by JOANNA RADFORD

Hometown Heroes

Submit your hometown hero’s photo along with 1-2 paragraphs on why he or she is a hero and we may use it here.

Email: Info@surryliving.com Subject Line: Hometown Hero

THE MOUNTAINS WILL SMELL LIKE FRIED APPLES- AGAIN

If you happen to be within a 50-mile radius of Sparta and suddenly catch the scent of hot apples wrapped in golden crust, do not panic. It is simply the Annual N.C. Fried Apple Pie Festival doing what it does best.

Every spring, on the first weekend in May, this year May 1 and 2, the small mountain town of Sparta becomes the unofficial capital of crispy, cinnamon-kissed happiness. What began as a celebration of a humble Appalachian dessert has grown into a full, weekend-long experience in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Around here, fried apple pies are taken seriously. These are not delicate, fork-and-knife pastries. They are hand-held, warm-from-the-skillet creations that would earn any grandmother’s approval. They are made from recipes that have been passed down through church potlucks, family gatherings, and a few friendly kitchen rivalries.

And yes, there will be competition.

Local bakers, both professional and proudly amateur, will compete for bragging rights and the honor of claiming the best pie. Visitors have the enjoyable role of tasting and deciding for themselves.

The weekend begins Friday evening with live music and food vendors, offering a relaxed introduction to the festivities. Picture cool mountain air, lawn chairs, good music, and something warm and delicious in your hand. Several vendors will already be set up, giving guests a chance to explore before the full weekend unfolds.

Saturday is when Sparta comes fully alive.

The historic Alleghany County Fairgrounds and downtown Sparta will be filled with artisan vendors, live entertainment, local food, and more fried apple pies than you could reasonably sample in one day. Families will find plenty to enjoy, friends will reconnect, and visitors will quickly understand why the festival has become a regional favorite.

One of the highlights is the pie-eating contest.

Watching both adults and children dive face-first into a fried apple pie, while a crowd cheers them on, is as entertaining as it sounds. It is messy, it is lighthearted, and it captures the spirit of the event. Contestants compete for bragging rights, while spectators enjoy one of the most memorable moments of the day.

Beyond the food, the festival represents something deeper. It celebrates the region’s agricultural roots, supports local businesses, and showcases the sense of community that defines small-town life. Apples from nearby orchards, music from talented performers, and vendors from across the region come together to create a weekend that feels welcoming and familiar.

Spring in the Blue Ridge Mountains only adds to the experience. Dogwoods are in bloom, the mountains are coming back to life, and Sparta is ready to welcome visitors with open arms and a fresh pie in hand.

Whether you are 25 miles away, 40 miles away, or even 50, consider this your invitation.

Bring your appetite. Bring your friends. Bring someone willing to compete in the pie-eating contest.

Just do not be surprised if you leave already planning your return next year.

The Annual N.C. Fried Apple Pie Festival is more than an event. It is a true slice of mountain life.

by Larry Van Hoose