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January 2026

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Blake’s Take Thoughtful Guidance for Life’s Crossroads

By Gosh By Josh Stories Rooted in Place and History

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Surry Living Magazine

December 2025 Surry Living celebrates Surry County, its people, businesses, and attractions. Surry Living is a complimentary magazine published monthly and is available at many prime locations in Mount Airy, Elkin, Dobson, King, Pilot Mountain, Jonesville, Yadkinville and throughout the County.

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

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By Gosh By Josh

Contents

“Fur”Ever Friends

DEPARTMENTS 10 Between Rounds

FEATURE

SOUTHERN TASTE

Hugh Chatham Hospital

30 Smart Snacking For The New Year 32 Surry Eats

15 Love is in the Air 18 Blake’s Take 22 By Gosh! By Josh 23 Quote of the Month

HOME, FARM, & GARDEN

24 Hometown Heroes

26 Fitness Rage with Kage

34 Navigating Life with a Horse, Faith, and Common Sense

39 “Fur”ever Friends

28 Time To Get Up

36 Momentum In The Garden

LIFESTYLE

27 Surry Seen 40 Events

ON THE COVER Hugh Chatham Hospital: Where community and care come together.

Surry Living reserves the right to deny any advertisement or listing. Submissions are welcome, but unsolicited materials are not guaranteed to be returned. Surry Living assumes no responsibility or liability for the information, services, products, claims, statements, accuracy, or intended or unintended results of any advertiser, editorial contributors, company, professional corporation, business or service provider herein this publication. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher is prohibited.

Would you like your business on the front or back cover of Surry Living Magazine? It’s available! Contact us at: WeAddValue@SurryLiving.com

JANUARY 2026

Contributors

Sabrina L. Baker

Madalyn Edwards

Sheri Wren Haymore

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.

Madalyn is from Mount Airy, NC, and is currently a junior at Appalachian State University. She is studying English with a concentration in professional writing and minoring in communication with a concentration in journalism. She writes for Surry Living and also works on the news desk for her university’s student news organization. When she is not writing, she enjoys reading, being outdoors, and spending time with her two dogs.

Sheri, now happily retired, finds nothing more enjoyable than time spent with her husband of fifty years, her amazing daughter, and sweet elderly pup. She authored two novels, A Higher Voice and A Deeper Cut (which also ran as a serial feature in Surry Living Magazine). Her play, No Ordinary Wine, written in collaboration with a fine producer/director, was well received, and a second play, Improbable Grace, awaits discovery.

Blake Johnson

Carmen Long

Eddie Lowe

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.

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.

Derina Pyles

Kage Pyles

Kevin 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.

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.

Surry Living Magazine

Contributors Joanna Radford

Josh Snow

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.

J osh 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.

JANUARY 2026

FEATURE

Surry Living Magazine

FEATURE

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with Kevin Pyles

Momentum January invites reflection. It is a natural pause point where many people look back at where they have been and forward to where they hope to go. Momentum is often what we say we want, yet it is also one of the most misunderstood ideas. Many assume momentum comes from motivation or a sudden burst of inspiration. In reality, momentum begins in the mind long before it ever shows up in our actions. Momentum starts with how we think. It begins when we decide that forward movement matters more than perfect conditions. Waiting until everything feels right often keeps us stuck. Momentum grows when we choose to act despite uncertainty, doubt, or discomfort. A clear mindset creates direction, and direction creates motion. One of the biggest mental obstacles people face is the belief that change must be dramatic to be meaningful. We look for a big moment, a major breakthrough, or a complete reset. Most lasting change does not work that way. Momentum builds through small decisions repeated daily. Choosing to respond instead of react. Choosing discipline over impulse. Choosing progress over comfort. These choices may feel minor, but they quietly reshape our trajectory.

Surry Living Magazine

Another mindset shift that fuels momentum is learning to think long term. Short term thinking focuses on immediate results and quick rewards. Long term thinking values consistency and patience. When your focus is on the next step rather than the final outcome, pressure decreases and clarity increases. You stop asking how fast things are changing and start asking whether you are moving in the right direction. Momentum also requires resilience. There will be days when progress feels slow or invisible. There will be moments of doubt and frustration. A strong mindset understands that setbacks are not signals to stop but invitations to adjust. Momentum is not broken by difficulty. It is broken by disengagement. Staying mentally present keeps you moving even when conditions are less than ideal. What you allow into your thoughts matters. The conversations you repeat to yourself shape your expectations. If your inner dialogue is filled with hesitation and self criticism, momentum stalls. When your thoughts are grounded in purpose, responsibility, and growth, movement follows naturally. Mindset is the environment where momentum either thrives or withers. As this new year begins, remember that momentum does not require a perfect plan or flawless execution. It requires intention, awareness, and the willingness to keep moving forward. Decide what matters. Commit to steady progress. Trust that consistent thought and action will compound over time. Momentum is not something you wait for. It is something you create, one decision at a time.

Kevin Pyles

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JANUARY 2026

Blake’s Take BLAKE JOHNSON

Dear Blake, As a thirty six year old service department manager, I feel as though I have peaked with the company I work for. I enjoy my job, and the company has always treated me well, but I no longer see room for advancement. Until now, my salary has been sufficient. Lately, however, I find myself wanting to provide more for my family. My children’s needs are becoming more expensive, and I know I need to start planning KEVIN PYLES, PT more seriously for retirement. Should I stay with a company that I enjoy and that pays the current bills, or should I take a chance and begin looking elsewhere for greater financial stability? Anonymous

Dear Anonymous, Thank you for writing and for sharing your current situation. I am sorry to hear that you feel you have plateaued and are left wanting more from your career. It may help to know that many people experience this phase, especially after working in one place for an extended period of time. Unlike earlier generations, when large companies often employed individuals from high school graduation through retirement, today’s job market is constantly changing. To keep pace with a dynamic economy, employees must remain flexible and open to new opportunities. The good news is that for people in your position, there are often many options available to find a better fit.

Surry Living Magazine

At thirty six, you may feel too established in your current role to make a change. Try not to view it that way. There are numerous paths forward for someone with your experience. One of the easiest places to start is by exploring ways to increase your status and income using the knowledge and skills you already have. I would begin by scheduling a conversation with your employer to confirm whether there truly are no opportunities for advancement within the company. Many organizations prefer to promote from within, and there may be options you have not yet considered. Company leaders are often thinking about growth, and expressing your willingness to take on more responsibility could open the door to a new role. It never hurts to ask.

If no opportunities develop internally, it may be time to look elsewhere. Many successful companies are continually searching for talented individuals, and there may be an organization actively seeking someone with your experience right now. Management and service skills often translate well across industries, so consider positions both within and outside your current field. Another option is to increase your income while maintaining your current position. This could include requesting overtime, taking on part time work, or offering your services independently on the side. Many people have turned side work into successful businesses over time. Think creatively about how your existing skills might be used to generate additional income. Beyond building on your current profession, you may also consider starting fresh in a new career altogether. At thirty six, you still have ample time to learn a new trade, return to school,

or start a business of your own. While balancing family responsibilities can make change challenging, it is often more possible than it first appears. As a starting point, I recommend making a list of what you enjoy and what you dislike about your current occupation. Use that list to begin mapping out a career path that aligns with your goals. While financial security is important, try not to base your decision on income alone. Consider the factors that contribute to a fulfilling life for you and your family.I hope this response gives you some helpful perspective as you consider your next steps. You are too young to settle, and it sounds like you have the motivation needed to continue growing. Stay driven, and I am confident you will reach the right place at the right time. Sincerely,

Blake

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Surry Living Magazine

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By Gosh! BY JOSH

Stone, Water, and Work:

How Surry County’s Landscape Shaped Its Outdoor Industry By gosh, did you know that Surry County’s story is written not only in books, but in stone, water, and the ridgelines themselves? Nestled where North Carolina’s Piedmont gently rises into the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Surry County occupies a geographic crossroads that has quietly shaped its economy, culture, and way of life for more than two centuries. This transition zone, marked by granite outcrops, winding rivers, and iconic landforms such as Pilot Mountain, gave rise to industries rooted in the land and fostered an enduring outdoor tradition that continues to define the county today. Long before modern roads or county lines, the land itself dictated movement and settlement. The Saura, also known as the Cheraw people, recognized the significance of the region’s natural features, particularly Pilot Mountain, known as Jomeokee, or “Great Guide.” Rising abruptly from the surrounding countryside, this monadnock served as both a navigational landmark and a spiritual reference point. European settlers later relied on the same natural guideposts as they moved westward, following river corridors and ridgelines into what would become Surry County in 1771. The county’s geology proved just as influential as its geography. Beneath rolling farmland and forested hills lies some of the most durable granite in the region. By the nineteenth century, quarrying had emerged as a major local industry. Granite from Surry County was prized for its strength and consistency and was used in building foundations, bridges, curbstones, and monuments across North Carolina and beyond. Quarries became centers of hard labor and skilled craftsmanship, employing generations of local workers whose livelihoods depended on the land’s stubborn resilience. This stone industry shaped more than the local economy. It shaped the people. Quarry work demanded precision, endurance, and respect for natural forces. Those values carried over into the broader culture of the county, where practical skill and physical work were deeply respected. Even as industrial demand

Surry Living Magazine

fluctuated, stone remained a defining element of Surry County’s identity, quite literally forming the foundation of its towns and infrastructure. Water also played a central role in the county’s development. The Yadkin River and its tributaries cut through the landscape, providing transportation routes, fertile floodplains, and early power sources for mills. Gristmills and sawmills sprang up along creeks and rivers, supporting agricultural and timber industries that complemented quarrying. These waterways connected isolated communities and linked Surry County to broader regional markets, reinforcing its role as both a rural stronghold and a working landscape. Over time, the same natural features that once supported industry began to attract recreation. As heavy industry declined or modernized, Surry County’s ridges, rivers, and rock faces found new purpose. Pilot Mountain became a state park, drawing hikers, climbers, and nature enthusiasts. The Yadkin River evolved into a destination for paddling and fishing, while former quarry lands and forested tracts offered opportunities for hunting, hiking, and outdoor education. This shift did not represent a break from the past, but a continuation of it. The outdoor recreation economy grew from the same land based relationship that had sustained quarrymen and mill workers for generations. Where stone once left the county by rail and wagon, visitors now arrive seeking the experience of the landscape itself, its views, its quiet strength, and its history. Surry County’s position between the Piedmont and the mountains ensured that its people would always be shaped by the land beneath their feet. Granite taught durability. Rivers taught adaptability. Ridges taught perspective. Together, they forged an outdoor industry and culture rooted in work, respect for nature, and an enduring connection to place. In Surry County, history is not only remembered. It is still lived, one trail, riverbend, and stone outcrop at a time.

by Josh Snow

Quote of the Month:

“Forward motion starts the moment you stop waiting and take the next right step.” — Unknown

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JANUARY 2026

LIFESTYLE

The Holistic Path to Fitness: Body, Mind, and Spirit

Nobody wakes up with forward drive. That is the first lie people believe. They think some people are born disciplined, motivated, or built differently. The truth is simpler and harder to accept. Forward drive is earned. It is built through repetition, discomfort, and showing up when it would be easier not to. Forward drive does not appear at the start of a workout. It shows up once you begin moving. The first few minutes are always a fight. Your body feels stiff. Your lungs feel tight. Your brain starts listing reasons to quit early. If you push through that phase, something changes. Your heart rate settles. Your muscles wake up. The excuses quiet down. That is forward drive taking hold. In fitness, forward drive is built through consistency, not intensity alone. People chase hard workouts and ignore regular ones. They want the perfect plan, the perfect split, or the perfect timing. None of that matters if you do not train often enough for your body to adapt. Strength, endurance, and work capacity are built by repeated exposure to stress followed by recovery. Skip too many days and the body forgets. Show up regularly and it remembers quickly. The body thrives on patterns. When you train consistently, it prepares for work. Warm ups feel smoother. Movements feel more natural. The nervous system becomes more efficient. Forward drive develops because your system expects effort instead of resisting it. When training becomes irregular, that expectation disappears and everything feels harder than it should. This is why restarting feels brutal. People assume they are weaker, older, or broken. Most of the time, they are simply out of rhythm. Forward drive fades when it is not fed. The good news is that it comes back faster than it was built the first time, as long as you stop overthinking and start moving again.

Surry Living Magazine

Forward drive does not mean crushing yourself every session. That mindset leads to injury, burnout, and inconsistency. Real progress comes from controlled effort. Good technique. Honest loads. Enough rest to recover and enough challenge to force adaptation. Ego lifting kills forward drive because it turns training into survival instead of progress. Bad workouts count. Short workouts count. Days where the weights feel heavy and the energy is low still matter. Those sessions teach discipline and resilience. The only workouts that do not help are the ones you skip completely. Consistency beats intensity every time. Another hard truth is that comfort is not your friend. If every workout feels easy, nothing is changing. Forward drive often feels uncomfortable because you are asking your body to do something new or demanding. That discomfort is not a warning sign. It is feedback. Learn the difference between pain that signals injury and effort that signals growth. When forward drive starts to slip, do not disappear. That is the mistake most people make. They miss a session and turn it into a week. They miss a week and turn it into a month. If you fall off, get back fast. Walk in. Start light. Move with purpose. The act of training rebuilds rhythm faster than motivation ever will. Fitness does not reward waiting. It rewards action. The people who make progress are not special. They are consistent. They protect their forward drive by showing up, doing the work, and refusing to quit when things feel heavy. Build your forward drive. Feed it with effort. Guard it with discipline. That is the rage.

by Kage Pyles

SURRY SEEN SUBMIT A SELFIE OR A PHOTO OF A FRIEND HOLDING UP SURRY LIVING MAGAZINE AND WE MAY USE IT HERE. EMAIL: INFO@SURRYLIVING.COM SUBJECT LINE: SURRY SEEN

LIFESTYLE

by Eddie Lowe

TIME TO GET UP As the longest nights of the year settle over us, many people quietly wrestle with seasonal depression despite the message of glad tidings the holidays bring. December can be a difficult month. Some struggle to afford Christmas gifts, while others brace themselves for the cold that January will soon deliver. For this issue, we turn our attention toward a bright spot of hope found in the scriptural account of our Lord’s humble birth. Our inspiration comes from the Gospel of Matthew, told through the viewpoint of the wise men who traveled from the east, historically understood to be Persia.

Surry Living Magazine

As with many familiar Bible stories, assumptions have been passed down through tradition. One common belief is that there were only three wise men. This idea likely comes from the three gifts they presented: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Another assumption is that the wise men arrived at the manger. Yet Matthew’s Gospel clearly states that when they arrived, Jesus was found in a house. These clarifications are not meant to alter our cherished Christmas plays, but rather to magnify the depth of hope and dedication these men displayed in their long journey to see Jesus.

Historical and secular studies suggest the wise men were likely astrologers who understood both the stars and the scriptural prophecy concerning the Messiah’s birthplace. This brings us to the heart of our reflection, titled They Left Another Way. After the wise men worshiped the Christ child and presented their gifts, Scripture tells us that they left another way. Sensing the evil intent of King Herod, they chose a different route home rather than reveal Jesus’ location. There is a powerful message in that simple phrase. Any true encounter with Jesus changes the heart, the direction, and the outlook of a person. You leave differently than you arrived. This is where hope speaks to us today. None of us are promised an easy road. Some reading this are waiting for medical results, hoping for the best while fearing the worst. Others are weighed down by financial strain, overdue bills, and mounting pressure. Some are walking through troubled marriages. Life can feel uneven, with some prospering while others fall behind. Even with our best efforts, discouragement can creep in. At night, when our heads rest on the pillow, our minds still race as we search for hope.

Imagine the fear Mary must have felt with every small sound her newborn made. The birthplace of Jesus reveals the poverty Joseph and Mary endured, with a feed trough serving as a makeshift crib. Shortly after the departure of the wise men, they were warned by God to flee into Egypt for safety. King Herod, threatened by news of a newborn king, ordered the horrific slaughter of male children two years old and younger. It would have been easy for Mary and Joseph to lose hope or to question God in their hardship. Instead, they clung to faith, trusting that God had a plan and that they were part of it. And so are we. Each of us is created in the image of God, and He neither sleeps nor slumbers. Even in the darkest seasons, His presence remains. I would like to leave you with two simple thoughts that have helped me. First, ask God for direction in your life. Wise men still seek Him. Second, ask God for guidance in the decisions you face each day. God bless you, friends.

JANUARY 2026

southern

taste

Smart Snacking for the New Year

After a few months filled with cookies, candies, and cakes, the New Year provides a fresh opportunity to rethink how we snack. Many of us plan to make more time to exercise, get more sleep, lose any extra weight gained over the holidays, and eat healthier as we move into 2026. For young children, or for people who do not eat large quantities of food at mealtime, snacks are a key part of the daily food plan. Healthy snacks provide a way to incorporate important foods we need each day but may not consume during meals. Fruits, vegetables, low fat dairy, and whole grain foods all make excellent snack choices. Taking time to include these options in your snack plan can make a meaningful difference. MyPlate.gov is a helpful tool for thinking about the foods we need to include in our diets to support good health. Use it as a guide when selecting snacks. Before reaching for something to eat, ask yourself if you are truly hungry. Sometimes we eat for reasons other than hunger. We may be tired, thirsty, bored, or stressed. I sometimes find myself to be a procrastination snacker. If there is something I would rather not do, eating a snack can feel like a tempting way to delay the task just a bit longer. Before snacking, try drinking a glass of water and waiting a few minutes to see if hunger remains. Use that time to complete a small chore at home or in the office that you may have been putting off. Make a phone call, write a note, pay bills,

Surry Living Magazine

sweep the floor, pick up clutter, or wash a window. Exercise is another option. Get on an exercise bike, use the treadmill, or take a short walk to burn calories while you wait. If you are still hungry after fifteen or twenty minutes, then select a healthy snack. Portion size also matters. Even healthy snacks can contribute too many calories if multiple servings are eaten at one time or if snacking occurs too often throughout the day. For foods with labels, count or measure what is considered one serving. You can even make your own one hundred calorie snack packets by reading the food label and measuring portions accordingly. When we eat directly from the package, we tend to eat more than we intended. Fresh fruits and vegetables in their natural form do not require food labels. These items are nature’s fast foods. They come in their own packaging and are ready to eat with minimal preparation. Simply wash and enjoy. Clementines are one of my favorite snacks. They are easy to toss into a bag and perfect to eat on the go or at a sporting event. They taste great, smell wonderful, and are full of nutrients. I also find that I eat more vegetables when I have something to dip them in. Try this easy, low cost hummus recipe to add protein and flavor to your snack of carrots, cucumbers, or celery this New Year.

by CARMEN LONG

SOUTHERN TASTE

Hummus Is Yummus

Sides for Serving

INGREDIENTS

• Carrots • Celery sticks • Cucumber rounds • Pita chips DIRECTIONS

• • • • • • •

One can garbanzo beans, also known as chickpeas, drained with liquid reserved One tablespoon lemon juice One tablespoon olive oil One clove garlic, crushed, or one eighth teaspoon powdered garlic One half tablespoon ground cumin One half teaspoon salt Sesame oil, optional

1. 2. 3.

Place all ingredients into a blender and blend. Stop the blender and remove the measuring cup from the lid. Continue blending while slowly pouring the reserved bean liquid through the opening until the mixture becomes thick and smooth. Source: ncefnep.org

JANUARY 2026

SOUTHERN TASTE

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JANUARY 2026

Home,

Navigating Life

& Garden

with a Horse,

farm,

Faith, and Common Sense I noticed something was off the moment I opened the barn door. Traveler usually greeted me with a low nicker and a hopeful look toward the feed room. That morning, he barely lifted his head. His hay sat untouched, and instead of standing at the gate like usual, he faced the far corner of his stall as if the wall had something important to say. That is never a good sign. I leaned against the door and watched him for a moment. Horses have a way of carrying their feelings quietly. Traveler was especially good at that. Too good. “All right,” I said finally. “You can either tell me what is wrong, or I can start making guesses. And you are not going to like my guesses.” His ears flicked back toward me. “That sounded serious,” he said. “It is,” I replied. “You skipped breakfast. That tells me something is bothering you.” Traveler sighed in the dramatic way only a horse can manage. “I am tired of being patient.” I stepped inside and rested my hand on his shoulder. “Patient about what?” “Everything,” he said. “Waiting for the weather to change. Waiting for the farrier. Waiting for the next ride. Waiting for answers that never seem to come.” I smiled despite myself. Traveler had always been thoughtful, even philosophical. He was the kind of horse who noticed patterns and pondered them. “Waiting is part of life,” I said. “Even for horses.” “Yes,” he replied. “But that does not make it easy.” We stood quietly for a moment, listening to the soft sounds of the barn waking up. Somewhere down the aisle, another horse snorted impatiently. “Do you remember when you first brought me here?” Traveler asked. “I do,” I said. “You had just finished a long trailer ride and wanted nothing to do with anyone.” “You told me I would find my rhythm,” he said. “That things would settle in time.” “And they did,” I replied. Traveler shifted his weight and looked at me. “I think I forgot that part. About time.” 34

Surry Living Magazine

I reached up and scratched the spot behind his ear that always made him relax. “It is easy to forget when you are in the middle of the waiting. We want progress to feel fast and clear. Sometimes it is quiet and slow instead.” “I do not like quiet progress,” he said. “It feels like nothing is happening.” “That does not mean nothing is happening,” I said. “Roots grow underground before you ever see leaves.” He considered that. “Are you saying I am growing roots?” he asked. “I am,” I said. “And so am I.” Traveler lowered his head and nudged my shoulder. “That makes me feel better,” he admitted. “I was worried I was being left behind.” “No one is leaving you behind,” I said. “Some seasons are about movement. Others are about preparation. Both matter.” He finally turned back toward his hay and took a slow bite. “I suppose I can eat now,” he said. “Waiting is easier when you are not hungry.” I laughed. “That is true for all of us.” As I stepped out of the stall, I glanced back and saw Traveler chewing contentedly, his eyes soft again. Nothing about the barn had changed. The schedule was the same. The day was still unfolding slowly. But something important had shifted.Sometimes the work is not about fixing what is wrong. Sometimes it is about remembering what is true. Growth is not always loud. Progress is not always visible. And waiting, when placed in the right hands, can be just as meaningful as movement. Traveler raised his head one last time before I left. “Thank you,” he said. “I think I can be patient a little longer.” “I know you can,” I replied. by D E R I N A P Y L E S

HOME, FARM, & GARDEN

Three Locaaons to Serve You!

Equipment Rentals • Party Rentals • Supplies

www.cookerentals.com

Serving Surry, Stokes, and the surrounding counties.

145 Industrial Drive King, NC 27021 336.985.8222

Special Event Rentals 660 West Lebanon St. Mt Airy, NC 27030

825 W Lebanon Street Mt Airy, NC 27030 336.789.5068

JANUARY 2026

HOME, FARM, & GARDEN

Momentum in the Garden: From Seed to Salad Bowl There is a unique kind of momentum in a garden that few other pastimes can claim. One moment it is quiet, with bare soil and a few hopeful seedlings, and the next you are surrounded by lush greens ready for harvest. This momentum, the shift from nothing much happening to visible growth, mirrors how life picks up speed once things are set in motion. When applied to growing greens, the process becomes visible, fresh, and delicious. It all starts small. A handful of seeds for lettuce, spinach, or arugula tucked into garden beds or containers may seem insignificant. With good soil, regular watering, and proper light, roots dig down and leaves stretch upward. Cool season salad greens thrive in the right conditions, and once growth begins, the pace can surprise even experienced gardeners. Greens are especially good at demonstrating momentum. Many leafy vegetables mature quickly, sometimes in as little as thirty days, so once growth begins it can feel almost immediate. Planting regularly, or in succession, helps maintain that forward motion. Replanting every two or three weeks allows for a continuous harvest instead of a single rush. Interplanting fast growing crops like radishes with slower greens such as kale also helps keep the garden productive throughout the season.

For those who are short on space, a simple salad bowl garden is an excellent option. Shallow containers about six inches deep with good drainage can host a mix of tender lettuces, peppery arugula, spinach, mustard greens, and even a few herbs. Harvest outer leaves as they mature while allowing the inner growth to continue. This method keeps the plants producing and provides fresh ingredients throughout the season. Turning your harvest into a salad is part of the reward. Mix textures and flavors, harvest gradually, dress simply with olive oil, lemon, salt, and pepper, and enjoy the tangible results of your effort. When you grow your own greens, every bite tells a story of energy transformed from seed to bowl and from effort to reward. Momentum in gardening is not just about speed. It is about sustaining forward motion. Regular care through watering, fertilizing, and harvesting feeds growth, which encourages continued attention and repeated harvests. Challenges will arise. Heat, pests, and dry spells can slow progress. Momentum is built through adaptability. Adjust, protect, and continue, and the garden will reward you with a steady supply of greens. Whether you are growing in a window box, a patio container, or a full garden bed, let the momentum of growth carry you forward. Plant your greens, nurture them, harvest them, and allow your garden to inspire your life. Look for our hands on workshops with N.C. Cooperative Extension Surry County titled “Growing Great Greens” at surry.ces.ncsu.edu. Join us as we turn momentum into harvest, one leaf at a time. by J O A N N A R A D F O R D

Surry Living Magazine

HOME, FARM, & GARDEN

Lemon Vinaigrette

Creamy Avocado Dressing

INGREDIENTS

• • • • • •

One third cup extra virgin olive oil One quarter cup lemon juice with a small amount of fresh lemon zest One teaspoon Dijon mustard One half teaspoon honey One garlic clove, minced Salt and pepper to taste

• • • • • •

One ripe avocado, peeled One quarter cup plain Greek yogurt Two tablespoons olive oil Two tablespoons lemon juice One teaspoon Dijon mustard Salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS DIRECTIONS 1. 1. 2. 3.

Add all ingredients to a small bowl and whisk until fully emulsified. Use immediately or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to one week. If the oil separates, stir or shake before using. If the oil thickens after chilling, allow it to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.

Place all ingredients into a food processor or blender and blend until smooth. Add a small amount of water if needed to reach the desired consistency.

JANUARY 2026

HOME, FARM, & GARDEN

Surry Living Magazine

Send us a photo of your pet and we may use it here. Email: info@surryliving.com Subject Line: Furever Friends

JANUARY EVENTS 40

YADKINVILLE

MOUNT AIRY

1 Annual Sheriff ’s Badge Raising &

New Year Countdown Thursday, January 1, 2026 at 12:00 am Mount Airy Museum of Regional History 220 S Renfro St, Mount Airy, NC 27030

22 65th Annual Greater Mount Airy Chamber of

Surry Living Magazine

Commerce Meeting and Awards Dinner Thursday, January 22, 2026 at 5:30 pm Cross Creek Country Club 1296 Country Club Dr, Mount Airy, NC 27030

Sounds of the Mountains Concert Series with Balsam Range Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 7:30 pm Willingham Theater at Yadkin Cultural Arts Center 226 E Main St, Yadkinville, NC 27055

24 Sounds of the Mountains Concert Series:

DaShawn & Wendy Hickman with Murphy, Laurelyn & Riley Saturday, January 24, 2026 at 7:30 pm Willingham Theater at Yadkin Cultural Arts Center 226 E Main St, Yadkinville, NC 27055 GALAX, VA

3 High Country Lights Final Night

Saturday, January 3, 2026 at 6:00 pm Felts Park 601 S Main St, Galax, VA 24333

Nestled in the rolling hills of Asbury in Mt. Airy is a unique country church filled with love. Bring us your troubles and find a shoulder to lean on. Bring us your fear and find your brave. Bring us your anxiety and find your peace.

Asbury Evangelical Presbyterian Church 1084 Flippen Rd. • Mt. Airy, NC 27030 336-351-4040 • asburyEPC@gmail.com BestChurchInWestfield.com

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4 Surry Living Magazine WWW.RENEWWOUNDCARECENTER.COM

436 Hadley Street Mount Airy, NC 27030

WOUNDS@RENEW-HW.COM