These are Brachiopod shells which, according to the University of Kentucky, probably are the most commonly collected fossil in Kentucky. Brachiopods were (and are) marine species. They have an extensive fossil record, first appearing in rocks dating back to the early part of the Cambrian Period, about 525 million years ago. Most Brachiopods became extinct at the end of the Permian Period, about 250 million years ago. More than 90 percent of all living species are believed to have gone extinct during this time. Some Brachiopod species live in the world's oceans today.I have found the marine fossils of brachiopods, crinoids and coral in abundance along both along Harrods Fork Creek and Crocus Creek. - Wendy Butler Burt

Check out Fossils of Kentucky, Kentucky Geological Survey. -Charles Marshburn

The easiest way to understand fossilized sea shells NOT by the sea shore...is to read chapters 6,7,and 8 from the Old Testament book of Genesis.

-Rickie Williams

How many homes can one find time to build
if passion for exploring seizes soul?
How many travels leave still unfulfilled
desire for glory, longing to be whole?

How many barriers are put in place
when hesitations will not fade?
How many steps which one cannot retrace
become reminders of our debts unpaid?

How many expectations dim the way
when high emotion finds no glad release?
How many somethings hold us in this day
while calls to go beyond will never cease?

Nostalgia is the pain of ignorance.
How better knowing small or big advance.

- Robert Stone, 19 June 2011

I was baptized in Russell Creek a little way upstream from the bridge. Some people parked along the road near the bridge and walked in, others drove in along a rough road thru Loren Grider's bottom. I have been to quite a few baptizings at Mouth of Butler - mainly Separate Baptist Churches, but a Methodist baptizing one time. Sometimes you'd go and another group would be finishing up a service when you got there or coming in for a baptizing when you got done.

I have been hearing of several churches using the Sam Coffey in Russell Creek for baptizings, and Barnett's Creek church goes up the road from their church and baptizes in the creek. I don't think I've been to more than 3 or 4 indoor baptizings in my life. I've been to outdoor baptizings in quite a few streams anywhere from hot summer days, to bitter cold weather, but was never to a "sprinkling" --Richard Raines

Want to comment on the death of Helen Dial. She is my aunt and I always loved her very much. I remember as a child going to her house to visit her and her husband Uncle Buford Dial. They were always so good to all of my family. To her children and grandchildren I am so sorry for your loss. Our heart grieves with you all. She was a beautiful lady inside and out. One of sweetest and kindest ladies I ever had a privilege of knowing. God Bless You, Aunt Helen --Alice Smith Robinson