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While she may not have been pushing a plow or riding in a combine, Morgan County native Kathy Lindsey worked in agriculture for more than 40 years before retiring.
"I worked at the Farm Service Agency (FSA, then known as ASCS) for 18 years in Hartselle and Moulton, and for the Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES) for 24 years in Hartselle," said Kathy.
Whether she was helping farmers or 4-Hers, Kathy said both jobs were wonderful because of the delightful people she met.
"At FSA, our clients were really genuinely good people, and I made some close friends there," said Kathy.
When she went to apply for the job with FSA, a friend led her through the crowd of customers back to the people she needed to see about the job.
"I started work there the next day, because they needed somebody so bad," she remembered.
After deciding to return to work after staying home with her children a few years, a friend from FSA told her about an opening at the Extension office.
"Harry Houston, who hired me for that job, is one of my favorite people and I actually knew him from my time in 4-H when I was growing up," she explained.
Kathy felt her co-workers at the Extension office were really more like family.
"They were really understanding about taking time off if one of my children were sick or something, and it was a great place to work," she said.
Since her retirement in January, Kathy has continued to work part-time for ACES, filling in for employees who need time off.
"It’s really helped me transition from working full-time for so long to not working," said Kathy, although she’s not opposed to retirement.
"I highly recommend it," she said, adding she doesn’t mind filling her available time with visits from her grandchildren, Emma (8) and Calvin (4).
"A friend of mine told me I wouldn’t believe how crazy I’d be over my grandchildren, and she was so right. They do just make you crazy you love them so much. I really am enjoying them," stated Kathy.
Kathy has two sons. Shane and his wife Selena are the parents of Emma and Calvin, while Justin and his wife Brooke are currently living with Kathy.
"They’re building a new home and their old one sold in just three weeks. Even though Justin works full-time, he insists on cooking every night while he’s here, so I let him. I keep telling them to just rent out their new house when it’s finished and stay with me," joked Kathy.
Kathy’s always enjoyed cooking and draws a lot of her kitchen inspiration from dear friend and fellow ACES retiree Barbara Lee.
"She’s a really good cook and a really good friend. She and I still have lunch together once a month, and we really enjoy each other’s company," Kathy said.
The recipe Kathy shares for Mexican Cornbread actually came from her friend Barbara and many of Kathy’s recipes were passed along from other friends.
As we ease into October and anticipate shorter days and cooler evenings, a bowl of Taco Soup served with Mexican Cornbread would make a great finish to a fall day. And for those wanting an early and convenient taste of the holidays, Kathy offered her version of Crock Pot Chicken-N-Dressing.
Kellie Henderson is a freelance writer from Troy
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