The smells of Christmas

“It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.” Yes, indeed. And it’s beginning to smell a lot like Christmas, too. Thirty-eight Christmases ago, our younger son, Eric, was quoted by radio personality Paul Harvey. I had been sending him a weekly edition of our newspaper.

No harm in implementing ‘mimosa’ law, others

We understand the importance of Sundays in Hartwell, and keeping religion and family central to that day of the week, but we also find the recent request from local businesses to be well within reason.

Meeting an angel in line at Walmart

I was in Walmart at the service desk waiting, waiting, did I say waiting? when I made eye contact with a beautiful lady behind me. There was only one cashier and two lines were sort of feeding together and she was at an angle behind me.

A Christian story: Are you Jesus?

I knew a man, who on Christmas day, delivered food to a poor group of country folks. After delivering the food, a young boy, about 7 or 8 years old said to him, “Are you Jesus?

Redemption opportunity in front of UGA after latest Bama heartbreak

As I married my first long-term girlfriend, I haven’t experienced much heartbreak from women in my life. Unfortunately for me, I am a Georgia fan. Since my first games as a University of Georgia student in the fall of 2011, I have been hooked on UGA football. The disappointment soon followed.

Recognizing those making a difference this Christmas season

T he Christmas season is a time for fellowship and family but just as important, it’s a time for giving back and providing support for those who need it most. Hart County does an excellent job of following through with that.

Cinderella rightfully headed to the ball

This year’s playoff is certainly different. I’m not sure what the ratings will reflect but, to me, for the first time in a long time, each in this pair of games presents casual interest from outside the fanbases themselves. In the Orange Bowl, you have Michigan vs.

Being alive over a century

My wife Janet’s aunt, Alice Ruth recently passed away. She was within one month of being 104 years old. She had clarity of thought up to the very end.  She was special and highly regarded by all who knew her. Sweet lady. Just thinking about living for over a century makes my head swoon.

Just on the other side of fear

Everything I needed and wanted was “just on the other side of fear.” I needed a job with benefits. I wanted a job with hospice. It took a year, but finally they called me with an offer. Not in marketing, as I had hoped, but as the volunteer manager. God was taking care of me.

Thankful for ‘things to do’

Lake Hartwell Escape Room is the latest attraction to enter the fold in Hart County and we’re happy to see a steadily growing group of businesses and services in the area that offer kids and families — simply put — something to do. We’re blessed as a community with our proximity to Lake Hartwell.