I’ve kicked around Georgia now for more than 21 years, almost half my life. In all that time, I had only been to Savannah twice. The third time was definitely a charm last weekend as Carla and I were able to parlay a work event Friday night into an excuse to leave the boys with … Continue reading A trip to Georgia’s oldest city to feel new again
Tag: Georgia
Southern Oscars
Sunday night is Hollywood’s annual tribute to narcissism, hedonism and voyeurism known as the Academy Awards. In the spirit of full disclosure, I have only watched the Oscars a couple of times in my whole life, and I don’t think I’ve ever watched a complete broadcast. I have no plans to watch it this year. Depending … Continue reading Southern Oscars
An encounter with the irascible Dr. Sams
Dr. Ferrol Sams died this week at the age of 90. If you don’t know who he is, then shame on you. He might have said something to the effect of “You ain’t got a lick-a-sense if you’ve never read my books.” The author of “Run With the Horsemen,” “The Whisper of the River” and … Continue reading An encounter with the irascible Dr. Sams
Orlando beckons
In less than an hour on Interstate 75 the week after Christmas and it becomes abundantly clear that the entire population of the Eastern and Midwestern United States along with a great portion of Canada is heading to Central Florida. The mass migration is led by the exodus of Atlantans, fleeing the onset of a … Continue reading Orlando beckons
Wheels
As I write today's entry, a life hangs in the balance. Our 11-year-old Volvo V70 station wagon sits in the parking lot of a transmission repair shop awaiting its fate. Those of you who are regular readers of New South Essays will remember that number 19 on my 30 days of Thanksgiving list was "functioning … Continue reading Wheels
Matrimony in the great outdoors
I’m not really a fan of weddings. I guess I enjoyed my own wedding, but overall, they’re just not that appealing to me. They are too often a big production that has little to do with making a sacred vow before God, family and friends. The spectacle and expense are too much for me to … Continue reading Matrimony in the great outdoors
Get thee to a pumpkin patch
As temperatures down South dip into the 40s and 50s, tasteful seasonal decorating requires at least one nice gourd on the front porch. Some of you have been so eager for fall temperatures that you ran out and bought a pumpkin when they first arrived in stores or when the pumpkin patches first opened in … Continue reading Get thee to a pumpkin patch
County fare
Last Friday night we loaded up the minivan and headed to Lawrenceville for the Gwinnett County Fair. We hadn't been in several years, and we were overdue for a family outing. This one fit the bill nicely. I prefer my fairs a little later in the fall -- call it a habit formed by 10 … Continue reading County fare
Can I have a second helping of home décor?
I’ll eat just about anything you can put on a plate, but I won’t admire just any plate you can put on a wall. Those plates must be historic. And Southern. And tell a story. When my wife of 15 years and I were concocting our wedding registry, (OK, let me restate that more accurately: … Continue reading Can I have a second helping of home décor?
Magnolia malady
How the magnolia became a Southern symbol, I’ll never know. Sure, it thrives in warm, humid climates and has lovely blossoms that emerge this time of year to give the air a sweet and intoxicating aroma. But, let’s face it, this tree is a mess. It takes a special homeowner who can handle it. I am not … Continue reading Magnolia malady
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