That children inherit certain physical and personality traits from their parents is indisputable. Carla and I are both planners and list makers, so it should be no surprise that our children follow suit. However, I am having trouble explaining the borderline mental disorder that has beset my children this year as they compulsively write and … Continue reading Build yourself a merry Lego Christmas
Tag: the South
O Christmas tree
“How about this one?” I held the 6-and-a-half foot Frasier Fir at arm’s length, shaking it vigorously so the branches would fall into a more natural position. “Nope. Too skinny,” my wife said, frowning and shaking her head. “You keep rejecting these trees because they’re too skinny. I’m starting to get a complex,” I said … Continue reading O Christmas tree
In search of Black Friday
I hate shopping. I don’t even really like Internet shopping. There is absolutely nothing appealing about Black Friday to me. I don’t believe in its philosophical underpinnings. I don’t understand its attraction. I don’t acknowledge its existence. But like someone chasing a ghost or questing for grainy 8 millimeter footage of Big Foot, I set out … Continue reading In search of Black Friday
Thanksgiving grace
You’ve probably already planned every detail of your Thanksgiving meal – at least those of you who subscribe to Southern Living – but have you thought about the one act that gives next week’s holiday its name? At the risk of sounding preachy, Thanksgiving is supposed to be as advertised. But often, the last thought … Continue reading Thanksgiving grace
Bake me a cake as fast as you can
I pulled Harris’ overflowing train molded cake pan out of the oven precisely at 3:30 p.m. and put the bowl containing Barron’s yellow cake mix in at 350 degrees for 42 minutes. Then I left. As I drove to Alpharetta for yet another weekend work commitment, guilt pursued me like a Lilburn cop after someone … Continue reading Bake me a cake as fast as you can
A 10-minute conversation
When was the last time you had 10 minutes with nothing to do? Think about it. Let’s take it one step further: When was the last time you had 10 minutes with nothing to do and you did nothing? Umm-hmm. That's what I thought. I’ve been doing a lot of weekend travel for my day … Continue reading A 10-minute conversation
Muzzle control
There once was a day when it was presumed that all Southern males intuitively knew how to handle a firearm. That day ended in Georgia when the state required everyone born after 1961 to take a hunter education course before applying for a hunting license. With the onset of deer season for firearms this weekend, … Continue reading Muzzle control
A foot in two states
Heavy clouds and the threat of rain couldn’t dampen our enthusiasm for a trip on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway last Monday for Carlton’s third birthday. For weeks leading up to the big event, I felt pangs of sentimentality about my youngest son following the same journey as his brothers from toddlerhood to full blown … Continue reading A foot in two states
Two nights in Texas
Mississippi-born singer songwriter Kate Campbell intruded into my awareness in the late ‘90s, and since then, each lyrical and patently Southern album she releases is a must-own in my limited collection. On Sept. 27, she released her latest, a live album called “Two Nights in Texas,” with recordings from back-to-back shows April 8-9, 2010, at … Continue reading Two nights in Texas
Watching the Braves with Paw Paw
At 11:39 p.m. , Wednesday, – well past my bedtime – Braves rookie first baseman Freddie Freeman grounded into a double play, ending the Braves season. As I struggled to stay awake during the final two hours of the 13-inning marathon game, I couldn’t help but think of my grandfather as I watched the drama … Continue reading Watching the Braves with Paw Paw
New South Essays 