Happy Birthday to this great land

Across the rippling creek and over the bridge with its rusty rails, I followed Mama, who was carrying a warm chocolate cake. As any fouryear- old would do, I stopped at the center of the bridge, admiring the lazy water bubbling toward the Chattahoochee.

Remembering a big brother and his big influence

This is going to be a bit up-close-and personal. For the first time in my life, I am without my big brother. Robert Earl Yarbrough, Jr. passed away and it feels surreal. He has always been there. Had he not, I probably wouldn’t be here today. He was not my big brother by size.

Looking back, and ahead in Georgia’s elections

The primaries are over and it’s time to analyze the results in Georgia. Before I begin, it is important you know that Donald Trump has not commented on this column or its author. That is because he doesn’t know either exists. For that, let us give thanks.

Gavin

From the oven, I pulled out a peach cobbler that bubbled and popped beautifully.Outside, Spring had come calling to resurrect what Winter had lulled to sleep. The trees and shrubs were a lovely green and almost in full growth.

Will you leave this a better world?

Have you ever thought about your legacy? Legacy being defined as “the lasting impact one leaves on the world, both the tangible assets they pass down and the intangible influence they have on others.”For some reason, I have been pondering this lately.

No father on father’s day

There is a little boy, age 11, who will, no doubt, fall fitfully to sleep on the eve of Father’s Day. Then, perhaps, he will awaken to a pillow wet with sadness. Many are the people who will spend the day trying valiantly to cheer him up. But in deep sorrow like his, there is no cheer.

Aunt Fairy

Every time we sing “Precious Memories” at church or for a funeral, I always think of my daddy’s Aunt Fairy, who raised him.His daddy beat him, his mama left him, so without hesitation, Aunt Fairy and Uncle Oscar took him and raised him on their farm in the shadows of the Appalachian Trail.

Trying to deal with Artie Fishel Intelligence

RING! RING! RING!“Hello. Dick Yarbrough speaking. How may I direct your call?”“Dick, it’s me. Artie.” “I’m sorry. Artie who?” “Artie Fishel, you hare-brained humanoid, of Artie Fishel Intelligence. You surely remember me.

First Friday Beach Bash here

The 13th annual First Friday Beach Bash is all set for Friday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in downtown Milledgeville.More than 80 tons of sand will be trucked in, all in an effort to convert the post office side parking lot into a tropical beach destination.

World War II Heros

Tink and I were at lunch recently with a friend who started talking about his Grandfather’s bravery and medals won during World War II.When the war began, he was initially deferred because of college.But several months later, he was drafted. He then requested to become a pilot.