BY ANGELA GARY
He sat on the wooden bench looking intently into the pile of sand that he was sifting. Each time he saw a stone, he grinned in excitement and pulled it out. His collection of gems quickly grew. Moonstone, emeralds and other brightly colored stones were admired as he continued to sift through the sand in the huge bucket looking for more treasures. His mother was on one side sifting through her own pile of sand and looking for stones. Other families, couples and children also sat on the long bench looking for their own treasures.
I recently ventured to Old Cardinal Gem Mine in Franklin, N.C., with my sister, Amanda, and 11-year-old nephew, Grayson. We always have a list of activities for the boys each summer. It usually consists of visits to places in Northeast Georgia, a few movies and dinner out. This year, Amanda found the gem mine in North Carolina and thought it sounded like a great adventure for Grayson.
After fueling up with a good breakfast in Dillard, we continued on our journey. We drove well into the mountains of North Carolina. Finally, we found the sign and the driveway. Our car was a little hesitant in getting down the drive but we urged her on down until we met our destination.
Franklin is known as the “Gem Mining Capital of the World” with people traveling from near by and far away to search for precious stones. Old Cardinal Gem Mine is located along a winding dirt road deep in the country-side. It’s certainly quite a scenic rural scene as you drive down to the site for gem-mining. We checked in at the small gift shop and purchased a bucket of sand. Buckets were available for $30, $50 and $100.
Grayson, along with my sister and I, got excited every time a stone was found in the sand. Isaiah and Morgan walked along the row of people gem mining and quickly identified the stones as they were pulled out of the water.
After we finished with our bucket of sand, we went into the gift shop and Darcel cleaned the stones for us and weighed some of the larger ones. She can also make the stones into jewelry for those who are interested.
We were all impressed with one of Grayson’s finds, a large emerald. Since it was such a large stone, he got to write his name on the wall of the gift shop, which was exciting for him.
For more information, check out the website, oldcardinalgemmining.com.
We’ve been planning day trips for Grayson this summer with a day at the lake and going to a farmer’s market being on the list. It’s great to explore these summer-time activities through the eyes of an 11-year-old. It makes everything as new and exciting and you even feel like a kid again for a moment.
Features
Grits: It’s a Southern thing
Our cousin Abraham was visiting from New Mexico last week so we decided to take him to Cracker Barrel for some Southern cooking. He ordered a salad so he didn’t really get to experience Southern food.
As we finished up, I asked if he had tried grits before. I thought he probably had since he had visited his Georgia family before. His mother, my aunt Deborrah, grew up in Commerce. She is one of my mother’s six sisters. I thought Deborrah had probably made grits for Abraham before. Well, I was wrong.
When Abraham said he had not tried grits before, my sister, Amanda, and I gasped out loud; our eyes wide and mouths open. We couldn’t believe Cousin Abraham had not tried grit. He’s half-Southern so we couldn’t let him continue on without trying grits.
My sister headed to the grocery store and got the supplies for a few Southern dishes for Abraham to try. That night, he had cheese grits and collards, along with some pickled okra my mother had made. He also had some of Mom’s vegetable soup and a Vidalia onion. He ate it all and declared he liked everything. Of course, he’s a very polite young man, so we’re not sure if he really liked everything or not.
There really isn’t anything more southern than grits. The plain kind with just a little butter thrown in are the best. But we serve them so many other ways, including with cheese and shrimp, as Amanda did in the dish she made Abraham. Some people even sprinkle sugar over grits. I love them every way you can imagine.
Grits are a classic recipe that actually originated from porridge made with cornmeal by the Native Americans.
I did a little research and found that the word grits comes from the Middle English word gyrt, which is the outer bran of any whole grain.
A Southern Living article states, “In this case our whole grain is corn. These ground up kernels of corn have always had a place on southern tables beginning with Native Americans who would grind the corn into corn meal. And make porridge which we believe was the first pot of grits.
Early settlers learned from Native Americans how to take corn, turn it into hominy, which is the corn kernels with the hulls removed and then grind it into grits. Because corn was so readily available, and the grits making process had been perfected. Which quickly became known as the potatoes of the south, filling that starch requirement on tables all over the south.”
Grits has certainly been a part of our meals for as long as I can remember. We have grits for breakfast with mom’s homemade biscuits, eggs and bacon or sausage. Now, we also have it for supper sometimes when my sister makes shrimp and grits. I’m glad we introduced Cousin Abraham to grits.
As we finished up, I asked if he had tried grits before. I thought he probably had since he had visited his Georgia family before. His mother, my aunt Deborrah, grew up in Commerce. She is one of my mother’s six sisters. I thought Deborrah had probably made grits for Abraham before. Well, I was wrong.
When Abraham said he had not tried grits before, my sister, Amanda, and I gasped out loud; our eyes wide and mouths open. We couldn’t believe Cousin Abraham had not tried grit. He’s half-Southern so we couldn’t let him continue on without trying grits.
My sister headed to the grocery store and got the supplies for a few Southern dishes for Abraham to try. That night, he had cheese grits and collards, along with some pickled okra my mother had made. He also had some of Mom’s vegetable soup and a Vidalia onion. He ate it all and declared he liked everything. Of course, he’s a very polite young man, so we’re not sure if he really liked everything or not.
There really isn’t anything more southern than grits. The plain kind with just a little butter thrown in are the best. But we serve them so many other ways, including with cheese and shrimp, as Amanda did in the dish she made Abraham. Some people even sprinkle sugar over grits. I love them every way you can imagine.
Grits are a classic recipe that actually originated from porridge made with cornmeal by the Native Americans.
I did a little research and found that the word grits comes from the Middle English word gyrt, which is the outer bran of any whole grain.
A Southern Living article states, “In this case our whole grain is corn. These ground up kernels of corn have always had a place on southern tables beginning with Native Americans who would grind the corn into corn meal. And make porridge which we believe was the first pot of grits.
Early settlers learned from Native Americans how to take corn, turn it into hominy, which is the corn kernels with the hulls removed and then grind it into grits. Because corn was so readily available, and the grits making process had been perfected. Which quickly became known as the potatoes of the south, filling that starch requirement on tables all over the south.”
Grits has certainly been a part of our meals for as long as I can remember. We have grits for breakfast with mom’s homemade biscuits, eggs and bacon or sausage. Now, we also have it for supper sometimes when my sister makes shrimp and grits. I’m glad we introduced Cousin Abraham to grits.
Exploring Henry County
BY ANGELA GARY
A cookie-decorating class led by the winner of a Food Network cooking show and a spin around the track where the biggest names in Nascar compete are just a few of the activities awaiting visitors to Henry County.
It was an easy two-hour drive from my home to Henry County when I went for a recent long weekend. The cookie-decorating and race track were two of the highlights of the trip for our group. A stop at a farm where we picked strawberries and enjoyed some strawberry shortcake and antique shopping were other highlights of the trip. We also ate some amazing food at the many restaurants located in the area.
At Crumbles by Nicole in Locust Grove, you can shop for fresh-baked creative desserts by Chef Nicole on Thursdays through Sundays. If you’re in town on Sunday, be sure to try one of Chef Nicole’s Monster Shakes. You can also schedule a cookie-decorating class. We had a great time decorating cookies with a “Georgia” theme. We also had a great time eating the tasty cookies.
Crumbles is located at 3988 Highway 42, Locust Grove.
At the Atlanta Motor Speedway, you can attend one of the many events offered throughout the year or, for those who love speed, sign up for the racing school. We headed to the racing school on a Friday afternoon where two ladies in our group signed up for a fast ride around the track.
The racing experience starts when you are fitted into a driver’s firesuit and helmet before climbing through the window into the passenger seat of an actual Nascar race car for three fast laps around the track. Before leaving, you can get a snapshot at the speedway’s Victory Lane.
Atlanta Motor Speedway is located at 1500 Tara Place, Hampton.
At Southern Belle Farm in McDonough, the fifth generation of the Carter family strives to let people, including the many children who come to the farm on field trips, know where food comes from.
The 330-acre farm has strawberries, peaches and a large variety of other fruits and vegetables offered. Visitors can pick their own strawberries and visit the on-site bakery for delicious strawberry shortcake and other treats.
At Southern Belle, you can also go on a hayride, play games and shop for fresh produce, jellies and jams and other items in the store. For those who like a slower pace, you can also sit on the porch in one of the rocking chairs and enjoy homemade ice cream. I can vouch for the strawberry ice cream, which was a delightful treat.
During our visit, family matriarch, Mimi, was present and she visited with guests in the store. She makes her homemade pound cake and shortcake for the bakery. She shares that, “Farming is the heart of our family.”
Southern Belle Farm is located at 1658 Turner Church Road, McDonough.
WHERE TO EAT
•Southern Fusion, is located at 656 Peeksville Road in Stockbridge in a shopping center and looks like a typical diner from the outside. Well, it’s not typical in any way. We tried several dishes and everything was wonderful. We started with some peach biscuits, which are similar to beignets. I could have made a meal of the peach biscuits. My entrée was eggs benedict fusion and pepper jack grits. Specials are offered daily with red velvet waffles on the menu during our visit. A special treat is one of the colossal peach cinnamon rolls. And, yes, it’s as amazing as it sounds.
•The French Market, located at 3840 Highway 43 in Locust Grove, offers a New Orleans-inspired menu with a Southern flair, as well as a gift shop with unique items offered. We started our lunch off with some wonderful fried green tomatoes and Cajun fried green beans as our appetizers.
•At The Farmer & The Chef, located at 100 Crystal Lake Boulevard, Hampton, you will find a farm to table experience in a golf course. The restaurant is owned and operated by local farmer Wayne Swanson, who supplies the beef, pork and lamb from his farm while sourcing the produce from local farms.
•At Bridgeview Country Cooking, located at 4727 North Henry Boulevard, Stockbridge, you can start the day with a Southern breakfast or order a “meat and three” at lunch. Breakfast is offered all day. The restaurant has been open since the 1960s. Specialities are the fried chicken, catfish, banana pudding and pineapple pudding.
•Chef Marian Minugh at Olive in a Bottle, located at 3836 Highway 42, Locust Grove, prepared a meal for us one night. After trying some of the olive oil, we gathered in the back of the shop for the delicious meal, which included salad with strawberry vinaigrette dressing, chipotle pineapple beef, green beans, roasted potatoes and chocolate peach shortcake with coconut whipped cream. Cooking classes are offered at Olive in a Bottle with the chef using locally sourced products.
Other stops from our trip that I would highly recommend include:
•a stop for coffee at Drip Thru Coffee, located at 50 Hwy. 138 West, Stockbridge. It’s only 135 square feet and owner Christy offers fresh coffee from Americus.
•shopping at the Speakeasy Bookstore, located at 26 East Main Street in Hampton, which offers a large selection of books as well as locally roasted espressos, lattes and coffee.
•listening to live music in an outdoor setting at the Jailhouse Brewing Company, located at 8 Cherry Street in Hampton. Since it’s located in the former city jail, you can also get a mugshot behind the bars.
•checking out “The Walking Dead” selfie spot in Hampton where you can take a photo at the site of the dumpster scene from season six.
WHERE TO STAY
We stayed at the Courtyard by Marriott, located at 115 Mill Road in McDonough, where our group met at the fire pit in the courtyard each night. It was a great place to unwind after a day of exploring.
The lobby area is also very large with comfy sofas and chairs for those who would rather be inside.
Behind the hotel is a large flea market that is fun to explore.
To start planning your visit, check out the website at www.visithenrycountygeorgia.com.
Angela Gary is an editor with MainStreet Newspapers Inc. She can be reached at Angieeditor@aol.com.
A cookie-decorating class led by the winner of a Food Network cooking show and a spin around the track where the biggest names in Nascar compete are just a few of the activities awaiting visitors to Henry County.
It was an easy two-hour drive from my home to Henry County when I went for a recent long weekend. The cookie-decorating and race track were two of the highlights of the trip for our group. A stop at a farm where we picked strawberries and enjoyed some strawberry shortcake and antique shopping were other highlights of the trip. We also ate some amazing food at the many restaurants located in the area.
At Crumbles by Nicole in Locust Grove, you can shop for fresh-baked creative desserts by Chef Nicole on Thursdays through Sundays. If you’re in town on Sunday, be sure to try one of Chef Nicole’s Monster Shakes. You can also schedule a cookie-decorating class. We had a great time decorating cookies with a “Georgia” theme. We also had a great time eating the tasty cookies.
Crumbles is located at 3988 Highway 42, Locust Grove.
At the Atlanta Motor Speedway, you can attend one of the many events offered throughout the year or, for those who love speed, sign up for the racing school. We headed to the racing school on a Friday afternoon where two ladies in our group signed up for a fast ride around the track.
The racing experience starts when you are fitted into a driver’s firesuit and helmet before climbing through the window into the passenger seat of an actual Nascar race car for three fast laps around the track. Before leaving, you can get a snapshot at the speedway’s Victory Lane.
Atlanta Motor Speedway is located at 1500 Tara Place, Hampton.
At Southern Belle Farm in McDonough, the fifth generation of the Carter family strives to let people, including the many children who come to the farm on field trips, know where food comes from.
The 330-acre farm has strawberries, peaches and a large variety of other fruits and vegetables offered. Visitors can pick their own strawberries and visit the on-site bakery for delicious strawberry shortcake and other treats.
At Southern Belle, you can also go on a hayride, play games and shop for fresh produce, jellies and jams and other items in the store. For those who like a slower pace, you can also sit on the porch in one of the rocking chairs and enjoy homemade ice cream. I can vouch for the strawberry ice cream, which was a delightful treat.
During our visit, family matriarch, Mimi, was present and she visited with guests in the store. She makes her homemade pound cake and shortcake for the bakery. She shares that, “Farming is the heart of our family.”
Southern Belle Farm is located at 1658 Turner Church Road, McDonough.
WHERE TO EAT
•Southern Fusion, is located at 656 Peeksville Road in Stockbridge in a shopping center and looks like a typical diner from the outside. Well, it’s not typical in any way. We tried several dishes and everything was wonderful. We started with some peach biscuits, which are similar to beignets. I could have made a meal of the peach biscuits. My entrée was eggs benedict fusion and pepper jack grits. Specials are offered daily with red velvet waffles on the menu during our visit. A special treat is one of the colossal peach cinnamon rolls. And, yes, it’s as amazing as it sounds.
•The French Market, located at 3840 Highway 43 in Locust Grove, offers a New Orleans-inspired menu with a Southern flair, as well as a gift shop with unique items offered. We started our lunch off with some wonderful fried green tomatoes and Cajun fried green beans as our appetizers.
•At The Farmer & The Chef, located at 100 Crystal Lake Boulevard, Hampton, you will find a farm to table experience in a golf course. The restaurant is owned and operated by local farmer Wayne Swanson, who supplies the beef, pork and lamb from his farm while sourcing the produce from local farms.
•At Bridgeview Country Cooking, located at 4727 North Henry Boulevard, Stockbridge, you can start the day with a Southern breakfast or order a “meat and three” at lunch. Breakfast is offered all day. The restaurant has been open since the 1960s. Specialities are the fried chicken, catfish, banana pudding and pineapple pudding.
•Chef Marian Minugh at Olive in a Bottle, located at 3836 Highway 42, Locust Grove, prepared a meal for us one night. After trying some of the olive oil, we gathered in the back of the shop for the delicious meal, which included salad with strawberry vinaigrette dressing, chipotle pineapple beef, green beans, roasted potatoes and chocolate peach shortcake with coconut whipped cream. Cooking classes are offered at Olive in a Bottle with the chef using locally sourced products.
Other stops from our trip that I would highly recommend include:
•a stop for coffee at Drip Thru Coffee, located at 50 Hwy. 138 West, Stockbridge. It’s only 135 square feet and owner Christy offers fresh coffee from Americus.
•shopping at the Speakeasy Bookstore, located at 26 East Main Street in Hampton, which offers a large selection of books as well as locally roasted espressos, lattes and coffee.
•listening to live music in an outdoor setting at the Jailhouse Brewing Company, located at 8 Cherry Street in Hampton. Since it’s located in the former city jail, you can also get a mugshot behind the bars.
•checking out “The Walking Dead” selfie spot in Hampton where you can take a photo at the site of the dumpster scene from season six.
WHERE TO STAY
We stayed at the Courtyard by Marriott, located at 115 Mill Road in McDonough, where our group met at the fire pit in the courtyard each night. It was a great place to unwind after a day of exploring.
The lobby area is also very large with comfy sofas and chairs for those who would rather be inside.
Behind the hotel is a large flea market that is fun to explore.
To start planning your visit, check out the website at www.visithenrycountygeorgia.com.
Angela Gary is an editor with MainStreet Newspapers Inc. She can be reached at Angieeditor@aol.com.
When one chapter closes, another opens
BY ANGELA GARY
My first graduation was from Benton School, with had first through eighth grades back then. We wore the traditional caps and gowns for our eighth grade graduation.
The graduation ceremony was held in the Benton gym and we were all excited to be going to high school the next year.
My next graduation came when I finished my four years at Jackson County Comprehensive High School, which was located at that time where the Gordon Street Center in Jefferson is now.
It was a small class. I think just under 100 students. We were all headed off in different directions; college for some, jobs and military for others.
The last graduation for me was when I joined a field of hundreds of people on the field of Sanford Stadium as I graduated from the University of Georgia.
The School of Journalism also had a smaller graduation ceremony that I participated in but it wasn’t one where we wore caps and gowns.
It’s the time of year where students across Jackson County will be graduating. From those adorable pre-school graduations to middle and high school graduations, students of all ages will be leaving one chapter of their lives and going to the next chapter.
My nephew, Grayson, will be participating in a fifth grade graduation ceremony this week as he leaves elementary school and moves on to middle school.
My nephew, Jake, is in 11th grade so he won’t have a graduation this year. I know the next school year will go by so very fast and he will soon be leaving behind high school and heading to college.
Graduations are a time of joy and sadness as you look forward to the future, while also being sad to leave behind the people and places you have known for so long. You will likely never see some of these people again or return to those places that were so important to you. However, you will always have the memories of those times.
While it may seem that the chapter that is closing has been the best time ever in your life, don’t worry. The next chapter will also bring blessings and joy to you.
I hear so many students wish that their school years would hurry up and end. I always tell them to slow down and enjoy those years.
Enjoy the friends you have had since pre-school.
Enjoy the classes and teachers that will help prepare you for the next step in your life.
Enjoy all of the extra curricular activities out there. Make the most of your school years becuase they end all to soon.
The best of luck to all the graduates of 2019. Good luck as you move on to the next chapter in your life.
Angela Gary is an editor with MainStreet Newspapers Inc. She can be reached at Angie@mainstreetnews.com.
My first graduation was from Benton School, with had first through eighth grades back then. We wore the traditional caps and gowns for our eighth grade graduation.
The graduation ceremony was held in the Benton gym and we were all excited to be going to high school the next year.
My next graduation came when I finished my four years at Jackson County Comprehensive High School, which was located at that time where the Gordon Street Center in Jefferson is now.
It was a small class. I think just under 100 students. We were all headed off in different directions; college for some, jobs and military for others.
The last graduation for me was when I joined a field of hundreds of people on the field of Sanford Stadium as I graduated from the University of Georgia.
The School of Journalism also had a smaller graduation ceremony that I participated in but it wasn’t one where we wore caps and gowns.
It’s the time of year where students across Jackson County will be graduating. From those adorable pre-school graduations to middle and high school graduations, students of all ages will be leaving one chapter of their lives and going to the next chapter.
My nephew, Grayson, will be participating in a fifth grade graduation ceremony this week as he leaves elementary school and moves on to middle school.
My nephew, Jake, is in 11th grade so he won’t have a graduation this year. I know the next school year will go by so very fast and he will soon be leaving behind high school and heading to college.
Graduations are a time of joy and sadness as you look forward to the future, while also being sad to leave behind the people and places you have known for so long. You will likely never see some of these people again or return to those places that were so important to you. However, you will always have the memories of those times.
While it may seem that the chapter that is closing has been the best time ever in your life, don’t worry. The next chapter will also bring blessings and joy to you.
I hear so many students wish that their school years would hurry up and end. I always tell them to slow down and enjoy those years.
Enjoy the friends you have had since pre-school.
Enjoy the classes and teachers that will help prepare you for the next step in your life.
Enjoy all of the extra curricular activities out there. Make the most of your school years becuase they end all to soon.
The best of luck to all the graduates of 2019. Good luck as you move on to the next chapter in your life.
Angela Gary is an editor with MainStreet Newspapers Inc. She can be reached at Angie@mainstreetnews.com.
Celebrating mothers
BY ANGELA GARY
We sat on the porch of a home built in 1913 on Milledge Avenue in Athens. Before being seated on the porch to dine, we checked out the inside of the historic home.
A fireplace is to the right as you enter the home. Large doors and open windows face the front.
Rooms are now used for those who come to dine. On busy days, the porch is also used for diners.
My mother, sister and I celebrated Mother’s Day with brunch at the 5 and 10 in Athens. It was a great way to spend time together with each other on this day set aside to honor our mothers.
We had already been to church together after starting the day with coffee treats my brother-in-law brought for us.
While it’s wonderful to have one day set aside to honor mothers, who are the foundation of a family, it’s even more important to honor your mother all year long.
My mother has had some health concerns this year, with a surgery that led to blood clots and another stay in the hospital, as well as a recent bout with the flu. Times like this make you appreciate your mother even more.
I have many lessons I’ve learned from my mother, including having a strong faith and being kind to the people around you.
My mother is certainly one of the kindest people I know. She “mothered” many people during her career with the school system as young teachers often came to her with their problems and concerns.
She always had a compassionate heart for them, as she does for those she has come into contact with during her retirement years.
I’ve also learned some more light-hearted lessons from my mother, including when you see a bathroom, you better go. You don’t know when you will see another bathroom.
I keep her advice in mind when I’m traveling and out for the day. I’ll go to the bathroom even if I don’t think I have to go because I hear my mother in my head telling me I better go.
I can also thank my mother for my work ethic. She always worked hard at her job, as well as taking care of her family. I work two jobs and put much effort in both of them, just as my mother always did.
My mother has always been my biggest cheerleader and supporter. She has encouraged me to take whatever path I choose in life. I hope I am doing the same for my nephews as I encourage and support them as they grow into young men.
Always cherish your mother and what she has done for you. I know that I will. It’s wonderful when a mother can also be a best friend.
This past Sunday was a special day honoring my mother and I will strive to honor her all year long.
Angela Gary is an editor with MainStreet Newspapers Inc. She can be reached at Angie@mainstreetnews.com.
We sat on the porch of a home built in 1913 on Milledge Avenue in Athens. Before being seated on the porch to dine, we checked out the inside of the historic home.
A fireplace is to the right as you enter the home. Large doors and open windows face the front.
Rooms are now used for those who come to dine. On busy days, the porch is also used for diners.
My mother, sister and I celebrated Mother’s Day with brunch at the 5 and 10 in Athens. It was a great way to spend time together with each other on this day set aside to honor our mothers.
We had already been to church together after starting the day with coffee treats my brother-in-law brought for us.
While it’s wonderful to have one day set aside to honor mothers, who are the foundation of a family, it’s even more important to honor your mother all year long.
My mother has had some health concerns this year, with a surgery that led to blood clots and another stay in the hospital, as well as a recent bout with the flu. Times like this make you appreciate your mother even more.
I have many lessons I’ve learned from my mother, including having a strong faith and being kind to the people around you.
My mother is certainly one of the kindest people I know. She “mothered” many people during her career with the school system as young teachers often came to her with their problems and concerns.
She always had a compassionate heart for them, as she does for those she has come into contact with during her retirement years.
I’ve also learned some more light-hearted lessons from my mother, including when you see a bathroom, you better go. You don’t know when you will see another bathroom.
I keep her advice in mind when I’m traveling and out for the day. I’ll go to the bathroom even if I don’t think I have to go because I hear my mother in my head telling me I better go.
I can also thank my mother for my work ethic. She always worked hard at her job, as well as taking care of her family. I work two jobs and put much effort in both of them, just as my mother always did.
My mother has always been my biggest cheerleader and supporter. She has encouraged me to take whatever path I choose in life. I hope I am doing the same for my nephews as I encourage and support them as they grow into young men.
Always cherish your mother and what she has done for you. I know that I will. It’s wonderful when a mother can also be a best friend.
This past Sunday was a special day honoring my mother and I will strive to honor her all year long.
Angela Gary is an editor with MainStreet Newspapers Inc. She can be reached at Angie@mainstreetnews.com.
Photos tell story of adventures
BY ANGELA GARY
In one photo, all you can see is my head sticking out of a huge metal box. I have a towel wrapped around my head and my face is very red. In another photo, I’m smiling and kissing a dolphin.
Each of these photos has a great story. Just looking at the photos don’t tell the story behind them. Both of these photos are ones that make me smile because I know the story behind them.
In the photo of me in the huge metal box, I was in Hot Springs, Arkansas, on a trip that always makes my top best trips ever.
At the historic Arlington Hotel in Hot Springs, “the works” is offered at the Thermal Bathhouse and Spa and it provides a traditional spa treatment that lasts one to one and a half hours. For more than 100 years people have traveled to Hot Springs to get “the works,” which includes soaking in 105 degree mineral water for 20 minutes, sitting in the walk-in sauna room for eight minutes, laying on a table for 15 minutes with hot towels wrapped around your legs and arms and on your back and a cold towel on your face, sitting in the vapor box for a few minutes, taking a needle shower and then getting a 20-minute massage. Sitting in the vapor box with only your head sticking out of the top was the most unusual part of the procedure. You are sitting on a bench inside the box and you don’t have on any clothes. This was in 2011 before cell phone cameras became so common. I did have my “real” camera in the locker and I debated whether I should go get it and ask one of the attendants to take a photo. It was certainly embarrassing but I’m glad I wrapped a towel around myself, ran to my locker, grabbed the camera and asked one of the attendants to take my photo in the “box.”
The photo of me kissing the dolphin also has a story behind it. You would think the first thing I remember when looking at that photo is the sweet dolphin. You would be wrong. Instead, I remember how very difficult it was to get into that wetsuit. It seemed to take forever and I was sweating quite a bit when I finally got it on. I couldn’t fully enjoy my dolphin encounter for worrying about how I was going to get that wet suit off! It took a while and required the help of several people to get me out of it.
Both of these photos have great stories that you wouldn’t get just from looking at them. This is the case with most photos and mementoes from your travels. They have so many stories in them and that is what makes traveling so wonderful.
In one photo, all you can see is my head sticking out of a huge metal box. I have a towel wrapped around my head and my face is very red. In another photo, I’m smiling and kissing a dolphin.
Each of these photos has a great story. Just looking at the photos don’t tell the story behind them. Both of these photos are ones that make me smile because I know the story behind them.
In the photo of me in the huge metal box, I was in Hot Springs, Arkansas, on a trip that always makes my top best trips ever.
At the historic Arlington Hotel in Hot Springs, “the works” is offered at the Thermal Bathhouse and Spa and it provides a traditional spa treatment that lasts one to one and a half hours. For more than 100 years people have traveled to Hot Springs to get “the works,” which includes soaking in 105 degree mineral water for 20 minutes, sitting in the walk-in sauna room for eight minutes, laying on a table for 15 minutes with hot towels wrapped around your legs and arms and on your back and a cold towel on your face, sitting in the vapor box for a few minutes, taking a needle shower and then getting a 20-minute massage. Sitting in the vapor box with only your head sticking out of the top was the most unusual part of the procedure. You are sitting on a bench inside the box and you don’t have on any clothes. This was in 2011 before cell phone cameras became so common. I did have my “real” camera in the locker and I debated whether I should go get it and ask one of the attendants to take a photo. It was certainly embarrassing but I’m glad I wrapped a towel around myself, ran to my locker, grabbed the camera and asked one of the attendants to take my photo in the “box.”
The photo of me kissing the dolphin also has a story behind it. You would think the first thing I remember when looking at that photo is the sweet dolphin. You would be wrong. Instead, I remember how very difficult it was to get into that wetsuit. It seemed to take forever and I was sweating quite a bit when I finally got it on. I couldn’t fully enjoy my dolphin encounter for worrying about how I was going to get that wet suit off! It took a while and required the help of several people to get me out of it.
Both of these photos have great stories that you wouldn’t get just from looking at them. This is the case with most photos and mementoes from your travels. They have so many stories in them and that is what makes traveling so wonderful.
What are you praying for?
BY ANGELA GARY
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6:
When you pray, you are not praying for your “wish” to be granted. You are praying for strength and peace as you accept God’s will in the matter you are praying for. The prayer may not be answered in the way you wish, but it will be answered.
Don’t pray for God to change the things around you, but instead pray for God to change you so that you can handle the things God is walking you through. He will change you and that will make all the difference.
“Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise.” James 5:13:
Some things that are always on my prayer list are my nephews, who are 17 and 11. There are so many temptations in today’s world that our children have to deal with. It’s not the same world as when I was a teenager.
I pray that Jake and Grayson stay strong in their faith. I hope they always pray and look to God.
One of the hardest thing adults deal with is when their parents start to get older. My parents are always on my prayer list as they deal with health issues and general aging. It’s tough to realize you can’t do the things you used to do. It’s also tough for us to have to tell them they can’t do the things they used to do. No one wants to tell a parent that they can’t drive anymore but it could be very tragic if we don’t.
I pray for my sister and her husband. They have the very important task of raising two young men. We get many of our character traits from our parents. Children are always watching their parents and they pick up a lot more than you think they do.
I pray for the leaders of our country, our state and our county. They are making decisions that impact us all and they need our prayers and support.
Something that may be hard to do is to pray for those who hurt you. It’s easy to give a flip, “I’ll pray for you” to someone but we need to really mean it and pray for our enemies.
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Matthew 5:44:
I have several “prayer warriors” whom I call on when I need prayer. It is always comforting to know that other people are praying for you, too.
I always feel blessed when my “prayer warriors” call on me to pray for them. It is both a blessing and an honor that someone calls on you for prayer.
While prayer is often a time when we are asking God for something, we always need to remember to thank God for our blessings.
“Devote yourself to prayer, being watchful and thankful. “ Colossians 4:2:
Angela Gary is an editor with MainStreet Newspapers Inc. She can be reached at Angela@mainstreetnews.com.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6:
When you pray, you are not praying for your “wish” to be granted. You are praying for strength and peace as you accept God’s will in the matter you are praying for. The prayer may not be answered in the way you wish, but it will be answered.
Don’t pray for God to change the things around you, but instead pray for God to change you so that you can handle the things God is walking you through. He will change you and that will make all the difference.
“Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise.” James 5:13:
Some things that are always on my prayer list are my nephews, who are 17 and 11. There are so many temptations in today’s world that our children have to deal with. It’s not the same world as when I was a teenager.
I pray that Jake and Grayson stay strong in their faith. I hope they always pray and look to God.
One of the hardest thing adults deal with is when their parents start to get older. My parents are always on my prayer list as they deal with health issues and general aging. It’s tough to realize you can’t do the things you used to do. It’s also tough for us to have to tell them they can’t do the things they used to do. No one wants to tell a parent that they can’t drive anymore but it could be very tragic if we don’t.
I pray for my sister and her husband. They have the very important task of raising two young men. We get many of our character traits from our parents. Children are always watching their parents and they pick up a lot more than you think they do.
I pray for the leaders of our country, our state and our county. They are making decisions that impact us all and they need our prayers and support.
Something that may be hard to do is to pray for those who hurt you. It’s easy to give a flip, “I’ll pray for you” to someone but we need to really mean it and pray for our enemies.
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Matthew 5:44:
I have several “prayer warriors” whom I call on when I need prayer. It is always comforting to know that other people are praying for you, too.
I always feel blessed when my “prayer warriors” call on me to pray for them. It is both a blessing and an honor that someone calls on you for prayer.
While prayer is often a time when we are asking God for something, we always need to remember to thank God for our blessings.
“Devote yourself to prayer, being watchful and thankful. “ Colossians 4:2:
Angela Gary is an editor with MainStreet Newspapers Inc. She can be reached at Angela@mainstreetnews.com.
A rescue at sea
BY ANGELA GARY
Days spent sitting on the deck of the huge cruise ship soaking up the sun and relaxing. Eating lots of food, enjoying shows in the evenings and spending a day enjoying the beach and shopping in Cozumel.
As we enjoyed all of this, a small boat was less than 100 miles away from us in the vast ocean. Twenty-three people were crammed into the small boat with no power as it drifted in the middle of the ocean for three days. No food. No water. And, likely, little hope of being rescued.
It was the last day of our cruise, as we headed up to the deck for another day of sunshine and relaxation, that the captain’s voice came over the sound system on our cruise ship. He said the Coast Guard contacted him and told us our ship was the closest to a small boat that was in distress. A Coast Guard airplane spotted the boat that was in distress. The captain said we would be searching for the vessel in hopes of rescuing those on board. He said this would put us behind in getting back to port the next morning.
We weren’t sure what size of boat it would be or what the problem was. When we came upon the small boat with so many people crammed on it and no sign of fishing rods or life jackets, speculation came from those around us on the deck. We had been in Cozumel, Mexico, and were headed back to the port in Mobile, Ala. The judgment was quick with some people even questioning why we had to look for them. This angered and saddened me. If someone is in danger of death, how could we not rescue them.
When the small boat was spotted, our huge ship stopped and waited. The small boat slowly drifted toward our ship and those on board began to jump off and swim toward the ship where they came aboard. If we had not rescued them, those on board would have likely died.
We didn’t have a lot of answers but after we got back to port and looked online and found the story had made national news. The small boat had 23 people from Cuba on it. The news article stated that Border Patrol officers were waiting for them when the ship got back to Alabama.
We were four hours behind the schedule in getting back to the port in Alabama and, of course, there were complaints about that. But how could anyone complain when they were headed back to a warm home, family and friends and job. They don’t have to worry about being in a situation so dire that they would risk their life by heading out in a small boat. We have a lot to be thankful for and shouldn’t let a little inconveniece bother us.
Days spent sitting on the deck of the huge cruise ship soaking up the sun and relaxing. Eating lots of food, enjoying shows in the evenings and spending a day enjoying the beach and shopping in Cozumel.
As we enjoyed all of this, a small boat was less than 100 miles away from us in the vast ocean. Twenty-three people were crammed into the small boat with no power as it drifted in the middle of the ocean for three days. No food. No water. And, likely, little hope of being rescued.
It was the last day of our cruise, as we headed up to the deck for another day of sunshine and relaxation, that the captain’s voice came over the sound system on our cruise ship. He said the Coast Guard contacted him and told us our ship was the closest to a small boat that was in distress. A Coast Guard airplane spotted the boat that was in distress. The captain said we would be searching for the vessel in hopes of rescuing those on board. He said this would put us behind in getting back to port the next morning.
We weren’t sure what size of boat it would be or what the problem was. When we came upon the small boat with so many people crammed on it and no sign of fishing rods or life jackets, speculation came from those around us on the deck. We had been in Cozumel, Mexico, and were headed back to the port in Mobile, Ala. The judgment was quick with some people even questioning why we had to look for them. This angered and saddened me. If someone is in danger of death, how could we not rescue them.
When the small boat was spotted, our huge ship stopped and waited. The small boat slowly drifted toward our ship and those on board began to jump off and swim toward the ship where they came aboard. If we had not rescued them, those on board would have likely died.
We didn’t have a lot of answers but after we got back to port and looked online and found the story had made national news. The small boat had 23 people from Cuba on it. The news article stated that Border Patrol officers were waiting for them when the ship got back to Alabama.
We were four hours behind the schedule in getting back to the port in Alabama and, of course, there were complaints about that. But how could anyone complain when they were headed back to a warm home, family and friends and job. They don’t have to worry about being in a situation so dire that they would risk their life by heading out in a small boat. We have a lot to be thankful for and shouldn’t let a little inconveniece bother us.
Didn't get called to "Come On Down"
BY ANGELA GARY
It’s the longest running game show in the country. For 47 years, fans have been filling the audience hoping to hear the three most magical words in game show history, “Come On Down.”
The Price is Right, which is filmed in California, has given away 7,000 cars, 10,000 trips and $250 million. Most everyone I know has seen at least one episode and laughs out loud at those crazy people who run, jump and turn cartwheels down the aisle when they are called to “Come On Down.”
Twenty years ago, Bob Barker, the most well-known host of the show, got to thinking about how so many of the fans, whom he calls “friends,” didn’t get to see a live taping because they didn’t have the opportunity to go to California.
Barker launched a “stage show” bringing the fun of “The Price is Right” to folks across the country.
The touring show is not taped for television and you don’t get the main host, who is Drew Carrey now. But you do get all of the fun of the games, including audience-favorite Plinko.
The stage version of the show has come to Georgia several times, including stops in Hiawassee and at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta. On Sunday, the show came to the Classic Center in Athens.
A friend had an extra ticket and invited me to go. We decided to go early and register for a chance to be a contestant. It was a long shot with hundreds of other people in line for one of the coveted spots.
It took an hour to register. You just filled out a card with your name. Contestants would be selected randomly, so it didn’t matter if you had on a cute homemade “Price is Right” shirt or were especially animated.
It was a few more hours until the show started so we found a spot and sat and waited, watching people as they passed by. We did see some very creative T-shirts and outfits. This was as much fun as watching the actual games.
I also saw a few people I know from Jackson County with the big yellow name tags on, showing that they too had signed up to be a contestant. I was hoping someone I know would get called to “Come on Down.”
Once the show started, it moved pretty fast with five games being played and four contestants being called down at a time. No one I know got called down to play. It was still fun watching those compete for prizes, including a car, cash and amazing trips.
One man won a trip for two to Hawaii. A lady tried for a trip to Hollywood, but won a vacuum cleaner instead.
The big prize was a car, two trips and a refrigerator. Two contestants tried their luck at guessing the price for all four prizes. Both overbid and didn’t win.
Angela Gary is an editor with MainStreet Newspapers Inc. She can be reached at angela@mainstreetnews.com.
It’s the longest running game show in the country. For 47 years, fans have been filling the audience hoping to hear the three most magical words in game show history, “Come On Down.”
The Price is Right, which is filmed in California, has given away 7,000 cars, 10,000 trips and $250 million. Most everyone I know has seen at least one episode and laughs out loud at those crazy people who run, jump and turn cartwheels down the aisle when they are called to “Come On Down.”
Twenty years ago, Bob Barker, the most well-known host of the show, got to thinking about how so many of the fans, whom he calls “friends,” didn’t get to see a live taping because they didn’t have the opportunity to go to California.
Barker launched a “stage show” bringing the fun of “The Price is Right” to folks across the country.
The touring show is not taped for television and you don’t get the main host, who is Drew Carrey now. But you do get all of the fun of the games, including audience-favorite Plinko.
The stage version of the show has come to Georgia several times, including stops in Hiawassee and at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta. On Sunday, the show came to the Classic Center in Athens.
A friend had an extra ticket and invited me to go. We decided to go early and register for a chance to be a contestant. It was a long shot with hundreds of other people in line for one of the coveted spots.
It took an hour to register. You just filled out a card with your name. Contestants would be selected randomly, so it didn’t matter if you had on a cute homemade “Price is Right” shirt or were especially animated.
It was a few more hours until the show started so we found a spot and sat and waited, watching people as they passed by. We did see some very creative T-shirts and outfits. This was as much fun as watching the actual games.
I also saw a few people I know from Jackson County with the big yellow name tags on, showing that they too had signed up to be a contestant. I was hoping someone I know would get called to “Come on Down.”
Once the show started, it moved pretty fast with five games being played and four contestants being called down at a time. No one I know got called down to play. It was still fun watching those compete for prizes, including a car, cash and amazing trips.
One man won a trip for two to Hawaii. A lady tried for a trip to Hollywood, but won a vacuum cleaner instead.
The big prize was a car, two trips and a refrigerator. Two contestants tried their luck at guessing the price for all four prizes. Both overbid and didn’t win.
Angela Gary is an editor with MainStreet Newspapers Inc. She can be reached at angela@mainstreetnews.com.
Don’t wish your life away
BY ANGELA GARY
My nephew is always counting down the end of the school year.
“Only 30 more days until the year ends.”
Then he starts counting down the end of his high school years.
“Only one more year until a graduate.”
I hear comments like this all the time from not only my nephew but other teenagers in my life.
They are so young but what they don’t realize is that they are wishing their lives away.
Your life-time really is short and the more you wish for things coming up, the more of your life you are wishing away.
Enjoy every moment of every day instead of wishing your life away. I’m afraid what most people will find is the time in their life they were wishing for has both good times and bad times.
No need to wish for high school to end. College will also bring challenges. Enjoy those high school days and take advantage of every opportunity. Take school trips. Join clubs. Hang out with your friends.
No need to wish for college to hurry and be over. Instead, be thankful that you are getting an education for the job you want.
The career world will also bring challenges and dispair, as well as joy. Enjoy the field you decided to work in and look for something bright every day.
Mothers with young kids are so busy and exhausted, they might wish for the days when their child grows up. What they may not realize is that they will miss those days when the kids are grown and moving on with their own lives.
Don’t wish for retirement to hurry up and get here. You really are wishing your life away.
Enjoy spending time with your family. Take that trip you always wanted to go on. Spend days doing nothing. Sleep late. Read a book. Call a friend you haven’t talked to in a long time.
Senior years often bring on medical issues so enjoy your retirement years while you can.
Look for the good times in whatever season in life you are going through.
One of my favorite country songs is by Trace Atkins and it sums this up pretty well. As his daugher goes through different times in her life, including teen years, a newlywed and a new mother, she wishes for the hard times to hurry and pass by.
The song goes:
“ You’re gonna miss this
You’re gonna want this back
You’re gonna wish these days hadn’t gone by so fast
These are some good times
So take a good look around
You may not know it now
But you’re gonna miss this.”
As Kenny Chesney sings in one of his hits, “Don’t blink. Life goes by faster than you think.”
Angela Gary is an editor with MainStreet Newspapers Inc. She can be reached at Angela@mainstreetnews.com.
My nephew is always counting down the end of the school year.
“Only 30 more days until the year ends.”
Then he starts counting down the end of his high school years.
“Only one more year until a graduate.”
I hear comments like this all the time from not only my nephew but other teenagers in my life.
They are so young but what they don’t realize is that they are wishing their lives away.
Your life-time really is short and the more you wish for things coming up, the more of your life you are wishing away.
Enjoy every moment of every day instead of wishing your life away. I’m afraid what most people will find is the time in their life they were wishing for has both good times and bad times.
No need to wish for high school to end. College will also bring challenges. Enjoy those high school days and take advantage of every opportunity. Take school trips. Join clubs. Hang out with your friends.
No need to wish for college to hurry and be over. Instead, be thankful that you are getting an education for the job you want.
The career world will also bring challenges and dispair, as well as joy. Enjoy the field you decided to work in and look for something bright every day.
Mothers with young kids are so busy and exhausted, they might wish for the days when their child grows up. What they may not realize is that they will miss those days when the kids are grown and moving on with their own lives.
Don’t wish for retirement to hurry up and get here. You really are wishing your life away.
Enjoy spending time with your family. Take that trip you always wanted to go on. Spend days doing nothing. Sleep late. Read a book. Call a friend you haven’t talked to in a long time.
Senior years often bring on medical issues so enjoy your retirement years while you can.
Look for the good times in whatever season in life you are going through.
One of my favorite country songs is by Trace Atkins and it sums this up pretty well. As his daugher goes through different times in her life, including teen years, a newlywed and a new mother, she wishes for the hard times to hurry and pass by.
The song goes:
“ You’re gonna miss this
You’re gonna want this back
You’re gonna wish these days hadn’t gone by so fast
These are some good times
So take a good look around
You may not know it now
But you’re gonna miss this.”
As Kenny Chesney sings in one of his hits, “Don’t blink. Life goes by faster than you think.”
Angela Gary is an editor with MainStreet Newspapers Inc. She can be reached at Angela@mainstreetnews.com.
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