By Larry Walker

February 11, 2013

lwalker@whgmlaw.com

I’ve been writing this column, weekly, for eleven plus years, and have enjoyed doing it very much. I think it can be improved. Look for shorter columns with paragraphs of less length. Here goes with several subjects.

* College football fans know that National Signing Day was last week. Georgia signed about thirty, and had lots of threes and fours, but were short on fives. Those who are interested understand this system.

Ray Goff, in commenting on signing day, told me of his once having one scholarship left so Georgia gave it to Robert Edwards out of Washington County.He was their last choice. Later, Edwards was drafted by the NFL in the first round. So much for knowing who was going to be great.

Alabama, of course, Auburn, Florida and Mississippi were rated higher than Georgia. But, when you sign thirty great athletes, like Georgia did, there’s probably a ‘Robert Edwards’, or two, in the bunch.

* Politics is always interesting for the interested. Of late, at least in Georgia, U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss’ announcement that he would not run, again, has caused great surprise and interest. Already, Congressman Paul Broun has declared his candidacy. I’ve heard from Congressman Jack Kingston, who also expressed interest. Our own Ross Tolleson is being touted by some.

There could be eight or ten legitimate candidates to qualify for this race.

I quail hunted with Senator Chambliss, in South Georgia, along with Dink NeSmith and Rusty Griffin, about a week before Chambliss made his ‘won’t run again announcement’. I thought the Senator was rather somber and somewhat pensive that day. Now I know why.

We will miss Senator Chambliss. He was trying to solve problems and is, in my view, a statesman. Georgia will miss him. RAFB will miss him. I will miss him.

* Want a good Sunday School lesson or a civic club program? Invite Robert Jones to talk about the Middle East and what is going on over there. He was at our Sunday School class, The Pathfinders, recently, and did a superb job. Robert is the son of Bobby and Laurie Jones, and is the Youth Director at Grace Church.

* Two relatively recent departures by death need to be mentioned. Alice Gilbert died at age 101. She would have been 102 in May. What a kind, positive, uplifting person she was. It would be a great world if all had Alice Gilbert’s spirit. By the way, Mrs. Gilbert was still driving until the end of her life. Her great friend, Ginny Mason, said this about her: “Alice was loyal, kind and unselfish. She was also fun. I miss her every day!”

Wayne Ragin, a 1972 graduate of Perry High School, died on November 29, 2012. Wayne was living in Atlanta when he died, but for a few years he and his wife, Patrice, lived in Perry. Wayne was President of the Senior Class at PHS. Like his Mom and Dad, Herman and Gloria Ragin, he was uncommonly handsome. Wayne, an African-American, and from Perry, ran for Houston County Commission as a young man and against a credible Warner Robins candidate. Although Wayne did not win, he got over 10,000 votes. Remarkable. But, then again, Wayne was a remarkable man. And, he would have made a very good commissioner.

* Much rain the last two weeks. Hallelujah! I wonder about those who never want it to rain. Rain is life. Without rain, all living things perish.

* Cyberwar. Years ago, when Russia was our main concern, I told Janice that “one day the Russians will over-fly us, erase all of our computers, and we will be dead in the water.” Well, it’s now the Chinese with an increasingly aggressive Cyberwar. It’s scary.

* Jere Morehead will be the next President of the University of Georgia. Morehead is popular with UGA students and UGA faculty, and most of all of those who know him. I believe that he will be a very effective and respected President. I certainly hope so.

That’s it for this week. I still need to work on length. I’ll try to do better next week. Selah.

*For other information, see our website and blog: www.galawyersonline.com

PerryGALawyersOnline

By Larry Walker

January 28, 2013

lwalker@whgmlaw.com

I hate and abhor lying . . .
Psalms 119:163
The Holy Bible

Recently, I was channel surfing when I saw an ad for a television program on CBS to be called The Truth About Lying. I found this to be pretty interesting, but the more I thought about it, I concluded that a more interesting program might be Lying About The Truth. If I understand the word correctly, that’s what lying is, misrepresenting the truth. Or, as The American Heritage Dictionary simply defines lying as being, Untruthful.

I had a great friend who used to say, “I never tell a lie unless it’s absolutely necessary.” We’d have a hearty laugh at his clever humor, but that’s probably the way most people used to be. They abhorred lying, “unless it was absolutely necessary.” There might have been a very few folks who never lied (almost impossible), and a few who were constant liars (not many), but most people didn’t make it a habit to be untruthful, unless it was “absolutely necessary.”

Let’s look at a few who had great reputations for being almost totally honest. The first that comes to mind, of course, is George Washington, a politician, no less. Of course, Washington was a public figure when communications were limited, and when a General or President could pretty well control his image. It’s hard to believe that a man dealing with the problems that Washington encountered was totally honest. Nonetheless, Washington has an impeccable reputation for integrity, and that’s what we want from the man who’s “first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen.”

Then, there is Honest Abe Lincoln – a man who walked miles to return a penny (his image now adorns the coin) that he had shorted a man in making change. Have you seen Steven Spielberg’s great movie, Lincoln? Do you still think Lincoln always told the truth? And, should he always have been totally honest? Even if it had caused the failure of the Emancipation Proclamation or the loss by the North in the Civil War?

Then, there is Harry Truman. Truman was very plain-spoken and blunt. Largely, I think he was honest, but he cursed so much (many of my friends would say “cussed”), that he never had the reputation for honesty that his predecessors George and Abe enjoyed.

Now let’s look at the other side – some with reputations, duly earned, for lying. This could be a very long list. Let’s limit to a few superstar liars. What about John Edwards? Better (or worse) is Bernie Madoff. Then there is Barry Bonds and the current lying champion, Lance Armstrong. O.J. Casey Anthony. Tiger Woods. And, we’ve had Presidents who got caught pretty big, shall we say, in misrepresentations: Richard Nixon and Bill Clinton come to mind. Truth to tell, probably all of our Presidents from Washington to Obama stretched the truth from time to time. You remember the movie about Vietnam called The Killing Fields? Well, we now have The Lying Fields and it’s the internet. I believe that a very high percentage of what is on the internet is untrue or only partially true. Unfortunately, no one seems to be too concerned about it – unless, of course, it’s a lie about them and they find out it’s being distributed (or can be) across the known world.

Back to Truman. For some reason, writing about President Truman reminded me of the time when, during the trial of a case and after my successfully cross examining the opposite party, I said to him, “The fact is, you just lied, didn’t you?”, only to be admonished by the Judge: “Mr. Walker, we don’t use the word ‘lied’ in my court.” I apologized and re-worded with, “The fact is, you told an untruth, didn’t you?” This was acceptable to His Honor.

I guess all of us tell an untruth occasionally. But, I’m working on mine, and I vow to never tell an untruth in the future, unless, of course, it’s absolutely necessary.
And, by the way, maybe a better name for this article would have been, The Truth About Lying.

*For other information, see our website and blog: www.galawyersonline.com

PerryGALawyersOnline

By Larry Walker

January 22, 2013

lwalker@whgmlaw.com

There are lessons to be learned from what I write here. No lesson is more certain than the one about change and how it is inevitable. It has always been, but it is now more certain and faster.

Today, it’s Walmart. For years, it was Sears, Roebuck & Co. It was founded in 1893 by Richard Warren Sears and Alvah Curtis Roebuck as a mail order catalog company. It began operating physical stores in 1925. Perry, and most towns its size and larger, had a Sears. No more. Today, it’s Walmart.

The Talmadges were the political kings in Georgia for many, many years. Herman Talmadge told me, while we were quail hunting a few years back, that “Papa (Eugene Talmadge) and I ran a total of eleven state-wide races and won all but two.” It used to be that a Talmadge endorsement was tantamount to election. Eugene and Herman are gone. Many Georgians have no idea as to who they were or what they did.

Xerox was a synonym for copying, as in “I’m going to make some Xerox copies”. Textile plants employed the southern masses. Tobacco employed and addicted. Cadillac was synonymous with wealth and prestige. It was what Elvis drove. Service stations (lots of Gulf) had gas and oil and whisk broomed your car out and gave service. R. C. Cola was the soft drink of choice – with a Moon Pie.

Attic fans were cool and cooled. Vitalis was probably worn by Gable and Reagan. ‘Fessor’s boys, and they were good, wore Converse All-Stars. Girdles held it together. Burma Shave signs broke the monotony and entertained. Other signs advertised a ‘must visit’ – Florida’s alligator farms. Many did.

One car families and one bathroom houses were the norm. Then, the elite moved up to two car garages and two bathrooms in ‘ranch-style’ houses and home delivered laundry and milk. No more.

There must have been a thousand pay telephones between here and Atlanta to be replaced by bag phones – telephones as big as a small toaster in a small suitcase. Schools, like old Perry High, in what is now the E. P. Staples Houston Board Administration Building, had radiator heaters. And by the way, how many present Houston Countians would ask, “who was Eric Staples?”

Pantyhose are in sharp decline. And what about hair rollers and home permanents? Anybody sew at home anymore? Remember pants with hiney-binders? They are subject to come back. But, I doubt barbershop shaves will ever return. Safety razors and electric razors robbed us of this luxury. And, it was the death of razor strops.

D.D.T. killed lots of insects – and birds and maybe even some people; but, kerosene as a fuel and a medicine was good. You can still buy kerosene in big tins cans at Ace Hardware. I’m going to get me some next time I’m there. Never can tell when you might chop your toe with an axe or step on a rusty nail.

Recapped tires. It was probably good that this was stopped. Church revivals. It was probably bad that this was stopped. Book salesmen. I’m glad they don’t come by our office like they used to. Polaroid cameras. And, by the way, what has become of Kodak? Like, you know, “I’m going to take my Kodak and get a ‘picture’ of you in that ‘purdy’ dress.”

I used to have a Briggs and Stratton lawnmower. It was the dickens to keep running, but it was self-propelled with “Little Larry” being the “self”.

Papa had a family milk cow – in fact, he had two. He milked and strained the milk. Grandma made the butter. She also made wonderful hand-size peach and apple pies (peach tarts?). Wish I had two, now.

Lots of folks had yard chickens which begat biddies and made eggs and, of course, you had to be careful where you stepped. Now, some rich folks are ‘puttin in’ some exotic yard chickens with coops for them to stay in at night. But, it’s just not like common folk’s chickens used to be. The new crowd is interested in looks. The old crowd wanted eggs and fried chicken.

Mix Masters. S&H Green Stamps. Allis-Chalmers tractors. Nash Ramblers. Candy cigarettes. Mimeographing. Movie news. Movie serials. Men’s shoes and suits “Made In The U.S.A.”. Pound parties. Small-town picture shows. Independent drug stores. Dixie. Drummers. Rolling stores. Home delivered ice and coal. Walking to school. Unsupervised pick-up baseball games. Ball shells. Egg beaters. Clothes lines. Bamboo fishing poles. Family meals. Independent Motels. Along the classroom walls spelling contest. Daily classroom devotionals, Bible reading and prayer. Peace of mind.

Lots of changes. More to come. Some of it will be good. Lots of it won’t. But, little you can do about it, except get your best ‘hold’ and hang on. Try to roll with the tide. Otherwise, you might end up writing articles about olden times and how things used to be.

*For other information, see our website and blog: www.galawyersonline.com

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By Larry Walker

January 14, 2013

Hugh Gillis, Georgia’s longest serving legislator (55 plus years), died on January 1, 2013 at 94 years of age. Impressive though this is, his years of service and longevity of life is not what made him a Georgia icon. It was the quality of his life, his love of and devotion to his fellow man, his common but effective ‘touch’ and his many great accomplishments that made Hugh M. Gillis, Sr., a “man among men”.

Perhaps George Hooks, former state legislator who served with Hugh Gillis for thirty two years, says it best:

“Hugh Gillis was a southern gentleman of the finest order. Despite his family’s wealth and great political capital, he never lost his focus on the citizens of his home area.”

How true! I know this from observations and personal contact and experience having, like George, served with Senator Gillis for 32 years, with both of us retiring from the legislature at the end of 2004.

Let’s look at a few of the many things that Hugh, Mr. Hugh, Senator Hugh and Senator Gillis accomplished:

• One of the longest serving legislators in the history of the United States.
• Gillis first served in the Georgia House beginning in 1941, was elected to a two-year term in the Georgia Senate for 1957-58 and was then re-elected to the Senate in 1962, winning this seat which he would hold for the next 42 years.
• He chaired the Natural Resources Committee in the Senate for 20 years.
• After his 2004 retirement, he served five years on the Georgia Ports Authority.
• He was so popular among his fellow senators that he was the only Democrat to retain his chairmanship of a major committee when the Republicans took over the Senate.
• Gillis worked with thirteen different Georgia Governors.
• He was a major force behind the creation of the Dental School at the Medical College of Georgia and the creation of the Mercer Medical School.

Here are some other things about this great Georgian’s life and accomplishments you might find to be of interest:

• Truetlen County was formed (from Laurens County) in 1917 with the bill being introduced by Neil Lee Gillis, grandfather of Hugh Gillis.
• Hugh Gillis was born in 1918 on land that his family farmed for generations.
• Gillis graduated from the University of Georgia and was first elected to the Georgia House in 1940 (term to begin in 1941).
• According to George Hooks, Gillis was the last living Georgia House member to have voted for Herman Talmadge (in the legislature and at night) during the infamous “three Governor controversy”.
• He was a staunch supporter of the Georgia Forestry Commission.
• Gillis is buried in the Gillis family cemetery (five generations of Gillis kin are buried there) and on a small part of the more than 20,000 acres owned by the Gillis family.

Very impressive. Still, it does not capture the breadth and depth of the influence Senator Gillis wielded. When Senator Gillis spoke, everyone listened – and, almost always did when he was encouraging them to do. Perhaps the best single word to describe High Gillis is “wise”. He had wisdom, and his colleagues and associates well understood this and almost always followed his lead.

Let me tell of a personal experience when we were working on the AgCenter, and I was trying to get it located to Perry. Senator Hugh Gillis was one of the first and most vocal supporters of the center and its being located here. This was a tremendous advantage, because it essentially put the Georgia Senate in “Perry’s corner”. For this, I will always be grateful. Thanks, Senator Hugh.

I started this column with a quote from Senator George Hooks. Let me end with a quote from Senator Hugh Gillis as told to me by George. Here it is:

“Look out for the man behind the plow. What Senator Gillis meant was: Take care of the working man.”

Perhaps this philosophy, which he lived, is why Senator High Gillis was so popular in his native area and with his fellow legislators from all over Georgia – and, truly he was.

I close with one last quote from George Hooks:

“Georgia is a better state, and I am a better person because of Hugh Gillis’ life.”

Amen, George, all of us Georgians are.

*For other information, see our website and blog: www.galawyersonline.com

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By Larry Walker

January 7, 2013

This was hard work. Not only hard, but hot and stinky. Eighty, fifty pound sacks of chicken feed delivered south of Perry and stored in Mr. G. W. Hicks’ chicken house, full of laying hens. And, perhaps another twenty, one hundred pound sacks added to the eighty. That’s a total of three tons loaded, unload and toted into a chicken house full of chickens and chicken manure in that hot July sun. And, this was just one customer on one day. There were several others south of Perry every week.

Then, on another day of the week, it was to the north end of Houston County and several customers (again, loading, unloading and toting), including Mr. Henry Cullen Talton, Sr.’s store at Bonaire, where we always got a “cold drink” which helped to make our efforts more bearable and worthwhile.

It all started, every time, when my friend, mentor and co-worker, Joe Hodges, would say to me: “Larry, it’s time to get a wheel a turning”. And we would get a wheel a turning, and would make things happen. Big time. At least for us.

I often think of Joe Hodges, Mr. G. W. Hicks, Mr. Henry Cullen Talton, Sr., that big, green Chevrolet truck loaded with Purina animal feed (layena, hogena, fatena and pellets with and without molasses, etc.) with the words “Walker Thompson Supply Company, Perry, Georgia” emblazoned in white on both doors. But, mostly, I think of Joe Hodges and his wise, sage admonition: “It’s time to get a wheel a turning”. And we did. And, America was better for our efforts.

So, let me say to America, today: “It’s time to get a wheel a turning”. This is not spoken to the President or the Congress of the United States. Probably, they’ve gotten too many wheels a turning. It’s easy to do that when you’re spending someone else’s money. I’ve often said: “Nothing is too good for the taxpayers,” which, as I think of it, isn’t really all that funny – such thinking and acting is part of what’s gotten us into such a huge mess.

Who I am talking to, just like Joe Hodges was talking to little Larry, years ago, are the folks in Houston County and Warner Robins, Perry and Centerville. I’m talking to Tommy, Chuck, John and Jimmy. But, mostly I’m talking to people in business, and my law partners and my other business partners – Charles, Ed, Foster, Larry, etc. It’s time to get a wheel a turning. If it doesn’t start here and with us, it might not start at all.

When you haul feed all over the county, naturally you talk a lot. Actually, I did lots of listening, and I learned some things I didn’t know, and things that a boy my age needed to know. I also realized that although it was my Daddy’s name on the doors of the truck, Joe Hodges was the boss of our two man crew. He liked it that way, but not as much as I did.

I also remember how good food tasted back in those days. And, by the way food tasted better, Mama’s cooking, when we had a wheel a turning. And, we slept better at night. Hard work and accomplishment will do that to you – make food taste good and sleep be deep and hard. And, the times we’ve been through for the past five or six years will do the opposite.

We can’t wait for the big, bloated government to get us out of this big ditch – some call it “over the financial cliff”. We’ve got to do it ourselves. We’ve got to start back to building, buying, bargaining, and betting (on our future and our country’s future). Or, as Joe Hodges would say: “America, we’ve got to get a wheel a turning.”
So, load up the truck. Make the deliveries. Collect the money. Buy bigger trucks. Start making your own feed. Put in some chicken houses. Buy a tractor. Close a loan. Build some houses. Lease some property. Build a farm pond. Let your wife have that new sofa and maybe she will let you buy that Citori grade Browning o/u you’ve always wanted. Form an LLC. Get a wheel a turning.

*For other information, see our website and blog: www.galawyersonline.com

PerryGALawyersOnline

By Larry Walker

December 31, 2012

This is an article I wrote for the November/December issue of James magazine. I wrote it shortly after 2012 SEC Championship football game between Georgia and Alabama. I like the article and got good responses from it. Consequently, I decided to share it with the Houston Home Journal readers. Here it is.

James has asked me to write of events of 2012 as if they expect some enlightenment, and which I expect they expect to be of politics, the economy or business and what I see around the corner. I will do my best, but must back up, for some inexplicable reason, to a football game to start.

It was 2008, four years ago, and Georgia, the football team, had been administered serious corporeal punishment by its neighbor to the west – they being, by whatever name called, Red Elephants, Crimson Tide, or Ivan The Terrible. It was bad. And so I have the feeling, again, the ultimate feeling born of the 2012 certain results, but with some pride retained even with the latest defeat of just a few days ago. Even now, I remember 2008 more clearly than the 2012 event. A lettered psychiatrist may be able to explain and with possible emphasis on the great disparity of the scoring in ‘08.

We got updates as we winged even during the 2008 game, eastward to Spain on a huge Delta airplane and in the company of our Governor Perdue, eventually losing interest, not in the altitude, but in the developing score, perhaps becoming weary with the inevitable. And then we landed in a far country, and football seemed as far away as the USA and of only slight importance, at least temporarily.

And so it is, the events of 2012, culminating in a domed ball shell in Atlanta, have caused memories of 2008 in a distant, though sophisticated land and a metaphor for how I view 2012. Let’s see.

In 2008, we spent forty eight hours, or so, in Barcelona, Spain, and then the Governor’s entourage, of which I was a member, boarded a bullet train to travel half-way across that country to Madrid, and so fast that you could look backward with no more enlightenment than you could look around the next rushing curve in a land previously unseen and unknown.

First, as to the immediate past, I don’t understand what has happened, and just like on Spain’s trains, I can’t see around the corner. I know this: We had an election, indecent amounts of money were spent, there were polls sworn to under oath that both candidates were going to win, robo phone calls disturbed and aggravated (it being equal irritation and aggravation), one of the candidates won, and now we are rushing towards a ‘financial cliff’. It’s been that way (the cliff part) with my law firm and me since September, 2007, and we are not the only ones. I’m tired of it. That’s it. Now, let me tell you what I do remember about 2012 and what I will try to remember into the future.

The quail hunting was good – all of it: the dogs, the guides, the food, the scenery and even the shooters. Bass fishing was rewarding, including how we did in the Perry Rotary Bass Tournament. Oxford, Mississippi and the campus were beautiful in the spring, and Fairhope, Alabama was a great place to visit in the summer. An All-State grandson basketball player with a school record of 69 three-pointers is something to be savored and not forgotten. The mountains at Caesar’s Head, South Carolina are neat. Time with the Kuhlkes in Augusta and catching an eight-pound gar on the Savannah River won’t be forgotten. Neither will names like NeSmith, Goff, Wilheit, Bowen, Stalvey, Cole, Rhodes, Hopkins, Tarbutton, Griffin, Deal, Byrd, Wrigley, Huckaby, Ralston, Fain, Stafford, Minter and many more.

I mentioned Caesar’s Head, South Carolina where we visited the Stalvey’s and while there watched the Georgia-South Carolina football game with ten other couples – twenty Gamecocks. It was brutal. One day, I hope to forget. But, what I won’t forget is the unlikelihood of the Dawgs even being in the 2012 SEC Championship game in Atlanta a few days ago, which reminds me of the whipping we took at the hands of the red pachyderms in 2008, which reminds me of Spain and how hard it is when everything is moving so fast and your not being able to see anything in front and very little behind, which lets me know the futility and failure of my being able to even attempt to write a column like this, it being what it is.

*For other information, see our website and blog: www.galawyersonline.com

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By Larry Walker

December 18, 2012

Storytelling, even if just a stolen skill, gave me currency to trade for . . . skinny blacktop roads in the Deep South.

Rick Bragg
Somebody Told Me

This is my 2012 book report. It’s about the twenty-four books I read – every word of every book – in 2012, and the wonderful use of the English language as above and like Bragg uses in his 2000 book, Somebody Told Me.

This article doesn’t include some good books, partially read, that I do intend to finish like The Greatest Champion (the life of W. L. “Young” Stripling) that my great friend, Bobby Jones, gave me. It only includes the twenty-four, fully read.

I will not name all twenty-four. I’m going to select my top six and write about them. These are books that I recommend your getting and reading or your getting and giving. Some, the ones I really liked, are long-ago out of print, but you can find them if you try. And, yes, I will select and talk about my favorite 2012 read.

Let’s talk about six books and start with:

Number Six: Must Win by Drew Jubera. This is a 2012 published book about small-town high school football (Valdosta High Wildcats), but is more about the power of sports and how it gives meaning to our lives.

Number Five: Somebody Told Me by Rick Bragg. This is the book mentioned above. This book is a compilation of Bragg’s favorite articles – at least those he liked best as of 2000. I bought this book at Page and Palette Book Store, Fairhope, Alabama on Friday, August 24, 2012. If you like southern writers, in my opinion, Bragg is currently the best. Buy and read this one (mine is paperback). You’ll be glad you did.

Number Four: Georgia Planter by E. Merton Coulter. This book, given to me by my friend, Dink NeSmith, would get my prize as “Surprise Of The Year”. It was copyrighted in 1961 and published by the University of Georgia Press. It’s about James Monroe Smith, Georgia planter, and as the book says, “Before Death and After”. It’s farming on a massive scale (16,000 acres or more, thousands of farm employees or ‘hands’, a railroad built through the property, etc.). It’s about the legal wrangling after Col. Smith’s death. I was enthralled by my surprise of the year. Incidentally, Pam and Dink NeSmith have bought 200 acres, or so, and this property in Oglethorpe County (15 miles from Athens) which used to be owned by Kenny Rogers.

Number Three: The Passage of Power by Robert A. Caro. This had to be a good ‘reading year’ for this to be just my third pick. Caro’s book four in the Years of Lyndon Johnson is an astounding, fascinating and gripping book. I’ve read all of Caro’s books, a total of 2,825 pages, and I still don’t know what to think of Johnson. There is so much in this book, but just the relationship between Johnson and Georgia’s Senator Richard Brevard Russell is, by itself, enough incentive to tackle this to me.

Number Two: The Racketeer by John Grisham. Yes, I know ‘number two’ is pretty high for a Grisham book. But, I think this is the best Grisham book since his first (the first written, but not the first published), A Time To Kill. This one will hold your attention. Just Grisham’s description of the federal government’s ‘Witness Protection Program’, alone, is worth the cost of the book.

And now, my favorite book of 2012, and a surprise even to me at that.

Number One: The Fish That Ate The Whale with the subtitle, The Life And Times of America’s Banana King by Rich Cohen. This is from Cohen’s obituary carried on the AP wire: “Samuel Zemurray, a former President of the United Fruit Company, who came to the United States as a penniless Russian immigrant and accumulated a $30,000,000 fortune selling bananas, died here last night (November 30, 1961) of Parkinson’s disease. In the banana belt of the Caribbean, Sam Zemurray was known as “the fish that swallowed the whale”.

On the jacket of the book, Alexander Hemon, author of The Lazarus Project, writes this: What a story, and what a storyteller! You’ll never see a banana – and for that matter, America – the same way again.

Incidentally, like my Number Five selection, above, this winner, Number One, was also bought at Page and Palette Book Store in Fairhope, Alabama.

So, there you have it for 2012. Like I say, “so much to read and so little time.” I hope I’m back at the end of next year for another report. In the meantime, “happy reading”!

*For other information, see our website and blog: www.galawyersonline.com

PerryGALawyersOnline

By Larry Walker

September 19, 2011

Shoot all the bluejays you want, if you can hit ‘em, but remember it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.

Atticus Finch talking to his son, Jem

It came out in 1960, this novel by Harper Lee that was named the best novel of the 20th century by librarians across the country. I have quoted it, used excerpts in speeches from it and extolled the virtues of Atticus Finch (“all of us lawyers ought to pattern our behavior after Atticus”). But, I had never read it until just last week.

I don’t guess Mrs. Lee (I’ll bet some over in Monroeville, Alabama call her ‘Miss Harper’) missed my not buying, sooner, or having my friend to buy sooner for me. For, after all, she’s sold 40 million copies (I erroneously said 35 million last week). But, I’m sorry that I didn’t read it around 1960, when it was first published. If so, I could be refreshing my memory by reading it, again. Maybe I’ll do that twenty years, or so, from now.

I want to talk some about the book. My impressions, if you will. I’ve been there. I know the people. I’ve heard ‘em talk. I knew what they were going to do, and why they did it. I knew what you couldn’t get ‘em to do. I knew ‘em better in 1960 than I do, today, but I still remember ‘em and occasionally have the privilege of visiting with some of them.

Folks used to sit on their porches and “holler” (call out) to their neighbors as they passed, walking. In a place like Maycomb, Alabama (Perry?), most everybody knew everybody, or if they didn’t, their momma and daddy, did. They tended to your business, but they also gave you a helping hand when you needed it. In the balance, it was pretty good. Better than now? Well, definitely not for everybody.

Television and air conditioning cut down, substantially, on the visiting and getting to know each other. And, the automobile. Another thing, one bathroom in houses accommodating a family of six or more made families closer. New and advanced is not always necessarily better for strong relationships.

But, back to the book – this wonderful book. It’s a book about the South, the small town south and the people in it in the 1930′s – 1936 to be exact. It could have been the 40′s or 50′s. Things didn’t change much or fast. And, it’s about race, class, violence, compassion and courage. As it says on the back cover of the book: “The conscience of a town steeped in prejudice, violence, and hypocrisy . . .”. Yes, I understand what Harper Lee writes about, and just how well she knows her subject and subjects.

The people in To Kill A Mockingbird are just like the folks around here. There are some mighty good people (Atticus Finch), and some good folks with quirky ways (Aunt Alexandra), and some bad people (Bob Ewell) and lots of sad ones (Boo Radley, Tom Robinson and Mayella Ewell). And then there are those who I’d call interesting (Calpurnia, Scout, Jem and Dill). And, just like the folks around here, there was some bad in the best of ‘em and some good in most of the bad – excepting Bob Ewell. It was hard to find good in him. I could identify by name some of our people with Harper Lee’s, but I won’t.

There is one character in the book who is ‘head and shoulders’ above the rest. Yes, it’s Atticus Finch, who was portrayed so well by Gregory Peck in the 1962 movie. As I read the book, each time Atticus’ name was mentioned, I saw Gregory Peck. That’s good acting! Good enough that Gregory Peck received an Oscar that year as Best Actor.

Do yourself a big favor and read this great book – or, re-read it if you read it many years ago. And I’m going to do myself a favor and try to act more like Atticus Finch. I won’t make it, but I’m going to try. That’s how powerful ‘Miss Harper’s’ book is. Thanks to her for writing it.

*For other information, see our website and blog: www.galawyersonline.com

PerryGALawyersOnline

By Larry Walker

December 10, 2012

lwalker@whgmlaw.com

Over the past three weeks, I’ve written about the living former Mayors of Perry, to-wit: James O. McKinley (May 6, 1974 to March 31, 1980); Barbara C. Calhoun (June 4, 1980 to December 31, 1984); and, Lewis M. Meeks (January 1, 1985 to December 31, 1988). After Mayor Meeks, we had Mayor Jim Worrall who served for twenty-one years (January 1, 1989 to December 31, 2008).

Today, I write about our current Mayor, Jimmy Faircloth, and despite his now three year record, and a good one at that, it’s the man that I want to tell you about. Let me do this in a question and answer format.

Jimmy, where were you born? I was born on February 8, 1961 in Dawson, Georgia. My uncle, a radiologist, William D. Bridges, delivered me at the Dawson Hospital.

Where did you go to school? I attended the first and second grades in Cochran, Georgia. I moved to Americus in 1969, and in 1979 I graduated from Southland Academy. I then attended Georgia Southwestern University where I received a BBA in Business Systems with a minor in Accounting.

What brought you to Perry? Banking. I have previously worked at a bank in Americus starting at age 18. Then I came, after college, to the Trust Company Bank in Perry. It got sold, and I went into partnership with Skip McDannald. We closed this business, and in 2004. I went to work at Parrish Construction as its Human Resources Director.

Tell me something about your civic and church involvements. Among other things, I’ve been active in the Perry Rotary Club, the Perry Area Chamber of Commerce, having served as its President, have been on the Convention and Visitors Bureau Authority and was a member of the Houston County Hospital Authority. I am an active member of The Perry United Methodist Church, and have served as Chair of the Administrative Board of our church.

What got you interested in politics and led you to run for Mayor? Well, I think as a result of service on so many boards, my interest in public service was heightened. Consequently, I thought if there was a vacancy on the council, that I might run. Then, when Mayor Jim Worrall announced he would not run again, I decided I would run for Mayor. Note: Faircloth was elected without opposition.

What do you like least about being Mayor? Being in the spotlight.

What do you like most about being Mayor? Being able to accomplish things on behalf of the citizens of Perry.

What is your number one goal as Mayor for the City of Perry? To insure that the City of Perry is a desirous place for young people to return finding meaningful work and helping to see to it that Perry is a good place to raise a family.

Now to some more trivial (I would call them ‘human type’) questions.

What is your favorite car of all times? The 1976 Pontiac Trans Am – the car that was featured in Smokey and The Bandit. I liked the movie, and I liked the car. It was fast – it even looked fast sitting still!

Given a choice among strawberry shortcake, banana pudding, homemade ice cream and pecan pie, what would your choice be? Strawberry shortcake – It’s my favorite dessert. (Note: This was the Mayor’s quickest and most emphatic answer! If you’re trying to curry favor with Perry’s Mayor, you now have the key to success!)

What is your favorite music, other than ‘church music’ and your favorite song? Country and country rock. Jim Croce. And, ‘It Is Well With My Soul’.

What is your favorite book that you’ve ever read and why? The Bible. I have several versions. I enjoy reading and studying it. I enjoy teaching Sunday School. Teaching makes me learn about the Bible. I also enjoy murder mysteries.

What is your favorite movie of all time? Rain Man with Dustin Hoffman. It is very insightful and it showed me a side of life I had never known before.

Now, back to the more serious.

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing the City of Perry? Declining revenues. Property devaluations, because of the recession, are causing us to take a closer look at a fee based system – the users of the service to pay for the service. Preserving and maintaining our downtown area, with the commercial and industrial area that rings it. Maintaining an active and vibrant church community centered on families. Some type of a recreation center in our downtown – perhaps an ampitheater or an aquatic center. And, keeping our young people at home without whom Perry will not grow.

So there you have it. Despite what you have known about our Mayor in the past, I hope you now know more. And, I hope you are like me: I feel that Perry is in good hands with Jimmy Faircloth and our council. Let me list the capable members of council: Phyllis Bynum-Grace, Riley Hunt, Willie King, Joe Posey, Randall Walker, and William Jackson.

I started this ‘Mayor Series’ with A. M. Anderson in 1934 and ended with Jimmy Faircloth in 2012 – 78 years in all. And, not a weak Mayor in the crowd! Remarkable. No wonder Perry has been a ‘winner-town’ for all these years and is a great place to live and raise a family. Truly, we are standing on the shoulders of so many fine people as we have stood on the shoulders of these fourteen stalwart men and our one ‘Iron Lady’.

*For other information, see our website and blog: www.galawyersonline.com

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LEWIS M. MEEKS (JANUARY 1, 1985 – DECEMBER 31, 1988)

By Larry Walker

December 3, 2012

lwalker@whgmlaw.com

This is what two had to say about their good friend, Lewis Meeks. Billy Bledsoe: “Generous to a fault, sharp as a tack, very family oriented, and one of the finest people I have ever known.” Jeanne Bledsoe: “Thoughtful, trustworthy and also very modest.”

This is what I say: “If by meticulous you mean extremely careful and precise, and this is what I mean, Lewis Meekis is the most meticulous person with whom I have ever dealt. His being careful and precise, and very ordered, served the City of Perry very well during his time as Mayor.”

Lewis Meeks was born in Atlanta in 1933 and graduated from West Fulton High School in 1951. He attended Georgia Tech as a co-op student, after which he joined the U.S. Air Force, where he served from March, 1953 through December, 1956. Later, he attended Middle Tennessee State University, where he earned a B.S. degree in 1958. As a result of his military service, Meeks received G. I. benefits which enabled him to attend Georgia State University, where he earned a B.S. in Math and Economics and a Masters of Business Administration.

While in Tennessee, Meeks worked at a bank in Memphis, and after he received his undergraduate degree, he was employed at the The Citizens and Southern Bank in Greenville, South Carolina. After he received his Masters, he worked in the Trust Department at The National Bank of Georgia in Atlanta. Meeks left The National Bank of Georgia to work with The Tennessee Corporation (agriculture chemicals) in Atlanta. But, Meeks missed the “banking business”. So, when a friend of his who knew Ogden Persons told him about a job in Perry at Perry Loan and Savings Bank (now the Bank of Perry), Lewis and June made a trip to Perry, had lunch with Vernon and Mildred Tuggle at The New Perry Hotel, toured Perry with this fine Perry couple, and made the decision to relocate to Perry (despite, as Lewis says, “June’s crying all the way back to Atlanta” not wanting to move).

Thanks to Ogden Persons, Vernon and Mildred Tuggle and, I’m sure others, including one of the first people Lewis and June met, W. G. Mullins, Lewis and June became Perryans. Little did anyone know, at that time, the tremendous contributions both were to make to our community – but especially Lewis Meeks in his role as President and Chair of the Board at The Bank of Perry, his service as Mayor of Perry and many, many other civic involvements.

Much can be written about Meek’s vast community service through the Perry Area Chamber of Commerce, civic clubs, government authorities, councils and church involvement. But, this is about Meeks’ role as Perry’s Mayor. However, it should be noted that much of his involvement in these areas prepared him well to be the outstanding Mayor he was.

Here was a man with vast banking experience and almost unprecedented Perry and Houston County civic involvement. He was ready to be a Mayor, but still there had to be a reason that made him want to be Mayor. When asked, “why,” this was his answer: “Perry truly came to be my home. I fell in love with Perry. All of my civic involvement made me want to contribute even more. I was particularly interested in economic development.” Certainly, as you will see, Meeks had great success in this area, which made Perry very successful during his tenure.

Let me give it to you in his own words – my questions and Meek’s answers:

What is the most interesting thing(s) that happened during your terms as Mayor? The development of downtown Perry. Initially, I worked through my involvement with the Downtown Development Authority. We had people from other towns to find out what we were doing and what we had done. We had a ‘dog and pony show’ where Wendell Whipple, Don Parkinson, Billy Bledsoe and I went to other towns to tell our story – we even went to communities in Florida. Also, we got our first two African American council members, Hervia Ingram, first, and Bobby Glover, shortly thereafter, and all of this in our newly created council districts went very smoothly. I am proud of this.

What did you like least about being Mayor? Council meetings!

What did you like most about being Mayor? Planning.

What do you consider your most significant achievement during your tenure as Mayor? My role in helping to bring the leadership in our community together – both public and private. I think the secret to success in running a city is to work, daily, constantly, to bring all of the various interests in the community, together, to work in a united manner – if you do this with success, you can accomplish most anything.

Did Meeks have success? Let’s look at some of the things that happened during his two terms, four years, with his acknowledging that much of this started at earlier times, and that “we are always standing on someone else’s shoulders”: Frito-Lay, 1985, Ag-Center – Announced, 1985, Ag-Center – Groundbreaking, 1987, Northrop, 1987, and PPG – Announced, 1988.

Quite a record, I’d say, Mr. Meeks. Thanks for four years of good service to our community, which continues today with your work at Christ Sanctified Holiness Church.

I told you he was meticulous. Notice that when he was Mayor, he liked the ‘the council meetings’ the least and the ‘planning’ best. I’d say: spoken like a meticulous banker. And, I’d say this trait served the city very well and will continue to do so for years to come. Now, and in the future, Lewis, so many are standing and will stand on your shoulders.

No Mayor can accomplish much without a good council. Those who served with Mayor Meeks were: C. Ralph Gentry, Bobby E. Glover, James B. Hendrix, Hervia B. Ingram, Thomas R. Mayo, George F. Nunn, Jr., Frank H. Roper, H. E. Smith, and Edmond H. Wilson.

NEXT WEEK: JIMMY FAIRCLOTH CONTINUES AS EFFECTIVE MAYOR

*For other information, see our website and blog: www.galawyersonline.com

PerryGALawyersOnline

JANUARY 3, 2005

Most of you can’t really relate to this article. Why? Well, I suspect that over one-half of my readers are women and most of them have never participated. And as to the men readers, increasingly, most of them have, regretfully, had no “first hand” experiences. Still, as to those who can relate, they will know exactly of what I write, and I believe will enthusiastically embrace and use the needed excuses. Thus, at least to my mind, enough justification for the effort.

Let me start over. Consider this as the beginning. It was four or five years ago. In December, I believe. And we – Judge Griffin Bell, University of Massachusetts President, Billy Bulger, Steve Lakis, Clark Fain, and I were down in Lee County, Georgia, bird hunting. Partridge hunting to some. Quail hunting to others. But, “bird hunting” to me. It was then and there that Judge Bell, in his usual wise and colorful way, revealed that he had compiled an ever expanding list of available excuses as to why he missed a bird that he otherwise should have killed. I seem to recall that he had 40 or so excuses – excuses that went from the believable to the ridiculous – all ready for use, when needed.

What brought all of this to mind after four or five years? It was a recent bird hunting trip to Seminole County with Foster Rhodes and Clark Fain. Billy Fain was with us but didn’t shoot. Both Clark and Foster used most of these excuses – I don’t recall having to avail myself of them. They may remember it otherwise. But it’s my article. Here they are. I have even put them in categories. Appreciative bird hunters can respond to me at lwalker@whgmlaw.com.

Number One – Safety. These are the best. Who can argue with being safe? Use as often as needed.

a. Afraid I would shoot a dog (this is my second favorite – it makes you appear humane).
b. Didn’t want to shoot in front of you.
c. The guide was in the way.
d. The bird wagon was in the way.

Number Two – Courtesy. Like “safety,” these are excellent. Makes you appear to be a nice person.

a. Was waiting on you to shoot first.
b. I’ve already killed my share (this can be smugly said if you didn’t just shoot).

Number Three – Equipment. What commends these is that your companions cannot refute or argue.

a. My gun jammed.
b. No shell in the chamber (can only be used if you didn’t fire).
c. The shell snapped (only about one shell out of 10 million don’t fire – still, it sometimes happens).
d. Couldn’t get my shells out of my jacket (again, who can question you?).

Number Four – Dogs. Dogs don’t talk back, do they?

a. The dogs didn’t point.
b. The dogs flushed the birds.
c. The dogs didn’t point in the right place.

Number Five – General. These are not the best but sometimes work when you have nothing else.

a. I thought you were going to shoot first (double first cousin to a courtesy excuse when not coupled with a scolding or accusatory tone).
b. Birds were too close (or substitute “too far”).
c. Blowing my nose.
d. Something in my eye.
e. Too much coffee this morning (necessitating appropriate relief).

Number Six – Elements. Next to safety, these are the most believable.

a. I tripped on a root (substitute “stick” or “rock” or “limb”).
b. I stepped in a hole.
c. A limb was in the way (substitute “tree”).
d. It is cold, and I had my hands in my pocket.
e. The sun was in my eyes (this is my favorite, although it helps if it is not a cloudy day).

Well, here they are. Just 23 in all. Not up to Judge Bell’s numbers. But, good, general, useable excuses. Maybe there are even one or two new ones for Clark and Foster in addition to the many they already have.

PerryGALawyersOnline

BARBARA C. CALHOUN (JUNE 4, 1980 – DECEMBER 31, 1984)

By Larry Walker

November 26, 2012

lwalker@whgmlaw.com

Margaret Hilda Thatcher, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1979 through 1990, famous for her uncompromising politics and leadership style, became known by the British people as the Iron Lady.

Barbara Cunningham Calhoun, Mayor of Perry from 1980 through December 31, 1984, also known for her uncompromising politics and leadership style, is Perry’s own Iron Lady.

Barbara Calhoun was born in Lincoln County, Georgia, in 1929. She attended the Lincolnton public schools until the death of her father when she was a senior in high school. Because of relatives in Houston County, she moved to Kathleen and graduated from Bonaire High School in 1946. After advanced work at a secretarial school in Macon, she went to work at Robins Air Force Base in 1947, starting as a secretary and retiring in 1973 as a programmer.

In 1975, Barbara ran for the Perry City Council, but was not successful. But, taking advantage of Dot Roughton’s Council resignation to run a garbage compaction business, she ran again and was elected in 1975, serving five years on Perry’s City Council.

When asked by me about her decision to seek the Mayor’s job, Mrs. Calhoun replied: “I didn’t start out to be Mayor, but some things did not go like I thought they should, so I decided to run. The first time I ran, I didn’t have opposition, but the second time I had two opponents, and defeated both of them.” Mayor Calhoun served in this capacity from June 4, 1980 to December 31, 1984. The Mayor’s term in those days was two years.

Interestingly, Margaret Thatcher was elected as a member of the Parliament in 1975 and served in this capacity until 1990. Thus, Britain’s “Iron Lady” and Perry’s “Iron Lady” had somewhat overlapping careers.

I’ve labeled Barbara Calhoun as Perry’s “Iron Lady”. How do I know, and why do I say this? I was in the State Legislature during the time of Calhoun’s Mayor tenure, and worked closely with her on joint efforts to put the Ag Center in Perry. Also, our law firm was attorney for the City of Perry, I was active in this responsibility, and in working with her, I found her to be candid, straightforward, a hard worker and a no-nonsense person. I liked her very much, and I respected her leadership style.

I remember vividly the first time I talked with Calhoun about the possibility of locating the Georgia National Agricenter in Perry. She immediately gave her personal commitment of support and her pledge to work in securing Perry’s Council support, which she obtained, unanimously.

My recollection is that the City of Perry put $575,000.00 of its citizens’ money and Houston County appropriated a like-amount (with the substantial support of Commissioner Arthur A. White, Jr.) enabling the city and county to offer “free land” to the state if the decision was made by the state to put the facility in Perry. This was essential to the Ag Center’s being located in Perry, and Calhoun’s early commitment of support was instrumental in the monies from both political bodies being put into the project.

I’ve called Calhoun a person who was frank and straight-forward. This little anecdote supports my learned assessment. The so-called Equal Rights Amendment was a ‘hot item’ in the Georgia General Assembly. Even though I had mixed feelings on the subject, given the fact that my mail (I received more on this subject than any during my 32 year tenure) literally ran nine to one against, I made it known that I would not support the proposed amendment. Some of my female legislative friends in Atlanta, upon learning that Perry had a female Mayor, decided to elicit Calhoun’s support in an effort to force me to vote in the affirmative. This is what one of my female friends related to me. When the group contacted Mayor Calhoun, her terse response, in typical Calhoun fashion, was “I’m not for that damned thing myself!” That ended their efforts at gaining my vote.

For those who don’t know Barbara Calhoun, I’m concerned that my portrayal of her does not reflect the warm, fine, fun person that she was and is. Those who know her will tell you about her long love affair with her husband, John Blue Calhoun (who was a Perry High School graduate and played on Perry High’s 1947 State Championship basketball team). And, they will tell you about Barbara and John Blue, who had no children, taking Barbara’s deceased sister’s son, Leon Watson, when he was eleven, and raising him to be a fine man and a fine citizen. And, they will recount to you how devastated Barbara was when John Blue died in 2006.

I asked Barbara where she got her toughness, steel, if you will, and she replied, “I was raised that way.” Then, she told me that her father was a lumberman (that explains a great deal!) who died in 1945, and that her mother worked for the school system as head of dining facilities (and that explained more).

I’m near the end, and I have not related that Barbara Cunningham Calhoun is Perry’s only female Mayor. Actually, while significant, it’s probably not very important. What is important is that Barbara Cunningham Calhoun was one of Perry’s most effective mayors. She got the job done in an honest, straight-forward and humble way. She was what a public servant should be.

Of course, no mayor serves without his or her council. So, let me list those who served with Barbara during her tenure. They were: Dr. James R. Bloodworth, Henry A. Dawkins, C. Ralph Gentry, James B. Hendrix, Thomas R. Mayo, George F. Nunn, Jr., H. E. Smith and T. Draper Watson.

I respect Barbara Calhoun. I enjoyed working with her. I like her very much. I’m glad that fate, luck, or whatever you want to call it, sent her to us and made Perry the beneficiary of her good work. Yes, Perry’s Iron Lady.

Next week: Meticulous Mayor Meeks Does Fine Job

*For other information, see our website and blog: www.galawyersonline.com

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JAMES O. MCKINLEY (MAY 6, 1974 – MARCH 31, 1980)

By Larry Walker 

November 19, 2012

lwalker@whgmlaw.com

James O. McKinley graduated from the Perry public schools, the eleventh grade back then, on June 6,1943.  One month later, in July, James joined the United States Army.  Perry’s Billy Boone joined on the same day, and the two of them traveled by bus to Fort MacPherson in Atlanta to begin their basic training.

After training at Fort McClellan in Alabama and Fort Dix in New Jersey, James was transferred to Le Havre, France on June 23, 1944.  Just a little over a year after he graduated from Perry High School, this twenty-one year old small-town Georgia boy landed at Normandy as a machine gunner.

When I recently met with James at his and Mabel’s attractive and comfortable home on Moreland Avenue in Perry, and after listening to his relating to me some of his ‘war experiences’, I called him a “war hero”.  Immediately, James retorted, “I’m no hero.”  I’ll let you judge.

From Normandy, James fought his way through France and across Europe – France, Germany and Czechoslovakia – as a machine gunner participating in five of the six European campaigns.  On September 7, 2011, the French Government honored him by awarding him the WWII French Legion of Honor.  The French think James O. McKinley was a “war hero”.  I do, too.

I was perplexed when James told me he was born in Byron and was a native  Houston Countian (he seemed to be proud of this).  Then, he reminded me that when he was born on March 1, 1923, Peach County had not been created (this did not happen until July 8, 1924) and, so, Byron was in Houston County when he was born.

I know this about James: He loves Perry, and he loves Houston County.  So, I wasn’t surprised when he related to me that when he came home from WWII, he told several Perryans, including Perry’s Buddy Tolleson, that he was going to be “Mayor of Perry, one day”.  But, politics would have to wait a while for James to get established and support his family.

When James came home from the War, he did what lots of veterans did.  He went to work at Robins Air Force Base, where he continued from 1946 “to about 1975″.  Notice that James worked until shortly after the time he became Mayor of Perry in 1974.  A full-time job at RAFB and being Perry’s Mayor probably were not compatible.

I’ve had a close relationship with James McKinley ever since I came back home to practice law in 1965.  First, he and his family have always been close friends with our family.  He has told me many times about my Grandfather Gray’s making cars available to him through Union Motor Company immediately after the War, and when cars were difficult to get.  He was and is appreciative of this.

James and my father were always close friends, and Councilmen James McKinley and D. K. Roughton are the reasons I was named Perry’s City Attorney in 1972, a position our law firm still holds, today, forty years later.  Another connection: When James and his family moved to Perry in 1928, it was to a house which sat exactly where the Walker, Hulbert, Gray & Moore law office is (909 Ball Street) today.  No wonder we’ve been friends for now over fifty years.

My opinion: James O. McKinley is the most visionary Mayor of Perry that I have known, and I’ve known lots of them.  Let’s look at the record.

First, my opinion is that James has never gotten the credit for the 1970′s substantial and significant redevelopment of downtown Perry.  There were others, including W. G. Mullis, Billy Bledsoe, Don Parkinson and Lewis Meeks.  But, James was the Mayor with the authority and the money, and he made the most of both.  In my mind’s eye, I can still see him, daily, during the renovations, standing in the red Georgia clay that was (and is) under the Carroll Street paving, seeing to it that everything was being done correctly.

Then, there was “Christmas At The Crossroads” and the role James made in bringing this about.  And, what about Perry’s flag and stationery?  Both were straight from Mayor James O. McKinley!  They’re still being used, today, at least thirty years after their creations.

Lastly, while things were good and money was spent by the City during the McKinley Administration, James reports to me that there was “$1 million in the bank in the city’s accounts when I left office”.  Go, James!  Maybe we need you in Washington.  Even at 89 years of age, I’ll bet you could get the job done.

Of course, no Mayor operates without his or her council.  So, let me list those that served with James during his tenure.  They are: Alva L. Baggarly, Dr. Jerome R. Bloodworth, Barbara C. Calhoun, Henry Casey, C. Ralph Gentry, H. H. Hackworth, Alton Hardy, David P. Hulbert, Jr., Thomas R. Mayo, George F. Nunn, Jr., D. K. Roughton, Gordon Scarborough, Jr., H. E. Smith, and T. Draper Watson.

Yes, James McKinley was a war hero.  And, he is one of my heroes for the way he has served this community and for the good example of his life to so many.

Next week: Perry’s Own Iron Lady

*For other information, see our website and blog: www.galawyersonline.com

PerryGALawyersOnline

November 12, 2012

lwalker@whgmlaw.com
Last week, I wrote about Mayors A. M. Anderson, Sam A. Nunn, George F. Nunn, Charles P. Gray and Mayo Davis. I called them Perry’s Wise Men. This week it’s six more (not counting special articles on Perry’s three living former Mayors). In my mind, these six, plus our three living former Mayors, are the men and women who very ably brought Perry into the modern age. Let me share them with you.

Stanley E. Smith, Jr. (1954-1959). Stanley Smith was a hands-on doer. As a Mayor, he got things done. He had been in the dairy business, which was located between the Houston County School Board’s maintenance shop on Houston Lake Road and the Perry Country Club. When Smith’s term as Mayor was up, he ran for the State Senate and served this area with distinction for several years. While Lester Maddox was Governor of Georgia, Smith wielded great power in the Georgia Senate.

Milton Beckham (1960-1963). Mr. Beckham had been in school with my father at the University of Georgia. Daddy thought highly of Milton Beckham, and to my mind, that was a very good recommendation for him. Beckham was a local surveyor (the successor firm is now Jones Surveying). If Mr. Beckham told you something, you could ‘take it to the bank’. Like his predecessors and successors, Beckham served as Mayor with distinction and class.

Richard B. Ray (1964-1969). Richard Ray was in the pest control business when he became Mayor in 1964. His motto was, “the Deadly Ray”. Ray was an indefatigable worker and was progressive in philosophy. Personally, I will always be deeply appreciative of him for spearheading my appointment as Perry’s first lawyer Judge of Perry’s Municipal Court. Prior to Ray’s terms as Mayor, the Mayor had always served as Judge of this court. After serving effectively as Perry’s Mayor, Ray was Senator Sam Nunn’s Chief of Staff, and later served several terms as a United States Congressman from our area. Another outstanding person as Perry’s Mayor.

J. Malcolm Reese (1970-71 – March 31, 1972). Malcolm Reese was a man of great ability. At the time he was elected Mayor of Perry, he was the President of Perry Federal Savings and Loan Association. While Reese was Mayor, Perry had its only racial unrest. Reese dealt with this problem very effectively, and the problem was short-lived. Leaving to take employment in another community cut short Reese’s term and left him with an incomplete record.

John O. Barton, Jr. (June 20, 1972 – March 5, 1974). John Barton completed Reese’s term after being elected in a three-person race. Later, during his second term, Barton resigned. Barton was popular and truly a ‘man of the people’. At one time, he was the Sergeant at Perry’s National Guard Armory. He was very active with Perry’s Volunteer Fire Department and its firefighters. He also, at one time, owned and operated a men’s clothing store in Perry.

James O. McKinley (May 6, 1974 – March 31, 1980). McKinley is one of Perry’s three living former Mayors. As such, my column in the November 24, 2012 edition of the Houston Home Journal will be about him.

Barbara C. Calhoun (June 4, 1980 – December 31, 1984). Calhoun, Perry’s only female Mayor, is one of Perry’s three living former Mayors. As such, my column in the December 1, 2012 edition of the Houston Home Journal will be about her.

Lewis M. Meeks (January 1, 1985 – December 31, 1988). Meeks is one of Perry’s three living former Mayors. As such, my column in the December 8, 2012 edition of the Houston Home Journal will be about him.

Stanley Smith, Milton Beckham, Dickie Ray, Mac Reese, John Barton, James McKinley, Barbara Calhoun and Lewis Meeks served as Mayors of Perry from 1954 through 1988 – thirty four years – and during periods of much change and great challenge. We went from Stanley Smith’s dairy, in the city limits, to the Ag Center. These eight Mayors, seven men and one woman, handled Perry’s challenges and opportunities very ably. Our city prospered. We Perryans are standing on their shoulders and owe them our great appreciation.

James E. Worrall (January 1, 1989 – December 31, 2009). Jim Worrall’s length of service ratifies his great popularity. Twenty one years as Mayor greatly exceeds that of any other Perry Mayor. Based on the records at my disposal, it appears that Mr. Sam Nunn’s seven years as Perry’s Mayor makes him this city’s second longest server. Worrall came to Perry as a school teacher when he was twenty three or twenty four years old. He was my basketball coach in Junior High School. He later served as a school principal in both public and private schools. Worrall was a conciliator and a great ambassador for Perry. Perryans could always count on Mayor Worrall to represent them, publicly and privately, with great dignity and effectiveness. No Mayor of Perry ever did a better public relations job than Worrall. A handsome man, he knew how to dress and he knew what to say. His many friends and supporters continue to miss Jim Worrall – as do his pretty wife, Francis, and his pretty daughter, Fran.

James. E. Faircloth, Jr. (January 1, 2010 to present). Faircloth is Perry’s current Mayor. As such, my column in the December 15, 2012 edition of the Houston Home Journal will be about him.

There you have it: Fifteen people – fourteen men and one woman – that I knew or know who have served Perry well during their times as Mayor. This is a period of 76 years. And, while I did not know Judge Anderson during his terms and was actually born during one of Mr. Sam’s terms, I have known all of these individuals. I have listened to them, talked with them, worked as Municipal Court Judge or City Attorney for five of them, and admired all of them.

Yes, Lewis, we are standing on these individuals’ shoulders, and they and we are standing on the shoulders of their spouses and parents and grandparents and teachers and preachers and so it goes. They have been good, very good, and we owe them a great debt of gratitude. That’s what I have been trying to say, and is why I wrote this article and the ones to follow.

So, let me say thanks from all the people of Perry who knew, know or care to: Judge Anderson, Mr. Sam, Mr. Francis, Grandbuddy, Mr. Pete, Senator Smith, Mr. Beckham, Dickie, Malcolm, John, James, Barbara, Lewis, Jim and Jimmy. God bless all of you and yours.

NEXT WEEK: WWII WAR HERO SERVES AS PERRY’S MAYOR.

*For other information, see our website and blog: www.galawyersonline.com

PerryGALawyersOnline

(PART ONE)

November 5, 2012

lwalker@whgmlaw.com

We are all standing on others’ shoulders. That’s what Lewis Meeks and I concluded when I interviewed him for an article about him here in my office in Perry on Wednesday, October 17.

Perry is an unusual small town. It’s clean, and for all my time of knowing and caring about it, has been that way. “Clean,” physically and fiscally. The politics have been civil. The people are generally sober, upright and civic minded. Good folks have run things. It’s a nice place to live.

Yes, we who are fortunate to live in this good place, and we are all standing on someone else’s shoulders. Actually, more than one person’s shoulders. And, to my mind, at least during much of my lifetime, much of the credit for this great place to live goes to the people (all men, save one) that have served as Perry’s Mayor.

This is an article about the Mayors of Perry that I have personally known. This goes back to A. M. Anderson, who was Mayor from 1934 to 1938. I didn’t know him when he was Mayor (I wasn’t even born then), but did know him later as ‘an across Swift Street neighbor’ for many years. He must have been very young when he was Mayor – possibly, and perhaps probably, Perry’s youngest Mayor. Since he was the first Mayor that I knew, let’s start with him and go to our present Mayor, Jimmy Faircloth.

A. M. Anderson (1934-1938). As I wrote, he, along with his wife, Laura, and his four children, Angela, Laurie, Phyllis and Milledge (Mick) lived directly across Swift Street from where we, the Walker children, Larry, David, Lynda and Charlie, grew up. Mayor Anderson would later be Judge Anderson (Macon Circuit Superior Court Judge), called Phil Anderson by many, when I first knew who he was. His daughter, Phyllis, was in my school class for twelve years and graduated from Perry High School in 1960 with Janice and me. His son, Mick, who lives in Macon, is my doctor when I need to be seen and treated for what he does. Anderson was an outstanding person from an outstanding family.

Sam A. Nunn (1938-1945). “Mr. Sam” to me and many. Husband of ‘Miss’ Elizabeth. Father of Betty and Sam, Jr. Mr. Sam was an outstanding churchman, lawyer, community citizen and, for many years, was the “go to man” for folks in and out of Perry. Senator Nunn and Betty Mori continue to honor the great names of their mother and father.

George F. Nunn (1946-1947). “Mr. Francis,” as he was called by many, including me, was best known by me, and many others, as the choir director, for decades, at the Perry Methodist Church. He was outstanding in this role, which he performed without pay, and was a much respected Perry citizen. He was the husband of Coralie and father of Marjorie, Mary Sue and George. Janice and I graduated from Perry High School with Mary Sue, and George and I played basketball together at Perry High School. George is now known to most Perryans as “Judge Nunn”.

Chas P. Gray (1948-1949). This is my favorite Perry Mayor of all times. He is also my grandfather – “Grandbuddy” to me and his other eight grandchildren. Grandbuddy was the husband of Hazel and the father of Virginia (Ginny), Hilda (my mother), Helen and Betty. And, like I say, my favorite Mayor. Grandbuddy was the Chevrolet dealer in Perry for about forty years, and was in partnership with Daddy in the tractor and farm supply businesses. He was a staunch Republican and a very active Methodist, and quite a man, even if I do say so!

Mayo Davis (1950-1953). Mr. Davis was one of Houston County’s best businessmen. He also served the county with distinction as a Georgia State Senator. Mr. Davis was the husband of Katherine and the father of Billie. His four grandsons, Davis, Jim, Mayo and Colton carry on in their grandfather’s tradition by being astute businessmen with their ownership and running of the Davis Oil Company. To many of Mr. Davis’ friends, he was known as “Pete” Davis.

Judge Anderson, Mr. Sam, Mr. Francis, Grandbuddy, and Mr. Pete Davis are what I would call ‘Perry’s Wise Men’, the ‘old lions’ if you
will. They served Perry extremely well. They encouraged other greats to follow. Next week and thereafter, I will tell you a little something about each of Perry’s next nine Mayors.

This is the first of at least a six part series on Perry’s Mayors, which will probably be of more interest to Perryans than others, although to my mind, much is to be learned from the benefits to a small town of having good leadership and over a long period of time.

NEXT WEEK: PART TWO OF STANDING ON THE SHOULDERS OF PERRY’S MAYORS

*For other information, see our website and blog: www.galawyersonline.com

PerryGALawyersOnline

October 22, 2012

lwalker@whgmlaw.com

Sam ‘The Banana Man’ is the subject of Rich Cohen’s unexpectedly excellent book, The Fish That Ate The Whale with the subtitle, The Life and Times of America’s Banana King.

Occasionally, I come across a great book that I had no idea would be as good as it turned out to be. One such book is Dollar Cotton by John Faulkner, brother of William. Another, which interestingly is written about a similar subject to The Fish That Ate The Whale, and, generally, during the same period of time, is Bacardi and The Long Fight for Cuba by Tom Gjelten. Then there was Lone Star by T. R. Fehrenbach (which I underlined almost as much as I did Cohen’s book).

Let me get back to Cohen’s book with my purpose being to encourage your acquisition and reading of The Fish That Ate The Whale. I acquired it at Page and Pallete Book Store, Fairhope, Alabama on August 24 of this year after being urged to buy it by a sales clerk who, apparently, knows Mr. Cohen. As I understand it, she indicated Cohen is in Fairhope at least part-time, even though the jacket on his book says, “Rich Cohen is a New York Times best selling author” who lives in Connecticut. I guess you can now be in L.A. (Lower Alabama) and still be a New York Times writer from Connecticut.

Big Sam Zemurray, ultimately six feet three, who in 1891 at age fourteen immigrated with his family to New York and then to Mobile, Alabama, saw his first banana in 1893. Most Americans had never seen this fruit by 1893. Big Sam ZeMurray came to this country penniless and became one of the richest, most powerful people in the world.

Enough from me. Let me give you some of Cohen’s writing, directly from his book.

On page 32, Cohen gives facts about the banana:

It’s not a tree. It’s an herb, the world’s tallest grass. Reaching, in perfect conditions, thirty feet, it’s the largest plant in the world without a woody trunk. Its stem actually consists of banana leaves, big, thick elephant ears, coiled like a roll of dollar bills. As the plant grows, the stem uncoils, revealing new leaves, tender at first, rough at last. The fruit appears at the end of a cycle, growing from a stem that bends toward the ground under its own weight. Because the plant is an herb, not a tree, the banana is properly classed as a berry. The plant grows from a rhizome, which, in the way of a potato, has no roots. It’s outrageously top-heavy and can be felled, as entire fields sometimes are, by a strong wind.

There’s more about the banana on page 33:

The banana’s great strength as a crop is also its weakness: it does not grow from a seed but from a cutting. When the rhizome is chopped into pieces and planted, each piece produces a tree. (Even though the plant is not technically a tree, I am going to keep calling it that.) In fact, the banana does not have a seed – I mean, yes, there is a stone at the bottom of the fruit, but try to plant it and watch what happens. Nothing.

Then, Cohen talks about Zemurray’s ambition on page 69:

. . . Who knows where such ambition came from? Maybe it was the pent-up energy of dozens of thwarted Jewish generations confined to the ghettos of Europe. Maybe it was evidence of a defect or lack, a missing thing that Sam found in competition. (It’s the neediest among us who go the farthest.) Or maybe it was already with him in the cradle, the intangible thing that made him go.

Chapter 10, “Revolutin’!”, which is about Zemurray’s dealings in Honduras, starts this way:

A businessman can live with a certain amount of corruption. Maybe he prefers it. If he’s paying off an official, kicking a percentage back to a bureaucrat who landed him a concession, at least he knows where he stands. In New York, they call it honest graft. In Chicago, they call it the Machine. A deal is a deal. Paid for is owned. But if a bribed official refuses to deliver, or if a bought politician suddenly becomes unbought, how can a man do business? This is the other kind of corruption, the corrupt kind, and it leads to bankruptcy and ruin. It’s not a question of right versus wrong, it’s a question of ethics. If you buy a man, you have a right to expect him to stay bought.

Then, at the beginning of Chapter 22, “The Earth Eats the Fish That Ate the Whale” is an account by Cohen of Zemurray’s obituary carried on the AP wire:

“Samuel Zemurray, a former president of the United Fruit Company, who came to the United States as a penniless Russian immigrant and accumulated a $30,000,000 fortune selling bananas, died here last night of Parkinson’s disease,” it read. “In the banana belt of the Caribbean, Sam Zemurray was known as ‘the fish that swallowed the whale.’”

Samuel Zemurray died on November 30, 1961.

There is so much more from Cohen, a great story teller, but let me end with what he writes about Zemurray and New Orleans in his Epilogue:

The story of Sam Zemurray is the story of New Orleans. It was booming when he found it and it’s foundered since he died. It’s a body without a soul. It’s a skinny man in fat-man pants. The buildings are grand, the streets are endless, but the people are gone . . .

On the jacket of the book, Alexander Hemon, author of the The Lazarus Project writes this: What a story, and what a storyteller! You’ll never see a banana – and for that matter, America – the same way again.

Hemon sums it up. Get Cohen’s book and thank me for putting you on this great read.

*For other information, see our website and blog: www.galawyersonline.com

PerryGALawyersOnline

October 16, 2012

lwalker@whgmlaw.com

Let me give you a variety of “stuff” this week,

* I had to get pretty old to see both, in the wild, but in 2012 it happened. Earlier in the year, and even this week, I saw a solid black squirrel on our place. We’ve seen lots of them since this spring. Week before last, up in Brevard, North Carolina, on the Brevard College Campus, I saw several solid white squirrels. These white squirrels are so prevalent that they are used as a logo for Brevard, much like Perry uses the clock tower at the Ag Center.

* Speaking of the Ag Center, what about the recently completed 2012 fair! Terrific, wasn’t it? It has been great for 23 years, but none of the fairs have been better, or more well-attended, than the 2012 version. Congratulations, Randy, Foster, Gene, and everyone involved. You continue to do a great job.

* During the weekend of the Georgia-South Carolina football game, Janice and I were the guests of our friends, Allan and Karen Stalvey, at their 1926 built cabin in the mountains at Caesar’s Head, South Carolina. Until we went to be with our friends, I didn’t even know South Carolina had any mountains. And, they were big, too! It was a great weekend, except for about three hours when we watched the football game with about ten South Carolina (residents and fans) couples. That three hours of the visit was not fun!

* While in the mountains of South Carolina, I read part of a book that I saw on the shelf, Foxfire 2, which is about such things as killing hogs, curing meat, quilting, weaving, etc. The chapter that really caught my attention was on burying the dead, “old-time burials”. Amazing how much the ‘burying business’ has changed in the last sixty or seventy years. In fact, until the 1940′s, most bodies were prepared at home, placed in a homemade coffin, displayed at home with an oft-times all night of sitting up with the body, taken to the cemetery in a horse or mule drawn wagon and buried soon after death. Just like most everything else, lots of changes and, I guess, with more to come.

* How about this weather? It’s beautiful, isn’t it? It is very pleasant early in the day and late in the afternoon. Even during the middle of the day, it’s not too hot. Still, it remains very dry. We desperately need some soaking rains. It’s been quite a while since we’ve had an inch or more of rain at our place. We get two-tenths, four-tenths, one-tenth or six-tenths, but we are beginning to lose some very large and old trees. It’s sad, but nothing that we can do except pray for rain and hope it comes soon.

* My friend, Dink NeSmith, has just written a new book, Kase For The Environment. It’s about a child, Kase, being taught by his grandfather about saving the environment and in particular the Satilla River. There are many beautiful pictures taken by professional photographer, Wayne Morgan, and with the script by Dink. Incidentally, Wayne is the grandfather of Kase. Dink has six grandsons of his own, with a seventh grandson on the way. Dink knows not only about grandboys, but also river protection, as he owns a great tract of land on the Altamaha River. Want to know more? Take a look at www.dinknesmith.com or email Dink at dnesmith@cninewspapers.com or, contact me and I will let you know how to order a book.

So, there you have it for Saturday, October 20: squirrels, the fair, football, Caesar’s Head, Foxfire 2, burying the dead, the weather, and Dink’s new book. It’s about as varied as folks’ opinions on the presidential race, charter schools and the Bulldogs’ football coach. Isn’t life interesting? I hope you enjoyed some of this, and I hope to be back here again next week.

*For other information, see our website and blog: www.galawyersonline.com

PerryGALawyersOnline

October 9, 2012 

lwalker@whgmlaw.com

My friend, Dink Nesmith, writes a very good and widely read weekly column.  This week’s was one of his best.  It’s so good, I give it to you here, verbatim.

What Keeps You Awake At Night?

          Some nights I can’t sleep.  My mind won’t unplug.  My eyelids close, but bothersome things scroll through my brain.  I try hard—very hard—to be a poster boy for positive thinking. 

          I love America, but these 10 worries just won’t go away:

Oil dependency

What will it take to get our heads out of the Middle East sand, so we can solve our own energy needs?  If we found a way for Neil Armstrong to walk on the moon, we can conquer this, too.   What’s stopping us?   To continue on the present path is insane.

Spilling American blood

The evils of 9-11 couldn’t go unanswered.  We had no choice but to lash out.  Two notorious terrorists were killed, but why have we chosen to hang around so long over there? I grieve for those who were wounded or lost loved ones, carrying our flag.  I worry their valor will be futile.  We cannot Americanize the world.  The day we leave Afghanistan, the culture will revert to what it’s historically been.

Illegal immigration

Unless we are Native Americans, we came from somewhere else.  America is a melding pot.  Diversity makes us healthy.  What is unhealthy are millions slipping in illegally and taxing our government’s resources.  But let’s keep the welcome mat out for those who come and gain citizenship.  And as new Americans, they, too, should be expected to be productive and pay taxes.

Fewer paying taxes

Every American needs to pay his or her fair share of taxes. Remember the biblical parable about the widow’s mite?  Even she found a way to contribute.  What worries me is the growing government-owes-me-something mindset of entitlement.

Unemployment and unemployable

Millions of Americans have been crushed by this Great Recession.  I hurt for the downtrodden and those who can’t find employment to support themselves or their families.  The financial devastation is tormenting.  But equally as unsettling is the rapidly increasing number of Americans who never plan to become taxpaying citizens, even if a job were offered to them.

War on drugs

Local, state and federal governments have waged this battle for decades.  Our court system and prisons are overrunning with drug offenders.  Countless lives and dollars have been lost, but is victory in sight?  Follow the news.  I fear the answer is no.

National debt

The numbers are mind-boggling.  How much—$16 trillion?  The average American can’t fathom how much money that is.  And our government and its leaders have no idea how we are going to pay it back.  Want sweet dreams?  Don’t take this thought to bed at night.

Healthcare

This topic can make you an insomniac, too.  What’s the right answer?  Healthcare costs are galloping out of control. Whether you love or hate Obamacare, the big question is: How are we going to pay for it when the government is teetering on bankruptcy already?

Responsibility

Too many people don’t want to accept personal responsibility. They say, “Don’t tell me what I can’t eat, smoke, drink or do.”  And they expect someone else to pick up the tab for their recklessness.

Polarization

Terrorists and radicals abroad threaten America, but we seem to be our own worst enemy.  Of all these issues, polarization and infighting worry me most.  Is self-destruction our fate?  As a nation, we are stumbling, looking for leadership to carry us to higher ground.

          As I lie awake, I worry about the America that you and I love.    And I wonder:  “Is either Barack Obama or Mitt Romney the leader who is capable of saving us from ourselves?”

Then, another friend, Allan Stalvey, who represents the hospitals in South Carolina, responded.  It, too, is very good – so good, I share it with you as it was emailed by Allan to me and with a copy to Dink.  Allan’s email subject is: Guess we both kind of got on a soap box this week . . .

          Excellent. I can only comment on healthcare and what I worry about is the rising cost of healthcare coupled with the rising need for healthcare and the total disregard for personal responsibility.  As I tell people in a presentation I now make, our healthcare system is based on three prerequisites that the people demand:

          1.  We want the absolute best healthcare available and on demand

          2.  We want someone else to pay for it (We don’t care how much it costs, either the government or our insurance company pays)

          3.  We don’t want to have anyone tell us how we should live our lives (eat all we want, smoke when and wherever we want and ride a motorcycle bareheaded)

Troubling subjects, well done.  If you have comments, email, and I will see to it that Allan and Dink get your views.

*For other information, see our website and blog: www.galawyersonline.com

PerryGALawyersOnline

October 2, 2012

lwalker@whgmlaw.com

Let my begin by reiterating what I have written before: I do not criticize others’ religious beliefs. Mitt Romney is a Mormon, and I suspect he’s one because his father and mother were Mormons. Let me add that it seems to me that Mormons are, as a whole, behaving themselves and living out their faith in a rather exemplary manner. President Obama says he’s a Christian. My Bible says I “should not judge”, so if the President says it, and he does, I’ll accept his word for it.

This article is not about religious views – yours or mine. What it is about is my remembrances of two churches that have influenced my life. I was raised a Methodist, so it’s about two Methodist churches. Or, as you will see, it’s really about some of the folks who attended and supported these churches.

I will say this, and I feel strongly about it, churches (or temples, synagogues, and other houses of worship), by whatever name called, are the most important institutions in our American society. You don’t think so? Well, what would you put at the top? Our government? The police? Our educational system? The entertainment industry? I don’t think so. To my mind, it’s the churches that hold society together, they are the glue and they’re under attack as never before in my lifetime.

If our religious institutions fail, it will not be long before everything else goes. If these Institutions of God stay strong, we’ve got a chance to survive as a nation.

Say it was 1952, and it’s summer. I’m in rural Washington County, Georgia, and it’s Sunday morning. Guess what I’m doing? I’m getting ready to go to church with my Walker grandparents – Grandma and Papa. So, we load up in Papa’s 1950 Chevrolet, and he drives that five miles, or so, over deep sand dirt roads, through and in the dust, to Pinehill Methodist Church. It sits on a hill and is a pretty little church. It probably had 100 members, or so.

What do I remember about Pinehill? Was it great preaching and outstanding singing? No, I remember that it was hot, but that folks thought it was important enough to put on their best clothes and go, fanning with ‘funeral home fans’, probably with a pictures of Jesus, the entire service. And, I remember that while none of the people attending were perfect, they were trying to live a good life and do the right thing. Too, they thought being there was important. If nothing else, to set an example for their families and friends.

At Pinehill, where Daddy’s brother Clyde is buried, having been killed in a hunting accident at age fifteen, I remember Herbert May (Grandma’s nephew) leading the singing with a loud baritone voice. Really loud! I also remember Ella Mary Walker Hattaway, Daddy’s first cousin, teaching Sunday School. I don’t remember anything specific that she taught, but I remember that she did teach. More than the preaching, I remember the singing – which was pretty good in a rural, country way.

I also remember Cohen Richberg who was always in attendance. It seems that Mr. Richberg held some office in the church. Perhaps he was the treasurer. It was only later, many years later, that I realized it was a little unusual for Pinehill Methodist to have a member named Cohen Richberg – Christian though he was.

More than anything else, I remember and realized even as a young boy, that this church in rural Washington County was important to my Grandparents and their country friends. I also remember that most of the folks in the church, while not perfect, were trying to live good lives and do the right things – most of the time. Without the church, would they have lived this way?

Then, there was the Perry United Methodist Church. It has been important to my Gray Grandparents and my parents for as long as I can remember anything. Frankly, I cannot tell you the details, any details, about more than a few sermons I ever heard at Perry Methodist – and, I’ve heard lots of them! Well preached, too. But, I can tell you about the music, which has been spectacular, throughout the years, and I did learn the lessons taught from the pulpit. I believe these lessons to be good and worthy of my remembrances and that the lessons should be adhered to.

I remember the people. My Grandfather Gray, always sitting with Granny, up near the front on the right-hand side. I also remember his ‘jingling’ his change in his right front pocket, which was his habit. Then there was ‘Fessor Staples, who taught Sunday School for over thirty years, his great influence on our community of Perry, and his often napping near the front as a parade of good preachers not only preached, some better than others, and none better than the present one, but all taught and let us know they loved us and were there for us, when needed.

And there were Perry’s leaders in the church, like Mayors A. M. Anderson, Jr., Sam A. Nunn, George F. Nunn, Charles P. Gray, Mayo Davis, Stanley E. Smith, Jr., Milton Beckham, Richard B. Ray, James E. Worrall, James E. Faircloth, Jr., “Little Sam” Nunn, later to be Senator Sam Nunn, Bill Jerles, Mr. George Nunn, Mrs. Carolyn Smith, Mrs. Marie Marshall, ‘Miss’ Peal Edwards, Mrs. Bessie Houser Nunn, and on and on – good folks, setting good examples, and trying to do the right thing.

What has stuck with me is that we’d better hold on to our churches. We’d better support our religious institutions. In a complicated and messed-up world, they’re the best hope we have. ‘Fessor Staples, Grandbuddy, Cohen Richberg, Mother, ‘Miss’ Pearl, J. B. Smith, ‘Miss’ Ruby Hodges, Grandma, Daddy and others have made me believe this.

*For other information, see our website and blog: www.galawyersonline.com

PerryGALawyersOnline

September 24, 2012

lwalker@whgmlaw.com
Nine Eight 0, on the radio. Welcome to Perry, Georgia. Or, 980 WPGA. That’s what it was when Perry got radio back in the 1950′s. Oh how the memories flood my soul. Just like these words from the old hymn, that’s the way I felt when I stopped by Perry’s new station, 105.9 WBML at 1025 Ball Street, recently.

I recalled the Evans family (was it Al Evans?) and the Lowell Register family, and their long histories with Perry and its first station (which was in the building on Courtney Hodges Blvd. now occupied by Victory Circle Auto Sales). Even more, I remembered the old 1950′s high school “call-in and dedicate a song” program de-jayed by a high school student, and the time I hosted the program. It was fun, and the show was popular. Why wouldn’t it work again?

So, with this memory, and using the 105.9 country music format that the present owners, Julie and Danny Evans, use, and their radio station, give me about an hour program and let me do all the selecting and a little dedicating. Here goes:

Crazy by Patsy Cline. I think it’s appropriate to start our show with the greatest country song of all time. At least that’s my opinion. Play it at a function, and watch the whole crowd get up and dance. That’s the best test, isn’t it? I dedicate this great piece of work (words, music and rendition) to Janice Walker, with whom I have danced to this song more times than I can remember or count. I’ll bet we’ll do it again.

Ring of Fire by Johnny Cash. Johnny Cash was not a great singer, in my opinion, but this is a great record by an American icon. And, it was performed just about as good by another person who, with his rendition and this song, taught me to love country music. Thanks, Jerry “Do-Tricks” Horton. I wish I could hear you do it one more time.

Red Dirt Road by Brooks and Dunn. Need a psychiatrist? Listen to the words to this song, and maybe it will cure what ails you. According to Brooks and Dunn, and whoever wrote the song, it was on that red dirt road that they “learned that the road to heaven was filled with sinners and believers”. My dedication is to my preacher, Jenny Jackson-Adams, with whom I have discussed the song’s lyrics and my hope that both sinners and believers (aren’t they always one and the same?) will make the cut.

Old Flame by Alabama. This, Alabama’s best song (my opinion), is dedicated by me to Billy Bledsoe. That sounds odd, doesn’t it? Let me explain: It was at least twenty years ago. Billy and I were riding in Perry when I first heard this song on my car radio. I told Billy: “This song will go to number one on the charts.” It did. I never hear it, that I don’t remember when I first heard it. I even remember that we (Billy and I) went on over to the Sports Center, where I had to see Charles Ayer about something.

Friends In Low Places by Garth Brooks. I dedicate this song to a great entertainer in his own right, Roy Mitchell. I hope to live long enough to hear Roy do this song one more time, and do it like someone “from New York City would do it” and, then like someone “from Montgomery, Alabama would do it”. This is a classic. The song and Roy’s doing it – twice, New York and then Montgomery style.

Make The World Go Away by Ray Price. This is an oldie. You might not remember it. If you’d been working at Texas Steel Company in the summer of 1963 and ate lunch (red beans) at The Koffee Cup (across Hemphill Avenue) every day and daily heard this on the juke box, you’d remember it. So, to those wonderful steel workers I remember with deep affection – Willie Lewis, Newby, Lindsey, and to Durward “Will” Wilson, the reason Jerry Wilson, Bobby Jones, Jerry Horton and I were in Fort Worth, I dedicate this song.

Does He Love You? by Reba McIntyre with Linda Davis. This is a great song. To whom should it be dedicated? The words are actually, “does he love you like I love you?” – so, I’ll just dedicate this one to everyone who’s ever asked this question – either verbally or silently.

Georgia On My Mind by Willie Nelson. I love it by Ray Charles, but to conform to the country format, let’s do it by Willie. And, let’s dedicate it to Rep. Peggy Childs, who had the idea to make it Georgia’s official song, and got it done. No state has a song that’s even close to ours. Peggy, it’s sad that you left us so soon, but those who served with you – and thousands of other Georgians – will never forget you.

The Long Goodbye by Brooks and Dunn. I know, I’ve already played one of theirs, but they were good enough to have lots of playing. Notice, I said they were. So, this great song is dedicated to Ronnie Dunn and Kix Brook who truly had a long goodbye.

Your Cheating Heart by Hank Williams, Jr. He couldn’t sing very good, in my opinion, but Mr. Murphy loved this song and tried to sing it. So, to Tom Murphy, a good man, I dedicate this song. And, by the way, I wonder where that basket full of eight track country music tapes are that Mr. Murphy had.

Well, my time’s up. And, thanks to Danny and Julie for letting me do the show this week. I hope I’ll be invited back, again, and soon, because I’ve just gotten started on some of my favorite country songs and some of my favorite people.

*For other information, see our website and blog: www.galawyersonline.com

PerryGALawyersOnline

September 18, 2012

lwalker@whgmlaw.com

It’s been a long time ago – well over fifty years. But, this is the way I remember, and I believe my memory is largely accurate.

One was yellowish brown, one was reddish brown, and the other was black. The yellowish brown was Kate, the reddish brown was Dixie, and the black one was Molly.

Kate was Papa’s favorite mule, possibly because she was older and gentler. Dixie, despite her endearing name, is not well-remembered by me (was Dixie a male or female mule?), and Molly was stubborn and a little on the mean side.

All three of these mules were very important (I remember this very clearly). They were the equivalent to a farmer’s tractors, today.

Early in the morning, as the sun began to evaporate the dew, at least in the planting and plowing seasons, Papa was out early “hitching up the mules”. And he, even at ages of fifty plus and sixty plus years, was prepared to do his share of all-day plowing where the scenery didn’t change for ten hours or so. If he didn’t work, he and Grandma didn’t eat. And, if Grandma didn’t work, she and Papa didn’t eat. They both worked very hard.

Somedays, Papa and I would take fertilizer to the fields on a sleigh pulled by Dixie, Molly or Kate. The fertilizer was called by southern farmers (including Papa), guano (pronounced by them as gew-an-ō). Actually, it was not guano which was really seafowl or bat droppings or excrement, and was properly pronounced as “gwa-nō”. But, tell that to a farmer who had to annually go to a local bank and sign a gew-an-ō note in order to be able to buy needed fertilizer.

On other days, I would ride with Papa on his wagon to pick-up or deliver from or to his fields, take corn to the mill to be ground into cornmeal, or go to the sawmill to get slabs (the sides of trees that were removed and not fit to be lumber) to burn in the heating stove and cooking stove.

As described above, this was part of farm life in the 1940′s, 1950′s and even into the early 1960′s. At least, that’s the way it was at the intersection of Centralia Rachels and Sparta-Davisboro dirt roads in rural north Washington County.

Now, it’s 2012. Let me tell you what a man related to me last week. I think he saw this on television.

A farmer was shown sitting in his office, probably air-conditioned, looking at a computer screen and driving his tractor from that office location as he plowed his field. More. I was told that the information given was that a farmer could actually plow from this remote location three tractors at the same time.

I assume that this modern agriculturist could break ground, prepare the soil for planting and plant (three different tractors with appropriate equipment) all at the same time. Amazing!

Or, perhaps Farmer Brown could work in three different fields with three different tractors simultaneously. Amazing!

I wonder if these remote controlled tractors have cabs, air-conditioning and seats for drivers and, if so, how long before this will not be a necessary part of the machine.

And, like I wrote about a few weeks ago, what about all of the things that can be seen and reported to the farmers from outer space? Nematodes that you can’t see with the naked eye, for example. It’s mind-boggling, isn’t it?

Well, there’s been lots of changes since my grandfather was “hitching up the mules” to plow his fields. And, farmers today can get a huge amount more done with a lot less effort (but more money). I guess it’s all for the better. I guess.

Yet, if you’ve never ridden a sled to the field and through a creek (where you hand-carried the hauled goods across), you’ve really missed something. And, going to the sawmill for slabs, hauling red pimento peppers to the pimento factory, or cotton to the gin, all on the wagon, was really exciting.

Papa wouldn’t understand farming today. He’d be lost. I wonder if he could ever figure out what to do. He’d probably miss lots of the old ways. I know I would. But, there’s one thing I’ll bet he wouldn’t miss. I’ll bet he wouldn’t miss having to go to the bank to sign a guano note.

*For other information, see our website and blog: www.galawyersonline.com

PerryGALawyersOnline

August 29, 2012

lwalker@whgmlaw.com

Let me get right to it. I really don’t need an explanatory preface, you’ll understand as you read this.

Good: The great technological advances (satellites, for example) that help in weather forecasting. You know it’s coming (or, in some cases, not coming) long before it gets here. You can prepare and do something about the weather. Really, it’s amazing.

Bad: The television forecasters over-hype the potential effect of the weather. An inch of rain (which we need and have to have) has become a storm: “stay inside, do not travel unless you absolutely have to.” You get the picture – and you get it and get it and get it. It’s designed to keep you watching and buying whatever is being advertised. Frankly, it’s oft-times pretty ridiculous.

Good: Commodity prices are higher than ever, and farmers are poised to make lots of money. They deserve it. Why shouldn’t a farmer operating a 3,000 acre farm – maybe 200 cows and $1 million-plus of equipment – make as much as a president of a major college or a major league infielder batting .229?

Bad: Commodity prices are higher than ever, and livestock farmers can hardly pay the price of livestock feed. Eight dollars a bushel corn relates to very expensive cow feed. So, some farmers won’t do as well as others.

Good: Plenty of food – enough for one farmer to feed about 155 other people – an abundance of good, healthy food for most Americans. That farmer described above with 3,000 acres is probably feeding 1,000 folks, maybe more.

Bad: A national disgrace, that’s what obesity in a large portion of our population has become. There’s too much eating and too little exercise. Lots of the fattest folks do the least amount of physical work and, apparently, very little exercise.

Good: Wonderful new prescription drugs – to help cure many illnesses and to provide partial or total relief from others.

Bad: Over medication of many Americans. Too many taking too much.
Good: I wrote of technological advances above. It’s amazing as to what can be seen from outer space – example: Farmers with the right equipment can dial up a request as to what parts of their fields have nematodes infestation. You can’t see nematodes with the naked eye, but it can be seen by satellites circling the earth. Astounding!

Bad: If nematodes can be spotted by satellites, so can someone see your tag number and what you are doing most of your day. Worried about people knowing your social security number? That’s minor compared to what many already know about you.

Good: Great wrapping and storing materials – plastic, paper, cardboard, styrofoam, metal, etc. Everything can be nicely enclosed – from fast food to a television set sent from Japan.

Bad: Lots of the enclosed materials end up on our roadways. Like obesity, it’s a disgrace. “Trash throwing trash” is what it is. It can and should be stopped.

Good: Janice and I have a fine, new grandson: Knighton Oaks Walker, nine pounds, eleven ounces, son of Krissy and Russell Walker. This fine lad was born on August 16, 2012.

Bad: Nothing!

So, there you have it. It just goes to show that, like people, in most every good thing, there’s some bad, and, I guess in most bad things, there’s some good. It’s called Life.

*For other information, see our website and blog: www.galawyersonline.com

PerryGALawyersOnline

This is the first “guest writer” we’ve used.  It’s so good, I wanted to share this article with you.  And, as an added bonus for me, this is by one of my close friends, confidants and advisors, Bryant Culpepper.  Bryant practices law in Peach and Bibb Counteis, has served in the Georgia House of Representatives, and was a Superior Court Judge in the Macon Judicial Circuit for many years.  I hope you enjoy “Tell Him, Don’t Do It” as much as all the lawyers at Walker, Hulbert, Gray & Moore, LLP did.  Happy reading.

Larry Walker

TELL HIM, “DON’T DO IT”

Bryant Culpepper

James Bates Brannan and Groover

Macon, Georgia

           Recently a couple in our church stopped by the house just to drop off something from the church.  While my wife and I were talking with them in our driveway the husband told us that their younger son, James, had just taken the LSAT.  He said that he had done fairly well on the test and that he would be applying to law school soon.  Since both my wife and I are lawyers he wondered if we had any advice.

            Before either of us really thought about it, we sort of blurted out, “Tell him, don’t do it.”

            Of course, we backed off of the response and tried to assure them that if James really had it in his heart to be a lawyer that he should follow his calling and take on the challenge.  We were both embarrassed that we had reacted in such a way.

            Honestly, I’m not so sure that law school is a real good idea right now for a career choice.

            A high percentage of the lawyers I know are frustrated.  A lot of them are unhappy with their practices.  They are often stressed out.  Difficult clients, financial pressures, partnership disputes, long hours and long commutes are just some of the reasons for thinking that they would probably be happier doing something else.

            Professor Herwig Schlunk of Vanderbilt’s law school was quoted in the National Law Journal in the August 2, 2012 issue as saying, “My overall assessment today is much the same as it was in 2009: Law school is a very risky (and expensive) investment; it should not be undertaken lightly.”  He stated that based on salary and job placement data, that the environment for young lawyers today is even worse than it was in 2009, with employment rates and median salaries both falling.  He calculated that an average salary for a law graduate won’t earn enough to make his education a good investment.  Professor Schlunk says, “These numbers are bleak.”

            Jordan Furlong, a Canadian lawyer who writes extensively about the practice of law in this country and in his, recently cited the following statistics:

1                     Only 55% of law school grads found full time law jobs in 2011 according to the ABA.

2                    Employment rates for the class of 2011 were at an 18 year low.

3                    The number of applicants to law schools in this country has dropped almost 25% in the past two years.

4                    Some major law schools are shrinking their entering classes.

The law as a career isn’t what it used to be.  Law students routinely run up student loans of over $100,000.  I think I owed the bank around $1500 when I finished at Mercer in 1972. 

When I was a boy I remember telling my mother that I wanted to be a lawyer.  She told me to be a dentist.  I told her that I didn’t want to go poking around in people’s mouths.  She said doing that was better than poking around in people’s business.

            She might have been right.

            My Dad was a judge and my grandfather was a lawyer.  They practiced back in the days when a trial was much more common than it is today.  I often went by the courthouse after school was out and watched them try cases.  The courtroom was a fascinating place to be.

            My grandfather was a pretty decent trial lawyer.  He would often make impassioned and tearful arguments to the jury.  He’d almost always refer to the Bible.  He could always find a verse or two that seemed to fit the occasion.

            Justice, fairness and the rights of the accused were on trial.  Words like “negligence” and “intent” were explained.  Who caused the wreck? Was he guilty or not?  Would the jury give any damages?

            It was better than the picture show.

            Of course, against my mother’s advice, I did go to law school.  Mercer took me in and gave me an opportunity to study law.  I practiced law back home in Fort Valley, and later on was fortunate to be elected to the General Assembly and then to the Superior Court.  Twenty five years later I retired from the bench and went back into the practice.

            Mama was wrong.  The practice of law was and is good to me and my family.  She was right, however, in that I’ve seen more than I wanted to while poking around in other people’s business.

            I’ve made many friendships along the way.  I still stay in touch with so many folks that I have known from law school, the Georgia House, the bar and the courthouse.  My life has benefitted from the mentoring of wiser people; politicians, judges, lawyers, friends in law enforcement and even a few bailiffs. 

I have seen thousands of good and patient citizens come to court to offer their service on juries.  My father left a letter for me in my office when I went to work on my first day on the bench.  He said to always treat the juries with respect and appreciation as they are the ambassadors of the court in the community.  He knew that whatever their experience was, they will be sure to tell it to their friends and neighbors as soon as they got home from the courthouse.  Dad said make sure that they have reason to speak well of the way they were treated.  That was good advice. 

After forty years in this business my firm conclusion is that we have a better system of justice, in spite of its flaws, than any nation has ever had.

            Would I do it all over again?  Absolutely I would.  As far as I know, there’s no profession as rewarding as the law practice.  Lawyers will not always achieve financial success, but we do have the opportunity to work in a field that is the only part of our society that concerns itself with maintaining a stable and secure nation through law.

            When the law is practiced in a responsible manner with intelligence, compassion, competence, civility, and integrity lawyers then contribute positively to the public good.  Justice and fairness are then not just ideas but are achievable realities.

            That’s the belief of our young friend, James.  He sees the law as an opportunity to serve his fellow man.  His ideals center on the law practice as a way to make the world and society better.  He sees the law practice as a special calling and divinely inspired.  He’ll make a fine lawyer.  James has a goal of helping other people and lifting them up to a better life.  Thankfully, he’s chosen the law practice as a way to achieve his vision.

            I hope I never respond to an inquiry in such a way again.  We as members of a good and noble profession should be constantly aware that professional responsibility includes being respectful of the image of our profession at every opportunity.  If we don’t respect our calling certainly no one else will.

            Our response was a poor attempt at humor.  We will certainly encourage James in his pursuit of an ultimate membership in the bar.  We congratulate him on his selection of a life’s work and look forward to him joining us one day.

After all, we need the best and brightest of our next generation to embrace the practice of law.  Who knows the depth of the tragic results to our profession if they do as they’re told, “Don’t do it.”?  Where will the good lawyers come from?

Fort Valley, Georgia

August 14, 2012

PerryGALawyersOnline

 The president, he wrote, was “that strange compound of ignorance and ferocity, of deceit and weakness,” a “hideous hermaphroditical character which has neither the force and firmness of a man, nor the gentleness and sensibility of a woman.”

This is what James Callender, a Republican propagandist, wrote about our second President, John Adams. Actually, though, Mr. Callender was a shill for Thomas Jefferson, who was then Vice-President to Mr. Adams (Mr. Jefferson having attained this office by virtue of running second in the voting when Mr. Adams was elected President). For the few readers who may not know, the word hermaphroditical means here having the characteristics of a person having both male and female reproductive organs.

I think the above clearly shows that politics haven’t just gotten mean, recently. Still, even though politics has long been a ferocious contact sport, I do think that our ability to effectively govern ourselves has deteriorated greatly in the recent years and continues to worsen. Let me suggest a few things that have brought this about, and a few things that I think could cause improvement. You will agree with some of my thoughts and disagree with others. This is called difference of opinion or democracy.

Incidentally, this article deals primarily with our federal system. Frankly, I think that the State Government is operated rather well, and many local governments are being operated excellently.

Four Year Terms: Members of Congress (and state legislators, too) need four year terms. Congressmen can’t take a long-range view of any problem as long as they have such a short-time job. And, they stay “under the thumb” of special interests (be it the Tea Party or the lobbyist with the alligator shoes, or both). Mayors, governors, city councilmen, county commissioners, judges, etc., have four year terms. Congressmen are constantly fund-raising for that looming election. They raise money one year and run the next. When you run and accept, you promise. Give em four year terms and we will have better government.

Reduce The Money In Politics: Money talks. Most of it is given for a purpose, and that purpose is not just “good government”. Some funding is necessary, unless the taxpayers are going to fund elections. But, the money has become pervasive and too much. The courts have equated the giving of money to “free speech,” making reductions or limitations on giving and receiving a difficult thing to accomplish (ask Senator John McCain), but something needs to be done. Just wait and see how many millions President Obama will raise in his re-election efforts. It will be staggering!

Reapportionment Should Be Handled By An Independent Group: Both parties, depending upon who is in control, have acted shamefully in reapportioning. Don’t expect them to ever act otherwise. The results: you end up with “packed” snake-like districts. If you are elected in a district with 85 percent of voters in your own party, you pay scant attention to the 15 percent. But, if your district is 55-45 percent, you listen to all of your voters. If you are weary of extreme partisan politics, insist on reapportionment by people who are not affected by the outcome.

Resist The Cry For Term Limits: The bureaucrats are already running our government. Put in term limits, and it will get worse. Even now, especially in Washington, they “wait-out” reform and reformers. If we put in term limits, it will be worse. Believe me, it will get worse! And, by the way, it should be easier to get rid of top level bureaucrats – not harder.

More Transparency, Not Less: When I held elective office, I sometimes resented the move for more openness in government. I had a view that was more “Larry” than “citizen”. Sometimes, it is difficult to get the job done in the sunshine. But, making it more difficult to operate is not nearly as bad as operating in self-interest and not the citizen’s interest. Sunshine kills mold and mildew.

Reduce and Cut Back: The government shouldn’t live higher than the citizens (voters) it represents. Congress shouldn’t pass any law that they, themselves, are not willing to follow – health care comes to mind. If you cut out twenty-five percent of the government vehicles and computers (a huge number), reckon how much it would negatively affect our lifestyles? And, the federal government ought to have to balance its budget, just like all other state and local governments and all other citizens in our country have to do!

Simplify: No acronyms – none! Additionally, call things what they are – jails are jails (and not detention centers), and convicts are convicts (and not inmates), and the County Agent is not an Extension Director, etc., etc. Let’s get back to the essentials and the basics. I don’t think it will ever happen, do you? I really wish it would.

So, there you have my ruminations. How much of this will come to pass? In my view, not very much – at least in my lifetime.

PerryGALawyersOnline

August 21, 2012

lwalker@whgmlaw.com

          I like baseball, pretty good.  How well I like it depends on what kind’ve emphasis I put on the “pretty good”.  And, I like high school basketball, girls and boys, especially when I have a grandchild playing.  I also like college basketball, but not the pros.  But, most of all, I like football – college and high school.  Especially do I like high school when I have a grandson playing, like I do this year in Wade Walker.  But, what I write about today, is college football from the UGA, Georgia, The Dawgs point of view.

Let me approach UGA football a little differently.  Rather than writing about which teams(s) I want Georgia to beat, let me tell you about the teams to which I would least like to lose.  I’ll write about five, and give ‘em to you in reverse order.  Here goes.

Number Five, Tennessee: There hasn’t been anything too special about the Georgia-Tennessee match-up over the past several years.  Georgia has pretty much handled the Vols, and when they didn’t, it didn’t matter much anyway – we weren’t beating lots of teams that we needed to beat to be significantly among the elites.  But, with young Derek Dooley as the head man, it’s a little more interesting.  Just let the ‘coon dogs’ beat the bulldogs one or two years, and my list of “least likes” would be changed to give them a lower number – say about a three.

Number Four, Georgia Tech: Frankly, I never thought the Jackets would be less than one or two on my list.  What’s happened? First, we’ve beaten ‘em nine out of the last ten years.  That’s almost made up for the psychological scarring I had when I was just getting interested in football, and Tech beat Georgia seven years in a row.  If you would, our recent victories have taken some of the sting out of the rivalry.  But, more significantly, I like the folks at Georgia Tech – President Bud Peterson and his staff.  I’ve had an opportunity to work with them, and they’ve been very nice to me.  I even wore my Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets tie to the last Board of Regent’s meeting.  And, lately, I’ve even voted for lots of Republicans.  My, my, what am I coming to?

Number Three, Auburn: This is a loud, obnoxious, mouthy, loyal bunch.  In other words, just like the Georgia fans!  We’ve been playing each other since Oglethorpe landed at Savannah, and there’s about one game difference in number of wins.  We got ‘em last year, but the year before, or was it three years ago, they were the – well, they did good.  Auburn is not at the top (or bottom) of my list, but they could move up – and, they will if they luck up and beat us this year (and re-start that loud, obnoxious bragging).

Number Two, South Carolina: I can’t believe I just wrote that.  South Carolina, the team we owned for years?  South Carolina used to be for us what Kansas City was to the New York Yankees – kind of a farm club for the Dawgs.  No more.  They’ve been working on us, and I’m tired of those loud, obnoxious fans like Bo, Alan, Brian, Alex, and even the Judge (not really, ‘the Judge’ is always nice).  But, taken as a whole, the Gamecocks are worse than the Tigers (Auburn, not Clemson), and that says a great deal.  Throw the “Old Ball Coach” and his loud mouth into the mix, and I wonder why I didn’t put South Carolina as number one.  If they beat us this year, they might just go there – not really, there is still one club that has a special place, and that is -

Number One, Florida: The first year I went, with Bobby Sherrell, was 1962.  We lost, but I was hooked.  For the next thirty years, or so, I made the south trek to Jacksonville about 25 times, or so.  And, we must’ve won about 20 of those wonderful games.  I saw Washington to Appleby (the Dawgs won), Run Lindsay Run (the Dawgs won), Ray Goff score five touchdowns in one game (the Dawgs won), and Herschel score what seemed to be fifty touchdowns in three years (the Dawgs won and won and won).  It was great.  Then the Dawgs started losing, and we quit going, and it was awful.  Not our not going, but the losing. I didn’t and don’t like it.  We beat ‘em last year, and I want to do it again this year!  I’d rather beat the ‘water reptiles’ than anyone on our schedule.  Let’s do it again, Dawgs, in 2012!

So, there you have it.  And, yes, I’m ready for some football!

*For other information, see our website and blog: www.galawyersonline.com

PerryGALawyersOnline

August 13, 2012

lwalker@whgmlaw.com

I’m no psychiatrist (at least not a professional), but I do think I’m a pretty accurate ‘studier’ of people.  You don’t practice law for 47 years and stay in elective office for 32 without knowing things about what makes people ‘tick’.  Thus, may I share a few thoughts with you relative to my subject at hand?

I believe that children (say from the time that they have a limited idea of their surroundings and what’s happening until they are early teens), think mostly about the present.  I think youngsters from early teens to, say, just beyond middle age (is that now about 50?), think mostly about the present and future.  And, I think that older folks (that’s me!) think about the present and lots about the past.  In fact, they may even think more about the past than the present or future.

Please accept my non-professional premise, and with that acceptance, let me share with you, just as they come to my mind, a few of the things I profoundly remember.

* Papa had a cow barn about a quarter of a mile down the road from his house.  It was dark, late in the afternoon, when he’d go down to milk.  He would milk one or two cows.  I would go with him to watch the show.  In my mind, he is on his little stool, milking.  I’m close by watching.  He says to me: “Open your mouth.”  I do.  He directs the udder towards my opened mouth and directs the stream of warm, non-pasturized, non-homogenized milk into and around the opened mouth.  I remember, and you do, too, if you ever had a similar experience.  Some of you have.

* Connell Stafford and I are in Rio de Janeiro.  We agree to make a trip to see Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer) located at the peak of Corcovado Mountain.  Christ the Redeemer is 130 feet tall and 98 feet wide.  I’m surprised at the size of this symbol of Brazilian Christianity.  It’s so big that often Christ’s face and head are in the clouds, even as the body and base are clearly visible.  That happens even as we are there.  It’s amazing, and the impact it has on us is profound.  How did they ever get the statue constructed?  Actually, it is made of reinforced concrete and soapstone and was constructed between 1922 and 1931.  What impact has the Christ figure had on so many and for so many years?  It affected Connell and me.  I will never forget it.  I’ll bet Connell feels the same.

* I’m in Berlin, formerly East Berlin, and am driven at least twice under the Brandenburg Gate.  In my mind, I see images of Nazi troops goose-stepping under the gate – some of my memories of the marching troops came from news film seen at the Muse Theater, or was it the Perry Theater, in downtown Perry?  I was probably ten or twelve years old.  Back then, did I ever dream I would go under the gate?  No.  The gate and the troops will forever be part of my memories.

* I take her to the bus station in Macon to catch the Greyhound to Montgomery for a visit with her grandparents.  I was seventeen and she was probably sixteen.  I surprise her with a stuffed rabbit and give it to her.  It must’ve worked, because fifty-three years after I took her to the terminal, Janice and I are still together.  I’ll bet she thought I’d forgotten that little good luck rabbit.  I haven’t.

* It’s hot, really hot.  The bugs fly in your mouth, if you open it.  It’s the opening game of the 1959 football season, and it’s Perry versus Hawkinsville on the river, over in Hawkinsville.  There are less than two minutes to play in the game.  Perry is on its own six yard line, and it’s third and six.  I hand the ball to Staples, and the big back streaks 94 yards for a touchdown.  Seven to six Hawkinsville becomes thirteen to seven Perry.  Hawkinsville goes on to win State in its division.  But, Perry beats Hawkinsville in ‘59.  They can’t take that away from us.  I haven’t forgotten and never will.  I’ll bet some of the living Hawkinsville Red Devils remember, too!

* Papa and helpers dig a well, by hand, in rural Washington County.  Washington County is a county with much Kaolin.  I go with him and watch.  I’m about twelve years old.  Two things happen that I will never forget.  Papa lets me go down into the well in a bucket (and, of course, back up).  That was something.  But, what happened next affected me even more.  I see some of the tenant farmers and their children eating the chalky dirt from the dug hole!  I was amazed.  Then, I decide I’ll try it.  I don’t like it and spit it out.  It was quite a day: down into a well in a bucket, and folks eating dirt.  You can believe that I will never forget that day.

* I met him three times:  at the Governor’s Office, State Capitol, Atlanta (he gave me a little religious card (Muslim?) and signed it in my presence); once outside a large hotel in New York City (Janice, Jerry and Faye Wilson and Jerry and Carol Horton were there too, and he allowed us to have our picture taken with him); and once in the basement of the old Atlanta Downtown Marriott, where he did some exhibition sparring prior to a heavyweight boxing match (not involving himself).  I’ll never forget Muhammad Ali and meeting him three times.  You wouldn’t forget, either, if you ever met him.  By the way, I’d wager that at one time he was the most recognizable person in the world.

* Janice and I, along with others, were in Alice’s Restaurant, Malibu Beach, California.  It was probably 1969.  Seated at the next table, about five feet away, were Steve McQueen and Ali McGraw.  She was stunningly beautiful.  He looked worn and rough.  Two superstars for the ages.  I’ll never forget that moment, though it is already over forty years ago.

* It was June, 1963.  My little Corvair (turquoise and white) was loaded with boys and luggage, with some luggage lashed to the top and with a sign on the side that read: “Texas or Bust”.  And, to Texas we went, working in a hot, scary steel mill, Texas Steel Company, in the summer of ‘63.  We left Perry as boys and returned to Perry as men – and a band of brothers.  I’ll never forget Jerry Wilson, Jerry Horton, Bobby Jones, and that summer of 1963.

It’s all true, as much as sometimes six decades of remembering and telling can let it be true.  And, there is so much more that, like the words from the old hymn, are memories that “flood my soul”.  But, my space is used up, so this will be it for this week, and until it rises up and out and is told or written, again.

*For other information, see our website and blog: www.galawyersonline.com

PerryGALawyersOnline

May 7, 2012

lwalker@whgmlaw.com

Unexpected wonders happen.

A few days ago, Janice excitedly telephoned me exclaiming that she had just seen a solid black squirrel in our yard. She reported that the squirrel “was totally black with a very shiny, silky coat.” We have seen him/her twice since then, and with him/her in the presence of two companions – both of whom are the usual squirrel gray. I know that the black squirrel and the larger gray are fox squirrels. I don’t know about the smaller gray. Since I’ve never seen cat squirrels and fox squirrels ‘traveling together’, I’m inclined to think that smaller gray is simply a young fox squirrel.

I’d never seen a solid black squirrel in the wild until I saw “ours”. However, once when I was in Florida, fishing – Steinhatchee, perhaps – I saw in a bait and tackle store two mounted squirrels. One was solid white and one was solid black. I hope that “ours” won’t be a candidate for mounting anytime soon. We really like observing this wonder of nature.

A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about my fishing trip with my friend, Bill Kuhlke, to the Savannah River. Frankly, the article was intended to be somewhat funny and, fortunately, based on the considerable response, it was taken that way. But, in a more serious way, I want to elaborate on the gar that I caught.

Just as I wrote before, Bill Kuhlke and I were fishing together and having a great time, but weren’t catching many fish. So, when I caught a small bream, I told Bill I was going to hook it on my bass-rig and “catch a gar or jack fish”. I proceeded, accordingly, with no immediate luck. Bill decided to move us to another location, and I kept the bream in the water by the boat as we moved. Then it happened.

As we slowly moved, I noticed a rather large gar following my bream. “Bill, stop the boat and let me try to catch the gar.” He did, and I ‘threw’ the bream in front of the gar. That’s when the fun began.

Instantly, the gar grabbed the bait, and after a second or two, I tried to set the hook. My rod bent and the fight began, but in another second or two, the gar was off. I decided to try again and threw my bait to where I thought the gar might be. Another fight ensued of slightly longer duration, but with the same no-catch results. So, I decided to try a third time with “Mr. Gar” once again taking the bait. Wow, three times at one big fish. This time, I waited longer – and longer. At last, I set the hook and with Bill’s help was able to get the fish into the boat. I’m sure I’ve never had the same fish three times before I made the catch.

A few weeks ago, Janice and I were guests, along with two other couples, of Philip and Mary Hart Wilheit at their beautiful, wonderful place in Banks County, Georgia. The second day we were there, Philip took Dink NeSmith and me on a tour of their mountain property in his four-wheeler. Actually, there were two other “tourers” – the Wilheit’s two red Boykin Spaniels.

The five of us were riding through a grain field (about three feet high), and Philip had just gotten through saying, “I hope we don’t run over a turkey nest, they’re nesting you know,” when there was a giant explosion to the left (within a foot or two) of the vehicle as a large female turkey took flight. We stopped and realized that we had missed the nest by less than six inches. All of the dozen or so eggs were still in tact. Hopefully, mother turkey soon returned, and all is well.

Next, Philip wanted to show us an old grave site deep in the wooded mountains and with markers back to Revolutionary War days. All of a sudden, the two dogs were gone, just as Dink and I spotted a small Black Bear making a rapid retreat and with the Wilheit dogs in fast pursuit. With not too much difficulty, Philip retrieved his dogs, and the five of us make a rapid retreat.

We have a “put-out” dog that came off Lake Clopine Road that we named Cloie. Cloie is shrewd – a survivor if you will. She fishes several hours, every day, in the little pond behind our house, and catches and eats about one fish a week. How many humans would fish twenty hours a week to catch one fish?

When we were building our house, the foundation was just being poured, and Janice and I were looking at the house-site from our barn just as a rain storm stopped. Wonder of wonders, there was a double rainbow (one rainbow over the other) which appeared to be directly over the house. We have a photograph to memorialize this phenomenon of nature.

Squirrels, including a solid black one, fish, including a three-times caught gar, a flushed turkey and a black bear, all within the last few days. And, a fishing dog and a double rainbow. Unexpected wonders happen, and I’ve just mentioned a few. I’ve seen some recently, and all within the past few years. I’m glad to be alive.

*For other information, see our website and blog: www.galawyersonline.com

PerryGALawyersOnline

July 30, 2012

lwalker@whgmlaw.com 

          It was about 6:00 on a Thursday afternoon when I saw it.  Printed on the bottom left of the August issue of Southern Living were the words, “Janice Walker, 2699 Marshallville Road, Perry, Georgia”.  It was Janice’s magazine, but I saw it, picked it up, sat down and immediately turned, as I always do, to Rick Bragg’s “southern journal” on the last page (this time it was 136) to read his column, “The Porch, the soul of a house lies just up the front steps”.  It made me ashamed.  It makes me ashamed to be writing even this.  It made me realize just how good Bragg is and how wide is the gap between what he does and what I try to do. It is wider than the porch Bragg describes.

Speaking of being ashamed, Daddy used to say to me, “Larry, you ought to be ashamed to yourself.”  Sometimes it was serious, and sometimes it was like when I might mimic one of my teachers.  He didn’t exactly approve, but he actually thought it was funny or clever.  As you read, I’ll let you decide.

It was my grandson, Gray Way, that I thought about when I was reading Bragg.  Why, I don’t know.  He scored sixty-nine ‘3 pointers’ this past season.  It was a Westfield School single season record.  And, I used to think that I was a pretty good basketball player.  I ought to be ashamed of myself.  Gray averaged about sixteen points a game.  One night, he got twenty-seven.  I told his coach, Jake Walls:  “I got twenty-seven points when I played at Perry High School – in a season!”

Back to Bragg and not to brag, but Grandma and Papa had a special front porch on their modest wood frame farm house on those dusty dirt roads, Sparta-Davisboro and Centralia Rachels, where they came together, in rural (really rural!) Washington County.  I’d like to tell you about it – the porch, under the porch, the talk, the love, etc.  But, after reading Bragg, I’d be ashamed of myself if I tried.  I will say this:  Do yourself a favor, if you are interested in porches and sanity and the southern way of things, and read Bragg’s remembrance of what lay “just up the front steps”.

I was raised to be considerate of others, to love and support your family, to help the less fortunate, to support the church and to generally try to do what the Bible teaches and encourages.  I sometimes think I do pretty good until I’m around my friend, Dink NeSmith, and my mother, sister, two brothers and wife.  Then, I realize that I’m not even in their class, and that I ought to be ashamed of myself.  I am.

I served in the Georgia House for a long time.  I held official positions in the House.  I was on the Georgia Department of Transportation Board.  I’m on the Board of Regents.  It’s been talked and written about.  I’ve talked and written about all of this.  How important was it, and does it compare to helping others, being with your family, immediate and extended, and trying to live the Golden Rule?  We know the answer, don’t we?  Like Daddy said, “You ought to be ashamed of yourself.”

Back to Bragg and his article on his paternal grandparents’ porch, third paragraph:

I remember that it was wide and deep, as high off the ground as a man is tall.  The planks, once painted, were worn down to a bare, ancient gray by rain and sun, and by a few billion brogans, black wingtips, and scandalous high-heeled shoes.  But it was built to stand until the Rapture, and maybe a little while beyond.

           And, so it is.  Life is like a good, wide and deep porch built to last until the Rapture.  If you want to be on it when the Rapture comes, you’d best try to do the things you know are the things to do, otherwise, as Daddy would say, “You ought to be ashamed of yourself”.  And you will be, and you are.

On A Sad Note:  This is what I read in this week’s issue of The Week.  It’s sad to me, because this is where I learned to love a weekly newspaper.  I’m sure many of you can relate.

Weekly Reader, a staple of American classrooms for generations, will soon disappear.  Scholastic, which bought the 110-year-old school newspaper in February, is ending its run.  Read by two thirds of U.S. grade-school students at its peak, Weekly Reader now has fewer than 1 million subscribers. 

New York Post

           We ought to be ashamed of ourselves for letting this good, little magazine go the way of Look and Life.

*For other information, see our website and blog: www.galawyersonline.com

PerryGALawyersOnline

July 23, 2012

lwalker@whgmlaw.com

          Here are a few observations and views about what’s going on in our country:

Narcissistic Americans?  Two Sundays ago, Reverend Jim Hamlin preached a great sermon on what’s going on in America, likening our country to a boat drifting down a river towards a fall and “to the point of no return”.  Prior to the sermon, we sang that beautiful hymn, America The Beautiful.  The words were written in 1904 by Katherine Lee Bates, and I was struck, as never before, by those in the second verse:  “. . . for heroes proved in liberating strife, who more than self their country loved . . .”  I believe that these words capture much of what is causing us to drift towards disaster.  It seems to me that so many love themselves more than anything, including their country:  parents who love pleasure more than their children; the wealthy who love money more than integrity; office holders who love re-election more than workable solutions; celebrities who love their attention more than anything; etc. etc.  Perhaps failure of increasing numbers to live the words, “who more than self their country loved”, is emblematic of the root cause of our drifting ever rapidly to being a second rate country:  a national narcissism crisis if you will.

Made in China:  I heard the national politicians demagoguing the fact that our Olympic uniforms were made in China. Yes, I’m mad about it, too.  But, I’m not mad at the people who sold the uniforms or the Chinese.  I’m mad at those in positions to have prevented this, and instead put policies in place that have us in a position that we can’t buy much of anything that’s made in America.  Remember something called NAFTA?  Two Presidents, one a Republican and one a Democrat, were involved in this.  And, we can’t even balance our budget.  I wish I had been at the press conference.  I’d ask the ‘leaders’ to show the tag in their suits (men’s and women’s), as to where their ‘congressional uniforms’ were made.  I’ll confess, I’ve bought suits, recently, from Jos. A. Banks.  They were made in Mexico, Bangladesh and Haiti.  I just went to my closet and looked!  Is there anywhere in Middle Georgia that you can buy an American made suit ‘off the rack’ or an American made uniform of any kind?  With the ‘Walmarting’ of America, this is the way it is, and is what you get!  And, the Chinese, Mexicans, Walmarts, etc. aren’t going to let ‘buy American suits’ happen.

Penn State and Joe Paterno:  At last, the NCAA has shown real backbone!  I’m in full agreement with the severe penalties.  Whether the sanctions are tough enough, given the sordid details of what happened, I don’t know.  But, at least it’s not a ‘slap on the wrist’.  Ladies and gentlemen, scholarshipped college football is out of control – everywhere.  In fact, most, if not all institutions in this country where there’s lots of money (lots of money!) involved are out of control.  It’s like a religious cult!  I like college football.  It’s my favorite sport (unless I have a grandchild at the high school level).  Still the ‘college game’ needs to return to being a game and not a business.  I’d like to see a return to getting the players out of the student body rather than the recruiting and the scholarships (isn’t that what they do in the Ivy League and what they’re going to do at Mercer?).  But, a real ‘student team’ is about as likely as my ever again being able to buy an American made suit in downtown Perry.  It’s not going to happen.  For one thing, the National Football League won’t let it happen.

Predictions:  George Nunn wins big:  seventy-five percent or more!  That was an easy one.  Houston County defeats the T-Splost.  That’s pretty easy.  But what about the T-Splost in the region?  My shaky prediction:  It loses in a close vote.  Macon consolidation:  It goes down in a close vote.  If it loses, it will be a big psychological blow to Macon.  I’m a consolidation advocate. Especially do I think we could consolidate more government services.  I’m not sure Houston County is a good county for consolidation of governments (given three cities and the county of disparite populations).  Couple this with all four governments (Perry, Warner Robins, Centerville and the County) being run very well, and you’ll not see government consolidation here in my lifetime.  Perhaps some more government services consolidations.

Well, these are my views for this week.  It’s all pretty negative.  I’m going to try to be a little more optimistic, funny or happy next week.

*For other information, see our website and blog: www.galawyersonline.com

PerryGALawyersOnline

October 18, 2004

He had a white streak through his brown hair, so he was called “Pinto.” He wasn’t big and strong and he wasn’t clever and quick and he wasn’t socially prominent. Whether or not he liked his nickname, I do not know, but I doubt that he did. It made no difference. “Pinto.”

She was fairly attractive and smart, but different. And she had very curly hair – very curly. It was hair that would be stylish at times, but not in the late 1950′s. Someone came up with the name “Deadhead”. And so it was. Clever, caustic and cruel. Tough, she had to live with it.

Obviously, it was some kind of a birth defect. His hips protruded out in the back and his feet pointed outwards at about 45 degree angles – what I have heard called “slew-footed”. No nickname, but several of the boys could and would imitate his walk. People will burn in hell for less.

Last Saturday morning, I attended a seminar given by Dr. Stephen C. Copps having to do with developmental disabilities. He was excellent. But, what impressed me the most was nothing directly on the subject matter, but a statement he made in the form of a question – almost an aside. It went something like this: “When are we going to start accepting people for what they are?” Indeed, when are we? He didn’t mean accepting badness and rudeness and meanness. What he meant, and so do I, is things about which people or the person can do nothing. Like the blind and the lame and the leper and the handicapped and the disabled people that Jesus befriended.

Mr. President and Mr. Kerry, do you think homosexuals are born as such or do they choose this lifestyle? Indeed, which is it? If it is a choice, when did you make yours? And does it make a difference as to how that individual should be treated? Careful as to what you say and think ‘lest you condemn someone – a friend or family member – about whom you care deeply. I am not writing about legalizing same sex marriages. I am opposed to this. What I am talking about is treating people with dignity and respect – people that are different from you and me.

Whites hating blacks. Blacks despising Hispanics. Protestants condemning Jews to eternal damnation. Republicans calling Democrats Non-Christian. Democrats calling Republicans bigots. Talk show hosts denigrating almost everyone. Hating the group. Hating the individuals. Plenty of hate to go around.

I am not a preacher. Not good enough or smart enough. But, I do attend church regularly. And every Sunday that I go, I hear Sunday School teachers and ministers reading passages that quote people from the Middle East. You know, the Bible. Darker skinned people from the cradles of civilization. And, then on Monday and the rest of the week, I hear the descendants of this same people being castigated as almost sub-humans. It doesn’t make sense to me. Weren’t these Jesus’ people? Am I missing something? Am I talking about the terrorist? Absolutely not. They should be hunted down and eliminated. And, I am not talking about bad, sorry, mean people be they Blacks or Jews or Mexicans or Japanese or otherwise. What I am talking about is condemning groups and cultures of people simply because they are “not like us.”

He wanted to be liked. He wanted to be a part of the “in-group”. But, there was something about him. He just didn’t fit. So we wouldn’t let him in. I did nothing to help him. In fact, I was part of the kidding and the ridicule. I knew better. I had been taught better. But, I didn’t do better. I should be ashamed. I am ashamed. I wish I could do it over. I believe I would stand with him and against the crowd. Had I done so, he would have been included, and his life would have been better – and, so would mine.

Yes, Dr. Copps, when are we going to start accepting people for what they are? From what I see and hear, regretfully, not anytime soon.

PerryGALawyersOnline

December 5, 2011

During my later years in the Georgia House of Representatives, say for at least the last ten years, or so, I was called up, annually, to meet before the beginning of a session and talk with the “new crop” of interns that were coming from various colleges and universities to assist during the upcoming legislative session.

These young people were generally very bright, motivated college students who would work with various legislative committees and other legislative institutions (our Majority Leader’s office had an intern each session, as did the Minority Leader’s office, etc.) assisting as called upon to do so.

 Mostly, these young people were from Georgia schools (and all of them would have been if Speaker Tom Murphy could have had his way!), and were interested in politics, government and Georgia history. It was my job during this get acquainted meeting to tell them what to expect and the “dos and don’t’s” of being an intern. I enjoyed doing this little job and getting to know early on these outstanding young people.

 One of the things I liked to do as I got to know certain interns better during a session was to give them certain written tests to determine what they actually knew about Georgia. Then, usually, as they furnished answers or “lack of correct answers”, I would chide them about their woefully inadequate knowledge of our state closing with speculation as to “how you ever got to be an intern”. It was all in good fun. They seemed to love these tests, and I also enjoyed it very much.

 Typical of the questions I would ask were:

 1. Where is the geographical center of Georgia?

2. Geographically, what is the largest county in Georgia, and what is the smallest?

3. Who are the three people from Georgia who signed the Declaration of Independence?

4. What is a singletree? (Hardly any of them ever answered this one).

5. What is a “case quarter”? (Just a few ever got this one).

6. How many Georgia counties have ‘double’ names, and what are they?

7. How many Georgia counties are not named after a person, and what are they?

8. If you went into a country store in the south, prior to 1950, and asked for “a dope”, what would you get?

 I think you get the picture. Well, one of the questions I always asked was “what are the words on the great seal of the State of Georgia”? Most, would return their written response citing the words: “Wisdom, Justice and Moderation”, to which I would mark a big “X” citing the fourth word on the seal which I would say was “Constitution”. Well, as to the question, I have recently discovered that I was just as wrong as were my students.

 A few months ago, as a member of what we call The Lunch Bunch, I had the privilege of being with Georgia’s Commissioner of Agriculture, Gary Black (who, incidentally, impresses me very much), when he pointed out to us that the Great Seal of the State of Georgia actually has two sides, and that the first side mentioned in the Official Code of Georgia (Section 50-3-30) deals with Agriculture and Commerce. I didn’t even know the seal had two sides! Did you?

 Let me give you Section 50-3-30(b) verbatim:

 (b) The device on one side is a view of the seashore, with a ship bearing the flag of the United States riding at anchor near a wharf, receiving on board hogsheads of tobacco and bales of cotton, emblematic of the exports of this state; at a small distance a boat, landing from the interior of the state, with hogsheads, etc., on board, representing the state’s internal traffic; in the back part of the same side a man in the act of plowing; and at a small distance a flock of sheep in different postures, shaded by a flourishing tree. The motto inscribed thereon is “Agriculture and Commerce, 1776.”

 Well, there you have it. And, by the way, I learned a lot by reading the code section. For example, the portion of the section dealing with “Wisdom, Justice and Moderation” states at the end the following: ” . . . and the motto is ‘State of Georgia, 1776′.” What does this mean? Is this the motto for the State, or is this the motto on this side of the seal? I always thought that the State motto was “Wisdom, Justice and Moderation”.

 But back to the bright, young interns now gone on to make their significant marks in society. Let me apologize and now say to you: “I knew that you were going to do well, even though none of you knew what a singletree was” 

PerryGALawyersOnline

Before the Today Show came on at 7:00 this past Monday morning, I was starting, in anticipation of a full read, Willie Morris’ Terrains of the Heart and Other Essays on Home,when the words in his Foreword so intrigued me that I wanted to share them with you.

Even with this strenuous culling of all the available pieces, the reader will find inevitable repetitions here, quite a few of them. I neither defend these nor apologize for them. They are there because the writer is who he is. Certain of my fellow beings, I find, appear time and again in these pages: my grandmother Mamie, my son David, my friends Gloria and James Jones, Rose and William Styron, and Dean and Larry Wells, William Faulkner, of course – not to mention all my dogs, particularly “Pete” – and, of course, myself. No sooner might the perceptive reader forgive these reappearances of figures who have helped bind my life together than he will note the frequency of death and graveyards. This, too, could not be avoided, for death and home go together, at least for me.

They are here because the writer is who he is. I, too, in reviewing and re-reading find repetitions of family, friends, and dogs or as Morris writes: the frequency of deaths and graveyards.

So I start my repetitions, today, with ‘deaths and graveyards’, it being a subject that has infused my efforts since I started writing in 1999, or perhaps sooner, and which will be there as long as I write and as I hear the words in our community of diagnosis, “he is not doing well” or prediction, “she is not going to make it” (as if any of us are).

 I’ve gone back and re-read, and I see their names: Clyde Walker, Hubert Hawkins, Glea Gray, Denmark Groover, Jr., Bobby Branch, Herman Talmadge, Eric Staples, Doctors Gallemore, Hendricks and Weems, Tom Murphy, George ‘Big Hoss’ Johnson, Jerry ‘Do-Tricks’ Horton, Jerry Wilson, Joe Hodges, Celestine Sibley, Ed Thompson, Henry Reaves, Shorty Foster, Herb St. John, and so many others. The funerals keep coming, Amazing Grace reverberates mostly from pianos, which I prefer, but sometimes from organs, even an occasional pipe organ, and I think, “they are leaving and soon all of my people will all be gone”.

 How many times have I written of Daddy and his parents and my grandparents, which I claim as fiercely as Daddy did: Papa, a mule plowing dirt farmer, and Grandma, as kind a soul as ever walked the dirt rows and dirt roads of Washington County? And my Gray Grandparents, Grandbuddy and Granny, in their relative sophistication, he having lived in Virginia and both of them in Indiana, California and Arizona before coming, together, to Perry to put their roots down, have a family and form friendships, and to ultimately bind me to others on whose shoulders I stood and stand.

 There are friends, some being slightly more than casual acquaintances and others of so many years and so many commonalities that they, like family, are part of what I do, say and am. I have more friends today, and yet I have less. I am enriched by those who remain and am diminished by those gone on – even as Amazing Grace reverberated in the churches and in my soul.

 How do you go from family and friends to dogs? It’s easy when you realize that dogs are family and are often best friends. With me, it was first Blackie, the kind, gentle Chow with the half-black, half-red tongue. Blackie, the dog that followed me through the woods, across the fields and into the creeks. And, now, it’s Hershey – the sweetest, kindest dog in America. Hershey, the half-Lab, (black?), and half-Golden Retriever, (red?), that watches my every move and wants to go where I go. A dog with a red and black tongue and a dog with red and black parents. Will these be my bookend dogs? At least one, Blackie, will fill this dog bookend role.

 About two years ago, I was in an antique shop in Walterboro, South Carolina trying to talk to the owner (who did not know about the things that bind life together – or, at least it appeared he did not know). I asked a question: “Where are you from?” He replied, “The only people who ever ask me that question are from the South.” I responded, “You know why? We are trying to establish some commonality with you.” Oh, he said, “I’d never thought about it like that before.” Indeed, it was apparent he had not.

 It’s harder, today, to find that commonality, but, when you do find it, it’s still good, very good. Willie Morris said it this way: “Like the cotton candy at the county fairs of one’s youth, it was all so wonderfully sweet, yet dissolved so swiftly.” Not with me. It takes family, friends, dogs and even death and graveyards, but thank God, I know what binds my life together, and I still enjoy the sweetness.

PerryGALawyersOnline

June 25, 2007

When I was recently in Argentina and Uruguay, I got the impression that the people in those countries didn’t dislike Americans, they just didn’t like our government. It made me feel pretty good, because, heck, we don’t like our government, ourselves! What’s our President’s approval rating? In the 30% range? And, Congress is even less. Enough Americans disliked the government at one point that there was a civil war. It’s not bad enough now that we are about to fight among ourselves.

On a more positive United States note, we will celebrate our country’s independence birthday next Wednesday – which got me to thinking about the many of my past. Funny what sticks in your memory (and you cannot help what you remember, most fondly). Let me share July 4 memories with you.

The July 4 I most remember was July 4, 1963. I was in Fort Worth Texas during the summer of 1963 where Jerry Horton (“Do-Tricks”), Bobby Jones, Jerry Wilson and I worked at Texas Steel Company. And, work we did! Other than Sundays, this July 4 was the only day we had off the whole summer.

We lived in a really hot garage apartment and spent our holiday there. The day was spent with people I loved and love. When we left Perry together in June of ‘63, we were four good friends. When we returned in late August of ‘63, we were a band of brothers. July 4, 1963 helped solidify our relationship, and the memory of that day is strong in my mind.

As an elected official (politician), I attended many Independence Day programs and spoke at many of them. The one I remember most was probably about 25 years ago when I was invited by Bobby Lee Cook (outstanding trial lawyer and supposedly the inspiration for the television show “Matlock”) to speak at Summerville above Rome, Georgia. What do I remember? That it was so cold we warmed our hands at the barbeque coals and the total lack of interest in my speech by the outdoor festival crowd. If 500 were there, possibly ten were listening! And then I took a plane ride to Sandersville, where I landed at their little airport next to the Kaolin plants.

Then there has always been in my life the Walker Family Reunions – always the first Sunday in July. At least “always” to me. It’s the John Walker Family. John Walker was my great-grandfather, whom I never knew. And, the reunion, which takes place without any formal notice, has been for many years on red clay Walker Road at Uncle Carlie and Aunt Mary Lizzie’s house in Washington County, Georgia. This has been the location of the reunion for over 60 years. Around 200 Walkers come every year like the swallows returning to Capistrano.

There are so many Walkers who have passed on, and so many new ones who have come on. The good food and the touching of my roots takes place every year. And, seeing my children and their children looking into the face of their past – as best as man can see his past. And my being there on Walker Road 62 out of 65 years. That’s why July 4 in a big part means to me the Walker Family Reunion.

Yes, it’s country – parades and festivals and remembering our heroes. And it’s friends like Bobby and “Do-Tricks” and Jerry. And it’s not liking our government and changing it. And liking it and not changing it. But, mostly it’s family and a wonderful country in which we can raise and love them. Even if we often don’t like our government, most of us do love our country. And that’s what July 4 and Independence Day means to me.

PerryGALawyersOnline

What’s the old saw? If a dog bites a man, it’s not a story; but, if a man bites a dog, then it’s a big story.  Well, this is a true story, told in exact and accurate detail, about a fish catching a man.  And, it didn’t happen in the ocean or a great body of water like the Amazon River.  It happened right here in Houston County.  I know the story is true and vouch for its veracity.  Yes, I wrote the account, and would not change a word based on truthfulness.  I know the man to whom this happened, and I know that his detailed account is exactly how it was.

It was a Friday afternoon, late.  Hot, but cloudy.  The man, the fisherman, was after bass.  Hopefully, big bass, but as all fishermen know, you never know.  You can be doing well as in getting bites or strikes and catching fish and the wind can change, “get-up” out of the east or the barometric pressure can rise or fall or do whatever it does, and it’s over.  No more bites.  No more fish.  Nobody understands it.  Maybe the fish understand it, but humans do not.  It’s just that way.  That’s why you call it “fishing” and not “catching”.  If it was just “catching,” you could go down to Kroger and save yourself lots of time and probably lots of money.

But, back to this tale of fish catching man.  The fisherman wants to become a catcherman and dreams of a big bass – perhaps six to eight pounds or more.  And, he’s prepared.  He has a good rod and reel, a wicked little lure with two deadly treble hooks (one in the front, underneath, and one at the rear, underneath), needle-nosed pliers, and everything else that a reasonably supplied amateur catcherman needs.  In other words, and to cut down on verbiage, “he’s ready”.

The water is calm.  Little wind.  What breeze there is comes from the west.  That’s good: “out of the west, the fish bit the best”.  First cast is next to some weeds out from the bank about 25 feet.  There’s a strike on the first cast.  The fish, apparently a bass, is on.  Not too big – maybe two pounds – and it’s off.  Too bad, but encouraging.

And, then it happens.  The water starts rolling with fish.  Almost boiling.  The catcherman has never seen anything like it.  Must be huge bass, he thinks.  He casts.  Accurate to the water wave.  Nothing. Another roll. Another accurate cast.  Nothing.  Again and again and finally a hit, but neither the fish or the fisherman sets the hook.  And, then, again, but he can’t make the catch.  They seem to be hitting but not taking.  And, again, and the fish is on.  It’s a nice one, very nice.  What, five or six pounds?  The fish runs hard and deep.  No jumping out of the water, no rolling the water.  Hard and deep, but ever closer to the bank.  Then, it’s out of the water and on the land.  Yep, it’s four or five pounds, alright, but it’s not a bass, it’s a catfish!

The catcherman is an amateur, but he’s caught ‘cats before, and he knows to be careful in getting them off the hook.  They can fin (“sting”) you, and it hurts like rip.  This one is really hooked – all three of the treble hooks in the left corner of the fish’s mouth.  “Be still big cat, and I’ll get you off and back into the pond.”  But, be still it won’t.  So he lays it on the ground with his foot gently on the fish and tries to get the hooks out with his pliers. Maybe if he holds the cat’s head with his left hand, he can get the hooks out with the right hand holding the pliers.

Then, it happens.  The big cat flinches and flops, and one of the treble hooks on the front of the lure is firmly embedded in the middle finger of the catcherman’s left hand.  The catcher has become the caught!  What a mess.

Try as he may, the catcherman can’t get the hook with the barb out of his finger.  The cat flounces and the blood flows.  Pain courses through the finger.  The cat is caught, but the fish has caught the man.  What to do?  Don’t panic.  Think.  Be calm.

First, cut the line (or bite it in two) and get the rod and reel out of the way.  Then, you’ve got to get the hooks out of the big cat’s mouth, otherwise, he is really going to tear and rip the finger.  Three hooks running in three directions are hard to remove – almost impossible, even with the needle-nosed pliers.  And, these are really hooked.  But, they’ve got to come out, and quickly.  Well, they are in the corner of the mouth – maybe if you pull hard enough they will come out.  So, pulling is what you do, and all of a sudden, the hooks are free and the big cat is back in the water.

Next, what to do about the hook in the finger?  Pull, pull hard.  But, the hook is too deep and the barb holds tight.  It can’t be pulled out.  Only one thing to do, and that’s to the emergency room.  But, the car keys are in the left pocket and the lure is stuck to the left hand.  How will the caughtman get his keys?  Then, the caughtman’s luck changes.  His son, Russell, shows up and gets the keys out of his front pocket and his billfold out of his back left pocket.

Two hours later and after a tetanus shot, novacaine to the finger, and the skilled hands of a competent doctor, C. Buchhammer, (who says he’s done this before) the caughtman is now free and returns to his “pond”.  Yes, the four pound catfish caught the 165 pound man and got the best of the encounter.

How do I know all of this?  By now, you have probably guessed.  The caught man was me.  It happened on Friday, May 30, 2008.  The embarrassing thing about all of this is that it is the second time I’ve been caught by a fish.  It happened the first time to me seven or eight years ago on Memorial Day weekend and resulted in a trip to Perry Hospital’s emergency room.

Footnote: when man catches fish, you exaggerate on the high side about the weight.  But, when fish catches man, you lower the estimate.  Truthfully, it’s probably a catch of 168 pounds rather than 165.

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Daddy had his rules.

Yes, Daddy had his rules. They were probably Mother’s rules, too. At least, she adopted them and helped enforce them. She might have formulated some of them, as far as I know. There was no ‘divide and conquer’ in the Walker household. The rules were the rules, and we were expected to abide by them. And, we did.

You didn’t wear a hat inside the house -much less at the meals’ table. Today, I see wedding announcements in the newspaper and the picture of the grinning couple shows the ‘man’ wearing a baseball cap. It wouldn’t surprise me to see the bride-to-be with a cap emblazoned with a large Atlanta Braves ‘A’ on her pretty head. Perhaps my revulsion to this grows out of Daddy’s rule.

We didn’t slam doors in our house. Well, that’s wrong. I should say that if we slammed a door, we were admonished.

You didn’t eat before the blessing was asked. You could sip your tea, but you didn’t start eating until someone returned thanks. No exceptions. This was the rule.

I wasn’t allowed to play marbles ‘for keeps’. It was gambling, according to Daddy, and I was forbidden to gamble. Good thing. I wasn’t a very good marble shooter and didn’t own a very good ‘toy’. Marble shooters who played for keeps will understand. Maybe if I had played for keeps, I would’ve gotten better.

Daddy (and Mother) saw to it that I kept my hair cut. And woe unto me if I dyed my hair or tried to grow a ducktail. I won’t even get into tattoos or body piercing. I might as well have tried to rob a bank.

‘Strong’ language was a big no-no. Probably, I was the only child in the family who ran afoul of this rule. The last spanking I ever got was when an aggravating (and he was!) youngster reported to my parents that I had used the word “damn”, by telling them: “Larry told me they would take my ‘d-a-m’ pants off if I didn’t leave them alone”. His exact words and spelling!

We, my brothers and sister, were expected to work. Around the house, yes. But as we got older, ‘for the public’. Let’s see, what were some of my jobs: mowed lawns, boiled and sold peanuts, packed peaches, worked at the feed store, worked at the tractor place, picked cotton, worked at a men’s clothing store (The Swank Shop), worked in a steel mill, delivered papers, etc. And, you should know this. I was expected to get to work on time, regardless of whether I had played football the night before or had gone to the prom, getting home at a late time – like, midnight.

The Holy Bible says we (meaning good, God-fearing Methodists) were to keep the Sabbath holy. Daddy took this literally, as well he should, and we followed suit. We didn’t go to the movie, fish, hunt, work, or wash the car on Sunday. We could watch television, when we finally got one. I generally don’t bird hunt (the only hunting I do, today) on Sunday. And, when I fish on Sunday (which I frequently do) or go to the movie (which I have done, but seldom), I still have a feeling that of “I am violating one of Daddy’s rules”.

Now, do I have to tell you how Daddy and Mother may have felt about drinking alcohol or smoking or pre-marital sex? I don’t think so. We shouldn’t violate the little rules, much less the big ones.

I’m not saying we didn’t ever break the rules. What I am saying is that there were rules. We understood them, and we knew that we were expected to abide by all of them. There were consequences for rule-breaking.

Am I complaining? Absolutely not! I am proud that my parents had rules – set the parameters, explained the rules, and expected us to do what they said. And, there was much love and support and, in retrospect, tolerance. Isn’t that the way it is supposed to work? At least, isn’t that the way it works best?

‘Fessor Staples had discipline and rules. He became the ‘winningest’ basketball coach in the country. Bear Bryant was a good coach and a great disciplinarian. Look at his record. The Roman Army ruled the world for thousands of years. They knew about discipline. What about the United States Marines? I could go on and on. But, the point is: you can’t have anything of much value without discipline. You need rules and discipline to have a successful football team, army, government, church, school, or family.

We’ve lost lots of discipline in our society. It’s scary. But, perhaps my view is a little distorted. For, after all, Daddy had his rules, and I was expected to abide by them. Thanks Daddy and Mother. You did good. Better than I did, at times.

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A president of a college in north Georgia approached me at the Regents’ meeting in Atlanta, last week, and inquired of me as to “whether or not you do commencement addresses”. I could see what was coming, and I ‘begged-off’ before this president ever got to firm-up the invitation to be the college’s graduation speaker. All the while, I was thinking: someone must have canceled out, as it appears that I am about to be invited to speak just a few days before the college’s ceremonies.

The answer is “yes,” I have done several commencement talks during my political career. Without doing much thinking, I can remember speaking at the UGA Law School graduation, the Georgia State College and University’s ceremonies, and the small private school in Cuthbert, Georgia where 12 graduated from Randolph Southern. Surely, there were others, but the one that stands out in my mind was the Perry High School graduation in Reaves Arena at the Ag Center some 10 to 12 years ago. Let me tell you about it.

First, there was a very large crowd – three to four thousand, or so, probably isn’t an exaggeration. Maybe more. I was prepared. I had my speech and had gone over it several times. I was ready. But, as I sat there, viewing the large crowd, watching the processional, listening to and singing the National Anthem, I changed my mind. I shucked my prepared speech and decided to wing it. I still remember what I said – if not verbatim, then pretty close. I’m going to give it to you like I remember it. Yes, the whole talk. All of it. Here it is.

“As I sat here contemplating my remarks, I concluded that the last thing you graduates, your parents, grandparents and friends wanted to hear, tonight, was a long-winded speech from a politician. What you came here for was to receive your diploma, or see someone get their diploma. So, let me just say this: Learn a few important words like please, thank-you, no sir, yes ma’am, can I help you, I’m sorry – please forgive me, what do you think, and the other person’s name. Couple all of this with a good smile, and you will go a long way in life. Good luck and may God bless you.”

I sat down, and the crowd and the graduates gave me a standing ovation. It was the only standing ovation I ever got for a commencement address. I’ll address the ‘why’ I got the standing ovation, below, but first a little about commencement addresses and what our students and graduates are being told and taught.

We need more engineers and scientists. Yes, we do. That’s why, just recently, we’ve put a new branch of the Georgia Health Sciences University (Medical College of Georgia) and engineering schools at UGA and Georgia Southern University. And, that’s why we’re pouring millions of dollars into our nationally preeminent school, Georgia Tech. But, scientist and engineers are not what we need the most.

We need to do more research about all kinds of human diseases and illnesses. We know lots now. People are taking more drugs than ever in the history of mankind and operations and hospital stays for our older citizens are pretty routine. Don’t get me wrong. Health care improvements are important, but, to my mind, it’s not our most glaring need.

If we are to feed the world, we need to learn how to produce more food. Well, at least in the U.S.A., observation leads me to conclude that there is an abundance of food (maybe not the right kinds) for our people. There are folks in other countries that are malnourished, but I don’t believe that this is a big problem here.

I could go on and on, but let me tell you what I think we do need. We need to learn, or re-learn, how to get along with each other. We need to elect people to office that are willing to work with other elected officials in both parties to find solutions that best serve the most, the “common good”, if you will. In fact, we need to demand that those who represent us work for solutions and not just for re-election.

“Please, thank you, what do you think, explain to me what you are proposing, tell me about yourself, I made a mistake – please forgive me, may I take you to dinner, tonight, I can’t support this, and let me tell you why, let’s work together on this.” These ‘magic words’ might help – especially if you couple it with a big smile.

And, yes, the reason I got the standing ovation at the Perry High School Graduation was the brevity of the talk. Indeed, the students and crowd did not want to hear a long-winded speech from a politician! I didn’t blame them.

Walker Hulbert Gray & Moore, LLP is a Perry, Georgia law firm.  This established middle Georgia law firm now offers online legal services in addition to our traditional legal practice in Perry, Georgia.  An attorney at Walker Hulbert Gray & Moore can be your online lawyer!

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Let me confess. Last week, I mentioned my “All-Time Top Ten” book list. Truth: I have never had such a list, but as I write on, I will have one when this column is completed. I’ll call it “Larry’s List of Top Ten Books”.

My list won’t compete with the Barnes & Noble nor the New York Times lists, but, it’s a start – my start. Of course, it will change – some will be added and some deleted as I read new books or remember forgotten past reads, though I doubt the top four or five will ever be removed.

Let me give ‘em to you, Letterman style:

10. Goat Brothers by Larry Colton. I surprise myself with this inclusion. Still, this sad book, recommended to me by then Pennsylvania State House Speaker, Bill DeWeese, which I read in 1993, made an impression on me. It’s about five PIKA fraternity brothers (thus, Goat Brothers) at the University of California, Berkley, in the early 1960′s.

9. The Moviegoer by Walker Percy. I finished this little book (242 pages) a day after Christmas, 2005. Helps you to understand the south and southern families. Percy is an extraordinary writer.

8. Gods and Generals by Jeff Shara was read in 1997. I’m a “Civil War buff” and was intrigued by Shara’s account of the lives of Robert E. Lee, Stonewall Jackson, Winfred Scott Hancock and Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain in the days prior to Gettysburg. It was his account of what did or could have happened.

7. Andersonville by William Marvel. Read in 1996. It’s the story of Union prisoners of war incarcerated at Andersonville in Sumter County, Georgia during the Civil War. Very balanced. The book was given to me by my friend, Steve Lakis, with whom I visited the Andersonville National Historic Site – probably in 1996.

6. Undaunted Courage by Stephen Ambrose. It’s about the Lewis and Clark expedition. Captains Meriwether Lewis and William Clark were extraordinary, and I was stuck by how far we’ve come as a country since the early 1800′s. I finished this book on Father’s Day, 1996.

5. Franklin and Winston by Jon Meacham. This book was given to me by my friend, Larry Thomson. I read this book in May and June, 2005, and this is what I wrote on the title page: “I finished this excellent and extraordinary book on June 11, 2005. It should be required reading for every American History student.” Enough said.

4. American Caesar by William Manchester. This is a book! 709 pages of very fine print. It’s Douglas MacArthur’s life (1880-1964). I read it in 1978 and at one time would have put it at the top of my list. Manchester says it best about MacArthur: “He was a great thundering paradox of a man, noble and ignoble, inspiring and outrageous, arrogant and shy, the best of men and the worst of men, the most protean, most ridiculous, and most sublime . . .” Yes, this is a book!

3. Rising Tide by John M. Barry. It’s not wise to put such a recent read this high on my list (I finished this book on January 19, 2006). Still, I feel that this great book will stand my test of time. Want to understand Hurricane Katrina and southern politics and race relations, etc.? Read this 426 pages book.

2. Uncle Remus tales by Joel Chandler Harris. When was the book first read to me? Probably in the 1940′s. To the question of whether or not it is now a “politically correct” book, I look for my answer in that famous line from Rett to Scarlett in the “Gone With the Wind” movie. You know what Rett said to Scarlett. All southerners, black and white, need to know Brer Rabbit and Brer Fox and Brer Bear and the Tar Baby! In fact, all Americans need to know them.

1. All The King’s Men by Robert Penn Warren. This is what is written in the front of my little copy of Warren’s book: “Bought in Fort Worth, Texas – Summer 1963″. My name: “Lawrence Cohen Walker, Jr.” rather than Larry Walker. That tells me it was a long time ago when I bought and read this wonderful novel about Huey Long. I understand this book is presently being made into a movie. I can’t wait!

So, there you have it. No John Grisham – I’ve read at least fourteen of his books – and no Anita Shreve , although I like her works very much. Both Grisham and Shreve write what my friend, Della Wells, would call “candy for the mind”. I love Terry Kay and have read at least six of his books. Probably, Kay’s, To Dance with the White Dog, should go on my top ten list. Interestingly, at least to me, are two books with Civil War connections, two with World War II themes, three books that are set in Louisiana, and four books that would have to be considered “political” in nature. Also six books set in the South. There are six books I would classify as non-fiction and four as fiction. Those are my ten. Probably, the list says more about me than it does about these great books. And my omissions have so many books I loved.

What about To Kill A Mockingbird? Truth to tell, I am not positive that I have ever read it, although I may have when I was in school. If I had read it, it might have been my number one. Robert Caro’s three books on Lyndon Johnson, The Path To Power, Means of Ascent, and Master of the Senate (total pages in the three books – 2,220 – and I read every word) are outstanding. The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt (782 pages) and Theodore Rex (555 pages and given to me by Jim and Meg Mehserle), both by Edmund Morris, are wonderful. Truman by David McCullough (992 pages) and John Adams (651 pages) by McCullough are great. And that recent book, 1776, is outstanding. What about Pat Conroy’s My Losing Season. I could go on and on, but I must stop. So, I will close, realizing there is so much to read and so little time.

Walker Hulbert Gray & Moore, LLP is a Perry, Georgia law firm.  This established middle Georgia law firm now offers online legal services in addition to our traditional legal practice in Perry, Georgia.  An attorney at Walker Hulbert Gray & Moore can be your online lawyer!

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“O Brother, Where Art Thou or Forrest Gump? Gump had Tom Hanks and O Brother had George Clooney. Which was better? The NeSmiths, Dink and Pam, Janice and I debated this important cultural issue while deep in the wilds of Costa Rica. We concluded that both were excellent – clever, entertaining, well-done, etc. I’m not sure “we” reached consensus, but I have my choice. This column is revealing in this regard.

It was in a bed-side table at Hacienda Pinilla in Costa Rica. When I read the book, Gumpisms: The Wit and Wisdom of Forrest Gump, I knew I would share some of the ‘shareable’ with you (and with my comments). Here are the selected Gumpisms:

 1. Let me say this: being an idiot is no box of chocolates. Right. And, life isn’t either, is it? Especially in this age of ‘double dip recession’. Still, there is this other Gumpism: When you’re really feeling down, read the Book of Job, and see what that guy had to go through.

2. Nobody ever got into trouble by keepin’ his mouth shut. I wish I had followed this Gumpism more and have enough sense to do it in the future.

3. Do not try to cut your own hair. Janice cuts mine. B. W. used to. I’ve had better luck following this one than the one about keeping my mouth shut.

4. If you can’t sing good, sing loud. I believe Uncle Herbert May followed this Gumpism. Actually, he sang pretty good and very loud at Pinehill Methodist Church.

5. If you go to the zoo, always take somethin’ to feed the animals – even if the signs say ‘Do Not Feed The Animals’. It wasn’t the animals that put them signs up. I just like this one.

6. A lot is to be said for the word ‘no’. Amen. Like: are you going to buy a new car, will you chair this committee, can you come to Atlanta to the meeting, want to invest in our bank, will you be on the program at the Exalted Beavers of America Club meeting, etc.?

7. Put Tabasco sauce on everythin’ you eat, this way, you can eat very cheap. Forrest, do you mean eggs, pizza, peas, greens, chopped steak, soup, spaghetti, tacos, etc., etc.?

 8. There are times when you cannot let the right thing stand in your way. Some of you will understand this and some won’t. Ever been skinny dipping or smoked any rabbit tobacco?

9. Always be nice to your mama. Always!

10. Most people don’t look dumb till they start talkin’. See number 2 above.

11. Be very suspicious if somebody says they want to make a movie of your life story. Right, or write an article on your life or a book about you.

12. Do not eat anything you do not know what it is. Do mountain oysters, chitterlings, sushi, tripe and souse count?

13. Beware of people that put numbers after their names. You mean like Larry,　III and Ed III? Well, Ed (the older) and I did it to ‘em.

14. Two rules: do not never paint houses or move furniture. Janice saw a bumper sticker on a pickup truck that read: “Yes, this is my pickup truck. No, I won’t help you move.”

15. If you’re gonna screw up, do it while you are young. Older you get, harder it is to bounce back. True, isn’t it?

16. Bear Bryant was always fair. He treated every one of us like trash. Forrest, I saw Coach Bryant ‘get on’ Joe Namath one time – up close, very close. It was at Sanford Stadium on Friday afternoon, September 20, 1963, before the Georgia-Alabama game the next day, I think.

17. Only laugh when somethin’ is funny. Don’t you know, people that do lots of laughing when it’s not at all funny? Idiots, aren’t they? At least that’s the way we see them. And, “idiots” is not a nice word. Let’s just say they appear to be “unusual.”

18. Always be able to look back and say ‘At least I didn’t lead no humdrum life’. I believe I can say this. At least, it hasn’t been humdrum, to me, and isn’t that what counts?

 Well, there are 18 Gumpisms. Actually, 19 if you remember there were two in the first one. And, you have to know my choice, although it wasn’t an easy one. I’ll take Forrest Gump “over” O Brother, Where Art Thou in a close call.

 Thanks, Forrest, and Winston Groom, the author, for these few Gumpisms for life.

Walker Hulbert Gray & Moore, LLP is a Perry, Georgia law firm.  This established middle Georgia law firm now offers online legal services in addition to our traditional legal practice in Perry, Georgia.  An attorney at Walker Hulbert Gray & Moore can be your online lawyer!

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I’ll bet I’m not the only one who’s been doing this: thinking about what I could do to make some money in these difficult times. I’ve run several things through my mind – sometimes at 3:00 or 4:00 a.m., and then, again, in the cold reality of daytime. I’ll think it up, speculate about it, and try to figure out whether it may or may not work. I have lots more ‘may nots’ than ‘mays’, but I might now be onto something. But first, let me tell you some of the possibilities I have rejected.

Judge Janice Spires told me, recently, that Houston Probate Court had issued more gun permits than at any time in a one month period. Why? You figure. But it made me wonder if the ‘gun business’ might be pretty good. Selling guns that is. Maybe, but there are too many people already in it – professionals. I think it’s out for me.

What about the newspaper business? I’ve always thought I would like it, and weeklys and bi-weeklys like our Houston Home Journal seem to be doing well. But, I don’t know anything about running a newspaper, and I don’t have the money to buy one if I did. It’s a consideration for me. That’s that.

I might be able to start doing bankruptcy work as a lawyer. But it, like divorce work that I do a little of, is pretty depressing at times. I think I’ll leave the bankruptcy work to the bankruptcy lawyers.

Then, it hit me: the fish bait business. I believe it’s good, now, and it can only get better. Fishing is cheap recreation (much less than going to Disney World), and folks are going to start keeping the fish to eat – much less catch and release. Yeah, the fish bait business. So far, I can’t help but believe it would work.

There are lots of baits: Louisiana pinks, night crawlers, meal worms, minnows, etc., etc. But for me, at least initially, I think I’d stick to baits I know something about (relatively speaking, that is), and that’s red wigglers, Catalpa worms, and crickets. Let me write down what I know and how I see the business.

Red wigglers – ‘Fessor Staples used to grow and sell ‘em, and I helped Pierce Staples count ‘em. Staples’ Red-Wigglers written in red on a round white carton box. One hundred to a box. We counted ‘em, and the customer got one hundred of the worms. I’ll say more about bait counting below.

Grandma and Papa Walker had a bait-bed about 25 feet from their back porch. The bed was rich, moist dirt covered with boards. It was moist because they poured the dishwater and other food remains on the bed. There were always plenty of worms for the digging.

As you can see, I know lots about worms and should be prepared for this part of my fish bait business. Walker’s Wonderful Wigglers written in red on a round white box. Fifty to a box.

Catalpas are good bait, although there are problems. Number one, I don’t have any Catalpa trees nor any starter worms. Still, I believe I have solutions. I sold a place in South Houston County on Highway 26 to Charles Ayer. It has several Catalpa trees on it (Thomas and Shelby Arnold gave the baby trees to Janice and me, and we planted them), and the trees are big enough to support a good crop of the worms. Knowing Charles as the businessman he is, I believe he would rent the trees to me. Now, if I can figure out how to get some worms to get started, it should work. Again, I turn to what I learned from my Walker grandparents. I know, from them, that you had to put some worms on the trees at the right time if you were going to have Catalpas in the future. Janice could get a ladder and get the worms off the trees. We will get it done.

Then there are the crickets. This might be my best bait – my best business opportunity. Let’s see, I’ll need some of those big wooden boxes with heat lamps and wire covers and glass or plastic tubes for the counting (I wonder who makes those tubes?). And, some egg carton cardboard for the little critters to hide under and do whatever it is they do under the cartons. My friend, Dick Weir, could help with all of this. I think we’d need about three big wooden boxes, initially, and until our business grows. And, of course some feed (chicken mash?) and water holders. They’ve got to eat and drink. I’d also want some boxes for our customers to put their purchases in. What do you think about a name on the box: Catch ‘Em Crickets or Crickets From The Crossroads. I think I like Crickets From The Crossroads the best.

So, there you have it. I believe that the fish bait business has great potential. Still, there is one thing that worries me. It’s the counting of the crickets for the customer. I know. We’ll have those little tubes. Fifty to a tube, and if the customer wants a hundred, it would be two tubes, etc. Still, I’m not so sure about those tubes. Who decided that a particular tube would hold fifty? Wouldn’t it depend on size of the crickets and how much they were moving around? Pierce and I used to count the red wigglers, and if the box said 100 of Staples’ Red-Wigglers, there were 100 there (I’m not saying that one or two could have died, but there were 100 live wigglers when we put that lid with the little holes in it on the box).

I’m not so sure how to count the crickets. I tried to confirm that I had 100 when I bought that many one time and had great difficulty. Crickets are hard to count. They jump around and then crawl up your arm and will even get down in your pants if you’re not careful. And, you’ll count the same one more than once if you are not watching what you’re doing. Still, I think the fish bait business has lots of potential. At least, it’s better than being a bankruptcy lawyer.

Walker Hulbert Gray & Moore, LLP is a Perry, Georgia law firm.  This established middle Georgia law firm now offers online legal services in addition to our traditional legal practice in Perry, Georgia.  An attorney at Walker Hulbert Gray & Moore can be your online lawyer!

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The economy is, and has been, for quite some time “in the tank”. Oil is gushing, sticking, coagulating, marring and doing all manner of despicable things. Crime never abates. It’s hot – and dry. Our ‘war problems’ continue to be serious problems. We can’t seem to get a leader that the majority likes. Etc., etc., etc.

And, yet, to quote Neil Pasricha, author, The Book of Awesome, “there are simple, universal little joys in every single day.” Let me share some of mine while you make mental notes of yours. Here are mine:

* A cooling, refreshing summer thunderstorm accompanied by a magnificent lightning show.

* A cold, sweet watermelon on a hot July afternoon.

* Aspirin. Tinactin. Neosporin. Metamucil.

* Celtic Thunder.

* Hershey’s tail wags and licks.

* Two-year old Sophie’s words, “I love you Grandbuddy.”

* Clark’s growth in adversity.

* Dink NeSmith’s column.

* Air conditioning. Central heat. Television. Indoor bathroom.

* Fall. Dawgs. Sanford Stadium.

* Ray Goff’s words: “I’m coming through Perry Wednesday afternoon and want to take you and Janice to supper.”

* Bobby Rowan.

* An arrowhead spotted.

* A hot cup of coffee and a good book on a cold winter morning.

* A young person who says, “I love my job.”

* “Yes Ma’am,” “No Sir,” and “Thank you.”

* Fifteen new calves.

* Teenage grandchildren and their friends dropping by just to visit.

* The smell of rain.

* Franklin Bledsoe’s crop dusting.

* Mr. Weir.

* Connell’s words, “This is the best I’ve felt in a while.”

* Being stopped on the street and being told, “Larry, I want four of your books.”

* A tomato sandwich – with lots of mayonnaise.

* The Walker Family reunion.

* George Armstrong Custer. Winston Churchill. Reba. Bear Bryant. Robert E. Lee. The Tams.

* Amazing Grace – the song and the love.

* Allan Stalvey, Sol Blatt, Jr., Bo Faulkner and all that crazy crowd from South　Carolina.

* A wild covey rise.

* Snowfall in Middle Georgia.

* The doctor’s words: “It’s not malignant.”

* The Ferris Wheel at the Georgia National Fair.

* Lightning bugs and shooting stars.

* Baby birds in the nest.

* Hotdogs with mustard, ketchup, and onions.

* “What’ll you have, what’ll you have” at the Varsity.

* The man on the Antiques Road Show saying, “It’s worth $3,000.00.”

* The birth of a healthy baby.

* Round-up.

* Christ on the Mountain.

* The American Flag.

* The big oaks on the Georgia coast.

* Bakery air on the streets of New York.

* Crepe Myrtles in bloom.

* A good, hot shower.

* The tide.

* Bream on the bed.

So, the economy is bad. But, then, someone you care about lets you know he or she loves you. And, that’s pretty awesome. Awesome wins. And that, my friends, is pretty awesome.

Walker Hulbert Gray & Moore, LLP is a Perry, Georgia law firm.  This established middle Georgia law firm now offers online legal services in addition to our traditional legal practice in Perry, Georgia.  An attorney at Walker Hulbert Gray & Moore can be your online lawyer!

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Let’s face it. Actually, rather than let us face it, it should be, and is, let me face it. One of my best friends, a person in whom I have great confidence, was right with his advice. I emailed him about a proposed article knowing he would evaluate and give me his honest opinion. He did, and I have changed it and tried to do better – write better – and follow his admonition that “you are a positive person” implying that my submission to him was too negative and needed to be changed or perhaps “scrapped” (my word and not his). I chose “changed,” which might be a mistake.

Amidst all of this, for some strange reason, I thought about what we used to call and what were “Fat Cattle Shows”. Now they are calf shows or cattle shows or steer shows. Eunuch-type male cows that will end up at Chops or Bones or Longhorns. Used to be, the fatter the better. Now, like people, the winner will be tall and trim and firm. Unlike people, the winner might not be a blonde. The meat will be at best, U.S. Choice and not U.S. Prime, and won’t be as good as in the “old days,” but it will be better for you. This is positive. This is good.

But back to this article. I started off to write about the South. How we had lost our identity and our sense of place. Ended it by negatively saying that the South “had lost it’s soul”. Too negative. I see that now.

First, let me say that I believe we are finally getting over the Civil War. Case in point, my use of the correct term, “Civil War”. Most folks down here don’t know or remember about Manassas – excuse, Bull Run – or what Stonewall Jackson did at Chancellorsville and what happened to the General. Can’t even tell you about Jeb Stuart. My great, great grandfather died as a soldier with the losing side at Staunton, Virginia, and “great, great” is a long time ago. The Civil War was a long time ago, and there are probably more people living in the South today, with ancestors on the other side than on “our” side. We are over it! Isn’t that positive and good?

Shelby Foote is dead. That leaves only Griffin Bell and me that talk like we have a mouth full of marbles. That talk like most southerners used to talk. Like we (they) used to talk here in the Piedmont Plateau – the Black Belt – of Georgia. Television has educated and homogenized our voices (except as aforesaid) so that we all talk alike. This keeps southerners from being embarrassed by their accents and is a good thing. Certainly, not to be embarrassed is good.

Southern men, at least those old enough to have prostate problems, used to sit at the base of the Confederate monuments or somewhere on the courthouse square and talk and visit or play checkers or whittle, or all three. Now, their grandchildren have moved to Atlanta and gather at Seattle-based Starbucks and drink coffee behind the “Wall Street Journal” or the “New York Times”. The old-timers are now at home watching “Desperate Housewives” on television. Now, all (even we southerners) are getting the same information and are collectively keeping up with what’s going on in the world. This is very positive.

Used to be that the South was solid Democratic and voted for people like George Wallace. Now the South is solid Republican and votes for George Bush. Not to brag, but our degree of sophistication has increased, dramatically, and this has to be a sign that we have changed. Now, most southerners are the ones looking down their collective noses at states like Massachusetts, assuming there are other states like Massachusetts. Don’t you think this is good?

We are making lots of money down South, just like our Yankee cousins have done for years. And, they, northerners as well as Florida Yankees, are moving here in droves. Baby Boomers and retirees and hurricane fleers. And we’re getting gated communities and planned united developments and patio homes and retirement villages and eight-lane highways and toll roads and 15,000 member churches. I don’t mean to boast, but there are parts of our state that even look like California. Now, that’s good, isn’t it?

Speaking of churches and in particular, mega-churches, many of our inefficient small country churches and inner-city churches have closed. Can’t get enough preachers in the country and can’t get enough parishioners in the city. Not to compare churches with grocery stores and hardware stores and banks, but our little locally owned institutions have closed, too. Given way to Walmart and Home　Depot and the out-of-state big banks. We want these institutions to be efficient and they are. This is very good.

What more can I say? We are no longer slow-talking, living in the past, country hicks. Oh, we are still “country,” but it’s as-in country clubs and not as-in raising fat steers in the country. We are just as good, and perhaps even a little better, than most of the rest of the country. The Civil War is finally over and after 140 years, it looks like we southerners were the winners. And, that’s good and very positive. Isn’t it?

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As a people, and I’m talking about the American people, at least as to me, it seems that we focus on our shortcomings and failures more than on our successes and triumphs.  I don’t think it’s always been that way, but since the saturation by the media of their messages, say starting in the 1970′s and increasing unabated in volume (including loudness and amount) to and including this very day, plus and together with the tsunami of the internet’s information and misinformation, there has been one success among our many failures that many will point to with pride.  What it is: “the Americanization of the South”.  Let’s look.

Take Atlanta, Georgia, as a beginning example.  I know how it was there when I went to the State Legislature in 1973, and I know how it was when I left in 2004.  And, I say to you that, today, there’s not much difference among Atlanta, Denver, St. Louis, Cincinnati, Houston, Dallas and Kansas City.  No matter which city you are in, you eat the same food, go to the same stores, hear the same talking heads on television, and sleep in the same hotels.

We all talk alike: that is, most of you talk the same.  And fast.  I talk slow, and I hear slow.  Tough luck.  Get used to hearing young folks tell you their requested call back telephone number in .002 seconds or quit taking calls.  If you can’t catch their name, sorry!  And, discard those good words like “y’all, no sir, yes mam, thank you, fixing, and biddies”.  Those words are passé in the new South.  With a few exceptions, we now all talk alike.  That’s good, isn’t it?

In Perry, and in all other small towns in the South, we used to play tricks on each other.  Ask Riley Hunt about the papier-mache bird that James Moore and I used to replace his and Sandra’s Christmas wreath one year.  Or, ask ‘ole Riley about the highway right-of-way stakes Foster Rhodes drove up within a few feet of their front door when they were out of town on vacation.  And, you will get a good chuckle if you’ll get James Moore to tell you about all of the discarded Christmas trees that were put on his and Nellwin’s front lawn a few days after Christmas twenty years ago, or so.  Enjoy the stories and realize that most of them are old.  There are not many new ones, even in little Perry.  Today, folks are too busy watching the tube, being someone’s friend on Facebook, talking on their cell phone, and making a living to “play tricks on each other”.

We used to have places to gather and solve the world’s problems.  Right here in Perry, we had the Coffee Cup in downtown where the older crowd could ‘cluck up’ and help solve the world’s problems.  And, at one time or another, the young people had the Wigwam, Locke’s Drive-In and the Dairy Queen.  Where to gather now?  Frankly, Chick-fil-A, McDonald’s, Wendy’s and Krystal just don’t seem to have the same verve of a Locke’s or our old Dairy Queen.  But, these chains are what folks have in other places, so that’s what, I guess, we need to have here.

I miss front porches – and especially those with a swing at one end.  You know, places to gather, talk, visit and really get to know each other.  And, I miss folks with a common past: you knew their grandparents and know their parents, children and grandchildren.  There’s still some of this, but not like it used to be in the South.  People have to have more.  It’s jobs and better jobs, so they move.  You can’t blame people for wanting to improve, can you?  It’s the American way, I guess.

Yes, isn’t it all really positive the way the South has changed and become Americanized? We don’t have to worry about our image like we used to.  We are almost as good as people in the rest of the country.

I’m going to try harder.  I’m going to talk a little faster and listen a little harder.  And, I’m going to stop using certain words like “y’all” and “fixing”.  I’m bad to use these words.  I might even eat a little differently – less grits and pork and more sushi . . . wouldn’t that be a good start?

There are lots of shortcomings in our country, but the South has become Americanized.  That’s good, isn’t it?  With a little more effort, we’re going to be as good as the rest of our country.  Y’all do your parts, and I’ll try to do mine.  I believe that during my lifetime we’re going to see the full Americanizing of our South.

Walker Hulbert Gray & Moore, LLP is a Perry, Georgia law firm.  This established middle Georgia law firm now offers online legal services in addition to our traditional legal practice in Perry, Georgia.  An attorney at Walker Hulbert Gray & Moore can be your online lawyer!

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My friend and high school classmate, Pierce Staples, now living in Alabama, shared this with me. It is too good not to share with you! I really wish I knew who wrote it, and I would give proper attribution. Unfortunately, I do not know. Still, all of you – Yankees and Southerners alike – need to have this information.

What Are Grits? Some folks believe grits are grown on bushes and are harvested by short people by shaking the bushes after spreading sheets around them. Many people think grits are made from ground up bits of white corn. These are lies spread by Communists and terrorists. Nothing as good as Grits can be made from corn. Research suggests that the mysterious Manna that God rained down upon the Israelites during their time in the Sinai Desert was most likely Grits. Critics disagree, stating that there is no record of biscuits, butter, salt, and red eye gravy raining down from the sky, and that God would not punish his people by forcing them to eat Grits without these key ingredients.

How Grits Are Formed: Grits are formed deep underground under intense heat and pressure. It takes over 1000 years to form a single Grit. Most of the world’s grit mines are in Georgia, and are guarded day and night by armed guards and attack dogs. Harvesting the Grit is a dangerous occupation, and many Grit miners lose their lives each year so that Grits can continue to be served morning after morning for breakfast–not that having Grits for lunch and dinner is out of the question. Yankees have attempted to create a synthetic Grits. They call them Cream of Wheat. As far as we can tell, the key ingredients of Cream of Wheat are Elmer’s Glue and shredded Styrofoam. These synthetic grits have also been shown to cause nausea, and can leave you unable to have children.

Historical Grits: As mentioned earlier, the first known mention of the Grits was by the Ancient Israelites in the Sinai Desert. After that, Grits were not heard from for another 1000 years. Grits were used during this time only during secret religious ceremonies, and were kept from the public. The next mention of Grits was found amidst the ruins of the ancient city of Pompeii in a woman’s personal diary discovered in the seat of an old sedan. The woman’s name was Herculania Jemimana, who was known as Aunt Jemima to her friends.
The Ten Commandments of Grits:

I. Thou shalt not put syrup on thy Grits.
II. Thou shalt not eat thy Grits with a spoon or knife.
III. Thou shalt not eat Cream of Wheat and call it Grits, for this is blasphemy.
IV. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s Grits.
V. Thou shalt use only Salt, Butter, and red eye gravy as toppings for thy Grits.
VI. Thou shalt not eat Instant Grits.
VII. Thou shalt not put ketchup on thy Grits.
VIII. Thou shalt not put margarine on thy Grits.
IX. Thou shalt not eat toast with thy Grits, only biscuits made from scratch.
X. Thou shalt eat Grits on the Sabbath for this is manna from heaven.

How to Cook Grits: For one serving of Grits: Boil 1.5 cups of water with salt and a little butter. Add 5 tablespoons of Grits. Reduce to a simmer and allow the Grits to soak up all the water. When a pencil stuck into the grits stands alone, they are done. That’s all there is to cooking grits.

How to Make Red Eye Gravy: Fry salt cured country ham in cast-iron pan. Remove the ham when done and add coffee to the gravy and simmer for several minutes. Great on grits and biscuits.

How to Eat Grits: Immediately after removing your grits from the stove top, add a generous portion of butter or red eye gravy. Do NOT use low-fat butter. The butter should cause the Grits to turn a wondrous shade of yellow. Hold a banana or a yellow rain slicker next to your Grits; if the colors match, you have the correct amount of butter. In lieu of butter, pour a generous helping of red eye gravy on your
grits. Be sure to pour enough to have some left for sopping up with your biscuits. Use biscuits made from scratch. Never, ever substitute canned or store-bought biscuits for the real thing because they can cause cancer, tooth decay and impotence. Next, add salt. The correct ratio of Grit to Salt is 10:1 Therefore for every 10 grits, you should have 1 grain of salt. Now begin eating your grits. Always use a fork, never a spoon, to eat Grits. Your grits should be thick enough so they do not run through the tines of the fork. The correct beverage to serve with Grits is black coffee. DO NOT use cream or, heaven forbid, skimmed milk. Your grits should rarely be eaten in a bowl because Yankees will think it’s Cream of Wheat.

Ways to Eat Leftover Grits: Leftover grits are extremely rare and may only be a rumor. Spread them in the bottom of a casserole dish. Cover and place them in the refrigerator overnight. The Grits will congeal into a gelatinous mass. Next morning, slice the Grits into squares and fry them in 1/2″ of cooking oil and butter until they turn a golden brown. Many people are tempted to pour syrup onto Grits served this way. This is, of course, unacceptable but delicious.
BLESSING BEFORE EATING GRITS:

May the Lord bless these grits,
May Yankees never get the recipe,
May I eat grits each day while living,
And may I die while eating grits.
AMEN

Now, aren’t you glad you read this? At long last, you know almost everything there is to know about these wonderful things called GRITS.

 
Walker Hulbert Gray & Moore, LLP is a Perry, Georgia law firm.  This established middle Georgia law firm now offers online legal services in addition to our traditional legal practice in Perry, Georgia.  An attorney at Walker Hulbert Gray & Moore can be your online lawyer!

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Administrative Professionals’ Day, originally known as Secretaries’ Day, began  in 1952.  In the United States, it is traditionally celebrated on the last Wednesday in April.  Over the years the name has evolved to include titles like “administrative professionals” or “executive administration.”  Regardless of the title, the kind sentiment behind the day remains the same.

HAPPY ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONALS’ DAY FROM WHG&M!

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This one will be a little strange. I’ve noticed that several, lately, have been somewhat this way. Strange is not necessarily bad, it’s just different, and when you say “different”, you’ve got to ask, “different from what?” As I think about it, often “different” is better, and maybe even “strange” can be better, if it is just another way to say “different”.

Vignetting can mean “to describe in a brief way”. Ergo, I’m going to describe, as best I can, and in a brief way, some of my thoughts of the recent past and based on what I’ve been doing and experiencing.

* What ever happened to optimism and optimistic people? Today, do you run into many people (or any?) who are optimistic about what’s going on or is going to be going on? I guess it is the state of our economy and how government and politics have evolved in our country. Will it ever get better?

* Did you ever, on a family trip, divide up – Ford, Chevrolet and Plymouth – and play “counting cars”? Now, unless you can see the emblem or name on the car, it’s hard to tell one silver, white or black vehicle from another. At least, to me, they all look alike, except for Mini-Coopers and Hummers!

* Speaking of cars, Janice and I watched a program, recently, on television called “100 years of Chevrolet”. There were some ‘cool’ cars on that program: 1957 Chevrolets, Corvairs, Corvettes, Super Sports, 1954 Chevrolets, etc. When my ship comes in, I’m going to try to buy a 1957 Chevrolet or maybe a little turquoise and white Corvair like my first automobile that I got from Mother and Daddy in 1963.

* I’m not a golfer, nor have I ever watched much golf on television. However, I did ‘get into’ the Masters this year and was thrilled when Bubba Watson, a former UGA player, came out on top. Go Dawgs and go U.S.A.!

* A few weeks ago, I spent the day at Ole Miss in Oxford, Mississippi. What a beautiful campus and a idyllic town in which it is located! We went to Rowan Oak, the home of William Faulkner, and that was very interesting. And, I must report on our visit, while in Oxford, to Square Books, which is what a book store should be – contents and looks wise. I could spend a whole day at Square Books and plan to do so sometime soon.

* The fishing has been pretty good, but I can’t find bream on the bed. Have the bream started bedding, or has the water been too cold? My bass fishing has yielded good results, but I’m anxious to find some big bream on some big beds. If I catch any, I might hold out a dozen or so for human consumption – along with hush puppies, slaw, grits and ice cold sweet tea. How southern is that?

* I’ve been reading some great books: Larry Brown’s Billy Ray’s Farm, Willie Morris’ Terrains of the Heart and other Essays on Home, Mr. Anonymous about Robert Woodruff at Coca-Cola, etc. I feel a 2012 Book Report in the offing – and, sooner than expected.

* I mention Willie Morris’ Terrains of the Heart . . . What a wonderful writer, and he uses some interesting words which I ‘marked’ and had to look up. Let me share a few examples with you: phantasmagorically (a fantastic sequence of haphazardly associative imagery, as seen in dreams or fever), perfervid (impassioned, zealous), ersatz (artificial), and peregrinate (to journey or travel from place to place), etc. Now, don’t get the wrong impression: Willis Morris is a great, very understandable, grounded and interesting writer. More about Morris and his writings, later.

* Am I wrong about this? I don’t think so. I don’t see many snakes anymore. I’ve actually seen three this year: one dead on the road and two small Moccasins (I think they were Moccasins, but just because they are in the water doesn’t make them so) at fishing ponds. My theory as to the lack of snakes is that the feral hogs are eating them. Some will say “good”. I disagree. Will the hogs eventually rid us of almost all snakes while they are doing their other considerable damage?

So, there you have it for this week. I told you it would be a little different. Thanks for reading.

Walker Hulbert Gray & Moore, LLP is a Perry, Georgia law firm.  This established middle Georgia law firm now offers online legal services in addition to our traditional legal practice in Perry, Georgia.  An attorney at Walker Hulbert Gray & Moore can be your online lawyer!

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Walker Hulbert Gray & Moore is a proud participant in the Georgia Legal Food Frenzy.  Beginning Monday April 23, 2012, the Georgia lawyers and legal staff at WHG&M will begin bringing and collecting food and donations.  The frenzy ends May 4, 2012.  It seeks to provide Georgia food banks with the extra food supply needed during the summer months.

All donations can be dropped at WHG&M’s office in Perry, GA (909 Ball Street).

We look forward to working with other Georgia lawyers and citizens to help this worthy cause!

THE MOST NEEDED FOOD ITEMS:

• Peanut Butter
• Canned Tuna
• Canned Beans
• Canned Soups
• Stews
• Pastas
• 100% Fruit Juice
• Canned Fruits
• Vegetables
• Macaroni and Cheese Dinners
• Whole Grains
• Low Sugar Cereals (boxed)

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WHG&M is happy to celebrate a social media milestone with our wonderful friends and clients in Middle Georgia.  Thank you for your friendship.  Thank you for your support.

Have you not let connected with this Perry, GA law firm on Facebook?

Click the picture below to connect and receive updates about our Traditional Georgia Legal Services, our Online Georgia Legal Services, and Larry Walker’s blog LAW AND LIFE ON THE GNAT LINE!

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Thank God I was born in the South – the South, backwater when I made my debut in ‘42, and the South, where it’s in in 2010.

Let’s look at some of the things that southern folks seldom question about the South, the things that help make us love it:

* The Tams. I saw ‘em at the Georgia National Fair, in October. “Little Red,” one of the troupe, is kind’a like me, he’s become “Old Red,” but he can still dance! Actually, they are the “Atlanta Fabulous Tams.” That’s what they always say like “the late, great, Jackie Wilson.”

* Watermelons. At family reunions and barbeques. Always, ice cold. Sometimes, we get our first ones around July 4 from Cordele, “The Watermelon Capital of the World.”

* Family Reunions. Family is important down here.

* Barbeque. A “memory enhancing food.” Southerners talk about this pork delicacy, argue about it, swear over it, and eat lots of it! Ever hear Southerners debating where you can get the best salmon croquets or how meatloaf ought to be ‘fixed’?

* Lewis Grizzard. Even after all these years, he’s still ‘the man.’

* College Football. Let our Yankee friends debate the Packers and the Steelers. With us, it’s Alabama and the Bayou Bengals. And, how about them Dawgs?

* Fish Fries. Barbeque might edge fried fish out as the ‘Southern food’ but with grits and hush puppies, fried fish “ain’t bad.”

* Church. Yeah, we think it’s important. No, we know it’s important! When the big things (some good and some bad) in our lives happen, the church and the church folks are there.

* Shag Music. See the Tams above.

* Hunting. Yes, thank you, we still hunt and think it’s alright. In fact, we think it’s good, and we intend to keep on doing it. Thank you.

*Beautiful women. As they say in the great shag music song, Carolina Girls, Southern women are “the best in the world.”

*Politics. We take it seriously, and if you will notice, we are helping to run things. Which state is more in the mainstream of America, Georgia or New York?

*Cotton. It might not be the “King,” but it’s still mighty important to our part of the world.

* And what about the big “P’s”? Pines, peaches, peanuts and poultry?

* People. James Brown, Bear Bryant, Billy Graham, Otis Redding, Margaret Mitchell, Shelby Foote, Robert E. Lee, Hershel Walker, Bobby Bowden, William Faulkner, “Pistol” Pete Maravich, Richard Brevard Russell, Johnny Cash, Eli Whitney, Mother Maybell Carter, Bill Monroe, and Ray Charles.

* Boiled Peanuts. If you don’t like ‘em, fine, it’s more for us.

* Coca-Cola. Goes good with boiled peanuts and just about everything.

* Panama City. And, Daytona, Key West, Stone Mountain, the Fox Theater, The Flora Bama, The Grand Ole’ Opry, Saint Simons Island, The Kentucky Derby, “See Rock City,” and so much more.

* NASCAR. What a story!

* Kudzu. And, gnats, fire ants, heat rash, ground itch, etc. Well, no place is perfect.

* Air Conditioners. Thanks to God and Mr. Carrier.

* Race Relations. Are they better anywhere else in the world? Reminds me of that old Virginia Slims ad, “You’ve come a long way, baby.”

* Tobasco Sauce. And, Roddenberry pickles, Karo syrup, Frito-Lay chips (yes, they come from Perry), Sunbeam bread, Luzianne tea, Goo Goo Clusters, the Waffle House, Stuckey’s, Krystal, Nu-Way Wieners, Chick-fil-A, etc.

* Y’all. It’s a good word. Use it often. Also, yes sir, no ma’am, thank you and other words of civility and class.

* Sweet Tea. Demand it.

* Pogo. “We have met the enemy, and he is us.”

* Grits. Order and eat ‘em, often.

* The Varsity. This gastro-institution deserves its own line!

This could go on and on, but this is enough we southerners don’t question, and it shows why we love the South. Amen, y’all!

Walker Hulbert Gray & Moore, LLP is a Perry, Georgia law firm.  This established middle Georgia law firm now offers online legal services in addition to our traditional legal practice in Perry, Georgia.  An attorney at Walker Hulbert Gray & Moore can be your online lawyer!

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A psychiatrist would have fun with this, and with me about this. I seem to have an obsession (slight, I hope), with naming things. And, sometimes I might add, I’m pretty good at it. I’ve named lots of corporations and limited liability companies for clients, and many of them are doing well. One of my latest is for a client who bought a tract of land in Pulaski County where Big Creek runs into the Ocmulgee River. My creation, with my client’s acquiescence: Big Creek at Ocmulgee, LLC. Maybe not as creative as SoHo (South Houston), but catchy. Incidentally, Janice named SoHo.

All of my namings are not for important things. Like, for instance, the old pickup (170,000 miles, plus) that we bought to use on the farm. It’s white, solid white, thus “Casper”. You do remember the famous ghost, don’t you?

Now, I’ve laid somewhat of a groundwork for what this article is about. And, what it is, is what you would name certain familiar things if they did not have a name and you could do the naming (diagram this sentence, Mrs. Harrison!). Here they are:

1. Perry Panthers. I like that. Wouldn’t change it. It flows good. Too bad there aren’t any panthers around Perry. But, Perry Pigs or Perry Pines or Perry Pecans just wouldn’t work, would it? How about Perry Politicians? Go Pols!

2. Georgia Bulldogs. I love the Dawgs, but, perhaps if there was a contest to name the unnamed mascot of the ‘Dawgs – excuse, Georgia teams – ‘Bulldogs’ possibly wouldn’t win out. How about Georgia Giants or Georgia Goats (wasn’t goats the original mascot name?). Tech folks might suggest Georgia Gerbils. That’s alright, I will have some suggestions for the bees.

3. Georgia Tech Engineers Yellow Jackets. Like the Alabama Crimson Tide Red Elephants and the Auburn War Eagles Plainsman Tigers, they can’t seem to settle on a name. They are Yellow Jackets or Jackets when the win and the more academic ‘Engineers’ when they lose. After all, when they lose, they want to talk about what a great academic institution the Georgia Institution of Technology on North Avenue is. How about Georgia Tech Computers? “Go Computers, Calculate, Calculate, That’s What We Do. Mess With Us and We’ll Calculate You”.

4. Arkansas Razorbacks. I like this one! It might be the best in America – especially with those hog hats that you can wear to the games. Go hogs! Maybe Perry Pigs wouldn’t be so bad, after all.

5. There are the Georgetown Hoyas and the Virginia Tech Hokies. Just make up a name. Nothing wrong with it. Keeps the opponents confused. Everyone knows how to deal with a Tiger or a Giant or Bear. But, how do you attack a Hokie?

6. Next to the ‘Razorbacks’ in the SEC, I’d have to rate South Carolina’s ‘Gamecocks’ as the best, second best, next to the best, mascot name. Lot’s of fun with that fowl name. Have you ever been on one of the Cockabooses in Columbia prior to one of their home games? They don’t win many games, but they have a good time. Go ‘Gamecocks’!

7. Worst SEC mascot name? I’d like to pick ‘Gators,’ but that won’t fly, will it? What about Seminoles? I know, it’s not the SEC, but I’m having trouble picking the worst. The ACC has some politically and religiously incorrect names: Seminoles, Demon Deacons, Blue Devils, etc. What’s wrong with that crowd?

8. Some other good ones: New Orleans Pelicans (anyone remember that Southern Association team?); Atlanta Crackers (perhaps they should have been in the politically incorrect ACC); New York Yankees (is it the name or the dynasty?), and, Macon Peaches (well, it beats Braves or Whoopies or Knights!).

9. If I had it in my power, I might flip the two primary streets in downtown Perry. Main Street should be where Carroll Street is, and Carroll Street should be where – by the way, where did the name “Carroll” come from? Can’t we (I) do better? Let’s see: Law Street, Floridabound Road, New Perry Hotel Street, Courthouse Street, Wattsville Street, Cobb Street, Staples Street, or Education Street. And, as an aside, do you know of any other street in the world (I’m now talking about Main Street) where you can go in either direction, left or right, and end up in Florida? That settles it: Floridabound Street.

10. Naming children: If I’d had my way, Wender Walker Way would have been named Perri Georgia Walker, and now she would have been Georgia Walker Way – or maybe Perri Way. Sounds too much like the French spring water, Perriere, doesn’t it?

I started bragging on my ability to name things – implying I had a gift to do it. This writing has been good for me. Made me realize I should stick to practicing law and not get in the naming business.

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SoHo, as in Walker’s SoHo Farm.  Originally, as to the place we owned in the lower end of the county on Highway 26, it was SoHo for South Houston.  Just like the street in New York City, SoHo means the neighbor or district south of Houston (“Howston” and not “Hewston”) Street.  Then we bought another place in the west part of Houston County.  It’s loaded with big oaks, so we kept the name, SoHo, and it means Southern Oaks of Houston.  We didn’t have to change bank accounts and charge accounts and that type thing.  It’s still Walker’s SoHo Farm.

We like to name things.  We had a little red pickup truck. We called it “Little Red”.  Then, we had a little white one.  We named it “Casper”.  Casper, the ghost, was white, wasn’t he?  Our orange Kubota RTV is “Alice”.  You get the picture.  We like to name things.

What if I had the right to name a professional sports team?  Well, it might depend on what type team and where it was located, but I like the name “Bats”.  Maybe even “Black Bats”.  Like, if I inherited the Atlanta Braves, I might change the name to Atlanta Black Bats or perhaps, Atlanta Bats.  Yes, there is a double entendre.

Let me confess.  I’m reading an excellent book, Bacardi and the Long Fight for Cuba.  Bacardi rum’s label is a black bat inscribed in a red circle.  The family says these are the reasons this symbol was used: “As creatures, bats exemplified the ideal of brotherhood, lived and flew together, symbolized self-confidence, could fly in the dark without hitting anything, stood for discretion, kept silent, represented faithfulness, and they always returned home”.  Yeah, Atlanta Bats.  I like that.

What if I could name a singing group – a good one capable of top ten music?  Well, I tend to like the older names like “The Spinners,” “Classics IV,” “The O’Jays” or “Gladys Knight and the Pips”.  I like the name of the band Russell and John Gray were involved with: “Gypsy Train”.  But, the question is, what I would name a signing group.  What about “Countdown to Zero,” “Phoolish Fonics,” or “Modern Blacksmiths”.  Kind’ve corny, I’d say.

I’ve had the privilege of naming lots of corporations and limited liability companies.  Clients would come in wanting a new legal entity and would say to me, “You come up with a name,” and I would.  I’ve named lots for companies I was personally involved with: Royal Union Productions, Strategic Union, Law on Ball, Hookin’ Bull Properties, Walker May Farm, Main and Ball USA, Jancel Corp., Make Your Day, Atlanta Import Export, 1211 Company, and 1007 Jernigan come to mind.  These names seemed to have worked pretty well.

What if I wrote a book?  It would have to have a name, wouldn’t it?  Of course, the subject matter would have lots to do with the name, but I’ve thought about Characters With Character and A Flash of Joy In The Pan of Life.  Connell Stafford told me, one night in the jungles of Costa Rica, that I was a “flash of joy in the pan of life”.  I thought it was one of the best compliments I was ever paid.  So, I might call my book this.

A New Car – “Sleek” or “Potent”

An Incorporated City – “Bountiful”

Political Party – “American”

A Bank – “Foundation National”

A Restaurant on General Courtney Hodges Blvd. – “General’s Restaurant”

(and I would fill it with pictures of Generals from Robert E. Lee and U. S. Grant

to General Hodges himself)

Construction Company – “Grand Builders”

River In Georgia – “Cherokee Red”

Clothing Company – “Joseph’s Threads”

Beauty Salon – “Heads Up” or “On Top of Things” (both Janice’s ideas)

Oil Company – “T D Oil” for Thanks Dinosaurs

Well, this is getting a little silly, so I’ll stop.  But, if you need help in naming something, call me.  I’ll help you for free, which is pretty good when you consider that those big ad agencies in New York get millions to do the same thing.

Walker Hulbert Gray & Moore, LLP is a Perry, Georgia law firm.  This established middle Georgia law firm now offers online legal services in addition to our traditional legal practice in Perry, Georgia.  An attorney at Walker Hulbert Gray & Moore can be your online lawyer!

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Before the Today Show came on at 7:00 this past Monday morning, I was starting, in anticipation of a full read, Willie Morris’ Terrains of the Heart and Other Essays on Home, when the words in his Foreword so intrigued me that I wanted to share them with you.

Even with this strenuous culling of all the available pieces, the reader will find inevitable repetitions here, quite a few of them. I neither defend these nor apologize for them. They are there because the writer is who he is. Certain of my fellow beings, I find, appear time and again in these pages: my grandmother Mamie, my son David, my friends Gloria and James Jones, Rose and William Styron, and Dean and Larry Wells, William Faulkner, of course – not to mention all my dogs, particularly “Pete” – and, of course, myself. No sooner might the perceptive reader forgive these reappearances of figures who have helped bind my life together than he will note the frequency of death and graveyards. This, too, could not be avoided, for death and home go together, at least for me.

They are here because the writer is who he is. Morris is so right. I, too, in reviewing and re-reading find repetitions of family, friends, and dogs or as Morris writes: the frequency of deaths and graveyards.

So I start my repetitions, today, with ‘deaths and graveyards’, it being a subject that has infused my efforts since I started writing in 1999, or perhaps sooner, and which will be there as long as I write and as I hear the words in our community of diagnosis, “he is not doing well” or prediction, “she is not going to make it” (as if any of us are).

I’ve gone back and re-read, and I see their names: Clyde Walker, Hubert Hawkins, Glea Gray, Denmark Groover, Jr., Bobby Branch, Herman Talmadge, Eric Staples, Doctors Gallemore, Hendricks and Weems, Tom Murphy, George ‘Big Hoss’ Johnson, Jerry ‘Do-Tricks’ Horton, Jerry Wilson, Joe Hodges, Celestine Sibley, Ed Thompson, Henry Reaves, Shorty Foster, Herb St. John, and so many others. The funerals keep coming, Amazing Grace reverberates mostly from pianos, which I prefer, but sometimes from organs, even an occasional pipe organ, and I think, “they are leaving and soon all of my people will all be gone”.

How many times have I written of Daddy and his parents and my grandparents, which I claim as fiercely as Daddy did: Papa, a mule plowing dirt farmer, and Grandma, as kind a soul as ever walked the dirt rows and dirt roads of Washington County? And my Gray Grandparents, Grandbuddy and Granny, in their relative sophistication, he having lived in Virginia and both of them in Indiana, California and Arizona before coming, together, to Perry to put their roots down, have a family and form friendships, and to ultimately bind me to others on whose shoulders I stood and stand.

There are friends, some being slightly more than casual acquaintances and others of so many years and so many commonalities that they, like family, are part of what I do, say and am. I have more friends today, and yet I have less. I am enriched by those who remain and am diminished by those gone on – even as Amazing Grace reverberated in the churches and in my soul.

How do you go from family and friends to dogs? It’s easy when you realize that dogs are family and are often best friends. With me, it was first Blackie, the kind, gentle Chow with the half-black, half-red tongue. Blackie, the dog that followed me through the woods, across the fields and into the creeks. And, now, it’s Hershey – the sweetest, kindest dog in America. Hershey, the half-Lab, (black?), and half-Golden Retriever, (red?), that watches my every move and wants to go where I go. A dog with a red and black tongue and a dog with red and black parents. Will these be my bookend dogs? At least one, Blackie, will fill this dog bookend role.

About two years ago, I was in an antique shop in Walterboro, South Carolina trying to talk to the owner (who did not know about the things that bind life together – or, at least it appeared he did not know). I asked a question: “Where are you from?” He replied, “The only people who ever ask me that question are from the South.” I responded, “You know why? We are trying to establish some commonality with you.” Oh, he said, “I’d never thought about it like that before.” Indeed, it was apparent he had not.

It’s harder, today, to find that commonality, but, when you do find it, it’s still good, very good. Willie Morris said it this way: “Like the cotton candy at the county fairs of one’s youth, it was all so wonderfully sweet, yet dissolved so swiftly.” Not with me. It takes family, friends, dogs and even death and graveyards, but thank God, I know what binds my life together, and I still enjoy the sweetness.

Walker Hulbert Gray & Moore, LLP is a Perry, Georgia law firm.  This established middle Georgia law firm now offers online legal services in addition to our traditional legal practice in Perry, Georgia.  An attorney at Walker Hulbert Gray & Moore can be your online lawyer!

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Walker Hulbert Gray & Moore, LLP is a Perry, Georgia law firm.  This established middle Georgia law firm now offers Georgia online legal services in addition to our traditional legal practice in Perry, Georgia.  An attorney at Walker Hulbert Gray & Moore can be your online Georgia lawyer!

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Last Friday, not yesterday, but the week before, I woke up about 2:00 a.m. thinking about this column. Exactly why, I can’t say. The only explanation I have is what I was thinking that I have told several preachers, and others, that goes something like this: “I’ll bet that with the exception of preachers, I’ve heard more sermons that anyone in Perry.” That’s what I was thinking about at 2:00 a.m., March 23. So, here goes: Larry, By the Numbers.

Sermons Heard: I’ve been going to church, The Perry Methodist, now the Perry United Methodist, all of my life. Give me credit for four a month (I used to go Sunday morning and night for years which would be eight a month – I think four is fair) for my lifetime. The number would be 14,560. That’s probably not enough to put me on top. But, I also had the opportunity to hear one every morning in Atlanta when the legislature was in session. I’ll take credit for being present for the Chaplain of the Day at least thirty of the forty days (that’s conservative) each session for thirty-two years. That number is 960. I think I can add another 500 for revivals, funerals, etc. All of this totals 16,020. Now, how much good all of these sermons have done me, I don’t know, but I have really been present for lots of preaching!

Fish Caught: Well, it so many you couldn’t put them in one pile! Seriously, I’ve been fishing all of my life and have caught lots of fish. The biggest was a Tarpon at Boca Grande, Florida that weighted 115 pounds. I believe I’ve averaged catching at least 150 fish a year (for the past 30 years, or so, most were released), and that’s over 10,000 – almost enough for everyone in Perry to have one, but no loaves to go with ‘em.

To and From Atlanta: Since I was 30 years old, I must’ve averaged 3 round trips a month. Let’s just forget what I drove to and fro before 30 years of age, and the figure is still 316,800 miles. That’s all the way around the world at the equator about 12.7 times. No wonder I’ve worn out so many tires and cars!

Talked On The Telephone: I’ve been practicing law for 47 years in June of this year. Let’s forget those years when our telephone number was 86L and later 86 and Gray-Walker Tractor’s was 292. I’ll start when I started practicing law and estimate 10 telephone conversations a day (very conservative) for 5 days a week. The number is a staggering 122,200.00 telephone conversations. Let’s take it a step further. Let’s assume each conversation lasted 4 minutes. That’s 488,800 minutes or 8,146.67 hours or 339.44 days of talking, listening, talking, listening, etc. That’s almost a solid year, 24 hours a day, of being on the telephone.

Meals Eaten: Certainly, I’ve averaged 3 a day and sometimes more. Let’s use 3. The total, to date, is approximately 76,650 meals. And what have I eaten more of than any other food? My guess would be either bread or cereal. If a meat, it would have to be chicken. What would your guess be for you?

Cotton Picked: I’ve moaned and groaned about picking cotton in this column, and otherwise, for many years. Now I will confess: I probably picked cotton for two years and about four weeks each year. Let’s say I averaged picking 75 pounds a day for 40 days: that’s 3,000 pounds or about 1-1/2 bales of ginned cotton – at least that’s the way I remember you calculate picked cotton to baled cotton. Really, I didn’t pick very much, did I? I despised every minute of it!

Material Read: I probably average reading at least 2 hours a day, and if you throw college and law school in, it would be higher. But, let’s use 2 hours a day for 50 years. According to my calculations, that’s 36,500 hours of reading or 1,520 days of reading or 4.167 years of solid, 24 hours a day of reading. I’ve enjoyed reading as much as I despised picking cotton!

Ball Games Watched: This one is going to be more speculative, but let me tell you there’s been lots of them. Daddy started taking me to Perry High School Basketball games prior to my being in the first grade a Perry Elementary School. I’ve played in lots of games. I’ve watched Daddy play softball, my children play basketball, football and softball and my grandchildren play football, basketball, softball and tennis. I’ve watched hundreds, perhaps thousands, of games on television. Let’s say 50 games a year for 60 years: that’s 3,000 games. Let’s say the games averaged lasting 2 hours each: that’s 6,000 hours or 250 days of 24 hour a day ball games. It could easily be one solid year of ball games!

I’m remembering how I started this article, and I’m thinking about Mother. She goes to church almost every time there is a service of any kind and she’s been going to the Perry United Methodist Church all of her 92 year life. You’d have to give her at least 7 services a month and for at least 80 years: that’s 29,120 services! My number is only 16,020. I guess I’d better stop saying, “I’ve heard more sermons than anyone in Perry,” and I will. The way I figure it, she’s been to about 13,100 more preachings than I have, and there is no way to catch her, even if I live to 92. And, she is still going and getting further ahead.

If I’m high on anything in this article, it’s on Fish Caught. You can’t blame a fellow for stretching it a little when it comes to fishing, can you?

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What are the most lost things in America? I’ll bet some would immediately say, “souls”. And, if not living by the tenets set-out in almost all organized religions results in a loss of soul(s), then this could be a valid answer. It’s not what I’m looking for, but it’s valid.

Others might answer, “civility.” Certainly, there has been a decline in manners and an increase in rudeness resulting in a loss of civility, but, again, this is not the desired answer(s).

What about “work ethic”? I think most would agree that Americans generally don’t have the work ethic of their ancestors, so, I couldn’t say this is a “wrong” answer. It’s just not one I’m looking for.

What about “morals?” Are people less moral, or is it that there are just so many more people, or that there is so much more to hear, see and read? So, loss of morals is not going to be judged by me as right or wrong, although it’s not the answer or an answer that I want.

What about sleep? I am one of the Americans that often do not sleep well. I’m like Clark Fain: “If I can get a good night’s sleep, I can conquer the world.” Good answer, but I’m looking for different kinds of answers.

Let me get more specific. What is it that people in our country lose more than anything else?

Let me start . What about keys? Don’t most people lose their keys from time to time? “Honey, where are the car keys?” “They are right where you left them on the table when you came in last night!”

Glasses. Especially dark glasses (that’s what I call them, although I think the modern name for these shades is sunglasses). Whatever. The reason I’m on dark glasses is that I just lost mine. However, in looking in my pickup for my lost glasses, I found another pair that some other unfortunate person has lost. Mine were kind’a oval – the frames. These that I found and are now wearing have round frames. I believe my found pair (and I can’t locate the owner) are a little cooler (like stylish) than mine. Still, I would like to have mine back.

What about money? I’m not talking about bad investments or unnecessary spending, and I’m not speaking of dropped money or spilled money. Nope, not too much lost money. Folks are more careful with their money than their keys or glasses!

After the storm that moved through Middle Georgia, recently, not only did folks lose sleep, but what about electricity? I’ll bet there is more wasted electricity in this country than anything else – except, maybe water. Lots of lost electricity and water. Wasted or lost: isn’t it the same thing?

I hear this, often: “Have you lost your mind?” Well, this is getting back to things like “civility” and “souls,” but, still lots of folks do act like they’ve lost their minds. I might have lost my mind for writing a column like this.

What about lost weight? Lose it, gain it back, lose it, gain it back, lose it, gain it back, lose it, gain it back, etc., etc.

What about cell phones? Lots of folks, especially young ones, lose their cell phones. Good for the phone companies. Bad for their parents. Then, again, perhaps the bill (paid by the parents or guardians) goes down during the time of lost.

The television remote. “Where is the remote?” This is more like “misplaced,” but it is temporarily lost. And, it’s aggravating when it happens, isn’t it? Who wants to get up to change the channel?

At our law office, it’s files. “Where is the Jones vs. Smith file,” or “the Adams from Zerko property file?” Fortunately, in 46 years of practicing law, I’ve only lost one or two (out of thousands), permanently. I know these two are around here some place.

This is a good one: “hair.” Wonder how much money is spent in our country trying to prevent loss of hair? I wonder how much good all of the prevention efforts make? Not much, I think. Lots of lost hair.

“Time.” I’ve lost lots of time trying to come up with the “most lost thing in America,” and I still don’t have one answer. Still for me, presently, it’s lost dark glasses. If you find mine, please return ‘em. And, by the way, if you left a pair of dark glasses in my pickup with round lenses and a black case, let me know, and I will get them back to you. But, please hurry up. I’m beginning to enjoy these new cool shades, I found.

Walker Hulbert Gray & Moore, LLP is a Perry, Georgia law firm.  This established middle Georgia law firm now offers online legal services in addition to our traditional legal practice in Perry, Georgia.  An attorney at Walker Hulbert Gray & Moore can be your online lawyer!

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$1,500,000.00 wrongful death settlement for a client whose husband was killed in a motor vehicle collision

$1,000,000.00 wrongful death settlement (obtained through mediation) for a client whose husband was killed in a motor vehicle collision

$475,000.00 personal injury settlement for a client who suffered a ruptured aorta after an accident with a dump truck resulting in nearly $120,000 in medical bills

$470,000.00 total settlements for client involved in a motor vehicle collision ($375,000.00 for underinsured motorist claim and $25,000.00 liability insurance claim plus $70,000.00 medical malpractice settlement as a result of injuries sustained in the collision)

$325,000.00  personal injury settlement for a client who suffered injuries due a fall that occurred on the premises of a supermarket

$150,000.00 personal injury and related claims settlement for a client involved in a motor vehicle collision

$145,000.00 total settlements for a client involved in a motor vehicle collision ($100,000.00 for liability insurance claim and $45,000.00 for underinsured motorist claim)

$135,000.00 personal injury settlement for a client in a motor vehicle accident with a tractor trailer and third vehicle

$125,000.00 personal injury and related claims settlement for a client involved in a motor vehicle collision

$125,000.00 personal injury settlement for a client injured on his motorcycle when a negligent bicyclist darted out in front of him

$100,000.00 personal injury settlement for a client in a motor vehicle accident

$100,000.00 personal injury settlement for a gentleman who was punched by another man in the angle of his right mandible (the right side of his head) causing him to fall and strike his head on a curb

$100,000.00 personal injury settlement for a client in a motor vehicle accident

$100,000.00 personal injury settlement for a pedestrian struck by a motor vehicle

$95,152.28 personal injury and loss of consortium settlement for clients involved with a motor vehicle collision

$65,000.00 personal injury settlement for a client in a motor vehicle accident

$50,000.00 personal injury settlement for a gentleman injured due to an uneven cement porch and sharp support beams outside a resturant

$50,000.00 personal injury settlement for a gentleman involved in a motor vehicle accident attempting to make a turn on his motorcycle; an automobile driver failed to yeild the right of way and collided with the client

$50,000.00 personal injury settlement for a client who was hit by a motor vehicle in a parking lot

$40,000.00 personal injury settlement for a client in a motor vehicle accident

$33,333.33 personal injury settlement for a lady struck head on in her motor vehicle by a driver who had crossed the center line

$32,500.00 personal injury settlement for a gentleman who was struck in his vehicle on an entrance ramp by a driver who failed to yeild

$32,500.00 total settlement (liability insurance claim and underinsured motorist claim) for a client in a motor vehicle collision

$25,000.00 personal injury settlement for a client in a motor vehicle accident

$25,000.00 personal injury settlement for a lady who suffered injuries as the passenger of a motor vehicle that was rear ended

$25,000.00 personal injury settlement for a client whose automobile was pulled of the road in the rain and struck by another motor vehicle

$25,000.00 personal injury settlement for a client against a woman who lost control of her car, drove off the road, and rolled over her vehicle causing the wrongful death the client’s son

$25,000.00 personal injury settlement for a client who suffered injuries as the passenger in a motor vehicle when the driver of the vehicle failed to stop at a stop sign and was struck by another vehicle

$25,000.00 personal injury settlement for client involved in a motor vehicle collision

$25,000.00 settlement for client involved in motor vehicle collision

$25,000.00 personal injury settlement for client involved in a motor vehicle collision

Walker Hulbert Gray & Moore, LLP is a Perry, Georgia law firm.  This established middle Georgia law firm now offers online legal services in addition to our traditional legal practice in Perry, Georgia.  An attorney at Walker Hulbert Gray & Moore can be your online lawyer!

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I take my inspiration for this column from one written by one of my favorites, Andy Rooney.

I’ve learned that you can leave your problems at work and pick ‘em up the next morning. Seldom do I take problems home with me.

I’ve leaned that family is the most important thing in my world. Daddy told me. Daddy was right.

I’ve learned that next to family, friends are most important. I’m blessed to have lots of friends.

I’ve learned that from the most powerful to the meekest, all people want to be recognized and appreciated.

I’ve learned that if you’ll let the other fellow do all the talking, you’ll be surprised at how smart he will think you are.

I’ve learned that the four most important words in dealing with people are: “What do you think?” Then, listen. You’ll be surprised at what you’ll find out, and you’ll be pleased at how much they will like you.

I’ve learned that as to lots of things I really wanted, when I got ‘em, they don’t give me nearly the pleasure I thought they would.

I’ve learned that my work experiences as a youngster have meant much more to me than my play experiences.

I’ve learned that I’ve learned much more from my failures than I have from my successes.

I’ve learned that much of my success is because I have surrounded myself with folks that are smarter than I am.

I’ve learned that life is fast. Daddy liked to say that “the days get longer and the years get shorter.” Again, Daddy was right.

I’ve learned that the church or mosque or synagogue or whatever you call yours is what helps to hold society together and keeps us from having anarchy.

I’ve learned to slow down as life has speeded up. You can get to Atlanta almost as fast at 70 as you can at 79 – and, you stand a better chance at getting there safer.

I’ve learned that dogs are a lot smarter than I thought they were, and that our national leaders are not nearly as smart as they need to be.

I’ve learned that wisdom and common sense are rare commodities in today’s leadership market.

I’ve learned that too many folks are against more than they are for, and that it’s easier to tear down a house than it is to build one.

I’ve learned that athletes are bigger, stronger and faster, today, but not necessarily tougher, smarter or have more heart.

I’ve learned that technological advancements don’t necessarily make things faster or easier or make their users happier.

I’ve learned that everyone wants peace of mind and that so many don’t have it and never will.

I’ve learned that the most powerful thing in the world are the words “I love you” from someone who means them.

I’ve learned that “the sun don’t shine on the same dog all the time”! That’s about the way it goes, isn’t it?

I’ve learned that most of us want mercy and not justice and, fortunately, that’s what most of us get.

I’ve learned that I will never understand why I was born of good parents of good parents in the most affluent country in the world, when so many were not.

I’ve learned that there is lots of style but much less class, and that class has nothing to do with money, position, intelligence or style.

I’ve learned that a smile and words like “please”, “thank-you”, “please forgive me”, and “I forgive you” will take you a long way in life.

I’ve learned that the busier I am, the more things I get done.

And, lastly, I’ve learned that folks like Andy Rooney, if there are any other people like him, are blessings. I already miss Andy, very much.

Walker Hulbert Gray & Moore, LLP is a Perry, Georgia law firm.  This established middle Georgia law firm now offers online legal services in addition to our traditional legal practice in Perry, Georgia.  An attorney at Walker Hulbert Gray & Moore can be your online lawyer!

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While getting ready for my recent family birthday party, Janice was going through lots of old newspaper clippings, and made an interesting observation about the numerous stories involving our daughter Wendy’s athletic career at the Westfield School in Perry.

First, let me brag a little: Wendy was an outstanding athlete, earning sixteen letters at Westfield, followed by earning a spot on the UGA Lady Dogs squad, where she earned a letter when she played in 1988-89. If the “3 point shot” had been the rule when Wendy played, she probably would have had about twenty-five percent more points, as she was a very good shooter from behind what is now the three point line.

Now, to what Janice saw as she went through the saved clippings: There were only a few pictures in the papers of the girls playing, but lots of photos of the boys in action. Wendy adds that back then there were few programs for girl athletes prior to the time they got to high school. Wendy says that the first time she played softball was when she went out for the high school team.

That’s just the way it was in the 1980′s and before. I’m glad it’s changed. Frankly, I like girls’ basketball almost as much as boys’, and even more when I had a daughter or granddaughter playing.

Another interesting observation by my friend, Ray Goff. Ray and his friend, Mary Harrison, recently went to a concert put on by Rain who are Beatles’ impersonators. Ray says that if you had not known otherwise, you would have thought they were the Beatles. He says they are really good.

Well, apparently, there were lots of background shots showing the Beatles performing as Rain performs. So, Ray asks Mary, “what did you notice about all those shots of people in the background?” When Mary was unable to answer, Ray responds, “no fat people.” That’s the way it was until twenty-five or thirty years ago. Look at old photographs of people on the streets of New York City or Atlanta – very few fat people. Look at pictures of rural southerners – no fat people.

Recently, I read something very interesting. I can’t find the article, but this is what it was about and is essentially what was written: In the 1920′s, the average American ate one pound of chicken a year (how they know, I don’t know, because there was lots of ‘chicken eating’ in the rural south); about thirty years ago, the average American ate twenty-plus pounds a year; and, today the average American eats about eighty-six pounds a year. That’s about one and two-thirds pounds a week!

What’s your observation(s) about all this chicken eating? Well, clearly there are lots more obese people. But, it’s not just chicken that’s causing the girths. I have three observations: 1) lots more ‘eating out’; 2) not eating the right things (vegetables, fruits, etc.); and, 3) the quantities are big and sometimes huge.

So, there you have it: girls’ basketball, The Beatles, fat folks and chicken. What an article. And, by the way, Wendy and Bob have two children (who are my grandchildren) who were both All-State and All-Star high school basketball players. And, they got plenty of photo publicity – both sexes. That’s the way it should be.

Haley Way is now at Valdosta State University, in her second year, and doing good. And, Gray Way just played in the Georgia-South Carolina All-Star game in Augusta, Georgia, where the South Carolina All-Stars slipped by our boys. And what about this: In this regulation high school game, the score was 99 to 104! Two hundred and three points in one game! Wow! Gray got 13 points, and considering that there were 12 All-stars and they all played about the same amount of time, I think that was very good.

Like girls’ basketball, chicken eating and more fat folks, boys’ basketball has really changed, hasn’t it?

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“It’s the fourth quarter, we’re behind, and we are passing on every play!”

That’s what I frequently say to my friend, Clark Fain, more fully known as Mallie Clark Fain, III, as we discuss our mutual birthday anniversaries, same day, same year, which we occasioned as to the day on yesterday, the year being unrevealed, but being long enough ago that we both now find ourselves in at least in the third quarter – hopefully, nothing beyond the last quarter of the third quarter, as we both feel we are still much “in the game”.

Last week, after an article on spring, I promised that this week I would write about life in autumn and what I learned as I’ve made the trip. If you read and remember, you have seen some of this before. Bear with me as I repeat. I think the lessons are that important. At least, they were and are to me.

* Family Is Most Important. Daddy believed it, said it, and practiced it. At one time, he had 76 first cousins living and kept up with most of them. Mother believed it, too! The older I get, the more I know Mother and Daddy were right. Some ‘make it’ without family support. I don’t believe I could. To all my family, thanks for your tolerance, support, encouragement and love.

* That What Older Folks Can Teach Is Also Very Important. Jim Minter emailed this to me: “When I was starting out in my twenties, I looked up to, sought the advice of, and tried to emulate the generation/generations ahead of me. So did most of the others in my age group. We followed footprints. I don’t see that happening today in a general way.”

I agree with Jim. It appears to me that most young people, today, emulate what they see on television or at the movies or what they learn from their hand-held devices. Perhaps, they don’t have access to the older generations like Jim and I had. If true, that’s unfortunate and sad.

For me, names like Glea Gray, Joe Hodges, Ed Thompson, Seabie Hickson, Hilt Gray, Billy Bledsoe, Doc Hammock, Ruby Hodges, Sara Kezar, Ruby Tharpe, Elmore Thrash, David Peterson, Eric Staples, Herb St. John, E. H. Cheek, Florence Harrison, Jeanne Bledsoe, Mr. ‘Big Hoss’ Johnson, Tom Murphy, Bill Lee, Marcus Collins, Wayne Snow, and dozens of others come to mind. You have enriched my life. Thank you.

* The Sun Doesn’t Shine On The Same Dog All The Time. I’ve written this before, but it is so true. If things are going great, there will be problems in the future. And, if things are bad, they’ll probably get better. A strong faith, well-grounded principles, and family support can help to keep you humble in the ‘fat’ times and will help you get through the valleys when times are difficult.

* Most Of The Things You Worry About Never Come To Pass. I don’t worry as much as I once did. I used to have migraine headaches. I haven’t had one in several years. I don’t worry like I once did. I work hard at our law office and the nature of my business is handling problems. But, when I go home in the afternoon, I leave the problems at 909 Ball Street in Perry, and do not bring them to Marshallville Road.

* If You Do Anything In Life, Everyone Is Not Going To Like You. Don’t expect everyone to like you. Do what you think is right, be considerate, try to be fair to all, and don’t concern yourself with what someone thinks who doesn’t understand, or care, or get the total picture, and consequently dislikes you and perhaps says unkind and untrue things. It’s the true things that are unflattering that you should try to correct. I served with a few folks on the legislature who tried to never take a stand on anything controversial. Nobody got mad at them, and nobody respected them.

It took me into my mature years before I got this important life lesson. I’ve got it now that I’m in the fourth quarter.

* “I Heard” And “They Say” Are The Biggest Liars In Our Society. Dink NeSmith says this, and it’s absolutely true. I hate to use the word “liars”, but it is the only appropriate thing to call these awful folks. I’m not a cynic, but I’m very cautious when someone starts a sentence with “I heard” or “They say”. Often, I will respond: “Who is ‘they’?” Now, these two have new friends: Twitter, Facebook, email, etc. Be careful of these destructive ones. And know this: Just because it’s in print doesn’t mean it’s true!

* I’m Not As Afraid of Dying As I Used To Be. I’m not ready to go. But, I realize that every day brings me closer to spending a night or two at Watson-Hunt Funeral Home in Perry, and then with family and friends that I haven’t seen in a long time. Won’t that be fun? The time with friends, I mean!

* It’s Time To Quit Accumulating And To Start Ridding. I mean like getting shed of so much stuff. Janice and I talk about it, and we even talk a little bit to our children about it. We need to start doing something about it. They say you can’t take it with you. I guess “They Say” tells the truth this time.

* The Church Is One Foundation. That’s the name of a favored old hymn. Actually, it is the “Most Important Foundation”. Can you imagine what our fragile society would be like without the moral compasses of our churches, synagogues, etc.? Our churches are under attack by strong, secular forces. We don’t need to lose these important societal bulwarks.

Yes, I know that autumn is actually the third quarter and winter is the fourth, but I prefer to think that Clark and I are in the third. If I’m like Mother, who is now 92 years old and going strong, I am in the third.

I want to close with what my friend, Buddy DeLoach, who sends me many inspiring and clever things, emailed to me last week. Here it is, with my thanks to Buddy:

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY! In one of his short stories Saki wrote, It was autumn in London, that blessed season between the harshness of winter and the insincerities of summer; a trustful season when one buys bulbs and sees to the registration of one’s vote, believing perpetually in spring and a change of government. I am not sure about the change of government, but I do believe there will be a spring for us! BD”

By the way, Buddy, Janice and I are still planting trees and talking about going to see Sophie, who is three, when she plays high school basketball! I guess we believe perpetually in spring.

Walker Hulbert Gray & Moore, LLP is a Perry, Georgia law firm.  This established middle Georgia law firm now offers online legal services in addition to our traditional legal practice in Perry, Georgia.  An attorney at Walker Hulbert Gray & Moore can be your online lawyer!

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Spring is my favorite time of the year except for autumn. And, autumn is my favorite time of the year except for spring. It could be worse. I could like autumn in the spring and spring in the autumn. Some people are like that. The fact is, I like both seasons very much, but, today, it’s about spring.

Spring, where we live in the Northern Hemisphere, begins on March 20. So, spring is right around the corner. Given the mild winter we’ve had this year here in the south, we might have an early spring. For the sake of the farmers, especially those growing pecans and peaches, I hope we don’t have a late freeze.

Was it around 1955 or 1956, or later, when we had in this area a freeze after the peaches were blooming (and obviously at a bad time)? What happened is best explained by what one of Daddy’s equipment customers, a Peach County peach farmer, Mr. Bill Wilson, told Daddy: “Cohen, I didn’t make enough peaches to make one peach pie!” Let’s hope that this early spring is not marred by a late winter. I want some peach ice cream and peach cobbler.

Now, to some of the things that make spring my favorite season, except of course for being tied with autumn:

* The trees leafing out. Once they start, it’s amazing how quickly the trees are in full leaf. There is a pecan orchard next to us that’s farmed by Al and Lawton　Pearson. I watch it as I go to and from work. It seems to me that from bare trees to “full leaf” is only about two weeks.

* Bream on the bed. And, bass too. Bass are harder to catch when they’re bedding, but bream go into a feeding frenzy when they are bedding. Find the beds, buy the crickets, get there at the right time of day and with the right equipment, and nothing is more fun! “Bream on the bed” says it all between two old fishing buddies.

* Mowing. Yes, mowing. I like to do it. I won’t say I like it as much as I used to dread it, but I do enjoy it. Do a good job and your good works are so easy to see. And, the good thing is that in about ten days, you will have the opportunity and need to do it again.

* Easter. To Christians, Easter is the most important event of the year. It goes to the essence of the Christians’ beliefs. Easter is celebrated on the first Sunday following the full moon that occurs on or next after March 21. I heard Judge　George Nunn answer former President Jimmy Carter at one of President　Carter’s Sunday School lessons in Plains when President Carter asked, “Does anyone know how Easter Sunday is determined?” George got it exactly right! I was proud.

* Spring Training. Have you ever watched baseball games when the Major　Leaguers are in spring training? I’m talking about “being there in person”. Well, it’s the best way and best place to watch big-time baseball. And, it’s about the only time that most of the teams think they have a good chance to win the next World Series.

* The Perry Rotary Bass Tournament. This year, it is on March 17, eleven days after spring begins. It’s loads of fun, and the earnings are used for good works by the club in our community. Foster Rhodes and I won third place last year. This year, we’re trying for first. We’re like those baseball teams at spring training, we think we might win it this year.

* Shorts and Tee Shirts. It’s not too hot, but it’s warm enough to wear a limited amount of clothes. And, it’s a great time to walk around the ponds fishing or around in the fields and woods looking for Indian artifacts and other interesting things.

* Bluebirds and Redbirds. We’ve got lots of both on our place, and we like to see how many we can see. Other birds, too, but the Bluebirds and Redbirds are the stars of the show.

* Sitting and swinging on the back porch. Is there any better way to relax, think, or not think, and just let the world go by? I think not, if I think anything.

* Graduations. We’ve got two grandchildren in college, and one is a high school senior. But, with nine, there are opportunities all along. We’ll go to Gray Way’s high school graduation this year. Is it an ending or a beginning? I tend to think it’s the ending of the beginning and the beginning of the new.

* Tomato Sandwiches. So, it’s a ‘summer thing’. Still, I already have them on my mind: vine-ripened tomatoes, white Merita bread, real mayonnaise, and lots of salt and pepper. I won’t count it as a ‘spring favorite’, but I reserve the right to write about this southern delicacy, later.

Well, that’s ten things I like about spring. There must be hundreds more – like Dogwoods, Jonquils, Daffodils, Robins, new buds, outdoor grilling, etc., etc. It’s a very good time of the year here in Middle Georgia.

Next week: I intend to write about autumn – late autumn. It will be in a different way, because next Friday, I enter late autumn. Have I learned anything on my trip to late autumn? Read and see what you think.

Walker Hulbert Gray & Moore, LLP is a Perry, Georgia law firm.  This established middle Georgia law firm now offers online legal services in addition to our traditional legal practice in Perry, Georgia.  An attorney at Walker Hulbert Gray & Moore can be your online lawyer!

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Periodically, I like to stop and write a column that kinda’ catches up on lots of things and really nothing in particular. In this part of the country, when cotton was still king, it used to be called “scrapping cotton”. That’s when the human cotton pickers made the last pass at getting the little amount of cotton left in the boles. Farmers don’t scrap cotton anymore. Either the big cotton pickers are too efficient, or it’s just not worth the effort. I suspect the latter. Hopefully, today’s effort will be worthwhile (and interesting). Here it is:

* Anne Sinyard sent me some great information on what I had referred to as Bullises (wild scuppernongs). I won’t give it all to you, but do quote from a portion of Anne’s information:

“Bullis and its variants (bullace, bullet grape, bull grape) are very old names for dark-fruited muscadines. ‘Bull’ grape reflects comparison of the berries with cow or pig eyes; or alternatively, muscadines were called ‘Bullace’ because of their resemblance to a European plum of the same name, and that Bullis, Bull and Bullet are all corruptions of the Bullace.”

Two additional things about this: Jerry and Faye Wilson had a “Heinz 57 Dog” named Bullis, and I got a spanking from Daddy for spending a day in the Bullis, Bullace, Bull or Bullet vines when I was supposed to be picking cotton.

Thanks, Anne. You sent good and interesting information.

* I read a few days ago where the U. S. Government is going to start requiring Health Plans to be written where folks could understand them. I’ll believe it when I see it! I make my living interpreting documents for clients, and let me say to you, candidly, that I don’t have a clue as to what my insurance contract says, nor do I know what kind of selection from the various programs is best for Janice and me. Do you? We’ve made our selections, and now can only hope for the best.

* Equally as bad as the gobbledygook of Health Plans is the enigma, farmisht complexity of the labyrinth mixty-maxty of our Internal Revenue Code. Wouldn’t our Founding Fathers be dismayed – and mad? I’m mad about it, too. I just don’t know what to do. Probably, they will simplify it like I once saw – to two lines: “What do you make in 2012: ______________. Send it to us.” Don’t laugh. The way they keep spending, they probably won’t have any other choices.

* Lots is going on in the Village (Downtown Perry). The Coffee Cup (I love that name!) has reopened. Also, City Flair, inside the Coffee Cup, has been redesigned so that there is more eating room inside. Doodle Bug has moved across the street where The Mitered Corner was. And, this is big (especially to Ed Beckham and me), there is going to be an ice cream parlor inside. Connie Potter, The Mitered Corner, will still be doing excellent work from her home (call her). Check out the new business named The Peach Palette. It must be for artists and would-be artists. Beth Cleveland, the owner, hopes you will drop by. Most importantly, the downtown merchants are working together and this has been positive. By the way, if I’ve left anything or anyone out (and I probably have), let me know, and I will mention it in a future column.

* Now, this is big. The Perry Rotary Bass Tournament will be on March 17. If you think you are smarter than a bass (its’ brain is probably smaller than a pea), like to fish, and are likeable enough to be able to get a partner, and have a place to fish, contact a Perry Rotary Club member, get signed up and enjoy the fun. You’ll be glad you did.

* What about the Ball Street extension? I worked on this while I was still in the legislature, and this is my eighth year of being out. I hope the improvements will relieve heavy truck traffic in downtown Perry as much as I think it will. And by the way, what about Perry’s new country radio station on Ball Street? I believe it is WBML, 105.9 FM. The studios are located at 1025 Ball Street. More good news for The Village.

So, there it is. I’ve scrapped a little cotton, and I believe the results were worth the effort. I hope so.

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We have a cabin on the back side of our place that recently underwent some modest renovations. These were prompted by damages as a result of a ruptured water heater. Like most unplanned renovations, and, frankly planned renovations, they end up exceeding, both in scope and cost, what you originally thought you might do and have to pay.

In any event, seeing how well things were looking, as I am wont to do, I decided that the cabin needed a name other than The Cabin, so I informed Janice that I thought we should name our place The Rabbit Box.

Much to my surprise, my name proposal was met with resistance from Janice. As she voiced her reservations, it became apparent to me that she thought a rabbit box was a place of hare assignation. Frankly, I was more than “surprised”. I was shocked.

Here was a woman raised at various times of her youth in Speigner, Alabama, and the Georgia metropolises of Blakely, Hilton, Damascus and Quitman before permanently coming to the big city of Perry. And, she didn’t know what a rabbit box was! Quickly, I disabused her mind of the purpose of the box: “It’s not a rabbit hotel, but is a rabbit trap!”

Quickly, Janice acceded to my naming request and, in fact, gave me a very nice two-sided sign supported by a metal frame with the words emblazoned thereon: The Rabbit Box at SoHo, which sign we have firmly embedded into the ground in the front of our cabin.

Still, her initial ignorance on this subject has continued to gnaw at me from time to time. If Janice Walker didn’t know what a rabbit box was, what about my four children, nine grandchildren, brothers, sisters, neices, nephews, great nieces and nephews, etc.?

Please don’t misunderstand me. I don’t think about this ‘rabbit box ignorance’ all of the time, but certain things bring it back to mind – and, I am totally unable to keep it from entering into my psyche. Let me give you an example.

A few days ago, I was looking at a list of Georgia legislators with information as to party affiliation, committee assignments, and when they first entered the House or Senate (putting “House” first is an old habit). Well, if my reading of the lengthy lists was accurate, there is nobody in the Georgia Legislature that was there when I came in 1973. Calvin Smyre was elected in 1974 and came in 1975, and there are some other “old heads” like Tyrone Brooks, Kathy Ashe, Bob Hanner, Alan Powell, Butch Parrish, Tommy Smith, John Yates, Jack Hill, Bill Jackson and George Hooks, but I’m pretty certain that none of the present members were there when I came in 1973.

Then, as it sometimes does, it hit me: I’ll bet that only a handful of the present Georgia legislators know what a rabbit box is! Sad. I wish I could do something about it. I believe if all the members knew what a rabbit box is (was?), we would have better state government.

I can’t improve the world, but I can help with my little part of it. Let me tell you how. I’ve commissioned a very good cabinet maker, Joe Howell, to build a rabbit box for me. I saw Joe outside the Mexican restaurant in Perry a few days ago, and inquired as to whether he knew how to build a rabbit box. I was relieved at his positive response. We then negotiated a price. He said, “15 to 20 dollars”, and I offered “25 dollars”. The deal was struck. I expect to have my box within the next few days.

A rabbit box is shaped like a large wooden shoe box. It has a trap door in the front. The rabbit goes in it to get food (carrots, lettuce, etc., placed in the back of the box) and trips a latch, which closes the door at the front of the box behind Mr. Brer Rabbit, and the rabbit is caught. That’s how it works.

In the olden days, like fifty years ago, or so, the trapper would kill the rabbit, cut off its feet for good luck charms (not the rabbit’s), and eat the rabbit. Now days, you would take a picture of the rabbit and let it go for a law protected Hawk to eat. Incidentally, if any of you Georgia legislators want a picture of the rabbit box and sign, simply email me, and I will send you a photo. Frankly, I believe if you knew more about rabbit boxes and such things, it would make you a better public servant. Of course, this is just my opinion, but it is pretty firmly held. You know, things like, always have a way to gracefully exit a bad situation, and don’t lose your career over a free meal or drink.

Another thing, you have to be careful when you set your trap. You might catch something you don’t need or want. I set lots of boxes, but never caught a rabbit. One time I did catch a ‘possum. Another thing you politicians need to be thinking about, and that is the traps others are setting for you. But, that’s fodder for another column on another day.

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I entered the Men’s Room in the barbeque shack intent on washing my hands, quickly proceeding to the task as the soap and water were forced between the fingers and over and around the palms and backs. Amazingly, I was struck with nostalgia: I was washing Grandbuddy’s hands with his wrinkles, brown spots, and black and white hairs being stark against the whiteness of the soap.

Presently, I’m reading four books: Killing Lincoln by Bill O’Reilly with Martin Dugard, Suicide of a Superpower by Patrick Buchanan, A River Runs Through It by Norman Maclean, and The Lightwood Chronicles compiled and edited by Stephan Wingham. While my eyes dart over the printed words, my first grade teacher, Frances Couey, sits to my left and smiles with pride. My senior home room teacher, Florence Harrison, is over my right shoulder reading and enjoying equally with me. My bookend teachers.

Tell me a tale about my beloved South or Georgia and its people, and I’m as happy as a hog in slop. This love of vocal tales, now a dying art, came and comes from great raconteurs like Glea Gray, Seabie Hickson, Billy Bledsoe, Bobby Tuggle, George Nunn, Jackie Cooper, Bobby Rowan, Marion Pope, Chuck Sims, Clark Fain, John Akin, Bryant Culpepper, Connell Stafford, Ed Beckham, Jim Minter and Dink NeSmith. I hope I’ll get to hear Judge Pope tell about The Most Beautiful Woman In Biloxi, Mississippi one more time!

He had an impatience in his voice which I did not like. I frequently have an impatience in my voice – which I do not like! I don’t guess Daddy could help it. I can’t either. But, he had so many wonderful qualities and attributes. I hope I got just a few of those. And Daddy and his sister, Lillian, both “little country children”, had keen minds and were loaded with common sense. I’ve had many people tell me: “Mr. Cohen could tell you ‘no’ and make you like it better than any person they ever knew.” And, you need not try to mislead him, he would always find you out. I know. I tried.

“Lally Boy (that’s what my Grandmother Walker called me), I want you to rig me up some fishing poles when you come to visit.” And, I would and did, putting the cork, lead and hook on the black cotton cord and tying the cord to the end of the bamboo poles. Then, she would let me go fishing in one of the nearby ponds. Even today, I know how to rig-up, and I know how to fish – and, I love it. Thanks, Grandma.

Mother knows how to put her thoughts on paper. And, she knew how to put some of “Daddy’s thoughts” on paper for him. Not only did she know how to put her thoughts together, she could then get up and present them well. She got this from her father, my Grandfather Gray (“Grandbuddy”). I hope I got some of it from both of them. If so, it was nourished by Mr. Cheek, who entered me in the FFA Speaking Contest, and by ‘Miss’ Tucker and ‘Miss’ Weaver, my eighth grade teachers. To Grandbuddy, Mother, Mr. Cheek, Mrs. Tucker and Mrs. Weaver, like it or not, you’ve all been a part of the thousand or so talks I’ve made since I was a young boy.

This is hard for me to explain to you, or even to myself. But, I seldom if ever go quail hunting that I don’t think about Ben Porter. Was it the few quail hunting trips Ben and I immensely enjoyed together or the hours we spent talking about trips made and trips to be made? Or, is it that Ben was always such a wonderful host (on quail hunting and other trips), and Ben was always the quintessential southern gentleman? Either way, or both, when I get on the bird buggy or raise my .28 gauge when the covey rises, it’s like the song, Ben, You Are Always On My Mind.

My life has been blessed with so many great friends, but I must mention three more who did and do continue to make life better: Jerry Wilson (now gone, but not forgotten), Jerry “Do-Tricks” Horton (now gone, but not forgotten), and Bobby Jones (thankfully, still with us). How do I know that they have influence? Well, Janice and I talk about them often. Like, “that sounds like something Do-Tricks would have done”, or “wouldn’t Jerry Wilson have enjoyed that movie”, or “he can dance good, but not as good as Bones Jones”. Thanks, brothers, for the time we’ve spent together and for the memories.

To My Grandfather Walker (Papa), thanks for the “teasing” I got from you and you gave to me (makes me like to tease others), and to my Grandmother Gray, thanks for the gift of candor, and to Janice, thanks for your love and teaching me how to express it to others.

I started off writing of my Grandfather Gray’s hands. I remember when mine started becoming his. I didn’t like the spots and even got some salve which was incorrectly advertised to remove the spots. But, I’m over that. If mine are Grandbuddy’s, that’s just fine, because I loved him so much. And, I love all the other folks mentioned here who have meant so much to me and upon whose shoulders I am now standing.

Walker Hulbert Gray & Moore, LLP is a Perry, Georgia law firm.  This established middle Georgia law firm now offers online legal services in addition to our traditional legal practice in Perry, Georgia.  An attorney at Walker Hulbert Gray & Moore can be your online lawyer!

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I’ve written my fair share of articles about rude clerks, sullen fast food dispensers, disinterested and incompetent government employees, and the like. Actually, I’ve probably written more than my fair share.

That’s the way it is, or, at least, the way it seems to be. Most of us are apparently more interested in the negative than the positive or the bad than the good (and, yes, despite what some may say, there is still a difference between bad and good).

You get my point. Today, I’m trying to do better. How long this positive epiphany will last, I’m not certain, but at least for now, I’m going to write about people right here who are doing good, being positive, and, I think, making a difference in a good way. These are people who I encounter in our little corner of the world. These are people who, often, I know little about, but people who make me feel wanted, appreciated and good.

Thanks to all of you from me for all that you are and all that you do.

Jewell Tucker is 75 years old. She’s been working at Chick-Fil-A in Perry for the past nineteen years, having come there after 28 years, plus, at Robins Air Force Base.

Jewell is now working only two days a week. If you’re lucky, you’ll go to Perry’s Chick-Fil-A on one of the days Jewell is on duty and have her to wait on you. I’ve found Jewell to be unfailingly friendly, helpful, kind and efficient. And, she usually says to me something like “I really enjoy your articles in the paper”. Jewell, you really are a jewel!

What about those brothers, Terry and Jackie Mullis, at the New Perry Cleaners? They understand and provide great service for their customers – and with smiles and courtesy. Keep it up men, you’re doing good.

Have you ever done business with Robert Lumpkin at Lumpkin Shell in Perry? If so, I’ll bet you keep going back. Robert is simply the best at what he does. Our family counts on Robert and his staff for all of our car service needs. I have the utmost confidence in this man, who apparently believes a service station should provide service.

You don’t know trouble until you have plumbing problems, do you? Well, we’ve got a solution if you have this bad luck, and his name is James Pennington. James will come when he says he’ll come, and he will solve your problems.

I saw a sign on a plumbing truck that read: Number One In The Number Two Business. Janice and I think James Pennington is number one in his business.

Have you ever dealt with Martha Malcolm Flournoy at Dr. Matt Dixon and Dr. Paul Smith’s office? Dr. Dixon and Dr. Smith may be the optometrists (and both of them are really nice folks), but Janice and I always start with Martha and often end with her. Men, we know you know what an asset Martha is to you, your practice, and our town. Hold onto her.

He’s my nephew, but I must say that there is no nicer young man in Perry than Ben Hulbert. If you’ve done business with Ben at State Bank, know him through the Perry United Methodist Church, or just run into him in the community, I know that you will agree with this. Keep it up Ben, you are impressing lots of people – I imagine most everyone with whom you come into contact.

He always makes me laugh. And, he does a good job at what he does. Just ask Randy Moore (a jewel himself) at the Ag Center. I’m talking about Carlton Green. Among other things, Carlton and his large and capable crew keep the restrooms clean and re-supplied during the annual National Fair. And, like I say, he does it very efficiently and with a smile on his face – and he puts one of yours if you take time to visit with him and listen to his stories. Go Carlton. Keep it up.

Do you know Brenda Stokes? If not, you’ve missed a lot. Not only is Brenda a physically beautiful woman, but she is fine, fine, fine. Lots of folks around here claim to be Christians, and many are, but Brenda is one who always looks, talks and acts like one is supposed to. At least like I think they are supposed to. Draper Watson, you are a good guy, and I found out how smart you were when you hired Brenda.

Let me end this list (and, I could add dozens more) by mentioning one of my favorites, and one of Perry’s favorites. The person I’m talking about is Julie Evans. Julie is fun. Julie makes me feel good. Julie makes me laugh. Julie makes me feel wanted. Julie makes me feel important. I think Julie Evans does this for everyone with who she comes into contact. This is why Julie is so popular and so important to Perry.

So, there you have it. A few of the hundreds in Perry that make this a great place to live. They are just indicative of the millions in the U.S.A. that make ours the greatest country in the world. God bless the good folks and what they are and do.

Walker Hulbert Gray & Moore, LLP is a Perry, Georgia law firm.  This established middle Georgia law firm now offers online legal services in addition to our traditional legal practice in Perry, Georgia.  An attorney at Walker Hulbert Gray & Moore can be your online lawyer!

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Janice and I have been extremely busy, of late, and have largely enjoyed it, although, frankly, at times it has been a bit overwhelming. Our many commitments and busy schedules put me to thinking, for some reason, about what really makes me happy. I have come up with ten things (there are many more) which I want to share with you. Here they are:

Nothing To Do. Actually, as I have written before, it is impossible to do nothing, because when you are doing nothing, you are doing something, which is nothing. Still, there is nothing like a Saturday morning when you get up and realize that the only thing you absolutely have to do is nothing. Then you can do the nothing which is the something you really want to do. Get it? I’ll bet many of you know exactly what I mean, and like me, you love those times when you have nothing which you have to do.

Time To Read A Good Book. This is close to Nothing To Do above. Actually, reading a good book is something! It’s just when you are not rushed and can take your time and savor the contents, feel and smell the book, perhaps do a little underlining, and think what you might tell your reading friends about “this great book” that it makes you really happy. Well, I should say, “it makes me really happy.”

Being With Family. The older I get, the more important this is to me. I’ve begun to understand Daddy’s almost obsession with spending time with family. For us Perry Walkers, the ultimate extended family experience is the Walker Family Reunion on Walker Road (dirt) in rural Washington County on the first Sunday in July (continuous for over 80 years) where 175 to 200 attend. And, Janice and her folks (I am now one of them) gather up in May each year. But what really makes me happy is time with my immediate family, from Mother (91 years old) to granddaughter, Sophie (2-1/2 years old), and all those wonderful family members in between.

Five Friends Who Make Me Laugh. Let me put them in alphabetical order. Ed Beckham: He says that he’s not as quick as he used to be. Don’t let him fool you. Razor sharp and lightning quick. Clark Fain: Very, very clever. Get him to talking about his experiences as a fruit cake salesman or his B.S. (appropriate degree) in Agriculture. Dink NeSmith: A great writer and a great teller of funny tales and experiences. Bobby Rowan: Rural humor (which I understand and appreciate) at its best. And, last but not least, Chuck Sims: A great story teller of hilarious real (well, partially real) stories. If Jerry (Do-Tricks) Horton and Jerry Wilson were still here, they would be on the list (at the top, despite alphabetizing!). By the way, friends who can make you laugh are a great treasure.

Fishing. The Pop-R-Rebel is cast expertly towards the limb protruding from the water next to the bank. The ripples slowly dissipate and then, with a slight twitch, the Rebel moves forward, ever so slowly, making new, tiny waves. Suddenly, the water explodes and the big, large mouth bass has the bait in her mouth (you fooled her, now can you land her?). The hooks are set, the rod bends forward and the contest is on. Five minutes later, you slide her to shore and estimate that she weighs at least six pounds (oh well, about five pounds, or so!). Before sliding her gently back into the water, your best hope (increasing your pleasure) is that your fishing companion witnessed all of this and even has a camera to memorialize the great catch. What happiness!

Quail Hunting. Dogs (always the heros of the hunt), an expert and kind dog handler, a bird-buggy pulled by two beautiful mules, interesting hunting companions who are also friends, a beautiful 28-gauge Browning Citori grade O/U shotgun, ample birds, a cool fall morning after a hearty breakfast and nothing on my mind to keep me from savoring this wonderful time and experience. My friends, for me, this is happiness.

Helping The Less Fortunate. It might be a client (not the sophisticated and of means) who is in trouble (not of his or her making, and unfairly to the crisis), and you are able to help find a solution to be followed by his words, “Mr. Larry, I thank you so much for helping me.” Brother, that’s happiness for “Mr. Larry.”

A Good Movie. Maybe with Danny and Shaun Carpenter, with whom we have seen, among others, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Slumdog Millionaire, and, recently, True Grit and The King’s Speech, and coming out of the picture show after The King’s Speech, with all exclaiming together, “that was a great movie, wasn’t it?” Maybe even eight teary eyes.

Mowing. Yes, just mowing. It starts off scraggly looking, and you mow and think and mow and look and mow and daydream and mow and plan and mow and mow, and then you are through, and it looks great, and you know you did a fine job, and you are happy. And, just to think, when I was a boy, I had mowing customers and dreaded mowing, and now I mow for pleasure and relaxation, and it makes me happy. There’s got to be a lesson here.

Writing A Good Column. Sometimes, I know it when I do it, and sometimes it’s the one I don’t think was “too hot” that gets the most attention. About this one, I really don’t know, but I do know that writing it made me happy.

Thanks for reading. God willing, I will have another one for you next week.

Walker Hulbert Gray & Moore, LLP is a Perry, Georgia law firm.  This established middle Georgia law firm now offers online legal services in addition to our traditional legal practice in Perry, Georgia.  An attorney at Walker Hulbert Gray & Moore can be your online lawyer!

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“We’ve got to get a wheel a turning.” Even at pre-learner’s driver’s license age, I soon learned this meant time to go to work.

And: “When we get to Bo Narry, we’ll get us a drink”. I was older, but slower. What Joe Hodges was saying: When we get to Bonaire and Mr. Henry Cullen Talton Sr.’s store, we’ll get us a Co-Cola.

These sweet memories, and more, swept over me last Saturday night at Perry Players Community Theater when Jackie Cooper, George Nunn and I were featured as we told “Tall Tales And Stories From Perry”.

The building in which we sat, now sixty-four years in Perry and built by my grandfather and father, contributed to my nostalgia. Again, it was one of my early heroes, Joe Hodges, in this very structure, grabbing a running Allis-Chalmers tractor’s sparkplugs and chugging the engine to a stop – I saw him do it more than once. Or, Mr. Donald Brand, in an uncharacteristic act of frivolity, spraying my hair with an empty spray machine, only to learn, as my head turned orange, that it had been refilled by a co-worker.

George told of Perry basketball, then so awesome, but now faded – yet, still worthy of recall, as stories of Martin, Powell, Nunn and other boys of the Perry Panthers vanquished lesser players at Lanier, Warner Robins, Hawkinsville, Vienna, Cochran, Roberta, and even Valley Point. Not a mention of the Fort Valley Green Waves, as George’s and my recall was limited by Mr. Anderson’s vow “not to play Perry, again, as long as I am in charge of the Fort Valley schools”.

With two Perry High School basketball participants like George and me, the subject of ‘Fessor Staples, Coach Eric Staples, followed the ‘teams talk’ as certainly as the fruit after the bloom. There were many tales of ‘Fessor’s prowess built on knowledge of the game, and also of his innate abilities to get the maximum from his youthful warriors, the Panthers. Good enough that when he retired in the mid-60′s, he was extolled as “the winningest boys high school basketball coach in the United States of America”.

Respect for the clock and the need to cover other subjects was the only thing that got us off of Perry basketball and ‘Fessor and onto “other Perry matters”.

Jackie K. Cooper, also known as “Rock Dixon”, was hilarious. He started with a remembrance of Bobby Branch, deceased former editor of the Houston Home Journal, and slipped from that to his tale of small town duplicity, as Jackie added a third weekly column (under the pseudonym of Rock Dixon) to Bobby’s paper, similar in content to his other two, only to be told by readers that they “didn’t know why Bobby hired Rock Dixon to write a weekly column, as you are a much better writer than that Mr. Dixon”.

Alas, Jackie only hinted at a much earlier use of the name Rock Dixon, having one girlfriend with Jackie and a second girlfriend with Rock, albeit in two different South Carolina towns. Perhaps, next time, he will flesh-out these very funny stories.

George had several seriously funny “courtroom stories”, a few of which were actually true. I tried to match George, but was lacking in his treasure trove of material, and I finally bowed out. After all, he is the Judge.

We talked a good bit about Perry’s characters from our past. Folks like Bill Holland (the Panther’s greatest basketball fan, who believed that Perry never lost unless the referees stole the game), Lawrence Bannister (remember his mule-drawn wagon through the streets of Perry?), and O. W. Waddell (lots of good “Waddell stories”). I meant to mention Mr. Cooper Jones and S. L. Norwood but, again, too much material, too little time.

I was determined to tell about Mr. Glea Gray (in my book, Life On The Gnat Line, I called him a “character with character”), and got in a couple of good stories about him (one was very funny, I thought), but didn’t have time to do him full justice. Next time, Mr. Glea, I’ll do better. And, I’ll tell about that other Gray – my grandfather, Charlie Gray, and his losing a political bet, the payoff of which was his rolling a peanut down Perry’s main street, Carroll, with his nose!

At Jackie’s prompting, George and I discussed how Perry had changed since we were youngsters. We agreed that Perry was a great place to grow up (citing many examples), and we all three agreed that Perry is a great place, today.

I talked about the Coffee Cup which was a thriving place for many years under the ownership of Miss Sarah Lewis. It was a place where most of the world’s problems were solved. And, George and I both discussed the beer place, Nick’s, owned by Mr. Freeman Cabero, a good man, which stood in the middle of the block on the south side of Carroll Street in downtown Perry. Can you believe that there was a beer parlor in downtown Perry in the 40′s, 50′s and 60′s? Believe it. There was!

Jackie Cooper is the best at getting people to talk that I have seen. That was fortunate, because George and I needed lots of prompting to get us to loosen up and tell what we knew, and what we didn’t know.

I’m about out of space. Not enough time to write of what George told about daughter Jennifer’s basketball experiences or what I recalled of happenings in Perry Municipal Court. And what about those eight lawyers that grew up on Swift Street?

Then it was over. The laughter had been often and real. The applause was sincere. The words “great, wonderful, really enjoyed it, wish it had lasted longer” floated on updrafts of flattery – right to the top of Daddy’s tractor place, now The Perry Players, and then no further. It was good enough that maybe somebody will want to do it again, twenty-five years or so from now, but, a new crowd better “get a wheel a turning”, so that there will be more good memories to talk about from Perry, Georgia.

And, who knows – it may be pronounced “Bo Narry” in France or England or wherever it came from.

Walker Hulbert Gray & Moore, LLP is a Perry, Georgia law firm.  This established middle Georgia law firm now offers online legal services in addition to our traditional legal practice in Perry, Georgia.  An attorney at Walker Hulbert Gray & Moore can be your online lawyer!

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I was visiting with Ross Tolleson a few days ago, and we were discussing the many differences between today’s legislators and politicians and those of just a few years ago when I opined: “One of the main problems is that none of them have ever plowed a mule or lived through the Great Depression.”

Perhaps my observation was largely non-persuasive to the discussion, but it did bring me to the point I write about today, and that is the dirth of meaningful work experiences in the lives of youngsters during their formative years. Notice, I say meaningful work experiences.

No doubt that today there are many more play experiences and recreation opportunities for children and teens, but what about opportunities for learning how to work and having to work? Certainly, I’m not advocating abusive child labor, but I do commend required work for all of appropriate age, and regardless of financial status. Just because your folks have money is no excuse for non-work. In fact, financial security may be a more compelling reason for early, reasonable work experiences.

I loved Jerry Wilson from the time we were together in the first grade until he passed away on October 1, 2003. One of the first things I knew about Jerry was that he had a required paper route before and after school – when he was six years old! Do I advocate paper routes for six year olds, today? No. But this Georgia Tech graduate did pretty good for himself and his family. He knew how to work.

Connell Stafford worked on a Coca-Cola truck and at the Nu-Way Weiner store in Macon. Dink NeSmith cropped tobacco and worked in his Daddy’s funeral home. Bobby Jones mowed yards and sacked groceries. Janice Knighton clerked at Wynn’s 5 and 10, Johnson’s Store, and later at Horace and Mildred’s. Tom Murphy plowed a mule, as did some of the most prominent, outstanding people in the history of our State.

I don’t consider myself atypical as far as young-life work experiences were concerned. In fact, if not typical, I probably was on the side of ‘less than most’ or, at least, ‘less than many’, but I did do lots of different kinds of work as my life pattern was being set. As I have done before, let me share some of these experiences with you.

We lived at the corner of Swift and Third Streets in Perry. There were sidewalks along both streets and lots of foot traffic – there was also lots of litter. One of my jobs was to “pick up trash”. One day, I was instructed to pick up trash. I didn’t want to do it, so I picked it up and covered it up with leaves in the flower bed. Upon discovery, I received corporal punishment. A lesson of consequences for failure to follow instructions was learned.

I mowed grass at our house and for others (a really big yard would earn me $5.00). Lawnmowers of the 1950′s were not as good as they are today, and there seemed to be constant break-downs. It was very aggravating. Another lesson: work isn’t always easy. Actually, it’s often not easy. That’s why it’s called “work.”

I helped to pack peaches at Tabor’s Packing Shed. I made 65 cents an hour the first year and 85 cents an hour the next. That was pretty good money, but I had to be to work on time and stay until the job was done – which sometimes was late into Saturday nights. Lesson learned: You have to stay until the project is finished.

My brother, David, and I boiled and sold peanuts on the streets of Perry. We learned how the capitalistic system works – there is a direct correlation between inventiveness, initiative and effort, on the one hand, and reward on the other.

I worked at Gray Walker Supply Co. for Ed Thompson and Mr. Glea Gray. I also worked with Joe Hodges – delivering feed, grading eggs, weighing out 85 cents worth of turnip seeds, etc. I found out that your co-workers can teach you lots about life if you’ll just listen.

I worked clerking for Billy Bledsoe at his men’s clothing store, The Swank Shop, in downtown Perry. I found out that work could be fun, but that ‘the public’ could often be demanding and sometimes unreasonable.

I picked cotton for Daddy. There were many lessons that grew out of this difficult experience. One lesson learned: when I went to the bullis vines in the trees to pick and eat wild scuppernongs rather than doing the picking job (and only picked 29 pounds that day), I received as my reward a good, hard spanking. Lesson learned: there are consequences for failure to follow orders and do your job.

Believe it or not, I was a steel worker for a summer at Texas Steel Company in Fort Worth, Texas. I learned what some have to do – hot, loud, long, hard, dangerous and difficult work – to make a living. I also learned that I didn’t want to do this kind of work the rest of my life.

I was the Circulation Manager (glorified paper boy) for the Red and Black when Janice and I were married and I was in Law School at the University of Georgia. I learned that when you are married, you take on additional responsibilities which includes helping to support your family.

In June of this year, I will have been practicing law in Perry for 47 years. I attribute much of my success and longevity to learning to work when I was young. Thanks, to all of those who gave me a job, and thanks to Daddy and Mother for requiring me to work.

Walker Hulbert Gray & Moore, LLP is a Perry, Georgia law firm.  This established middle Georgia law firm now offers online legal services in addition to our traditional legal practice in Perry, Georgia.  An attorney at Walker Hulbert Gray & Moore can be your online lawyer!

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I promised a “book report” of some of the books I read in 2011. Here it is, such as it is.

Let me start by mentioning some of the books I’ve read in the past – before 2011 – and my present “Top Ten List” which has morphed into thirty books, or more. It’s like putting ten pounds of sausage into a five-pound casing (be it casing from hog intestines or store bought casing). You can’t do it! But, you can make patties out of what you can’t stuff. I’m about to make some patties.

I guess I wrote my first “Top Ten List” in January of 2006. I re-read it last Sunday, January 1, and must confess that I’d probably drop three or four of these books off my current list of ten favorites. Goat Brothers by Larry Colton would go along with The Moviegoer by Walker Percy and Franklin and Winston by Jon Meacham. That puts me down to seven and leaves room for three.

I made another list on December 9, 2008 which I called “Notable Books From The Past”. Included on this list were four books I would like to mention: Summer of ‘49 by David Halberstam, The Fifties by David Halberstam, Midnight In The Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt and The Last Bus To Albuquerque by Lewis Grizzard (over sixty of his columns published for the first time). Would any of these push a previous book off of my “top ten” and take its place on my list? I don’t know.

I wrote a third column on December 9, 2008 (apparently, I was already having trouble limiting my list to ten) and wrote of five books that would have to be considered by me for top ten status: Andersonville by William Marvel, Gods and Generals by Jeff Shaara, Who Runs Georgia by Calvin Kytle and James A. Mackay, General James Longstreet – The Confederacy’s Most Controversial Soldier by Jeffrey D. Wert, and Some Things I Wish We Wouldn’t Forget by Jim Minter. Let’s see, I added five and don’t have anywhere to stuff them.

On December 28, 2009, I wrote another column with a list of ten. Of note were two books I would like to accord ‘top ten status’, if I have room: The Legacy of Eulan Brown by Bruce Goddard (life lessons in the small town of Reynolds, Georgia) and Lone Star by T. R. Fehrenbach (which would definitely make any of my top tens).

Now let me get to 2011 and mention eleven of the 24 books I read last year. On February 4, I finished Colonel Roosevelt by Edmond Morris, and I wrote in the front of his this book: “. . . I know that Colonel Roosevelt or Theodore Roosevelt is one of the most interesting men in the history of our country . . . the book was very good . . . and, I would strongly recommend its reading.” Then, on July 14, I finished The Imperial Cruise by James Bradley (the book cover quoted Janet Maslin of the New York Times: “Incendiary . . . The Imperial Cruise is startling enough to reshape conventional wisdom about Roosevelt’s presidency.”). I wrote this in the front of this book: “I finished this absolutely astounding book, today . . . can it be true? . . . I have been shaken by what Bradley reports . . .”

Then there are books read last year that I know have to go on my top ten: Harper Lee’s, To Kill A Mockingbird, was finished on September 18, and both of Robert Ruark’s classics, The Old Man and The Boy (originally given to me by Rusty Wood and later by Dink NeSmith, and was finished on October 15, 2011), and The Old Man’s Boy Grows Older (finished on December 23).

I also got introduced to Willie Morris in 2011 and read two great works by him: north toward home and My Dog Skip. I think north toward home is top ten material, and I liked My Dog Skip so much I bought the movie by the same name and gave a copy of the book to all four of my grandchildrens’ families for Christmas.

Then there are three great books, Unbroken (which I finished on March 6), April 1865 (which was completed on May 21) and Richard Brevard Russell, Jr., A Life of Consequence (which I concluded on November 28).

But, by far, my favorite book read in 2011 was Dollar Cotton by John Faulkner (younger brother of William Faulkner), which was copyrighted in 1942. This is not a 2012 politically correct book. And, it’s difficult to find a copy (I don’t want to write of what I paid for it, Daddy might find out that it was close to $100.00, but I’m glad I’ve got it, and glad I read it). I finished it on March 13, seven days after I finished Unbroken. Let me add that Dollar Cotton is about the early days of growing cotton in the Mississippi Delta.

Oh, I’ve almost forgotten. My friend, Dink NeSmith, is working on his book, Sometimes I sit and think . . . Sometimes I just sit, which he will have put together soon. I’ve already read it, and I know it will have to be on my top ten list. Do I have room? I’ll try to stuff onto my list.

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I wouldn’t put it in the same category as the Social Security/private investments debate nor the budget deficit nor the trade deficit, but it is still a problem. A problem that seems peculiar to men (at least as to how it affects them) as opposed to women. In fact, women seem to relish the situation and, if I can be candid, in almost all of the cases of which I am aware, are the cause of men’s perplexment and bewilderment.

Now some of you men may think that your frustrations with this “problem” are unique to you. Think again. The next time you are in a group of men, raise the issue and you will be astounded at the universality of your male companions’ first hand experiences. And if there are more than six in the group, at least one or two can truthfully “top” anything you can tell.

What I am talking about is women’s obsession with piling pillows on beds. Let me use my personal situation (and bed) as an example. Before I go further, let me say that seldom does anyone other than my wife or I go into our bedroom. Nonetheless, as the bed is made each day (and, admittedly, most times by Janice), she piles eight pillows on the bed, which I remove each night, placing them strategically around the room.

Now let me admit that I get up more in the night than I used to. And I am fearful one of her pillows will trip me, or I will trip over it. But the main problem is that I just don’t understand it. What’s the sense of it all?

Recently, I consulted one of my friends about this “pillow business”. I got no sympathy. He said that there were twelve pillows on their bed. Round ones, square ones, oblong ones, etc. I could tell that his frustrations greatly exceeded my own. So I tried to change the subject. And with some success – though not with satisfaction. While recognizing the “pillow obsession problem” and its seemingly endless fashion duration, he told me of an even more concerning matter with which he is coping.

Like me, my friend gets up more in the night than he did when younger. Well, it seems that “Miss Martha Stewart” has placed a chenille cover on their toilet lid. The problem is that the lid won’t stay up without being held up. You can see the problems that this causes. He has to walk through a mine-field of twelve pillows and if he makes it, then has a balancing task while in a semi-awake or semi-asleep state. He says “it’s a real problem”. I believe him.

I thought it would die out. Like leisure suits and duck-tail haircuts. But it has lasted for quite a while. And, the number of pillows is never reduced. Just additions. Guess I will just have to live with it and hope I don’t get smothered or trip in the night. And thank goodness we don’t have a chenille lid cover. I hope that doesn’t get to be a big fashion thing. Otherwise, I guess we would have to get one for me to balance and both of us to look at.

‘Lest you think otherwise, the contents of this article are essentially true. Names have been omitted to protect existing relationships.

Walker Hulbert Gray & Moore, LLP is a Perry, Georgia law firm.  This established middle Georgia law firm now offers online legal services in addition to our traditional legal practice in Perry, Georgia.  An attorney at Walker Hulbert Gray & Moore can be your online lawyer!

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Law and Life on the Gnat Line is a blog written by Larry Walker.  It will cover a wide variety of topics on the practice of law and life on the gnat line (a distinctive area of Middle Georgia).  You can enjoy Larry’s weekly columns and other writings on this blog.  You also can follow Larry on twitter @galawyersonline.

More About Larry Walker

Larry Walker is a native of the gnat line having lived in Perry, Georgia all of his life.  He attended the public schools of Perry and graduated from Perry High School in 1960. Larry has two degrees from the University of Georgia, (a “double dawg” ), including a law degree. He has practiced law in Perry, now with the firm of Walker, Hulbert, Gray & Moore, LLP, since he graduated from the UGA law school in 1965.

In 1972, Larry was elected to the Georgia General Assembly, taking the seat formerly occupied by Sam Nunn, a fellow Perryan, and served continuously until January 10, 2005. In 1983, he assumed the duties of Administration Floor Leader for Governor Joe Frank Harris, and in 1986 he was elected Majority Leader of the Georgia House of Representatives, serving in this capacity for sixteen years. Larry served for four years (1999 through 2002) as Chairman of the State Legislative Leaders Foundation, a nationwide organization of state legislative leaders. Larry served on the Georgia Department of Transportation Board from January 2007 through June 2009, representing Georgia s Eighth Congressional District. In August of 2009, Larry was appointed by Governor Sonny Perdue to the University System of Georgia Board of Regents as an at-large member. He is presently serving in this capacity.

Law and Life on the Gnat Line will showcase Larry’s wit, humor and distinctive style of story telling.  As Larry’s good friend Dink NeSmith says, “If Georgia is always on your mind, you’ll love Larry Walker.”

Walker Hulbert Gray & Moore, LLP is a Perry, Georgia law firm.  This established middle Georgia law firm now offers online legal services in addition to our traditional legal practice in Perry, Georgia.  An attorney at Walker Hulbert Gray & Moore can be your online lawyer!

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