Benjamin-Smith: Wandering down memory lane

I am wandering again. Maybe I should say I am also wondering. Why?Because I think life is a mystery. We don’t have the slightest idea of tomorrow. We have our plans, yes. But the unexpected? No.Okay, so much for the mystery. Let’s get on with some positive ideas and happenings.

Rich: My regret

Fifteen years ago, I wrote a column that I came to regret as soon as it was published.Whenever I hear someone say proudly that he has no regrets in life, a string of regrets runs through my heart and quickly humbles me (‘umbles as we say in the mountains).What I wrote, hurt at least a couple of...

Yarbrough: More random thoughts on random subjects

A reader in Calhoun sent my recent column on the Monks Walk for Peace to a Facebook page devoted to that extraordinary event. As of last week, it had received over 3,000 likes, more than 200 comments, and 20 Facebook users had posted it to their own page.

Letter to the Editor: Quarry owner thanks local residents

Dear Editor,I want to extend my sincere thanks once again to the residents of Putnam County who joined us at our second community open house (Feb. 26 at The Plaza) for the Putnam County Stone quarry project.Your active participation reflects a strong sense of community, and we deeply appreciate the...

Rich: The South’s ways – Charlotte radio show

Excitedly, many years ago, I was a young girl who was a novice author, publishing with Penguin-Putnam, one of the world’s largest publishers.After a four-day auction, the book’s illustrations about the grace and hospitality of the South sold, and I was stupidly stunned to find myself on shows like...

Yarbrough: Immovable object vs. irresistible force

Let us revisit the matter of drilling for titanium dioxide in our Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge so that the world as we know it never runs out of toothpaste whitener.Although you have strongly expressed your concerns to our intrepid public servants under the Gold Dome, and I have commented on...

Rich: Flowers on the wall

Several years ago, Tink was writing a Hallmark Hall of Fame movie. These are their most prestigious movies.

Yarbrough: Monks’ walk for peace brings out the best in us

I’m trying to figure out why all the talk is about Making America Great Again? America has been great since I’ve been here, and I suspect it will be great when I’m gone.That is because it is made up of good people who do good things.No one comes close to Americans in charitable giving.

Letter to the Editor: In disagreement with columnist

Dear Mr. Dick Yarbrough,Your recent column concerning mining near the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge contains several assertions and implications regarding Toledo Manufacturing Company that require correction.To be clear at the outset, Toledo Manufacturing never advocated for Twin Pines...

Rich: The joy of leisure

On summer days, our swimming hole stays pretty busy.