Outdoors in Georgia: The Pursuit of Nothing

By SHANE PROPHETT, Arnall Grocery Company

Overwhelmed, stressed out, or simply peopled out? You are not alone my friend.

As I write this, I’m tired, have about 127 things to do and only time to do about three of them. This doesn’t include the three things that I would like to do. We all have our limits and if you are like me, you stay at your limit at all times. Time to slow it down and what better place to do it than outdoors. Let’s go!

Rules are a big part of life and if you are going with me to unwind and relax we need to lay down some rules. I usually choose to unwind alone but since you are tagging along we will follow these rules to maximize the use of our highly coveted and hard to come by slow down time.

First rule: NO (at least minimal) TALKING and secondly: this time will be spent outside.

As for Rule #1, this includes not talking to each other unless completely necessary. Keeping the conversation to a minimum will help us focus on the fact that we are doing nothing and on purpose.

Necessary topics include:

1. Jesus – The Lord can always and should always be mentioned anyplace, anytime.

2. What snack would you like? – Snacks like fruit, trail mix, a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, and such as that.

3. Do you want another Dr Pepper? – Multiple Dr Peppers and some bottled water are a must (got to stay hydrated).

Meet Marcy Anthony of Home Helpers, an ‘Exceptional Caregiver’

Home Helpers Home Care introduces its second ‘Exceptional Caregiver’ of 2023 this month – Marcy Anthony.

“I have been doing home healthcare for about seven years now and it has been the most challenging, yet rewarding job I have ever had,” says Marcy.

“Helping families maneuver through their new way of life has become a joy for me, knowing that I have helped them breathe a little easier at the end of the day.”

“From giving love ones a break to helping my patient feel comfortable, it’s all a rewarding feeling.”

Marcy Anthony

Marcy is a single mother of four and is going to school to become a Registered Nurse.

For the 10th consecutive year, Home Helpers of Georgia and Alabama, based here in Newnan, has earned the recognition as a 2023 Best of Home Care – Provider of Choice Award winner. The Best of Home Care – Provider of Choice Award is based on client satisfaction ratings collected from telephone interviews performed by HCP. The home care providers who earn this award consistently exceed the industry standards for quality in-home care.

4. What song do you want to play next? – I like to play country music, I prefer ‘80s and ‘90s but have come to enjoy some of the current artists as well.

5. Do you need more bait? – Always bring plenty of bait such as worms, minnows and crickets.

6. Is that a snake? – Snake identification is always important, relaxing or not.

7. Cloud shapes – Cloud shapes can account for many hours of nothingness.

8. Did you just get a bite? – Always keep a check on your companion’s fishing equipment in case they dose off.

9. Chair positioning – Chair positioning is important to avoid sun in the eyes and/or sunburn.

And 10. Is it too dark? – As for the darkness conversation, if you have to ask, it’s not too dark.

As you can see the only real conversation left to have is about Jesus and snakes, the remainder has now been made clear. So let’s move on to the location of our pursuit of nothing.

The elusive day of nothing, for me, must take place outdoors. I have a particular place in mind. It has a lake full of fish, lots of trees, and some open fields. It’s far enough from any road that it is quiet and peaceful. There are enough trees around the lake that I can stay in the shade all day.

I have obtained as a gift what is called a zero gravity chair (no you can’t borrow it) and it is ripe for napping. I have taken many naps by this lake only to be awaken by a catfish trying to yank my pole out of my slumbering hands. I know how to remedy this issue. I simply reel my line in and remove the bait then chunk it back out there. That will teach those fish to interrupt my nap.

This time of year an important thing to remember is the pollen count. In March the pollen count is usually bearable, somewhere in the millions (partially kidding). However, in April, that count goes into the trillions (partially kidding) which may require the use of a gas mask or at least a covid mask. This doesn’t stop my pursuit however. I can push through it with some sneezing and nose blowing. There is also a product called Alkalol that is effective in clearing out the nasal passages this time of year. Talk to your pharmacist about that one.

Nothing is an elusive rascal. Everything this world throws at us is against the idea of nothing. Work hard, be good at what you do, provide for your family, and help some others along the way, but don’t forget to slow down.

Nothing is there for the taking, we just keep passing it. Slow down and catch it.