North Georgia Days Series by Howard Wigington

Welcome back to North Georgia, where Brett and Sherry will soon be married. As they look forward to their new life, some challenges await. Brett switches to a new company, and continues to roll up; the miles. Meanwhile, the recession is going to hit close to home, and lead Sherry in a direction she did not anticipate. In addition to her role as wife and stepmom, she'll find herself testing the waters in another new situation... moreWelcome back to North Georgia, where Brett and Sherry will soon be married. As they look forward to their new life, some challenges await. Brett switches to a new company, and continues to roll up; the miles. Meanwhile, the recession is going to hit close to home, and lead Sherry in a direction she did not anticipate. In addition to her role as wife and stepmom, she'll find herself testing the waters in another new situation. Brett's daughter, Emily, is adjusting to life in Georgia, and getting ready to start a new school in the fall. Brett's friend, police officer Tony Powell, will face a nightmare that every police officer hopes to avoid. Just down the road at the Evans home, Brad, Gloria, and Sherri face new situations as well, beccoming fast friends with the Warrens. While the road ahead is bumpy and full of changes, faith, family, and friends continue to smooth the way. less

Welcome back to North Georgia! Brett and Sherry Warren have been happily married since summer, and are both looking forward to their first holiday together. Even as they move ahead, they will never forget the circumstances that brought them together, and both are thankful for all the good things that have happened. Emily Warren has adjusted to life in North Georgia... moreWelcome back to North Georgia! Brett and Sherry Warren have been happily married since summer, and are both looking forward to their first holiday together. Even as they move ahead, they will never forget the circumstances that brought them together, and both are thankful for all the good things that have happened. Emily Warren has adjusted to life in North Georgia.While she still occasionally struggles with the loss of her birth mother in a car crash this past summer, she loves living with her dad and 'new' mom. Suprised to find that she enjoys an occasional trip with her dad, one of those trips will show her just how unpredictable (and dangerous) life on the road can be. The Evans family continues to enjoy their friendship with the Warrens, and Sergeant Tony Powell is back on the job after a September incident almsot ended his life. All of the Warrens family and friends will converge on the Warren home at Christmas for the very first time. All of it is a huge change from previous years. A rare occurence in North Georgia will add some sparkle to the holiday! In the middle of it all, faith, family, and friends continue to be the order of the day. less

2009 is almost history in North Georgia, but 2010 promises to be just as interesting. Two of the 'North Georgia Gang's' teenagers will be graduating from high school in 2010, and both wonder what the future holds. Both are waiting to hear from colleges they have applied to. Emily Warren finally has to reveal a big secret she brought with her when she moved to Georgia. Brett is still rolling up the miles for Freight Atlanta... more2009 is almost history in North Georgia, but 2010 promises to be just as interesting. Two of the 'North Georgia Gang's' teenagers will be graduating from high school in 2010, and both wonder what the future holds. Both are waiting to hear from colleges they have applied to. Emily Warren finally has to reveal a big secret she brought with her when she moved to Georgia. Brett is still rolling up the miles for Freight Atlanta. Having gone past the two-million career miles mark last year, he is well on his way to a third million. While his job keeps him on the road, he discovers that home really is where his heart is at. He and Sherry continue to enjoy life with all it's twists and turns, and as always, faith, family, and friends continue to make the road a joy to travel. less

The holidays return to North Georgia, where Brett, Sherry, and Emily Warren prepare to celebrate their second Thanksgiving and Christmas together. While Brett still doesn't particularly like change, before Christmas, he'll have to deal with one situation he has never faced in over twenty years on the road. Sherry, who owns half of the fledgling Midway Supermarket Company, looks forward to one of their busiest times of the year... moreThe holidays return to North Georgia, where Brett, Sherry, and Emily Warren prepare to celebrate their second Thanksgiving and Christmas together. While Brett still doesn't particularly like change, before Christmas, he'll have to deal with one situation he has never faced in over twenty years on the road. Sherry, who owns half of the fledgling Midway Supermarket Company, looks forward to one of their busiest times of the year. Emily makes a new friend, as she anticipates seeing her cousins at Christmas time. Tony and Andrea Powell are getting ready to take a giant leap of faith, as they open their home to a newcomer with nowhere to go for the holidays. This will come to a conclusion that changes the lives of three people permanently. Brad and Gloria Evans have a house full of people for the holidays, and they wouldn't have it any other way. An old friend from years ago will show up as Thanksgiving approaches. Christmas Day will bring several tremendous surprises! As 2010 draws to a close in North Georgia, faith, family, and friends combine to make Christmas a day they will all remember! less

Brett Warren has driven a truck for two decades, but this particular winter is a little rougher than normal. It seems as though every time he heads for the northern half of the country, he's driving in snow, or stopped altogether until the road up ahead of him is cleared. In between those incidents, he's looking forward to moving into their new home in late winter, or early spring... moreBrett Warren has driven a truck for two decades, but this particular winter is a little rougher than normal. It seems as though every time he heads for the northern half of the country, he's driving in snow, or stopped altogether until the road up ahead of him is cleared. In between those incidents, he's looking forward to moving into their new home in late winter, or early spring. Meanwhile, back at home, Sherry and her business partner plan to build on to one of their stores, as Midway Supermarkets continues to grow. Emily is in the second half of her freshman year in high school, and will face the first real test of her relationship with her boyfriend, Tommy. Down on Savannah Lane, Brad and Gloria brace themselves for their daughter's departure, as she and her husband move to Mississippi. Sherri and Scott look forward to the newest chapter in their lives, and waste no time in making a couple of new friends. Tony and Andrea Powell are getting more comfortable in their role as parents to an adopted teenager, however, they'll be getting an additional reminder to expect the unexpected. Life goes on in North Georgia, and things are still changing, sometimes unexpectedly. Some things haven't changed, though. Faith, family, and friends still help them all cope with everything life brings their way. less

The summer of 2011 is promising to be a little stormy for the North Georgia gang. As a long-haul trucker, Brett Warren has to deal with the weather to some extent every time he's on the road, and this summer certainly won't be an exception. Emily Warren will face a different type of storm, totally unrelated to the weather. Her relationship with her boyfriend has had cracks in it lately, and will finally fracture. Only time will tell if the break is permanent... moreThe summer of 2011 is promising to be a little stormy for the North Georgia gang. As a long-haul trucker, Brett Warren has to deal with the weather to some extent every time he's on the road, and this summer certainly won't be an exception. Emily Warren will face a different type of storm, totally unrelated to the weather. Her relationship with her boyfriend has had cracks in it lately, and will finally fracture. Only time will tell if the break is permanent.Sherry Warren deals with these things that affect her husband and daughter, and wouldn't have it any other way. She and Brett are looking forward to celebrating their second wedding anniversary.Before the summer is over, the young company she co-owns will prepare to grow again. Police Sergeant Tony Powell will once again face an incident that makes him question if he wishes to remain in law enforcement. He and Andrea have just finished adopting Rhonda, and a situation related to the adoption will cause Rhonda to face an emotional storm of her own. Scott Williams is in his second year of pro baseball, and faces the pressures of stiffer competition. Meanwhile, Sherri prepares to host friends and family from Thomson, who head their way while on vacation. Along with all these happenings are the every-day moments that make up a big part of life. It's shaping up to be a busy, stormy summer, but faith, family, and friends will remain long after the storms are gone. less

After twenty-plus years as an over-the-road truck driver, being away from home is nothing new to Brett Warren. However, since he married Sherry two years ago, and his daughter came to live with them, being away is a little harder to cope with. He and Sherry see fifteen year-old Emily growing up quickly, and they both wish they could find some way to be home a little more. Emily also has a lot on her plate these days... moreAfter twenty-plus years as an over-the-road truck driver, being away from home is nothing new to Brett Warren. However, since he married Sherry two years ago, and his daughter came to live with them, being away is a little harder to cope with. He and Sherry see fifteen year-old Emily growing up quickly, and they both wish they could find some way to be home a little more. Emily also has a lot on her plate these days. She will shortly begin her sophomore year of high school, and start learning to drive, as well. Add homework, karate classes, a boyfriend, youth group at church, and cooking,(one of her favorite things) and Emily is one busy girl. Things are going well for Brad and Gloria Evans. Brad and his business partner are preparing to open their third supermarket. Gloria will soon start her eleventh year as a teacher at Thomson Christian Academy. They both look forward to early September, when their daughter and son-in-law will be home again for an extended visit. Tony and Andrea Powell are in a new situation, as their adopted teen-aged daughter (Rhonda) wants to start dating and driving at the same time. As a police sergeant, Tony has seen accidents involving teenagers, and this greatly increases his concern for Rhonda's safety. The Powell's also gain a new canine member of the family, in spite of Andrea's doubts about this particular animal. George Overby and Teresa Pruitt are wrestling with questions about their future. Can they put aside the events of the past and move ahead? Life goes on at a rapid pace for the North Georgia gang, with faith, family, and friends helping them keep it all together. less

Once again, the holiday season is rapidly approaching in North Georgia. 2011 has been a banner year, though not without a few difficulties along the way. Brett Warren is still doing a lot of traveling between Georgia and California. As a veteran long-haul truck driver, life on the road is nothing new to Brett, but he's found himself praying for less travel and more time at home with his wife and daughter... moreOnce again, the holiday season is rapidly approaching in North Georgia. 2011 has been a banner year, though not without a few difficulties along the way. Brett Warren is still doing a lot of traveling between Georgia and California. As a veteran long-haul truck driver, life on the road is nothing new to Brett, but he's found himself praying for less travel and more time at home with his wife and daughter. Meanwhile, Sherry Warren, who owns half of the rapidly growing Midway Supermarket Company, finds her workload increasing as their third store takes off and grows by leaps and bounds. Emily Warren can barely contain her enthusiasm for the upcoming holidays. She looks forward to seeing all her friends and relatives as the Warrens plan to host a big Christmas get-together, the first one at their new home on Fish Dam Road. But before that, she will once again come to the defense of a friend, only this time she won't escape unscathed. When Christmas finally arrives, she will get one of those jaw-dropping, once-in-a-lifetime surprises. Tony and Andrea Powell are dealing with a few changes as well. While Tony's job as a police Sergeant seems almost recession-proof, Andrea loses the job she's had for ten years, only to get a new one that's even better. Their adopted daughter, Rhonda, is doing well, though she still deals with some fallout from her past family situation. Brad and Gloria Evans are happy to have their daughter and son-in-law, Sherri and Scott Williams, home for the holidays. Scott and Sherri are preparing to move from Mississippi to Virginia after the first of the year. In the meantime, they are more than happy to spend a month in Thomson with family and friends. In between all the hustle and bustle leading up to Christmas, some more happy news as George Overby and Teresa Pruitt answer the question everyone has had on their mind. Welcome back to North Georgia, where faith, family, and friends all combine for a Happy Thanksgiving and a Merry Christmas! less

Brett Warren is now in his twenty-second year as a long-haul truck driver, and spends even more time on the road, these days. Change is on the horizon though, and meanwhile he makes the best of the home-time he does have. Sherry Warren would like nothing better than to have Brett at home a little more, and may even have an idea to help make it happen. The almost sixteen year-old Emily Warren has always described things and situations she likes as 'awesome... moreBrett Warren is now in his twenty-second year as a long-haul truck driver, and spends even more time on the road, these days. Change is on the horizon though, and meanwhile he makes the best of the home-time he does have. Sherry Warren would like nothing better than to have Brett at home a little more, and may even have an idea to help make it happen. The almost sixteen year-old Emily Warren has always described things and situations she likes as 'awesome.' She will get plenty of opportunities to use that term when she goes on the road with her dad once again, in the coming summer. Scott and Sherri Williams are living in Lynchburg Virginia, where Scott is in his third year of professional baseball, as Sherri completes her second year of college. A big event is going to change everything, not only for the two of them, but everyone they know! Tony and Andrea Powell have some misgivings about Rhonda's potential career aspirations, even as they agree to let her explore one option in particular. The Warrens, Evans, Powell's, and all their extended circle of family and friends welcome you back to North Georgia! The summer of 2012 beckons, while faith, family, and friends continue to lead the way. less

Brett and Sherry Warren are looking ahead as the summer of 2012 starts to wind down. While Brett is still rolling up the miles for Freight Atlanta, he’s hoping that the growth of Midway Supermarkets (and its new freight division) will allow him to be home a little more. His wife certainly shares that hope, as she and her business partner continue to expand the growing company... moreBrett and Sherry Warren are looking ahead as the summer of 2012 starts to wind down. While Brett is still rolling up the miles for Freight Atlanta, he’s hoping that the growth of Midway Supermarkets (and its new freight division) will allow him to be home a little more. His wife certainly shares that hope, as she and her business partner continue to expand the growing company. Emily Warren and a couple of her friends all look forward to getting their driver’s licenses, and to the start of their junior year of high school. They’re all getting a little impatient to start doing things their way, but they’ll find out that bending the rules doesn’t always work. Tony and Andrea Powell have mixed feelings as Rhonda wants to explore the possibility of becoming a police officer after high school. As a career policeman, Tony knows the dangers of police work all too well. In the end, they agree to allow Rhonda a closer look at law enforcement through a new state program. Brad and Gloria Evans are anticipating the end of the baseball season, when Sherri and Scott will be back from Lynchburg. Sherri and Scott are eagerly awaiting the birth of their first child, sometime around the end of the year. As usual, life throws the north Georgia gang an unexpected curve or two, while faith, family, and friends continue to be stabilizing forces. less

It's been a busy 2012 in north Georgia, and it's almost holiday time, once again. This winter finds Brett, Sherry, and Emily Warren entertaining the idea of another big Christmas get-together at their home on Fish Dam Road. On Savannah Lane, Brad and Gloria Evans are eagerly awaiting the birth of their first grandchild. Sherri and Scott are home for the holidays, also anticipating the birth of their first-born... moreIt's been a busy 2012 in north Georgia, and it's almost holiday time, once again. This winter finds Brett, Sherry, and Emily Warren entertaining the idea of another big Christmas get-together at their home on Fish Dam Road. On Savannah Lane, Brad and Gloria Evans are eagerly awaiting the birth of their first grandchild. Sherri and Scott are home for the holidays, also anticipating the birth of their first-born. The question on everyone's mind: Is it a boy or a girl? Even in the middle of these days leading up to the big event, Scott and Sherri take the time to help a couple of friends who have hit a rough patch. Over in Ginger Hills, the Powell's continue to juggle the varied schedules of a police officer, an office manager, and a teen with her first part-time job. New situations will bring several new faces to the Christmas celebration this year, as the entire extended 'north Georgia gang' continues to enjoy life with faith, family, and friends! less

A new year is speeding toward North Georgia, faster than a semi in the passing lane. The Warrens are left wondering where the holiday season went, as it’s back to the normal routine for Brett, Sherry, and Emily, the day after Christmas. Meanwhile, Brad and Gloria Evans enjoy having their daughter, son-in-law, and grandchild spend the winter with them on Savannah Lane. However, they know spring is coming, and that the three will be heading off to a new town for the next baseball season... moreA new year is speeding toward North Georgia, faster than a semi in the passing lane. The Warrens are left wondering where the holiday season went, as it’s back to the normal routine for Brett, Sherry, and Emily, the day after Christmas. Meanwhile, Brad and Gloria Evans enjoy having their daughter, son-in-law, and grandchild spend the winter with them on Savannah Lane. However, they know spring is coming, and that the three will be heading off to a new town for the next baseball season. Over in Ginger Hills, Tony and Andrea Powell prepare to host a New Year’s Eve get-together, while Rhonda wonders if the new year will bring more opportunities to continue learning about police work. On the other side of McDuffie County, George and Teresa Overby have been happily married for almost a year. They are especially glad that Teresa’s son, Tommy Pruitt, has a good relationship with George. All three of them will be thrown off balance when a face from the distant past shows up in Thomson. Life moves on while people and circumstances come and go, but faith, family, and friends continue to be the anchors that the ‘North Georgia gang’ all rely on. less

As the summer of 2013 approaches, Brett and Sherry Warren have their hands full. With a ninth supermarket in the works, and plans to buy a third truck for Midway's growing transportation department, it's a busy season. Emily Warren is looking forward to the end of her junior year of high school, but this summer things will be a little different. She and her dad aren't planning any long trips this year, instead, she and her best friend will be going on a little adventure of their own... moreAs the summer of 2013 approaches, Brett and Sherry Warren have their hands full. With a ninth supermarket in the works, and plans to buy a third truck for Midway's growing transportation department, it's a busy season. Emily Warren is looking forward to the end of her junior year of high school, but this summer things will be a little different. She and her dad aren't planning any long trips this year, instead, she and her best friend will be going on a little adventure of their own. Tony and Andrea Powell are both aware that Rhonda plans to continue with the Georgia 'Teens and Police' program. The thought that Rhonda might become a police officer in the future makes them both a little nervous, but proud of her as well. It's a somewhat typical summer at the Evan's home. With Scott, Sherri, and Jessica in Lawrenceville, the house seems a little empty to Brad and Gloria, but some unexpected (and welcome) guests will remedy that situation. Welcome back to north Georgia! The heat and humidity of summer are constants, but faith, family, and friends will always help you keep your cool! less

Slow down? Who, us? This seems to be a foreign concept to the north Georgia gang. As the second half of the summer of 2013 looms, the Warren’s, Evan’s, and Powell’s all have varied situations to deal with. A ninth Midway Supermarket is about to open, keeping the Warren’s on their toes. Before that, they’ll have to deal with a situation that no one wants, but everyone has to face. Brad Evan’s, as half-owner of Midway Supermarkets, is also right in the thick of things... moreSlow down? Who, us? This seems to be a foreign concept to the north Georgia gang. As the second half of the summer of 2013 looms, the Warren’s, Evan’s, and Powell’s all have varied situations to deal with. A ninth Midway Supermarket is about to open, keeping the Warren’s on their toes. Before that, they’ll have to deal with a situation that no one wants, but everyone has to face. Brad Evan’s, as half-owner of Midway Supermarkets, is also right in the thick of things. Gloria is off for the summer, one of the perks of being an elementary school teacher. Even so, she’ll start planning for a new group of students in the next school year. She and Brad both are enjoying their role as grandparents to Sherri and Scott’s daughter, Jessica. Andrea Powell takes care of Midway’s main office, while Tony leads the police department’s D-shift through another long, hot summer. Before summer ends, Tony will face a new type of lawbreaker, one he has never dealt with before. The north Georgia teens see their senior year of high school approaching! Rhonda Powell will be riding with her father again this summer, reinforcing her intent to become a police officer after high school. Emily Warren still has her focus on cooking, unsure of where it might lead. Her boyfriend, Tommy Pruitt, is also debating what he might do after school. One thing they do know is how they feel about each other, and both have more than career on their minds! The wedding bells ring for Chuck Merriman and Katie Parker, and also leave a surprise for the Warren’s in their wake! Scott Williams will get a once-in-a-lifetime surprise at the end of the baseball season. He, Sherri, and Jessica will all see drastic changes ahead as a result. In the middle of all this, faith, family, and friends still lead the way into the future. less

As Thanksgiving and Christmas approach once again, many of the ‘north Georgia gang’ have their sights fixed at least partially on the future. The youngest member of the Warren family is about to make a big decision, one that will affect them all. Brett crosses a major career milestone, while Sherry and her business partner look toward the future of the supermarket chain they own... moreAs Thanksgiving and Christmas approach once again, many of the ‘north Georgia gang’ have their sights fixed at least partially on the future. The youngest member of the Warren family is about to make a big decision, one that will affect them all. Brett crosses a major career milestone, while Sherry and her business partner look toward the future of the supermarket chain they own. Down on Savannah Lane, Brad and Gloria Evans look forward to celebrating the holidays with Sherri, Scott, and the almost one year-old Jessica. Scott will be playing pro baseball in Japan next year, and things are going to be vastly different. He and Sherri both anticipate the challenges (and opportunities) of living in another country for most of the year. Both are determined to do everything possible to make it a good experience for their young daughter. Over in Ginger Hills, Rhonda Powell is looking ahead to her eighteenth birthday, when she can start preparing for next summer and the police academy. Tony and Andrea are a little nervous about her ambitions, but also proud of her. Both think she will make a fine future police officer. The entire extended group will not only enjoy the holidays, but face the future with the continued support of faith, family, and friends. less

The north Georgia gang looks toward the future, as 2014 gets under way. Four teens will graduate from high school this year, and all four have big plans for the future. Midway Supermarkets will expand once again. The police department will also see some changes, as two of its’ own receive well-deserved promotions. One family is leaving to spend a year in Japan, while another will put seventeen years of bitterness and acrimony behind them... moreThe north Georgia gang looks toward the future, as 2014 gets under way. Four teens will graduate from high school this year, and all four have big plans for the future. Midway Supermarkets will expand once again. The police department will also see some changes, as two of its’ own receive well-deserved promotions. One family is leaving to spend a year in Japan, while another will put seventeen years of bitterness and acrimony behind them. Before the summer of this year is over, the wedding bells will ring once again! Welcome back to north Georgia, where faith, family, and friends all help pave the way, from the past to the future. less

Welcome back to north Georgia! (And several other locations.) Most of the north Georgia gang’s younger members are scattered out now, with two exceptions. Jason and Christine Mullins are happy to call Savannah Lane home, while the Warren’s have a newly adopted daughter, Taylor. Tommy and Emily Pruitt are in Saint Augustine Florida, and Kyle and Rhonda Hunter are in Athens, Georgia. The Williams family is still living in Japan, where Scott is playing his final (?) year of Japanese pro baseball... moreWelcome back to north Georgia! (And several other locations.) Most of the north Georgia gang’s younger members are scattered out now, with two exceptions. Jason and Christine Mullins are happy to call Savannah Lane home, while the Warren’s have a newly adopted daughter, Taylor. Tommy and Emily Pruitt are in Saint Augustine Florida, and Kyle and Rhonda Hunter are in Athens, Georgia. The Williams family is still living in Japan, where Scott is playing his final (?) year of Japanese pro baseball. The summer of 2017 holds big surprises for most of them. One will undergo a terrifying, traumatic event that will change forever the way they look at life. Closer to home, the Warrens, Evans, and Powell's remain close friends. While keeping in touch with their children is no problem, (thanks to modern technology) they still look forward to those welcome opportunities to visit in person. Things are certainly different in Georgia now, but one thing has not changed, for both the younger and older ones. Family, friends, and especially their faith in God, are still the foundations that make life good! less