Buzzards

Yesterday, just before we were leaving my brother's house to go to the American Girl Boutique, I heard my brother call out to his wife that the buzzards were back. I was walking into the room about that time, so I looked out the window and could see the buzzards circling over the trees across the street.

Growing up in the country, buzzards are a common sight. My brother lives in a nice subdivision, but it is still undeveloped in some parts, so there is a large wooded area.

I commented, well, somethings dead then. He said, no they show up in large numbers every other year or so and roost there for a while. Bene' said it is cool to go out there and make a noise and watch them all fly away at once. I said, well, when they circle like that, there is usually something dead.

I hear a small voice "Daddy, they're circling, they're circling." I notice my 5 year old niece Anna Grace at the window staring across the street at the buzzards. So, my brother says to her, "There's nothing dead, they just fly that way."

Her response, "Well, how do they ever get anywhere?"

I could barely contain my laughter. I don't even remember his response to her.

American Girl Doll

Today we struck out for Northpoint Mall, which is about 2 hours from my house. The reason for the trip was to go to the American Girl Boutique & Bistro so my nieces, Anna Grace and Katie Beth, could pick out their Christmas gifts from Bebe & Pops.

We (me, Bebe, Bene', Jess, AG & KB) had a great time. Choosing from all of the dolls and clothes was a tough thing for a little girl to do! Both ended up choosing Nicki who is the doll of the year. Doll of the year means they retire the doll and she is no longer available.




The boutique was amazing, and it was packed with shoppers. Even a few men braved it and were shopping. There is a Doll Hair Salon inside the store! The clothes and accessories for all of the dolls were just too cute!

They even have mini dolls so the dolls can have dolls. Shhh... don't tell, but I snuck in line and purchased something!

County Commissioners

Tonight was the County Commissioners meeting, a public hearing. Chris was one of about 7 employees who got up and presented their opinions within the 3 minute time limit. The meeting was all about the budget for 2008. With a surplus of 14 million dollars, the commissioners won't grant the Sheriff's office an increase in the budget to fill the 8 positions open for deputies. Neighboring counties pay so much more that the deputies are slowly leaving one by one.

The budget will be adopted on December 18th - hopefully some of the comments made tonight will help change their minds and they will allocate more money to the Sheriff's Office.

Back to work

Monday - it was back to work. After a long day, Chris and I ate some of my mom's chili that I brought home. It was good and hit the spot. Chris ate his over rice.

Janet

Janet was a life long friend. She worked at the hospital in the radiology department. She died in July of 2001 of a cerebral aneurysm.

I was in Europe when I got the news, rafting down the Vltava River in the Czech Republic. I took the first flight I could to get home in time for the funeral. Seeing this plaque after the ceremony brought back so many memories. I miss Janet, so many of us do. Her mom and my mom were friends from the time we were both just months old.

Gingerbread Houses

This Photo by my brother

After a little lunch, we got down to the serious business of making gingerbread houses.

Shopping Trip

The shopping trip was great! I spent $558.88! Yikes!

The outlet mall we went to was the best one I've ever been to. It is the North Georgia Premium Outlets http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlets/outlet.asp?id=16.

I guess I got about 75% of my Christmas Shopping done.