I really enjoyed the conversation we had early in 2011 about your favorite books from the previous year.  I believe I read at least two Bill Bryson books because of that convo.  Offhand, I can’t recall what else.

This year, I decided it might be a bit smarter to have this conversation prior to the holidays, so that it could also potentially help with your holiday shopping.  The New York Times even has its list of 100 “notable” books of 2011up on its website now if you need a refresher.

But don’t forget, this conversation isn’t constrained to books that were published in 2011, just books that you have enjoyed over the past year.  Fiction, non-fiction, children’s books.  They’re all fair game!

To the right: One of my favs from the past year.

• Melton’s pledges to reinvent itself and reopen after hearing from passionate patrons [Saporta Report]
• More Atlanta ‘burbanites feel safer downtown today than in 2002 [11Alive]
• John Kessler goes on a juice fast and gets the vapors [AJC Food and More]
• Agnes Scott now diverts 73% of its waste from landfills, up 45 points from 3 years ago [AJC]
• Why our water bills must go up [Atlantic Cities]
• Apparently it might snow tomorrow [AJC]

Scott admitted that he teared up a little bit as he took this photo of his Bell’s Winter White growler being sealed at Ale Yeah! in Decatur today.

OK, he didn’t actually admit that, but I can almost guarantee there were many excuses of “There’s just something in my eye!”.

I’m posting this a few hours later than I should have.  Jennifer writes in…

She was found in Oakhurst – first on Fayetteville Road, Friday, 11/24. Then she wondered over to Russell Street that same day which is how we came upon her.

Her heart-shaped tag reads, “Heidi” but there is no phone, nor address. On the other side it looks like a worn out pic of Betty Boop. She appears to be just a few years old. She has on a pink collar with silver spike designs around it.

You cannot tell in the photo but she has white tips on her front feet and a white chest. She has warmed up to us – maybe because of the food we’ve given her but she has snapped at several people!

People can contact me, Jennifer at 404-408.7697. Come Sunday afternoon however, we will have to take her to the Humane Society or the pound due to upcoming travel that we have.

Bo the cat is back home!  Sarah writes in…

Bo the cat was found last night. He’s home now, due in no small part to the simple fact that people knew about him. We appreciate your help in getting the word out. Once people knew Bo was missing they looked for him, and kept looking until he was found.

We are so grateful.

Awesome news!