For someone who flies high, you can count on me to always have the lowdown, and here it is: The new business opening soon in Heron Bay’s retail village is First National Bank of Griffin. A little bird told me it’s the largest locally-owned financial institution in Spalding County, with locations in Henry County, too. If you haven’t seen the building yet, there is a rendering on the bank’s website at https://www.fnb-griffinonline.com/home/home.

FNB Griffin has traditional banking products, plus a trust department, mortgage division and an active program for seniors. I’m looking forward to setting up accounts there because it’s nice to go to the neighborhood bank where you recognize the tellers and they recognize you, too. Sometimes I feel like I just blend in with the crowd, you know? Helen says that’s not possible with this big beak of mine, but I think she’s just trying to make me feel better. Take a look at some of my pictures on our Web site and let me know what you think.

Helen, the nestlings and I had a fun family time last weekend in McDonough for the Lion’s Club’s 31st annual Geranium Festival on the courthouse square. The festival gave us the opportunity to add some local arts and crafts to our ever changing décor. (Helen will never settle on how she wants our new home decorated. Being a highly evolved heron, I’ve learned to just sit back and tell her how much I like each new look.)

The 25th Annual Geranium Festival Tennis Tournament was held at the same time. We hoped Haley would play, but even though she didn’t pick up a racquet, she enjoyed watching other’s in the community and probably picked up a few points.

We saw a “wingful” of our Heron Bay neighbors - it’s always such a pleasure seeing friends out and about in our community!

Because we herons – at least my cousins and I – catch most of our meals from ponds, we know quite a lot about outdoor water temperatures at various times of the year. Imagine my surprise when I dipped my toes in the water at the Heron Bay pool on opening day (May 10), and it didn’t cause a shiver. Am I ever glad our neighborhood has a heated pool? My cousins would be so jealous. They’re still trying to catch frogs and other pond creatures in cold, murky water, and there I was swimming for fun in a sparkling pool that was as warm as a down-filled nest. (Plus, I can go out to eat tonight in one of the many restaurants near Heron Bay – no frog catching for me!)

It won’t be long before music will be heating up the pool, too. The upcoming Jazz by the Pool event, planned by the Heron Bay social committee, will give us all a chance to warm up the pool deck with some dancing, or chill with friends if we prefer. Whether you like it hot or cool, this spring at the pool has something for you!

Our Social Committee and Heron Bay Community Association’s Activities Coordinator Carla Cooper sure know how to throw a party. I promise you they’re not just winging it. Being a proud resident at Heron Bay, I attend all the parties and events Carol and her team organize. They are so much fun, and they save me a trip to Atlanta. I mean, it gets scary flying around at night, especially on a weekend when you don’t know what crazy birds are in the sky. So, it’s really nice to know that all I have to do is head to the Lodge for a happening party on a Saturday night.

Like just the other weekend. Helen and I boogied down to those groovy 70s tunes. It was a huge trip down memory lane because every song took me back to the time when I was just barely out of the egg. Well, maybe a little older than that. And you should have seen the clothes! It was like stepping back in time with polyester suits, bell bottoms and styles whose names I can’t remember and never wanted to again. The Lodge was all retro-decorated with bright colors and records hanging on the wall. I can’t even remember the last time I saw a record – I thought that they were all extinct like the poor Do-Do. And, adding the final touch, there was a sparkling disco ball hanging from the ceiling and illuminating the dance floor.

We had to get a bird-sitter and leave the kids at home, as it was a more grown-up kind of party, and it was a great date night for Helen and me. The food was so good, catered by Little Momma’s Helper. For just an evening we were able to stop being adults by unwinding and dancing our cares away, just like we were teenagers again. They also gave away prizes - I was the runner-up for the male dance contest – everyone was really impressed with my John Travolta Saturday Night Fever moves. The best female dancer, the best 70’s outfit and the best 70’s hair all received $40, too. I’ll be flying on cloud nine until the next event!