It’s hard to believe that July 4th is already here. Spalding is walking around whistling “Yankee Doodle,” and Helen has Haley all dressed up in red, white and blue with matching ribbons and sparkles in her hair. It’s hard not to get caught up in the spirit.

To celebrate and to feel a part of our larger community this weekend, we’re planning to visit the Georgia Independence Day Festival at Nash Park in Hamilton. It starts at 3 p.m. on both Thursday, July 3rd and Friday, July 4th, and it lasts until dark. We’re going on the 3rd, and if the kids really enjoy it, we’re going back again on the 4th. It’s only $5 for Helen and me, then $2 for the children. We may take one of our cousins, who is younger than 5 and will get in free.

The whole event, which is sponsored by the Henry County Parks and Recreation Department, focuses on Colonial days. They’ll have scenes of the Revolution, strolling actors in costume, live Colonial music, dancing, food and more. There will be a Kids Zone with pony rides and face painting to keep Spalding and Haley happy. (Have you ever seen a Great Blue Heron on a pony? It’s a sight to see.) Plus, Helen will want to explore the booths and shopping opportunities. As for me, I’ll be happy just watching people and meeting more neighbors.

Each night, the evening will conclude with a Fireworks Extravaganza. Our family can’t wait to see you there. You’ll know us from the crowd – we’ll be the ones wearing red, white and blue.

You just never know what kind of fun a day at Heron Bay will bring. Spalding and Haley have been having a great time at the pool this summer. The mushroom fountains make them feel like they’re in a luxury bird bath, and they’ve made more friends than they can count. Having so many friends makes a difference on rainy days, too. With everyone living right here in Heron Bay, it’s always easy to find someone to play.

I have to admit that Spalding and Haley were unusually quiet when they came back from the pool the other day. You know how we birds of a feather stick together? Well, herons are nothing like chickens, but we’re still part of the bird family together. Imagine their shock when Chick-fil-A’s “Eat Mor Chicken” mascot arrived at the pool with chicken strips, samples of new Chick-fil-A sauces and more goodies for kids and parents alike.

In the end, Spalding and Haley became excited about the surprise guest. After all, it’s not everyday you see a giant cow at the pool, and I hear his appearance was quite moo-ving. Plus, their neighborhood friends were ecstatic about all the goodies. They even posed for a picture for Stacy Johnson, Heron Bay’s community information representative, who is always in the know.

That Eat Mor Chicken cow was pretty convincing. I hope he’ll stop by again – and next time bring along some milkshakes. Now that’s something a bird can enjoy!

Did you ever wish you could pick your neighbors? Now’s a good time to do it!

I’ve been talking to some of my friends about moving to Heron Bay, but they keep saying now is just not the right time for them; they want to wait a year or two. Well, anything’s possible at Heron Bay. Minerva Properties is now inviting buyers to purchase a home site in either The Links or Lakeview with the option of waiting up to two years to build. There are 50 sites available. Some of them are a half acre, and for those who like more room to spread their wings, sites go up to an acre and a half. Our new neighbors can choose to build their nests on an interior lot, next to the golf course, or even on the lakefront or with a lake view. Prices range from $74,000 to $387,000.

As you’re telling your friends about Heron Bay, remember to mention our pools and sports areas, our natural parks and walking trails, our proposed charter school, our town village, our social activities, our golf course, and all those other things that make Heron Bay great. And especially remember to tell them to visit this website to learn more about Heron Bay’s most famous resident – me. It’s not every place you can move and get a blogging bird for a neighbor.