Book donations

On a previous post, a reader asked what to do with good, used books. The A. Mitchell Powell Jr. Library in Newnan has recently opened a store featuring used books donated by patrons. Books range in price from a quarter to $3. For information on the library's donation criteria, vist online at www.newnan-coweta.org

Special delivery

My youngest son loves to get mail. He's even happy to receive coupons or the appointment reminders from the dentist's office. He especially loves getting a brand new book each month from the Ferst Foundation. If you haven't signed up your child (all kids under age 5 are eligible) for this program, you are missing out. Each month, a book comes free, until the child is age 5. It's great because he has a nice collection of hard-back books that weren't hand-me-downs from the older siblings. They are all his! And hopefully he'll be a great reader too. For more details, including how to make donations to this literacy program, visit www.ferstfoundation.org . They could use donations to help fund these special deliveries.

Hannah Montana for President

The boys had their chance to bond over football yesterday, so I took my daughter to her first mini pop concert yesterday. We headed over to Carmike and bought some popcorn, donned our 3-D glasses for the "Hannah Montana and Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds" movie. Yes, I paid way more for the tickets than I should have, but it was a great afternoon. It was rock concert loud, but showed how much work is really involved in putting on a tour. Miley Cyrus is overall a great role model for young girls, and I hope she stays on track. The movie features the Jonas Brothers too. Mostly moms and daughters attended, but I spied some dads too. It will only run through Feb. 7 (Thursday).

Also if you're a fan of 3-D, there are two movies coming out this summer, "Fly Me to the Moon" and "Journey 3-D."

Dog days of…winter

There's been a lot of added chaos at our house with the new family member...the Christmas puppy. This is first time I've had an indoor dog, and it takes some adjustment. She's chewed her way right through a curling iron wire, a vacuum cleaner wire (both unplugged) and made off with two pork chops just home from the grocery. Despite all these antics, we still love her. Can't wait for warmer weather though.

Going to the movies?

I know lots of people like to go to the movies on a holiday weekend. We saw Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium last week, one of the few rated G choices out there. It's a great family film. Lots of funny stuff for grown-ups and the kids. Magorium has some great messages on believing in yourself, friendship and loss.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Aqua Dots

In case you haven't seen the big media blast on the toy recall for Aqua Dots, be sure to visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission at www.cpsc.gov .
The CPSC says that children who swallow the beads can become comatose, develop respiratory depression, or have seizures. Hey there's a fun gift!

Great pumpkin!

For a fun family day trip, check out Burt's pumpkin patch near Dawsonville. They are open through Nov. 15. It's a lot of fun with plenty of pumpkins, autumn decorations and hayrides to enjoy. See the patch online at www.burtsfarm.com . The barn store has great stuff including pumpkin pie, gourds and lots more. Amicalola Falls is down the road. You'll have the best jack-o-lantern on the block.