While catching up on American Pickers last night via the DVR, my mom phoned me to let me know Elizabeth Edwards had passed away. Typically when people I do not know pass away I think little of it. It has no direct impact on me, so I let it slide. Of course her story is a tragic one with her cancer battle and John's affair. Frankly though, none of this had a dramtic impact on me.

Sunday, a man who lives less than two miles from us was hit and killed while taking a leisurely walk with his wife and two dogs. We didn't know him or his wife, but the proximity made it hit home much harder.

As most of you know, we are dog lovers. Our animals, while at times drive us batty, are like our children. Sunday afternoon I was stringing lights on the house and Courtney brought me some hot chocolate while I took a quick break. We noticed two adult dogs stroll between two houses across the street and make their way towards the back of the neighborhood. We attempted to call out to them but they just kept up their quick pace.

We didn't really think much of it until we learned about the accident and that the couple were walking their two dogs. We have no idea if these were those two dogs, but then the realization hit ... in a split second this poor woman lost her husband and potentially her pets.

So over the past couple of days both Courtney and I have been driving around a little extra just to find the dogs. We've had no luck. We both hope those dogs will show up again or find their way home, as Mrs. Clouspy could probably use something positive in her life right now.

It is always difficult to lose someone. I've lost all of my grandparents. Courtney has lost most of hers and a step-brother. Family matters have caused both sides of our families to lose touch with other family members. Holidays always seem to remind people just how much they miss those people in their lives.

Barnett Shoals is a road we both drive to and from work each day. There is a small white cross sit up between two muddied car tracks. The orange police markers show the route the car took as it swerved out of control. This reminder will be there for weeks to come until the investigation is complete, and I imagine the cross will stay for much longer.

It will constantly be a reminder for us to remember those close to us, friends and family. It also gives us this sense of compassion for those strangers around us. A totally unfortunate and avoidable reminder, but one none the less.

Thanksgiving came and went pdq. With the Christmas lights already on the house, it is at times difficult to believe it was even here. Our house borders on one which is almost ready to forget about any other holiday except for Christmas. This year had to be different though. This year, we played host to 6 parents, an aunt, a sister and nephew.

It's not that Courtney was nervous, because she wasn't. The idea of entertaining everyone really didn't seem to bother her. She actually loved the idea. The nerves hit me pretty hard Thursday morning, as I woke up about 5:30 to start prepping the smoker. We were going to attempt to smoke a turkey. So for those scoring at home it was our first time hosting, our first time preparing a turkey and the first time we ever smoked an entire bird.

The first beer was cracked open about 9 am. Why? Because after the first two hours, the skin around the breast broke apart. Clearly the temp must have been a little too high at first, so I needed a Coors Light to cool the nerves a bit. Fortunately the slow cooking ended up being just fine. The skin was as black as fresh pavement, but the first cut into the bird I knew we were in good shape.

Family began loading their plates up with turkey, ham, potatoes, stuffing, rolls ... pretty much anything you could think of ... and everyone took their seats. Despite hosting, Courtney and I gave up the adult table to our parents. Watching our 3-year-old nephew attempt to sit and eat a Thanksgiving meal was entertaining enough to make us forget we were at the kids table. All in all, it was a tremendous time with family and a heck of a lot of fun. Would we do it again? Sure. I actually wouldn't mind the smoked turkey becoming a tradition. It is a little more work but well worth the reward.

My parents actually came into town on Wednesday and stayed throughout the holiday weekend. it was great to spend time with them certainly on Thanksgiving but also on Friday and Saturday. We spent Friday walking around Athens and setting up the house for Christmas. Saturday was game day vs. Georgia Tech. I was able to sneak my parents into a suite for a portion of the game, which they loved. It was quite cold, but fortunately the Dawgs walked out with a win and an eventual bowl bid.

With the lights up, the tree in the house and the first couple of fires burning in the fireplace, it is finally starting to feel like Christmas. There is no question this is my favorite holiday and time of year. I've been playing Christmas music any chance I get. We are nowhere near ready for the actual holiday. Still presents to buy and cards to write, but I am going to savor the next few weeks as much as I did that darn good turkey.