So today was a chicken kind of day.

There was the usual bustle to get to work and the many tasks, phone calls and emails that constitute an office day. We made amazing progress on a project and I received several Christmas presents (a couple that were really awesome! :-)

Then I got a call from Les...and the chickenfest began.

Kate had called her Dad. She went out for the mail and there was a large letter from USC (the Southeastern one). She thought about not opening it but decided that would drive her crazy so she came in the house, sat down and opened it. Then she screamed. Apparently loud enough to make the cat jump a foot with a disgusted look at her and induce her sister to run to her to check to see if she broke her leg.

No, she had been accepted into the College of Art at USC. When I called she was still bubbling with excitement. The same excitement I remember tinged with the relief of not having to worry about being "accepted." (If you are smart enough to know what accepted means you known the antonym is rejected). And yes, I waxed wistful about the flight of time and the wonderful prospects of happiness in her future...I can't help it, it is like breathing to me.

So Kate is now a Gamecock. That makes three of us...who knows if Chris will break out of the mold.

To mark the occasion we braved the mall again (true love) and picked up a garnet Carolina Girl t-shirt, a pillowcase decorated with a Gamecock and the saying "A Gamecock Sleeps Here," and a USC decal for her to discover on the back of the van.

We came home and celebrated with great joy and affection and settled back into our day. She helped me open the rest of the mail and so she opened Nia's card.

Strangely, a die cut yellow chicken fell out on the floor. The card was lovely and so sweet but did not offer clues. Thankfully, there was an insert about the Heifer project.

Tantilizing name, isn't it?

It appears that a troop of chickens have been sent to an underserved community in Guatemala in our name. Reading further we note that after six months of age a chicken can lay up to 300 eggs a year. We had decided to name the Head Chicken, George until Les reminded us there was a gender disparity between the name and being an egg producer. We then decided that our Rooster would be named George, or better yet, Jorge.

So, Jorge and his Chicks are winding there way to points South where before we know it a family will be able to have all the Heuvos Rancheros they desire. What a great present!

So, Happy Holidays to all...from the Shelton Gamecocks + one.