Olney, Illinois. A small town with a big heart.

I actually was born in Nashville, Tennessee spending the first 10 years of my life there until we moved to Olney. The time spent in Nashville is a blur to me now. I recall bits and pieces, especially the accent. Oh that southern drawl. Olney is the place I remember the most. Living in the hustle and bustle of Chicago now makes me appreciate the simple living of a small town.
"I never saw my hometown until I stayed away too long..."-Tom Waits.
Every time I return home this quote plays on in my head. Even though I outgrew Olney and had to escape to the bright lights of the big city I still yearn for those peaceful moments Olney gave me.

Olney is a quiet little town located in southern Illinois. Population between 8,000-10,000 people. A metropolis by the communities standards. Olney is home to a colony of white squirrels. So are other places but our squirrels are better I am sure! Every year a census is taken. Groups of volunteers wander the streets, backyards, and area woods for the pesky little things. The group kind of reminds me of the scene from Jaws where everyone is searching for the great white. It can be chaotic but rewarding at the end of the day when the final count is totaled. Sounds exciting doesn't it?

• Check out the Olney Chamber of Commerce for more information about the town and to see pictures of white squirrels.
• See the Olney Public Library, my Aunt Judy is a part-time librarian there.