As Brigadier General Alan Gayhart of the Idaho Army National Guard observed ... it was a real Norman Rockwell moment at the Armory on Saturday afternoon when the community came out to show their appreciation to the citizen solders of the 116th. Several of the soldiers I spoke with that day were also appreciative that more than 130 people contributed to the fund that provided each soldier with a commemorative Buck Knife, a gesture organized by Post Falls Mayor Clay Larkin and generously supported by Chuck Buck.

For me it was full circle to stand in the receiving line and shake the hand of every soldier, now returned from combat in Iraq. In September 2010 I had the honor of shaking their hands as they boarded the busses to deployment. Those faces have changed for the experience ... older, wiser, battle tested, but each one so grateful to be home. All of us and all of them aware that there were two soldiers missing from the welcome home ceremony. Nick Newby and Nate Beyers were killed in action but very much present in everyone's hearts.Standing next to me in the receiving line was longtime friend and fellow city council member, Skip Hissong. I met Skip when he was a U.S. Marine combat veteran, recently returned from Vietnam ... 42 years ago. He and fellow Vietnam veterans, including those present with the Patriot Guard Riders on Saturday, have been determined to ensure that today's combat veterans are given their due and respect.

I'm simply honored to be in the presence of people who have been willing to sacrifice all for this country.***

The eagle watching this year has been stellar, with a couple hundred of America's magnificent symbol on their migration to the east end of Lake Coeur d'Alene. They'll be heading south soon so if you've not made it out to Higgens Point, saddle up.I prefer Higgens Point viewing since there's plenty of parking and plenty of eagles feeding and soaring. The second day of January Bert and I went out in the morning and had as much enjoyment watching the photographers as eagles. If you want to see top o'the line camera equipment and lenses that are so large and heavy they need a tripod, that's the place.

There was an eagle perched very close to the Centennial Trail with a dozen or so wildlife paparazzi just waiting for him to make a move, to swoop down and catch a fish. They waited and waited. At one point I waited with them. For at least 30 minutes we stood there in the cold while the eagle stretched and scratched and looked totally amused by the audience. Photog Deni Linhart and I visited while patiently waiting. Finally I told him to keep his camera trained on the bird since I was going back to the car, which just about guaranteed the eagle would take to the air. Yep, that's exactly what happened. Deni and the others got the money shot that day.

   Michael DePasquale is awed by the number of professional photographers from all over the country who've come out to capture images of eagles this year. He sees most when they visit Michael D's for breakfast or lunch. Michael says he's seen camera lenses that cost more than most cars.

Just two weeks into the start of the new year and without question thousands of people have resolved to lose weight in 2012. I've resolved to continue to lose weight and focus on the mostly successful lifestyle changes I made in 2011 that resulted in a net loss of 45 pounds. The last few months of the year I took my eye off the ball and quickly gained back 10 of the total 55 pounds lost. It's easy to become discouraged but thankfully there's no shortage of people who motivate me to forge ahead to reach my goal in 2012. Wanda Brust not only lost 147 pounds in a year by simply eating smart and walking every day, she's maintained that loss for a year now. Patty Collins lost 105 pounds on Weight Watchers and this week marked three years of maintaining the loss. What they know and I've learned is that it's not about reducing to fit into a pair of skinny jeans, for a class reunion or a wedding. It's about feeling good and being healthy.

Sincere thanks to all of the people whose paths I've crossed this past year who support and encourage me to take control of my health and fitness, including my incredible 80 pounds-lighter sister, Janna. I resolve a year from now to happily report that I'm at least 50 pounds lighter than I am today and maintaining forward motion. ***

Happy Birthday today to Kathy Kress White, Susan Thomas, Luke Gonzales and Cindy Mitchell. Tomorrow Pat Russell and Ryan Wichman will celebrate. Lucky Friday the 13th birthdays to JJ Dion, Joni Clevenger, Janice Myers, Mike Jorgenson, Karen Gage, Judy Manley, Tory Lee and to Andy Irgens who's celebrating his second birthday! Saturday birthdays for Teresa Wasileski and 2-year-old Jaden Alexander. On Sunday birthdays belong to Gayle Erickson, Paula Laws and Jim Roberge. Nick Dimico turns 21 on Monday, which is also the birthdate of Mary Mort, Kenny Patterson, Kelly Blaski, Shelly Robson and Elaine Cook. Kurt Gomer blows out 50 candles on Tuesday, Jan. 17, sharing the date with Eden Irgens and Charles Newman. ***

Kerri Rankin Thoreson is a member of the National Society of Newspaper Columnists and the former publisher of the Post Falls Tribune. She was voted Best Local Writer for 2011 by the readers of the North Idaho Business Journal. Main Street appears every Wednesday in The Press and Kerri is on the air Mondays and Wednesdays on 1080 ESPN AM (KVNI). She can be reached at mainstreet@cdapress.com