Remembering

I’d be remiss if I didn’t recognize the events of September 11, 2001 in my journal. The events that happened that day affected all of us in way or another. How could it not? I remember so vividly that morning watching each event unfold one right after another. I was on the phone with my mom watching TV. The two of us watched in horror as the country was attacked and thousands of lives perished.

My immediate reaction was to be in contact with the kids and Jim. Cait was safe at school and I was able to reach her through Instant Messaging via the computer. Daniel was safely at school, and I knew he was safe. Jim was working on a military facility and I had no way to reach him. The phone lines were jammed. I had no choice but to wait for him to contact me.

Watching TV this morning as the remembrance ceremonies take place only stirs all those feelings again. I didn’t lose anyone that day, but I did lose a tiny piece of security living where I do. How safe are we? Is my country really doing all it can to keep us safe and out of harms way? I can only hope.

I miss seeing the World Trade Center rise above the New York City skyline when I head up to the city. I used to love looking for those tall towers. They were so awesome, so beautiful. I am looking forward to seeing the new towers grace the skyline again.

God Bless all those lost souls and their families. God bless us all.

Adios Ernesto and Bennies!

Our first storm of the 2006 hurricane season has come and gone, and without much hurrah, at least in my neck of the woods. There were others, not too far from me, who did not do as well. Before I saw the above photo from the Asbury Park Press, I was grumbling because my front and back yards were littered with branches, twigs, acorns, and an abundance of leaves. I dislike a messy lawn. I also dislike the dogs chewing the bigger sticks into little sticks, making more of a mess for me to clean up. But the I saw the photo and realized, I had nothing to grumble about. What's a few little sticks and leaves?

So after a morning's work, the yard, the deck, and the patio are once again free from mother nature's debris and life goes on...

The weather is fall like and absolutely enjoyable! Of course, I would like to hope I might get one or two more beach days in, but we'll see. This is the last weekend of the summer and for many people in my area it means but one important thing...Adios Bennies!! Those northerners who hog up the roads and beaches are heading home! Bubye! See you all next summer...