Goofballs

My brother Mike is almost as big a goofball as I am. I only see him once and year and that time is drawing near. Can you look at this picture of Mike and NOT laugh? See ya in 2 weeks, Mike!

August Calendar Page Top

World Trade Center, NYC

9/11

That's all you have to say and each person has a unique image come forth from their memory. The only time I ever saw the World Trade Center in person was from the Newark airport as the sun was setting and I was anxiously awaiting the boarding of my plane to Ireland. I was bored with the book I was reading and needed to move around so I walked to the large windows that offered a view of Manhattan across the river. My impatience disappeared as I stared at the warm glow melting over the skyline. So those are the famous Twin Towers. They truly did "scrape the sky". I was literally startled by the beautiful scene in front of me.

Nine months later, in the days following 9/11 the thought of that sunset barely entered my mind. Like everyone, I was shocked and saddened, but it wasn't personal.

Fast forward to July, '08. Standing alone at the site of the disaster, the sun sinking quickly behind the remaining skyscrapers, the NYFD #10 truck just to my right awaiting it's day at the permanent memorial, a few other people staring into the hole of construction. Silence. Suddenly, it was personal. I felt the pain, the sadness, and the hope.

The towers of the World Financial Center stand guard over the site like sentinels casting shadows of pride and protection.

Home From New England

New York City Skyline from Hoboken, N.J.

I haven't been to the Big Apple since I was a kid. It's still big. My niece Lindsay and I tooled around Manhattan for a while after visiting my Aunt Helen (more on that later). I saw just enough to leave me wanting for more. Contrary to what some people think, I'm not just an outdoor girl. I need my fix of "City" at least a couple of times a year but last weekend I got just enough of a great American city for a little tease. The contrast of this bustling metropolis to my everyday life is fascinating. It's on my list of "gotta go back to" places right after Ireland.

Times Square

Empire State Building

Happy Birthday, Mom

Happy Birthday, Mom. July 23, 1926

You would have been 82 today.

You taught me so much about life and people. Some of it didn't sink in until after you were gone. How's Ireland?

Love, Mary

Inside Jokes OR Life in a (Very) Small Town

Grumpy came to visit today

I toad you he looks Grumpy!

Happy Birthday, Erik!! - July 18, 1983

First Birthday Cake

Two and a half years old

Happy Birthday, Erik! 25 years old. You know the day of your birth was one of the all time happiest days of my life! I love you. You have become such a fine young man and I couldn't be prouder. Love, Mom

Erik, Linda

Erik

Woodland Visitors

I had three visitors to my backyard yesterday morning. A small doe, a larger doe, and a five point buck! He was a little guy, but displayed some fine looking antlers in velvet. They ate ground hemlock and a few flowers, stared at me for a little while, then meandered into the woods.

I used to see a lot of whitetail deer in my yard but not as many in recent years. This is the 3rd time these guys have visited in a couple of weeks, so I'm happy to see them back again. Didn't that little buck pose nicely?

Technology

My cousin Denny's daughter Kerra called me today to get an address for an invitation to a reunion. Having sent a flowering tree for them to plant in her mother's memory, I had checked the tracking for its delivery. I knew it left Lansing early today so I alerted Kerra to its imminent arrival. Seconds later, at 2:06 pm to be precise, she said a FedEx truck had left their driveway and they must have left the tree at the door! Instinctively, I clicked on the tracking number link in my confirmation email and there it was, clear as day, "2:05 pm, delivered, Belding, MI, Left at front door"!! Now THAT'S service!