September 11th - Seven Years Later

One hundred eighty four lives were lost in a single moment at the Pentagon – one hundred eighty four individuals forever linked through the horrific events that unfolded on September 11, 2001 .

Thousands of others lost their lives and suffered injury that day while millions wept. That day was simply incomprehensible. It jolted us into a different world, a tragic reality that just did not seem real.

I shall never forget.

*Each bench is affixed with a nameplate. If the Pentagon building is in the background while you are reading the name of the victim, the person was in the building the morning of Sept. 11. If the sky is in the background, the person was on Flight 77.

The memorial park will officially open to the public at 7 p.m. on Sept. 11, 2008. It's opened 24 hours. *

I Am STILL Shaking My Head !!

I got a phone call about an hour and a half or so ago.

From an acquaintance of mine.

Who lives on the 14th floor of a high rise apartment complex.

Just a few miles from the Pentagon.

Who obviously has a vivid imagination.

And is definitely paranoid !!

First, she asked me if any terrorist alerts had come across my desktop at work in the last few days? (I work for a large Defense Contractor company).

NO ...

Then she proceeds to tell me that her apartment complex is conducting a "blinds" (as in those things that cover your windows) check tomorrow.

She is convinced that the local Police Departments have received an alert from the government.

AND that the "blinds" check is a cover.

Because they are really looking for evidence of terrorists in high rise apartments.

Because, as we all know, Thursday is September 11th .....

And the terrorists wouldn't strike in the same place twice.

And that high rise apartments would get lots and lots of people at one time ...


I kept thinking to myself as I was listening to her ramble - WHY ME?


She asked me to call her, tomorrow, with a cryptic message if I hear anything (because the phone calls from my job might be monitored) - WTF ??

I don't work for Homeland Security !! (not to imply that they monitor phone calls)

She told me to make sure I brought a "To Go" bag with me when I head out on Thursday morning. (Huh?) She has hers already packed.

And, as she proceeded to hang up (so she could watch one of her favorite shows, which by the way, I believe tonight is the premier of said program - so how could it be her favorite already?), she told me that I have been a great friend to her and to wish her well in her next life -

In case she perishes in a terrorist bombing of her apartment complex on Thursday !!

YEP - It Was Flooded !!

I live on a road off to the right at the top of the hill. This intersection always floods somewhat after a heavy rain and yesterday it was 3 feet deep !

And was for quite a few hours ...

The back way up to my house - you turn right just past that green highway sign.

NOT Yesterday !!

TODAY, it was gorgeous outside.

Pictures from the Freedom Walk in DC, coming soon.

Am I Going To Have To Build an Ark ?

Tropical Storm Hanna (formerly known as Hurricane Hanna) is kicking our butts here in Northern Virginia !!

No pictures ... I refuse to go outside in this rain.

I have been watching the news reports all morning ... Weather Bug is reporting almost 5 inches has fallen this morning (from the reporting system at a school just about a mile away from where I live).

1:30p.m. EDT:WeatherBug Tracking Station in Manassas, Va. has recorded 6.34 inches of rain so far today.

I am definitely cursing the contractor who did some work at my house a few months ago ... areas that he "supposedly" fixed, have sprung a few leaks ... and of course, he isn't answering his phone !! Small claims court just might be hearing from me if he continues to avoid my calls.

UPDATE: 9.46 inches of rain has fallen so far in Manassas (which is not far from here) - it's now 2:30 - check out how much they were reporting at 1:30 !! ALMOST 10 inches PEOPLE - 10 inches !! I am so ready for this to be over ...

ANOTHER UPDATE: I just realized that there hasn't been any traffic on Route 1 for the last couple of hours ... this just might be the reason why !

09/06/2008 0300 PM
Dale City, Prince William County.
Flash flood, reported by trained spotter.
3 feet of water over Route 1 from neabsco creek.

09/06/2008 1250 PM
Dale City, Prince William County.
Flash flood, reported by Emergency Mngr.
1 water Rescue.
7 roads closed.
10 roads threatened due to flooding.

Fun Monday # 36 - Where Do I Blog ?

The assignment this week is an easy one - no major labor on "Labor Day" here in the United States of America.

The hostess this week is Gattina at Writer Cramps. Her assignment is:

As I am a very curious person, I just want you to show us a picture of your blogging place ! Your room or bed or whatever space(s) or place(s) you have to write your posts.

Up until about a month or so ago, my computer was on my dining room table. I finally got my act together and moved it downstairs where it is supposed to be (it's only taken - about 4 years to do so !!)

Nothing fancy - so here it be ...

Be sure to visit everyone on the list - I am sure you won't be disappointed.

Happy Labor Day!!

The good thing is that it's a day off from work.

The bad thing is that summer is officially over.

Keep all those that may be affected by Hurrican Gustav in your thoughts and prayers.

I Must Be Crazy ...

Like I really have any extra time on my hands ...

I never seem to get anything accomplished lately.

So, what did I do?

I attended a volunteer orientation last night.

For Special Olympics in Virginia ...

I'M GONNA DO IT !!!

I think it will be sooooooooo rewarding.

"Let me win; but if I cannot win, let me brave in the attempt."

Camp Shriver Photo Gallery Photos Courtesy of Special Olympics © 4/4/2007

I Have A Decision To Make ...

When?

Now or later? or not at all ?

Are you confused yet?



I went to a follow-up doctor appointment with an orthopedic ...

I have a torn meniscus in my left knee.

Do I live with the pain (which isn't constant but there none the less and rather intense at times) or have arthroscopic surgery?

Has anyone had this situation and what did you decide to do?

Pros and cons ??

Like I said above ... I have a decision to make and I'm not quite certain as to what to do.

Any comments are welcome.