I remember hearing it on the radio at work while I printed photos, none of us really believing what we were hearing.

I remember going to the laundromat later that night and there were huge lines at all the gas stations, where prices had gone up past 5 dollars a gallon.

I remember how strange and empty the skies were with all air traffic grounded for days.

I remember how this country came together, united, in our fear and anger and unspeakable sadness; and in our strength and defiance.

Never forget.

(I had an interview in another department this afternoon. Interviews freak me out. I made them laugh though, that’s never a bad thing. Well, ok, sometimes it is, if they’re laughing at you. But they weren’t. Really. This is unrelated to the photo or the title, more like an aside, really.)

Today I saw my Punkin’ Belly off on her first day of first grade. She is such an amazing girl. She is kind and compassionate. She is courageous and strong. She is wicked smart and so beautiful. I am unbelievably lucky and blessed to be able to be mother to this remarkable Miss W.

Over the last two days I have read two blog posts by the same person. The first just made me shake my head in astonishment at the blatant hypocrisy on display, something the poster probably isn’t even aware of. I’m sure she honestly believes the things she says, which makes it that much more sad. The second just added more Grrr to my disgust with the public school system in general and the teachers’ unions in particular. It’s a damn shame that you can’t take your tax dollars out of the public school systems even if you choose to take your child out.

Today was a lovely Sunday. Fall weather, knitting, tea. I’m trying to block out the unfortunate trip to WalMart. My hip still hurts. I’m too young to need new hips, right? Right, that’s what I thought.

I had some words here, but I took them away. Maybe sometime I’ll put them back.