For the Children.

So today is September 11th and I have read many posts online this morning regarding the day. Some just post a photo, some tell the story of where they were that day, some offer prayers and words of thanks.

I don't know what to say honestly. I feel like I should make some grand speech about patriotism and sacrifice and honoring those who perished.

The only thing I can think and feel about today is a deep sadness for all of the children.

I am feel sorrow for the children who lost a parent on 9/11:

I feel sorrow for the children who have to say goodbye to a parent going off to war:

I feel sorrow for the children that have to live with a war raging in their country:

I feel sorrow for the children that have lost a parent to the war:

I feel sorrow for the children like our Anthony (pictured below) who have lost their youth and innocence by fighting in this war. Children like Anthony who was trained to be a sniper and had to kill for his country, while his buddies were back home chasing girls and playing video games.

Today and all days I feel sorrow for the Children.

It's The End of the Internet.

So I was catching up on the zillion blogs that I follow in my Google Reader, when I reached the last post, clicked next and got this message from Google:

I know it's fuzzy, but it's the best my little camera could do. It reads, "Congratulations, you've reached the End of the Internet".

When I clicked on "End of Internet", I got this message:

"The End of the Internet.

Congratulations! This is the last page.

Thank you for visiting the End of the Internet. There are no more links.

You must now turn off your computer and go do something productive.

Go read a book, for Pete's sake."

HOW FUNNY IS THAT???

9-9-09

So I am writing today about the date: 9/9/09.

So what is so special about today? Not much really, unless you're are into numbers or are superstitious. However, I thought I would share with you some "9" related facts.

Today is Wednesday, September 9, 2009.

There are 9 letters in the words Wednesday & September.

September 9, 2009 is the 252nd day of the year. Add those numbers, 2+5+2 = 9.

Speaking of numbers: If you multiply 9 by any 2, 3, or 4 digit number, the sums of those numbers will always equal 9. For example: 9x347=3123. Add those numbers, 3+1+2+3=9. Why does that work? I have no idea. Dad?

Cloud Nine.

Nine Lives.

9. (movie by Tim Burton which opens in theaters today, 9/9/09.)

Baseball is a game full of nines:

Nine players on the field.

Nine innings.

90 feet between the bases.

Nine strikes per inning.

To read about all of the excitement of 9-9-09, you can check out these articles at FoxNews, CNN, and Rolling Stone (to satisfy all you politicos & music junkies).

Insects & Birds & Cats. Oh My!

As we were enjoying the beautiful weekend, we came across some critters in the yard. (Not counting the bee's nest that we need to take care of ASAP).

As hubby was weed-wacking along the neighbor's fence he was dive-bombed by this Hawk. The photo was taken from far away, but the bird was really quite big. The hawk either didn't like the noise, or hubby was getting a little too close to a nest of little hawklets. Is that even a word? Anyone know the plural for baby hawks?

Anyway, you can see the hawk perched on the corner of the fence where it landed a few feet from hubby's head. Hubby high tailed it back to the house, leaving the weed-wacker behind (you'll notice the orange extension cord). One time he was working in the yard and was chased around by a killdeer which, in case you've never encountered one, is a bird that runs on the ground and makes the most gawd awful screeching noise when trying to protect its young.

While clipping goldenrod and watering flowers we also found 2 preying mantis. One in the back meadow:

And another in the front holly bushes. They are so cool looking. This one had just turned its head to look at me. I think I was a bit too close for his liking.

This next creature is of the indoor variety. C'mon, how hackin cute is Ozzy? All curled up against that pillow. He loves to sleep on his back. Check out those cute little back paws curled up with his tail. Usually when he sleeps on his back he is sprawled out on the floor with his back legs splayed open. Such a dork! How could a kitty this cute be such a rascal???

How about you? Did you encounter any creatures this holiday weekend?

Happiness is...

Wordless Wednesday

Must See TV

So last night I spent an hour watching the new A&E Series "Hoarders". Have you seen this, or heard about this show?

I first really learned about the disease of hoarding from my girl Oprah. She did a show last season in which Peter Walsh, organizer of the gods, helped families of those who hoard and the enablers that love them. It was disturbing. It was gross. It was freakin' fascinating!

So when I found out this week about the A&E Show, I was on that like a hoarder at a 2 for 1 sale at the dollar store. This episode told the story of two women, Tara & Betty. Tara admitted she had a problem, felt like she was drowning, and wanted help. Betty was in denial. She didn't think she had (or has) a problem, and was resentful that the authorities were forcing her to "clean up or move 'em out".

Funny thing is that both women reacted the same. They freaked out. Betty couldnt' give up her rusty toasters, pots, & vaccuum cleaners that were BURIED IN SNOW IN THE BACKYARD. IN OHIO. Betty just keeps adding to the piles. She goes to yard sales, flea markets, thrift stores, etc and just keeps collecting stuff. My hubby heard this and took one look at me, and just shook his head. I know he was thinking of that little pile that I have going in the corner of the garage. Whatever!!

Tara had a meltdown when her girlfriend threw her Peanuts cartoons in the trash. Peanuts cartoons. From the newspapers. Yes, it was that bad. And it was that fascinating. I couldn't turn away. The psychology of it is so interesting, yet so sad. Betty's family had been plagued with mental diseases and alcoholism and Tara never knew any other way to live.

Professional organizers might help today, but these folks need serious therapy & counseling. I will be interested to see this year if Oprah does a follow-up on Sharyn & Marvin this season. How are they coming along? Can this disease be cured? I will say it again - FASCINATING!!