Where Were You?

We all remember September 11, 2001 - the worst terrorist attack on American soil.  As with all life changing events, it is natural to remember what was going at that instant in your life.  No matter how mundane the task, it is cemented into your brain.  This is how I remember it.

We were vacationing in Madeira Beach, FL, as we do most years.  It was a beautiful morning with barely a cloud in the sky, and nothing to portend what was about to happen.

Hubs and I had gone to John's Pass to buy him some flip flops.  We walked into the beach shop and as usual, there was a radio on.  However, it wasn't blaring the usual Top 40, rock, rap, or whatever was the clerk's choice that day.

Instead what we heard was news.  We heard words like "attack" and "World Trade Tower".  "Is that real" we asked?  A quiet 'yes' was the response.

Like everyone else we strained to hear every detail.  Our country was under attack.  There had been attacks on Americans before, but this was larger and more deadly than anything previously in my lifetime.

For me, stunned and shaken were understatements.  Already there were three planes down, thousands of lives lost, and the landmark World Trade Towers lay in ruins.  The terrorists used our planes as weapons against us.  At that moment no one knew the full extent of the attack.  Would there be more?  The situation was frightening and there were questions on everyone's minds and concern on their lips. 

Outside the skies were silent.  It was an eerie sound.  Yes, silence was an eerie sound that day.  On any given day you would see planes coming and going over the Gulf, some pulling advertising banners, others carrying passengers far and wide. Instead of the roar of the jets and buzz of single engines, silence ensued.  All planes were grounded. 

We seldom watched TV on vacation but now the TV was nearly always on.  It was heartbreaking to watch as we suffered with those who lost friends and family.  We felt pride for New Yorkers, and for heroic citizens everywhere as they pulled together.  The wave of fear that washed over our nation was quickly replaced with outrage.

This tragic event brought about much grief and suffering, but it also united a country against those determined to destroy us.  Americans are strong.  We won't be broken, and we won't back down.  

We will always remember where we were that day.  As a nation, it has been carved into the steel of our resolve.

Written for the Tribal Blogs 9/11 Tribute.

Cheesesteaks, Swans and More!

Getting There.

Into every vacation a little rain must fall, right?  So there we were motoring up the interstate just as happy as if we had good sense.  Uh oh, looks like some bad weather ahead.  It had been an overcast day so some rain wasn't unexpected, but nevertheless not appreciated - as least not by the passenger - ME!

At 12:06 it looked like this

At 12:09 it looked like this.

"So, can YOU see anything?" 

And yes, the wipers were running!

The Sights and Tastes of Philadelphia.  

The historical city of Philadelphia was home to Ben Franklin (there is even a bridge named after him) and the Liberty Bell.  The Liberty Bell has a new home in the new Liberty Bell Center.  Admission is free to see the bell.

What else is Philadelphia famous for?  That's right!  The Philly Cheesesteak sandwich.  If you want a great, authentic Philly Cheesesteak, then check out Jim's.  There was a line out the door and around the corner.  It seemed like a long line but it was a small shop so how bad could it be?  However, what we didn't know was that the line snaked up and back inside the shop to where you place your order. 

Yes, it was worth the wait!

We stayed two nights at the Hyatt Regency along the Delaware River.  (Don't you just love Priceline?)  We got a great room and the hotel staff were friendly and helpful.  Wouldn't you know on my first ever day in Philly, I came down with an raging, down-for-the-count headache.  Even after dragging into the restaurant at 9:30, we weren't rushed and cheerfully served a tasty dinner.

If you want to see the Delaware like George Washington, for the small price of around $10 an hour you can take one of these cute swan paddle boats on a tour along the river. At night you can sit along the river and gaze at the many lights on the water.

Swans on the Delaware?

On our last night in the city, we sat by the river trying to decide where to have dinner.  Like with any big city, there are an overwhelming number of culinary choices.  Eventually we asked the concierge where to go (you know there's always someone willing to tell you).  

Some of the places we had considered were on his extensive list of "good" places.  The Chart House topped his list of seafood offerings, so we said "let's do it".  The concierge made the reservation for us, got us the best table and experienced servers.  We were treated like royalty plus we got a free dessert.  Now with that dessert we ordered dessert wine, which was more than the dessert and sodas would have cost.  The evening was concluded with a nice walk back along the river to the hotel.

Here is the view from our corner table.

The Chart House overlooking the Delaware River

The Last Day.

It was quite the morning, beginning with a thunderstorm and pouring rain (ending any chance of going to the zoo) and culminating in me setting off the car alarm by trying to get out of the car. We fended off our starvation at the South Street Diner with a couple orders of pancakes. 

This lovely lady was standing guard outside of one the shops as we made our way back to the car after breakfast. 

Philadelphia Street Art

Since we were unable to go to the zoo because of the morning thundershower, we checked out the Independence Seaport Museum.  It was chock full of exhibits, both visual and interactive.  There were replicas of many historic boats and ships, and so much more.  In addition to the exhibits, there is an active workshop in which skilled workmen, as well as volunteers, build and/or rebuild ships in the old styles.

The workshop at the Independence Seaport Museum

On the way out of the city, we saw one of Philadelphia's cable cars.  While it is a common sight here, it is interesting to us because the only trolleys we have are just buses in disguise.

And that concludes our tour of Philadelphia, PA.  I hope you enjoyed yourselves, and please recommend us to your friends.

Quote of the Week

Image Source: Wikipedia

Don't wait. The time will never be just right. 
- Napoleon Hill

Most of us work hard and play hard on a daily basis.  This is Life!  However, our dreams, whether big or small, often get put on indefinite hold while we wait for just the right time.

The longer you wait, the less likely you are to realize your dreams and resign yourself to Life - unfulfilled.

So Don't Wait!  Seize the opportunity, grab the bull by the horns, jump in with both feet - whatever it takes to get you from Point A to Point B. 

Life is worth living, dreams are worth dreaming, and bringing the two together is a beautiful thing.

The End is Near

Summer's vicious heat 

Now becomes a gentle warmth

I always feel a little sad at its passing 

It's like saying good-bye to a friend 

After a too-short visit 

I want to hold its hand a little longer

To walk together a little further 

Crickets sing in the light of day
As Summer slowly fades away

Written for Friday Flash 55.

Nursery Rhyme Redo: Old Mother Hubbard

Old Mother Hubbard

Had ants in her cupboard

So she couldn't take out a loan

But she posed with such flair

That the banker did stare

And tossed her poor dog a bone

I'll bet she didn't have ants like these!