Seasonal Changes

Seems as though summer is a thing of the past. Football weather is upon us. Cool nights and bright sunny days. Now that the hurricanes and tropical storms are gone, along with the earthquakes (I hope!), it is time to clean up and enjoy the fall-like weather!

Only a few days left until it is officially autumn.

One of my favorite seasons!

Fantasy Baseball Update

Well, it looks like both of my fantasy baseball teams have made the playoffs. I do not have any money riding on either of these teams, but that does not matter. It is a question of managerial ability (and/or sheer dumb luck!) that drives success in fantasy leagues. This is the first time I have had two teams, and the league formats are entirely different for each.

Lessons I have learned from having two teams: 1) it is three times as complicated, 2) you find yourself sometimes cheering for a player and booing him at the same time, 3) on those occasions where you have the same player on both teams, he is either doubly good or doubly bad on any given day, 4) you do get to know a lot more players than if you only fielded one team, and 5) when you are in a league with people you do not know, it is way less interesting.

Next year I will simplify and have only one entry in one league.

Now, on with the matchups! Wish me luck.

Ten Years Ago

September 11, 2001. You remember where you were and what you were doing when the news hit. And hit it did! At first, maybe a tragic accident. Then, only minutes later, you knew it was no coincidence. So many emotions. So much loss. So much grief and sadness. Shock all around.

Remember who you called that morning? Remember who you were concerned about?

Since I worked at Riverfront Plaza, Richmond's version of the twin towers right on the James River, we were sent home. No one knew what the next targets would be. I was waiting at the bus stop when Philip got home from middle school. I never, ever was at the bus stop when he got home. The middle schoolers had not been told, thankfully.

As we walked home together, I was able to relay what had happened in New York City. You see, we had been in the tower just a month before 9/11 on a family vacation. I simply said, the World Trade Center towers are not there any more. What do you mean they are not there anymore, was the innocent and incredulous response.

I don't think we ever can forget all the things that happened on 9/11. We are all more aware, more alert, and we take less for granted. Heroes were made on 9/11. Everyone was affected.

But we got back up after being knocked down. Dazed, hurt, and struggling for breath. But we got back up.

This post is dedicated to survivors and victims of the terrible attacks on September 11, 2001.