Summer is gone and and the school year is on. It was a quiet summer due to the economy and we all went on one camping trip which ended in heavy rain. We probably shouldn't complain as this was the first real rain interrupted camping trip for us so far. Better luck next year. Time to begin thinking about next year's trip!
To wrap up the summer the family gathered for a Labor Day BBQ. It is nice to see all of the cousins outside in the yard. Perhaps as they get older the games will become more organized and competitive. Some of the adults made it into the yard as well. The horseshoe pits were in excellent condition and the competition was intoxicating... or should we say intoxicated? Speaking of competition, Keith got beaten badly in horseshoes right in his own back yard. You would think he might practice more since he has his own pits!
Save your money. It's an inside joke but it's good advice none the less.
Here in Jersey we recently had some excitement thanks to Mother Nature. Most of us experienced an earthquake for the first time in our lives on Aug 23, 2011 when a 5.8-magnitude earthquake in Virginia rattled the East Coast shortly before 2 p.m. It was nothing earth shattering for us however many friends and family noticed furniture and items in our homes and work places shake. Some, like myself experienced vertigo like symptoms and became dizzy and disoriented being totally unaware that the earth below our feet was moving. It was strange to say the least. People on the left coast of the country mocked the news media coverage and the reaction of the general population on the east coast. Seriously? Have they all forgotten their first experience with an earthquake? I would like to see Californian's deal with a Nor'easter or an ice storm. Now THAT would be funny!
Along comes Hurricane Irene. The storm was not all that bad for many of us inland the the shore areas and parts of NYC were hit pretty bad. It was a lot of wind damage and flooding in particular that has caused headaches for most of us. Power outages are also being dealt with and making things difficult. Fortunately there was not a significant storm surge as predicted. And as usual, there are people who think that the media and government officials over reacted to which I say no. The eastern seaboard is not accustomed to hurricanes and being prepared is crucial to saving lives. NJ did lose 12 people to Irene. 12 too many. I read one article comment: " shhhh this is evolution in action let the stupid ones wallow in ignorance. They'll be the first swept out to sea." While I tend to agree with the sentiment, some of the lost were first responders who were helping those that did not evacuate or heed the timely warnings about flooding. In contrast with Hurricane Katrina I am for the most part largely impressed with my fellow New Jersians... for now.
That's all I have to say about that.
