Blizzard of 1888

As we continue to get back to normal here in Connecticut after a few inches of snow my thoughts go back to the Blizzard of 1888 in New York City when there were no snow blowers. Yes that is a 26 foot snow bank in Brooklyn composed completely by snow placed there by shovels! And you thought you had it tough this week!

Tucson Memorial Service

Along with millions of viewers across this great country and the world we sat in our comfortable homes to witness a Memorial to those who were killed and wounded in Tucson. I was prepared to listen to our President memorialize those lost and honor those who survived along with special note of individuals who stepped forward and committed acts of bravery and unselfishness in a time of danger. I was not disappointed in the very well prepared speech of Mr. Obama. He even took the extra time to prepare for this occasion by not using TelePrompTers, not too often do we ever see that. His staff did a wonderful job of preparing a non partisan conversation with his audience. The orchestration of on screen graphics of those lost was well played and it looked as if all the right people were there. Well done Mr. President. Something I very rarely say! What I found extremely disturbing was the Pep Rally atmosphere of the whole event. This was a Memorial Service or Tribute not a pregame rally for a basketball or football game. To me the only thing missing were cheerleaders running across the stage and confetti! We as a nation and a people have much to learn from these horrible events and how we react to them today will shape our future as a nation. The words and sentiments were all there and so well presented but the venue festive audience was totally out of place. Some say there is a time to celebrate the lives of those we loose and I agree, but this event was presented and planed as a memorial. Thank you Mr. Obama for a kind and caring speech.

First Robin

You wouldn't think that your first Robin sighting for a new season would occur in January. Nor would you expect it to be during the worst snow storm in recent Connecticut history, but here it is. In fact we saw several Robins this day. With 23"+ of snow on the ground and most everything closed Sandi made sure there was food outside for our feathered friends. So for all of you who get excited and think Spring is on it's was when you see your first Robin of the year; sorry. Been there and done that already.