NOTICE OF EVENT: Book Signing - Meet the Author

NOTICE OF EVENT

Book Signing - Meet the Author:

Stacey L. Bolin

On Saturday October 1, 2011 and Sunday October 2, 2011 I will signing books for those who have purchased or wish to purchase my most recent publication:

"Through the Barracks Window: A Time of Waves"

Location: Anne Arundel Country Fairgrounds Fall Crafts Festival

Crownsville, Maryland 21032

in the Exhibit Building

Time: Sat: 9am -5pm

Sun: 9am - 3pm

http://www.aacountyfair.org/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1

Hope to see you there.

Things you hear in public.

I'm sitting in a restaurant when I end up over hearing a couple talking about romance, or the lack there of, and their marriage situation. I immediately start thinking. "If only I could have turned up the TVs, that Chili's now had in various areas of their restaurant."

She says to him she feels like an outcast, an outsider, that he never does anything spontaneous like bring home candy or flowers. Something romantic, other than on an occasional holiday or birthday. 

He shrugged his shoulders and goes into defense mode and replied "What makes you say that, I've gotten you flowers before?"

She's nervous, not wanting to give the real answer as to why she is feeling so emotional but begins to open up, only to be interrupted by the waitress asking if they would like a refill of their drinks. He looks relieved that the discussion could be over. 

I found myself wanting to say, continue, please continue, NEVER STOP TALKING when the talking stops that is the time when the future is bleak. Clearly they were needing to talk to one another about something weighing down on them. Should they have picked a Chili's restaurant or any restaurant, probably not, but I'm thinking they were out and it was on neutral ground. As the waitress leaves, the woman then goes on to talk about why she is feeling the way she is. Many points she makes through out their discussion are,

1. You don't talk to me anymore and your always calling someone else to complain about me. Why don't you just come and tell me what I am doing that is so bad or so wrong so I can fix it?
2. I feel a distance between us.
3. You run to your family when your feeling down. I'm your wife, why don't you come to me?
4. I feel I have four kids and not three and a husband.
5. I don't feel appreciated.
6. You are in the room and I still feel lonely, why?
7. Are you seeing another woman?
8. Do you want a divorce?

He replied, "I don't know, I guess I just need time," and once again was more angry, agitated and wanted so much to go onto a different topic of choice, like the stats on the upcoming football game or the upcoming fall television shows.  Talking about their feelings was clearly making him uncomfortable. But she continued pressing for the answers.

"Time for what?" She replied forcing the words through her tightened throat.

"To figure things out"

"What things, I can't help you if you don't tell me what things." She was now getting frustrated.

"Just things, now (blank) would you just drop it and eat."

"No matter what is going on, and what happens...I love you." And with that the sounds of silverware hitting the plate and the sound of a glass being put down on the table, masked the silence that draped their table.

You knew that now the lunch they had ordered was no longer a want on her mind, and he focused on his food to fill the void. There she sat, looking helpless. I'm sure by that time, she realized that myself and three other tables of patrons had all heard their words. Only once did she make eye contact with me, and I gave her a look back with my eyes that said. I care and understand.

I stopped eating my lunch as thoughts filtered in my mind, "wow I have heard these same types of lines she was talking about from so many of my friends and family members." You could clearly see her feelings of deep sorrow as she listened to his responses. She was reaching out and he was toning her out. Either he didn't hear what she was trying to say or he didn't want to hear what she was saying, or maybe, just maybe, it was very simple, he was trying to protect her feelings. I felt bad, as I know woman and men who have gotten to a point in their lives when they felt they where in a rut, that they were facing old age faster than they want to and they start living in a past when they were young and youthful and yes...single. No responsibilities, live by the seat of your pants, no kids to worry about, no mortgage to pay and the list goes on and on.  Maybe that was what was going on, I don't know and it wasn't my business.  What I did know, somehow I could feel the pain in both of them and I felt the urge to cry, come over me.

I wanted so much to go over to them and try to make them laugh or smile. I wanted tell them they can learn from those days of youth and use the positive moments to set new moments of happiness in their lives. There was no doubt in my mind that they still loved each other, you could see it in their eye contact - continuous. I wanted so much for them to be happy, but happiness was anywhere but with them at that time, and that broke my heart.

I had walked around and stepped over some of the very same questions in my life, only to find that it happens to everyone. To think your immune to any of these types of thinking, can be dangerous to you and your relationship. What I also know and feel very strongly on - you can will your mind to think anything it wants, good, bad, happy, and sad. You have the control within yourself. When you see a negative moment entering your world, don't ignore it, but instead, note it, face it, and store it in the back of your mind as a learning tool to make you stronger to think positive. YOU will hit many road blocks of life that to try to trip you up. If that happens, stand up, dust yourself off and keep moving forward. You only have one life and it can only be what you make it. Don't let the drama or negative elements get you down. There is only one you in this life, and you are important to others even if you don't feel it all the time.

To the Chili's restaurant couple - May you find the peace and the bond that brings you love, Joy, and togetherness forever.

Righting My Wrongs

I sit here troubled this morning and wonder, what would you do in the name of love for your child/children?  If you saw them on a path of wrongs, would you try to right them...ok or atleast some of them? What if your child/children decided that the best respect they could show you, is none...would you accept that or continue to teach why respect is vital, not just for one's parents, but for all the people? Do you have a child or children that justs tone you out on a daily basis? I'm sure we all do now and again. While everyone out there that has or has had children, have their own methods of parenting, I am sure many of my questions could have been the very same questions that danced inside your thoughts while parenting. Yet, how would you feel if you realized that what was happening in your life now was because of something years ago?

I saw a quote by Christina Ricci, in a magazine the other day that really hit home, "You have to make a decision that you're not going to be crippled by your insecurities". She is so right and I have done just that. Here is my story of parental awakening.

Becoming a new mother while undergoing cancer treatments was a challenge. It was up to me to keep the home front going why my husband endured long hours at work to make financial ends meet. I had the baby stuff and the house wife stuff, for the most part, down to a science until I let fear of the unknown get its grips on me. It didn't matter if it was health related, people related, life related, I felt like a long tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs. My biggest worry...ok fear, was that my children would be hurt or get hurt as they grew from the infants that came home from the hospital to young men, to young adults. I guess one could say, because of that intense fear - I sheltered them. Yikes, I've actually said it, wow there it is in print and to read and see it has moved me to tears. I have made it public, one of my many flaws that I am willing to take responsiblity for.  I had to start somewhere.

I let my own insecurities of the bad in the world, the unknown dangers, and feelings that I had, to constantly protect them, take full control. This is my belief as to why I feel they lack some life and social skills.  But it doesn't stop there. I also wanted them to look at me as the best mom in the world, what mother doesn't want that feeling, and they would always cherrish and love me. So why did this mom think this way - because she did everything for them. I created a world where they have been living like little kings. I was always picking up after them when they should have been learning to pick up their own things. Getting their laundry out of their rooms for them, when they should have been getting the laundry in the hamper for me. fighting their battles for them, ok and at times protecting them when there should have been consequences and the list goes on and on and on. I feel that by doing all these things and so much more for them, they never learned responsiblity and to respect themselves.  I've always heard if you don't love yourself, you can't love others, and I can say the same for respect, if you don't have respect for yourself, your home and/or your things, how can you be respectful for other people and their things?

So with all this opening up on my part and sharing my struggles within, where am I going with all of this? My boys need to understand that what I do and say as a parent now, is not out of hate, it is out of love. They run to their dad, hoping to over throw the Queen, by going to the King playing him against her. So the first important lesson now - The King and Queen are now comparing stories and that lies will get one nowhere.

For one, I have two years, and the other, four years, to correct my wrongs and to instill years worth of teaching into a short time frame. To the outside world, not to many know the new challeges we are facing as parents of two teenage boys. Right now I am the bad guy in the eyes of my older son, and I can safely say he is cussing the ground I walk on, because of the new life lessons being implemented. The second important lesson, my husband and I are a team, No means no, and if we ask you do to something, it will be when we ask, not when it is convenient.  My youngest son is a very quick learner, guess we caught it in time. (smile). The oldest is like trying to break a young stallion that has been so used to his word as being the "My Way World". 

It was just last night that I finally talked with my oldest son as a young adult and not a young man. Words of advice, if you want your kids to listen, put them in the car with you and drive around. In a car your voice is buffed, less annoying than a house that echoes. A drive home from an event last night, I finally admitted to him that I take full responsibilty as to why he does what he does. That I have learned that he needs important life skills to venture out into this huge mass called life. That he needs to be mind full that he is almost 18 and life will change for him both dramatically and drastically. Things he says and things he does could have either a postivie or a negative impact. He will now also have to be exceptionally mindful of his behaviors around the young ladies. I think this was a lot for him to take in and yes I am sure I am the bad guy this morning, but I have to start somewhere on this issue too. Yes I know that both my kids will make mistakes, that is how they will learn. But they will also learn that I will speak up when I'm told to stand back. Will they tone me out? Yep, I am almost sure of it, but in my heart of hearts, I won't have any future regret for not taking a stand in trying to steer my kids to stay on the right path. I know someday soon they will be on their own, and they are going to do what they want to do and will come to me when they need a friend or guidance, but for now I am not their friend - I am their mother and I am the only mother they have in this world! I will say and do things they are not going to like, and they are not going to understand what it was I am trying to do, for a very long time or mabye after I am long gone.  

So, my dear boys, if you see this someday or your friends tell you...wow you made your mothers blog today, please know - You two and your dad are the reasons why I get up in the morning. My intensions are filled with only love and what is best for all of you, all of us as a family. Why I struggle in this dreery economy to do my part to help make our financial ends meet. You are the reasons why I chose and still choose to live. To sum it up in the three most important words in the world - "I LOVE YOU!" and I always will.

Remembering 9/11 through the words of friends and family.

These were all actual posts that appeared by friends and family on Facebook this morning. This is their stories and comments about how they feel and what they remember about 9/11. EVERYONE has a story and we must listen to these stories so that we can both heal and help our friends and family heal as well. 

"One Nation Under God, Indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all"

Nichole

tonight brings such emotion....tomorrow is such a sad anniversary...9/11/01 Never forgotten! Thank you to all of the service men and women who have fought and those that continue to fight for our freedom. And thank you to all of the police officers, ems personnel, and fire fighters who put their lives at risk every time they go to work...And last but not least, my thoughts and prayers are with those who were most intimately affected by 9/11/01

Nikki

Time Lapse Video Featuring Eight Years of 9/11 Memorial Construction  As available by http://www.911memorial.org/

Denny

just watched flight 93. watching that movie brought back a lot of emotions of 9/11 and just reminded me don't take anything for granted. I'm proud to be an American and I stand behind and support our military, police force, emts, and firefighters.

Kim

I keep hearing the statement "never forget". I don't know how someone who saw all that senseless tragedy could ever forget. Every year on this day I remember how sad and scared we all were. The babies born after 911 are now about to turn ten and will never know there dads. That breaks my heart and for them I could never forget.

Tonia

“Now, we have inscribed a new memory alongside those others. It’s a memory of tragedy and shock, of loss and mourning. But not only of loss and mourning. It’s also a memory of bravery and self-sacrifice, and the love that lays down its life for a friend–even a friend whose name it never knew."
- President George W. Bush

Kathy 

I was working in Washington, D.C. a few blocks from the White House. I remember my boss's family calling him and they were frantic and I could hear them crying. At first I thought he was having some kind of family emergency. Then I went outside to smoke and people were running down the street crying. The road was already blocked with cars everywhere. There were sirens all over and then I saw the military truck fly down the street. By the time I was finished smoking, the anti-aircraft launcher was sitting on the corner of 15 & K streets. We were hearing all kinds of rumors and a police officer came up to us and told us we had to evacuate. I was never so scared in my whole life. I kept thinking, this is Washington, DC, the United States of America, it was not the West Bank but it was beginning to resemble that. It took me forever to get home, I hitched a ride in a van with people I didn't know to get to Odenton where my car was parked. I was so grateful to get home that day to see my husband and children. I couldn't watch the news, it was too depressing. It is a day that is burned into my memory -- for as long as I live I will never forget.

Tricia

I remember wondering why so many kids were being called for early dismissal. I remember finding out why when I took my first graders to lunch. I remember being panicked. I remember being terrified for Nick & my mom who were at St. Mary's & so near the Naval Academy (not knowing what was actually going on & what may happen). I remember picking up 4 month old Maggie from daycare & wondering what kind of messed up world did I bring my baby into. What do you remember?

Maureen

Literally the worst day of my life. I remember standing in my bathroom getting dressed and watching the TV out the bathroom door horrified. I remember wondering if I was supposed to keep my appointment with Grace's geneticist at the U of MD hospital knowing that the doctor finally had a diagnosis. I remember being terrified on my way into Baltimore and I remember feeling numb and nauseated and deep, in my soul pain all at the same time when the doctor put his hand on my knee, looked me in the eye and said "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry" after describing what lay ahead for my daughter. I remember being told the hospital going into "lock down" and thinking I couldn't leave and wanted to bust a door down and run out and go home as fast as possible. I specifically remember as if it was yesterday feelings of chaos, vulnerability, confusion, and not knowing what to concentrate on first...the condition of my country, or the condition of my child. The last 10 years have been quite a journey, but so far, it has been a victory and a journey of survival...for my country and my daughter. I'm proud to be an American and proud to be a mommy.

Michelle

IN GOD WE TRUST!! UNITED WE STAND! We Remember and thank you to all the men and women in law enforcement & firefighters that risked their lives that day and everyday. We lift up each family affected by 9/11 that PEACE replaces fear....

Scott

Despite the horrible events that occurred on this day, I choose to remember the solidarity and how this nation came together to support and celebrate our unique way life... A flag on every house, a patriotic pin on every jacket, bumper stickers in Red White and Blue.... For the first time in our lives were all AMERICANS.... I mourn the loss of that national pride....

Gemma

Today is a day to remember those almost 3000 people who perished in the World Trade Centre attacks, at the Pentagon and the crash in Shanksville, PA 10 years ago. We will never forget xx

Ray

as I was 0n 9/11 ten years ago, I am away from my homeland. My thoughts are with everyone around the world who has had their lives forever changed because of that one terrible, terrible day.

Jennifer

‎9/11: Times of impact: 8:46 a.m. and 9:02 a.m. Time the burning towers stood: 56 minutes and 102 minutes. Time they took to fall: 12 seconds. 2819 dead from 115 different nations. 343 Fireman/paramedics, 23 NYPD, 37 Port Authority officers. **************** REPOST AND SHOW YOU WILL NEVER FORGET 09-11-01

 Laurie

A day of rememberance. Remember those whose lives were taken, their loved ones left behind, the heros that saved lived and ones that died trying, the ones who survived, and the service men and women who gave diligent efforts in helping the trapped and scared. Hug a loved one today.

 Jill

Borrowed from a friend:
Lord I pray for peace in this time of heavy hearted memory. I pray for the families of our troops, police, fire fighters and the countless innocent people who lost their lives during 9/11 and in the years since that terrible day. Lord I pray for healing to those who still hurt and need your mercy. God Bless the USA!

Leslie

Good morning. I hope everyone will bow their head this morning, and have a moment of prayer, for the people lost during 9-11

 Andrea

Proud to be an American as I watch America remember September 11th....

Susan

For the husband who told his wife I love you one last time before his plane went down in a field, for the wife who stopped in the stairs to call her husband to say I will love you forever, for the mothers & fathers who kissed their kids goodbye the morning they died, for the policemen who rushed in with the firemen to help get others out only to die themselves, for the soldiers who fought back and lost their lives. Today, tomorrow, ten years from now, we will remember ♥ God Bless ♥

Susan

✰✰✰✰✰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰ If You're Proud To Be An American Wave ✰✰✰✰✰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰ This Flag In Honor Of The Fallen Men ✰✰✰✰✰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰ And Women Who Served Our Country ✰✰✰✰✰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰ For those who have served in the past ☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰ For those who are serving & fighting now
☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰
☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰ FOR OUR LOVED ONES WHO TRAGICALLY HAD THEIR LIVES RIPPED FROM OURS ON 9/11...YOU ARE IN OUR HEARTS AND IN OUR MINDS AND WILL NEVER....NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!! REST IN
PEACE! ♥ ♥ ♥



 

More to come... Posts will be added throughout the day.

A Nation Mourns: Tribute to the hero's and victims of 9/11 - We will never forget.

This is an excerpt that comes from my book entitled:
copyright 2011

"Through the Barracks Window: A Time of Waves"

Written by: Stacey L. Bolin

Chapter Thirty-Five

"A Nation Mourns"

During this horrendous moment, I felt the same irritability and the sense of loss that had come over me daily during the past few weeks.  This was a place that had a special meaning in my heart from a past point in my life.  Now it was at the mercy of nature’s feared fury, fire.

In 1984, my mother and I embarked on a Christmas show and shop bus tour of New York City.  One of the highlights of our trip, going to the Windows of the World indoor observation area to view the City from high a top of the World Trade Center.  I got many pictures so that I could relive the amazement of standing at the top of one of the largest buildings in the world.  It was then my mother and I bonded into friendship, from what was a mother daughter relationship. It was a time that has always kept a special place in my heart.  I had hoped to have enjoyed a moment like this with my own children one day.

I watched, in disbelief, the black smoke billow from the outside of the buildings.

“Put the fire out!  Put the fire out!”  I yelled at the television over and over.

Then a view from the Pentagon appeared.  Slowly it was being reported that these crashes were intentional and were acts of terrorists.  I changed the channel.  Something kept my focus on waiting to see more of what was happening in New York.  Before my eyes, I saw the explosion of the second tower and the endless replay of a second plane crashing into it.

“Both towers of the World Trade Center have been hit by aircraft, both are in flames.  There is black smoke coming from both of the towers.” paused a female reporter, trying to find the words, “Ah…ah…it’s a horrific scene here, debris is flying through the air.  Clearly this is not an accident.  Officially this is an act of a terrorist.  We now have reports of a fire at the pentagon, clearly not an accident.  The F.B.I. is now investigating a report of a plane high-jacking before the crashes at the World Trade Center this morning.  We will keep you posted as more information is provided.”

Not only the events of what was taking place were being televised, nothing had a chance to be edited.  It was all being broadcasted live.  Before the Nations eyes, people were seen jumping to their death.  As I stood there, tears, streamed from my eyes.  Then suddenly, I was breathless.  Again I could see the floor joints, people standing in the stairwell.  Screams of terror engulfed my thoughts as razor sharp chills raced throughout my body.  I knew it then, these towers – they’re going to fall. 

What madness!  A form of torture for those inside!  A LIVING HELL!  WHY!  How long will these buildings remain standing?  God!  Please make these thoughts go away.  PLEASE!  HELP THESE PEOPLE TO SAFETY!  How long would God make them wait, before he would come to take so many innocent lives home with him?  Would the people get out?  People in the elevators, GET THEM OUT!

I was lost in the surrealism of what had been about an hour since I had first turned on the television.

“It wasn’t happening, it was a sick joke!”  I thought as I remembered the special report on the death of Princess Diana.  We were watching Saturday Night Life when a special report aired.  It was just ironic timing that it fell during one of their mock news skits.  Don and I could not believe that SNL would air such a sick joke.  Much to our surprise, the joke was on us as the footage went on for more than then minutes and other stations were also airing the auto accident she was involved in.  Sadly, we realized that what we were seeing had actually happened.

The screams of the news anchors snapped me back to focus on the events taking place.  The south tower was buckling at the point of impact.  At a great rate of speed it crumbled to the ground, taking the lives that may still be inside.

“OH MY GOD! NO, NO!”  I screamed at the top of my lungs.

“A situation that started bad just gets worse and worse.”  Were the words spoken by another reporter just after the south tower had fallen.  “The World Trade Center south tower, which was hit by a plane, followed by an explosion approximately an hour ago, has collapsed.  If you are just joining us this morning, you are in for a horrific surprise…”

On my radio, a similar report, “Just minutes ago the South Tower of the World Trade Center collapsed to the ground.  One tower is standing at this point.  Although there’s no report on casualties, the loss of life is presumably profound.”

It was not long after, the second tower soon followed suit and it too, took with it mothers, fathers, policemen, firemen, brothers and sisters and so many more.  The news reported that the plane crash in Pennsylvania was also part of a terrorist act to crash into what they believed to be the White House or the Capital building.  All air traffic was being grounded until further notice.  When they began to mention the safety of children located in the near-by childcare center close to the World Trade Center, I yelled out. “MY BOYS!  I NEED TO GET MY BOYS!”

I rushed to the phone to call Don at work to inform him of the events that were taking place.

“That explains the big boom that I heard earlier.” He said, still trying to make sense of what was taking place.

“I thought it odd that everyone I passed on the highway, as I made my delivery, was on a cell phone.”

“Don, I have to get the kids, come home…PLEASE come home!  I love you.”

“I love you to, I’ll get home as fast as I can, don’t worry.  You just worry about keeping yourself and the kids safe.”

Since my cancer diagnosis, I had mastered a new skill.  When faced with a major crisis, I can be as strong as steel, as well as, calm, cool, collected and stress free.  The little things, it’s best to drug me up, put me in a straight jacket in a rubber room and throw away the key.

Without a second thought I had turned everything off in the house, and was out the door.  I immediately rushed down the porch steps, got in my car and made my way to the school.  If something catastrophic was going to happen, I was going to have my babies with me, no matter what!

The school lobby and office was filled with terrified people experiencing mass confusion.  Parents and guardians had the same maternal instinct, wanting to get the children home.  I have to give credit to the faculty and staff of Germantown Elementary School.  They to, handled the situation with ease.  Calmly and effectively, you would have thought they had been training for this day, for years.

Still being some-what connected with the military, we had always been told that in the event of an emergency on a grand scale, we were to report to the base.

My thoughts on that idea, “A military installation was the last place to be.”

My children could sense that there was something terrible wrong as we made our way out of the school. 

“Mommy, why are there so many people at my school today?” Dillan said.  You could see that he was feeling a bit nervous.

“Mommy just wants you both to come home early today.”

“I heard something was on fire.” said Dallas trying to repeat a conversation he had overheard between some parents in the hall near his locker.

On the way home, I tried to explain without scaring either of them, “Something had happened that hurt a lot of people.”  They were accepting of this explanation for the time being.

We got back to the house and I had the kids put a movie into the VCR so that they didn’t have to see first-hand what was happening.  It seems that every television channel was reporting on the events that were taking place.  Don called to establish a plan, that in the event of an evacuation I would meet him at a specific location.  His preference was to head west.  Our rendezvous point would be just a location we know well in West Virginia.

As I hung up the phone, I flashed back to a night that I was awoken from or horrific dream.   In my dream I am walking through the hallway of our home here in Maryland.  I find my way to my bedroom to where my husband is sleeping very peacefully.  I slowly sit down on the edge of my side of the bed.  I look up to see a bright white flash.  “I love you” I say out loud to my kids and husband as things are being blown away.  I felt no pain and the only one sound, my voice saying good-bye.  To this day, I refuse to change my furniture around in my room, in the same way that it was in my dream.  I guess this is my way of thinking that I can harness any future events of mass destruction.

I quickly shrugged the images of the dream.

“No!  This can’t happen!” I said quietly to myself.

My thoughts were filled with so many fears and questions, but nothing spoke out-loud to scare my boys.

I am so angry, just kick ass and take names later.  They had no right to do this to America!  What have we done to deserve this!  Life will no longer be as it once was.  Don please, come home to us.  My Children, what does the future hold for them?  I should call my mother.  Should I pack a bag if we have to evacuate?  Where is a safe place?  Is my grandmother ok?  Is my mother ok?

I was entirely numb with no sense of what my next move should be.  It was the voice of my younger son, Dillan, asking for a cookie, which helped me refocus.  Throughout the day, I listened to reports that came over a low volume radio in the kitchen.  All the information, still the same, it was indeed terrorism and the death totals would be in the thousands.  Don finally walked through the back door at about 4:30pm.  It was only then I let part of my guard down.  The boys did not hear him come through the door.  That was probably a good thing as I desperately needed to just hold him.  His reason for being later than he’d hoped was that the traffic was backed up.  Everyone, I’m sure, was trying to get home to their loved ones.  I went towards him and fell into his arms as the strength within me fell apart.  I finally felt safe as he held me close.  Hearing him say that everything is going to be fine, comforting.  Yet all the strength that I had built up during my cancer treatments and life experiences in the military could have never prepared me for this day.  I feared that it was inevitable that our country would go to war.  Life, as we knew it, was going to change forever.

“But did this mean that Don could be reactivated?” I shuttered to think of the possibility.

While changing their movie, the kids had seen on the television the collapse of the World Trade Center, but were unaware that this was live.  To them it was just another movie with special effects.  When they were finally aware that Don was home from work, they quickly told us of what they had seen.

“Daddy, you know what, we saw a big building fall down in the smoke.” said four year old Dillan.

“It was just a movie.” replied our older son Dallas, nonchalantly.

Don sat down and tried to explain that what they had seen on the television was not a movie.  Some bad people were the ones who had done this to these buildings.  We made it very clear, to both of them, that they never speak to strangers and if something goes on at school they are to listen to the teacher’s instructions.  That we would get to them as soon as we could if something were to go wrong.  They were happy with this explanation and as if nothing ever happened, asked their dad to come and wrestle with them.  They showed no signs of worry, but then again, being as young as they were, I think that is what protected their minds from harm. 

Life for my friend Edward and his family drastically changed on September 11, 2001 and the days to follow.  What were once Police badges that were being sewn onto uniforms of blue were now military badges being sewn on khaki colored shirts, pants and jackets. What he thought were just a few more years in the reserves, were immediately changed to full active duty.  He was called on 9/11 at 11:30pm and told to report to his unit at 5:00am the next morning.  He worked at Andrews Air Force Base as a Security Controller (Dispatcher) on the midnight shift until October 22, 2001.  He was then sent over to Bolling Air Force Base in Washington, D.C., his new assignment, Assistant Flight Chief.

During these new and additional duties, this disrupted his family life and duties with local law enforcement, was a constant worry on the minds of all.  Would his unit be sent overseas to enforce our homeland security?  On August 19, 2002, fears became reality as he and his unit embarked on their Journey to Saudi Arabia.  I feared that if he going to be sent, then the Seabees could recall Don and Frank to do another tour in Saudi Arabia, even if they had already gone.  That was something I had feared for a very long time, and was relieved as the years passed one by one and the call never came.

While Edward was overseas, Patricia and I got to know each other very well and became great friends.  My prayers were always said for Edward and Patricia, as they walked the journey of his military duty to fight and defend our great nation and to rid the world of terrorism.   My prayer also went out nightly to our military men and woman of our armed forces.

May God bless you and keep you safe from harm.  We will prevail.

***

I am happy to report that Edward came home and he eventually got to enjoy his retirement day from the armed forces. Today he is still employed with the Annapolis Police Department, and lives with his beautiful wife, Patricia, here in Annapolis.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=J3eQmzw6n3k

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdzuY8R3_r4

It takes Patience, Skill, and Guidance - You got it all Ron!

Labor Day weekend 2011. The power was on and the remnants of Hurricane Irene was behind us. We had slept in and missed the morning splendor of a clear sky filling with sunshine. We stayed in bed to get the rest that the events of the week had taken from us.


It was official, it was the weekend and a Saturday rain free and the bad weather was behind us.  Time to get on with our Labor Day Weekend. Normally Saturdays are slotted for our kids to take part in their morning bowling league.  We decided to take a break from bowling and used this day to go up to the Anne Arundel County Fair grounds to get ready for the upcoming concert on the 13th and then the traditional fair festivities that are from the 14th Thur to the 17th of September. We like to do out part and have been volunteering for this organization for the last 7 years. You name it, we've had some part in it. The most favorites are the Demolition Derby, Halloween Happening, and of course the Annual Fair.

My husband, as I have mentioned before, is an experienced equipment operator and was asked to fix the washed out roads on the grounds. My husband has operated equipment for years and still to this day, feels he is average, which could be low self-esteem or maybe he is trying to keep his ego at bay, or honestly just believes he doesn't compare to the others of his trade. I am sure those who have seen him work will agree with me. He knows his stuff. Yes I wanted another word, but keeping it clean for the kids of the Internet.

Now, taking his skill and the multitude of jobs he has done over the past twenty something years, I always found that taking our two boys to some of his work sites to watch dad do his thing, gave my boys the want to be just like their dad (Ron).  To them, Ron is their hero - who needs a red cape and a superman outfit when you have huge machines that dig things up and knock (stuff) down. Still keeping it clean. *wink*

We decided to make the road repair a family day. We went over to Ron's place of employment to pick up a truck and trailer for the Bobcat (Piece of equipment), that his Boss authorized the use of, to complete the roads.  My oldest son was hired for summer work through the same company where my husband works. He has a few hours of training on various pieces of equipment and like any 17 year old boy...he believes he now has mastered the skills that took Ron 20 years to develop. But telling a 17 year old that he's just a beginner is like telling him that I really put onions in spaghetti - There's no way!

Now my youngest son who is 14, has envied his brother for many a summers knowing that his brother gets to operator the equipment that he only gets to enjoy through Tonka or Matchbox. But today was going to be different, dad was going to show his boys just how much skill he really has, even through he believes he doesn't have any, and I was going to get to prove my point to him - that he has quite a gift. Below I have added videos of my husband instructing the boys on fixing roads, that have washed out, with asphalt milling's. 


To teach a skill one must be skilled themselves not only in their work/trade, but in their ability to understand that everyone learns at a different pace and sees things differently. The difference between a good instructor and a great instructor - A great instructor helps you find your hidden talent, moves you to want to make a difference in yourself and the courage to achieve your dreams . My kids had the best instructor on this day - Their Dad.

Due to Internet delays - Videos are not available at this time.

This is a photo from the video - 9/3/2011
Ron Teaching his boys the trade.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MaAF_3WMJGM&ob=av2e

"WE BEAT THE BEOTCH! SO LONG HURRICANE IRENE! WE GOT POWER!"

Greetings Fellow Readers - Well to sum it up in four words - Phew We made it! 5 days with nothing but the basics, (candles, gas grill, generator and lots and lots of gasoline) As I was sharing with you in part one, we are no strangers to power outages and roughing it, even through this storm had my husband and I rather nervous. I will be the first to say, this time was different. Usually we plug in the generator to power the fridge and the big screen to watch movies...yes I know...our priorties were really off then. This time we didn't do that. Yes we plugged in the refrigerator and the deep freeze, but there was no tv or anything else. It made it a time that my family needed to restrengthen our bond to make it unbreakable once and for all. I have to say, I loved that our phone, television and computer were inoperable. All we had was ourselves, cards games and a battery operated radio. IT WAS FANTASTIC! 

The biggest challenge that my kids faced, having to entertain themselves...yes they actually got along as teenage brothers could when together and also enjoyed some much needed private time as well. My youngest son learned to enjoy the art of coloring while my oldest son enjoyed the much needed sleep his was missing. Myself, was the same as always, dishes, getting dinners ready, and I even had to gather the dirty laundry to go to the laundry mat, something I had not done in years since the Kenmore sisters moved downstairs in my laundry room - there is nothing like having my own washer and dryer. I did my best to keep the routine the same as if the power was still up and running. The biggest problem I faced was making my husband comfortable after a very long and dirty day at work. I know that when he gets home, the one thing he looks forward to is the peace and quite in a long hot shower. The second is a warm hearty meal followed by a peaceful cigarette out on the porch. Once he has had these three things and he has officially wound down from another stressful work day, then the three of us can pounce him for his undivided attention. Sometime he tells others he wishes he had more free time, and the three of us totally understand that. Yet with a family like ours, our two boys are going faster than weeds and if you take to much free time, you tend to get left out of the fun and time doesn't stop for anyone and the time you take away is time you can never get back.

So, now with the power out, one would think that my husband would be going without his hot shower and his hearty meals. Food, always hearty with or without power, as for a hot shower, well normally, it would be a small amount of hot water heated on the grill to have sponge baths, but not this time. On Monday I found out that our electric was projected to be out until 11:59pm September 2, 2011.  There was no way he was going to last a week without a hot shower. Trust me, I know. So, my brain started working overtime. I don't say it much, but I used to be called MacGyver. If there was something that had to be created, I could do it as long as I was giving ample time to ponder the invention.  This week was by far my best idea - so my husband says. It was indeed a huge benefit to our family and to those around us, nobody went to work or school stinky. Let me explain what happened.

On Monday when I found out how long our power would be out, I paniced. NO WAY WAS MY GUY GOING TO MAKE IT Without his routine, especially not having his hot shower to clean the grime of the day off. Without his shower it would be another Hurricane...this one would be Hurricane Ron. *wink - love you honey* Ok, he wouldn't be that bad, but he wouldn't be a very happy person either.  I needed to do something to make sure that this didn't happen. For about six hours my brain was working overtime (could you see the smoke? that was from me not the hurricane aftermath), when suddenly I had an idea. I recalled seeing in a Cabella's catalog, a shower for campers that had an upflow pump, like what is used in basement bathroom's now to avoid cutting into a concrete floor. I needed to create this same concept, but where in the world would I find the materials I needed to create such a pump.  My first thought - WALMART camp department.  As I marched with pride with my idea and kids and my older sons girlfriend in tow, something had caught my eye when I first went through the garden center of the store - A 2 gallon bright red plastic watering can. 

"Sarah what do you think, could this work as a shower?" I asked her, as my thoughts were spinning again.

"I think so Ms. Stacey" she said in her sweet voice and then smiled, like she totally understood what I was trying to create. My boys, they were still stumped with the outdoor shower gadget I tried to describe that I saw in the Cabella's catalog. All they wanted was a hotel room with a hot tub and pool.

When I finally had gotten to the camp department, the shelves were empty. I was disappointed and felt foolish.

My kids thought my idea was crazy anyways. Was all I could hear in my head, but I knew I was on to something, I just had to figure out the answer.

BINGO! The bright red watering can was the answer! For the low price of $4.00, I purchased it to go with the one I already had at home. My plan, use all my pots that can go on a gas grill and heat enough water for our showers. We'd water each other like flowers in the comfort of our own bathroom shower. Course my husband had the honors of being the water guy for my boys. But as for me and my husband we helped one another. WAA WHOO It worked. We were all able to take a rather hot shower and clean up everyday.  I had gotten my timing down so well that Ron would get his shower, then he would help the boys while I got dinner going and all would be done before the darkness of another night would set it. Now don't think we went hungry. Folks, that is one thing that never happens here. I have learned the best way to a man's heart is through his stomach and with three men in this house, I have my work cut out for me. Today I am not going let my shy side kick in, today I am going to toot my own horn and say, I can cook and a dang great cook at that. (Thanks MOM, thanks Grammie, you taught me well.) 

Ron is always telling people, when the power goes out, they eat even better. my response to that "YOU BETCHYA!"  Monday night was chicken gravy on rice with corn bread and honey butter. Tuesday was hamburgers with potato salad and baked beans. Wednesday was baked cut spaghetti marinara goulash with parmasan cheese and blueberry crunch cake for dessert. Thursday, we actually treated ourselves and went out for McDonalds. Tonight...hello crockpot - Beef Pot roast with carrots, potatos and all the trimmings. Dessert - zucchini chocolate chip cupcakes topped with coolwhip. yum!  So needless to say, we got through 5 days with no power or modern conveniences, and we had the best time. . I am also happy to report that our power came on at 11:59 August 31, 2011.  48 hours earlier than projected. YES! Below I have added a few photos and videos of what things looked like during and after Irene made her debut, a photo of our new best friends we added to the family and what a Friday night dinner, with power, looks like while it's cooking. Enjoy!

Hurricane Irene Aftermath in Annapolis Maryland 2011

Our Sunday following Saturday's Hurricane - Was filled with the glorious
sounds of Rain, Birds and Generators.

A hot meal to celebrate that "WE HAVE POWER"
Pot Roast with all the fixin's

Our two new best friends - Hot and Showers