Author Archives: admin

I was in Dallas, TX. We were watching the news while we got ready for school and work. At first, our news people and we all thought the first plane was just off track. It hit; then the 2nd plane came. And no one; absolutely no one could mistake these off course planes for an accident/fluke. I took my girl to school, and picked up my granny to help her with errands. We listened to the radio; later we watched the news together; saw the towers come down. We knew there was no way that everyone had made it out. We knew that we hurt, we wept; so many emotions mixed into me. I could not stand still. I paced; I cursed. We weren’t physically there. It hurts all the same. I remember that day, I sheared my long hair from my head in grief. I wanted to drop bombs on the heads of those who did this. I honestly did not care if civilians would be killed. There were men, women & children in those Towers & on the planes. Sometimes, even now, I wished we were as merciless as we once were with our enemies. IF you harbor the enemy, YOU are MY enemy(PERIOD). I don’t care what anyone says to the contrary, War ALWAYS has and ALWAYS will have civilian casualities. I take my own experience and multiply that by a million plus, in intensity, when I think of those who were there on that day. It is incomprehensibile to me the fullness of what each person experienced in the midst of the attack & those in all places who lost family, friends, and other loved ones. I know that we must never forget the unforgettable lest we lower our guard. We ALL must Always be aware of our surroundings, of what is happening not only in the United States, but in the world.

Today I was out at our Veterans/First Responders sign that is located near Monical’s. I enjoyed replacing the older US Flag with a brand new one. Preparing for tomorrow 9-11-11, I was working on a couple of wreaths when a lovely lady; Melanie Van Winkle from Terre Haute, IN; inquired if she could help me. I am so glad I accepted her offer. She had string and even a small pair of scissors; a couple of essentials I had unfortunately(maybe fortunately?) left at home. Melanie’s car had given out on her & she was waiting for the people that would come pick her up. Malfunctioning car(unfortunate or fortunate?).

As we worked on the wreaths, I learned Melanie’s son is serving in the U.S. Army and serving his 4th tour; I hope I am remembering the correct country; in Iraq. We are more than thankful for all of our warriors who work everyday to make certain we are safe. Politicians and world leaders have their own agendas; not all are known to us. What I know is that it is our sons/daughters/brothers/sisters/mothers/fathers & many more who are on the front lines, following orders in good faith and complete loyalty to our homeland.

Melanie and I spoke on many topics: our military, the 911 attacks, politics, and even religion. She may not believe it, but she is beautiful inside and out. Once her people arrived to pick her up, she and I parted with a wonderful hug. I hope her journey home was safe and enjoyable.

Eastern Illinois Foodbank & Full Gospel Christian Fellowship are hosting a Food Giveaway on Saturday, September 17th at 9am at 619 S. Railroad Ave; Paxton, IL 60957.

All area households meeting income eligibility guidelines are welcome. Please refer to the following guidelines.

Maximum monthly income per eligible household(each additional household member over 8 – $479)

Household Size & Income
1 = $1,362
2 = $1,839
3 = $2,316
4 = $2,795
5 = $3,272
6 = $3,750
7 = $4,227
8 = $4,704

Starting Tuesday, August 9 our city workers will start retrofitting all residential and commercial water meters in town!  They will be doing all 2,123 of them and will be knocking on doors asking permission to do this.  They will be wearing an identification badge to verify they are with the city.  Here is the url for the full story:  http://www.paxtonrecord.net/news/politics-and-government/2011-08-03/city-workers-start-visiting-homes-tuesday.html

Lakes = Cool Water

The ICE Lounge

Plastic Pool Just As Cool

The All-Purpose Sprinkler works for me & you