This is a somber day, remembering the vicious attack on the Twin Towers eight years ago. It seems so long ago in some ways, but then again, time has flown by. So much has happened to change the world since then, and much has not changed at all. Everyone has their own memories. Nothing will ever be quite the same as it was before September 11, 2001.

This may be a glimpse into our future: Car of the Future?

In the meantime, we got the empty septic tank filled yesterday. Fred had a little grading in to do, but it all went very smoothly. At right is Garren Calkins with Fred. Looks like Fred was stepping in something putrid, but that wasn't the case at all - I just snapped the picture as he was taking a step forward as he talked with Garren. The old tank was completely dry. There had been some ground water in it, but after a few holes were punched in the bottom, that drained nicely. Everything is now secure and we're hoping for no more surprises like that.

We're noticing how quickly the trees are turning. Also, the flower gardens are pretty much finished. There are a few fall flowers coming along, but soon I'll be cutting everything back and laying down winter mulch.

I had a call this week from a cousin in Barre who over the weekend had visited a small grave yard in Walden where her father's family are buried. She was dismayed that the off-the-beaten-path cemetery had been vandalized. Of course I told her about the recent damage to the Cabot Village Cemetery, and we wondered if it could be the same culprits. I understand the authorities have a pretty good idea who was responsible for the Cabot vandalism, but I haven't heard who it might be or that any charges have been made - yet. I'm always sorry to see these things happen. It's too bad whoever is responsible doesn't get a life that's meaningful so they don't do stupid things like that. There is so much need for help these days - getting in wood for elderly folks, making simple repairs for them, running errands - all kinds of things that people with excess energy or steam to blow off could be doing that are useful, needed, and appreciated and that would make them respected instead of scorned.

Speaking of wood, Fred is getting ready to bring in some of the wood that's been drying for over a year outside. That means I have to move some of my garden tools and (I admit it) junk out of the way. We still have a lot of wood in the garage, and it might even last through the winter, but we don't want to be digging wood out of the snowbanks in February or March, so will fill up the garage as usual. Having done the weatherization on the house last December made a big difference in the amount of wood we burned, and we're looking for even better results this year, having done a bit more to tighten up the house.

No word from Tom Dente on how Camilla is doing. If anyone has heard how her back operation went yesterday, please let me know. Lots of people are thinking about her.