September, I'll remember

Wow. September 10th already! This summer sure has flown by. I've done lots and still have lots to do. I've made 2 batches of pickles- dill and bread & butter, made a couple of pies, made my birthday cake (if you want a good one, you do it yourself, right?). I still need to make some strawberry jam, homemade bread, more pickles or relish, and of course some pies for Thanksgiving. Even though that's 2 months away...

It's getting cooler- in the upper 30's here at night tonight. Almost snowmaking weather! The leaves are starting to change. I wore jeans for the first time since April or May today. Almost time to break out the sweaters and corduroys! For now, it's sweatshirts and fleece jackets. I was thinking about starting to knit today. Last year, I knit 2 hats (or 3), usually I only do scarfs, so I'll have to find a new project to knit this winter. I have to finish the socks that I started a few years ago... not an easy project to do. Maybe mittens this year? who knows...

I'm moving up in the world (a little). I have a new title- Assistant Ranger until October 16th at the state park. I get to do night rounds- starting once a week then twice a week. I get to stay in a "house" at the state park. I say "house" because there are more mice living there than people. And the stove is literally falling apart. I tried cleaning the bowl things under the burners the other day and three had rusted through. At least I have one and a refrigerator and a comfy new bed. And a dehumidifier. And a radio I'm going to abscond from the garage. And a flashlight that can double as a weapon. Tomorrow is my first night on duty, so it should be blog worthy.

There's no TV (which is fine) and I have a laptop that is Windows 98 and doesn't read CDs/DVDs anymore, so I can't use it. I think I may give it to my nephew to take apart. Or not... we'll see. I have a couple of books to read- the last of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo series, a (hopefully) lighthearted book about geography nerds (like myself), a detective book based in Vermont, and the very highly publicised book about the Navy Seals killing of Osama bin Laden. I wanted to get it on 9/11, but since I have night rounds, I got it today. So many to choose from... I think I may read the Navy Seal book in honor of those who gave their lives that day and for the 11 years since.

In 2005, I went to NYC for my birthday to see the Red Sox play at Yankee Stadium (the house that Ruth built). Luckily, I survived. While touring the city, my friend Liliana and I went to the Twin Towers site and I took this picture. Please, never forget 9/11.