11 Years

On this anniversary of September 11th, we continue to remember those lost on this day 11 years ago.  Amazing that it has been 11 years and for those who lost someone it was just like yesterday. 

We will never forget what happened on that horrific day on September 11, 2001.  A few moments of silence mark the times.  Continue to pray for our country.  On these tough days that we had, the tough days that we are going through and the tough days ahead.  Alot of uncertainty for most Americans.  We must stand together.

For more information, pictures or to visit the 9-11 memorial in downtown Manhattan, please visit http://www.911memorial.org/
I was unable to be in NY this year to hear almost nothing but cars and taxi cab horns, but my heart and thoughts are there.  It is a solemn place.  I will never forget that morning.

The Enterprise

So a few weeks back my father sent me some fantastic pics..... Road trip!!!! My father and my brother headed down to the Hudson River- between NY & NJ to witness something most wont ever see in person.  The space shuttle ontop of a 747.  What?!!!!

There is the space shuttle Enterprise hitching a ride or piggy back on a 747.  This is a special made 747 to strictly carry these shuttles around--not for ordinary passengers and our luggage.  Since they obviously need to be securely fastened on top (I can imagine the size of these bolts!!!), flying at hundreds of miles per hour...... you know they need a special one :)  There are 4 of these shuttles going around the country to be put on display.

Discovery- Smithsonian in the DC area
Endeavour- California Science Center Southern California
Atlantis- Cape Canaveral FL (will remain there)
and
Enterprise- Intrepid Museum NY.

 Here it comes flying over the Statue of Liberty, Jersey City NJ

Over the Hudson river

towards the GW Bridge (George Washington Bridge)
Can you just imagine seeing this?  Simply incredible.  I was so excited to see these pics from him.  The Enterprise landed at JFK airport where it will remain until it is lifted onto a barge via crane to get ready for the 2 day trip up the river to the Intrepid.  This will be another incredible picture opportunity and I am sure, that I will have pics to share of this great event also.
The Intrepid Air and Space museum is literally in the river-- when you go, you literally go on board an aircraft carrier that has been retired and you can wander around viewing some of the most incredible planes and submarines up close and personal.  It is worth the trip the next time you are in NY.  I am looking forward to seeing the Enterprise on board the Intrepid this fall.  The exhibit opens mid July this summer.  For more info
www.intrepidmuseum.org/shuttle/home.aspx

I leave you this great Friday with a pic of lower Manhattan, with our ever growing new Freedom Tower :)  Its simply amazing!

Ten Years

I was fortunate enough to be in New York this week, and even was able to catch up with a friend on Friday night.  So, my husband and I went in to the city earlier in the evening.  I drove us downtown to see 1 WTC that is being built as we speak, it is going to be a beautiful addition to our forever changed New York skyline.   

I parked a block away, leaving my husband in the car (so we didn't pick up any souvenirs from the NYPD) and I walked around a bit.  Immediately listening to my surroundings and paying attention to all the new buildings, watching the people, the police activity, there was the most amazing sound-- like angels singing--- a choir was practicing for today's memorial service, and the feeling of peace was among all of the busyness.  We stopped. Listened.  Tears filled my eyes and chills ran down my spine.  A cool breeze ran across the back of my neck.  You couldn't see them, only hearing their voices echoing among all of the construction, all of the ciaos.  There was a sense of calmness, a pure sense of peace.  This feeling of course 10 years ago early in the morning was not the case.  Of course like it was 5 minutes ago, we all remember, some knowing folks there, some loosing loved ones, others just reaching out in anyway possible.  I will never forget that horrific day, most never will.

I was unable to see the actual memorial, the dedication was today, and tomorrow will be open to the public-- people from all over the world will walk the memorial, reading names of loved ones lost.  We owe alot to those who have been doing their parts over the last 10 years, and those that will continue to do so.  This is a great city.  We have a lot of work to do still, and it will continue to be an ever changing place.

What is taking place there now today, after 10 years, more people then I have seen in a long time, I know alot were visitors, but you can tell the difference.  The locals are moving back in.  Terrific new restaurants, new businesses, new life being born again.   This is a great city.   We are determined people, you may kick us down, but we will rise up.

Visit http://www.911memorial.org for more information.  It is amazing the growth in lower Manhattan.  Simply incredible. 

We will always remember.
Gone, but not forgotten.

A Night Out

So the weather has been SO cold everywhere, that it is almost impossible to go anywhere warm, without leaving the country! So I decided last night that we needed to be adventurous and head out into it. I am such a pansy when it comes to the cold weather!!!!! Layer upon layer, we braved the cold. I think last night it only was around 25 but you cant be to sure. I have been craving a steak and these fabulous potatoes from a place called Arthurs Tavern in Hoboken NJ. Anyone not familiar with Hoboken NJ, it is a very busy spot. Especially at night, and even more so later in the night. There are plenty of bars/clubs and eateries to be had. Not to forget that Frank Sinatra was born here. Boy, if Frank could see it now! Hoboken is one of my favorite places to go to--the old brownstones, the cobbled streets, the excitement of it all. Also, it is directly on the other side of the Hudson river, looking out at Mid-town Manhattan.

The first picture is of the famous Arthurs. Located on the corner of Washington and 3rd, it is a great place, 2 levels and plenty of steak to go around. The menu consists of only a few choices, either the the 24 ounce rib-eye or the 48 ounce rib-eye, with a side of these outstanding, mouth-watering potatoes. There are other things- like a burger, and a measly salad...but you don't really go to Arthurs for that. I have had friends in the past order the 48 ounce and it does seem to take forever for it to be delivered. We always order the 'steak' the 24 ounce variety and it is always worth the wait. It wasn't to busy last night, we did go early and it is freezing out, so we were in and out in less then 1 hour. In the warmer weather, you could be waiting for a table for an hour. Boy, it is worth every minute you wait:)



This next picture is of Mid-town Manhattan, from the famed Chart House Restaurant pier. Looking left to right, you see from Columbus Circle/61st Street to the Empire State Building/34Th St. In between is the famed Times Square where the 'ball' is dropped to ring in the new year, the Intrepid museum docked in the Hudson river, and some of the most fabulous places- Central Park, Horse and Carriage rides, shopping--the Famous 5Th Avenue- Bergdorfs, Tiffanys, FAO Schwartz, eateries, etc, etc, on earth. The Empire State building is blue now, I am not sure of the lighting schedule, but just the night before, it was still red and green for Christmas.



A few minutes later, we were in Jersey City. I got a great shot of Downtown/Battery Park. The skyline is not the same, it hasn't been for almost 10 years now. I miss the Towers. It was such a clear, crisp, cold night last night, that the pictures really turned out great. In Jersey City, you are even closer to the NY then you were in Hoboken, so they aren't as blurry. Isn't it a gorgeous site? I could stand and look across all day, and all night-- but then I would also be a frozen figure :). She is not in the picture but far off to the right, stands Lady Liberty. Holding her torch, standing tall and proud. It was too dark to see her tonight, but I know that she is there.



The piece of steel in this next picture is from the WTC, and has been there in Jersey City for many years. Objects are placed on it in remembrance. It is just amazing to me still that what stood so proud on our skyline, could end up in a mess like this. Look at the picture closely, those steel rivets just melted. The melted piece of steel once was about 20 feet long-straight in length. You would need a crane to pick this piece up. Now look at it. I think in 1000 years, people will still look at this and shake there heads.



This spot is now a wonderful memorial. The weathered flag laying on this piece of melted steel, overlooking the wonderful and mighty NYC. The rebuilding has begun, and someday we will have a new skyline to look at. The Towers that stood are Gone, but Not Forgotten.