Sally and I live about a mile and a half from the World Trade Center. We were fortunate in that we did not lose anyone close to us, though a number of friends (including people who have appeared in this blog) were right there and barely escaped. We know people who lost people, though, and we think of them.
We're a mile and a half from the World Trade Center, but we live three feet from New York City Fire Department Ladder Company #3. They're our next door neighbors. They lost twelve men that day. Originally we were told that the entire company had been killed, but then we got the good news... only twelve men lost.
I don't know about other New Yorkers, but I'm reminded of that morning every day I'm in Manhattan.
(Photo: This plaque is on the back of Ladder 3's truck. Most any time you see a fire engine in New York City, you'll see the names of firefighters that were lost by that fire company. )
Sad time of rememberance. And unfortunately nowhere seems to be safe anymore.
Good luck with your 77L board. I used to always sail on 78L and under but now find a slightly higher volume board better as an all rounder. Having said that this 86L I now have will definitely be too big for me once it gets over a force 6. Then I will just have to nick my sons 75L Fanatic!
Posted by: Bunty | September 12, 2007 at 02:26 AM
great blog....9-11 still in my thoughts
Posted by: Russ | September 12, 2007 at 01:41 PM
Strange how that "12 lost" could be preceded by "only" and actually be good. I had exactly the same thing happen with my old office though. Thought they had to all be gone - and then over the course of the day, word came trickling in through the grapevine of one person after another.
Still a bad number lost but so so so many more could have been if they'd listened to the instructions to stay at their desks.
anyways. yes. never an easy day.
But if it ever gets easy, I don't think I'd like myself much.
Posted by: bonnie | September 13, 2007 at 07:17 PM
Bonnie, you get my "only" point exactly. I think we laughed and cried at the same time when we found out.
Russ...I'm very happy to have my father-in-law's first comment on the Puffin...thanks Dad!
Posted by: Michael | September 13, 2007 at 09:30 PM