It’s hard to believe it’s been 20 years since the 9/11 attacks happened. I had only been working at the newspaper for four months when it occurred. It was the single most significant story I had ever covered — from local angles — and hopefully the last like it.

I was so young. I had no idea the ripple effect the attacks would have on our country or my own life really. Nothing has been the same since. Has it?

The COVID pandemic and its ripple effects are similar in some ways. It’s caused a lot of heartache and death, but with no one to blame for it. I can’t wait until it’s gone.

Anyway, on a lighter note my son and husband’s favorite holiday is a couple months out, but that hasn’t stopped Henry from dragging out the decorations.

I promised him we could start decorating after his birthday, and he held me to it. He certainly did not forget what I said, this time.

Though he’s young he is very good at displaying and organizing things. He must get this from his dad because I have little to none of this talent in my body. When I go to other people’s homes and see how cleverly they have arranged and decorated with things I’m always amazed.

I suppose I need to pay more attention to what I’m reading when I’m browsing my Better Homes and Gardens magazines. But I think a lot of it has to do with the size of one’s house, or maybe storage.

My husband pointed out the large amount of decorations we have alone for all the holidays. It tends to spill out of the largest closet we have in one bedroom.

This same room serves as Scott’s art room and TV room and last year was Henry’s classroom when we taught him from home.