First, let me state that I am deeply saddened by the tragedies of the last week. The Connecticut shooting is something that just makes me shake my head, because I can't imagine it, ever. The senseless violence is too much for me some days, and it makes me not want to even go outside, or let the boys go outside. My step-sons are 19 and 17, and until about a week ago, I didn't worry too much about what they were doing. Now I'm much more concerned.

As for the mall shooting in Oregon, it hit too close to home... literally. I live across the street from Clackamas Town Center, and am over there about once a week or so. I heard the sirens initially, and helicopters for hours as the media hovered over the scene.
I was in the mall about 20 minutes after it re-opened on Friday, and was pleased to see that I was able to move around without feeling overly anxious.

Readers, don't let a day go by without telling your friends, family and loved ones how you feel. Tell them you miss them, say that you love them. Let them know you are thinking of them always.


On a somewhat lighter note, today, the 18th, we had our first significant snowfall in the Portland area. Not much of it was actually sticking, but boy did the morning commute look ugly on the news. I'm just happy I didn't have to join in with the other cars, slip sliding away.

Last weekend was the Teddy Bear Toss hockey game. My family and friends managed to bring 462 critters to the game, and had a blast throwing them onto the ice. Our friends had a lot of fun watching hockey with us, as they always do.

With Christmas coming up, I would guess that posts will not come frequently, but I'll be sure to keep, at a minimum, about a post a week going. It's going to get busy, starting tonight.

Cheers!