September 11, 2001 - Importance of keeping US control of Internet

On September 11, 2001, I worked in the mid-town area of New York City.  After the World Trade was hit by planes, I couldn't use the phone.  No Blackberry, no phone....no communication.  Since my field was Internet Security, my next thought was to attempt to contact my son in Los Angeles via email.  I didn't know his email address at work, so I tried several configurations of an email address.  One of them worked.

If I had not had the freedom to use the Internet to contact my family, they would not have known that my daughter and I were alive.  They thought I still worked in the World Trade Center.  Actually, my daughter was working 500 paces from the South Tower.

This is why I believe that the President Obama's move to give away 'control of the Internet' to any other country is a very bad move.  Read  http://www.wnd.com/2016/08/new-pushback-over-obamas-internet-giveaway/

As I was purging some old files, I found the following.  Only names and personal information have been removed.  Note:  Some memories are so important, you just can't throw them away.

Sent:     Tuesday, September 11, 2001 8:19am

Subject:  RE:  T**** and I are OK!

Importance:  High

C****,

I hope this is your e-mail address.   T**** called me.  She worked a block from World Trade.  She is in a co-worker’s (T. K.) apartment at 23^rd and 2^nd.  I told her to stay there unless she’s evacuated.  T**’s address is *******.  Just in case, his phone number is 654*******.

My building is in lock-down.   A friend, S****, from Merrill Lynch called me to say I should go to her house on First Ave.  S****’s home phone is 212*******.  All transportation has been shut down so I guess I’ll be in this building unless something else happens.

Will contact you, hopefully tonight.

Love,

Mom

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Sent:     Tuesday, September 11, 2001 9:24 am

Subject:  RE:  T**** and I are OK!

Thank God for e-mail…. Love, Mom

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Sent:     Tuesday, September 11, 2001 10:18 am
Subject:  RE:  T**** and I are OK!

A*****,

Subject:  T**** and I are OK!

Importance:   High

I can’t use long-distance and can’t get out of NYC.  Please call your sisters and let them know T**** and I are ok. 

T**** left me a phone message after everything happened.  She is very shaken up.  She told me she was going home.  I don’t know how since I hear that Manhattan has been closed.

Love,

Mom

**********************************************************************************

Sent:     Tuesday, September 11, 2001  11:58 am

From:  C****

Thanks for the message!  I’m very relieved you are both OK!  E-mail data as necessary.

Love,

C****

*********************************************************************************

Sent:     Tuesday, September 11, 2001 12:36 pm

From: C****

The phone number for T****’s friend is wrong.  Do you have another?  I called B**** and B**** and told them you two are O.K. and may stay with friends in the city.

Love,

C****

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Sent:     Tuesday, September 11, 2001  12:53 pm

Subject:  RE:  T**** and I are OK!

C****,

I just spoke with her (646*******)  Droves of people are walking the streets.  My company has offered me a hotel room.  I’m waiting to hear.  If I get it T**** will stay with me. T**** is worried that Dad doesn’t know she’s all right.  Please let him know.

Love,

Mom

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Sent:     Tuesday, September 11, 2001  12:56 pm

Subject:  RE:  T**** and I are OK!

C****,

You may not be able to get T****.  The long distance is not working everywhere.

Love,

Mom

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Sent:     Tuesday, September 11, 2001  1:16 pm

From:  C****

I spoke with Dad.  He now knows you two are OK.  Aunt B is the only phone number I don’t have.  Hang in there.

In case you don’t know the first WTC building was hit by a 737, the second WTC building was hit by another 737 about 18 minutes later, the Pentagon was hit by a plane as well.  A fourth crashed outside Camp David.  So far, the airlines report 4 planes hijacked.  All airlines across the country are shut down and international flights diverted outside the country.  The first WTC building is pretty much destroyed, it collapsed a short while after the top half of the second building collapsed. 

We will figure out who is responsible and eventually get them for this.

I love you,

C****

********************************************************************************

Sent:     Tuesday, September 11, 2001 2:29 pm

From:  C****

Mom,

What is your work phone number?  I just called T**** at her friend’s and he said she had left to meet you.

C****

*********************************************************************************

Sent:     Tuesday, September 11, 2001  1:24 pm
Subject:  RE:  T**** and I are OK!

C****,

I spoke with Aunt B.  My company’s offer of a hotel room is fading fast.  No one wants to leave the rooms they have since they can’t travel anywhere.  I will either stay overnight in my office building or make my way down to the Sandy’s apartment on ****** St.  I told T**** if I get the room, she can come to me.  Otherwise, she has to stay where she is for now.

Metro North has opened up but one of the managers called me to say that there has been a threat to Grand Central as well.  Just waiting and praying for all the people.

Love,

Mom

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Sent:     Tuesday, September 11, 2001  2:39 pm

Subject:   Re:  Sending love and prayers

Hi Mom,

I know it will be difficult to reach you by phone, but I thought I would send an email. It was good to find out that you and T**** are okay.  Hard to imagine that something like this can strike so close to home.

We are thinking of you and T****.  If you do happen to speak with her, please let he know that we send our love.

With love and prayers,

H****

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Sent:     Tuesday, September 11, 2001 2:42 pm

Subject:   Re:  Sending love and prayers

Thanks, H****,

 T**** just arrived. We will attempt to get to Metro North.  Hopefully, we’ll get on a train.

Love,

Mom

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Sent:     September 13, 2001  5:05 pm
Subject:   Re:  Sending love and prayers

H****,

Sorry, I never get to speak with you.  However, it so special for me to hear from you when I needed it.

Love,

Mom

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Sent:     September 13, 2001  11:47 am

Subject:  Sending love and prayers

Good Morning.

C**** told me that you had gone back to work, and I couldn’t believe it!  How are you doing?  I would imagine that you are still in shock and slowly processing the events of this week.  Please be careful and feel free to call us at any time to talk with either C**** or with me.

Love,

H****

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Sent:     September 14, 2001  1:10 pm

Subject:  Sending love and prayers

Hi H****,

It’s a bit nerve-wracking.  Buildings are sporadically evacuated.   Not ours, though.  The mood everywhere is somber.  My train was only about 40% full this morning (not normal).

My safe-haven providers (S**** & husband) left a message for me at 6:00 am today.  They left the City for a few days.  S**** said that will all the sirens and emergency vehicles, they couldn’t get any sleep.  We had worked together at Merrill Lynch in one of the World Financial Center (World Trade) buildings. 

Just pray for the poor people who haven’t heard anything from their loved ones and the rescue workers.

Will talk again,

Love,

Mom

*********************************

If you agree that the Internet should remain under United States' control, contact Congress today.  I believe the schedule for relinquishing control is October 1, 2016.

************

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Perhaps by Catherine Hall (on Kindle and the Nook) 

The Book of Micah by Catherine Hall (on Kindle and the Nook) 

Sept 11 Remembered

The following is a personal account.  I've reprinted it several times on the anniversary of Sept.11, 2001.

No American civilian should ever have to experience the events of 9/11 on American soil. And, my experience of that day is in no way comparable to the heartache of the families of the victims. The following is just my personal recollection of that day.

As my train pulled into Grand Central Station that morning, I heard some buzz from other commuters. But, it was none of my business so I just got off the train and walked the underground tunnel to the Forty-fifth Street exit. As I walked up Madison Avenue, I saw a throng of people standing around a bank looking at a TV. As I tried to see that they were looking at, somehow I got the message that something happened at the World Trade Center. I remember looking in that direction, seeing smoke, and trying to use my phone, and then, trying my Blackberry. No signal. I proceeded north to my office on 52nd St. When I arrived, I saw that I had a message from my daughter who worked near the World Trade Center. However, I could not reach her since I had no phone service.

I proceeded to work. A short while later, I heard that there was a TV in Personnel. So, I went to that floor to see what was going on. After a few minutes, I squeezed into the room. The scene was incredulous. I decided that for me the best thing was to go back to work. Young people on my floor were just milling around. We were the IT (computer) department. They either had IT friends in those World Trade buildings or, like me, had previously worked there themselves. I tried to work, but at the back of my mind were all the tens of thousands of commuters who literally poured out of the ground from the PATH (a train from New Jersey). What happened to all those people? Many, many times I had walked through the underground shopping Plaza and the passage ways under those buildings as a shortcut to save time. Since my commute was 2 ½ hours each way from upstate New York, I was always running to be on time at work. In November 2000, a co-worker and good friend gave me a job lead that resulted in my leaving the World Trade Center and moving to 52nd Street. As an aside, I later heard that a very smart female executive of the Port of Authority ordered the trains diverted to the mid-town area of New York City, saving many lives. I thought of how I would take my lunch into one of the glassed-in areas of my building and look at the Towers. How magnificent they were. Of course, I was just looking at the lower floors. I thought the design was intriguing.

Later that morning, I finally heard from my daughter who was with her co-workers at an apartment in lower Manhattan. One of the workers just took his whole department to his home. I advised my daughter to stay right where she was with her co-workers unless they were evacuated. Then, I was contacted by a great friend from Merrill Lynch inviting me to stay the night at her place since the City was in "lock-down."

Being in Computer Security, I decided, since I had no phone, to try sending emails to get messages to my children. I thank the good Lord for the “Information Highway.” Being able to contact my family in an event such as this is why I feel so strongly that there should be no Government interference with the Internet. I emailed friends in San Diego requesting that they contact my family. My children thought I still worked in the World Trade Center. Exactly where I worked was not one of their concerns. I didn’t know my son’s work e-mail address, but decided to create the addresses in different ways. Surely, one of the emails would get through. Not knowing was going to happen next, I wrote to my son that his sister and I were OK. I gave him the address and phone number for the apartment where she was staying. Then, I gave him the phone number of the friend with whom I would be staying. Without being melodramatic, I thought this might be the last communication we could possibly have. It brings me to tears when I think of it.

Around noon, I went to the bank to get money since I couldn’t get home that night. The sea of people walking, shoulder to shoulder, north out of the City on both sidewalks of Park Avenue was at least five people deep. It was an amazing, yet fearful sight.

Around 1pm, my daughter, accompanied by a co-worker, walked the 30 blocks to be with me. Her hair was covered in ash. I got her in our “locked-down” building. When we reached my office, the phone rang. It was my son in Los Angeles. My daughter, wide-eyed and in shock, told him what happened….her words just spilling out. I tried to calm her down. Her only response to me was, “You weren’t there.”

Then, my daughter told me we just had to get out of the City. She kept pressing. As far as I knew, we couldn't go anywhere. I decided to leave and walk to Grand Central to see if any trains were moving. I never in my lifetime had been prepared for what I saw.

As we walked the now eerily empty Park Avenue south to the train station, we were met with men with megaphones ordering us where to go. We walked a sidewalk cordoned off with safety tape into what seemed like the only open entrance. Other than the sea of people in the great expanse of the center of the building, I don’t remember much except that my mind kept reeling, thinking that something else could happen at any moment. Before long, we were on a train leaving the City.

That evening, watching TV, I saw the real events I knew nothing about because I tried to work that day. I realized that I, being the kind of employee I was, would have returned to my desk in one of those buildings when the “All Clear” announcement was given.

My daughter and I were now safe, but what about those people who died. What about their families? Even today, my heart goes out to them

I realize that this is a sharp contrast to my usually light-hearted and hopefully informative blog. I will always remember my daughter walking 30 blocks to my uptown office, covered in ash from those collapsed buildings….wide-eyed and in shock, having seen death and destruction not many American civilians have ever seen. And, as I said in the beginning of this writing, no American citizen should ever have to experience the events of 9/11 on American soil and no one should ever forget.

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Perhaps by Catherine Hall (on Kindle and the Nook) 

The Book of Micah by Catherine Hall (on Kindle and the Nook) 

Visitors to San Diego

While I always busy my time here in San Diego, activities ramp up a bit when visitors come.

A week ago, Monday, my friend, Marge, and I went to lunch at the Breakfast Republic.  We chose the same meal.... the Shrimp and Ricotta Frittata with slices of Avocado.  With an English Muffin and browned potatoes, the servings were delicious and ample.  I was only able to eat about a third of the meal resulting on a box for an eat-at-home meal.  I would recommend this restaurant.

That evening, my 15 year old New York granddaughter and her girlfriend from New Hampshire arrived after an impromptu trip to the southern ridge of the Grand Canyon with our Los Angeles family.  Early Tuesday morning, I went to the Clairemont section of San Diego to take them and their cousins to Krispy Kreme at the Clairemont Town Square.  My visiting granddaughter remembered that her brothers went there a number of years ago when they came to San Diego.  We walked there to have the total experience of Krispy Kreme.  They could see the operation of making donuts, though I think the taste of the donuts had more of an impact on the teens....Yum, yum.

After that, I left them as they went to Belmont Park in Mission Beach, where they enjoyed the afternoon.  Then, before my grandson's basketball practice, they were able to eat at Hodads in Ocean Beach.  This restaurant is a total experience that's certainly worth the trip.

On Wednesday, we went to the beach.  My son-in-law has a favorite area which is quiet.  He goes there once a week with the children teaching them to "bodyboard.'  I was only interested in wading but found the waves strong enough to pull me over if I wasn't careful.  Hence, a perfect spot to 'bodyboard.'

On Thursday, I met the family at the San Diego Zoo.  When I arrived about 10am, they were already touring the park and had reached the Polar Bear exhibit, which they found closed.  I took the skyfari®-aerial-tram to catch up with them.  This ride is a great way to see the expanse of the zoo and provides picture ops, if that interests you.  To the right, below is a photo of Balboa Park, which is located just south of the zoo.  Well worth visiting.

Balboa Park

We all proceeded to traverse the zoo, attending a 4-D theater and checking out some of the animals.  Lunch was at the Sabertooth Grill near the Elephant Odyssey.  This restaurant is the favorite of the family.  After everyone was well fed, we continued on to view the sleepy Koalas and feed the Giraffes.

After several hours, we enjoyed a cool desert near the front of the park and concluded our great day at the zoo.  I went my way, they went theirs....to basketball practice and dinner at home followed by a sunset visit to the beach.  On Friday, after experiencing lunch at IN-N-OUT with burgers and fries, the young ladies were on their way home.  No trip to California is complete without enjoying an IN-N-OUT meal.

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Perhaps by Catherine Hall (on Kindle and the Nook) 

The Book of Micah by Catherine Hall (on Kindle and the Nook) 

Get out & Vote While You Still Can

 I am voting for Donald J. Trump for President in 2016.  You can read my reasons at:  http://bicoastalgrandma.blogspot.com/2015/07/why-i-like-donald-trump-for-president.html .  I believe we need someone who is straightforward, loves America, has not been part of the political scene, and not owned by big money donors.

I was a non-partisan voter who, in every election season, voted for the person I thought would do the best job for America.  I watch politics closely and no sooner had I re-registered as a Republican, in my opinion, the Republicans' devious stratagem started coming to light.  As I became more aware of the Republican party's recent election machinations, I've been reminded of my younger days when I watched the TV coverage of the entire Republican convention feverishly trying to lock out Barry Goldwater.  I'm sickened and disheartened that the party hasn't improved in all these years. 

Sadly, the Republican party actions, namely, the last seven years of not standing up to the present Administration and the disingenuous technique of using your primary vote to create the need for a convention has caused my disenchantment.  These actions only confirm to me that, Republican politicians and their candidates, are only interested in their own personal welfare. 

Mitt Romney, the Republican who lost the 2012 Presidential elections was shown on TV advising Republicans to vote for a different person than the one they really believe should be the candidate in each State's primary.  To the best of my understanding, he was telling Republicans that voting in this disingenuous way would result in a 'contested' convention.'  In this type of convention, the Republican delegates could ignore the votes of the people and put whomever they wanted in as nominee.  He, admittedly, wanted to prevent Donald Trump from being nominated, no matter how many American citizens voted for him.  I watched the video of this losing 2012 Presidential candidate on three different channels because I could not believe that he actually said it.  No one stood up to him and said we don't play around with our votes.  No one. 

Apparently, the Democratic party is really no different.  It just handles things differently.  They have 'super delegates' as well as delegates. The 'super delegate' category seems to be comprised of elected officials who can vote for whomever they choose. Their vote seems to be cast for what is best for the Democratic party, seemingly not the American people.  It's like they, and only they, know what's best for America.  No matter how many people vote for a candidate, the 'super delegates' have the power to sway or skew the election results. The nominee will be the person selected by the 'super delegates', not the American voter.


The Republican party, on the other hand, doesn't use that technique.  I've read the explanations of their system, but in my estimation, it's just a convoluted process to get the results they, the Republican party, desire. To my understanding, sounds like a lot of 'back room' actions.  Doesn't matter what the 'unwashed' and 'unlearned' voter wants.  Even a politician, who has been in office just one term, knows how to game the system.

I saw the video made by a Colorado delegate who was shut out of voting because he was preparing to vote for Donald Trump.  Apparently, last August, the Colorado officials revised the rules so that without any people voting, they chose their nominee.  If Colorado can get away with it, what State Election Officials will try it next?


It used to be that the average person  just went to work, feeding and housing their family, and looking forward to the day when they can make ends meet to the best of their ability.  Now they are still in the 'rat' race, but it's an ever uphill battle.  I'm not even touching the subjects of many people out of work or the many people (45.4 million, as of October 2015) on food stamps.

Political officials, on the other hand, are much better off.  Many candidates enter the ring with idealism. Except for a few, their quest to help their Nation and its people seems to fade into a pursuit to preserve their own newly-found and cushy way of life. By the way, what do they do all day?  No matter what politicians of both, or either party decide for your health, wealth and freedoms, theirs is never affected.  With salaries and better benefits guaranteed by you, the American public, they live above the fray.  In my opinion, they answer to no one until Election time rolls around.  Then, they say what you want to hear in order to preserve their jobs.  After they are elected, they will hold meetings and look busy, but it seems that they've forgotten the hard working citizens who pay their salaries.  Do you really think a politician who has been in office ten, fifteen or even, 40 years can feel your pain?  


In my estimation, neither the Democratic nor the Republican party really care about or represent the voter.  We're just pawns for them to arrogantly ignore. All politicians and party officials need to be reminded that a vote is a privilege, not a toy.   Many people died protecting our freedoms, including the voting process.  It is every political party's patriotic duty to honor an American citizen's right to vote and have that vote counted.


The only hope we have as a nation is the silent majority waking up, and waking up QUICKLY.  It's time to end the cabal.

Thanks for taking the time to check out my blog.

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Perhaps by Catherine Hall (on Kindle and the Nook) 

The Book of Micah by Catherine Hall (on Kindle and the Nook) 

On the Go, My Restaurant Reviews

This past week, we had visitors from New York.  The first evening we went to the Old Town Mexican Cafe.  We had a half hour wait, but it didn't seem that long because the avenue was busy with diners and tourists. As you entered the restaurant, you could watch some women employees making fresh tacos.  I enjoyed the steak 'street tacos', which were a little smaller than the regular taco.  During dinner, we enjoyed Mariachi music.  Two guitarists went through the aisles playing requests.  I asked if they could sing "De Colores" and they did beautifully.  I recommend this restaurant for good food and great ambiance.

The next day we went to the San Diego Zoo, which is always a great experience.  We enjoyed our lunch at Sydney's Grille on the Zoo's property and then proceeded to view the koalas, which are always adorable.  About 100 feet away, there were two young giraffes and two very tall ones.  No matter how many times you look at them, you have to marvel at how tall they are. Then we walked back to the Skyride....a distance of about three city blocks.  After a short wait, we were on our way.  I always enjoy this ride because I can see everything in the zoo from that height.  Unfortunately, my camera stopped working when we were viewing the koalas.  It was very disappointing.

The next venue was the Ice Age 4D movie Theater.  It's very cute and not your typical movie.  The children really enjoyed it.  Our next choice was the Polar Bear.  Today there was only one visible and he was sleeping.  During other visits, we've seen the bear swimming and more active, but the day was cloudy and probably the bear was tired.  Who knows?  After this, we walked down a long hill to see the Pandas.  I saw a Red Panda for the first time.  When we reached the Pandas we are more familiar with, I was surprised at how large the young Panda had grown.  His mother was in one section and he was in the other.  The announcer stated that at two years of age, his Mom throws him out to fend for himself.  Later, we rode the Kangaroo Bus back toward the entrance.  Everybody enjoyed the zoo.

Also, you don't have to tour the zoo the way we did, because you get a map when you enter through the gates.  It gives you the opportunity to plan your day and ensure that everyone in your group gets to see their favorite animals.

That evening, my grandchildren, with the help of their aunt from NY, made homemade pizzas.  They did a great job.

The next afternoon as a visit to the R.H. Fleet Science Center.  I had been there a few months ago with my San Diego grandson and after six hours he still didn't want to leave.  So on this day with our visitors, we experienced the Taping Shape Exhibition.  Everyone had such a great time going through it that they insisted  I try it out.  The whole exhibition, made completely of clear packing tape, was suspended in air supported by a structure of steel pipes.  They walked through tunnels of tape and ended the experience with a 6 or 8 foot slide.  When I went through I had to told the walls for balance and then sit down and slide to the exit.  It was worth it just to see the delight on the faces of the rest of the family, who watched me come down.

Later that evening, we had dinner at Sammy's Woodfired Pizza in LaJolla.  My New York daughter and I shared a flat iron steak with fingerling potatoes.  Delish.  We finished our dinner with miniature donuts that were very tasty.  I love just a tidbit of sweetness after dinner.  Our waitress was excellent.  I certainly recommend this restaurant.

On Saturdays, minor league baseball practice is a commitment and takes precedence over anything else.  Because of that our ventures were scheduled for later in the day.  We took the trolley to downtown San Diego and walked to the Ferry to Coronado Island.  The ride probably takes about 10 minutes from the Broadway Pier to the Ferry Landing on the Island.  I always like a boat ride on the San Diego Bay.  After some Cold Stone ice cream and coffee, we toured some boutiques and an Art gallery.  Then back onto the ferry headed for the Broadway Pier.  Near the pier are the USS Midway Museum, a former aircraft carrier, and Seaport Village with restaurants and small shops.  Since it was late in the day, we skipped that area and went to dinner at Anthony's Fish Grotto on Harbor Drive.  This year they are celebrating their 70th year. The food was delicious.

 After Mass at Sacred Heart Church on Ocean Beach, we all joined together for Brunch at my City of San Diego daughter's house.  That afternoon we went to the Birch Aquarium in LaJolla overlooking the Pacific Ocean.  We had the opportunity to touch tide-pool animals and see a myriad of fish in the "Hall of Fish".   There were docents standing at the tide-pools to help the visitors and answer their questions.  The fish were identified so it was a great learning experience as well.  The other side of the building held exhibits of Seahorses and Sharks.  The most interesting to me were the Sea Horses.  Both adults and children enjoyed this afternoon chock full of information.  For the last meal of the day, we chose Rubio's on Mission Bay.  This, just like Anthony's Fish Grotto, was the original restaurant from 1983,  We completed our day with a walk on the beach where Pacific Beach meets Mission Beach.  A great day.

Thanks for taking the time to check out my blog.

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Perhaps by Catherine Hall (on Kindle and the Nook) 

The Book of Micah by Catherine Hall (on Kindle and the Nook) 

Christmas in New York

This past month has been a very busy one.  Since I spent two months in New York with my daughter who broke her leg, I didn't expect to come for Christmas. This trip was unexpected and unplanned, but very enjoyable.  When I looked for a return flight to San Diego, American Airlines was offering the least expensive ticket on a Tuesday, Dec. 29 from JFK Airport in New York City.  When that day came, we were experiencing inclement weather with light snow and ice in Dutchess County, while it was just raining in New York City.  So, instead of my daughter driving me the approximately 86 miles, with 60 of them on icy roads, I decided to take the MetroNorth train into Manhattan.  Then, I planned to ride the Air Link shuttle for the rest of the trip to the airport.  The train ride was fine....not new to me.  When I arrived at the pickup spot for the shuttle, sheltered from the rain by only my umbrella, I saw that Park Avenue going north between 41st and 42nd Sts  was closed.  It was now a parking spot for rental bikes.  After phoning Air Link, I was assured that the driver would pick me up on that corner.  He arrived a little early and politely helped me climb into the front seat of the van.  He drove safely and maneuvered adroitly through the growing traffic.  As the traffic grew and the rain lessened, I suspected the tourists were coming out of their hotel rooms to roam the City, or possibly, New Yorkers might be leaving work early.  I really wouldn't know, but these thoughts kept me busy as the driver wended his way through the streets. The drive was uneventful except for a massive tie-up on the Grand Central Parkway, which the driver deftly circumvented on the city streets.  I arrived at JFK, calm, cool, and collected .  I'd certainly recommend this shuttle.

During my visit, I had the opportunity to eat at two restaurants that were very enjoyable.  The first was "The Tomato Cafe" in Fishkill, NY.  While the food is excellent, I especially appreciated their practice of providing half meals.  I am a small eater and usually have to take a box home to one of my grandsons who graciously eats the leftovers.  I especially enjoyed the Steak Frites and always finished my meal with a cookie chosen from the display case.  The employees are very courteous and friendly.  The restaurant seems to very busy at lunch time.  However, we didn't wait long for a table.  One Sunday after church, we called to see if they could accommodate 11 people, which they did.  The family enjoyed their meal as well as the easy going atmosphere.  I really recommend "The Tomato Cafe."

On the Saturday after Christmas, I took the MetroNorth train to Tarrytown.  My friend, Katie, met me and drove to a restaurant she likes in Irvington.  We were having Brunch at The Red Hat on the River.  The restaurant is located in a renovated Lord and Burnham factory building situated on the edge of the Hudson River.  I checked the history of Lord and Burnham and found it very interesting.

The Red Hat on the River has a loft area over the main floor.  Since we arrived early, we were seated on the main floor by the large windows, which provided a great view of the river.  Again, since I prefer a small meal,  I enjoyed a delicious crab cake.  As best as I can recall, Katie had the Eggs .Benedict.  The service was great and we had an enjoyable repast.  The atmosphere was very warm and a great place for a special meal.  As we were preparing to leave, we saw a framed letter from the author, James Patterson, to the restaurant owner who happens to be his cousin.  Outside the restaurant, Katie pointed out the views of the Tappan Zee Bridge and New York City in the distance to the south.  A great photo op despite the haze.

View of New York City in the distance looking South

Looking North, the Tappan Zee Bridge over the Hudson

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Perhaps by Catherine Hall (on Kindle and the Nook) 

The Book of Micah by Catherine Hall (on Kindle and the Nook) 

A Peaceful East and a Stormy West

In a span of a week and a half, I was able to get photos that portray a calm East Coast and a stormy West Coast. 

As soon as my daughter in New York told me that she twisted and broke her leg, I was there 'in a heartbeat'....well, actually not, but close. That occurred in late August.  I didn't have time to wander about the Hudson Valley, as I usually do when I visit, until the last two weeks of October.

A hike up Mt. Beacon in Beacon New York with my grandson was the highlight of my adventures.  We decided to use the 'fire road ' to climb the mountain.  This road is not open to vehicles, but provides emergency personnel a way to the top.  As we entered the area, I mistakenly took the wrong entrance.  It lead to a rock-bed creek next to a trailing waterfall.  Within minutes, I recognized the trail as the one his younger brother had chosen to lead me up the mountain three years previous.  At that time, water was slowly streaming down and he had to assist me so I would not slip on the wet rocks.  We stopped and turned around because I didn't feel safe crossing the waterfall on wet rocks.

This time though, the trail was dry.  The only thing I had to be careful about was not to turn my ankle as I traversed the rocks.  Before long, I realized that since I'm not a hiker, this trail was not the best choice.  We decided to cross the waterfall and head for the 'fire road.' 

Crossed waterfall here

Sample of trail.

 When we reached the waterfall, my grandson had to help me cross.  After carefully navigating the rocks,  I could see the waterfall that actually looked to be a series of about five small ones...a very pretty sight. 

Waterfall

My grandson used his phone (GPS) to locate the fire road and we were soon on our way down the mountain.  These pictures reflect a quiet, peaceful day.  We didn't get to the top of Mt. Beacon that day, so I have no photos of the beautiful Hudson Valley.  I've been told that from the Fire Station at the top of the mountain, you can see New York City, approximately 60 miles to the south.  Perhaps, next year....

The finch shown below was the only visible evidence of wildlife that day.

As we descended, one of the switchbacks on the fire road provided the opportunity to get a photo of the Newburgh Beacon Bridge over the Hudson River.

Now, on the opposite Coast, I have photos of the angry Pacific Ocean.  This past Tuesday night in San Diego, we experienced heavy rains with thunder and lightning.  It's a rare occurrence here.  The thunder persisted for hours with intermittent downpours. 
After this overnight storm, I thought I might get some good photos of the waves.  Camera in hand, I went to a neighboring area in San Diego called Ocean Beach.  The town was bustling with preparations for the Farmer's Market held weekly on Wednesday.  The tables already set up, invited me to stop and look, but I was on a mission.

As I neared the beach, the flock of sea gulls (photo on the right) fighting the gusts of wind were quite a sight.  The man was providing what looked like peanut butter.  Every so often a gull would succeed in getting the food.  I didn't have the same success in getting that shot.

As I expected, the waves were angry.  Hopefully, they would provide some good photos.  Ocean Beach has a very long pier.  Fishermen and tourists alike enjoy it. 

Ocean Beach Municipal Pier

 

The waves looked furious, but the storm was over.




The photo below resembled a crystal Christmas tree.  As I took it, I was startled by an unexpected spray of ocean water.  My clothing was just slightly wet....a small price to pay for that photo.

  

 

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Perhaps by Catherine Hall (on Kindle and the Nook) 

The Book of Micah by Catherine Hall (on Kindle and the Nook)