Hopefully everyone managed to spend some time savoring the 4th. I managed to find myself mired in a couple of hours of grid lock traffic in an ill-timed arrival into Manhattan. It did manage to reward me with an interesting perspective of the fireworks display from downtown (i being only a measly 71 blocks away...). Click-thru the photo to see a set of photos I took thru the sunroof from the comforts of my air-conditioned car. I still hate traffic.

Sometimes one forgest how much they appreciate certain things in life...

Like quiet conversation on lazy summer evenings at Baskin Robbins working your way thru apple pie a la mode and a cup of coffee. It doesn't hurt to have a spectacular clear sky lit by a quarter moon.

Ahh, the spoils of the suburbs.

taken from Turkey Creek - Knoxville, TN. best viewed large.

Unfortunately, this post isn't under the jovial circumstances most are with - but it still sits here being read and having been written with a healthy dose of care and regards for a dear friend of mine who was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia. Having just found that out I sit here in a daze of shock as one would have never thought this could happen.

There isn't much sense in attempting to understand or grasp the gravity of the situation but I want and try to, at 12:18 in the morning just trying to figure out how it is I'm going to do that. Part of me wants to get into my car and drive to Atlanta to see her, her brother and her familiy - and part of me just wants to clench a fist in anger. Life's challenges are not doled out in sympathy... it simply isn't fair.

Katie, my thoughts and care are with and for you. I know you're there with loved ones who will be stalwart companions in your fight. I will be that person for you here and as soon as I can see you. Prayer and praybons alike. You are strong, compassionate and above all - caring. It is by these measures that you will fight this and by god you will come back and rock that bar exam like no Trivial Pursuit 80's Edition has ever seen.