Memories - September 11th and Mrs Peel (and Le Tour, Of Course)

Today is September 11th, and it's a date that will live in American history for as long as we remain a nation. The nightmares of watching the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center collapsing because of a terrorist suicide plot, followed by the planes in fields of Pennsylvania and into the Pentagon are seared onto the historic consciousness of the nation. We won't forget. We can't forget. Those images, for those of us watching the scenes play out on television sets and computer screens throughout the nation, are seared into our memories. As time goes on, it will become more and more a footnote in American history, but for those of us who experienced it personally or vicariously through the public media, that footnote is written in bold lettering on our souls. 

Where were you when the Twin Towers burned and fell? I was at
the shop, glued to the television, and phoning my sister-from-a-
different-mother, Maja, to turn on the TV. September 11th was
a defining moment for this nation and for everyone who lived
through that day. 

DH got the second section of the woodshed shingled yesterday. As he said, he's the slowest roofer EVER. I have to agree. It took him most of the day to do just the one small section. Today, weather permitting, he'll work on the flashing. The center section also needs to be shingled, but that's the hardest section to get right in the pattern. He'll be happy when the roofs are completed, though. Then he can put up the side slats and maybe start loading wood into them. He's been spending time on his computer looking at plants he wants to plant in the expanded garden, but right now that garden is taken up with cut up logs and branches waiting for the woodshed to be completed. 

I might have to look into getting some of these
pop-up tomato protectors for next year. I think my
plants would be happier with something like this
instead of being swaddled in old bedding. 

While the West Coast (and other areas of the nation) have been filled with smoke and fire, we've been dealing with unseasonably cold weather. Last night was the second night in a row for frost warnings. My tomatoes are covered against the frost, and the container tomato is once again spending the night in the tool shed. It's supposed to start getting warmer again. I can hardly wait. 

We're pulling over the Massif Central today, with some nice
climbs. It's not the Alps yet, but it's a nice preview. Mountains
will dominate Le Tour from this point forward. 

And, last but certainly not least, today is Day 13 for Le Tour de France. Although we're not in the Alps yet, the peaks will keep coming and coming for most of the next eight days, with the ninth day being the ride into Paris (if the next round of COVID tests allow the race to continue). It's been a great race so far, if a bit strange and slightly more subdued. The riders all seem to be totally into it and although the crowds are slightly smaller, they are still there to cheer on the competitors. 

The guys had James Bond, but for the girls, no-one was much better
than Mrs Peel in "The Avengers" TV show. From 1961 through 1969,
Steed and various companions fought to keep King and Country
safe from evil. Mes Peel, played by Diana Rigg, was the classiest of
those companions and the way she could wear a jumpsuit was a
thing of beauty. She was lovely, calm. collected, and deadly. She
was just about perfect. 

A final note - a fond farewell to a woman I loved - Diana Rigg. Her "Mrs Peel" character was one I adored and her grace and self-reliance inspired me as I was growing up.  

With that, I wish all of my readers a fond farewell until tomorrow. It's actually five degrees warmer than this time yesterday (meaning it's in the early 40's instead of the upper 30's). Maybe we're finally climbing out of this unseasonable deep freeze. Have an excellent day and please, be kind, be save and wear your mask.