THE BACK PORCH QUILTERS: Stars and Strips & New York City, NY

Autumn and I recently took a school "field trip". I use the term field trip loosely, because it was kind of an extended trip. A normal school field trip is usually for just one day and normally within the confines of a 7 hour school day. But this one was a extended by just an eentsy bit. Yeah...five days. We had such a blast! Oh yea, I forgot to tell you where we went. We went to New York City. Two country mice went to the city.

I have to admit, I was more than a little apprehensive about being able to navigate the city and not get swallowed up by just it's sheer size and the masses of people. But what we found was just the opposite. We found people to be very friendly and helpful. Anytime we found ourselves trying to figure out which train to get on at the subway station, someone would always, without us asking, come up to us and say, "Where are you trying to go?". Sure enough we would always reach our destination. A testament to what it means to be an American. Always lending aid and assistance in any form. This quilt makes me reflect on American spirit and pride.

Taking pride in helping others. It's what sets us apart from the rest of the world.

And so I say to you, in these days that sometimes seem very troubled in the world we live in, give yourselves a pat on the back for being the Americans we should all be. That is what Asiyah did with this quilt. She proudly displays her American spirit in each and every block.

This picture in Times Square reminds me of just how small but "significate" we are. That's me, Janie and Autumn in the middle of Times Square (right at the bottom of the jumbotron). Kinda like "Where's Waldo?" I will give you a hint...navy jacket, teal sweatshirt and then navy jacket again.

Probably the most moving thing we did while we were there was visiting the museum at Ground Zero. Autumn is standing outside the firestation, Station 10, specifically. This firestation is directly across the street from where the World Trade Center once stood. They, of course, were the first to respond on that tragic day. We spoke with the firefighters. They were so friendly and welcoming. Looking at their station today, you would never know some of them had witnessed and experienced. This plaque serves as a reminder of "their own" who gave unselfishly.

Our visit to the Museum of Natural History. She offered him some "gum gum", but he wouldn't take any.

This is Janie and Autumn leaving their mark on New York City. Again, in Times Square. It turns out that if you go to the American Eagle store in Times Square, they will put your picture on the jumbotron for the world to see. The caption reads, "Aren't we boss?". They think they are, but then again, don't we all when we were 14. Shhh...let's not tell them any different.

Outside the Good Morning America studio. Our poor roommate showed up at the Today Show with signs for GMA. We won't go there.

M&M World

I had only seen Lady Liberty on tv or in pictures. I always thought she was so much taller!

The ball that drops every New Year's Eve in Time's Square. Janie's little sister, Lanie, is in picture also. She hailed every cab we took while we were there. She would throw out that little are and say, "Taxi!!"