Gunshots

I settled into bed last night, late as usual. Before I had even thought about trying to sleep, I heard a noise that sounded like a gunshot. Norman started barking madly, and I thought about getting out of bed to investigate. But, I would have to put on lots of clothes, I might find myself in danger, and it probably wasn’t a gunshot anyway. I thought about the Kitty Genovese case, famously (and incorrectly, it turns out, used to illustrate the bystander effect). I wondered if some human or animal was bleeding out in my backyard, condemned to perish without me taking action. I decided very uncharitably that I didn’t want to get involved, but I did note that the noise occurred at 2:15 a.m., with a second boom at 2:16. At 2:22, I heard what sounded like large pieces of wood being moved. Even if I wasn’t going to get out of bed, I was prepared to answer questions from police if they showed up today (which they did not). Perhaps I watch too much Law and Order and shows on Investigation Discovery.

So far, it looks like the sounds were not associated with bodily harm to any persons or animals. If I learn more, I will update you.

Advertisements

March for the Animals

The March for the Animals was at the beautiful arboretum at Cornell Plantations. Unfortunately, it was a very rainy day, but we had fun anyway! The March raised around $90,000 for the SPCA. Thanks to everyone who sponsored us!

Wordless Wednesday: Campus on the First Day of Classes

Women Swimmin’

What a beautiful day for the swim! When I woke up at 6:00 a.m. to get ready, it was quite chilly outside, but by the time I got to the Yacht Club, the weather had shifted.

A band was playing for the crowd, including many supportive spectators and women waiting for their pod’s wave.

 

I’d been swimming 2,000 meters thrice weekly all summer, but the distance looks much different when it’s one long, unbroken stretch of water! I was a little nervous on the boat waiting for our pod to get in the water, but once we had jumped in, it was a great feeling! Here I am after I just climbed on the dock after the swim.

My friend, Linda, from work, and I were in the same pod. 

We could see this sign when we walked off the dock.

George was waiting for me.

 

 The crowd was big!

 

Many women received flowers after completing the swim.

 

Not everyone can park at the Yacht Club, so there are shuttles running between there and Cass Park. Here are me and Ryan, my brother-in-law, waiting for the next bus.

 

I’m already excited about next year. Thanks to everyone who sponsored me. This year, the swim raised over $350,000 for HospiCare of Ithaca. I am so proud to have been part of the event.

Good Bargains, Good Cause

Don’t miss the 2012 RECYCLE SALE to benefit the First Unitarian Society of Ithaca. It’s where George and I got married!

Press Release

The First Unitarian Society of Ithaca is holding its Annual RECYCLE SALE from Saturday August 18th through Monday, August 20th. Each year it gets bigger and better than ever!

You will find GREAT STUFF AT GREAT PRICES for ALL AGES including housewares, collectibles, tools, toys, children’s and adult clothing, craft items, appliances, furniture, bric-a-brac, bikes & sports equipment, books, records, appliances, and much, much more.

Sunday will feature all items half-priced; on Monday, most things will be 10 cents! SALE hours are: Saturday, August 18th, 9am – 4pm; Sunday August 19th 10am – 4pm and Monday, August 20th 10am – 4pm. The Unitarian Church is located at Aurora & Buffalo Streets in Downtown Ithaca.

On Campus

We Need Our Mail!

The clerk at the post office was very amused when I asked if I could take a picture of this USPS vehicle toy, I’m supposing with a message from a customer.

Kayaking

Happy Birthday, Family Reading Partnership

This year, the Family Reading Partnership celebrates fifteen years in Ithaca! The organization strives to create a culture of literacy by promoting reading within families and through distributing free books to children. We applaud and support their efforts to instill a a love of books and reading in the community. Walter is proud to  pose by a 15th birthday lawn sign in our front yard.

Women Swimmin’: T minus 30 Days

I’ve been training for Women Swimmin’ since May, and I’m looking forward to the August 18 (non-competitive) swim 1.2 miles across Cayuga Lake to raise money for HospiCare and Palliative Care Services of Tompkins County. HospiCare provides compassionate end-of-life services to community residents as well as grief counseling for those who have experienced the death of a loved one. I hope you will consider sponsoring me in the event to help support this important community organization. 

You can donate online via my fundraising page, or, if a check is easier, let me know. (If you have trouble with the link, click on the Women Swimmin’ icon in the left sidebar of the blog.) Every little bit helps! 

 If you are in Ithaca, come down to the Ithaca Yacht Club on the morning of August 18 to help celebrate! Three hundred women are expected to participate in the event.

Thank you, 
Aimee