Peggy's Ponderings at the lake

25th Anniversary. The Grove FD ladder truck holds the flag we honor as we remember the tragedy of 9/11 Photo by Peggy Steed on 9/11/26.   Today is one of those days that makes me sit on edge, knowing that the first responders in my life would run to a scene of terror, not away from it. Being a fire wife and a fire mom is not easy on a daily basis. Trust their training is what we tell ourselves. Fire wife, fire mom, fire daughter, and fire sister-in-law are proud titles I get to wear. And am I proud of them! "It’s in God’s hands," others will say. But that doesn’t ease the knowing as they head out to save others, knowing that harm could come their way every day, any day. Any missed step. The weight of this life isn’t found in a single, dramatic moment; it’s in the quiet spaces. It’s in the empty chair at the dinner table, the long shifts where the clock seems to stop, and the silent prayers whispered into the dark. We learn to hold our breath until the front door clicks open,...

  There is a distinct shift that happens right around Labor Day. We call it the "unofficial end of summer," and yet, it always seems to catch us by surprise, in a good way. A relief from the 100 degrees. Labor Day Weekend Photo by Peggy Steed Just this past weekend, the lake was alive with energy, warmth, and the laughter of family. The water felt perfect, the sun was bright, and for a moment, it felt like summer might just stretch on forever.  But as the weekend winds down, you can feel it. A subtle change in the breeze. A slight crispness in the early morning air. The light hits the water differently now, casting longer, softer shadows. Fall is coming. Living right in the heavy migration path for hummingbirds and Monarch butterflies, I usually spend this time of year thinking about grand journeys. In fact, looking back at my photos this morning, I smiled, reminding myself of a gorgeous Monarch picture I took outside the Keller Williams office last year—a traveler pausin...