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I have never been big on anniversaries. Besides marriage (which I fail at in epic proportions), I don't pay too much attention. I (forgive me if this is you) never understood when you ask someone how old their child is, they tell you he or she is 56 1/2 months old. 56 1/2?  Really? Well then that makes me 504 months old!

All kidding aside, there was one momentous anniversary that means something to each and every one of us. I am referring to 9/11. It is an event that has forever changed our lives and continues to impact us each and every day.

There have been countless documentaries made about that September morning. To this day, I still find myself glued to the television and I still get emotional watching footage of that day. I honestly can not believe it has been ten years ago.

The new topic that seems to come up, much like Kennedy being shot or Elvis dying, is where were you when the towers were struck? I remember it like it was yesterday. I was working as an electrician in Minneapolis. We were installing some equipment on top of a ten story building just north of the river. We (my boss and I) decided to get some breakfast at a local diner. As we waited for our food, the television was showing live footage of the wreck. At first, I dismissed it as maybe a new movie coming out, but as I looked around the diner, no one was moving. No food was being eaten, no food was being cooked, it was silent. We sat and watched the footage for about an hour before getting a call to get back to work. Obviously the job supe didn't know or didn't care what was happening.

We were forced to leave the diner just as the towers were collapsing. I felt sick to my stomach. I could barely function. Once back on the site, I got my portable radio out of my car and went back to the top of the roof. As I sat there on a beautiful crisp day wondering if this was the beginning of armageddon, I noticed something. It was quiet. Normally there were jets flying low over me every thirty seconds or so. Now it was silent. Absolutely eerie.

I will never forget that day. I will never forget all those people who perished in the plane crashes. I will never forget those emergency men and women who gave their lives to save the lives of others. I will never ever forget how we came together as a country, put our differences aside, and became one. We became the most unified, proud and patriotic country this world has ever seen.

If you are looking for a little fun this weekend, there is plenty for you and your family to do. Stagecoach Days kicks off Friday in Wyoming. Saturday is when the fun really gets rolling. There is a 5K run/walk, a pancake breakfast, volleyball tournament, a jumping park, a book sale, petting zoo, kiddie parade, a car show, stagecoach rides, fireworks, and a street dance. The folks that are putting on Stagecoach Days this year have really gone above and beyond to make sure this year's event will be better than ever. Grab the family and head to Wyoming. It's close, it's fun, and it's free.

Speaking of fun things to do, Almelund is hosting its 18th annual Apple Festival on Sunday. Located in downtown Almelund, Apple Fest is just what the name implies. Apples. There are apples for sale, there are tons of great apple desserts to try, vendors sell crafts and food in the park. The event is held at the Almelund Heritage Center and is situated between a beautiful old school house and some restored outbuildings that make you feel you are in the 1920's. Thankfully, the weather has cooled a bit, making it perfect for a day of apple sampling and a beautiful drive in the country. The event runs from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.

The Chisago Pet Store located in the Federated Co-ops in Chisago City is holding their customer appreciation day on Saturday.

The Animal House pet store completed its renovation in June of 2010. They have a huge wall of fish consisting of 45 fish tanks, full service grooming, live animal sales, pet food, pet products for dogs, cats, rodents, reptiles, fish, bird and all small animals.

The store has really been received well by the community and this is their chance to say thank you. Come on up and enjoy a hot dog and a pop while getting some screaming deals. If your family is like mine, you will be contemplating bringing one of their cute puppies home.

The celebration runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and features drawings for t-shirts, a fish tank, a reptile tank, and pet grooming services.

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