Fall

This morning is fall in every sense of the word. With lows in the forties, I cranked up my heater for the first time since winter. The tops of the trees are golden with sunshine, and mountains of fog are climbing steadily to the sky. Pumpkins lined in rows stand out against the wet grass, and there is a refreshing crispness in the air.

I love this time of year and could love it even more in the absence of pollen. Allergies kept me home from work on Wednesday, and Emily is keeping me home today. She had a fever all day yesterday and all throughout the night. She insisted on sleeping against me, and it's impossible to sleep with a 103 degree heater pressed to your side. When she wasn't sleeping restlessly, she was screaming. In the end, I decided that four to five hours of sleep is not conducive to a long work day...especially when I'm snotty myself. My planned days for October will simply be transferred to late September. Emily's fever is gone, and she is now resting peacefully. I think that I will crawl back into the warm bed and try for a bit of rest myself.

It's so nice to curl up with a blanket on a chilly morning...especially on a morning as perfect as this one.

Immigrant song

When I don't know what to write, I sometimes turn to current news stories for inspiration. The latest headline to catch my attention deals with illegal immigrants in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike.

Undocumented workers are largely responsible for helping clean debris and repair damage in the wake of storms like Ike and Katrina. Controversy comes into play when they are used and paid accordingly for labor, but unable to receive assistance themselves. Most of them are afraid to request assistance for fear of being arrested and deported, yet many illegal immigrants from Galveston to Houston are facing the same hardships as U.S. citizens.

Are illegal immigrants a needed labor source, or a drain on the American system?

Supporters feel that illegal workers need more support during troubled times. Those in opposition feel that immigrants shouldn't be here in the first place and certainly don't deserve federal aid. Clean up jobs should be given to unemployed Americans first.

I agree most with the side of opposition, but feel that the issue is too broad to think that one mandate applies for all.

Most illegal immigration occurs when individuals cross the borders without authorization. Others overstay their visas. I can understand the economic incentive to work in America. In fact, I feel that America has a large hand in encouraging the entry of illegal immigrants. We thrive off of cheap labor and dangle dineros in front of poverty stricken people.

Having acknowledged this, I feel that an individual should do everything in his or her power to secure an immigration visa or citizenship. If they do not meet eligibility requirements, I feel that they should keep trying even while staying here illegally. During this time, I do not feel that individuals should receive government services unless they are paying taxes. I am wholly against individuals (legal or illegal) leeching off of taxpayer dollars. If an individual does not meet requirements and is dead weight on the American government, they should be prepared to face deportation. If an individual meets certain requirements and pays taxes, however, I don't mind letting them stay. Studies show that most illegal immigrants will only stay for a period of time before returning to their country of origin, anyway.

I think that the issue is much deeper and much more complicated than the two sides presented in today’s article.

Welcome, September

It's fall. Time for pumpkins, apples, cider, and our annual trip to the pumpkin farm!

Punkins.

Emily was sleepy. Granperes make good pillows.

David trying to decide his next course of direction.

Pausing for 0.5 seconds.

Lounging with her drink.

Driving the tractor. And not looking too happy about it...

Another...er...successful family photo.

Hay ride! Standing in the corner with Natalie.

Playing with hay

Watching and waiting.

Life is a dream we are dreaming

In many ways, I feel as though an invisible weight has been lifted from my shoulders. It’s like climbing to the surface after being trapped underground. The air is cleaner than I remember, and the sunlight seems brighter. I want to roll down the windows and play my favorite music as I drive into the pastel remnants of a sunset. Life is so beautifully worth living when you’re no longer afraid to live.