The photo I didn't take

September 11, 2001, what a gorgeous day it was.

I was in Cleveland, a young second class petty officer, just beginning my day. I had just finished my news clip search and it was going to be a light day. There were officer-in-charge boards going on in our conference room down the hall. We had the television bank on as we always did.

I remember hearing it and it barely registering, "A plane has struck the World Trade Center." I looked up and saw the images that will always be ingrained in the mind of anyone who saw them that day.

I remember trying to get news on CNN.com and the website not working. When I did get on I printed out whatever news was the latest and posted it on our bulletin board in the hallway.

I remember being glued to the TV and wondering between the command center and our office gathering information about what was happening and passing it on to others.

I remember calling my mom and checking on her in Chicago and worrying about friends in New York.

I remember the photo I wish I had taken but couldn't bring myself to. In the grand scheme of things it wouldn't have mattered much, just a moment in time. We had people from other offices coming in to watch the news, not many, only three or four besides us. Our lieutenant was standing in his doorway and the chief in his. The bright, beautiful day was silhouetting them there as we all watched. This small group of Coast Guardsmen, paused in a moment of time watching our world change before our eyes.

On that day the service I joined changed forever, my country changed. I don't know what was going through everyone's mind that day, I can barely remember what went through mine.

I will never forget the silence as we evacuated our building, one plane was still flying, coming very close to our building before turning back towards Washington, and no one knew what was going to happen with it.

I will never forget that gathering of Coast Guardsmen, pausing to observe a moment in history, around a public affairs office and a 13-inch television. A photo I have seared in my mind if not on film.

My hurricane beer list

As Sandy blows around outside my door I thought I'd post a little piece some of the beers I'll be enjoying through the storm.

I like to do theme drinking every once in a while. In this case I've gone for some beers that make me think about the weather.

Red Sky at Night - Red sky at night, sailor's delight, red sky in the morning, sailor take warning. This beer goes out to the Coast Guardsmen working during the storm. Bring 'em home safe guys.

Whirlwind - You could do a whole weather themed night with Victory Brewing. They have Whirlwind, Storm King, Helios and Baltic Thunder. This beer is for all of the weathermen and women out there keeping us informed.

Long Trail Imperial Porter - It's always darkest before the dawn. This beer goes out to those who are dealing with blackouts from the storm.

Apollo - Bring back the sun. This one goes out to the clean up crews out there to help after the storm is over.

Wilco Tango Foxtrot - just shack your head and have a pint. This beer goes out to the reporters and others standing out in the worst of the wind and rain...what the hell is wrong with you?

Besides these I've been having some stouts and other dark beers...it's cloudy and gloomy here in Elizabeth City and I wanted something to match the mood. Now if I only had one of these...Haier 26 Bottle Wine Cellar - Black - Wine & Beer Coolers in the living room.

Everyone stay safe and dry.