In the aftermath of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, gaps were identified in the law that explained how the federal government failed to recognize threats to the U.S. homeland posed by foreign terrorists overseas.

In my last article, I talked about aches and pains, what they may be telling us, what they were telling me, and what we could do to help the inevitability of the journey, relieving some of the pressure that comes from it. All very important things for our families. Now that I have had my surgery, it’s time to give you an update on my event. I’m still here and writing to you so I made it. Although, I did not plan on anything else.

The library is a busy place throughout the month of December. We had a wonderful time at our “Whoville” Christmas Walk Open House and will continue with the fun at our Family Movie Night on Dec. 15 from 5-7 p.m.

It was Dec. 17, 1903, when Orville and Wilbur Wright flew 120 feet in 12 seconds. This was the first powered flight recorded. Until this time flying was accomplished through gliders and balloons. World War I brought about many improvements to the field of aviation, but flying was still more of an oddity than a mainstream event. The first airplane to land in Rochelle was on July 3, 1918. Fred Gardner flew a plane from Rantoul, Illinois to Rochelle, spotted a fairly level field and landed safely.

As I gaze across the countryside, I see the fields barren from harvest to be renewed in vigorous growth next spring. But spring will have to be a distant thought now that the cold winds of winter fall upon us.