I appreciate so much all of the photos Nancy Nelson has shared with us this summer. This has been the fourth summer for the Pasty Cam, and each year the number of friends continues to grow. Next week we welcome one of my favorite times of year: autumn.

We sure have had a lot of friends visiting this forum this week. All of the comments and expressions of sympathy and support from across the nation and around the world are much appreciated.

We're glad you're here.

This has been a week to ponder about what is really important. You can have great buildings,
great wealth and possessions, but when you get right down to it , the most important things we have are our loved ones and friends and the beauty of the earth and the freedom that god has
granted to us. Have a good day and may GOD protect us and our country.

As most people know, people are being asked to fly the American Flag as a show of unity and rememberance. Also, tonight at 7:00 p.m. people are being asked to pause for a minute and light a candle. This should be done on your porch, in the street, in the parks, etc. Where ever the candle can be seen by others.

What a beautiful, colorful, photograph. It seems to exemplify what "reflection" is all about.

I sat on those docks in Tobin Harbor hundreds of times. There were times when the call of the loon echoing off of the greenstone ridge was the only sound you could hear. It is one of the most peaceful places on earth, and as the sun sets over the greenstone ridge, you cannot help but be assured only God could create something that beautiful.

Boy do I long to be home in the good old U.P, this picture reminds me of how relaxing and laid back things are there. I live on Ft. Riley, KS and things are pretty insane here, my husband's supposed to be deploying Monday to Egypt(or who knows where)...keep your fingers crossed for him and all others in our Armed Forces.

Shhhhhh...listen...I can't look at this shot of Tobin Harbor on Isle Royale without hearing the late, great Otis Redding croon "Sittin' on the dock of the bay, wastin' time." I had the privilege of spending two summers working on Isle Royale between school years at Michigan Tech back in the mid 60s, during which time not one moment was wasted.My adventures & experiences out there still serve me well as both cautionary tales and invaluable perspective. To this day, it was the best job I ever had and the island remains my favorite fishing hole on the planet.There are 3-4 pound Coaster brookies swimming just off that dock even as we speak.

AS I have not contributed to the cam notes this week I want to put my two cents in. The events of this week have been very disturbing for obvious reasons. The face of America has been changed forever. While we may, and hopefully will, bring those resonsible to justice no one can say that we are entirely safe from horrific events such as those of this past week. Tuesday evening I was driving to Dollar Bay along the canal and I saw a rainbow. To me this was a sign from God just to let us know that he is still here and he is in control. Friends are very important in times like these. But Jesus is the one Friend that sticks closer then a brother and He is and always will be here to comfort us. My thoughts and prayers are with all those in NYC, Washington, and the families of the passengers on the airplanes. I can't say that I know what you're going through but please know that I am praying.

If you would like to see that the rest of the world mourns with us look at the arstechnica open forum site with pics from all over the world showing people sending messages of caring to us. the 1st page may not open pics--just go onto page 2 etc. and you will be moved to tears and hope in mankind will return. Thank you Nancy for the "still life" pic.

Thank you all who have allowed me to share my love of the UP with you this summer. It has been so much fun for me, since I love taking pictures of my favorite place in the world, and the response to my "shoebox" has been an idea that has taught me many things about the area I call home. Thank you Charlie for beginning this site which has become so much "home" for those of us who wish we still lived there. Special thanks to those of you have responded to my pictures. I have had wonderful fun re-visiting the Keweenaw and Isle Royale this summer. I am especially honored that my picture of the sunset at Tobin Harbor represents the return to reflection and peace that we all need at this time in our nation's history. I pray that we may all find our personal way to find prayer and peace in the aftermath of this attack on our nation.
Nancy Nelson