September 11, 2001 Let Us Never Forget

By Thomas Decker

Owner, Attic Innovations

Where were you when the news came from New York City on September 11, 2001? It is a day I think none of us will ever forget, but what is also truly important is that we tell our children and our grandchildren about that day and not let it be something that slips into history; Don't let it become one of those things that our children or grandchildren say, "9/11 ummm" when asked in history class. This most horrific event is something that even know sends shivers down my spine and tears to my eyes.

I will never forget the images, the videos, or the commentary. And politics aside, no matter which side of the aisle you root for, we all came together and decided that whoever had done this will know that they have messed with the wrong people. For the first time in a long time Americans came together as one to fight evil.

I remember seeing on the news the first footage of the twin towers and thinking, "This is a joke or something". No way this really happened. And then there I sat glued to the T.V. as reporters came on, as citizens amateur videos were shown of the crashes and then of the collapse of the towers. So incredibly awful. So heartbreaking.

And then later at Ground Zero seeing the destruction and our President, damn near in tears swearing that we would find the people responsible, that no one was going to come onto American soil, do this and get away with it.

In the time that's passed, I haven't always agreed with how things were handled, what things were done or not done. But I do believe that they were all decisions came from the heart and the hope that they were best for America.

I hope that we have now healed somewhat. It is something I don't think any of us who witnessed it will completely heal from, or ever forget. But I do hope that we have mended our hearts a little. 

To America, I say we need to stay as one people, to let the world know that no matter the religion, race, age, economic stature, or sex, we love our country and NO ONE will do this again. EVER.

To the first responders on 9/11: Nothing is adequate enough so I will just say Thank You.

To the survivors: I have no idea what you went through, what that was like, how terrifying it must have been. But I hope in time you have been able to let go of the terror, to live a normal happy life.

To those who lost someone on 9/11: I am so sorry for your loss. I know it has been more than a decade and yet I'm sure it sometimes feels just like yesterday that your loved one was beside you. While our pain is not the same, we grieve with you and our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Have a Blessed day everyone. Let Us Never Forget.

Attic Innovations ~ 936-442-8926 ~ www.atticinnovations.com ~ atticinnovations@gmail.com

Early Halloween??

By Thomas Decker

Owner, Attic Innovations

Does anyone else have child obsessed with Halloween? My son, 11 years old cannot start the Halloween costume shopping too early. Already he has most of his costume and is planning the decorations for the yard.

And the scarier the better, I think. He would really love for everyone to run screaming from our house with no candy. That's what I believe! But I guess we're only kids once. Why not let him enjoy it right? But man, I've never seen anything like it.

So do you have kids that are really into Halloween? Do they want to scare, look pretty, look cool? Do you have any special Halloween traditions? These are all things I find pretty cool about people. How we are all the same and yet all very different.

We all want the same things like love, security, money, happiness. But how we go about it is usually so different than the next person. Fascinating to me.

So I didn't talk about Energy Efficiency today. Or windows, or insulation, or roofing. We'll save that for another day. Today was a reflection day to think of all we have, all we want to work for, and to enjoy our children while we can. You all have a wonderful day.

Attic Innovations - 936-442-8926 - www.atticinnovations.com - atticinnovations@gmail.com

Preparing Your Home For Winter

By Thomas Decker

Owner, Attic Innovations

I know, it's still 90 degrees out. Why in the world would I be posting about Winter? Well, because it creeps up faster than you realize. Right now it is still hot but before we know it the fronts will start coming through and the cold weather with them.

Many people realize that they need to do things during the Summer to help keep there homes cool and to lower energy bills, but they don't really think about Winter.

In the winter, you want to be sure your home is properly insulated and that you have double pane windows that are sealed against the cold air outside.

Think of insulation like a nice winter coat. When it's cold outside you put on a coat to keep the cold out and your warm body heat in. Insulation does the exact same thing for your home. If you don't have enough insulation you will find that your home never gets quite warm enough. 

Your windows play a big role too.  If you have old single pane windows they will not repel the cold air. And if they are not properly sealed you will actually feel cold drafts in your home. If you can walk by your windows in the Winter and feel a temperature change in your home or feel a draft, it's time for new windows. With insufficient windows it seems your heater either runs all the time, or shuts off only to come back on within minutes.

With Properly installed insulation and insulated double pane Low E windows. You will notice that you turn your heat on, your home will reach the temperature you set, the thermostat will shut off and stay off, sometimes for hours. This significantly lowers your energy bills. Plus you will be much more comfortable in your home without having to bundle up or constantly adjust the thermostat.

Attic Innovations is and insulation contractor and also installs radiant barrier, windows, roofing, and attic ventilation. We install Owens Corning blown in fiberglass insulation and offer windows by Simonton and Wincore, both of which offer lifetime warranties on their windows. They are great products. Give us a call today!

Attic Innovations ~ 936-442-8926 ~ www.atticinnovations.com ~ atticinnovations@gmail.com