February 28, 2007

“WHAT’S COOKIN’?”

Joe’s Chevy STOPS! Hazel is at rest &, THE SNOW IS MELTING FAST

Another snowstorm came in the night with bitter cold, severe winds, which blew the snow in everywhere. Of course, Joe couldn’t use his plow; it was down again. Schools again were closed. Somehow the youth filled in the time with sledding and snowmobiling. We stayed in where Joe had a lovely fire going. I would head back home when I could get out.

I had seen Hazel often this past week, finding her in precarious situations each time. I wondered how long she would last. . .Hospice was there round the clock with At Home Care filling in when needed. Pat Gifford, Hazel’s dear friend from New Berlin, had decided to stay round the clock too.

I planned to stop by after work on Wednesday and decided to call first. It was a good idea. There was no answer. I thought the worst, but could not reach another to find out where Hazel was-in the hospital, nursing home or she had pasted away. The later was so. I finally reached Pat at home. She was pooped. “Hazel slipped away quietly at 2:30am Wednesday morning and Bookout Funeral Parlor, Oneonta, didn’t come for 2½ hours,” she said. Everyone involved was tired, but Hazel now was at rest with her LORD. I will share more later on. Can’t do it now.

You may remember Joe’s son, Steve and his wife Judy in Englewood, Florida, who lost their future daughter-in-law in a boating accident last summer, are going through rough times now. They have been caring for the two little ones since then and now estranged family are trying to get custody of them. This week they go to court. Please say a little prayer for this wonderful couple with a big heart. .

The wind was blowing so hard that the Chickadees were having trouble holding onto the perch at the feeders and it had also blown in the driveway. We finally got bundled up and headed out in Joe’s truck. We did all we could do and in an hour or so, when we were all but froze, Joe headed up Park St, which is a winding road towards home. Just as we had gotten to the top of the hill, the truck just STOPPED. Joe was puzzled. We were in a bad spot. Of course, I am no help when it comes to mechanics, but I suggested backing in a driveway and then head down the hill and see if she would start. She tried, but didn’t start. We were now in front of someone’s driveway and about a stone’s throw from Main St., Oneonta and next too Burger King. After discussing our options (which were none) I called Vic’s Towing Service.

Vic was on vacation, but Kathy said she would get someone out right away. It was 3:00pm and it was bitter cold. In about fifteen minutes, up drove Vic’s truck. It didn’t take long to hook it up. We thought we would be on our way home soon, BUT we were told that the hydraulic was frozen and he would not be able to help us. He did say he would get someone to help us. In moments he was gone and we were COLD. We got a cup of coffee and sipped on it till we saw a truck pulling in. It was Thetford’s Towing and Recovery. We were glad to see him. Soon we were on our way and at Wally’s, Joe’s repair service. Then came the bad part- the bill was #30.00 for mileage, $50.00 for labor plus tax= $86.40. Fortunately, I had my checkbook with me, when I made out the check. Back in October when Joe’s truck broke down, Vic charged us $48.60. . .What a day! At least Patchy was happy to see us when we got home.

Pet Peeve: As the snow melts, it reveals the garbage and litter that has been thrown out of vehicles over the winter months onto the roadways. If it is in the car, keep it there until you get home and put it in your garbage. . . It cost thousands of dollars to have state and county workers to pick it up. Thanks to many folks who take time to pick it up just to keep the countryside free of this disgrace. Take a look for yourselves. If you put it in your car

Nature’s Scene: The large doe and twin fawns fought their way through the deep snow at the hedgerow. The wind was blowing the snow right at them. They did get to the other side and disappeared. A flock of turkeys huddled together waiting for the manure spreader to come and offer breakfast treat. They must eat or they will starve, sometimes freezing while roosting in the trees at night. A lot of squirrels get killed on the road as they try to cross from one side of the road to the other. We saw tracks our little bunny as it checked out the deck for tidbits and a member of our church said she saw a ROBIN!

My son, Andy has finally got his carpal tunnel surgery operation scheduled for Wednesday, March 26. It has been a long haul, but now relief is in sight. Put him in your prayers

Thought for the Week: Begin at the beginning and go on till you come to the end: Then stop (Lewis Carroll)

Sorry, I have got to run. Catch you next week.