May 5-12, 2005 #339

WHAT’S COOKIN’?

As we wait for sunshine and warmer temperatures, a cool breeze and chill air still lingers with clouds hovering most of the time. The branches of the Scotch Pines appear to be waving to me as the birds find shelter from the wind. The lawn is green and already needs cutting. Bachelor Buttons and Lupines are up 6-8 inches while the Sweet Williams and Peonies and Bleeding Hearts are just breaking through. Tiny purple Violets have bloomed in the cracks of my concrete patio and the Iris, up 3-5 inches are forming a green fence under the birdhouse, which has no tenants yet. A cool Spring has come to my “Ponderosa.”

When Pastor Paul asked in church if there were any announcements, there was a quick response from Herb Simmerly, who related-“We have a movie star in the family!” He continued to relate that their daughter, Melissa’s Riley, a 2-year old Canadian breed Nova Scotia duck tolling Retriever, is working with Robin Williams as his dog in “The Night Listener,” an independent film that has been shooting in the mid-Hudson Valley over the last few months. Melissa, of Hopewell Junction, has had Riley in training since he was 4 months old and now he is paying his own way!

My brother, Harry, surprised me at work with a beautiful yellow rose surrounded by fern and Baby’s Breath wrapped with a matching ribbon. When I got home I my mailbox contained a card from he and Molly, and several others from friends and family. Thank you all.

Wendy called early and sang Happy Birthday as did my brother, Bruce and Andy and Mark! She had to hurry off to work, so I signed off saying that I would see her on Mother’s Day. She and Kenny’s girlfriend, Sarah, would be shopping for a prom dress on Saturday. That will be fun.

I poured a cup of coffee and, as I do every morning, I went to my picture window and there on top of the birdhouse was Harry, my male Bluebird, named after my Dad! I hadn’t seen him in two years. At the feeder was Spark, my old friend, the Red-Breasted Grosbeck. The yard was full of birds of all kinds as if they were throwing a party for me. It was wonderful and what a wonderful gift from GOD and my guys. For several hours on and off, I watched Harry check out the new birdhouses. Everything must be just right when his new mate arrives. She may want to redecorate the babies’ room! I so enjoy these lovely little creatures.

I invited Natalie Fisher to join me in attending the Open House of the Senator’s Inn on the corner of Brunner Road and Route 11. Willie and Rochelle Kries are the new owners of the large home and it is a fulfillment of a longtime dream. Willie and his workers were putting the finishing touches on putting up a large sign when we arrived.

It just happened by accident that, it was the same day as my birthday and besides the lovely snacks and glass of wine, Willie presented me with a little cake with one candle in it and he and Natalie sang Happy Birthday. Willie took us through the Inn, which has two large bedrooms, upstairs. An inviting porch dining area with a beautiful view is on the main level with special breakfast nook for children and the most beautiful seating area. The view is beautiful. They are a pet friendly Inn, so even your pets have a vacation. There is lots of room for expansion. Best Wishes to you

All the Mothers were given a little plant in its own little pot at during church coffee hour. It is a time to visit and enjoy the baked good and beverage. And that was only the beginning of a beautiful Mother’s Day! I dropped off a plant to Hazel McShane and she was tickled. When I got home, I called Wendy and asked if it was OK if I came up for a few hours. “Sure Ma, we are just handing out here, come on ahead!” she said. Before I could leave the house, Mother’s day calls and emails came in and went out. Just as I was leaving, a knock on the door came. It was Andy wearing a BIG SMILE and carrying the biggest hanging basket of Impatience I have ever seen. I thought last year’s was big, but this had it beat. He and Laura had been so great this week. I didn’t know how to thank him except just a big hug and kiss. I told him I was going to Wendy’s and I would stop back on the way home. Out the door I went.

It was a beautiful drive. I got behind a car that was going slow so I just followed and enjoyed the ride. Schyler Lake was high and the waters choppy due to the cool wind. There is a lot of building going on all along that streak of 28. Wendy was waiting for me when I arrived. “Ken is taking us to a Mother’s Day Brunch at the Stanwix Men’s’ Club. He is taking the Harley and we go in your car. OK?”

“Sure, let’s go.”

It had been some time since Wendy, Ken and I had sat down and enjoyed eating together. The brunch was a combination of breakfast and lunch so it would that care of us for the day. When we got back to the house Kenny and his girlfriend, Sarah, were there and she told me all about her

Prom dress. I learned that she and Kenny were graduating together! Their Senior Trip to Philadelphia was a flop! Before long it was time to head out. I gave Wendy two big potted Bachelor Buttons from my garden and she gave me an Azalea and a Pansy from the Men’s Club! I guess we were Flower Moms. . . .

On the way home I stopped at Mister Shake! Guess what! They were giving free a sundae to Mothers for Mother’s Day. I stopped at Andy and Laura’s and told them about my day and Laura gave me a dozen of her eggs! What a Day.

Thought for the Week: We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give.

PS- Harry and the swallows are having a stand off as to who get to occupy the cottage. I’ll keep you posted.