May 12-19, 2005 #340

I just spent a couple of hours in between my gardening watching a pair of Morning Doves rounding up two of their babies. By accident, as I was picking up twigs, I saw the two little ones lying motionless on the ground under a Scotch pine. At first the Mother played that she was injured to draw my attention away from the little ones. The babies learned their lessons well and lay quietly until the parents came to them. It is evening now and apparently the babies have been coaxed to safety.

I got a call from Mildred Frederick this week and she is now back at home in New Lisbon and enjoying the Craft-o-matic bed and travel wheelchair. She even went to her grandson's wedding! She is mending well and being home, I am sure she will do even better. She lost hubby, Carl after 63 1/2 yeas of marriage and last year broke a limb and so it has been hard. I will try to get to see her one day soon.

Mary Lynn Jones is home now after a week or so at Bassett and is doing well. She is even talking about working in the garden. When that time comes, I have lots of perennials for her! She is rested and looks great and can't wait till she can resume her duties as wife and mom.

Today, May 14, till 1 p m, there was a FREE Hartwick Tire Collection Day at the Hartwick Highway Garage. This is for residents only and none commercial-auto and Truck tires up to 24.5 inches and with or without rims. This was a good opportunity to clean up around your Ponderosa. Andy really appreciated the opportunity to get rid of them. Previous owner disguarded many of what he had, on the property. He uncovered them everywhere. It took two loaded to get them to the site. " There was some pile of tires," he said. I would like to thank the town for this opportunity. It keeps the tires from being thrown off on the sides of roads", he said with a big smile.

While visiting Barb Thomas on Monday, I noticed that the lights were dim and mentioned it to her. "Oh, yes, the power went off and I can't operate my lift chair. I mentioned it to Polly, her daughter-in-law next door and she will check on her. I found out later that there was a problem up near Gooey Pond. Barb has such a great spirit. Nothing gets her down.

Community Garage Sale at the Hartwick Community Center on Sat., May 21st will benefit the Kinney Memorial Library's Children's Section. Doors will open at 9:00am-? Tables are $5.00 and many are spoken for already so if you wish to take part, bring your own table. Give Christine Watson at 293-6625 and she will sign you up. There will also be a Bake Sale and a 50/50 drawing.

Robin Phillips called to tell everyone that Jim wanted to thank the Hartwick Emergency Squad for their dedication and prompt response to the call, which got him to the hospital when he took a bad fall, breaking his back and thigh bone. He is looking forward to coming home soon and getting back to the Mill. "We are doing OK and thank everyone one for their well wishes and support", remarked Robin.

In the last few weeks, the adjacent field has been transformed into a work of art. It was plowed deep and let to stand and then this week, it has been raked over and over. I sat outside to watch. There is something about the smell of the freshly turned earth. It smells sooo good.

Natalie is back home again after a whirlwind trip. She was exhausted! I was exhausted too and we both decided on a hot shower and bed. In a day or so, another call came. "How would you like to join me for a bit to eat at Jerry's," she said. "I'll pick you up."!

"OK, you are on," I'll be ready.

Jerry had reopened for the season early in April and this was the first time this season for me. As usual the place was spotless and packed. We did find a booth and, after ordering a steak sandwich with peppers, onions and cheese on a warm bun, we sat down to catch up. Jerry greeted us with a smile and a-"How have you been?" In no time we ha our order and because we cleaned our plate, Natalie said, "How about a Hot Fudge Sundae?" Needless to say, we did and it was great. I had a chance to see the new Game Room off the back of the dining room and is that something! You'll have to check it out yourself. You won't be sorry.

The County Appreciation Day will be held on Sun., May 22 from 10am-5pm at the Farmers' Museum and the Fennimore Art Museum with free admission for residents of Chenango, Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie counties. Bring proof of residence. If you need any further info, call 1-888-547-1450. There are some great new exhibits at both museums so take the day and enjoy.

Thought for the Week: Enjoy this beautiful weather, any way you can.