May 19-26, 2005 #341

My office was quite chill when arrived. I was glad I had my sweater, but my hands were cold and it was difficult to type. I decided to open the door and let some of the fresh air and sun in. I took the waste paper basket and lodged it in the doorway, opening it up about 8 inches. As I sat at my desk, I heard a noise and low and behold I got a surprise! A young three-colored kitten decided to come in. She investigated the room and let me pet her. I immediately closed the door leading to the rest of the building and meet Kitty-Kitty in the middle of the office. She purred as I checked her collar and found a name and phone number. I called a left a message that the kitten with at 183 Main street. When I turned around, she was gone! It was just a short visit. We didn't even get acquainted but it was nice. I wondered if she got home.

Several years ago, I was contacted by Charles T.Zuis, (Chazoo the Clown), of Herkimer Farm, Schuyler Lake, an admirer of Clarabelle the Clown. He was curious about my Richard, who for several years was Clarabelle the Clown for the Howdy Dowdy Enterprises. At that time, Charlie shared his long time dream of planning and renovating the Herkimer Farm into a Hall of Fame and Museum of famous unknown Magicians and Clowns. I hadn't heard from him in some time and then; today I got an invitation to his dream.

On Saturday, June 4, Charlie will have a private get together at Herkimer Farm for his old friends, magicians, and clowns to the Herkimer Farm to see what has been accomplished so far. There will be fun, magic, clowns and food (hot dogs, beans, beer) and magic all day into the wee hours for his guests. Charlie is a happy camper with a few surprises for his special friends. The farm was owned years ago by James Byard, an old friend and boaster of mine and has been deceased many years. If you are interested in what he hopes to accomplish and seeing what he has done, you can call an make an appointment and he will give you a tour- The Clown's Hall of Fame, Herkimer Farm, 7485 Route 28, Schuyler Lake, NY, or call 315-858-2576

An email from Betsy Flemming of Connecticut related the news that while visiting her sister in Afton, it was decided to make a spontaneous trip to Hartwick, where she had grown up. In anticipation of her up and coming Hartwick High School Reunion in June, they toured the town, having lunch at The Moo Shake, which she remembered from What's Cookin'? They stopped here to see me, but alas I was not here. You better let me know when you are coming; Betsy, and I'll be here.

I had been on a marathon all-day and just as I was about to walk out the door, Laura Shure knocked on my door and she was holding a beautiful bouquet of flowers!" I had my birthday!" I said.

"I just had a tooth filled at Dr. Lado's and, his wife, Bonnie, said to give you these flowers because they would be in Montana for a few days," she said, handing me the flowers. Bill is no doubt planning some fishing!

"I was just going to take a walk up and see you. It is so nice out."

"Want a ride?"

"Ok" and off we went in a cloud of dust and hearty Hi Ho Silver!!! Andy was, as usual work on a project loading his truck with medal and aluminum to take to the Crusher. So, as we chatted I joined in the fun while Laura tended to the cats, dogs, chickens, collected her eggs etc. It was fun and I felt useful. It gave us time to be together.

I meet Randy Phillips at the Courtesy desk at Bassett the other day and asked about his Mom, as I had called and stopped, but no one answered. "She does hear well and does use the phone much. She doesn't get out much, but she is doing OK. Dad's committal service at the cemetery Friday at 2:00 pm and she will be there." he said.

"I wasn't able to go to the visiting hours for your Dad so I will be there Friday".

"See you Friday."

Nature's Scene- While filling the bird feeders, Black Oil birdseed spilled down on the ground and into the daffodils. I couldn't get it all up and it became a special treat for the resident birds. It didn't take long for them to find it and as a result, the Daffodils took a beating. I planted the petunias and marigolds in the hanging baskets with the Geraniums, which were doing great. A shot of Miracle Grow does the trick. There was a stand off last week between the Bluebirds and the Swallows. I didn't see either one for a week. The swallows have returned and have started building a nest. I am not sure where my Harry, the Bluebird is. This is a wonderful year for bird watching.

Warren Curlis, Irwin's brother, called every week or so and has not been feeling good since Irwin passed away last August. He wants to come east from Salt Lake City, Utah, but doesn't feel up to making the trip. His solution was, for his nephew and wife, Jeff and Joy Curlis of Long Island and I come to visit there and stay with his daughter, Sue Halverson in her new home. I told him that we would work on it.

Hazel McShane is doing better after she had two falls last week and been to see Dr. DelGiacco, hoping he would give her the go ahead to go to the Island of Jamaica, where she grew up. At 92, she says she is just barely here. A dear friend, Cathy Andrews, is taking her for a long ride over the weekend to get her out of the apartment. Next week her nephew is coming from Canada for a few days and that will surely give her a boast. She will, no doubt be pooped out, but it will be worth it, she says.

The trees are all open now and the apple tree is ready to burst into bloom. The robins seem to be pasturing on the lawn. The Bachelor Buttons are flowering and the Hosta is 5 inches tall now. After the rain over the weekend, everything will take off. The adjacent field was raked and sown with corn and in 7-10 days we will see the corn shoot up. I love it!

Today I found a Bluebird in my mailbox! That's right! A large manila envelope with a blank label and a Dodgers sticker in the left-hand corner had Dodger Bob written all over it. Sure enough, inside was a soft, fluffy, stuffed Bluebird inside. A sticker with the words-Press Me, caught my eye and I did! IT sounded just like a Bluebird! I guess he was just passing through. Thanks Bob. I'll see if I can attract my Bluebird again.

Thought for the Week: Joy is not in things; it is in us. . .