July 14-21, 2005 #349

"Hi, Corinne. This is Nancy Bowers from Schenevus!" was the message on my answering machine when I got home from White House Farm. Oh, my goodness, I thought, Nancy and Bill Blake have made their move from Jacksonville, Florida to Schenevus, NY. While I was thinking about this, the phone rang, and guess who it was? It was Nancy again. You may remember she bought Irwin's Auto Go last year and we have been keeping in touch ever since.

"We arrived at 2:00am yesterday with most of our stuff. Don's nephew, Jim Blake, helped us make the move. Our things are all over their house and everywhere else. I feel bad," she said sadly. We will get organized and find a place for everything. Their original plans were to build a house on adjoining plots with Jim and Uni, but they are not quite sure now. Jim and Uni are going ahead with their plans. I will head to Schenevus and welcome them and also get a chance to see how much baby Sarah has grown since she was born. Nancy says she is a BIG girl.

Laura Shute drove herself to Bassett ER last Wednesday with extreme pain. It must have been bad because she is one tough gal. They put her on pain meds and told her to come back Monday, but not to drive. She called me and I said I would gladly take her. We weren't sure what was going to take place, but it turned out that she should feel much better in a day or so.

The very next day, Laura was summoned and told that her mom was in Bassett with what they thought was a heart problem. She was admitted and stayed overnight. She was I on the fifth floor and went home the next day. Heart was not the problem this time. Tests taken will pin point the problem with her too.

It was a little after 1:00pm on Tuesday and it was HOT! I heard the rubble of a truck and when I looked out the window, it was a BIG, loaded log truck and it pulled into my lot next door. It turned out to be "John" a jolly man, who was delivering a load of firewood for my Andy. I walked over and introduced myself and asked it I could watch him unload. "Sure, no problem," he said with a smile. I sat down on a pickup cap and watched. First I started counting the logs, but soon lost track. It took about 20 minutes to get them off and stack them using a huge hydraulic pincher that he operated from a seat on the back of the truck. I offered him something to drink, but he said he was ok. "Tell Andy to pick a cool day to split it up," he said as he checked everything out. Later that afternoon he returned with another load of firework. Andy and Laura have their work cut out for them.

Natalie called and said that her grandson Andrew had just left after spending a few days. "He had fun and also did a lot for me too," she said with a smile in her voice. You'll have to come over and help me clean up all the food I have left over and if you do, I have a wonderful surprise for dessert!"

Andrew proved to be a fine cook and prepared barbecue ribs and a wonderful cheese and tomato salad with all kinds of herbs and his special dressing. It had just stormed and we couldn't sit out on her deck, but enjoyed in her kitchen nook over looking the country scene that gives her much joy. The surprise dessert was-huge, fresh, sweet strawberries with real whipped cream! I felt very special.

I had been thinking of Ethel Stephens lately and so called to see how everything was. "Oh, Corinne, come on up. I am giving a birthday party for my daughter, Kathy (Bennett)," she said immediately. I quickly cleaned up after a long day of gardening. When I arrived I found the living room full of guests-Rich and Robin; and Gary and Ann; Kathy and her son, Ryan, and John and Ethel. Ethel was busy setting up a buffet table. We all visited with much of the conversations centering around memories of Kathy's sister, Cynthia, who has just passed away. Although she was gone we felt her presence in the room. Prior commitments kept two of the guys away till later, but I think Ethel forgave them. It was a fun time.

Just got word that Ryans had a 50th Wedding Anniversary celebration and some hundred folks showed up to wish them well. One of their children came all the way from Texas! That is love for you.

Julie Holtje and her children will be coming home from Anchorage, Alaska for her brother's wedding in Rochester. Hubby, Danny, will remain behind. He had just signed up for another year, his job to survey Alaska! Parents, Harry and Molly will go to see the children as they haven't seen them in some time and they expect they have grown in that time mentally and physically. No doubt the children will have lots to tell their grandparents.

The roadsides have now been adored with Queen Ann's Lace and Tiger Lilies and Golden Rod, although pretty, Golden Rod is rough on the allergy fighting folks. The NY State D.O.T just came and cut the sides of the highway down and although it looks great, I miss the flowers.

I got an email from Sue Bouton, the owner of The Sage Center on Railroad Ave., Cooperstown. Last week she had a Dream Workshop with Evaline Lincoln. I would like to have gone. Dr. Caene Dunn will lead an evening Guided Meditations Workshop on Aug. 10 &11. Give her a call 547-7485.

My son Mark and I drove to Sidney to see Debbie Flanagan, who is now in her new home and has a car. Her son, Greg is a high school graduate and has now shed is leg cast! Debbie is very thankful for her blessings. She has her oxygen on all the time and the humidity and heat bother her a lot. The house is perfect for them and is on a lovely street. We will see her again soon.

Thought for the Week: Friendship doubles our joy and divides our grief.

PS: I can be reached at www.cory13us@yahoo.com or 607-293-7769. Have a GREAT WEEK!