Aug. 4-11,2005 #352
Maureen couldn't get away so Terry made a trip up to welcome a Florida baseball family, who are renting the apartment for the week. They got there late. They had flown into Albany and rented a car, which DIED a half an hour into their drive to Hartwick. It took awhile for a replacement. Two boys and a girl and folks were stressed our but keep cool and got to Hartwick White House Farm, unpacked and headed for the Dream Park. It was a hard first day for them.

After watering the hanging baskets and porch boxes, Terry and I had a nice dinner and then sat outside on the porch, enjoying the beautiful quiet and soft breeze. It is so peaceful there. It was always my Dad's favorite place in full view of the pond. Irwin and Dad often shared the same place and a cocktail at 4:00pm, but they are gone now. So, my family, especially Terry, and I enjoy it now and remember all the good times.

It was a lovely drive to St. Matthew's Sunday morning. The sun was out and it was to be a great day. Little Megan Cleveland was baptized this morning. She sang and coed and said Da, Da, Da all the time. She was wearing the baptismal gown that has been in the family for 104 years! She is a precious little girl and GOD smiled on her today.

Andy spent most of morning cutting up the bull logs for firework. It was a hot humid job and relief did not come. Laura had been doing her house cleaning, but took time to bring him cool drink. Later in the afternoon, we spontaneously went to Dino's for French fries and deep- fired onion puffs. Later that afternoon, Andy said, "We are going to the lake" and we did. The coming rain frightened everyone away and left the whole place to us. There was a great fire going in a fireplace nearby, so Andy grilled hot dogs and kielbasa. We sat inside the pavilion and watched the rain come down and soon it stopped and the lake was like glass. It was a nice way to end a beautiful day.

Debbie Flanagan is now happy in her new home, which is just a stone's throw to her church. Friends helped her move in. She loves her new car and now her newly graduated son, Greg, is spending time with his Dad down south, so she has time to herself. She did spend a few days in the hospital, but she says she is doing GREAT!

Irwin's brother called from Salt Lake City. He is feeling much better after being treated for low sodium. He decided he and his daughter, Sue, would go to St. Petersburg, Florida for a time. He promised that next year he would come to New York. He plans this time to stay at The Otesaga. We'll look forward to that time.

I got to the Hymn Sing on Monday evening with my precious cargo-The only tape of Richard's, my first husband's singing voice! Elliot DuBois, who is in charge of the program every year, said," Come on down!" I got there early and the gentleman could set it up properly. For the first time in years, the entire Lord's Prayer that Richard taped years ago could be heard with the Boston Sympathy Orchester at the Otsego County Fair. I was so proud. Among the performers were: The Midstatemen Barbershop Singers sang several familiar hymns and a budding new composer accompanied herself as she sang. One gentleman actually brought his own full sized organ and played/sang for us. Rev. Ron Palata and his church family played a number of hymns on their harmonicas. All in all, it was a grand program.

On Thursday I got a ride to the fair from Rich McCaffery and spent the morning running errands for the 4H and in between checking out the exhibits. I love to check out Floral Hall and the animal exhibits. They are always clean and the animals are well taken care of. Many young people stay all week with their entries. Before long, it was time to leave. It was fun and I felt useful.

Hazel McShane turned 93 on August 3 and said she had gotten a number of calls and cards. She beamed as she told me the news. "Everyday I get a little slower and weaker", she said. She is a fine lady.

Louis and Rosetta Bunch bought a 210 lb. pig at the 4H auction. Natalie's daughter nearly bought a 1100 lb cow, as she waved during the bidding! Thank goodness she realized in time what she did and withdrew her hand. Perhaps next year she will actually buy one. Rosetta's pig will be are butchered, cut and wrapped and frozen. She will return later on to take her meat back to Staten Island.

On Friday night Andy and Laura called," We are going to the China Buffet. We will pick you up in a little while", said Andy. It was not quite so busy and we were seated right away. The array of selections and many are favorites of Andy and Laura. They point them out and I try a little of each. At one point Andy thought he recognized a friend. It turned out to be a buddy he hadn't seen in 30 years and they chatted for some time vowing it would not be the last time.

Andy got home as quick as he could and we were off to The R&R Productions Demolition Derby at the Morris Fairgrounds. The evening's entertainment included a Total Destruction Figure 8 and Demo & Mini Van Demo. First stop was the Hot Sausage Sandwich with peppers and onions- a positive must each year. We wondered around checking things out and then went to the Grandstand. I can remember when Andy participated in the Derby years ago with his Purple People Eater. He was neck and neck with another driver and all of a sudden fire broke out under the hood and Andy went out the back window at the same time! Talk about being scared, I WAS! It was a great show.

Thought for the Week: A good laugh and a good cry both cleanse the mind.

PS- I went blueberry picking one cool afternoon so I have been enjoying them with milk and sugar. I shared with Laura who loves them too.