Sept. 15-22- 3005 #358

Last week, I took Milford Joe to the Bainbridge Veteran's Clinic to see what could be done about an injury to his shoulder. It turned out to be quite a day. Doctor Sukumar did blood work, because of Joe's Diabetes and for the time being, prescribed Tylenol for the pain. He also said we would have to have a x-ray of the shoulder and then possibly a Cortizone Shot. We would have to go to ALBANY for the x-ray first, because the Sidney Hospital is closed. No sense in waiting, I decided, then and there, to take him to Albany. We had a nice ride and it didn't take long to get the x-ray; but, at this point, the day was almost gone. I was glad I went, as Joe is deaf and would have missed much of the details. We will see what happens when the doctor calls me.

On the way home we stopped at St. Peter's Hospital, ALS Regional Center, and visited with Dr. Jonathan Cooper, who was both Richard's and Irwin Curlis's doctor during their illnesses. It was a short meeting, in between patients, but well worth it. I like to stop in and tell him how much I appreciated his expertise and caring nature during both of their illnesses.

As we approached Schenevus, a stop at Jim and Uni Blake and Uncle Don Blake and his companion, Dorothy, seemed to be appropriate. Dorothy and Don, both phyiscally handicapped are slowly getting settled after their move from Jacksonville, Florida. I can hardly beleive what Jim has done since I was there last. Got a chance to see the children too. They were happy to see me and welcomed Joe into their hearts just as I had. Soon we were on the way home. We had just enough time to watch the activity at the new bird feeders that Joe made from plastic soda bottles. The little Gold Finches and Chickadees soon found them and were perched all around the feed portals. A plump Chipmunk had been making numerous visits to the large wooden feeder, his cheeks were full right up as he ran back and forth for refills. Joe moved it to another site as "Chipper", the chipmunk near emptied it while we were gone. Blue Jays were doing their best to get their share too and the Doves just quietly ate what fell to the ground. A quick bite to eat and I was on my way home, following a beautiful full moon that lead the way.

Those friends who live out of state and come to this area for the summer, are slowly leaving for home. Bill and Mary Joyce are now back in Washington D.C. The summer went too quickly for them this year. Martha and Elliot Hefland too, will be headed back to Florida soon and I must return a call and set up a meeting before they go.

Several calls alerted me of a special visit from my dear friend, Julia Sunday and her daughters, Julie and Audrey. They were leaving Abington, PA on Thursday and headed for Cabin #33 at Gilbert State Park for a 4 day holiday. Julie and her family have come almost every year for the last 35 years and always made a stop at our Country Kitchen. Hopefully they will be able to come to St. Matthews Lutheran Church's 90th Anniversary on the 18th I plan a little birthday surprise for her on the 19th.

My niece, Susan Ryan, sent me an email relaying the news that she would be joining the Humane Society of the United States with the Animal Disaster Relief Team on the Gulf Coast. She will be in Gulfport and Biloxi area for a month and then at the Lamar-Dixon Coloseum in Gonzales, LA(25 miles south of Baton Rouge). them, where a temporary hospital has been set up. So far they have rescued 2500 dogs and 800 cats, which will be placed in foster homes for 2 months for the owners to claim after which they will be put up for adoption. she will be there for 2 to 3 months.

Anyone wishing to donate money for the Animal Response Team, can send Gift Card to : Gulf Coast Animal Response Team , PO Box 11, Hemlock, NY 14466. Gift Card will be used for gas for transporting animals for Medical Care, food and medications. Anyone who is interested in doing temporary foster care can email Susie Ryan at resqmesanctuary@aol.com. Thanks in advance for your help.

Barbara Thomas finally gave into the pain and was taken o Bassett Hospital where she has ben for several days with Peritonitis. Although extreemly tired she continues to be strong of mind. Please pray that she will received the strength she needs at this time. An email from Katy Bouton let me know that she is back from her vacation and ready to roll. So far she has Evelina Lincoln giving a Energy Workshop at 7:00pm at the Sage Center, Railroad Ave., Cooperstown on Sept. 29th. Give her a call at 547-7485 for other opportunities.

Here is some info that will help if someone you are with has a stroke: 1. Ask them to smile. 2. Ask them to raise both arms and 3. Ask to speak a simple sentence such as-It is sunny out today. If they fail, call 911 immediately. Any one of these will show that a possible stroke has taken place. This is a simple way to make a judgement.

Thought for the Week: Give it all you've got and leave the rest to GOD. . .We will visit again next week. As ever, Corinne