Sept.22-29, 2005 #359

WHAT’S COOKIN’?

Julia Sundy and I played phone tag for a couple of days, but finally caught up with each other on Monday morning. They had arrived at Gilbert Lake safely from Abington, PA. They were going nonstop, but took time to leave a note on my door asking me to join them for lunch at the Lake Front Restaurant on Monday. I confirmed by calling Gilbert Lake office.

Milford Joe joined us for a lovely lunch at the Lake Front Restaurant. We were seated at a window table, which overlooked Otsego Lake and what a sight it was on this beautiful day of memories! I was told, “It was a treat” by Julia’s hubby, who was not able to come this year and said my money was the wrong color. . . .

Audrey and Julie went shopping on Main Street and Julia, Joe and I sat in the park and caught up on each other’s lives. We watched the ducks swimming near by and the seagulls gliding overhead, until a hawk showed himself and they all scattered.... Even a formation of geese joined our time together. I was so nice to be together again. We promised each other that next year, we would do it again, perhaps with other members of their family. Joe said that he would bring me to Abington even earlier then next September. Julia broke out in a big smile and said, “That is GREAT”!

Tragedy has struck the Phillips family again with a sudden accidental death of Kristen Michelle Phillips on Sept. 19 in Verona. I am told a drunken driver took this life-so sad, so sad. She was just 22 years old and a special young lady to family and friends. My son, Andy, who has been a close friend of Randy Phillips (Kristin’s Dad) since grade school, called to tell me. There are no words to express the loss at a time like this. Please pray for Kristin and her family.

On the same day, an obituary of Fanny Porteus, 97, appeared in the Star. Fanny and I go way back. She and hubby would stop in our kitchen often. I recall that Fanny’s son, Earle, passed away at the same time as my Richard back in 1997. There was no sweeter lady in the entire world.

Fall is truly in the air now with the leaves slowly tingeing with color and air turning cool. My gardens are fading and drying.The leaves are turning rapidly and one can see a occasionaly wood burner stove sending smoke signals into the cooler crisp air of fall.

Bill, our Bernie bus driver slowed down quickly to let a squirrel finish his race to the other side of the road on Route 11. He said, “I am letting a pedestrian cross over to other side. Later on a chipmunk did the same thing. The traffic is heavy on Route 11!

Margaret Butterfield of Haverford, Pa died last October and was buried in the Hartwick Cemetery. A memorial reception was held this past Saturday with a reception following at the Hartwick Community Hall. Unfortunately I was unable to attend. I alway thought a lot of Roger and his wife, as the always encouraged me to continue writing and I have done so. When I got the job with the GRIT, Margaret cut out the notice in the New York Times and sent it to me with a lovely note, which I still have. Sleep well Roger and Margaret.

Unfortunately, there is still another notice-that of the death of Richard(Rick)Canfield, good friend of Milford Joe and his son, Tony. He was just 46, and a talented writer, artist and musician. He was a family man and loved dearly by his family and friends. They will miss him. And so it goes..

Friday started off with a bang. I was on a run early and fixed a zucchini, onion and mushroom omlet for my coming guest, Joe. We had juice with our pills or visa versa, and 12 grain bread toast. At 11:00am, I headed for the Hawk Eye when Elliot and Martha Hefland were waiting. It took me near 7 minutes to find a parking place. Martha had placed a dish of her choclate chips cookies on my plate, something she does every time we meet. We all enjoyed the soup and sandwich special and chatted for a time. Soon they will be on their way to Englewood Florida and winter sunshine. Their last words were-" I hope you can come visit us this winter." Well see, Martha. . .

Laura Shute won 4 tickets to the Fly Creek Cider Mill Applefest. She gave us two and had two for herself and Andy. Milford Joe drove and we went Sunday afternoon. As usual, the place was packed with folks from all over the country. Their fresh baked pies, fudge, breads and cheeses are just delicious. The gift shop was filled with interesting gift items. Not an inch of space is wasted. Joe and I enjoyed a cup of tangy chili. The Chinese auction had a number of wonderful items and the display of old tractors was great. We very much enjoyed the ducks. You must stop in and see this all for yourself one day this beautiful fall.

One afternoon Joe decided to make a pot of Old Fashioned Lentil Soup. His friend, Dr. Neil stopped by and we all had two bowls. We had enough to take Natalie Fisher enough for a day or so in return for a lovely dinner the night before-a glass of wine, friends and a delicious dinner. We watched night fall on the landscape and the millions of evening stars that are there for the viewing anytime we want to enjoy them.

A call from Dorothy Manley joyfully related the news that the Hartwick Senior Citizens enjoyed the boatride on the Otsego Queen and lunch at the Lake Front Restaurant. There were 27 seniors aboard and they really enjoyed it. I wish I was there.

Thought for the Week: Get ready for the beautiful Autumn foilage and than prepare for what comes next....