Sept.29- Oct.6, 2005 #360

“Jim Atwell!” I called out at the Fly Creek Cider Mill’s Octoberfest last weekend as Jim and Anne were scurrying through the crowd of visitors. Upon hearing it, he turned and, with his bright smile, and greeted me with a hug and a hearty “Well, hi Corinne, nice to see you.” He shared that his book-“From Fly Creek” had sold out and they were in the process of replenishing it in key shops. As I bought the first one out of Auger’s Book Store in Cooperstown, I have to return it and get a revised one due to the call back that took place last week. “I’ll sign it for you” he said as he slipped back into crowd of folks. “Good-bye for now”. Don’t forget to get yours.

I have a new canine friend and her name is Patches. She is a 12 year old Jack Russell dog and she follows me everywhere. She is Milford Joe’s little companion and she worships him. On a recent visit for lunch, Patches sat right on my feet as we enjoyed Joe’s homemade chicken soup. She gets so excited when she sees me that she spins on all fours and then jumps up to meet me. Her favorite pastime is investigating the chipmunk holes, which are all over Joe’s dooryard. I pray she does not catch one. . .

The Kanes have started cutting the corn in the adjacent corn field working from the outer edge. This field was not affected by a frost as some seen on top of the Milford hills. It won’t take long to get it done and soon I will be able to once again enjoy the wild life that cross from one side of #205 to the other. An occasional pheasant, shunk, fox, possum or racoon could be among those I have seen. The deer have not yet discovered my Hosta, because of the heighth of the corn, but when it comes down, they will soon nibble it down to stubs. They also will feast on the apples that have been abundant under my little apple tree.

Joe’s garden is slowly drying up, but the tomatoes keep coming. Every few days he picks a collandar full of grape, cherry and sweet tomatoes. Consequently, his diet constitutes BLT sandwiches on 12 grain bread toast from Aldi’s. Of course, I get my fill too. Butternut Squash is also plentiful and soon to be enjoyed. He did have a cross breed squash that rates in between an Acorn and Yellow Squash. They look funny and you need an ax to get through the skin, but he says there are not bad. We will sure miss all these homegrown veggies when they are gone.

I wanted to let everyone know of a wonderful website that is full of important and informative info about Otsego, Delaware and Chenango Counties-www.tri-countyny.net. If your have any questions about the tri-county area, you will find the answers on this website from Churches, Chamber of Commerce, Children Services, Court Directory, Education Directory, Funding & Grant Guide, Government Officials, Human Resources Guide, Legal Aid Directory, Library Listing, Median Directory , Medical Directory, Municipalities, Police Agencies, Sports & Recreation and Transportation Directory. It is in there-all of it!

I want to take a minute to wish Bill and Bonnie Lado a very HAPPY ANNIVERSARY. I have known Bonnie since she was a little girl playing in the yard of her childhood home on Taft Ave., where her parents, Jack and Janet Bresee still live. I have known Bill ever since we moved to Otsego County as our family dentist. Have A GREAT DAY!

Good news has it that Carol Nedzelkowsi, Hartwick Town Supervisor has been moved to the Manor on Route 28. This is a blessing! Just days after the news reached me, a new report gave notice that she was now AT HOME. This is even better. She is doing well and no doubt will do much better now that she is with and family and close to her many friends. Thelma Bunn, long time resident of Hartwick and former employee of the Hartwick Post Offce, has also been moved to the Manor. She had been living at home with friends and family checking in on her regularly. I am in hopes of visiting.

Milford Joe and I have been helping each other with chores and of late have gotten much done. Lawns on both ends have been cut and trimmed and Joe's garden weeded, and roto-tilled. What a job! Joe's tiller is as big as he is and he battled to keep it in tow. Once more and it will be ready for Spring planting. After working all day Friday, Joe said,"Lets go for Chinese at Oasis, in Oneonta!"; It had been a productive day and we deserved it, he said. It was very good and both of us probably ate too much but we ENJOYED.

Dolly Hunter works in the Otsego County Personnel office, which is in the front office of the Old Jail Building where I work. She is a great gal and very efficient. When we both have had a busy day, she said to me,"Are we having fun yet?" But of course, Dolly. We are having a blast!

Dr. Neil, Joe's good friend, stopped by for a visit and a chance to discuss hunting, guns etc. Soon it will be deer season and all these matters must be addressed before then. It did not stop them from enjoying a cup of Joe's famous beverage-COFFEE, which sometimes takes a hour or so to brew, because he has gotten so into the conversation. It was interesting to me, who knows NADA about such things. They rattle off types of the guns and ammunition like I would say the alphabet. Both men build their own rifles and reload their own ammo.

Here is a quick recipe for Butternut Squash using a microwave: Cut squash in helf lenghthwise. Clean and remove seeds.Score the meat with a fork and salt, pepper and garlic power. Cut a slice of bacon lengthwise and place on top of squash or butter and and brown sugar to taste.Now place in microwave and set timer for 12 minutes on high. Test for doneness with fork and if needbe, cook longer. It is delicous.

Thought for the Week: Learn to write your hurts in the sand and your blessings in stone. (Oriental Saying)