Oct.6-13, 2005 #361

I met Pete Busman and his son, Chris, on Main St Cooperstown today. He looks great! Chris is home from Canada, where he graduated college, majoring in English. Pete says Chris will be helping his Dad for a spell, REALLY HELPING HIM, in manyways, he says. Chris is a fine young man and I am sure he makes his family proud-lots of luck in the future, Chris.

I went to see Barb Thomas at Bassett today and found her doing better. She has been there for several weeks now. She was in good spirits and our chat was enlightening. There is a possibility that she will go to Fox Nursing home for a few weeks to regain strength and mobility. She will teach them how to treat clients, who have to have dialysis. She is very instrumental in the teaching the method with which these folks are treated. She helped out in Norwich Nursing home and now Fox will be added to the list. GREAT JOB, Barb

I was waiting for the elevator at Bassett, and began a conversation with an attractive lady, who was also waiting. It turned out that she came from Leonia, New Jersey, this past year and is working on the information desk in the early morning. What are the chances of meeting someone, who came from the same area you did? Her name is Felica DeMarco and I am hoping to see her again. We have much to talk about.

When I looked out my window this morning, I saw that the big Raccoon that had been visiting my back yard had been killed just beyond the cornfield in front of my place. I felt bad, because it had broken my bird feeders. I moved it off the highway and laid it in the cornfield-a fine resting place for a raccoon! There was a lot of confusion with setting up my surgery to remove a bunion from my right foot, but I am headed for Oneonta Specialty Services tomorrow. Not sure how I will par, but I am sure things will be fine. I guess I will HAVE slow down now. . .

My daughter, Wendy, and I have been playing phone tag and we finally made a connection last night. All is well with them and I will see them this Sunday, when they come to help Andy put up his new chimney. We will have a chance to visit then. I want to have a nice ham dinner then, if I can manage with my foot. . .

Natalie has been busy getting things done at her home, but still has time for company-mainly family. I am hoping to invite her to lunch this coming week. We'll catch up on the last week or so. A phone message related her up and coming Wine Tasting at which Simon Brown of Hartwick will be the Wine Master. It was fun last year and everyone is looking forward to it.

Since my past visit to Oneonta, I discovered a lovely new shop in the former Ames Shopping Mart. Little Buddies and it is owned by Anne and Crystal. It is called have a fine variety of pet supplies included live birds! I made friends with a parrot, which enjoyed sitting on my shoulder. Stop in when you are in town. . .

In the last few months, work on the intersection of Route #205 and Chestnut St., Oneonta, has finally been completed and it is a fine job. It is smooth sailing now so watch your speed.

Sometimes I beleive I live in the fog, mentally at least. I live on Hwy. 205, in the valley that runs north and south. Fog lays heavily as far as the eye can see in the awakening morning. All one has to do is drive to high ground, such as Upper Dutch Hill, and look down on this beautiful soft blanket of cotton candy.

Kathy at the Sage Center let me know that there area few workshop comging up this month.

Irwin's niece, Valerie McAlister of Trinity, Florida, is doing fine. You may remember that she had stomach stapling and was is the process of losing wieght. Well, she has lost 100 lbs! She is now set up for three separate operations that will remove the excess fat that remains on the body. I know she is looking great, because she was a very attractive gal to begin with. Lots of luck, Val. Thanks for the invite to visit. I'll see what I can do. Keep in touch.

Nature's Scene: One can see an occasion, rose bloom or buds on the zuccini squash in the garden. The lawn has slowed down and wildlife seems to have come alive everywhere since the weather cooled down and the rain came. Canadian Geese are getting into formation and some even seem to be going in the wrong direction! I had to stop the car on Airport Rd. to let a large flock of turkeys cross from one side to the other. Last night, I had to stop for deer at two different locations. It is a beautiful time of the year, with the vivid autumn hews of color and leaves slowly leaving the trees to fill yards and driveway. ENJOY IT

I was ready Thursday morning and set to leave for the Oneonta Bassett Specialty Sevices on River St. when a call came. "We had had to cancel your operation as the anesthesiologist was not happy with your EKG". I was told to sit tight and wait for a call from Doctor DelGiacco and/or the River St. Facility. I did, but no call came. It may be November before I can get my operation down. . .

Here is a nice recipe for those summer or zucchini squash that just keep coming. Water and then cut lengthwise and then across , making about 1/2 inch cubes. Set aside. Place flour, salt and pepper and powered garlic in a plastic bag. Place the cubed squash in the bag and shake., covering each piece with a coating. Saute' the cubed squash, and served hot. It is delicious.! Add your own favorite spices or herbs .

Thought for the Week: Courage is the mastery of fear-not its absence.