Oct. 13-20, 2005 #364

Monday started off in a rush to Oneonta, where I meet Joe for an early stop at Sally's Alley, a name that Joe gave the Salvation Army Thrift Store, his favorite store. Can you beat that? I call it-Salva Boutique! Monday is half-price day! At any rate, we did well and left with a number of goodies, among which was my first pair of dungarees. Joe is a Jean's guy and he said he wanted me to have a pair of jeans. There is nothing like a bargain to make my day anytime.

From there we went to BJ's to put our weekly gas allotment in the car-no more filling the tank for me. If we all do that, we can let the gas companies know we are not planning to give in without a fight.

Joe's sugar was dropping fast and a stop at Berger King for some OJ, which took the edge off. I treated to a light lunch and then it was onto Fox Care, where we were planning to check on Flu Shots. They will be given on Oct. 25.

The info desk was manned by none other then John McGrath, formerly of Hartwick and now living in Oneonta, who I hadn't seen for some time. He is looking good and free of cancer! Now that is good news!

I noticed a sign-BLOOD DRIVE with an arrow. I checked it out and noticed some familiar faces of the Red Cross crew from Syracuse. Although Joe hadn't given blood in a few years, he accepted my invitation to do so. The poor guy didn't have a chance. They won't open till 1:00pm so we went to the café and I noticed computers, which I was able to get on and check my mail. Good thing, because there was an important message that needed my attention.

When we went back, Anita Briggs, Daily Star photographer, was there. She took one look at me and said, "Are you giving blood?" When I answered with a "Yes" she said, "I am taking your picture!" And so it was. I told the attendants that Joe was deaf and they took good care of him and he did well. It will be a regular thing for him now.

Bill and Kay Reilly were manning the refreshment table (homemade chocolate goodies)! They volunteer regularly at the blood bank and hospital and are to be commended. They have been married for 60 years! Isn't that GREAT? Their anniversary falls on Jan. 15.
Anita shared with me that she had gotten married to "Butch" Jones last year! They are happy and completing a new home. Her Mother, Jeanie Briggs, soon to be retiring after 25 years at the Meadows, was recovering from surgery and so was Butch. Congratulate Anita and Butch when you see them and wish Jeanie-Smooth Sailing

Joe had a taste for Reuben sandwiches and stopped at Aldi's for what he needed. There we meet Al and Bev Lapp from Laurens doing the same thing. I was invited back to the house, where we joined forces for an afternoon late/early lunch/dinner. I sautéed sweet potatoes and made fresh tomato salad with herbs and he added a Natural light beer. My, it was good! We were both full up to the top. And now it was time to head home. We had had a full day.

Although very much needed, the rain made for a dreary day. It has been raining steadily for several days now. It, perhaps, is good because, inside work would never get done unless we had a rainy day here and there.

Mount Vision has lost another fine resident-Elizabeth (Betty) Wright, 84, who died at Fox Nursing home. She and hubby John had been married 64 years and had a wonderful family and she will be missed. Please accept my sympathy.

I have been trying to find out what the next step to having my foot operation. It had been canceled, but I didn't know why. It turns out that the anesthesiologist was not happy with the EKG they had and so my Prime Care doctor, Doc Del Giacco had to prescribe another. We have been playing phone tag for a couple of days. He has a great secretary and she assured me that the Good Doctor would be getting a hold of me.

For those of you who have been trying to reach me, I am sorry for the problem. My computer is acting up and my phone is full of static and my Virgin Mobile died. I think a carrier pigeon might be the answer. Please bear with me. Try again-607-293-7769 or cory13us@yahoo.com.

Well, folks, I guess you knew it before I did. A wonderful man, who says I look great in Jeans, has smote me! He is a former customer, every time we meet, we find out more things that we share in common. Our families are happy, I am happy and I hope Richard and Irwin are happy for me. I feel that GOD put me in the right place at the right time and I am not afraid to say I am like this man very much. Someone who reads What's Cookin'? said, that the name Joe had come up frequently in What's Cookin'? and, she presumed that I had a man in my life again. I believe she is right.

On the way home, on I-88 the car in front of us darted to the right off the road. A quick glance off the side of the highway caught a large black bear! It was definitely a bear about 300 lbs. Wow!

Thought for the Week: Bloom where you are planted. . .