Feb.2-9, 2006

Just as Joe and I were ready to catch the Otsego County Veteran's Van headed for the Sam Stratton Albany VA Hospital, a challenge arose! Joe's Buick Park Avenue decided to slide down the bank of his dooryard and got stuck in the soft ground. Recent snow and rain conjured up condition. She would not move, but spun deeper into the soft grassy area of the lawn. We had just a few minutes to get meet to the Milford Wilber Bank parking lot. I quickly got my keys and got my trusty Subaru Legacy started and Joe jumped in. The sight of a flock of turkeys and several cows in an orchard dotted our quick trip. The car was cold for a time and warmed up just as we sighted the Van waiting. Gary Allen, van driver opened the door and we jumped in one motion.

The trip started off in good stead, but soon changed when snow began to fall. Dollar-sized snowflakes grew increasingly into a full sized White Out. There were several vehicles off the road along the way. We were glad to arrive in good shape. Both of Joe's appointments went well, but delayed our departure. Rumitoid Arthritus in his spine has been added to his challenges now. The snow had melted while we were in the hospital and for the most part we had a smooth trip, arriving in Milford at 3:30pm. .

Joe was feeling inventive and decided to make his famous "Sauce" on Saturday. It is known from far and wide and his daughter, Missy, and twins might just show up on Sunday. Some he'll freeze some will be in the fridge just incase visitors come.. It is delicious!

My dear friend, Hazel McShane, 93, was waiting for Joe and I Sunday after church. She needed some help. Her battery operated radio, died and she wanted Joe to check it out. Even with new batteries, it did not seem to want to co-operate. When she lost the use of that radio, she tried a new radio? It was a contraption of siren, light, radio etc! Her hands were so swollen and hurt so badly that she couldn't push the buttons. Joe took care of her challenge and she was elated.

A packet arrived from Jamaica. It was from Dodger Bob. Several beautiful 2006 Calendars were among several great gifts. This time he promised that his granddaughter would remind him to stop by for her Christmas gift!

Nature's Scene: Joe said he had noticed that the dog food (set outside) had disappeared a couple of times. On a day's excursion, a tiny little kitty was seen nearby. She/he has come every night for "kitty" food. He has not seen it, but he knows it has come.

I caught up with my son, Andy on Saturday. He was splitting logs. He had gotten a lot done. He and Laura are always busy with all their chores. Andy's new stainless steel chimney is very efficiently and his barn has just gotten a new roof. The roofer was so busy after the tornado that he couldn't get to it.

An email from Katy Bouton related that her Sage Center is on a roll with workshops on Reflexology, Pressure Point Therapy, Sacred Contracts, Living with Loss and Flower Essence scheduled for the weeks to come. Of course all her wonderful products are available too. Give her a call. You won't be sorry. (607)547-7485.

An email from Jim Blake conveyed the plans for Nancy Bowers memorial service, which will be held on Friday 17 at the Catholic, I believe St.Joseph, Church in Worcester. An obituary will appear shortly. It has been held off due to the fact that many are coming from as far away as Africa. I wish I had met her a long time ago. In a few short months that I did, I found her to be a very special person, friend and teacher.

Weather permitting, Joe, his Jack Russell 13 year-old dog, Patchy, and I will take a walk. Patchy stays fairly close, but now and then, she will take off on a scent. Joe needs just to call, she high-tails it back to us running and hopping sometimes on three legs.

I got a surprise when the snow melted. There were Johnny-Jump-ups and Purple Pansies blooming in the flowerbed. Not only that but, there were many little new plants, probably from the seeds of last year. I can't wait to see what comes about this summer. When the snow melts out front, I am sure there will be daffodils too.

I have been having fun sending photos, the knowledge coming from Milford Joe, my teacher. Would you like to see what I look like or where I live, etc., let me know.

The Pittsburgh Steelers took off early to win the 40th Super Bowl in Detroit, when Palmer bolted 11 yards to the first touch down against the Seattle Sea Hawks on Sunday. Both teams were keyed up and brought their fans a great game. The score was 21 to 10 with the Steelers victorious winners. It was a great game and the Steeler's 5thth Super Bowl Win.

Thought for the Week: A poet can survive anything but a misprint.