March 30-April 6, 2006

Bonnie Kolanda and her two children, Ryan and Jacqueline, are slowly getting settled in their apartment, which came about after she and hubby split up. It is extremely hard for them, but they are managing. Bonnie is now working full time and finding out just how strong she is. We are trying to see if meeting can be arranged when the weather co-operates.

I missed Dolly Hunter, who works in the personal office in my building and found her missing. Upon investigation, I found that she had not been in for several days. She did not feel good the week before and I was concerned. I emailed a get well card and got one in return a day or so later. She is one sick puppy. Prescribed medicine for her flu-like symptoms disagreed with her and set her back. She was in hopes of returning this Monday. Hope to see you then, gal!

Gary Allen, the Otsego County Veteran's van driver, was at the Milford Wilber Bank parking lot at 7:26am on Tuesday, so we got a head start on our trip to the Stratton VA Hospital in Albany with a light load. Joe's shoulder had been giving him some discomfort since the vigorous therapy session last week, so Alton Brisport, his therapist, went easy on him. This was to be his last session, but we will have to go back next week. . . .

Gary mentioned that "Tex" Seaman, Otsego County Veteran's Director, was a passenger in the van last week due to a dental problem. We hoped it was not uncomfortable and he was doing better in the days that followed.

There was a sighting in Mt. Vision one evening last week of two men pushing a wheelbarrow in which a 6 foot couch was being balanced down Route 205. Not sure where it came from or where it was going, but when it slipped from the wheelbarrow, it was not sure if it would arrive in tact????

A Message from GOD- "What part of 'Thou Shalt Not' do you not understand???"

Joe's buddy, Doug Finger, stopped by just after we had gotten back from Albany. He was invited to stay for dinner, which was Joe's homemade venison chili on a bed of rice and nice hot biscuits on the side. A piece of Joe's stash of Lemon Coconut Cake hit the spot! Doug was disappointed that he didn't get a job at the county and will be looking further.

As you have probably noticed, some main and back roads have seen better days. The frequent change in temperatures has caused the roads to heave created a hazard for drivers. One might think that we were traveling in a war zone. It really takes talent to maneuver the creators. Hopefully they will settle in when the warmer weather arrives, if it arrives. Extensive work is needed now to correct the damage.

Natural disasters have been plaguing the world recently in surprising numbers. An evening does not go by without the mention on the news of a fire, flood, tornado and heavy snow etc. Recently Texas was losing thousands of acres to fire and then torrents of rain came. Bird Flu is a real treat to the world. Makes one wonder if we are experiences the Last Days. What do you think?

My former hubby, Richard, had two remaining aunts (in their 90'S), who both live in Binghamton and I try to keep in touch. I called aunt Pearl, had told me she was having surgery that week, so I told her I would check on her. I waited till the end of the week before I called. She was home that very day, after her hernia surgery. She came down with the flu, which she said was worse the operation. I said I would come to see her when the weather warms up.

Thursday morning, Joe and I took Hazel McShane in the comfort of his Buick La Baron, to see Dr. William Lado, who examined the problem she had with her upper denture. It was 40 years old and it had worn down so that it was throwing her bite off, making it possible for her own teeth to damage it even further.. Looks like a new one is in her future. Lunchtime was near and Hazel suggested Brooks and that is what we did. It was a nice day. We even had an opportunity to get her a few groceries.

What a nice surprise! Joe's son, Joe, stopped by, surprising his Dad with an hour of Father and Son conversation. Joe inherited his Dad's interest in hunting, guns and related interests. He is planning an antelope-hunting trip to Wyoming in the near future and was interested in his Dad's thoughts on what to take.

I couldn't believe my eyes when I woke up to three inches of snow on Saturday. Hundreds of Robins were flying about seemingly lost. Thankfully, it was gone by late morning, but the sun did not come out. Now I know why I saw 15 to 20 deer nibbling in a field nearby. They knew something was up.

Thought for the Week: Faith in the future puts all things within reach. . .

PS- Joe came over and was helping me access the work that needed to be done this spring and he banged his head really badly on a low doorway in my garage. He almost went down. I felt sooo badly that I cut the visit short. He is so tall that he says he runs into everything!