April 6-13, 2006

I have been waking up early and getting tired early..I have felt mixed up, but gaining energy and wanting to get things done. Friday was a great day and Joe was feeling the same way and rattled off things he wanted to do. The surprise came when he said he wanted to go see his sister, Joan Sclafani on Staten Island on SATURDAY!. That was the next day! As it turned out, I joined him at his place and with my help, we were able to get a lot done. We went from one job to another with vigor. He made a start on cleaning the garage and then disappeared. The next thing I knew, he was on the roof repairing the wind damage. My heart was in my mouth. I raked some flowerbeds and picked up branches and twigs. I washed our cars and his new baby- his Chevy Pickup. We were beginning to wear when Doug showed up. He was called back to work and this was his first day. He was beat too.

Again Joe came up missing. This time I heard water running and there he was in the shower with water going everywhere. Doug came to the rescue and Joe disappeared to turn off the water. Long story short, the shower is now disabled and will wait until Monday to be reinstated. . .

Message from GOD: “Down make me come down there. . .”

The Otsego County Veteran’s Van was full to near overflowing, but we didn’t have to have anyone riding the running board! It was hoped that we could leave for home at noon, but it didn’t work out. I always pack a lunch so his sugar doesn’t act up. Joe will have to continue to go to therapy for three more weeks for his shoulder, for which he is not happy. “By the time my shoulder heals up, I will need a back brace". Between the bad roads and uncomforting traveling, his back has been acting up.

Tex Seaman, Cooperstown Veteran’s director and Simon Jackson, the retired Oneonta Veteran’s director, were both on the van, each with their own challenges. I found out that Simon retired after 25 years on Feb. 13. He now has time to do the things he likes to do like FISHING! Go for it Simon.

Nature’s Scene: A pond on Route 28 was covered with Canadian Geese and those that were not in the water were on the banks. It was a sight to see. Turkeys are everywhere in numbers. We saw a lone Tom that probably could weigh 30 lbs! Won’t be around when turkey season comes around in May. There have been a number of woodchuck sightings. Joe has an eagle eye for them and promised to keep a watchful eye on my place. For several years I have had a time with them in my barn, under my garage and last year , under my house!

Opening day of trout season is April 1st and I wish all avid fishermen GOOD LUCK. Check over your supplies. There is nothing like pan-fried fresh trout. My Richard would gladly clean and grill customer’s trout at our Country Kitchen. It was things like that that folks remembered..

On this beautiful Monday, Joe offered to come to my place and help me with a few chores. He is amazing! He was able to fix my loose gutter and straighten out my garage door so that it would close properly and gather a big bag of refuse around the place. Between the two of us, we raked up the stones in the parking lot that were displaced during the winter plowing. I felt sooo good that a lot had been accomplished.

I got a return email from Marianne Hansen of Copenhagen, Denmark. Her mom was just diagnosed with breast cancer for the second time and was due for surgery this week. She reports all else seems OK for now. I am finally sending the death certificate of her uncle-Thomas Sweet, who was killed with his wife in an accident on 204 in Laurens in Sept.1948.

Hazel McShane, 93, said that the two men in her life would be coming in May to discuss her future. Frankie comes from Canada and Conrad, from Coral Springs, Florida. She is still planning on a trip to Jamaica sometimes later!

I went to work Wednesday and couldn’t wait till lunch break so I could take a walk downtown. Everyone was smiling and enjoying the sunny, warm day. I didn’t have time to walk down the lake this week, but will try next week, if the weather co-operates. On the way home there were folks taking laundry off the line, picking up the yard and even getting lawnmowers in gear. It is truly wonderful to have the sun, blue sky and the SUN’S warmth on my face.

Joe’s son, Tony, invited us over last evening and we got there just before his 1 year old son, Anthony had to go to bed. He is a cutie and full of life. For some reason, he likes me and we played the whole time. Jassely, said her trip to Peru, her homeland, was wonderful. Anthony was a hit with everyone. They were all sad when it was time to leave for the states. Jassely’s Mom will be coming for a extended visit soon and is looking forward to having Anthony close at hand.

How About That? : Many years ago in Scotland, a new game was invented. It was ruled “ Gentlemen Only…Ladies Forbidden”. . . .and thus the word GOLF entered into the English language.

I meet Lori Harper on Main St., Cooperstown last Wednesday and she said that her Mom, Judy Hurtibise, had told her that she meet a lady in Florida who said she knew me and was going to see me when she returned to New York and give me some homemade chocolate chips cookies! Lori could not remember her name, but I know who it was. It was Martha (Marty)Heffland, who spends her summers with hubby, Elliot in Schyler Lake.

Hope all of you rembered to turn your clocks ahead. We did when we were in Staten Island. There is a story there, but it will wait till next week.

Thought for the Week: Do not look where you fell, but where you slipped-African Proverb

PS-A call from Andy just as we were getting ready to leave for Staten Island alerted me of the passing of Audrey Phillips and also Diane Garaziola (not usre of the spelling) both of Hartwick.I'll know more when I get back.