April 20-27, 2006

My youngest son, Mark, called early with an invitation to join him for lunch at the Doubleday Café in Cooperstown. We picked him up about 1:00am and proceeded to enjoy the "For No Particular Reason" occasion. The special: fresh liverwurst with crisp lettuce and tomato on thick wheat toast and a spear of dill pickle hit the spot. It was sooo big that I had to take half of it home. Joe also had a cup of Cream of Cheddar soup, which he raved about.

It was so nice out that I decided to take them for a visit to the lake front of Otsego Lake. There were no boats in the lake, but they will come in soon. The workmen have been working on replacing some boards on the dock. The sight seeing boat now has a double deck to accommodate more vacationers. We listened to a young man compose music on his guitar and a family working to keep their kites in the air. Dad was busy with that. A couple, holding hands, sat looking longingly out over the waters. . .

My Daffodils are all blooming and I picked them and made bouquets for church and friends. Bachelor Buttons, Sweet Williams, Poppies, Primroses, Lamb's Ear and Bleeding Heart are all up and doing well. The Forsythia are blooming bright yellow for the first time in four years in Joe's front yard. The few Tulips that I have had for many years are budded. Hosta came up over night. I dug up some plants for Joe's front yard flowerbed too.

I got carried away in Joe's neglected flowerbed while visiting this week. First I removed the plants there and put them on a tarp. After leveling the bed, I laid a few flat stones as stepping-stones and planted the rest of my lovely pansies and primroses that I got in Staten Island. Then I took the lemon lilies and Johnny Jump-Ups and replanted them in the refurbished bed. I watered it several times that day. A wonderful rain came Friday night through early Sunday morning and now the gardens look great and the Robins are happy. The trees burst into their greenery too and the days to come will bring the bounty of beauty.

Voice of God: "Tell your children that I love them". .

Dodger Bob is back in Jamaica, Long Island after Dodger Spring training in Florida. He got back on St. Patrick's Day and was in our area at Easter time. I found his note and beautiful calendar on my step. Hopefully I will see him around the middle of May. .

To Answer Your Questions: I postponed my foot surgery till fall because I didn't want to be laid up when the weather is nice. Also, I haven't had a chance to work on my book. . There is just not enough time in the day.

Tuesday we had a full van for our weekly trip to the Albany VA. Driver, Gary Allen of Schenevus, does a great job of driving. The air conditioner is broken and Gary is awaiting parts. It was a hot ride. We sit in the back and the heat and low roof makes it uncomfortable for Joe, but he doesn't complain. Every time we went over a bump, his head hit the roof. He is tall and is always banging his head. We are soo thankful that the van is available.

This was Joe's last appointment for Occupational Therapy. Alton Brisport, Joe's therapist, was happy with the results and gave Joe instructions as to what to do when he is home. I am so happy that I got him there for help. He will return for an eye exam alone on Wednesday, as I have to work.. Because of his diabetes, this should be done every year. He is not happy about that, but he will be fine.

Natalie is HOME! After leaving several messages on her phone and sending emails, I heard her voice on the phone. She is ecstatic! While in Virginia she volunteered at the Botanical Gardens and just loved it. I will know more this afternoon when I see her.

My sympathy goes out to Eva Chamberlin, who lost her beloved husband, "Eddie" of many years through thick and thin years. Eddie has been fighting illness for some time and now it was time for him to go home.

Andy and Laura went out the first day of trout season and got a few trout. It is a treat for the both of them. Laura doesn't eat the trout, but enjoyed fishing for them.

Dorothy Manley, a very busy senior citizen, was on duty at the Hartwick Quickway when I went to get a STAR. Usually there are folks standing in line to be cashed out. She said that her sister visited her for Easter and they had a great time together eating and visiting friends. It was hard to let her go

Curt Akin sent me an email, which brought good news and bad . . .The good news was hat he and his wife, Jackie, went to the Otesaga Hotel Easter buffet and it was wonderful. In some time later, Jackie was at Bassett for an Angioplasty, which went awry. Curt says she is home now and doing OK. Take care you two . . .

My daughter, Wendy of Rome, and I finally got together on the phone. She to had bad news. Ken and Wendy's good friends, lost, their daughter in a terrible accident just days ago. She had just graduated and had received a college scholarship. Many loved her.. . Her high school sweetheart and her girlfriend were killed instantly in the same car. Wendy was very upset and concerned for her friends who had just lost their only daughter.

Little Patchy is so funny. She does this cute little dance when Joe gives her dinner. She runs in circles until he sets it down and then waits for him to say it is OK. She usually sits on my feet when I sit down. When she is in she wants to go out; and when she is out she want to come in. She is a great little dog. . .

Thought for the Week: "Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom."-Thomas Jefferson