Apr.27-May 4, 2006

What a beautiful day came our way on Wednesday, even after a cool morning. I took advantage of it and walked down to Otsego Lake on my lunch break and just sat there taking in the various activities. There was a group of youngsters playing catch and a senior couple having lunch. A mother and her two young children were having a picnic on a red and white-checkered tablecloth. The workman we saw last week was still working at replacing planks on the dock. There are always lovers displaying their love with kisses. A woman sat on a bench in front of me and was soaking in the sun. When she got up to leave, she said, “I wish I could stay longer”.

Just a reminder the Otsego County has a website from which you can reach a wonderful source of information. The Tri-county Information and Resource Directory is a free Internet resource that contains information on how to locate hundred of essential community resources in the Otsego, Delaware and Chenango county area. Information on childcare provider; educational providers; funding and grants; government offices; employment agencies; human resource agencies; legal aid; hospitals; sports; recreation; transportation and much more. Log on www.tri-countyny.net. . .

When we arrived back at Joe’s on Tuesday about 4:00pm, we found a note from his daughter, Missy who had yet another unfortunate situation. When she left us the day before, she had her twin 3 year-old girls with her and she was headed home to fix dinner. The note revealed that she had received third degree burns on her left arm when her pressure cooker blew up! We were quite concerned, but couldn’t reach her. She was not home or at the hospital. I know Joe will find out one way or another.

Joe took his truck on our trip into town. We planned to pick up cans and garbage along the way. We think of it as cleaning up the roads and also redeeming the cans for cash. This time we got a little under $5.00, which put some gas in his tank. The venture paid for our shopping day gas.

I know you are just as upset as we are about the price of gas, but are finding ways to beat it. No more sudden trips into town for one thing. Trips are planned and few. Car pools will work if you try to gather a few to take the ride to work. Mowing the lawn is also lessened in the fight to bring price down. Boycott those big companies and make it hurt. We will have to also work on alternative home heating this winter. Lots of luck . .

The Voice of GOD:"Tell your children I lOVE THEM!"

Andy was spiting wood when Joe and I arrived with what we needed to clean up outside my “Ponderosa”. I first started by charging Richard’s Golf Cart and also the lawnmower. She started right up. It didn’t take Joe long to mount my Sears mower and before I knew it, he had made several rounds. I opened the windows to let the fresh air in and checked on the plants. I watered the hanging baskets that had been stored in the cellar all winter and they are looking good. Next step is to get some red geraniums for them. I raked some flower beds and pick up branches and twigs that were in Joe’s way. Hate to hold a good man back when he is on a roll. . .We took a lunch break and then went back at it. We did well. Joe made a great pot of Split Pea soup when we got back.

Laura Shute and four or five friends are on a wine tour this weekend. I understand they go from one wine tasting to another and then spend the night coming home before Monday. No doubt she will have some stories to tell when she comes home. I asked if he would like to come for dinner and he said that Laura had prepared and labeled food for him so he was all set.

Route 205, South St., Hartwick was parked solid with vehicles on Friday and Saturday for the purpose of selling at auction all the belongings of one of Hartwick’s “Great Ladies-Thelma Bunn, who died a short time ago. While I watched, a senior gentleman, got the high bid ($135.00) for a small, very worn, trunk like box filled with many goodies. He was extremely happy with his success. Another walked proudly home with two antique chairs. I would have liked the marble topped washstand. I am sure she looked down on the proceedings with warm thoughts.

I was real proud of myself, when I finished weeding and transplanting flowerbeds. I spread the chips that Joe and I had gotten in Oneonta. When I was done, I watered the gardens. My they look nice.

My work was interrupted when a tiny Chickadee flew into the window hard and fell to the ground. I immediately picked it up and covered it with my fingers. It heart was going a mile a minute. I caressed it and talked to it and soon she looked like he might make it. I made a little nest and put him in it and he rested A wire covered would make it safe. Later Joe’s grand daughters came and with a lot of questions, they learned a lot about a little bird that who flew into window. Later, when I saw that the Chickadee was ready, Joe’s daughter released him. I am sure he is among the many that visit the back yard.

A Gem from Bob Hope: On giving up his early career, Boxing? - “I ruined my hands in the ring. . .the referee kept stepping on them.”

Thought for the Week: Hope is like the sun, which, as we face it, casts the shadow of our burdens behind us.

PS- Joe and I welcomed Natalie Fisher back with wine and cheese at the Big White House on the Hill.

Joe's son, Steve, of Englewood, Florida, won $800 in the Redfish Flat MLaster Fishing Series, coming in 7th out of 115!