May 4-11, 2006

Doug Finger works for the Cooperstown Cemetery and he related a cute story about a resident of the cemetery. It appears that Doug noticed that some items on the front seat of his car had been moved and Doug was curious. One day he returned to the car unexpectedly and found a little red squirrel was sitting on the front seat as if he had owned the car. Apparently the squirrel liked the accommodations and chose to visit from time to time. As least Doug knows who the visitor is and will keep his windows up from now on.

I was headed back to my office when I noticed a familiar figure walking towards me across Chestnut St. at the traffic light. It was Lady Ostepeck! She was wearing her black cowboy hat with a cord under her chin and her graying hair flowed about her face. She had a plaid skirt on and a white long sleeved blouse, a cape around her shoulders and platform black shoes. She looked like she had somewhere to go. I hadn't seen her for some time and when she got across the street and hugs seemed to be in order. She was bound for Schneiders Bakery for a birthday cake. I found out that she turned 88 last February and she was planning a trip to Finland, where what family she has is. She will give a couple of photography shows while there. "They treat me like royalty there," she said with a smile. She might revive her summer party, which she always had the last Sunday of June, but due to her slowing down, she had not had one for a couple of years. Irwin and I always enjoyed going. "I don't send out invitations so just come on over then," she said as she started for the Bakery.

I had been noticing two old-fashioned iron tubs on co. Route 44 for FREE. They were still there a week later. I got to thinking. . .Wouldn't it be nice to have one and make a flower garden in it? It got the best of me and I mentioned it to Joe. "If you want it, we'll get it", he said without reservation. Sooo after work he picked me up and we went to pick one up. Now that was a job, but despite the challenge he and I got it on the pickup and headed for home. It is still on the truck, but that will change when help arrives.

Nature's Scene:

I called my daughter, Wendy, and had hoped to catch my grandson, Kenny, who was celebrating his 19th birthday. He was out and about with his steady girlfriend, Sarah, and had just left his home to do some more visiting. I will catch up one day soon.

The tulips in the garden opened up this morning. There were four shades of yellow tulips in and row ruffles around the edges. One was separated from the others just a bit and it had streaks of red. I pictured them as bridesmaids standing at the altar waiting for the handsome groom in bright red, standing just off to the right waiting for his bride. Sounds like a fairy tale. As evening came, they closed up and then in the morning they open again to welcome the sunshine.

I also admit to having a birthday on the following day and it started out great with early call from Andy, who wished me a Happy Birthday and said he and Laura would stop after work. I started with a load of wash and straightening up in the house. I graduated to the outside and finished the garden transplanting and spreading chips. It took almost all day. Joe mowed his lawn, which took three hours and two black fly bites later. They swelled right up! So far I have not been bothered. We were so pleased with our work that we sat down and had a glass of Lemonade and waited for Andy and Laura.

They arrived right on schedule and Andy and Joe talked about the boat Joe had for sale. I didn't hear the ending, but they were both smiling so it was good. He and Laura can now go fishing together.

"Say, how would you like to join your Mom and I for China Buffet tonight? We will celebrate her birthday and yours too. I think we all put a good days work today..." said Joe with a big smile. Andy said he would call after they got home and finished their chores. He did and it was a positive and we met at the China Buffet and ENJOYED. It was a great day and ended with great company and a feeling of accomplishment. I feel better then I have for a long time and am HAPPY!

Joe's little Jack Russell dog, Patchy, loves to play fetch. Joe will throw her small, soft ball and she will chase after it and some times will go so fast she will tumble past it. She retrieves it and brings it back every time. When she is tired, she will just lie down with the ball in her mouth, as if to say, "All right, already!

The Voice of GOD: "If you don't listen, I will make your commute to the office
longer. . . "

After a few days of indecision, Joe decided that he would go to his sister's, Joan Sclafani on Staten Island for the street naming for her son, Richard Sclafani, who lost his life fighting a fire in Brooklyn last year. We left about 10:00am, gassed up and took off for Staten Island for a wonderful ride. There were no glitches this time. We stopped and enjoyed sandwiches that I had made and got there mid afternoon.

The weather was warm and sunny and a perfect day for this special tribute to Richard Sclafani. His Mom planned that it would be held on his 39th birthday. The street that was renamed was 39th and 40th St. in Astoria, where all the children grew up. Family, friends, firemen and residents were there. Family members were given birthday balloons. Everyone else got a red or white one, which were released after the dedication and prayer. It was wonderful and I was glad that I could be a part of it.

Bob Hope Treasures: On Presidents- "I have performed for 12 presidents and entertained only six."

Thought for the Week: You can go a long way after you are tired. .