Aug. 5-12, 2006

NO BEEF! BIKE ACCIDENT & GONE FISHING

Rosetta Bunch and my good friend, Natalie Fisher meet in the maturity ward on Staten Island many years ago when they both were having their firstborn and have been good friends every since. Rosetta and hubby, Louis, still live on Staten Island, but visit Natalie several times a year. They always plan a trip so they can go to the Otsego County Fair Livestock Auction to purchase a beef or pig. They were disappointed because there was only one lamb offered at the auction, but they will try again next year. They look forward to helping the young people who raise the stock and also look forward to the taste of homegrown meat.

Marguerite Hughes and her daughter, Sharon, finally got their new trailer and it is sitting on an angle on their property on Kelly Corners. It is beautiful and they are very excited. “There is a lot to do, but we will get it done, hopefully before the snow flies,” Sharon said as she scurried around. Her companion, Doug Finger is a big help getting things moving.

It was so hot for a while that the macadam on the roads was melting. You could hear the bubbles pop as you drove. There were times when I thought I would melt too. It is always nice as evening comes on and it cools down and you can hear the peepers, perhaps a smell the light rain and feel an inviting breeze. . .

I got an early start and went downtown Oneonta for go to the Farmers Market and Art Festival. Main Street was closed off and dealers were under tents with their wares of pottery, paintings, jewelry and much, much more. There was live music too. I bought some fresh corn and beets and a zucchini. I think they had a good turnout, some 2000 folks.

Despite the pass heavier rains, some cornfields survived and we are enjoying some homegrown corn and the bounty from the garden. Joe and I share the responsibility of the daily work and today had our first red, pump, and juicy tomatoes with our lettuce. I made BLT’s! Oh, I can’t tell you how good they were. The spinach is all gone, but the Swiss chard and peppers are thriving and tomatoes are coming like Gangbusters! Strangely, the summer and zucchini squashes are not doing well. Just had some marinated Roma tomatoes with lunch-delicious.

We came upon an accident as we drove up Upper Dutch Hill Rd; the Laurens Ambulance was parked across the road with its lights flashing. We were the first car to arrive and we stopped. Mike Brightman and his wife were already there and were kind enough to tell us the Martha Charvoe of Hartwick and her biking companion were riding their bikes down toward Route 205 when Martha hit one of the many frost damaged areas, which sent her flying and making three tumbles landing in the ditch. The squad was quick to get her vitals and comfortable and then onto Bassett where it was determined that she had three broken ribs and a collarbone break- no head injury and brain damage. Thank GOD for helmets. Mike said the next day that she would be fine and was very lucky.

Andy and Laura Shute have been busy getting their garden back on track since the flood. I was happy to share my bounty with them. They have always been the ones to offer theirs to me. All their animals are their pets including their chickens. Lady is still quite active for an old Beagle and Nicky, Laura’s Olive Retriever, is a BIG FRIENDLY dog. The three pigs too have grown leaps and bounds. They did manage to get out on Schuyler Lake with their boat and Andy caught enough for supper.

I took the opportunity to go berry picking and Joe came along. Between us, we got about a gallon. They are all cleaned and in the freezer except some the blueberry pancakes! As it was a quick decision, neither of us was dressed properly and now our arms and legs look like the Charlotte Valley Railroad track. It was fun and rewarding.

I heard someone calling out my name and then saw Flora Polulech. On occasion I see her in Cooperstown and that where we were. “Corinne what happened to “What’s Cookin’?”? I explained and she said she was happy to find out. She would pass the word around that it would be in the Freeman’s Journal now.

Hartwick has survived the flood, but many residents have lost much. Hopefully with the help of friends, family land New York State Grants and FEMA help, thing will turn around. Besides flood damage, the town is undergoing new water mains so things look a little wild. Hang in there everyone.

Missed Dodger Bob again, but he is due in the area this coming week. He always writes and tells me he is comin’, but I have yet to see him. I’m looking for you Bob.

Julie Sunday and her girls, Audrey and Julia are comin' from Abington, PA in a week and have we got a lot to talk about. I am in hope that Bob will come too. Come on up! I have been seeing Julie since she first came to camp at Gilbert Lake with her young family. They are all grown and have families of their own now. She said in a recent letter that she had 42 birthdays so far this year. . .!

The Voice of GOD: “The wedding was lovely, now invite me to the marriage. .”

Bob Hope on turning 100- “I don’t feel old. In fact I don’t feel much of anything before noon and then it is time for my nap. . .”

Thought for the Week: When it seems are to keep giving of your time and of yourself, remember, you are making a difference that matters more than you know.

PS- Guess what? It is raining. . .