Dear Friends,
We had pleasant dry day in Kansas on Tuesday. We have another cool dry day today as our friends and relatives from the Berkshires to Boston will be getting at least 6 inches of snow from a fast moving storm.
We ended Tuesday with a trip to the Plaza District to se the lights and have supper at Mccormick and Smiths. Isabelle was wonderful in the very crowed restaurant. You wouldn't even know that the economy is in not so good shape. Our meals were wonderful, but Danielle enjoyed hers the most. She had seared tuna which was rare. She hadn't had any during her pregnancy and nursing phase of motherhood.
There is only one other person in our circle of friends who would have loved the rare / raw tuna dish.
Dear old mom gets her stent put in today weather permitting.
We are going to spend a quiet evening alone today. I think that we are going to have a Prime Rib roast either tonight or tomorrow.
My Celtics are in a funk. They are 1 and 4 during their west coast trip.
Another NFL coach got fired. Let the shuffle begin!
Well, I have to end my e-mail session for now. Everyone is up, and there is too much action to concentrate.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Hello on Tuesday From Kansas
Dear Friends,
I am the only one up right now. Isabelle is stirring, but not enough to be picked up.
Making a pot of coffee is my top priority, but the coffee pot which I use in the garage. I would make too much noise trying to get the pot, open and close doors, get mugs from the cupboards, etc.
While on the first leg of the journey from Hartford to Kansas yesterday I got to chatting with a guy in our row. He was on his way to Melbourne, Florida. Delta is the only airline which flies in there. Since he made the reservations only two weeks ago, the flight cost him $800. He had frequent flier miles, and the airlines wanted him to use 40,000 of them. He talked them into using only 32,000 0f those miles which I thought was a lot.
I was chatting about some friends who bought property in Ocala. He she that Ocala was one time noted for their horse farms. This area produced more race horses than Kentucky. He said the Yankee owner once owned a horse farm, and a restaurant. He said that he thought the family sold the restaurant. The guy also told me that you can pretty much pick up a riding horse for free in that area. People are giving the horses away since the economy went bust, and the fact that taking care of a horse is a costly venture. I learn something new everyday!
Social Calendar - I think that we might be heading to Kansas City , Missouri tonight to see their festival of lights in their Quincy Market like district.
Politics -- The Caroline Kennedy saga continues. Does she have any challengers?
Sports -- Anyone qualified to coach an NFL Team. There are a lot of openings with all the firings which have taken place.
I might overdose on College football today.
Weather -- It will be a high of 50 degrees in Kansas before a cold front comes in this afternoon with 30 mile per hour winds.
Birthday Follow up for Isabelle -- The balloons were the biggest hit of the party. The adults had more fun with her birthday presents.
Local Stuff -- We received word that our Italian Sister City wants to send over 12 students and three chaperons to spend two weeks in Pittsfield on August 12, 2009. They need host families to put them up, and they want someone to teach the 13 to 18 year students English. I wish I listened and learned Italian when my mother and her family, and the neighbors spoke the language as I was growing up. We will be hosting some of the Italian Guests for sure.
Have to go. I have to make coffee for the Queen. The Curley Lad
I am the only one up right now. Isabelle is stirring, but not enough to be picked up.
Making a pot of coffee is my top priority, but the coffee pot which I use in the garage. I would make too much noise trying to get the pot, open and close doors, get mugs from the cupboards, etc.
While on the first leg of the journey from Hartford to Kansas yesterday I got to chatting with a guy in our row. He was on his way to Melbourne, Florida. Delta is the only airline which flies in there. Since he made the reservations only two weeks ago, the flight cost him $800. He had frequent flier miles, and the airlines wanted him to use 40,000 of them. He talked them into using only 32,000 0f those miles which I thought was a lot.
I was chatting about some friends who bought property in Ocala. He she that Ocala was one time noted for their horse farms. This area produced more race horses than Kentucky. He said the Yankee owner once owned a horse farm, and a restaurant. He said that he thought the family sold the restaurant. The guy also told me that you can pretty much pick up a riding horse for free in that area. People are giving the horses away since the economy went bust, and the fact that taking care of a horse is a costly venture. I learn something new everyday!
Social Calendar - I think that we might be heading to Kansas City , Missouri tonight to see their festival of lights in their Quincy Market like district.
Politics -- The Caroline Kennedy saga continues. Does she have any challengers?
Sports -- Anyone qualified to coach an NFL Team. There are a lot of openings with all the firings which have taken place.
I might overdose on College football today.
Weather -- It will be a high of 50 degrees in Kansas before a cold front comes in this afternoon with 30 mile per hour winds.
Birthday Follow up for Isabelle -- The balloons were the biggest hit of the party. The adults had more fun with her birthday presents.
Local Stuff -- We received word that our Italian Sister City wants to send over 12 students and three chaperons to spend two weeks in Pittsfield on August 12, 2009. They need host families to put them up, and they want someone to teach the 13 to 18 year students English. I wish I listened and learned Italian when my mother and her family, and the neighbors spoke the language as I was growing up. We will be hosting some of the Italian Guests for sure.
Have to go. I have to make coffee for the Queen. The Curley Lad
Monday, December 29, 2008
Hello on Monday Evening from Kansas
Dear Friends,
I am little behind on my daily blogs since a good deal has happened since Sunday Morning.
We did depart at noon from East Boston on Sunday as planned. The expected traffic didn't materialize which means we sat in the airport for a good amount of time. As luck would have it, we happened to give up out seats for the Sunday evening flight. We were given $400 vouchers per person, an overnight stay at the Airport Ramada, and food vouchers for supper and breakfast. It was all by accident since Linda went to the desk asking for better seats, and the person at the counter said that they were overbooked by 8 people.
We left Hartford at at 7:10 AM this morning, and were picked up by our son at 12:30 PM central time zone. We had a quick sandwich, and I went down for a nap when Isabelle did around 2 PM. Linda had to wake me up at 5 PM because some neighbors were coming over for Isabelle's first year old birthday celebration.
While at the airport this morning, Mike Ditka was in the waiting area for the the flight to Atlanta which was the first leg of our journey. Just about the time I was going over to speak with him, he received a telephone call from "Mike & Mike" in the morning. "Mike & Mike", for you non sports enthusiasts, is an ESPN radio / television program aired from 6 AM until 10 AM. Mike Dita did the guest talk show right there in the airport on his cell phone. Of course Mike Ditka sat in first class as we were flying economy class.
Isabelle's first birthday party went well. The neighbor and his family came over for supper. My son grilled some burgers, and a couple of bratwurst. I felt like I was tailgating at a Patriot Game.
Just about birthday cake time , Danielle called her parents so that they could witness the event over the internet. Isabelle had fun squishing her cupcake. Isabelle broke out in a mild rash which we think was caused by the various dyes in the frosting. The rash subsided by bedtime.
Speaking of the Patriots, they are the best 11 and 5 team who didn't make the NFL playoffs. This hasn't happened since 1985 when the Denver Broncos failed to make the playoffs with the same 11 and 5 record.
Dear old Mom continues to do well in her newly fitted back brace. She is still in the hospital waiting for the stent to be put in either tomorrow or Wednesday.
Well, I have to watch a little sports.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
I am little behind on my daily blogs since a good deal has happened since Sunday Morning.
We did depart at noon from East Boston on Sunday as planned. The expected traffic didn't materialize which means we sat in the airport for a good amount of time. As luck would have it, we happened to give up out seats for the Sunday evening flight. We were given $400 vouchers per person, an overnight stay at the Airport Ramada, and food vouchers for supper and breakfast. It was all by accident since Linda went to the desk asking for better seats, and the person at the counter said that they were overbooked by 8 people.
We left Hartford at at 7:10 AM this morning, and were picked up by our son at 12:30 PM central time zone. We had a quick sandwich, and I went down for a nap when Isabelle did around 2 PM. Linda had to wake me up at 5 PM because some neighbors were coming over for Isabelle's first year old birthday celebration.
While at the airport this morning, Mike Ditka was in the waiting area for the the flight to Atlanta which was the first leg of our journey. Just about the time I was going over to speak with him, he received a telephone call from "Mike & Mike" in the morning. "Mike & Mike", for you non sports enthusiasts, is an ESPN radio / television program aired from 6 AM until 10 AM. Mike Dita did the guest talk show right there in the airport on his cell phone. Of course Mike Ditka sat in first class as we were flying economy class.
Isabelle's first birthday party went well. The neighbor and his family came over for supper. My son grilled some burgers, and a couple of bratwurst. I felt like I was tailgating at a Patriot Game.
Just about birthday cake time , Danielle called her parents so that they could witness the event over the internet. Isabelle had fun squishing her cupcake. Isabelle broke out in a mild rash which we think was caused by the various dyes in the frosting. The rash subsided by bedtime.
Speaking of the Patriots, they are the best 11 and 5 team who didn't make the NFL playoffs. This hasn't happened since 1985 when the Denver Broncos failed to make the playoffs with the same 11 and 5 record.
Dear old Mom continues to do well in her newly fitted back brace. She is still in the hospital waiting for the stent to be put in either tomorrow or Wednesday.
Well, I have to watch a little sports.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Hello on Sunday from East Boston
Dear Friends,
Update on Dear Old Mom -- Linda and I stopped in to say "Hello & Goodbye" to my mom before we headed off to East Boston on Saturday. She was sitting in a chair with a solid back brace on, while eating her lunch at the hospital.
The doctor chatted with my sister about the aneurysm which my mother has. I didn't tell my mother before we headed east on Saturday, but they are going to do a little bypass of the aneurysm (which is located in the stomach area) early next week. They will snake a stent in from the groin area.
On a happier note, we brought Kevin and Kyla their Christmas presents from us and from some friends. They opened them last evening after we came home for a great Italian Restaurant called Rino's. The food was wonderful like it always is. The portions are generous.
Santa's wife did her usual great job on selecting the perfect gifts. Kevin and Kyla got us the GPS system, which we love.
Kyla had to work yesterday, and today, on a big case which her company picked up a couple of weeks before Christmas. She will be leaving a little after 7 AM.
Since Kevin doesn't open the restaurant on Sunday's, we will be bonding with him until we decide to head off to the airport for our flight to Kansas. I want to leave by noon because I saw the back up on the Mass Pike yesterday from Worcester to the Sturbridge exit which people take if they are going to New york or Connecticut. We are going to Bradley Airport located in Connecticut so we will be with the masses of people going in the same direction.
If our children can't come to us, we will visit them is the Curley motto.
Sports, etc. One of the Boston newspapers said that Quarterback Tom Brady might have given his girlfriend a $145,000 diamond engagement ring during Christmas Eve celebration when her parents were with them. It is not official, but there was a lot congratulatory happenings in the workout room during a New England Patriot session the other day. I also didn't know that his girlfriend has a twin sister.
I wish that I could watch the game with Kevin, but we will be on the road when it starts at 1 PM.
Politics -- While we are in Kansas, we will be in the home of voters who lean toward the Republican Party. I better keep my mouth shut, and enjoy the grandchild. Yeah Right! Do you think that I can do that for a whole week? Not!
Weather -- It is difficult to believe that I won't need a turtle neck and a wool sweater as the first of January approaches. I started off with one yesterday from the Berkshires, but I won't need one today as we exit the East Coast. It could be near 60 degrees as we fly out of Bradley International today. Most of the snow which fell in Boston last weekend is all but a memory.
Well, I heard an alarm ring for Kyla to get up, but no one has moved since they shut it off. I am not getting involved. They are not children anymore.
Have a great Sunday.
Enjoy next week, if you have it off.
Have a great New Year's celebration.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Update on Dear Old Mom -- Linda and I stopped in to say "Hello & Goodbye" to my mom before we headed off to East Boston on Saturday. She was sitting in a chair with a solid back brace on, while eating her lunch at the hospital.
The doctor chatted with my sister about the aneurysm which my mother has. I didn't tell my mother before we headed east on Saturday, but they are going to do a little bypass of the aneurysm (which is located in the stomach area) early next week. They will snake a stent in from the groin area.
On a happier note, we brought Kevin and Kyla their Christmas presents from us and from some friends. They opened them last evening after we came home for a great Italian Restaurant called Rino's. The food was wonderful like it always is. The portions are generous.
Santa's wife did her usual great job on selecting the perfect gifts. Kevin and Kyla got us the GPS system, which we love.
Kyla had to work yesterday, and today, on a big case which her company picked up a couple of weeks before Christmas. She will be leaving a little after 7 AM.
Since Kevin doesn't open the restaurant on Sunday's, we will be bonding with him until we decide to head off to the airport for our flight to Kansas. I want to leave by noon because I saw the back up on the Mass Pike yesterday from Worcester to the Sturbridge exit which people take if they are going to New york or Connecticut. We are going to Bradley Airport located in Connecticut so we will be with the masses of people going in the same direction.
If our children can't come to us, we will visit them is the Curley motto.
Sports, etc. One of the Boston newspapers said that Quarterback Tom Brady might have given his girlfriend a $145,000 diamond engagement ring during Christmas Eve celebration when her parents were with them. It is not official, but there was a lot congratulatory happenings in the workout room during a New England Patriot session the other day. I also didn't know that his girlfriend has a twin sister.
I wish that I could watch the game with Kevin, but we will be on the road when it starts at 1 PM.
Politics -- While we are in Kansas, we will be in the home of voters who lean toward the Republican Party. I better keep my mouth shut, and enjoy the grandchild. Yeah Right! Do you think that I can do that for a whole week? Not!
Weather -- It is difficult to believe that I won't need a turtle neck and a wool sweater as the first of January approaches. I started off with one yesterday from the Berkshires, but I won't need one today as we exit the East Coast. It could be near 60 degrees as we fly out of Bradley International today. Most of the snow which fell in Boston last weekend is all but a memory.
Well, I heard an alarm ring for Kyla to get up, but no one has moved since they shut it off. I am not getting involved. They are not children anymore.
Have a great Sunday.
Enjoy next week, if you have it off.
Have a great New Year's celebration.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Hello on Saturday Morning
Dear Friends,
Saturday was a busy day trying to clean up after Christmas. I say clean up because even though we didn't have the ham dinner as planned, we still had a refrigerator full of food which had to be dealt with. Good thing someone invited plastic ware, and a good thing that we have a freezer in the garage.
We are pretty much packed for our trip to Kansas, and we are hoping that we didn't forget anything.
I stopped in to the hospital to visit dear old mom on Saturday. She won't require back surgery. They fitted her for a back brace before I arrived. The doctors weren't concerned about the aneurysm either. I don't know what the time frame is for her discharge. A case worker suggested that she get some help from the Lee Visiting Nurse Association for some therapy when she gets back home.
For supper last evening, we had leftovers at a friend's home. We stayed until 8 PM. I guess that I better go on a diet, and start doing some exercises, or at least start walking.
Politics -- Some of my liberal, independently registered voters keep on bringing up Caroline Kennedy, and her lack of experience to the position for which she is seeking in New York State. Good thing that these friends live in Massachusetts, and really don't have a say in the matter since it is a New York State issue.
I am not convinced that any politician needs to have anything more than common sense when they decide to go into politics. I have been accused of asking the "qualification question" in my previous e-mails with respect to Governor Pallin. I don't remember if it was me who brought up the issue, or was it the Democratic Party leaders who did so.
So has that warm and fuzzy feeling continued in your lives after Christmas? Are you done playing with or learning how to use some of the gifts Santa brought you?
One of my / our most favorite gifts is a Garmin Brand GPS system. We used it last evening to go to our friend's house which is about 5 miles from our home. It would be really difficult to get lost unless the streets that you are on don't exist anymore.
I started thinking about the time which I got lost leaving Gillette Stadium when Linda and I attended a preseason Game. I am not sure if the GPS System would know that the parking lot which we were in, and the traffic pattern for game day, forced us to head toward Boston instead of us going in a westerly direction when the game ended.
I will have to think about that problem.
My Boston Celtics lost a second game in a row during their West Coast trip. I am going to "chalk it up" to jet lag.
Well, I hope that everyone has a great Saturday and Sunday.
P.S. My Patriots need a win on Sunday, and some key losses by other teams, or they will be shut out of the playoffs. I will be listening to the game on radio as we head toward the airport. Go Patriots!
Saturday was a busy day trying to clean up after Christmas. I say clean up because even though we didn't have the ham dinner as planned, we still had a refrigerator full of food which had to be dealt with. Good thing someone invited plastic ware, and a good thing that we have a freezer in the garage.
We are pretty much packed for our trip to Kansas, and we are hoping that we didn't forget anything.
I stopped in to the hospital to visit dear old mom on Saturday. She won't require back surgery. They fitted her for a back brace before I arrived. The doctors weren't concerned about the aneurysm either. I don't know what the time frame is for her discharge. A case worker suggested that she get some help from the Lee Visiting Nurse Association for some therapy when she gets back home.
For supper last evening, we had leftovers at a friend's home. We stayed until 8 PM. I guess that I better go on a diet, and start doing some exercises, or at least start walking.
Politics -- Some of my liberal, independently registered voters keep on bringing up Caroline Kennedy, and her lack of experience to the position for which she is seeking in New York State. Good thing that these friends live in Massachusetts, and really don't have a say in the matter since it is a New York State issue.
I am not convinced that any politician needs to have anything more than common sense when they decide to go into politics. I have been accused of asking the "qualification question" in my previous e-mails with respect to Governor Pallin. I don't remember if it was me who brought up the issue, or was it the Democratic Party leaders who did so.
So has that warm and fuzzy feeling continued in your lives after Christmas? Are you done playing with or learning how to use some of the gifts Santa brought you?
One of my / our most favorite gifts is a Garmin Brand GPS system. We used it last evening to go to our friend's house which is about 5 miles from our home. It would be really difficult to get lost unless the streets that you are on don't exist anymore.
I started thinking about the time which I got lost leaving Gillette Stadium when Linda and I attended a preseason Game. I am not sure if the GPS System would know that the parking lot which we were in, and the traffic pattern for game day, forced us to head toward Boston instead of us going in a westerly direction when the game ended.
I will have to think about that problem.
My Boston Celtics lost a second game in a row during their West Coast trip. I am going to "chalk it up" to jet lag.
Well, I hope that everyone has a great Saturday and Sunday.
P.S. My Patriots need a win on Sunday, and some key losses by other teams, or they will be shut out of the playoffs. I will be listening to the game on radio as we head toward the airport. Go Patriots!
Friday, December 26, 2008
Hello on the Day after Christmas
ear Friends,
Linda and I hope that you all had a wonderful Christmas with your family members and close friends.
We had a Christmas Day to remember, but it was on the other side of normal.
I will explain what this means. I am at the computer checking and sending e-mails a little after 9 AM on Christmas Day when the telephone rings. I saw on the caller I.D. that it was my father calling. I assumed the call was to wish Linda and I a Merry Christmas. Not!
He said that he was taking dear old mom to the emergency room. Mom had fallen about a week ago when she woke up one morning. She fell pretty hard. She tried to cover up the pain from her injuries for several days. Well she couldn't stand the back pain which she was experiencing, and realized that she needed medical attention.
Linda and I , and my sister and her husband all met at the emergency room.
For a couple of hours, the medical staff did all kinds of x-rays, ultrasound, etc. and determined that she had a progressive fracture of a vertebrae. This means a fracture upon a previous fracture.They also noticed that an aneurysm had increased in size since her last X-ray was taken. They admitted my mom.
The delicious ham dinner with my parents, two aunts, and one uncle didn't happen. The ham is still sitting in the garage in a cooler.
After calling the guests up, and explaining the situation, we decided that we have enough food in the house to make up packages of food for the relatives. While they were admitting dear old mom, Linda and I went home, and made up food packages for all of them including my father, who remained at the hospital. We delivered to food to all of them.
Once Mom was situated in her hospital room, everyone left for their homes. Linda and I had to go to Lee to pick up a small bag of clothes for my Mom. We took the bag to my sisters house (since she was going to visit mom before mom went to bed), and ate a few pieces of the wonderful ham that her family cooked. We socialized for a while. Linda took pictures of Marie and Tom's grandchildren Matthew, and Malakai.
No, our day didn't end. We made our last planned visit to our friends in Dalton. We arrived just in time for dessert. After their house full of guests left, the host fixed us a plate of what they had for their main meal. We stayed until after my Boston Celtics got beat by the Lakers. We arrived home pretty much exhausted.
My sister is at the hospital right now. She wants to be there when the Doctors make their 6 AM rounds to see what is going to happen next with Mom. She might require an operation, but we don't know for sure.
Of course, my guilt is starting to mount because we are flying out to Kansas on Sunday to see our son and his wife, and our grandchild. We are also planning on going to Boston on Saturday to exchange gifts with Kevin and Kyla before out trip. The guilt is severe because my sister, who will have to deal with this crisis, is in an elbow cast, experiencing a good deal of pain, and is not supposed to drive.
Well, I have so many things on my mind right now including trying to figure out what to pack for our trip, getting rid of leftovers in the refrigerator, going to visit Mom in the hospital, making sure dad is okay since he will be alone in his house for many days.
Yes, I know that I am not alone in dealing with aging parents, but this latest crisis is new for Linda and I.
Have to go and decide what to do first.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Linda and I hope that you all had a wonderful Christmas with your family members and close friends.
We had a Christmas Day to remember, but it was on the other side of normal.
I will explain what this means. I am at the computer checking and sending e-mails a little after 9 AM on Christmas Day when the telephone rings. I saw on the caller I.D. that it was my father calling. I assumed the call was to wish Linda and I a Merry Christmas. Not!
He said that he was taking dear old mom to the emergency room. Mom had fallen about a week ago when she woke up one morning. She fell pretty hard. She tried to cover up the pain from her injuries for several days. Well she couldn't stand the back pain which she was experiencing, and realized that she needed medical attention.
Linda and I , and my sister and her husband all met at the emergency room.
For a couple of hours, the medical staff did all kinds of x-rays, ultrasound, etc. and determined that she had a progressive fracture of a vertebrae. This means a fracture upon a previous fracture.They also noticed that an aneurysm had increased in size since her last X-ray was taken. They admitted my mom.
The delicious ham dinner with my parents, two aunts, and one uncle didn't happen. The ham is still sitting in the garage in a cooler.
After calling the guests up, and explaining the situation, we decided that we have enough food in the house to make up packages of food for the relatives. While they were admitting dear old mom, Linda and I went home, and made up food packages for all of them including my father, who remained at the hospital. We delivered to food to all of them.
Once Mom was situated in her hospital room, everyone left for their homes. Linda and I had to go to Lee to pick up a small bag of clothes for my Mom. We took the bag to my sisters house (since she was going to visit mom before mom went to bed), and ate a few pieces of the wonderful ham that her family cooked. We socialized for a while. Linda took pictures of Marie and Tom's grandchildren Matthew, and Malakai.
No, our day didn't end. We made our last planned visit to our friends in Dalton. We arrived just in time for dessert. After their house full of guests left, the host fixed us a plate of what they had for their main meal. We stayed until after my Boston Celtics got beat by the Lakers. We arrived home pretty much exhausted.
My sister is at the hospital right now. She wants to be there when the Doctors make their 6 AM rounds to see what is going to happen next with Mom. She might require an operation, but we don't know for sure.
Of course, my guilt is starting to mount because we are flying out to Kansas on Sunday to see our son and his wife, and our grandchild. We are also planning on going to Boston on Saturday to exchange gifts with Kevin and Kyla before out trip. The guilt is severe because my sister, who will have to deal with this crisis, is in an elbow cast, experiencing a good deal of pain, and is not supposed to drive.
Well, I have so many things on my mind right now including trying to figure out what to pack for our trip, getting rid of leftovers in the refrigerator, going to visit Mom in the hospital, making sure dad is okay since he will be alone in his house for many days.
Yes, I know that I am not alone in dealing with aging parents, but this latest crisis is new for Linda and I.
Have to go and decide what to do first.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Hello on Christmas Morning
Dear Friends,
Linda and I would like to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas. We hope that Santa has taken care of most of your wishes.
We too hope that our friends, who are dealing with health issues, get better soon. Give all of your family members a hug from Linda and I.
We don't have our sons with us this Christmas. Linda's sisters are celebrating today with their families, and friends.
We are lucky to have my parents, and a couple of Aunts, and one Uncle with us at the dinner table today. I hope that one Christmas we can be all together in the same house because "Family" is what Christmas is all about.
We attended two house parties on Christmas Eve. The first one began at 5 PM at our friends' the Culver's. There was much food and merriment. Broiled shrimp, shaved beef, pigs in a blanket, baked wrapped delicacies, white pasta, etc. and all kinds of desserts. I had to pace myself with respect to the food consumption.
What I like is that each party has different food selections from every other party. Not too many duplications is a good thing!
We arrived at the second party, which was at the DiSimoni's, a little after 8 PM. They are our neighbors. The husband and I went to high school together. When you walk into their house from their garage, the food table is right there. I said "Hello", didn't socialize, and I went right for the food. The DiSimoni food specialty is home made chicken wings, and home cooked spare ribs. Not one of the previous two parties had those items on the menu. After gorging myself, I did the normal socializing. Linda did things in the reverse order. We couldn't resist the canolis on the way out of their home.
My head hit the pillow about 11 PM. This was too early for Linda to head off to bed.
We lost a good deal of snow because of the Wednesday rain. There is nothing worst than dirty, melting snow.
The seniors will be arriving at noon at our house. A ham dinner with all the fixings is on the menu. Yes, we will have some pasta and meat balls too. The seniors usually depart a little after 3 PM. We don't push them out the door. It is just the way that they have been doing family gatherings at our house for years. Yes, they each will get a food to take home.
No, our day doesn't end with the seniors departing our house. We are supposed to stop at my sister's for dessert (Just what I need), before we go to another friend's home to help them eat their food.
We usually try to arrive at the Gerardi home around 6 PM. Besides the huge beef tenderloin which they are cooking for their family for 1:30 PM, they will have all kinds of Italian food. Smelts (a type of fish) are on the menu too. The desserts will be endless.
There is only so much food that a human being can eat, and I will make it through all the partying, and food consumption of the day.
Well, I have to continue on with my assigned tasks. They are all quiet ones for a while.
Have a safe and wonderful Christmas Day. Try and keep that warm and fuzzy feeling all year long.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Linda and I would like to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas. We hope that Santa has taken care of most of your wishes.
We too hope that our friends, who are dealing with health issues, get better soon. Give all of your family members a hug from Linda and I.
We don't have our sons with us this Christmas. Linda's sisters are celebrating today with their families, and friends.
We are lucky to have my parents, and a couple of Aunts, and one Uncle with us at the dinner table today. I hope that one Christmas we can be all together in the same house because "Family" is what Christmas is all about.
We attended two house parties on Christmas Eve. The first one began at 5 PM at our friends' the Culver's. There was much food and merriment. Broiled shrimp, shaved beef, pigs in a blanket, baked wrapped delicacies, white pasta, etc. and all kinds of desserts. I had to pace myself with respect to the food consumption.
What I like is that each party has different food selections from every other party. Not too many duplications is a good thing!
We arrived at the second party, which was at the DiSimoni's, a little after 8 PM. They are our neighbors. The husband and I went to high school together. When you walk into their house from their garage, the food table is right there. I said "Hello", didn't socialize, and I went right for the food. The DiSimoni food specialty is home made chicken wings, and home cooked spare ribs. Not one of the previous two parties had those items on the menu. After gorging myself, I did the normal socializing. Linda did things in the reverse order. We couldn't resist the canolis on the way out of their home.
My head hit the pillow about 11 PM. This was too early for Linda to head off to bed.
We lost a good deal of snow because of the Wednesday rain. There is nothing worst than dirty, melting snow.
The seniors will be arriving at noon at our house. A ham dinner with all the fixings is on the menu. Yes, we will have some pasta and meat balls too. The seniors usually depart a little after 3 PM. We don't push them out the door. It is just the way that they have been doing family gatherings at our house for years. Yes, they each will get a food to take home.
No, our day doesn't end with the seniors departing our house. We are supposed to stop at my sister's for dessert (Just what I need), before we go to another friend's home to help them eat their food.
We usually try to arrive at the Gerardi home around 6 PM. Besides the huge beef tenderloin which they are cooking for their family for 1:30 PM, they will have all kinds of Italian food. Smelts (a type of fish) are on the menu too. The desserts will be endless.
There is only so much food that a human being can eat, and I will make it through all the partying, and food consumption of the day.
Well, I have to continue on with my assigned tasks. They are all quiet ones for a while.
Have a safe and wonderful Christmas Day. Try and keep that warm and fuzzy feeling all year long.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Hello on Wednesday Morning
Dear Friends,
The Curley Christmas Party / Open House / Birthday Celebration went very well. Linda went to bed exhausted. She took care of every detail from when she woke up until she went to bed. She did everything that a caterer would do, and went above and beyond the call of duty.
There were very few leftovers, which is very good. I talked her into creating a vegetable platter which was the only item that people had no desire to eat. I feel a crock pot vegetable soup being prepared right after Christmas.
The birthday portion of the party also went well. The females always like it when you Ooh and Ah over all the presents ( birthday) as you open them up. I wasn't lucky scratching a bunch of lottery tickets which was one of the gifts. I love my new Patriot Fleece Blanket. A did receive a whole bunch of gift sets of an alcoholic nature. There appeared to be a consistent theme with several of the gifts.
Since the party started at 5 PM, people were heading out the door around 9 PM. I didn't last too long with the clean up before I called it a night.
I hope that Linda sleeps as long as she needs to because she has to act like a cater once again for the seniors on Christmas day.
I couldn't believe that the couple who thought that the party was on Sunday didn't show up for the party last evening. I will have to find out what happened.
Social Calendar -- We have another full day on our social calendar today. We are taking care of the elementary school aged girl next door while their parents go off to work. I am going to make her pancakes for breakfast with some bacon on the side. Our two boys used to love this breakfast. Dipping the bacon in the maple syrup is a must do thing! Her dad will be picking her up at noon. Anyone receiving this e-mail is welcomed to join us for breakfast.
Sports -- The Yankees spent another $180 million for another baseball player who the Red Sox were courting. Yankee management is well on their way to purchasing a World Series. The Red Sox do have deep pockets too, but the Yankees have the deepest in all of baseball. Time will tell if this style of management will work.
Politics -- Obama looks like he is having fun vacationing in Hawaii. He better enjoy every moment because he won't have time for a vacation for a very long time once he enters the White House.
It looks like another Kennedy will be enter the world of politics. Besides not being too qualified, the Republicans are looking for anything to find fault with her.
Social Calendar Continued -- No, our day doesn't end at noon. We have three Christmas Eve house parties to attend this evening. We might only make it to two of them. I will have to employ the Eat to Live method instead of the Live to Eat one. This is so difficult because each house party has something different that just has to be eaten.
Well, I have to empty the dishwasher, and put away some of the remnants from the party.
Have a great Christmas Eve.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
The Curley Christmas Party / Open House / Birthday Celebration went very well. Linda went to bed exhausted. She took care of every detail from when she woke up until she went to bed. She did everything that a caterer would do, and went above and beyond the call of duty.
There were very few leftovers, which is very good. I talked her into creating a vegetable platter which was the only item that people had no desire to eat. I feel a crock pot vegetable soup being prepared right after Christmas.
The birthday portion of the party also went well. The females always like it when you Ooh and Ah over all the presents ( birthday) as you open them up. I wasn't lucky scratching a bunch of lottery tickets which was one of the gifts. I love my new Patriot Fleece Blanket. A did receive a whole bunch of gift sets of an alcoholic nature. There appeared to be a consistent theme with several of the gifts.
Since the party started at 5 PM, people were heading out the door around 9 PM. I didn't last too long with the clean up before I called it a night.
I hope that Linda sleeps as long as she needs to because she has to act like a cater once again for the seniors on Christmas day.
I couldn't believe that the couple who thought that the party was on Sunday didn't show up for the party last evening. I will have to find out what happened.
Social Calendar -- We have another full day on our social calendar today. We are taking care of the elementary school aged girl next door while their parents go off to work. I am going to make her pancakes for breakfast with some bacon on the side. Our two boys used to love this breakfast. Dipping the bacon in the maple syrup is a must do thing! Her dad will be picking her up at noon. Anyone receiving this e-mail is welcomed to join us for breakfast.
Sports -- The Yankees spent another $180 million for another baseball player who the Red Sox were courting. Yankee management is well on their way to purchasing a World Series. The Red Sox do have deep pockets too, but the Yankees have the deepest in all of baseball. Time will tell if this style of management will work.
Politics -- Obama looks like he is having fun vacationing in Hawaii. He better enjoy every moment because he won't have time for a vacation for a very long time once he enters the White House.
It looks like another Kennedy will be enter the world of politics. Besides not being too qualified, the Republicans are looking for anything to find fault with her.
Social Calendar Continued -- No, our day doesn't end at noon. We have three Christmas Eve house parties to attend this evening. We might only make it to two of them. I will have to employ the Eat to Live method instead of the Live to Eat one. This is so difficult because each house party has something different that just has to be eaten.
Well, I have to empty the dishwasher, and put away some of the remnants from the party.
Have a great Christmas Eve.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Hello on Tuesday Morning
Dear Friends,
Yesterday went well in our home. I was at Linda's "beck and call" as she danced around the kitchen preparing different epicurean delights, some of which will be used for today's party, and others for Christmas Day Dinner with the seniors. At different points during the day, we realized that the kitchen might not be big enough for the two of us as we kept on bouncing into one another.
I needed a power nap before we went off to do some errands at Walmart, which was a real zoo.
Since it was near supper time, and we were in the "neighborhood", we decided to stop in at Applebees for a light supper. Since it was the time which senior citizens dine, we had no trouble being seated. Our food was just okay. The french fries tasted like they were leftover from lunch. The onion rings must have come out of a box, were more batter than onion. No, we are not going to dine at Applebees for a long time.
My sister's day surgery on her elbow went well. She was feeling no pain after the hour long surgery. The pain would begin about 8 hours later.
She is in a sling right now, and she is supposed to be immobile for several weeks. She is going to be waited on by other family members for the Christmas Day Dinner at her house. We will be going there after our Christmas Day dinner.
Our guests will be arriving at 5 PM for the Curley Christmas party. Luckily the weather forecast is a very good one. Rain is predicted to fall on Wednesday as we head out for some Christmas Eve festivities.
It is hard to believe that I am officially 62 years old today. Since Dear old Mom is 30 years older than me, I have a window to the future. Now that is a scary thought!
Well, we have to do a little more preparing, setting up things, a quick cleaning, and removing a little clutter. We will be ready to entertain by 5 PM.
Politics -- No Report!
Have a great day at work or play.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Yesterday went well in our home. I was at Linda's "beck and call" as she danced around the kitchen preparing different epicurean delights, some of which will be used for today's party, and others for Christmas Day Dinner with the seniors. At different points during the day, we realized that the kitchen might not be big enough for the two of us as we kept on bouncing into one another.
I needed a power nap before we went off to do some errands at Walmart, which was a real zoo.
Since it was near supper time, and we were in the "neighborhood", we decided to stop in at Applebees for a light supper. Since it was the time which senior citizens dine, we had no trouble being seated. Our food was just okay. The french fries tasted like they were leftover from lunch. The onion rings must have come out of a box, were more batter than onion. No, we are not going to dine at Applebees for a long time.
My sister's day surgery on her elbow went well. She was feeling no pain after the hour long surgery. The pain would begin about 8 hours later.
She is in a sling right now, and she is supposed to be immobile for several weeks. She is going to be waited on by other family members for the Christmas Day Dinner at her house. We will be going there after our Christmas Day dinner.
Our guests will be arriving at 5 PM for the Curley Christmas party. Luckily the weather forecast is a very good one. Rain is predicted to fall on Wednesday as we head out for some Christmas Eve festivities.
It is hard to believe that I am officially 62 years old today. Since Dear old Mom is 30 years older than me, I have a window to the future. Now that is a scary thought!
Well, we have to do a little more preparing, setting up things, a quick cleaning, and removing a little clutter. We will be ready to entertain by 5 PM.
Politics -- No Report!
Have a great day at work or play.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Monday, December 22, 2008
Hello on Monday Morning
Dear Friends,
My friend and I made a very good decision to not go to the Patriot Game. The snow, and wintry mix from the middle of the State to the coast was the most severe. We picked up 3 or 4 inches of snow. From Worcester to Boston, they got the worst of this coastal storm. Pittsfield is too far inland.
Yes, I did watch the Patriot Game in the comfort of our own home. The next door neighbors came over at half time for some fun and merriment. The hot sausages, which I was going to cook while tailgating, ended up so delicious in the crock pot.
My e-mails keep talking about Linda baking. Not! After Linda reads the local newspaper this morning, she will be in the baking mode all day long. All the days which we postponed the baking are coming to an end.
I am the guy who stirs the batter, cleans up the pots, pans, and bowls. I am also the guy who peels the raw shrimp.
Speaking of shrimp, I don't think that we have ever bought the thaw and eat shrimp. Yes, it does take a great deal of work peeling the raw shrimp, but Linda and I think that it is worth the effort.
It is difficult to believe that Christmas is a few days away. We will have a White Christmas, but ice to rain is forecasted for Christmas Eve.
Speaking of ice, our friend's sister, who lives in New Jersey, fell on black ice in her driveway, and broke her arm the other day. An orthopedics doctor is going to deal with the problem this morning. Of course, this person has a houseful of guests coming over to her home for Christmas day dinner.
Today is also the day for my sister's elbow surgery at University of Massachusetts Medical Center in Worcester. I hope that the roads to the hospital are okay. Worcester is about a 1.5 hour drive from Pittsfield. My sister has a houseful of people coming to her home on Christmas Day, including a toddler, a baby, and three other children. Some of her children and their significant others will be taking over the kitchen duties.
Politics -- I am not going to discuss politics until after Christmas. I am going to think happy thoughts. I am going to think about being a good Democrat, a liberal, and a person who would vote for another Kennedy (qualified or not). I am going to think about the auto- makers loans from the Federal government. I am going to think about the Madoff scandal, and all the rich people who got bilked by this person and his scheme. I am going to think about Unions, and the power that they once had. I am going the think about the architect of "Change", and the new direction which our country will be heading in. I am going to say a prayer for all of our military men and women who won't be home for the holidays. I am going to pray for peace in the world among all nations. I will also pray that there is a better way toward peace than building bigger and better weapons of destruction, and killing one another.
Well, I am going to start peeling a batch of shrimp. I think that this is a quiet activity.
Have a great Monday.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
My friend and I made a very good decision to not go to the Patriot Game. The snow, and wintry mix from the middle of the State to the coast was the most severe. We picked up 3 or 4 inches of snow. From Worcester to Boston, they got the worst of this coastal storm. Pittsfield is too far inland.
Yes, I did watch the Patriot Game in the comfort of our own home. The next door neighbors came over at half time for some fun and merriment. The hot sausages, which I was going to cook while tailgating, ended up so delicious in the crock pot.
My e-mails keep talking about Linda baking. Not! After Linda reads the local newspaper this morning, she will be in the baking mode all day long. All the days which we postponed the baking are coming to an end.
I am the guy who stirs the batter, cleans up the pots, pans, and bowls. I am also the guy who peels the raw shrimp.
Speaking of shrimp, I don't think that we have ever bought the thaw and eat shrimp. Yes, it does take a great deal of work peeling the raw shrimp, but Linda and I think that it is worth the effort.
It is difficult to believe that Christmas is a few days away. We will have a White Christmas, but ice to rain is forecasted for Christmas Eve.
Speaking of ice, our friend's sister, who lives in New Jersey, fell on black ice in her driveway, and broke her arm the other day. An orthopedics doctor is going to deal with the problem this morning. Of course, this person has a houseful of guests coming over to her home for Christmas day dinner.
Today is also the day for my sister's elbow surgery at University of Massachusetts Medical Center in Worcester. I hope that the roads to the hospital are okay. Worcester is about a 1.5 hour drive from Pittsfield. My sister has a houseful of people coming to her home on Christmas Day, including a toddler, a baby, and three other children. Some of her children and their significant others will be taking over the kitchen duties.
Politics -- I am not going to discuss politics until after Christmas. I am going to think happy thoughts. I am going to think about being a good Democrat, a liberal, and a person who would vote for another Kennedy (qualified or not). I am going to think about the auto- makers loans from the Federal government. I am going to think about the Madoff scandal, and all the rich people who got bilked by this person and his scheme. I am going to think about Unions, and the power that they once had. I am going the think about the architect of "Change", and the new direction which our country will be heading in. I am going to say a prayer for all of our military men and women who won't be home for the holidays. I am going to pray for peace in the world among all nations. I will also pray that there is a better way toward peace than building bigger and better weapons of destruction, and killing one another.
Well, I am going to start peeling a batch of shrimp. I think that this is a quiet activity.
Have a great Monday.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Hello on Sunday Morning
Dear Friends,
We made it through a hectic Saturday, but it was fun.
Our first stop was the UNICO Children's Christmas Party. We left as the organizers were picking up after the affair.
We went directly to the Italian American Club for the members Christmas lunch. By the time we arrived, the food table was reduced to a card table. We ate what little was there.
We then headed off to do a couple of errands before coming home to freshen up for our last adventure of the day. Before this adventure , we stopped at Patrick's Pub for some light fare.
The Pub was hopping so we had to eat at the bar. It was like old home week in there. As usual, the Curley's knew just about everyone.
Our final event of the day was a Celtic Concert at the Colonial theater which is about 500 feet from the Pub. Once again, we knew a good number of people at the concert including most of the volunteer ushers. The Concert was great. It was billed as "The Leahey Family Celtic Christmas." The band is comprised of 11 siblings, and their offspring. It was awesome! It ended a little after 10 PM. I was in bed by 10:30 PM.
Well, my friend and I decided that we are going to the Patriot Game. It was mostly my decision. Yes, the forecast hasn't changed. We will be dashing through snow in the Berkshires, and into a wintry mix at the Stadium. After finishing this e-mail, I will gather all my food, cold weather gear, and rain gear. I think that I will be using my rain gear for certain amount of time today for sure. The Berkshires will be getting an all snow event.
Linda and my friend's wife are going out to breakfast at 10 AM. Hopefully, we will be at the stadium, and I will have the grill fired up. We will be having man food today for sure.
I don't think that are wives are going to do any shopping. Linda had me take out the ingredients for some of the items which have to be baked. The baking can't be postponed much longer.
Well, my friend and I will wave to you from the Patriot Game.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
We made it through a hectic Saturday, but it was fun.
Our first stop was the UNICO Children's Christmas Party. We left as the organizers were picking up after the affair.
We went directly to the Italian American Club for the members Christmas lunch. By the time we arrived, the food table was reduced to a card table. We ate what little was there.
We then headed off to do a couple of errands before coming home to freshen up for our last adventure of the day. Before this adventure , we stopped at Patrick's Pub for some light fare.
The Pub was hopping so we had to eat at the bar. It was like old home week in there. As usual, the Curley's knew just about everyone.
Our final event of the day was a Celtic Concert at the Colonial theater which is about 500 feet from the Pub. Once again, we knew a good number of people at the concert including most of the volunteer ushers. The Concert was great. It was billed as "The Leahey Family Celtic Christmas." The band is comprised of 11 siblings, and their offspring. It was awesome! It ended a little after 10 PM. I was in bed by 10:30 PM.
Well, my friend and I decided that we are going to the Patriot Game. It was mostly my decision. Yes, the forecast hasn't changed. We will be dashing through snow in the Berkshires, and into a wintry mix at the Stadium. After finishing this e-mail, I will gather all my food, cold weather gear, and rain gear. I think that I will be using my rain gear for certain amount of time today for sure. The Berkshires will be getting an all snow event.
Linda and my friend's wife are going out to breakfast at 10 AM. Hopefully, we will be at the stadium, and I will have the grill fired up. We will be having man food today for sure.
I don't think that are wives are going to do any shopping. Linda had me take out the ingredients for some of the items which have to be baked. The baking can't be postponed much longer.
Well, my friend and I will wave to you from the Patriot Game.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Hello on Saturday Morning
Dear Friends,
The Northeast is coated with a blanket of snow. Santa will have no trouble in his sleigh a couple of days from now. We didn't venture outside once the snow started falling a little after noon time. It appears that we picked up about 10 inches of this light snow. The snow was light because the temperatures were too cold. The best snow flies just around the 32 degree mark, but then there also is a chance that the snow might change over to a mix.
No, we didn't fire up the crock pot, which we traditionally do on the day of snowstorm. I stuffed a couple of boneless pork chops. We had a salad , and an artichoke (which looked pretty good in the grocery store). This is another thing which my colorblindness presents a problem. I couldn't tell a good artichoke from a bad one.
I think some baking might be on the agenda today after I snow blow the side walks, and paths to my bird feeders. Our plow guy did the driveway shortly after the storm ended around 9 PM.
I might make a stop to see my parents in Lee, and whip up some lunch for them. Not!
I forgot that there is a Christmas party for children of UNICO members at the ITAM lodge at noon today. I have to be there since I am the President of UNICO. I also have to introduce Santa when he arrives from the North Pole.
Politics -- Caroline Kennedy seems like the front runner for Hillary's senate seat in New York. Maybe not being too qualified isn't bad. She definitely won't be carrying much baggage into the position.
The Governor of Illinois claims he is innocent. He is going to fight to the bitter end to retain his job. At least he wasn't caught on tape like a Massachusetts representative did, stuffing $1000 into her bra. She no longer is a Massachusetts legislator.
Patriots -- My friend and I are in the discussion process of skipping the game on Sunday. Yes, you heard that correctly! There is another winter storm rolling in, but it contains snow, sleet, freezing rain, and rain in the Stadium area. We might have to eat the tickets. We can't get rid of the tickets because it is too late to do so. My friend and I are going to "play it by ear!"
If we don't go to the game, we will have a party at the Curley's, and watch the game with a few Patriot fans.
Well, Linda has a list of quiet activities for me to do.
Have a great weekend.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
The Northeast is coated with a blanket of snow. Santa will have no trouble in his sleigh a couple of days from now. We didn't venture outside once the snow started falling a little after noon time. It appears that we picked up about 10 inches of this light snow. The snow was light because the temperatures were too cold. The best snow flies just around the 32 degree mark, but then there also is a chance that the snow might change over to a mix.
No, we didn't fire up the crock pot, which we traditionally do on the day of snowstorm. I stuffed a couple of boneless pork chops. We had a salad , and an artichoke (which looked pretty good in the grocery store). This is another thing which my colorblindness presents a problem. I couldn't tell a good artichoke from a bad one.
I think some baking might be on the agenda today after I snow blow the side walks, and paths to my bird feeders. Our plow guy did the driveway shortly after the storm ended around 9 PM.
I might make a stop to see my parents in Lee, and whip up some lunch for them. Not!
I forgot that there is a Christmas party for children of UNICO members at the ITAM lodge at noon today. I have to be there since I am the President of UNICO. I also have to introduce Santa when he arrives from the North Pole.
Politics -- Caroline Kennedy seems like the front runner for Hillary's senate seat in New York. Maybe not being too qualified isn't bad. She definitely won't be carrying much baggage into the position.
The Governor of Illinois claims he is innocent. He is going to fight to the bitter end to retain his job. At least he wasn't caught on tape like a Massachusetts representative did, stuffing $1000 into her bra. She no longer is a Massachusetts legislator.
Patriots -- My friend and I are in the discussion process of skipping the game on Sunday. Yes, you heard that correctly! There is another winter storm rolling in, but it contains snow, sleet, freezing rain, and rain in the Stadium area. We might have to eat the tickets. We can't get rid of the tickets because it is too late to do so. My friend and I are going to "play it by ear!"
If we don't go to the game, we will have a party at the Curley's, and watch the game with a few Patriot fans.
Well, Linda has a list of quiet activities for me to do.
Have a great weekend.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Friday, December 19, 2008
Hello on Friday Morning
Dear Friends,
Thursday went well for Linda and I even though were apart for most of the day.
Linda arrived home around 6 PM from her shopping adventure. Yes, she had to show me everything which she purchased. This took about 30 minutes before we were all done putting the treasures away. Many of the treasures were for me!
When you shop at a place like Cosco's, everything is large. There is no small bag of peanuts in the shell. There are no small cereal boxes. As an example of large quantities, I have enough of Irish Spring Bath soap to take me through the next 5 years, and this is with me taking at least on shower per day.
I had to make a beverage run for alcoholic, and non alcoholic beverages. Luckily in the Liquor store, I ran into a couple who was doing the same thing. This couple just happened to be coming to the Curley Christmas Party / Open House. The only problem was that they thought the party was on Sunday which is when my friend and I will be at Gillette Stadium.
Pension Plans -- Linda and I received our membership cards in the mail from the Retired State, County, and Municipal Employees Association of Massachusetts. Some of my readers comment about the State pension plans. I thought that I should quote a few lines from a letter sent to us members: "Fortunately, our Defined Benefit pension plan is a contractual guarantee, a guarantee that the vast majority of private sector retirees do not enjoy. For the most part, these retirees rely on 401 (K) type plans, defined contribution plans, as their primary source of retirement income. These plans depend on the market and have done well at times, but have lost much of their value over the past year.
Even though most of our members worked for lower wages than those of the private sector, knowing they would have the security of a guaranteed DB pension, this benefit is now permeating a sense of envy among our neighbors in the private sector.
The media has created an image that the DB pension , which you have earned, is a costly, overly - generous benefit subsidized by the tax payers. A few high- profile pensions, including those of Legislators, are constantly anecdotally highlighted within any criticism of our retirement plan.
While it's a fact that employee contributions, properly invested, pay most of the cost of our pensions, this is overlooked by the critics." .....
I didn't mean to bore you with the sentences above, but everyone seems to be jealous of the other guy when economic times are they way they are right now. Everyone of us baby boomers had choices when we entered the workforce in the late 60's and early 70's. If you made the choices which we did, you too could have been part of a defined benefit plan.
Note-- The military, and government employees have a defined benefit pension plan.
Weather -- The impending snow storm in our area is the big item on people's minds today. I know my snow blower is ready for action with the little workout it had the other day.
Have to send some other e-mails. The Curley Lad
Thursday went well for Linda and I even though were apart for most of the day.
Linda arrived home around 6 PM from her shopping adventure. Yes, she had to show me everything which she purchased. This took about 30 minutes before we were all done putting the treasures away. Many of the treasures were for me!
When you shop at a place like Cosco's, everything is large. There is no small bag of peanuts in the shell. There are no small cereal boxes. As an example of large quantities, I have enough of Irish Spring Bath soap to take me through the next 5 years, and this is with me taking at least on shower per day.
I had to make a beverage run for alcoholic, and non alcoholic beverages. Luckily in the Liquor store, I ran into a couple who was doing the same thing. This couple just happened to be coming to the Curley Christmas Party / Open House. The only problem was that they thought the party was on Sunday which is when my friend and I will be at Gillette Stadium.
Pension Plans -- Linda and I received our membership cards in the mail from the Retired State, County, and Municipal Employees Association of Massachusetts. Some of my readers comment about the State pension plans. I thought that I should quote a few lines from a letter sent to us members: "Fortunately, our Defined Benefit pension plan is a contractual guarantee, a guarantee that the vast majority of private sector retirees do not enjoy. For the most part, these retirees rely on 401 (K) type plans, defined contribution plans, as their primary source of retirement income. These plans depend on the market and have done well at times, but have lost much of their value over the past year.
Even though most of our members worked for lower wages than those of the private sector, knowing they would have the security of a guaranteed DB pension, this benefit is now permeating a sense of envy among our neighbors in the private sector.
The media has created an image that the DB pension , which you have earned, is a costly, overly - generous benefit subsidized by the tax payers. A few high- profile pensions, including those of Legislators, are constantly anecdotally highlighted within any criticism of our retirement plan.
While it's a fact that employee contributions, properly invested, pay most of the cost of our pensions, this is overlooked by the critics." .....
I didn't mean to bore you with the sentences above, but everyone seems to be jealous of the other guy when economic times are they way they are right now. Everyone of us baby boomers had choices when we entered the workforce in the late 60's and early 70's. If you made the choices which we did, you too could have been part of a defined benefit plan.
Note-- The military, and government employees have a defined benefit pension plan.
Weather -- The impending snow storm in our area is the big item on people's minds today. I know my snow blower is ready for action with the little workout it had the other day.
Have to send some other e-mails. The Curley Lad
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Hello on Thursday Morning
Dear Friends,
Linda was a wrapping machine on Wednesday. I knew she was ready for action when she came downstairs in sweatpants instead of her sleepwear.
I normally would have helped her, but my Dr. Phil like services were required at my parent's home in Lee. When I left their home, "All was calm, and all was bright."
I did use my snow blower yesterday for the couple of inches of snow which fell in Pittsfield. My driveway is down to the black top. Yes, I will watch out for the black ice. I purchased some environmentally safe ice melt in my travels on Wednesday.
Speaking of snow, it is definite that we are going to have a white Christmas. We have some snow coming in on Friday afternoon. A second shot of the white stuff will arrive as we are exiting the Patriot Game on Sunday, and a third dose is predicted to fall on Christmas Eve.
If all of these predictions come true, my snow bird friends will be "chomping at the bit" to leave for Florida after the Holidays. Some of our friends are in Florida right now.
How about the city in the United States which was running out of road salt, and decided to add garlic salt from a nearby processing plant? Can you visualize what the city must smell like as the salt trucks do their job?
My social calendar has only one required task on it today. I will be at Walmart ringing the Salvation Army Bells with several UNICO brothers and sisters from 3 to 5 PM. The mid thirty temperatures, and a relatively calm day will make for a fun couple of hours.
If I have enough energy, I could go to a Big Brothers and Big Sisters Christmas party which some other UNICO brothers and sisters are putting on at the Italian American Club at 6 PM.
Linda is getting up early once again. She is going off on a shopping adventure for the whole day. Linda is going to be at her friend's home at 8 AM. Plans have changed, and the only shoppers will be Linda and her friend.
After an hour drive, they will be at the front door of Cosco's in Springfield, Massachusetts.
After the food shopping adventure, they are off to the Ingelside Mall for some last minute gifts. They are planning to go to another smaller Mall which has a Whole Foods Market, and a Trader Joe's store in it. Maybe, they should rent a U-Haul!
Our Christmas day dinner guests are set. There will be nine of us around the dinner table. An Aunt and Uncle and their son and daughter got added yesterday.
Neither of our sons and their families will be with us this year. We are trying to get them all booked in for next Christmas.
I don't have to be so quiet this morning since Linda will be up early today.
Have a great Thursday.
Talk to you soon.
Linda was a wrapping machine on Wednesday. I knew she was ready for action when she came downstairs in sweatpants instead of her sleepwear.
I normally would have helped her, but my Dr. Phil like services were required at my parent's home in Lee. When I left their home, "All was calm, and all was bright."
I did use my snow blower yesterday for the couple of inches of snow which fell in Pittsfield. My driveway is down to the black top. Yes, I will watch out for the black ice. I purchased some environmentally safe ice melt in my travels on Wednesday.
Speaking of snow, it is definite that we are going to have a white Christmas. We have some snow coming in on Friday afternoon. A second shot of the white stuff will arrive as we are exiting the Patriot Game on Sunday, and a third dose is predicted to fall on Christmas Eve.
If all of these predictions come true, my snow bird friends will be "chomping at the bit" to leave for Florida after the Holidays. Some of our friends are in Florida right now.
How about the city in the United States which was running out of road salt, and decided to add garlic salt from a nearby processing plant? Can you visualize what the city must smell like as the salt trucks do their job?
My social calendar has only one required task on it today. I will be at Walmart ringing the Salvation Army Bells with several UNICO brothers and sisters from 3 to 5 PM. The mid thirty temperatures, and a relatively calm day will make for a fun couple of hours.
If I have enough energy, I could go to a Big Brothers and Big Sisters Christmas party which some other UNICO brothers and sisters are putting on at the Italian American Club at 6 PM.
Linda is getting up early once again. She is going off on a shopping adventure for the whole day. Linda is going to be at her friend's home at 8 AM. Plans have changed, and the only shoppers will be Linda and her friend.
After an hour drive, they will be at the front door of Cosco's in Springfield, Massachusetts.
After the food shopping adventure, they are off to the Ingelside Mall for some last minute gifts. They are planning to go to another smaller Mall which has a Whole Foods Market, and a Trader Joe's store in it. Maybe, they should rent a U-Haul!
Our Christmas day dinner guests are set. There will be nine of us around the dinner table. An Aunt and Uncle and their son and daughter got added yesterday.
Neither of our sons and their families will be with us this year. We are trying to get them all booked in for next Christmas.
I don't have to be so quiet this morning since Linda will be up early today.
Have a great Thursday.
Talk to you soon.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Hello on Wednesday Morning
Dear Friends,
I received my Christmas haircut, mustache, and eyebrow trim the other day. Linda is such a good hairstylist, but I am not sure how long that she will continue the task. She gets a workout every time she takes care of me.
She received a little trim yesterday from her hair person before she went off to play Mah Jongg.
The games were played at a friend's home in a neighboring town which wasn't affected by the ice storm. Since the lady's home is located very close to a local lake, the friend had to deal with water in the cellar.
I decided to make an unplanned visit with my parents in Lee before heading back to Pittsfield for my 2 PM Irish Sister City Meeting. During this visit, my mother wasn't doing well since she fell in the bedroom on Monday when she woke up. She hurt her neck, and got a good size bump on the back of her head. She didn't want me to tell my father how awful she felt because she didn't want to go see a doctor. She thinks that my fathers sees enough doctors for the both of them!
The ground has a coating of the white stuff. We might have a white Christmas if all goes well.
News -- How about the guy who bilked investors out of $50 billion? Some of our pension fund managers in Massachusetts invested with this guy. Maybe not having a great deal of disposable cash to invest is a good thing for Linda and I.
How could this guy have succeeded for so long before he got caught? Do you think that he was a Republican or a Democrat?
Supper -- Yes, I had the crock pot working on Tuesday. I had some red sauce with a mixture of sweet and hot sausages brewing while were doing our thing on Tuesday. We had some heart healthy wheat Penne pasta, and a green salad too.
Politics -- Should the first lady be paid? Obama's wife is taking a financial hit by giving up her law firm work to be the dutiful Presidential wife. Yes, she does have perks living in the Whitehouse. Heaven forbid if she speaks her mind, or offers public advice on pressing issues. Congressional leaders, the media, etc., will beat her up like they did when Hillary tried to take on issues when her husband was President.
Social Calendar -- Linda is getting close to overload. She has wrapping to finish as well as baking and cooking to do before our open house next Tuesday, and Christmas day dinner. My parents, and Aunt Gladys, and hopefully our son and his wife from Boston. I also invited another Aunt and Uncle, but I haven't heard heard from them yet.
My UNICO brothers and sisters will be ringing bells for the Salvation Army at Walmart today and tomorrow. I will be there with a crew from 3 PM until 5 PM tomorrow. It will be in the mid 30's on Thursday afternoon.
Linda is also supposed to make run to Cosco's on Thursday with a friend. They are also going to do a little Mall Shopping. I couldn't believe it when Linda told me that the husband of the friend is going on the adventure. Another female friend is going too. So there will be three females, and one male, and a trunk of a car that is just so big.
If you knew my male friend, and how he does his shopping, you would know that this will not be a good mix! Maybe he should do a little bell ringing with me on Thursday.
You also don't realize that when just Linda and the friend go to Coscos, they have coolers in the trunk for food which they purchase, and they need the back seat for the overflow.
It looks like my friend and I will need the cold weather gear for Sunday's game at Gillette Stadium.The temperatures will be in the 20 degree range. We will be experiencing some wintry weather too. Luckily, the game starts at 1 PM so that we will have the illusion of warmth. No, I don't want to hear any responses of how warm it will be in your home as my friend and I experience the joys of winter in the Northeast.
Well, I have to read the newspaper, and get that second cup of coffee.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
I received my Christmas haircut, mustache, and eyebrow trim the other day. Linda is such a good hairstylist, but I am not sure how long that she will continue the task. She gets a workout every time she takes care of me.
She received a little trim yesterday from her hair person before she went off to play Mah Jongg.
The games were played at a friend's home in a neighboring town which wasn't affected by the ice storm. Since the lady's home is located very close to a local lake, the friend had to deal with water in the cellar.
I decided to make an unplanned visit with my parents in Lee before heading back to Pittsfield for my 2 PM Irish Sister City Meeting. During this visit, my mother wasn't doing well since she fell in the bedroom on Monday when she woke up. She hurt her neck, and got a good size bump on the back of her head. She didn't want me to tell my father how awful she felt because she didn't want to go see a doctor. She thinks that my fathers sees enough doctors for the both of them!
The ground has a coating of the white stuff. We might have a white Christmas if all goes well.
News -- How about the guy who bilked investors out of $50 billion? Some of our pension fund managers in Massachusetts invested with this guy. Maybe not having a great deal of disposable cash to invest is a good thing for Linda and I.
How could this guy have succeeded for so long before he got caught? Do you think that he was a Republican or a Democrat?
Supper -- Yes, I had the crock pot working on Tuesday. I had some red sauce with a mixture of sweet and hot sausages brewing while were doing our thing on Tuesday. We had some heart healthy wheat Penne pasta, and a green salad too.
Politics -- Should the first lady be paid? Obama's wife is taking a financial hit by giving up her law firm work to be the dutiful Presidential wife. Yes, she does have perks living in the Whitehouse. Heaven forbid if she speaks her mind, or offers public advice on pressing issues. Congressional leaders, the media, etc., will beat her up like they did when Hillary tried to take on issues when her husband was President.
Social Calendar -- Linda is getting close to overload. She has wrapping to finish as well as baking and cooking to do before our open house next Tuesday, and Christmas day dinner. My parents, and Aunt Gladys, and hopefully our son and his wife from Boston. I also invited another Aunt and Uncle, but I haven't heard heard from them yet.
My UNICO brothers and sisters will be ringing bells for the Salvation Army at Walmart today and tomorrow. I will be there with a crew from 3 PM until 5 PM tomorrow. It will be in the mid 30's on Thursday afternoon.
Linda is also supposed to make run to Cosco's on Thursday with a friend. They are also going to do a little Mall Shopping. I couldn't believe it when Linda told me that the husband of the friend is going on the adventure. Another female friend is going too. So there will be three females, and one male, and a trunk of a car that is just so big.
If you knew my male friend, and how he does his shopping, you would know that this will not be a good mix! Maybe he should do a little bell ringing with me on Thursday.
You also don't realize that when just Linda and the friend go to Coscos, they have coolers in the trunk for food which they purchase, and they need the back seat for the overflow.
It looks like my friend and I will need the cold weather gear for Sunday's game at Gillette Stadium.The temperatures will be in the 20 degree range. We will be experiencing some wintry weather too. Luckily, the game starts at 1 PM so that we will have the illusion of warmth. No, I don't want to hear any responses of how warm it will be in your home as my friend and I experience the joys of winter in the Northeast.
Well, I have to read the newspaper, and get that second cup of coffee.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Hello on Tuesday Morning
Dear Friends,
Monday went as planned.
Linda was appointment free, but she had a great deal of stuff around the house to keep herself busy before she left for some afternoon errands.
I forgot to check my calendar because I was supposed to take my father for a "follow up" visit at the pain clinic in Pittsfield. Luckily he called, and said that I didn't have to pick up up, and bring him there. I met him at the place for the 1:30 PM appointment.
After the appointment , I went home, but my father continued on to the Target Store to get a new electric blanket.
Speaking of things to keep you warm, I forgot that Linda's sister lives in the middle of the State of Massachusetts in Worcester. She too experienced the loss of power for several days. Her description of the days without power sure didn't sound like much fun.
The stories continued at my UNICO meeting last night since one of my board members is a volunteer fireman for a Berkshire County hill towns called Hinsdale. He too lost power. His house requires electricity to get water from his well, and to flush his toilets. He and his wife used the the toilets at the firehouse. He was lucky enough to have a gas fired fireplace to make it through each night without power. He was just ready to fire up a generator, which a friend had lent him, when he got his power restored. He said that when every thing returns to normal, he is going to purchase his own generator so that he will never be without power again.
This UNICO friend said that he spent most of his waking hours on calls through out his town and a neighboring town. He said the hardest thing was getting down roads that had trees, tree branches, broken telephone poles, etc. lying across them. They rescued one frightened 88 year old lady who starting to have a heart attack. Yes, my friend is a certified EMT who can work those paddles that you see on all those doctor programs.
My friend, and Linda's sister said that they threw out all the food in their refrigerators, and freezers.
Since we have electric stoves, and if we lost power, I would have fired up the gas grill on the deck, the grill which I use for tailgating, and a table top gas canister grill and cook as much food from the refrigerator which I could cook. The first thing that I would cook is a 10 pound turkey which is in my my freezer in the garage.
The electric lines are underground on our street.
Our friends from Tewksbury will be dropping off 87 year old Dad Brodeur today at his New Hampshire home. He received word that his power was restored.
Jerry's son and his wife still have no power at their New Hampshire home. The son decided to stay at their home while his wife remains as a guest in the Brodeur home in Tewksbury.
There are still people without power, but the situation is improving every day.
Linda has MahJongg today.
I have a 2 PM meeting with our Irish Sister City Committee. We have to work out the details of our January 25, 2009 "Irish Go Italian" pasta dinner fund raiser. We will be using the kitchen at St. Mark's School.
I fell asleep watching Monday Night Football in the basement. Linda heard me snoring.
Well, we are in for a little taste of winter for the next few days. It is always nice to have a little of the white stuff for Christmas. It is better to have snow than ice.
Have to go and get a second cup of coffee.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Monday went as planned.
Linda was appointment free, but she had a great deal of stuff around the house to keep herself busy before she left for some afternoon errands.
I forgot to check my calendar because I was supposed to take my father for a "follow up" visit at the pain clinic in Pittsfield. Luckily he called, and said that I didn't have to pick up up, and bring him there. I met him at the place for the 1:30 PM appointment.
After the appointment , I went home, but my father continued on to the Target Store to get a new electric blanket.
Speaking of things to keep you warm, I forgot that Linda's sister lives in the middle of the State of Massachusetts in Worcester. She too experienced the loss of power for several days. Her description of the days without power sure didn't sound like much fun.
The stories continued at my UNICO meeting last night since one of my board members is a volunteer fireman for a Berkshire County hill towns called Hinsdale. He too lost power. His house requires electricity to get water from his well, and to flush his toilets. He and his wife used the the toilets at the firehouse. He was lucky enough to have a gas fired fireplace to make it through each night without power. He was just ready to fire up a generator, which a friend had lent him, when he got his power restored. He said that when every thing returns to normal, he is going to purchase his own generator so that he will never be without power again.
This UNICO friend said that he spent most of his waking hours on calls through out his town and a neighboring town. He said the hardest thing was getting down roads that had trees, tree branches, broken telephone poles, etc. lying across them. They rescued one frightened 88 year old lady who starting to have a heart attack. Yes, my friend is a certified EMT who can work those paddles that you see on all those doctor programs.
My friend, and Linda's sister said that they threw out all the food in their refrigerators, and freezers.
Since we have electric stoves, and if we lost power, I would have fired up the gas grill on the deck, the grill which I use for tailgating, and a table top gas canister grill and cook as much food from the refrigerator which I could cook. The first thing that I would cook is a 10 pound turkey which is in my my freezer in the garage.
The electric lines are underground on our street.
Our friends from Tewksbury will be dropping off 87 year old Dad Brodeur today at his New Hampshire home. He received word that his power was restored.
Jerry's son and his wife still have no power at their New Hampshire home. The son decided to stay at their home while his wife remains as a guest in the Brodeur home in Tewksbury.
There are still people without power, but the situation is improving every day.
Linda has MahJongg today.
I have a 2 PM meeting with our Irish Sister City Committee. We have to work out the details of our January 25, 2009 "Irish Go Italian" pasta dinner fund raiser. We will be using the kitchen at St. Mark's School.
I fell asleep watching Monday Night Football in the basement. Linda heard me snoring.
Well, we are in for a little taste of winter for the next few days. It is always nice to have a little of the white stuff for Christmas. It is better to have snow than ice.
Have to go and get a second cup of coffee.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Monday, December 15, 2008
Hello on Monday Morning
Dear Friends,
I got a late start with my daily e-mail because of a busy Sunday.
Sunday events -- Yes, Linda and I made it through the Make-A-Wish Christmas Party for disabled and handicapped children and their families. My UNICO brothers and sister served pizza, chicken nuggets, and make your own ice cream Sundaes.
We went from this party to the Berkshire Hills Country Club for a going away party for our course superintendent / Christmas party. The speeches were short, but the fun and merriment for the Curleys lasted until 5 PM. We decided to go home for and hour or so to freshen up for the final event of the day, which was the 7 PM membership meeting at the Italian American Club. Once again the food, fun and merriment was great. We arrived home around 9:30 PM. I tried to watch the final professional football game of the day on television, but I feel asleep before the game ended.
Ice Storm -- Our friends, who we spent Thanksgiving with, at the other the end of the State were without power from Friday until 12:30 PM on Sunday. Jerry's father and Jerry's son and his wife, who live in New Hampshire are still without power.
Dear old Dad Broduer, who is 87 years old, left New Hampshire so that Jerry and Ginny could take care of him at their home in Tewksbury. Jerry's son and his wife have a wood store at their New Hampshire residence, but they will be taking a showers at the Brodeur's home before they go off to work today.
The Brodeurs have two gas fired fire places which could be manual started, and that was their source of heat. They would have lost all their food in their freezers and refrigerators if the power outages lasted longer than it did.
Actually, they are the lucky ones, there are so many stories coming out of the areas of the Northeast hit hard by the ice storm. The Berkshire County Hill towns still have 6000 homes and businesses without power. We were so lucky that most of Pittsfield survived the ice storm with little or no damage or power outages. It is like a tornado that passes though a town and destroys houses on either side of you, but your house experienced no damage.
Today's activities -- Our social calendar has only one item on it today. I have a UNICO membership meeting today at 6 PM.
I think that Linda is free. I use that word loosely because she was reminding me that she hasn't done any baking, or preparing for the Curley Open house on December 23, 2008.
Politics -- I see where another Union is ready to go on strike. The Screen Actors Guild is ready to authorize the walkout. They are one of the most powerful unions left in the country. This is another organization which my non liberal friends would like to see go down.
Can you believe a protester threw a pair of shoes at our President Bush who made a surprise visit to Iraq? The people of Iraq loved the Americans when they ousted Sadam, but after several years of American presence, the warm and fuzzy feeling are starting to fade.
Weather -- Can you believe that we are going to be in the 50 degree range today for most of the Northeast before we start heading downward again. The middle of the week is going to get messy again, but the type of precipitation is uncertain right now.
I just want our last Patriot Home game to be on the relatively mild side on Sunday. The game starts at 1 PM.
Sports -- Speaking of the Patriots, Matt Cassel and his team did quite well yesterday in a rain filled Oakland , California. The Raiders need a lot of improvement. The Patriot defense will not beat a top ranked team if they play like they did yesterday. The Patriots are still tied with two other teams for first place in their division.
Well, I can sit no longer.
Have to get dressed and get the body moving. The Curley Lad
I got a late start with my daily e-mail because of a busy Sunday.
Sunday events -- Yes, Linda and I made it through the Make-A-Wish Christmas Party for disabled and handicapped children and their families. My UNICO brothers and sister served pizza, chicken nuggets, and make your own ice cream Sundaes.
We went from this party to the Berkshire Hills Country Club for a going away party for our course superintendent / Christmas party. The speeches were short, but the fun and merriment for the Curleys lasted until 5 PM. We decided to go home for and hour or so to freshen up for the final event of the day, which was the 7 PM membership meeting at the Italian American Club. Once again the food, fun and merriment was great. We arrived home around 9:30 PM. I tried to watch the final professional football game of the day on television, but I feel asleep before the game ended.
Ice Storm -- Our friends, who we spent Thanksgiving with, at the other the end of the State were without power from Friday until 12:30 PM on Sunday. Jerry's father and Jerry's son and his wife, who live in New Hampshire are still without power.
Dear old Dad Broduer, who is 87 years old, left New Hampshire so that Jerry and Ginny could take care of him at their home in Tewksbury. Jerry's son and his wife have a wood store at their New Hampshire residence, but they will be taking a showers at the Brodeur's home before they go off to work today.
The Brodeurs have two gas fired fire places which could be manual started, and that was their source of heat. They would have lost all their food in their freezers and refrigerators if the power outages lasted longer than it did.
Actually, they are the lucky ones, there are so many stories coming out of the areas of the Northeast hit hard by the ice storm. The Berkshire County Hill towns still have 6000 homes and businesses without power. We were so lucky that most of Pittsfield survived the ice storm with little or no damage or power outages. It is like a tornado that passes though a town and destroys houses on either side of you, but your house experienced no damage.
Today's activities -- Our social calendar has only one item on it today. I have a UNICO membership meeting today at 6 PM.
I think that Linda is free. I use that word loosely because she was reminding me that she hasn't done any baking, or preparing for the Curley Open house on December 23, 2008.
Politics -- I see where another Union is ready to go on strike. The Screen Actors Guild is ready to authorize the walkout. They are one of the most powerful unions left in the country. This is another organization which my non liberal friends would like to see go down.
Can you believe a protester threw a pair of shoes at our President Bush who made a surprise visit to Iraq? The people of Iraq loved the Americans when they ousted Sadam, but after several years of American presence, the warm and fuzzy feeling are starting to fade.
Weather -- Can you believe that we are going to be in the 50 degree range today for most of the Northeast before we start heading downward again. The middle of the week is going to get messy again, but the type of precipitation is uncertain right now.
I just want our last Patriot Home game to be on the relatively mild side on Sunday. The game starts at 1 PM.
Sports -- Speaking of the Patriots, Matt Cassel and his team did quite well yesterday in a rain filled Oakland , California. The Raiders need a lot of improvement. The Patriot defense will not beat a top ranked team if they play like they did yesterday. The Patriots are still tied with two other teams for first place in their division.
Well, I can sit no longer.
Have to get dressed and get the body moving. The Curley Lad
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Hello on Sunday Morning
Dear Friends,
We had another pleasant day in the Curley home.
I left for my parents home a little after 9 AM. "If you make it, they will come" which is exactly what happened at my parent's home for a lunch time meal. I prepared a steak dinner with all the fixings including some mushrooms and onions to go on the meat. They were both members of the clean plate club. "Franny on wheels" can't be doing this every day of the week.
Our friend, who was on a business trip in New York City, had a difficult time getting back to the Berkshires because of the ice storm in the Albany area. She had to take a train from New York City to Hudson, New York because trains don't go from Pittsfield directly to New York.
There were power outages at railroad crossings, downed trees, etc., so they had to combine the 7:30 AM, the 8:30 AM, and the 10:30 AM trains to eventually get to Hudson. It would have been easier if her husband drove to New York City, and picked her up except for the fact that her car was parked at the Hudson train station.
Linda and I went off to Walmart during the middle of Saturday afternoon. I knew that we were in trouble as we approached a nearly full parking lot. I can see why Walmart was the only retail store where profits rose instead of tumbled. It was a challenge finding a shopping cart. Some people were using the Home Depot shopping carts since the store is right next door. The cart attendants were not happy!
We ended the evening by dinning at a restaurant in a neighboring town with the husband and wife (who had the "Train ride from hell!"). We went back to their house to help to trim their Christmas tree, but I feel asleep on their couch.
We only have three events to go to today: A Make-A-Wish Children's Christmas party from noon until 4 PM, a members party at the golf course which I belong to from 3 until 6 PM, and a 7 PM election of officers at the Italian American Club.
Next week, either one of us or both of us have something every day of the week right through the weekend.
One of our friends took a video of a bird that was at his bird feeder on Saturday morning. It was standing upright on a perch, but it looked like it was just about ready to to die because of the low temperatures which occurred on Friday night. The bird was a Chiccadee.
My friend stuck a hair dryer out a window, and warmed the bird up enough so that the bird could return to the wild. My friend had to use a shoe horn to prompt the bird to leave the bird feeder which it eventually did.
We had another cold night on Saturday evening. I hope the bird made it through the night on his own.
Politics -- Linda told me to cool it with controversial subjects for a few days.
Well, I have to skim the Sunday newspapers before our day outside the home begins.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
We had another pleasant day in the Curley home.
I left for my parents home a little after 9 AM. "If you make it, they will come" which is exactly what happened at my parent's home for a lunch time meal. I prepared a steak dinner with all the fixings including some mushrooms and onions to go on the meat. They were both members of the clean plate club. "Franny on wheels" can't be doing this every day of the week.
Our friend, who was on a business trip in New York City, had a difficult time getting back to the Berkshires because of the ice storm in the Albany area. She had to take a train from New York City to Hudson, New York because trains don't go from Pittsfield directly to New York.
There were power outages at railroad crossings, downed trees, etc., so they had to combine the 7:30 AM, the 8:30 AM, and the 10:30 AM trains to eventually get to Hudson. It would have been easier if her husband drove to New York City, and picked her up except for the fact that her car was parked at the Hudson train station.
Linda and I went off to Walmart during the middle of Saturday afternoon. I knew that we were in trouble as we approached a nearly full parking lot. I can see why Walmart was the only retail store where profits rose instead of tumbled. It was a challenge finding a shopping cart. Some people were using the Home Depot shopping carts since the store is right next door. The cart attendants were not happy!
We ended the evening by dinning at a restaurant in a neighboring town with the husband and wife (who had the "Train ride from hell!"). We went back to their house to help to trim their Christmas tree, but I feel asleep on their couch.
We only have three events to go to today: A Make-A-Wish Children's Christmas party from noon until 4 PM, a members party at the golf course which I belong to from 3 until 6 PM, and a 7 PM election of officers at the Italian American Club.
Next week, either one of us or both of us have something every day of the week right through the weekend.
One of our friends took a video of a bird that was at his bird feeder on Saturday morning. It was standing upright on a perch, but it looked like it was just about ready to to die because of the low temperatures which occurred on Friday night. The bird was a Chiccadee.
My friend stuck a hair dryer out a window, and warmed the bird up enough so that the bird could return to the wild. My friend had to use a shoe horn to prompt the bird to leave the bird feeder which it eventually did.
We had another cold night on Saturday evening. I hope the bird made it through the night on his own.
Politics -- Linda told me to cool it with controversial subjects for a few days.
Well, I have to skim the Sunday newspapers before our day outside the home begins.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Hello on Saturday Morning
Dear Friends,
Life is good!
We were so fortunate to escape with rain for two days instead of ice. Both Massachusetts, and the Albany, New York area were hit pretty hard. My friends who live in the hill Towns of Berkshire County had just as much destruction as the people who were in the news on the various television stations.
We were supposed to have our Make-A-Wish Children's Christmas Party (sponsored by UNICO) at the ITAM Lodge on Sunday at noon. The organizers scrambled to find a different venue since the ITAM lost its power during the storm, and it can't be worked on until Monday morning.
The organizers were lucky enough to change it to St. Mark's School Hall, but we will have to work through Meals on Wheels, a Rosary Sodality meeting, CCD classes, before we can set up.
The ITAM lodge is in Pittsfield, but a neighboring town, which is at a higher elevation, was hit by the ice storm, and it affected the power to the lodge.
On a happier note, our Friday went very well. The beef stew was outstanding! It was so good that I wish we could sell it commercially. Linda even whipped home some homemade biscuits. She is my spice girl!
Today should be a quiet day. I will be going to visit my parents in Lee. I am going to prepare lunch for them. I haven't decided what to cook yet. I am leaning toward cooking them steak with all the fixings since they enjoyed it so much the last time that I prepared such a meal.
We might night reach 20 degrees today in the Berkshires today. All the people, who hoped that their ice laden trees and power lines would lose their coating of ice, will have to wait until Sunday. The temperatures are supposed to reach the mid 30 degree range on that day.
Politics, etc. -- I am still waiting for the auto bailout. The Republicans really are intent of busting up the labor union, and they want the workers to take a pay cut. I hope the pay cut reaches the management level too.
How about the free agent baseball players signing multi million dollar contracts when we are talking about people losing their jobs as companies are going out of business?
We now have Manny Ramierz whining about no one wanting to sign him to a 6 year contract multi-million dollar contract at age 36, which is old in terms of playing baseball.
It is amazing that we pay these athletes so much money for their athletic ability, and nothing else. A good number of these athletes can just about read, write, and speak English. Us Americans sure do have our priorities all messed up.
Yes, I know that I contribute to this stupidity by having season tickets to the Patriots. I guess that I am a slow learner too.
Who is going to be able to afford to go to the new Yankee Stadium, and pay outrageous prices for food and beverages, and parking a car? Maybe people should start tailgating at baseball games, and eat their own food, and consume their own beverages before going inside the ball park. At Least us football fans deal with 8 regular season games, and not the 162 game schedule that baseball has.
How about athletes taking a pay cut? Auto workers produce a product! What product do athletes produce?
How about actors taking a pay cut?
How about politicians taking a pay cut?
See what we are really do here? It is like "we are eating our young."
One of Linda's friends just got laid off from KB Toys. No severance pay! She has the unemployment line to look forward to, and that is only temporary. She is over 60 years old. Do you think that she really cares whether Manny Ramirez signs an multi-million dollar contract or not? Do you think that she is all excited about the $170 million dollar deal that the Yankees made to sign a pitcher is a wonderful thing?
Well, it is time for me to end the lecture.
I hope that I gave you some "food for thought."
Have a great Saturday and Sunday.
Start adopting the "Less is more" philosophy which is what the educational administration tried to "shove down our throats" every year.
Talk to you soon. TheCurley Lad
Life is good!
We were so fortunate to escape with rain for two days instead of ice. Both Massachusetts, and the Albany, New York area were hit pretty hard. My friends who live in the hill Towns of Berkshire County had just as much destruction as the people who were in the news on the various television stations.
We were supposed to have our Make-A-Wish Children's Christmas Party (sponsored by UNICO) at the ITAM Lodge on Sunday at noon. The organizers scrambled to find a different venue since the ITAM lost its power during the storm, and it can't be worked on until Monday morning.
The organizers were lucky enough to change it to St. Mark's School Hall, but we will have to work through Meals on Wheels, a Rosary Sodality meeting, CCD classes, before we can set up.
The ITAM lodge is in Pittsfield, but a neighboring town, which is at a higher elevation, was hit by the ice storm, and it affected the power to the lodge.
On a happier note, our Friday went very well. The beef stew was outstanding! It was so good that I wish we could sell it commercially. Linda even whipped home some homemade biscuits. She is my spice girl!
Today should be a quiet day. I will be going to visit my parents in Lee. I am going to prepare lunch for them. I haven't decided what to cook yet. I am leaning toward cooking them steak with all the fixings since they enjoyed it so much the last time that I prepared such a meal.
We might night reach 20 degrees today in the Berkshires today. All the people, who hoped that their ice laden trees and power lines would lose their coating of ice, will have to wait until Sunday. The temperatures are supposed to reach the mid 30 degree range on that day.
Politics, etc. -- I am still waiting for the auto bailout. The Republicans really are intent of busting up the labor union, and they want the workers to take a pay cut. I hope the pay cut reaches the management level too.
How about the free agent baseball players signing multi million dollar contracts when we are talking about people losing their jobs as companies are going out of business?
We now have Manny Ramierz whining about no one wanting to sign him to a 6 year contract multi-million dollar contract at age 36, which is old in terms of playing baseball.
It is amazing that we pay these athletes so much money for their athletic ability, and nothing else. A good number of these athletes can just about read, write, and speak English. Us Americans sure do have our priorities all messed up.
Yes, I know that I contribute to this stupidity by having season tickets to the Patriots. I guess that I am a slow learner too.
Who is going to be able to afford to go to the new Yankee Stadium, and pay outrageous prices for food and beverages, and parking a car? Maybe people should start tailgating at baseball games, and eat their own food, and consume their own beverages before going inside the ball park. At Least us football fans deal with 8 regular season games, and not the 162 game schedule that baseball has.
How about athletes taking a pay cut? Auto workers produce a product! What product do athletes produce?
How about actors taking a pay cut?
How about politicians taking a pay cut?
See what we are really do here? It is like "we are eating our young."
One of Linda's friends just got laid off from KB Toys. No severance pay! She has the unemployment line to look forward to, and that is only temporary. She is over 60 years old. Do you think that she really cares whether Manny Ramirez signs an multi-million dollar contract or not? Do you think that she is all excited about the $170 million dollar deal that the Yankees made to sign a pitcher is a wonderful thing?
Well, it is time for me to end the lecture.
I hope that I gave you some "food for thought."
Have a great Saturday and Sunday.
Start adopting the "Less is more" philosophy which is what the educational administration tried to "shove down our throats" every year.
Talk to you soon. TheCurley Lad
Friday, December 12, 2008
Hello on Friday Morning
Dear Friends,
We escaped the ice here in Pittsfield, but not the rain. Neighboring towns, which are at higher elevations weren't so lucky. We never lost any power that I know of. The long lasting storm should exit by about 1 PM. The grass in our yard is all confused. It has started growing again.
Our neighbors in the Albany, New York area, weren't so lucky with the storm. Many people have lost electricity, and have to deal with fallen trees, downed power lines, and icy roadways.
I am warming a beef stew which we cooked in the crock pot on Thursday, but we are waiting until today to consume. I hope that I don't get tempted to eat any for breakfast.
I went out once yesterday to replenish the bird feeders, and to get the mail, and do go to the post office because I had to mail a couple of packages. The Post Office lines weren't too large at 2:30 PM.
I did wrap some family presents, and that was the extent of my physical activities.
Linda did go to BONCO last evening , but called a friend to pick her up. She doesn't like driving in foul weather. Many of her BONCO friends decided to stay home because the forecast from the evening weathermen was gloom and doom.
I am not sure what is on our social calendar for today. It all depends on the weather. Of course, there are a few more presents to wrap.
The bailout for the car companies didn't get passed on Thursday, but passage is a strong possibility within the next few days.
What American is thinking about buying a small car as the price of gasoline keeps dropping? I saw one of those energy efficient cars the other day. It looks cute, but how could a typical family of four, with two car seats for children, and all the extra stuff required by the family fit into one of these vehicles?
You ought to see how difficult it is for my 85 year old father to get in and out of my 2000 Subaru Legacy Wagon. If he got in and out of my car 5 times a day, he could skip a physical therapy session.
K-B Toys, whose headquarters are based in Pittsfield, filed for bankruptcy once again. People just aren't purchasing Christmas gifts like they have done in the past. Just paying for the basic necessities will be a challenge in this economy.
Well, I have to send some other e-mails, and do some quiet activities.
Have a great weekend.
Enjoy any parties that you may have gotten invited to, or have a party of your own.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
We escaped the ice here in Pittsfield, but not the rain. Neighboring towns, which are at higher elevations weren't so lucky. We never lost any power that I know of. The long lasting storm should exit by about 1 PM. The grass in our yard is all confused. It has started growing again.
Our neighbors in the Albany, New York area, weren't so lucky with the storm. Many people have lost electricity, and have to deal with fallen trees, downed power lines, and icy roadways.
I am warming a beef stew which we cooked in the crock pot on Thursday, but we are waiting until today to consume. I hope that I don't get tempted to eat any for breakfast.
I went out once yesterday to replenish the bird feeders, and to get the mail, and do go to the post office because I had to mail a couple of packages. The Post Office lines weren't too large at 2:30 PM.
I did wrap some family presents, and that was the extent of my physical activities.
Linda did go to BONCO last evening , but called a friend to pick her up. She doesn't like driving in foul weather. Many of her BONCO friends decided to stay home because the forecast from the evening weathermen was gloom and doom.
I am not sure what is on our social calendar for today. It all depends on the weather. Of course, there are a few more presents to wrap.
The bailout for the car companies didn't get passed on Thursday, but passage is a strong possibility within the next few days.
What American is thinking about buying a small car as the price of gasoline keeps dropping? I saw one of those energy efficient cars the other day. It looks cute, but how could a typical family of four, with two car seats for children, and all the extra stuff required by the family fit into one of these vehicles?
You ought to see how difficult it is for my 85 year old father to get in and out of my 2000 Subaru Legacy Wagon. If he got in and out of my car 5 times a day, he could skip a physical therapy session.
K-B Toys, whose headquarters are based in Pittsfield, filed for bankruptcy once again. People just aren't purchasing Christmas gifts like they have done in the past. Just paying for the basic necessities will be a challenge in this economy.
Well, I have to send some other e-mails, and do some quiet activities.
Have a great weekend.
Enjoy any parties that you may have gotten invited to, or have a party of your own.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Hello on Thursday Morning
Dear Friends,
Our day went as planned on Wednesday. I left to visit with my parents before Linda even woke up on Wednesday. I whipped up some scrambled eggs for my parents. Originally my father said: "Don't bother to make them." Of course, they both ate every single morsel that I put on their plates.
Linda enjoyed a quiet couple of hours until I arrived home near 11 AM. She spent several hours organizing Christmas presents which have to be wrapped. I am not sure if she wrapped very much until she had to leave the house. Yes, she did go to the wake. She did pick her frind up from the hospital. The friend's gall bladder surgery went well. She is recuperating quite nicely.
The pasta fund raising dinner went well also. The crew of UNICO brothers and sisters served over 200 people which was more than we expected. There were no leftovers. We received multiple compliments from the organizers of the fundraiser, and from the people who attended the event. Once again, there was much fun and merriment in the kitchen as we prepared and served the food. Yes, you can have fun even though you are working!
My social calendar is totally free today. I will spending most of my waking time wrapping presents.
Linda is going out this evening for her monthly BONCO session. The person who hosts the month of December turns the gathering into a Christmas Party.
I have some sporting contests to keep me entertained while she is gone.
Speaking of sports, my friends who are avid Yankee fans, were all excited yesterday when their team signed a pitcher to a multi-year $130 million dollar contract. They didn't want to hear my comment which I heard from a sport's broadcaster on the radio. Last year this pitcher pitched in 254 innings. Whenever he has done this in the past, the following year, he pitches about 120 innings. Does this sound like a person who is going to get the Yankees another World Series championship?
The Yankees need more than a pitcher from what I observed last year. There are some weak links in the other 8 positions on the starting team for the Yankees. If these issues aren't addressed, it might be another sad year for my friends who are fans of the New York Yankees.
Well, I have some other quiet activities to take care of.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Our day went as planned on Wednesday. I left to visit with my parents before Linda even woke up on Wednesday. I whipped up some scrambled eggs for my parents. Originally my father said: "Don't bother to make them." Of course, they both ate every single morsel that I put on their plates.
Linda enjoyed a quiet couple of hours until I arrived home near 11 AM. She spent several hours organizing Christmas presents which have to be wrapped. I am not sure if she wrapped very much until she had to leave the house. Yes, she did go to the wake. She did pick her frind up from the hospital. The friend's gall bladder surgery went well. She is recuperating quite nicely.
The pasta fund raising dinner went well also. The crew of UNICO brothers and sisters served over 200 people which was more than we expected. There were no leftovers. We received multiple compliments from the organizers of the fundraiser, and from the people who attended the event. Once again, there was much fun and merriment in the kitchen as we prepared and served the food. Yes, you can have fun even though you are working!
My social calendar is totally free today. I will spending most of my waking time wrapping presents.
Linda is going out this evening for her monthly BONCO session. The person who hosts the month of December turns the gathering into a Christmas Party.
I have some sporting contests to keep me entertained while she is gone.
Speaking of sports, my friends who are avid Yankee fans, were all excited yesterday when their team signed a pitcher to a multi-year $130 million dollar contract. They didn't want to hear my comment which I heard from a sport's broadcaster on the radio. Last year this pitcher pitched in 254 innings. Whenever he has done this in the past, the following year, he pitches about 120 innings. Does this sound like a person who is going to get the Yankees another World Series championship?
The Yankees need more than a pitcher from what I observed last year. There are some weak links in the other 8 positions on the starting team for the Yankees. If these issues aren't addressed, it might be another sad year for my friends who are fans of the New York Yankees.
Well, I have some other quiet activities to take care of.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Hello on Wednesday Morning
Dear Friends,
We had another pleasant day in Curley world.
I ate lunch with the Mah Jongg ladies before going into a "disappearing act" mode.
There were only four players, including the hostess. The hostess ended up with the most wins. The Curley luck continues!
The Trivial Pursuit Game at the Brew Works Pub went well. Our group was the oldest in the place. We had an advantage at times, and we had no clue at other times for the seemingly difficult questions. Let us say we did not end up in last place. I would say that we ended up in the middle of the group of participants. Most of the participants were in the 25 to 35 age group. When the people in charge started asking musical questions about different rap groups, our table was in real trouble.
We won't be at the next trivial pursuit game since it is scheduled on the same night at the Curley Christmas Party.
My social calendar has two things on it today. I have to make a visit to my parents in Lee. I will be dropping off some of those crock pot soups which dear old mom really enjoys.
At 3 PM, I will be joining my UNICO brothers and sisters at St. Mark's School cafeteria preparing for the CYC (Catholic Youth Center) Pasta dinner for their basketball program. I am hoping the the 50 degree weather, and the rain doesn't put a damper on the festivities.
Linda and another friend will be accompanying an active teacher as she goes through a day surgery gall bladder removal. This friend is single, and she has no immediate family here in the Berkshires. Gall bladder surgery is a simple operation usually, but their friend doesn't do pain medication well. This is a case of friends taking care of friends!
Linda and her friend are then going to wake today. A 56 year old husband of a teacher colleague passed away after a courageous battle with cancer. The wake takes place right in the middle of our Pasta Dinner. Linda will have to represent our family.
Politics -- I didn't realize that if you had enough money, you can purchase a Senate seat.
A fourth New York State community wants to ban text messaging while driving. I have trouble just answering my cell when it rings while I am driving. If I try and enter a telephone number while I am driving, I usually swerve the car all over the road. I can't imagine text messaging while driving.
Well, I have to go out and dodge the rain drops. The wind knocked over my three garbage cans. My recyclables of bottles and cans are rolling up and down the street.
How can two retirees generate 3 cans of garbage? If our two boys were living with us, we would need a dumpster on garbage collection day.
Have a great Wednesday.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
We had another pleasant day in Curley world.
I ate lunch with the Mah Jongg ladies before going into a "disappearing act" mode.
There were only four players, including the hostess. The hostess ended up with the most wins. The Curley luck continues!
The Trivial Pursuit Game at the Brew Works Pub went well. Our group was the oldest in the place. We had an advantage at times, and we had no clue at other times for the seemingly difficult questions. Let us say we did not end up in last place. I would say that we ended up in the middle of the group of participants. Most of the participants were in the 25 to 35 age group. When the people in charge started asking musical questions about different rap groups, our table was in real trouble.
We won't be at the next trivial pursuit game since it is scheduled on the same night at the Curley Christmas Party.
My social calendar has two things on it today. I have to make a visit to my parents in Lee. I will be dropping off some of those crock pot soups which dear old mom really enjoys.
At 3 PM, I will be joining my UNICO brothers and sisters at St. Mark's School cafeteria preparing for the CYC (Catholic Youth Center) Pasta dinner for their basketball program. I am hoping the the 50 degree weather, and the rain doesn't put a damper on the festivities.
Linda and another friend will be accompanying an active teacher as she goes through a day surgery gall bladder removal. This friend is single, and she has no immediate family here in the Berkshires. Gall bladder surgery is a simple operation usually, but their friend doesn't do pain medication well. This is a case of friends taking care of friends!
Linda and her friend are then going to wake today. A 56 year old husband of a teacher colleague passed away after a courageous battle with cancer. The wake takes place right in the middle of our Pasta Dinner. Linda will have to represent our family.
Politics -- I didn't realize that if you had enough money, you can purchase a Senate seat.
A fourth New York State community wants to ban text messaging while driving. I have trouble just answering my cell when it rings while I am driving. If I try and enter a telephone number while I am driving, I usually swerve the car all over the road. I can't imagine text messaging while driving.
Well, I have to go out and dodge the rain drops. The wind knocked over my three garbage cans. My recyclables of bottles and cans are rolling up and down the street.
How can two retirees generate 3 cans of garbage? If our two boys were living with us, we would need a dumpster on garbage collection day.
Have a great Wednesday.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Hello on Tuesday Morning
Dear Friends,
Yes, we had another pleasant day on Monday.
I will give you an example of how great these past few days have been going. Linda enters a Chinese Auction at the Sacred Heart Church Craft's Fair which she went to on Saturday. When were home on Saturday evening, the telephone rings, and a lady says that Linda won a $10 gift certificate for an actual Chinese Restaurant. A few minutes later, and while Linda was talking to Danielle in Kansas, the lady calls again, and said that Linda won a pair of his and hers Geneva watches. The tag in the box, which I know has an inflated price, says that they watches have a value of $250. Linda invested $5 for the raffle tickets.
After a quiet morning of me watching the recording of the Patriot football game, and Linda making another crock pot soup, we went off in different directions. Linda did a little Christmas shopping while I went to visit with my parents before taking my father for a follow up visit doctor's appointment at 3:30 PM. This was an unscheduled event for me since my sister was going to take him to the doctor. She was home sick fighting a severe cold so I said I would deal with dear old dad. The visit went well!
Since most doctor's appointments are never on time, I went directly to my UNICO Board meeting which started at 5:30 PM after dropping my father back to his home in Lee.
When I arrived home from my board meeting, we had the crock pot soup. It was a spicy tortellini soup. It was wonderful! You top the soup off with a little grated cheese, and crumple some nachos in the soup instead of using oyster crackers.
The crock pot is fired up once again. Linda decided to make a chicken and vegetable soup for the Tuesday Mah Jongg session, which she is hosting today. We couldn't use yesterday's soup since some of the ladies have an issue with anything which has tomatoes in it. Being a bit spicy would probably be a negative too.
The board meeting well. It lasted exactly one hour. Starting the meeting at 5:30 PM instead of 6 PM was a big hit also. Only one board member came at 6 PM instead of 5:30 PM. Of course, I sent him a reminder e-mail, but he is one of those people who tries to stay away from computers. His family members never relayed the message.
Well, we are giving up our( mostly me) usual Tuesday Irish session at the pub just west of our home. There is a trivial pursuit game on Tuesday night at a pub in downtown Pittsfield. Our friends have been asking us to attend. You can only say "No" just a couple of times. The festivities don't start until 8:30 PM so it looks like I will need a nap for sure this afternoon.
Politics -- To bailout or not bail out, that is the question. If people remember, when Lee Iacocca was running GMC several years ago, our government loaned his company millions of dollars. He and his company paid back the loan before it was due. I am not convinced that letting the car manufacturers go bankrupt is the way to go. Of course, there better be a sound financial plan in place before the government lends them anything.
I also like Obama's plan to institute a public works program to get some unemployed people back to work during these difficult times. This is something that a democratic administration did in the World War II era. If we haven't learned from the past we are doomed to repeat it as the saying goes.
Have a great day.
I am looking forward to another pleasant one. The Curley Lad
Yes, we had another pleasant day on Monday.
I will give you an example of how great these past few days have been going. Linda enters a Chinese Auction at the Sacred Heart Church Craft's Fair which she went to on Saturday. When were home on Saturday evening, the telephone rings, and a lady says that Linda won a $10 gift certificate for an actual Chinese Restaurant. A few minutes later, and while Linda was talking to Danielle in Kansas, the lady calls again, and said that Linda won a pair of his and hers Geneva watches. The tag in the box, which I know has an inflated price, says that they watches have a value of $250. Linda invested $5 for the raffle tickets.
After a quiet morning of me watching the recording of the Patriot football game, and Linda making another crock pot soup, we went off in different directions. Linda did a little Christmas shopping while I went to visit with my parents before taking my father for a follow up visit doctor's appointment at 3:30 PM. This was an unscheduled event for me since my sister was going to take him to the doctor. She was home sick fighting a severe cold so I said I would deal with dear old dad. The visit went well!
Since most doctor's appointments are never on time, I went directly to my UNICO Board meeting which started at 5:30 PM after dropping my father back to his home in Lee.
When I arrived home from my board meeting, we had the crock pot soup. It was a spicy tortellini soup. It was wonderful! You top the soup off with a little grated cheese, and crumple some nachos in the soup instead of using oyster crackers.
The crock pot is fired up once again. Linda decided to make a chicken and vegetable soup for the Tuesday Mah Jongg session, which she is hosting today. We couldn't use yesterday's soup since some of the ladies have an issue with anything which has tomatoes in it. Being a bit spicy would probably be a negative too.
The board meeting well. It lasted exactly one hour. Starting the meeting at 5:30 PM instead of 6 PM was a big hit also. Only one board member came at 6 PM instead of 5:30 PM. Of course, I sent him a reminder e-mail, but he is one of those people who tries to stay away from computers. His family members never relayed the message.
Well, we are giving up our( mostly me) usual Tuesday Irish session at the pub just west of our home. There is a trivial pursuit game on Tuesday night at a pub in downtown Pittsfield. Our friends have been asking us to attend. You can only say "No" just a couple of times. The festivities don't start until 8:30 PM so it looks like I will need a nap for sure this afternoon.
Politics -- To bailout or not bail out, that is the question. If people remember, when Lee Iacocca was running GMC several years ago, our government loaned his company millions of dollars. He and his company paid back the loan before it was due. I am not convinced that letting the car manufacturers go bankrupt is the way to go. Of course, there better be a sound financial plan in place before the government lends them anything.
I also like Obama's plan to institute a public works program to get some unemployed people back to work during these difficult times. This is something that a democratic administration did in the World War II era. If we haven't learned from the past we are doomed to repeat it as the saying goes.
Have a great day.
I am looking forward to another pleasant one. The Curley Lad
Monday, December 8, 2008
Hello on Monday Morning
Dear Friends,
For a seventh day in a row , we had a very pleasant day.
We arrived at the party house two hours (as arranged) before it started to help the hostess chop, and dice, and plate all kinds of epicurean delights. The host, who had leg surgery, sat in his lounge chair semi drugged up with pain pills, and an ice water pump during the whole party. He got up only for bathroom breaks. His wife and various guests brought him plates of food throughout the party.
The party went very well. There were 6 couples at the party, 5 were husband and wives, and one couple was composed of two straight men (who could have been perceived as a couple). The was much food, fun, and merriment. Of course, we had enough food for a party of 25 or 30 people. The Curley's were the last couple to leave, and we arrived home by 9:30 PM.
I did miss the Patriot football game, but I recorded it. Since they won the game, I will watch it at some point tiday.
I missed the Celtic Game also, They won the game in overtime. I will have to read about that game.
I am the only one booked in for an activity today. I am running a UNICO Board meeting at 5:30 PM. One of my e-mail readers thought that I should refresh your mind what the letters of this Italian based organization stand for.
U-- Unity, N-- Neighborliness, I -- Integrity, C -- Charity, O -- Opportunity."Service Above Self" is our mantra.
Observation 1 -- While at the party on Sunday, and as we all gathered on one room, I realized that the conversation which we are now engaged in is so different that when were in our 20's and 30's. Now we sit around and talk about health issues, and body parts which aren't working so great. At the end of the conversation , we decided that we should all go to the same nursing home when it gets to that point in our lives. Can you imagine what the conversation would be about when that happens?
Observation 2 -- Did anyone read Dear Abby in their Sunday newspaper. A woman is matched up with this really nice who is well off, and they agree to have sex after several dates. The question from this female was asking Dear Abby if she thought it was weird, and kind of kinky, that when they made love, the man did so with his socks and underwear on?
Observation 3 -- At the party, there was no discussion of sex amongst the room of baby boomers.
Have a great week at work or play.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
For a seventh day in a row , we had a very pleasant day.
We arrived at the party house two hours (as arranged) before it started to help the hostess chop, and dice, and plate all kinds of epicurean delights. The host, who had leg surgery, sat in his lounge chair semi drugged up with pain pills, and an ice water pump during the whole party. He got up only for bathroom breaks. His wife and various guests brought him plates of food throughout the party.
The party went very well. There were 6 couples at the party, 5 were husband and wives, and one couple was composed of two straight men (who could have been perceived as a couple). The was much food, fun, and merriment. Of course, we had enough food for a party of 25 or 30 people. The Curley's were the last couple to leave, and we arrived home by 9:30 PM.
I did miss the Patriot football game, but I recorded it. Since they won the game, I will watch it at some point tiday.
I missed the Celtic Game also, They won the game in overtime. I will have to read about that game.
I am the only one booked in for an activity today. I am running a UNICO Board meeting at 5:30 PM. One of my e-mail readers thought that I should refresh your mind what the letters of this Italian based organization stand for.
U-- Unity, N-- Neighborliness, I -- Integrity, C -- Charity, O -- Opportunity."Service Above Self" is our mantra.
Observation 1 -- While at the party on Sunday, and as we all gathered on one room, I realized that the conversation which we are now engaged in is so different that when were in our 20's and 30's. Now we sit around and talk about health issues, and body parts which aren't working so great. At the end of the conversation , we decided that we should all go to the same nursing home when it gets to that point in our lives. Can you imagine what the conversation would be about when that happens?
Observation 2 -- Did anyone read Dear Abby in their Sunday newspaper. A woman is matched up with this really nice who is well off, and they agree to have sex after several dates. The question from this female was asking Dear Abby if she thought it was weird, and kind of kinky, that when they made love, the man did so with his socks and underwear on?
Observation 3 -- At the party, there was no discussion of sex amongst the room of baby boomers.
Have a great week at work or play.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Hello on Saturday Morning
Dear Friends,
We had another pleasant day finishing up our last bit of Christmas decorations. After lunch, we spent the rest of day doing errands which seemed to be endless.
I witnessed a lady getting a parking ticket for parking in a handicapped parking place in front of "Michaels".
Around 6:30 PM, we were getting hungry, so we headed off to the Shamrock Restaurant for some seafood. It was excellent once again.
Speaking of restaurants, Linda and her girlfriends went to a place in North Adams called "The Red Sauce". The food was wonderful from appetizers to desserts. The restaurant prices were in the medium price range. The menu contained a majority of Italian type foods. I can't wait to be invited to try it!
I woke up early this morning, and wrote out some Christmas cards. I can't spend over $80 dollars like I did last year sending them out since we are in a recession. The ones which I wrote out today were for immediate family or people who sent us a Christmas Card already.
Linda and one or two girlfriends are going off to a Church Crafts Fair at 9:15 AM. I think that I will head off to Lee to visit with my parents. I might do a little house work there too.
It looks like next week is when we get really busy once again right through Christmas. There are not many free days on our social calendar at all.
Our first Christmas Party is tomorrow afternoon at 4 PM. I can't wait!
We have a couple inches of snow in the forecast. I hope that it stays cool enough to last to have a white Christmas. There is another disturbance during the middle of the week which could bring more snow.
Have to go and get dressed.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
We had another pleasant day finishing up our last bit of Christmas decorations. After lunch, we spent the rest of day doing errands which seemed to be endless.
I witnessed a lady getting a parking ticket for parking in a handicapped parking place in front of "Michaels".
Around 6:30 PM, we were getting hungry, so we headed off to the Shamrock Restaurant for some seafood. It was excellent once again.
Speaking of restaurants, Linda and her girlfriends went to a place in North Adams called "The Red Sauce". The food was wonderful from appetizers to desserts. The restaurant prices were in the medium price range. The menu contained a majority of Italian type foods. I can't wait to be invited to try it!
I woke up early this morning, and wrote out some Christmas cards. I can't spend over $80 dollars like I did last year sending them out since we are in a recession. The ones which I wrote out today were for immediate family or people who sent us a Christmas Card already.
Linda and one or two girlfriends are going off to a Church Crafts Fair at 9:15 AM. I think that I will head off to Lee to visit with my parents. I might do a little house work there too.
It looks like next week is when we get really busy once again right through Christmas. There are not many free days on our social calendar at all.
Our first Christmas Party is tomorrow afternoon at 4 PM. I can't wait!
We have a couple inches of snow in the forecast. I hope that it stays cool enough to last to have a white Christmas. There is another disturbance during the middle of the week which could bring more snow.
Have to go and get dressed.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Friday, December 5, 2008
Hello on Friday Morning
Dear Friends,
Just before the decorating started, my sister called to say that her daughter and her newborn are doing very well. She also called to ask me to take dear old dad for a follow up visit for an Ultra Sound that he had on this past Monday.
We didn't complete the decorations as planned. The artificial tree took a little more work to set up. I had to add another string of lights since I just couldn't get some sets to work. So if you do come to our house, don't comment on the bulbs that are unlit. We should have enough decorations on the tree to cover up the defects.
While I was playing electrician, Linda set up more decorations around the house as well as decorating the mantle over the fireplace. She has 11 Christmas Santa's on the mantle, and there isn't room for any more!
Linda left the house a little after 4 PM to do an errand before meeting her girlfriends for dinner and a movie. I can't give you any details of how things went because I was in bed before she arrived home.
While Linda was doing her thing, I ate a portion of a pot roast which I prepared in the crock pot. After eating supper, I semi watched the Boston Bruins Hockey Game. I say "semi" because I was dosing on and off throughout the whole game. I woke up as they were doing the post game show. Luckily , I found out that the Bruins won their game.
We will decorate the tree after Linda gets up, and after she reads the local newspaper. Breaking a routine makes for a grumpy person.
Our social calendar is not booked in for today at the present time. I saw Linda perusing a Christmas Tree Shops flier which arrived yesterday. I have a feeling that the store is calling her. We will have to make a decision to drive east to the Holyoke Mall, or drive west to the Colonie Mall in New York State. It is about an hour drive in either direction.
Age -- I talking to a friend the other about growing old. Her take on growing old was that there are age mile stones like turning 30, 40 and 50, and 60 years old. As we get older, the age mile stones are in multiples of 5 instead of ten. I think that I tend to agree with her. I am "tweener right now.
It is hard to believe that I turn 62 in a few short weeks. I never asked my mother what it was like to miss Christmas, and deliver a child two days before Christmas (December 23, 1946). I know that I almost killed my mother during child birth, and that I was a breach born baby( butt end first). My mother told me that she and I stayed in the hospital for over a month before she was allowed to come home. She also told me that I was born with a lot of hair. Can you visualize me in the nursery as people went to view their child through those glass windows (which they don't do anymore)?
Speaking of hair, I renewed my driver's license the other day. I went at a perfect time because I was second in line. The female who waited on me was all upset. She said it wasn't me with all my hair. In her break room, she saw a centipede, and she got all grossed out.
I asked her to do a retake of the first picture which is going on my license. From my final picture, I can see how I could scare a little child. I don't want grandchildren
( children of friends) crying or hiding when I walk in the door. This has happened before with a neighborhood friend who is now an adult.
Well, I have to do some quiet chores, and send some other e-mail.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Just before the decorating started, my sister called to say that her daughter and her newborn are doing very well. She also called to ask me to take dear old dad for a follow up visit for an Ultra Sound that he had on this past Monday.
We didn't complete the decorations as planned. The artificial tree took a little more work to set up. I had to add another string of lights since I just couldn't get some sets to work. So if you do come to our house, don't comment on the bulbs that are unlit. We should have enough decorations on the tree to cover up the defects.
While I was playing electrician, Linda set up more decorations around the house as well as decorating the mantle over the fireplace. She has 11 Christmas Santa's on the mantle, and there isn't room for any more!
Linda left the house a little after 4 PM to do an errand before meeting her girlfriends for dinner and a movie. I can't give you any details of how things went because I was in bed before she arrived home.
While Linda was doing her thing, I ate a portion of a pot roast which I prepared in the crock pot. After eating supper, I semi watched the Boston Bruins Hockey Game. I say "semi" because I was dosing on and off throughout the whole game. I woke up as they were doing the post game show. Luckily , I found out that the Bruins won their game.
We will decorate the tree after Linda gets up, and after she reads the local newspaper. Breaking a routine makes for a grumpy person.
Our social calendar is not booked in for today at the present time. I saw Linda perusing a Christmas Tree Shops flier which arrived yesterday. I have a feeling that the store is calling her. We will have to make a decision to drive east to the Holyoke Mall, or drive west to the Colonie Mall in New York State. It is about an hour drive in either direction.
Age -- I talking to a friend the other about growing old. Her take on growing old was that there are age mile stones like turning 30, 40 and 50, and 60 years old. As we get older, the age mile stones are in multiples of 5 instead of ten. I think that I tend to agree with her. I am "tweener right now.
It is hard to believe that I turn 62 in a few short weeks. I never asked my mother what it was like to miss Christmas, and deliver a child two days before Christmas (December 23, 1946). I know that I almost killed my mother during child birth, and that I was a breach born baby( butt end first). My mother told me that she and I stayed in the hospital for over a month before she was allowed to come home. She also told me that I was born with a lot of hair. Can you visualize me in the nursery as people went to view their child through those glass windows (which they don't do anymore)?
Speaking of hair, I renewed my driver's license the other day. I went at a perfect time because I was second in line. The female who waited on me was all upset. She said it wasn't me with all my hair. In her break room, she saw a centipede, and she got all grossed out.
I asked her to do a retake of the first picture which is going on my license. From my final picture, I can see how I could scare a little child. I don't want grandchildren
( children of friends) crying or hiding when I walk in the door. This has happened before with a neighborhood friend who is now an adult.
Well, I have to do some quiet chores, and send some other e-mail.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Hello on Thursday Morning
Dear Friends,
I got a late start this morning. I ate some leftover Thanksgiving fruit last evening while Linda was at a restaurant with her book club friends. About 11 PM, I was feeling pretty sick. Doctor Linda to the rescue. Several doses of Pepto Bismol seemed to do the trick. I needed another dose at 3 AM too. I feel great right now, and I am actually ready for a little breakfast.
We had a pleasant day yesterday working together (at times). Linda worked until 4:30 PM. She was one hurting buckaroo by day's end. Every room and bathroom (four of them) in the house has a reminder of the Christmas Season on walls, counters, tables, coffee tables, etc.
Today we have the tree to do, and the mantle decorations, and that should be it. Bring on Christmas, and the parties!
Linda is busy once again this evening. She is going out with some teacher friends to a dinner and a movie in a neighboring town. Of course, the movie selection is one of those Chick Flick's. Thank God for Linda having many sets of girl friends. to see all of those movies which don't peak my interest very much.
I had a sporting contest last evening to keep me entertained. I have a hockey game this evening to watch while she is doing her thing.
I am staying away from leftovers this evening. I should have listened to Linda when she wanted to throw the fruit out the other day. I often hear her, but I choose to do the opposite which is not good. They can make a new sitcom called: "Linda knows best!"
Politics -- Obama's cabinet keeps on growing with good people. Let's see if they can turn things around.
Since we get the Albany , New York news in the Berkshires, I see where they are closing more plants, and shipping jobs to Mexico. When are we as a nation going to wake up? If they foreign companies don't purchase American made goods, then we don't buy their goods.
Another thing that I am sick of hearing is that American cars are not made as well as the foreign made cars. The American media has brain washed us into believing that. Linda's 1996 Dodge Neon is still going strong. I drive a used Subaru, but the car was made in the United States. It is still going strong as it approaches 98,000 miles.
I am tired of people beating up on SUV owners, and the people who own large pick up trucks. Most people purchase these vehicles with a purpose in mind. The people who haul their camping trailers can't be using a Mini Cooper to do the task. All the people who I know with those large trucks, use it in their business. If I won the lottery, I would purchase a van for my son so that he could use it for deliveries, and catering. Of course, this would be an American made van.
The countries who supply us oil are very nervous because they know that we Americans have so many smart people who can invent new ways, engines. etc. to propel our cars both large and small.
Can you imagine if some one could take sea water, which covers most of the earth, and some how transform it into fuel? This sounds so far fetched an idea, but didn't someone say that "Man cannot fly". Didn't some smart people get together, and invent a bomb that put an an end to World War II? I say that there will be a point in time where we will say: "Let them eat sand".
Well, it is time for me to get my butt in gear. I am already two hours behind my usual starting time.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
I got a late start this morning. I ate some leftover Thanksgiving fruit last evening while Linda was at a restaurant with her book club friends. About 11 PM, I was feeling pretty sick. Doctor Linda to the rescue. Several doses of Pepto Bismol seemed to do the trick. I needed another dose at 3 AM too. I feel great right now, and I am actually ready for a little breakfast.
We had a pleasant day yesterday working together (at times). Linda worked until 4:30 PM. She was one hurting buckaroo by day's end. Every room and bathroom (four of them) in the house has a reminder of the Christmas Season on walls, counters, tables, coffee tables, etc.
Today we have the tree to do, and the mantle decorations, and that should be it. Bring on Christmas, and the parties!
Linda is busy once again this evening. She is going out with some teacher friends to a dinner and a movie in a neighboring town. Of course, the movie selection is one of those Chick Flick's. Thank God for Linda having many sets of girl friends. to see all of those movies which don't peak my interest very much.
I had a sporting contest last evening to keep me entertained. I have a hockey game this evening to watch while she is doing her thing.
I am staying away from leftovers this evening. I should have listened to Linda when she wanted to throw the fruit out the other day. I often hear her, but I choose to do the opposite which is not good. They can make a new sitcom called: "Linda knows best!"
Politics -- Obama's cabinet keeps on growing with good people. Let's see if they can turn things around.
Since we get the Albany , New York news in the Berkshires, I see where they are closing more plants, and shipping jobs to Mexico. When are we as a nation going to wake up? If they foreign companies don't purchase American made goods, then we don't buy their goods.
Another thing that I am sick of hearing is that American cars are not made as well as the foreign made cars. The American media has brain washed us into believing that. Linda's 1996 Dodge Neon is still going strong. I drive a used Subaru, but the car was made in the United States. It is still going strong as it approaches 98,000 miles.
I am tired of people beating up on SUV owners, and the people who own large pick up trucks. Most people purchase these vehicles with a purpose in mind. The people who haul their camping trailers can't be using a Mini Cooper to do the task. All the people who I know with those large trucks, use it in their business. If I won the lottery, I would purchase a van for my son so that he could use it for deliveries, and catering. Of course, this would be an American made van.
The countries who supply us oil are very nervous because they know that we Americans have so many smart people who can invent new ways, engines. etc. to propel our cars both large and small.
Can you imagine if some one could take sea water, which covers most of the earth, and some how transform it into fuel? This sounds so far fetched an idea, but didn't someone say that "Man cannot fly". Didn't some smart people get together, and invent a bomb that put an an end to World War II? I say that there will be a point in time where we will say: "Let them eat sand".
Well, it is time for me to get my butt in gear. I am already two hours behind my usual starting time.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Hello on Wednesday
Dear Friends,
The outdoor lights in front of the house, and on the deck were working great as daylight dissipated on Tuesday. I worked from 8 AM until 3:30 PM setting up the decorations, stopping only for bathroom breaks. I ache all over, but there is always some pill to alleviate the pain.
Linda had a fun time at MahJongg, but she didn't win that many games. She still came home in good spirits.
We shared our pork loin rib roast with a couple that had just driven back from Atlanta. They not only visited their son and his wife, but they witnessed the birth of their first grandchild.
The pork roast itself was good! As I cut up the meat, I soon realized that I paid for a lot of bones.
Speaking of grandchildren, our friends made the same comment that it is too bad that their grandchild, and ours live so far away.
Years ago, everyone pretty much lived close to one another. There is one family in Pittsfield ( who I taught many of the offspring) where almost every house on the street is occupied by members of the same family, but different generations.
It is like living in a little village in Italy where generation after generation were born, raised, lived, and died in the same town. Life was so simple back then (but difficult too).
Linda and I are going to work on decorating the inside of the house today. I feel that it is going to take several days to accomplish this task. Linda first has to remove the fall decorations, before she evens thinks about putting up Christmas decorations.
I will be at Linda's beck and call. I am the guy who will be hauling buckets back and forth from the garage to the house. I took down so many buckets yesterday that we had to park our two cars in the driveway overnight.
I also am the guy who hangs the multitude of wreaths which adorn every room in the house including our basement.
I am hoping that when Linda goes through all of the buckets that some old decorations might be thrown out. Not! We even have buckets labeled "Old Decorations", and what they are.
It is difficult for Linda to part with anything. I hope that our children are reading this e-mail. When Linda and I depart this earth (many years from now), our children will have to deal with these "Treasures". I have a vision of many dumpsters filled to the maximum after our children pick out what they think are family heirlooms.
Linda is hosting next Tuesday's session of MahJongg. The Jewish women look forward to seeing all the Christmas decorations which Linda sets up throughout the house. Yes, they have great powers of observation, and they will know if Linda sets out new and different ones compared to last year.
I am nervous about setting up our artificial tree. Last year, I had to add sets of lights in places where the lights didn't work. This might be the last year for this artificial tree.
We might return to a real tree next year. I think that I threw out all of the old tree stands after we fell in love with the fake tree.
My social calendar is free tonight, but Linda is going out with about half of her Book Club members to an Italian Restaurant. Trying to get a whole bunch of people together for a single event is a difficult task. Dinning out seemed to be more pleasant direction to go in.
Politics -- The politicians finally used the word "Recession". It is not a word we Americans want to hear. Actually, I think it is a reality check. It gives us time to evaluate how and where we are spending our money. Linda and I are directing our expenditures on items which we need, and not on what we think we need.
Well, I have to read the local newspaper, and get that second cup of coffee.
Have a great Wednesday.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
The outdoor lights in front of the house, and on the deck were working great as daylight dissipated on Tuesday. I worked from 8 AM until 3:30 PM setting up the decorations, stopping only for bathroom breaks. I ache all over, but there is always some pill to alleviate the pain.
Linda had a fun time at MahJongg, but she didn't win that many games. She still came home in good spirits.
We shared our pork loin rib roast with a couple that had just driven back from Atlanta. They not only visited their son and his wife, but they witnessed the birth of their first grandchild.
The pork roast itself was good! As I cut up the meat, I soon realized that I paid for a lot of bones.
Speaking of grandchildren, our friends made the same comment that it is too bad that their grandchild, and ours live so far away.
Years ago, everyone pretty much lived close to one another. There is one family in Pittsfield ( who I taught many of the offspring) where almost every house on the street is occupied by members of the same family, but different generations.
It is like living in a little village in Italy where generation after generation were born, raised, lived, and died in the same town. Life was so simple back then (but difficult too).
Linda and I are going to work on decorating the inside of the house today. I feel that it is going to take several days to accomplish this task. Linda first has to remove the fall decorations, before she evens thinks about putting up Christmas decorations.
I will be at Linda's beck and call. I am the guy who will be hauling buckets back and forth from the garage to the house. I took down so many buckets yesterday that we had to park our two cars in the driveway overnight.
I also am the guy who hangs the multitude of wreaths which adorn every room in the house including our basement.
I am hoping that when Linda goes through all of the buckets that some old decorations might be thrown out. Not! We even have buckets labeled "Old Decorations", and what they are.
It is difficult for Linda to part with anything. I hope that our children are reading this e-mail. When Linda and I depart this earth (many years from now), our children will have to deal with these "Treasures". I have a vision of many dumpsters filled to the maximum after our children pick out what they think are family heirlooms.
Linda is hosting next Tuesday's session of MahJongg. The Jewish women look forward to seeing all the Christmas decorations which Linda sets up throughout the house. Yes, they have great powers of observation, and they will know if Linda sets out new and different ones compared to last year.
I am nervous about setting up our artificial tree. Last year, I had to add sets of lights in places where the lights didn't work. This might be the last year for this artificial tree.
We might return to a real tree next year. I think that I threw out all of the old tree stands after we fell in love with the fake tree.
My social calendar is free tonight, but Linda is going out with about half of her Book Club members to an Italian Restaurant. Trying to get a whole bunch of people together for a single event is a difficult task. Dinning out seemed to be more pleasant direction to go in.
Politics -- The politicians finally used the word "Recession". It is not a word we Americans want to hear. Actually, I think it is a reality check. It gives us time to evaluate how and where we are spending our money. Linda and I are directing our expenditures on items which we need, and not on what we think we need.
Well, I have to read the local newspaper, and get that second cup of coffee.
Have a great Wednesday.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Hello on Tuesday Morning
Dear Friends,
The Curley's are in their own home.
No matter how much fun which you have, at another friend's home, there
is nothing like sleeping in your own bed.
Using our own wireless connection instead of trying to grab a spotting
signal in a neighborhood setting is great too.
Even though we know where everything is located in our friend's home,
there is no place like home!
Well, as soon as I unloaded the car around 2 PM on Monday, I took down
the corn stalks, Thanksgiving flag, rotting pumpkins, etc. Most people
on our street had their Christmas Decorations all set up.
I say the word "most" because my golfing buddy, who lives a few doors
North of us, still had his fall / Thanksgiving decorations up.
If the things go as planned today, and I can survive the near 40
degree temperature, and some spotty noon time rain, the outdoor
Christmas decorations should be up and running.
I will hopefully accomplish all this while Linda is engaged in her
usual Tuesday MahJongg session.
After consuming a gazzillion calories during the Thanksgiving
Holidays, Linda and I decided that we are going to try and live a more
healthy life style. We might even shed a few pounds in the process.
There will be times during the holidays when there will be great
temptations to stray from eating these unhealthy foods, but we will
cross that bridge when we come to it.
We started off with a baked fish supper last evening. I hope that the
mercury in the fish doesn't kill us before we lose a few pounds.
This change in our life style occurred as we witnessed our friend who
is a diabetic. It is amazing how much the disease ravages so many parts
of a person's body. We want no part of this disease!
A crock pot supper is on the menu this evening. While Linda was
purchasing healthy foods at the grocery store yesterday afternoon, she
came across a wonderful looking pork rib roast at $.99 per pound. Yes,
I know the other white meat might not be as healthy as the fish, but
this deal was too good to pass up. Linda wants a barbecued flavor for
the meat so I am not sure what we are going to uses for spices in the
crock pot. I am hungry just writing about it.
After the Patriot loss on Sunday, I had something to cheer about last
evening as I watched my Boston Celtics Basketball team put a lot of
hurt on their opponents. The Orlando Magic team didn't display a lot of
magic on the basketball court on Monday night.
Linda's Fuji digital Camera, which she purchased on QVC, arrived just
in time before Christmas. We are talking about a camera under $150
which Linda uses as though it was worth hundreds of dollars.
I think that I am going to get her old camera. I can use it instead
of those disposable cameras which I don't work well too. I have to
figure a way to keep from dropping it into the hole when I go ice
fishing every time that I bend over. Actually, I don't even know how to
use the old digital camera. I am from the old school, on / off, and
point and shoot!
Politics -- What do my Republican Friends think about Hillary Clinton
as Secretary of State?
Bill Clinton's legacy lives on through Hillary. I
think that she will do a good job. I don't think that she will have any
trysts in the White House. She is as smart as Bill even though he was a
Rhodes Scholar.
Isn't Democracy great? At one point, you are on the campaign trail
verbally bashing each other, and now you are working together on the
same team.
Time for me to get a cup of coffee, and read the local newspaper.
I have a feeling that if I am quiet enough, Linda might sleep for a
long time.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
P.S. The e-mail list above has been modified. I removed some
recipients who I am guessing that don't want to read my daily
ramblings.
The Curley's are in their own home.
No matter how much fun which you have, at another friend's home, there
is nothing like sleeping in your own bed.
Using our own wireless connection instead of trying to grab a spotting
signal in a neighborhood setting is great too.
Even though we know where everything is located in our friend's home,
there is no place like home!
Well, as soon as I unloaded the car around 2 PM on Monday, I took down
the corn stalks, Thanksgiving flag, rotting pumpkins, etc. Most people
on our street had their Christmas Decorations all set up.
I say the word "most" because my golfing buddy, who lives a few doors
North of us, still had his fall / Thanksgiving decorations up.
If the things go as planned today, and I can survive the near 40
degree temperature, and some spotty noon time rain, the outdoor
Christmas decorations should be up and running.
I will hopefully accomplish all this while Linda is engaged in her
usual Tuesday MahJongg session.
After consuming a gazzillion calories during the Thanksgiving
Holidays, Linda and I decided that we are going to try and live a more
healthy life style. We might even shed a few pounds in the process.
There will be times during the holidays when there will be great
temptations to stray from eating these unhealthy foods, but we will
cross that bridge when we come to it.
We started off with a baked fish supper last evening. I hope that the
mercury in the fish doesn't kill us before we lose a few pounds.
This change in our life style occurred as we witnessed our friend who
is a diabetic. It is amazing how much the disease ravages so many parts
of a person's body. We want no part of this disease!
A crock pot supper is on the menu this evening. While Linda was
purchasing healthy foods at the grocery store yesterday afternoon, she
came across a wonderful looking pork rib roast at $.99 per pound. Yes,
I know the other white meat might not be as healthy as the fish, but
this deal was too good to pass up. Linda wants a barbecued flavor for
the meat so I am not sure what we are going to uses for spices in the
crock pot. I am hungry just writing about it.
After the Patriot loss on Sunday, I had something to cheer about last
evening as I watched my Boston Celtics Basketball team put a lot of
hurt on their opponents. The Orlando Magic team didn't display a lot of
magic on the basketball court on Monday night.
Linda's Fuji digital Camera, which she purchased on QVC, arrived just
in time before Christmas. We are talking about a camera under $150
which Linda uses as though it was worth hundreds of dollars.
I think that I am going to get her old camera. I can use it instead
of those disposable cameras which I don't work well too. I have to
figure a way to keep from dropping it into the hole when I go ice
fishing every time that I bend over. Actually, I don't even know how to
use the old digital camera. I am from the old school, on / off, and
point and shoot!
Politics -- What do my Republican Friends think about Hillary Clinton
as Secretary of State?
Bill Clinton's legacy lives on through Hillary. I
think that she will do a good job. I don't think that she will have any
trysts in the White House. She is as smart as Bill even though he was a
Rhodes Scholar.
Isn't Democracy great? At one point, you are on the campaign trail
verbally bashing each other, and now you are working together on the
same team.
Time for me to get a cup of coffee, and read the local newspaper.
I have a feeling that if I am quiet enough, Linda might sleep for a
long time.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
P.S. The e-mail list above has been modified. I removed some
recipients who I am guessing that don't want to read my daily
ramblings.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Hello on Saturday After Thanksgiving
Dear Friends,
Linda and I did a little Black Friday shopping, but according to the Boston
Globe this morning, it wasn't the big day that retailers had hoped for. I must
admit that I predicted this result several days ago. Maybe , I should be a
member of Obama's cabinet.
We actually didn't leave the Brodeur home until noon time. Since they live so
close to the New Hampshire line, we shopped in the "Live Free or Die" state.
Most of the items which we purchased were for ourselves. We had no luck finding
those lighted wooden figurines. I have to figure out something so that Linda can
look out through the sliding glass doors to our deck, and see some hint of
Christmas.
A friend suggested to put some Christmas lights on the bushes which are 30
feet from the electrical outlet located on our deck. I can't run a wire from the
deck to these bushes because I snow blow paths to my bird feeders. Can you
visualize a wire getting caught up into the blades of a snow blower? I could
light myself up like a Christmas tree! Now that would be something to look at!
I decided to flip between the Boston Celtics and the Boston Bruins last night
while the other adults watched different programs on television in the Brodeur
family room. I was halfway through both sporting contests when I realized how
could the Boston Bruins be playing Hockey, and the Boston Celtics be playing
basketball at home at the same time at Boston Garden (actually TD North Garden)?
The Boston Bruins played their game in the afternoon while I was watching only
the Celtic Game live. I am really starting to lose it!
One of the stores we went into yesterday was Staples. We went in there to
purchase CD's which Linda uses to copy music. We left the store and came back in
because we forgot to ask a technical question about using our lap top away from
home. We are using an unsecured wireless remote signal from a person in the
neighborhood where we are staying. The signal keeps on going on and off as we
are checking and sending e-mail. We wanted to ask a salesperson how to get a
wireless signal similar to way you can use a phone card. I looked around for an
unoccupied sales person. I sent Linda to a person who looked like he was from
India. This was a big mistake! He seemed to know what he was talking about, but
there seemed to be a language barrier. Linda pretty much couldn't understand a
word he was saying, and it wasn't the technical stuff that confused her.
If Linda has an urge to go Mall shopping today, I think that I will stay at the
Brodeur home and act like a slug. I will have plenty of college football to keep
me entertained. I think that there might even be a Boston Sports' team in action
this evening.
I also can prepare my gear for the football game on Sunday. I am thinking wet
toward the middle and end of the game (4:15 PM start). The forecast is still for
temperatures to be in the low forties at the start of the game which is great
football weather.
The Boston Globe was full of articles about bombings, and killings throughout
the world. "Man's inhumanity to man" is unbelievable. Is there some kind of a
happy drugs which we can put into the water of these crazy and angry people so
that we can stop the bloodshed?
On a happier note, one of the people around the Thanksgiving Day table at the
Brodeur's work at TD Bank North in the Boston area which is where our pension
checks get deposited. We have been with this bank since we got married in 1971.
The name has changed about 10 times. I think that the most recent change is to
TD North. As long as the way they service accounts remains the same, we will
stick with them.
Have a great Saturday.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Linda and I did a little Black Friday shopping, but according to the Boston
Globe this morning, it wasn't the big day that retailers had hoped for. I must
admit that I predicted this result several days ago. Maybe , I should be a
member of Obama's cabinet.
We actually didn't leave the Brodeur home until noon time. Since they live so
close to the New Hampshire line, we shopped in the "Live Free or Die" state.
Most of the items which we purchased were for ourselves. We had no luck finding
those lighted wooden figurines. I have to figure out something so that Linda can
look out through the sliding glass doors to our deck, and see some hint of
Christmas.
A friend suggested to put some Christmas lights on the bushes which are 30
feet from the electrical outlet located on our deck. I can't run a wire from the
deck to these bushes because I snow blow paths to my bird feeders. Can you
visualize a wire getting caught up into the blades of a snow blower? I could
light myself up like a Christmas tree! Now that would be something to look at!
I decided to flip between the Boston Celtics and the Boston Bruins last night
while the other adults watched different programs on television in the Brodeur
family room. I was halfway through both sporting contests when I realized how
could the Boston Bruins be playing Hockey, and the Boston Celtics be playing
basketball at home at the same time at Boston Garden (actually TD North Garden)?
The Boston Bruins played their game in the afternoon while I was watching only
the Celtic Game live. I am really starting to lose it!
One of the stores we went into yesterday was Staples. We went in there to
purchase CD's which Linda uses to copy music. We left the store and came back in
because we forgot to ask a technical question about using our lap top away from
home. We are using an unsecured wireless remote signal from a person in the
neighborhood where we are staying. The signal keeps on going on and off as we
are checking and sending e-mail. We wanted to ask a salesperson how to get a
wireless signal similar to way you can use a phone card. I looked around for an
unoccupied sales person. I sent Linda to a person who looked like he was from
India. This was a big mistake! He seemed to know what he was talking about, but
there seemed to be a language barrier. Linda pretty much couldn't understand a
word he was saying, and it wasn't the technical stuff that confused her.
If Linda has an urge to go Mall shopping today, I think that I will stay at the
Brodeur home and act like a slug. I will have plenty of college football to keep
me entertained. I think that there might even be a Boston Sports' team in action
this evening.
I also can prepare my gear for the football game on Sunday. I am thinking wet
toward the middle and end of the game (4:15 PM start). The forecast is still for
temperatures to be in the low forties at the start of the game which is great
football weather.
The Boston Globe was full of articles about bombings, and killings throughout
the world. "Man's inhumanity to man" is unbelievable. Is there some kind of a
happy drugs which we can put into the water of these crazy and angry people so
that we can stop the bloodshed?
On a happier note, one of the people around the Thanksgiving Day table at the
Brodeur's work at TD Bank North in the Boston area which is where our pension
checks get deposited. We have been with this bank since we got married in 1971.
The name has changed about 10 times. I think that the most recent change is to
TD North. As long as the way they service accounts remains the same, we will
stick with them.
Have a great Saturday.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Hello on Thanksgiving Day
Dear Friends
We had a pleasant day at the Brodeur home on Wednesday. It took several hours of chopping and dicing before I was able to take a nap.
The side dishes, which will be served at the Thanksgiving Table, will have texture to them. The mashed potatoes and turnips (which only two people like) are the only vegetables that you could consume if you had a teeth issue.
The first set of guests arrived on Wednesday around 3 PM. By the time that we chatted, had munchies, and eventually sat down to the pre Thanksgiving dinner, there were 10 people at the table. When supper was over, including dessert, I decided to watch some sporting contests. A few minutes after I sat in a comfortable chair, I proceeded to fall asleep. My snoring didn’t wake anyone up because the room that I was in was away from all the action.
Yes, I did get into a discussion of politics by asking one question. I didn’t even mention the word Democrat or Republican, Obama, Hillary, etc. I asked two of the guests, who are in their late 20’s and early 30’s, who they voted for in the Presidential Elections. This is all that it took to get a political conversation going. These two male guests are the sons of the only two Republican voting people at the dinner table last night. The other guests, who will be arriving after 11AM this morning, all voted for Obama. I can feel a political discussion once again, but maybe I will let someone else get it started.
A friend, who lives in a town just outside of Pittsfield, narrowly escaped from his house being blown up. It was one of those Propane tank explosions. The fire marshals are surmising that there was a leak in the basement, and the gas built up. A flick of a light switch is probably all that it took to set off the explosion.
Didn’t you just love the story of the guy in Leavenworth, Kansas who tried to steal an ATM Machine with a stolen fork lift? He uses the fork lift to dislodge the ATM machine from its location. He decides to drop the ATM machine down a 50 foot ravine with the hopes that it would open up. The thief is so dumb that fork lift tumbles down in the ravine and lands on top of the guy. The ATM, and the man both survive. The thief will be spending many years in the Fort Leavenworth Federal Prison.
Just before we left the Berkshires, there was a letter to the editor in our local newspaper about the joy of having a Toufu Turkey. The person was also touting the Vegetarian life style. Thanksgiving just wouldn’t be the same without a real Turkey.
Even the first setters to this continent had meats and vegetables on their tables.
The one, non militant vegetarian, who was supposed to be joining us, would have been impressed the many vegetable oriented side dishes which we prepared for her and the rest of the guests. She decided to stay in Washington, D.C. to study for some tests which she has early next week. She is studying to be a doctor.
Well, what can I say, it is Thanksgiving Day. In a few short hours the 27 pound bird will be going in our friend’s convection oven. There is nothing like the wonderful smells which will be permeating the house in no time at all. Toufu just doesn’t seem to have that same effect. I am stuffed just thinking about how stuffed that I am going to be.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving. If you have to be on the roads, drive carefully.
Try and make that warm and fuzzy feeling last all year long.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
We had a pleasant day at the Brodeur home on Wednesday. It took several hours of chopping and dicing before I was able to take a nap.
The side dishes, which will be served at the Thanksgiving Table, will have texture to them. The mashed potatoes and turnips (which only two people like) are the only vegetables that you could consume if you had a teeth issue.
The first set of guests arrived on Wednesday around 3 PM. By the time that we chatted, had munchies, and eventually sat down to the pre Thanksgiving dinner, there were 10 people at the table. When supper was over, including dessert, I decided to watch some sporting contests. A few minutes after I sat in a comfortable chair, I proceeded to fall asleep. My snoring didn’t wake anyone up because the room that I was in was away from all the action.
Yes, I did get into a discussion of politics by asking one question. I didn’t even mention the word Democrat or Republican, Obama, Hillary, etc. I asked two of the guests, who are in their late 20’s and early 30’s, who they voted for in the Presidential Elections. This is all that it took to get a political conversation going. These two male guests are the sons of the only two Republican voting people at the dinner table last night. The other guests, who will be arriving after 11AM this morning, all voted for Obama. I can feel a political discussion once again, but maybe I will let someone else get it started.
A friend, who lives in a town just outside of Pittsfield, narrowly escaped from his house being blown up. It was one of those Propane tank explosions. The fire marshals are surmising that there was a leak in the basement, and the gas built up. A flick of a light switch is probably all that it took to set off the explosion.
Didn’t you just love the story of the guy in Leavenworth, Kansas who tried to steal an ATM Machine with a stolen fork lift? He uses the fork lift to dislodge the ATM machine from its location. He decides to drop the ATM machine down a 50 foot ravine with the hopes that it would open up. The thief is so dumb that fork lift tumbles down in the ravine and lands on top of the guy. The ATM, and the man both survive. The thief will be spending many years in the Fort Leavenworth Federal Prison.
Just before we left the Berkshires, there was a letter to the editor in our local newspaper about the joy of having a Toufu Turkey. The person was also touting the Vegetarian life style. Thanksgiving just wouldn’t be the same without a real Turkey.
Even the first setters to this continent had meats and vegetables on their tables.
The one, non militant vegetarian, who was supposed to be joining us, would have been impressed the many vegetable oriented side dishes which we prepared for her and the rest of the guests. She decided to stay in Washington, D.C. to study for some tests which she has early next week. She is studying to be a doctor.
Well, what can I say, it is Thanksgiving Day. In a few short hours the 27 pound bird will be going in our friend’s convection oven. There is nothing like the wonderful smells which will be permeating the house in no time at all. Toufu just doesn’t seem to have that same effect. I am stuffed just thinking about how stuffed that I am going to be.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving. If you have to be on the roads, drive carefully.
Try and make that warm and fuzzy feeling last all year long.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Hello on Wednesday Morning
Dear Friends,
I must make a correction about one of the two babies born on November 24, 2008.
My niece had a boy, and not a girl. Linda and I stopped at Berkshire Medical
Center, and saw that bundle of joy before we headed east on Tuesday.
I am sending this e-mail from our friend's home in Tewksbury. We had a pleasant
day with them on Tuesday. I even had time to weave in a long nap before supper.
Even though I send an e-mail almost every day, we can always find something to
talk about. My seemingly "tell all" e-mails always have some information which I
do leave out.
Seven more friends and family will be with us this evening, some of whom are
staying over at the Brodeur home. There will be much fun and merriment before
this day is over.
After breakfast, and when everyone is totally awake. We will start chopping,
dicing, etc. in preparation for Thanksgiving Day. I think that the last count,
which is subject to change, is 17 people around the table. It will be another
day of great fun.
Kevin and Kyla, our son and daughter-in-law , will be with us too.
I love any Holiday as long as I am surrounded by people who too want to have a
good time. One of my tasks on Thanksgiving is to keep Jerry's 88 year old dad
entertained. Yes, he still drives, and he will making the hour or so trip from
his home in New Hampshire. God Bless him!
My father is 3 years younger than the senior Brodeur, but I am not sure if I
want him driving on roads like Route 495, or Route 93 in this end of the State.
Linda and I were impressed with the Brodeur 50 inch HD television which they
purchased a few months ago. The Brodeur's are electronically challenged, and
have yet to learn all the potential in running the cable box, and the remote
device. They have a surround sound system, but they don't know how to hook it up
to the television. I am betting some of the youngsters who will be with us over
the next few days can hook it up in no time at all.
Politics -- Obama and his cabinet are going to put forth a way to get the
economy jump started. I am really hoping and praying that whatever they propose
is successful. The" Limbaugh type" talking heads won't have much to talk about
if the Democrats are lucky to pull it off.
If Obama' platform of "Change" really happens, maybe the Republican voters
will vote Democratic in the next Presidential election. Yeah Right!
Have a great Thanksgiving Day celebration whomever you are with.
If you are alone, you can volunteer to work one of those "Serve the needy" in
your town or neighboring community.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
I must make a correction about one of the two babies born on November 24, 2008.
My niece had a boy, and not a girl. Linda and I stopped at Berkshire Medical
Center, and saw that bundle of joy before we headed east on Tuesday.
I am sending this e-mail from our friend's home in Tewksbury. We had a pleasant
day with them on Tuesday. I even had time to weave in a long nap before supper.
Even though I send an e-mail almost every day, we can always find something to
talk about. My seemingly "tell all" e-mails always have some information which I
do leave out.
Seven more friends and family will be with us this evening, some of whom are
staying over at the Brodeur home. There will be much fun and merriment before
this day is over.
After breakfast, and when everyone is totally awake. We will start chopping,
dicing, etc. in preparation for Thanksgiving Day. I think that the last count,
which is subject to change, is 17 people around the table. It will be another
day of great fun.
Kevin and Kyla, our son and daughter-in-law , will be with us too.
I love any Holiday as long as I am surrounded by people who too want to have a
good time. One of my tasks on Thanksgiving is to keep Jerry's 88 year old dad
entertained. Yes, he still drives, and he will making the hour or so trip from
his home in New Hampshire. God Bless him!
My father is 3 years younger than the senior Brodeur, but I am not sure if I
want him driving on roads like Route 495, or Route 93 in this end of the State.
Linda and I were impressed with the Brodeur 50 inch HD television which they
purchased a few months ago. The Brodeur's are electronically challenged, and
have yet to learn all the potential in running the cable box, and the remote
device. They have a surround sound system, but they don't know how to hook it up
to the television. I am betting some of the youngsters who will be with us over
the next few days can hook it up in no time at all.
Politics -- Obama and his cabinet are going to put forth a way to get the
economy jump started. I am really hoping and praying that whatever they propose
is successful. The" Limbaugh type" talking heads won't have much to talk about
if the Democrats are lucky to pull it off.
If Obama' platform of "Change" really happens, maybe the Republican voters
will vote Democratic in the next Presidential election. Yeah Right!
Have a great Thanksgiving Day celebration whomever you are with.
If you are alone, you can volunteer to work one of those "Serve the needy" in
your town or neighboring community.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Hello on Tuesday Morning
Dear Friends,
My parent visit on Monday went well. I made some turkey soup using the carcass of a turkey breast which my mother cooked the other day. Dear old Mom doesn't have the strength in her arms anymore to even slice the turkey.
During every visit, she tells me to do everything you can physically and mentally do right now. She advised me to keep busy, and enjoy life because there will be a time when most of the good times will come to an end (or at least slow down).
On a happier note, my sister and her husband became grand parents once again. Their daughter Missy had a baby girl during the early evening. Linda and I are going to make a quick visit before we head east this morning.
Our Dalton friends also became grand parents for the first time around noon yesterday. Their son and his wife live in Atlanta. Our friends drove to Atlanta, and they arrived a day before the birth. How about that for timing?
I am guessing that my friends are going to have a real difficult time when they have to leave next week, and head back to the Berkshires. They will be like Linda and I because they will be long distance grandparents.
I also know that if we lived closer to our grandchildren, we would be volunteering to babysit every chance that we could get.
I have been thinking about Thanksgiving for days now.To me this is like opening day of one of my professional sports' teams which I follow. I get really psyched for the big event. I liked being surrounded by people who get that warm and fuzzy feeling just like I do when the umpire says: "Play Ball".
It could be the first Patriot home game of the season. Visualize being in the stands (65,000 people strong) with people in the row in front of us, and behind us who are the same people year after year. It is like being at the dinner table on Thanksgiving Day.
My meeting in the afternoon on Mondsay went well. As I surmised, the coach of a local kids' rugby team want to play some games in Ireland , a couple of which he would like to play in our Irish Sister City. You know what that means: "Fundraisers".
I came home in between my parent visit, and my meeting with the rugby coach. The telephone rings just as Linda is coming out of the shower. One of her friends needed a knitting consult immediately. I say immediately because the lady was in a yarn store trying to purchase yarn, and bamboo needles of a certain size. Linda asked if she had a coupon for the store which she was in. The answer was : "No". Towel wrapped Linda went looking for some coupons. Linda sent me to the store to deliver the coupons.
The saga continues. I had two coupons, but the rule is one coupon per person. I had to go through the checkout line with one of the two purchases. Now this sounds simple enough, but there is always a story. I had walked back to where the lady picked up the yarn in one isle, and the needles in another isle. She couldn't find the needles which she put down before she rushed outside of the store to greet me. Of course in the needle isle, there were no more #6 Bamboo needles. Franny to the rescue. I retraced the woman's steps, and I found the needles semi buried in the yarn pile. Linda always dislikes it when she has to get involved in my projects. Well, "What goes around, comes around" as the saying goes.
Finish packing, load up the car with luggage, and home baked food, visit my niece in the maternity ward, drop off something at my parents' home in Lee, all takes place before we get on the Massachusetts Turnpike and head East today.
Well, I have to do some quiet chores.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
My parent visit on Monday went well. I made some turkey soup using the carcass of a turkey breast which my mother cooked the other day. Dear old Mom doesn't have the strength in her arms anymore to even slice the turkey.
During every visit, she tells me to do everything you can physically and mentally do right now. She advised me to keep busy, and enjoy life because there will be a time when most of the good times will come to an end (or at least slow down).
On a happier note, my sister and her husband became grand parents once again. Their daughter Missy had a baby girl during the early evening. Linda and I are going to make a quick visit before we head east this morning.
Our Dalton friends also became grand parents for the first time around noon yesterday. Their son and his wife live in Atlanta. Our friends drove to Atlanta, and they arrived a day before the birth. How about that for timing?
I am guessing that my friends are going to have a real difficult time when they have to leave next week, and head back to the Berkshires. They will be like Linda and I because they will be long distance grandparents.
I also know that if we lived closer to our grandchildren, we would be volunteering to babysit every chance that we could get.
I have been thinking about Thanksgiving for days now.To me this is like opening day of one of my professional sports' teams which I follow. I get really psyched for the big event. I liked being surrounded by people who get that warm and fuzzy feeling just like I do when the umpire says: "Play Ball".
It could be the first Patriot home game of the season. Visualize being in the stands (65,000 people strong) with people in the row in front of us, and behind us who are the same people year after year. It is like being at the dinner table on Thanksgiving Day.
My meeting in the afternoon on Mondsay went well. As I surmised, the coach of a local kids' rugby team want to play some games in Ireland , a couple of which he would like to play in our Irish Sister City. You know what that means: "Fundraisers".
I came home in between my parent visit, and my meeting with the rugby coach. The telephone rings just as Linda is coming out of the shower. One of her friends needed a knitting consult immediately. I say immediately because the lady was in a yarn store trying to purchase yarn, and bamboo needles of a certain size. Linda asked if she had a coupon for the store which she was in. The answer was : "No". Towel wrapped Linda went looking for some coupons. Linda sent me to the store to deliver the coupons.
The saga continues. I had two coupons, but the rule is one coupon per person. I had to go through the checkout line with one of the two purchases. Now this sounds simple enough, but there is always a story. I had walked back to where the lady picked up the yarn in one isle, and the needles in another isle. She couldn't find the needles which she put down before she rushed outside of the store to greet me. Of course in the needle isle, there were no more #6 Bamboo needles. Franny to the rescue. I retraced the woman's steps, and I found the needles semi buried in the yarn pile. Linda always dislikes it when she has to get involved in my projects. Well, "What goes around, comes around" as the saying goes.
Finish packing, load up the car with luggage, and home baked food, visit my niece in the maternity ward, drop off something at my parents' home in Lee, all takes place before we get on the Massachusetts Turnpike and head East today.
Well, I have to do some quiet chores.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
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