Dear Friends,
I over dosed on College football yesterday before settling down to watch the Red Sox do battle at 7 PM.
I really don't have a favorite college team. I just like it when the little guy wins against the big guy.
My relatives in Ohio went to bed happy since their Buckeyes beat up on another Ohio team. Hopefully the Buckeyes will be playing some ranked teams this year which will toughen them up for when bowl time comes around.
I did go to bed a happy man last evening since my Red Sox were victorious once again. Tampa continued with their late inning heroics, and won their game in the last of the ninth. The hapless Yankees squandered a lead, and lost their game.
Linda spent hours of her day hand writing out place cards for a wedding which we are attending this coming Saturday. She still has some bows to insert in the place cards.
When her hands stopped hurting from writing, she went to her knitting. She has been busy knitting baby outfits. No, we are not having a baby. Her baby outfits are in demand. Every time she attends a baby shower, the gifts have been baby clothes. It is usually a sweater, hat, and booties. I think that she just completed a set which she had been working on before she went to bed last evening.
Hopefully, we have another quiet day once again. We have to conserve our energy for a busy week once again.
We will be having house guests I believe starting on Wednesday evening. One couple is booked in for sure, and we might have another couple joining us on Friday night and Saturday night too. The guests are all related to the wedding which we are attending on Saturday.
Next Sunday is opening day for the New England Patriots. Yes, I will be there for the 1 PM game. If all goes as planned, my son Kevin from East Boston, will be with me. Linda and Kyla, Kevin's wife, will be bonding at a Mall somewhere.
My son, Michael, in Kansas will be able to see the game since the Patriots are playing the Kansas City Chiefs. It should be broadcast in his area.
Not much to report on the political front. People are still trying to decide if McCain made a good choice as his running mate. She is photogenic which is another positive.
The weather is supposed to be perfect for today and tomorrow, and extending into next week.
Continue to have a great weekend. The Curley Lad
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Hello on Saturday Morning
Dear Friends,
Friday went well for both Linda and I.
I did go to bed a happy man since my Red Sox won their game against the Chicago White Sox. The first and the third place teams won their games too.
I am still trying to figure out if McCain's selection of a running mate is a winner or not. Selecting a female could be a positive. Being a good role model as a mother is another positive. A moose hunting, ice-fishing , gun toting, outdoors person is another positive. Being against abortion is another positive for certain segments of the nation. The almost 30 year younger age difference is another positive.
The Republicans might have to give up the argument that Obama lacks experience because I don't see much on her resume.
As I left the members bar / restaurant at Berkshire Hills Country Club last evening, I said "Hi" a friend who is a staunch Republican. He thought that McCain's choice of a running mate was a tactical error by the Republican Party. Time will tell!
I did say in a previous e-mail that I would stay away from politics in future e-mails, but I am finding it so difficult to do so.
On a different note, I think that I am addicted to certain sports. I was semi inconsiderate last evening when I abandoned the two other couples, whom we were with, to go home an watch the Red Sox. Some people are addicted to gambling, others to alcohol, etc. How about the actor who checked himself into a clinic yesterday because he was addicted to sex?
Last night did have a positive outcome in spite of my behavior. We stopped and chatted with so many people whom we know while at the Berkshire Hills that if I wanted to stay home and watch a sporting contest, Linda could go there alone, and have a great conversation with so many people.
Right now we have a quiet weekend scheduled.
Four days of golf, when you are a hacker like me, this past week was a bit too much.
Have to go a grab a cup of coffee.
Have a great Labor Day weekend. The Curley Lad
Friday went well for both Linda and I.
I did go to bed a happy man since my Red Sox won their game against the Chicago White Sox. The first and the third place teams won their games too.
I am still trying to figure out if McCain's selection of a running mate is a winner or not. Selecting a female could be a positive. Being a good role model as a mother is another positive. A moose hunting, ice-fishing , gun toting, outdoors person is another positive. Being against abortion is another positive for certain segments of the nation. The almost 30 year younger age difference is another positive.
The Republicans might have to give up the argument that Obama lacks experience because I don't see much on her resume.
As I left the members bar / restaurant at Berkshire Hills Country Club last evening, I said "Hi" a friend who is a staunch Republican. He thought that McCain's choice of a running mate was a tactical error by the Republican Party. Time will tell!
I did say in a previous e-mail that I would stay away from politics in future e-mails, but I am finding it so difficult to do so.
On a different note, I think that I am addicted to certain sports. I was semi inconsiderate last evening when I abandoned the two other couples, whom we were with, to go home an watch the Red Sox. Some people are addicted to gambling, others to alcohol, etc. How about the actor who checked himself into a clinic yesterday because he was addicted to sex?
Last night did have a positive outcome in spite of my behavior. We stopped and chatted with so many people whom we know while at the Berkshire Hills that if I wanted to stay home and watch a sporting contest, Linda could go there alone, and have a great conversation with so many people.
Right now we have a quiet weekend scheduled.
Four days of golf, when you are a hacker like me, this past week was a bit too much.
Have to go a grab a cup of coffee.
Have a great Labor Day weekend. The Curley Lad
Friday, August 29, 2008
Hello on Friday Morning
Dear Friends,
The Red Sox relievers failed to do their job yesterday afternoon, and my Sox lost the game.
My Patriots looked like they couldn't stop a High School football team last evening as the Super Bowls Champs, the Giants, were victorious.
No, I didn't listen to Obama last evening accept the Democratic nomination. Now we have to witness the same scenario with the Republican Convention. Which of his 8 homes will McCain be coming to the convention from?
What I really am not looking forward to is the multitude of campaign ads which will be shown on television for the next couple of months. Let the mud slinging begin!
I tee off with the seniors at 8:30 AM this morning. The 19th hole festivities take place at our treasurer's home after golf. It is our annual end of the year picnic even though we still play golf throughout the fall.
Linda has her end of the month Pittsfield High School retirees breakfast with her lady friends. She has a routine doctor's appointment after that.
Her dentist appointment, before working a shift at the Purple Plume, didn't go as planned. I received a frantic telephone call while on the golf course because she couldn't find the dentist's office. Our dentist moved down the street from his old place. Linda's teeth are so good that she very seldom requires his services. She didn't know where his new office was located.
After she managed to find the office, the saga continued. The doctor couldn't find why she has been experiencing some discomfort. He took some X-Rays, and still couldn't find the problem. He decided that the one filling that she has was causing the problem. He pops out the old filling, does some drilling, and replaces the filling. You would think the situation is over. Not! After doing filling type work, the dentist always checks for the correct "bite". Linda was complaining about something not being right when she came home from work yesterday. I think that she might be stopping off to see the dentist while I am doing my thing today.
We had to use a gift certificate for a pizza place last evening because the deal expires at the end of the month. The pizza was not good. The place is called "Hold the Anchovies", but we are going to change it to "Hold the Pizza". Linda might be making a stop at this place at some point today to tell them that we were not happy.
It is the official end of the summer this weekend. The forecast for next week is absolutely wonderful. Every time that school begins, the weather is often the best of the summer. Two of my golfing buddies , who just retired from the guidance department at my former high school, called the school while we were teeing off on the third hole. The young women, who replaced my friends, said that the guidance department was out of control with students just registering for school as well as students wanting to change their schedule, and change teachers, etc.
Have a great weekend. The Curley Lad
The Red Sox relievers failed to do their job yesterday afternoon, and my Sox lost the game.
My Patriots looked like they couldn't stop a High School football team last evening as the Super Bowls Champs, the Giants, were victorious.
No, I didn't listen to Obama last evening accept the Democratic nomination. Now we have to witness the same scenario with the Republican Convention. Which of his 8 homes will McCain be coming to the convention from?
What I really am not looking forward to is the multitude of campaign ads which will be shown on television for the next couple of months. Let the mud slinging begin!
I tee off with the seniors at 8:30 AM this morning. The 19th hole festivities take place at our treasurer's home after golf. It is our annual end of the year picnic even though we still play golf throughout the fall.
Linda has her end of the month Pittsfield High School retirees breakfast with her lady friends. She has a routine doctor's appointment after that.
Her dentist appointment, before working a shift at the Purple Plume, didn't go as planned. I received a frantic telephone call while on the golf course because she couldn't find the dentist's office. Our dentist moved down the street from his old place. Linda's teeth are so good that she very seldom requires his services. She didn't know where his new office was located.
After she managed to find the office, the saga continued. The doctor couldn't find why she has been experiencing some discomfort. He took some X-Rays, and still couldn't find the problem. He decided that the one filling that she has was causing the problem. He pops out the old filling, does some drilling, and replaces the filling. You would think the situation is over. Not! After doing filling type work, the dentist always checks for the correct "bite". Linda was complaining about something not being right when she came home from work yesterday. I think that she might be stopping off to see the dentist while I am doing my thing today.
We had to use a gift certificate for a pizza place last evening because the deal expires at the end of the month. The pizza was not good. The place is called "Hold the Anchovies", but we are going to change it to "Hold the Pizza". Linda might be making a stop at this place at some point today to tell them that we were not happy.
It is the official end of the summer this weekend. The forecast for next week is absolutely wonderful. Every time that school begins, the weather is often the best of the summer. Two of my golfing buddies , who just retired from the guidance department at my former high school, called the school while we were teeing off on the third hole. The young women, who replaced my friends, said that the guidance department was out of control with students just registering for school as well as students wanting to change their schedule, and change teachers, etc.
Have a great weekend. The Curley Lad
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Hello on Thursday
Dear Friends,
Wednesday went as planned for both Linda and I.
We had another dose of super sweet corn on the cob along with a steak which I cooked on the grill for supper.
I went to bed a happy man last evening as my Red Sox pounded on the hapless Yankees for a second game in a row. I think that the Yankees can't wait for the Red Sox to leave the Bronx. They do battle this afternoon in the final game of this three game series.
Linda has a long day to look forward to. She is going to the dentist at 8:30 AM before she heads off to the Purple Plume.
Speaking of the Purple Plume, Linda is changing her working status to a "substitute associate" for the fall. She really deserves a stretch of "Do nothing days", but our fall calendar is already packed with booked in activities.
I tee off with the usual suspects at 7:20 AM.
The teachers in the Pittsfield Public Schools have to report to their respective schools today. Two of my golfing buddies have wives who will be part of this group teachers.
If you remember, Linda lasted only one school! year after I retired. She got very tired of me saying: "Have a nice day at school!"
I decided to stay away from politics, the Presidential race, etc. in my e-mails. Each person has to make their own decision who they think is the best qualified to do the job. It is like a person choosing which religion best suits their spiritual needs.
The Patriots play the Giants in the final pre-season football game this evening. Tom Brady is in California buying a home. The New England Patriot fans don't think that his heart is really into playing football this year. I am hoping that this is not the case, but time will tell. Opening day for the Patriots is September 7, 2008.
I have to grab a cup of coffee, and select my golfing wardrobe.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Wednesday went as planned for both Linda and I.
We had another dose of super sweet corn on the cob along with a steak which I cooked on the grill for supper.
I went to bed a happy man last evening as my Red Sox pounded on the hapless Yankees for a second game in a row. I think that the Yankees can't wait for the Red Sox to leave the Bronx. They do battle this afternoon in the final game of this three game series.
Linda has a long day to look forward to. She is going to the dentist at 8:30 AM before she heads off to the Purple Plume.
Speaking of the Purple Plume, Linda is changing her working status to a "substitute associate" for the fall. She really deserves a stretch of "Do nothing days", but our fall calendar is already packed with booked in activities.
I tee off with the usual suspects at 7:20 AM.
The teachers in the Pittsfield Public Schools have to report to their respective schools today. Two of my golfing buddies have wives who will be part of this group teachers.
If you remember, Linda lasted only one school! year after I retired. She got very tired of me saying: "Have a nice day at school!"
I decided to stay away from politics, the Presidential race, etc. in my e-mails. Each person has to make their own decision who they think is the best qualified to do the job. It is like a person choosing which religion best suits their spiritual needs.
The Patriots play the Giants in the final pre-season football game this evening. Tom Brady is in California buying a home. The New England Patriot fans don't think that his heart is really into playing football this year. I am hoping that this is not the case, but time will tell. Opening day for the Patriots is September 7, 2008.
I have to grab a cup of coffee, and select my golfing wardrobe.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Hello on Wednesday Morning
Dear Friends,
Another day in Curley world went as planned. It was a bit brisk as we teed off at 7:20 AM on Tuesday. Good thing that we weren't teeing it up today because it is 43 degrees as I begin this e-mail. Thursday will be the last day which we will be teeing off so early. My retired friends and I made a corporate decision to tee off when it is a bit warmer beginning next week.
Yes, I did squeeze in an afternoon nap before Linda arrived home from MahJongg. She too had a winning experience at the MahJongg table.
The best part of the evening was dinner at one of our most favorite Italian restaurants in Pittsfield. Even though our friends have a wedding anniversary a week after ours, and the fact that we ( the men) didn't really celebrate the joy of being together for those many years on the correct date, everything worked out well last evening. The food, from the appetizers to dessert, was five star rated in our minds. When we told one of the owners that we were celebrating our anniversaries, he gave us desserts on the house.
While we were at the restaurant, another couple sitting next to us was listening to our conversation. We found out that the wife in their relationship is not adjusting well to the man's retirement. We told her that separation is good. This is why us men go off to the golf course, and get out of the house for 5 or 6 hours at a time. It is not normal for a husband and wife to be with one another for 24 hours per day. The nice woman told us that her husband "bossed around" people his whole life, and he is bossing her around in retirement. We even invited him to join us on the golf course to keep his wife from going insane.
I went to bed a happy man last evening. My Red Sox were victorious in the opening three game series against the Yankees in New York. I can't wait to watch them do battle this evening.
I read a report that there will be commercials on television, using children, about how bad hot dogs are for us health wise. I am not giving up my "Hebrew National" hot dogs. Everything in moderation. Don't you just love those nitrates?
There was a report on nutritious school lunches which parents can make for their children. The good old peanut butter and jelly sandwich was one of the best choices. Of course, many schools have banned peanut products from their lunch menus. It is once again where the minority controls the majority. It is sort of like me and my allergies to clams. When I was at the lobster / steak / clam bake this past Saturday, I avoided the endless flow of clams which were served including the raw bar ones. Why should my allergies change what is served at the clambake?
Well, the Democratic Convention was on television last evening. I hope that some of you Republicans got a chance to watch some of it. The experience issue, from McCains camp, is a bit tiring. All presidents have a staff of advisors who can get anyone through a Presidency.
I have to get dressed, and do some chores inside and outside of the home.
Linda has to head off to the Purple Plume in a couple of hours.
Have a great Wednesday. The Curley Lad
Another day in Curley world went as planned. It was a bit brisk as we teed off at 7:20 AM on Tuesday. Good thing that we weren't teeing it up today because it is 43 degrees as I begin this e-mail. Thursday will be the last day which we will be teeing off so early. My retired friends and I made a corporate decision to tee off when it is a bit warmer beginning next week.
Yes, I did squeeze in an afternoon nap before Linda arrived home from MahJongg. She too had a winning experience at the MahJongg table.
The best part of the evening was dinner at one of our most favorite Italian restaurants in Pittsfield. Even though our friends have a wedding anniversary a week after ours, and the fact that we ( the men) didn't really celebrate the joy of being together for those many years on the correct date, everything worked out well last evening. The food, from the appetizers to dessert, was five star rated in our minds. When we told one of the owners that we were celebrating our anniversaries, he gave us desserts on the house.
While we were at the restaurant, another couple sitting next to us was listening to our conversation. We found out that the wife in their relationship is not adjusting well to the man's retirement. We told her that separation is good. This is why us men go off to the golf course, and get out of the house for 5 or 6 hours at a time. It is not normal for a husband and wife to be with one another for 24 hours per day. The nice woman told us that her husband "bossed around" people his whole life, and he is bossing her around in retirement. We even invited him to join us on the golf course to keep his wife from going insane.
I went to bed a happy man last evening. My Red Sox were victorious in the opening three game series against the Yankees in New York. I can't wait to watch them do battle this evening.
I read a report that there will be commercials on television, using children, about how bad hot dogs are for us health wise. I am not giving up my "Hebrew National" hot dogs. Everything in moderation. Don't you just love those nitrates?
There was a report on nutritious school lunches which parents can make for their children. The good old peanut butter and jelly sandwich was one of the best choices. Of course, many schools have banned peanut products from their lunch menus. It is once again where the minority controls the majority. It is sort of like me and my allergies to clams. When I was at the lobster / steak / clam bake this past Saturday, I avoided the endless flow of clams which were served including the raw bar ones. Why should my allergies change what is served at the clambake?
Well, the Democratic Convention was on television last evening. I hope that some of you Republicans got a chance to watch some of it. The experience issue, from McCains camp, is a bit tiring. All presidents have a staff of advisors who can get anyone through a Presidency.
I have to get dressed, and do some chores inside and outside of the home.
Linda has to head off to the Purple Plume in a couple of hours.
Have a great Wednesday. The Curley Lad
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Hello on Tuesday Morning
Dear Friends,
Golf went okay yesterday. I only had to part with two dollars. I whiffed a couple of times during the round. At times, I ask myself why I even play the game. My opponent and I, who have similar handicaps, shot the same score on the front nine as well as the back nine. It was ugly at times, but I keep on reminded myself that I am walking on the grass instead of being planted below it.
Linda had multiple hours of being alone yesterday, and preparing for her BONCO session. It would appear that the evening went well. When I emptied the dishwasher a few minutes ago, I did notice some wine glasses. I would bet that the ladies who were drinking wine were the teachers who have to report to school this morning.
I tee off today at 7:20 AM. Linda has her normal MahJongg session at a friend's house.
I was almost going to write that we are free this evening, but I just remembered that we are going out with another couple to celebrate their anniversary. Their anniversary was yesterday. My friend was all set to take his wife out to their favorite restaurant until I told him that the restaurant is closed on Mondays. If you remember, we celebrated our anniversary last week by going to a Patriot Game, and getting lost after the game.
The temperatures are in the mid forties this morning. Fall is in the air. The Farmers Almanac & the National weather service are in conflict with the long term predictions for winter. The Almanac has predicted a cold winter period, but the National weather service says that we are in for a mild winter.
Well, I have to select my golfing wardrobe.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Golf went okay yesterday. I only had to part with two dollars. I whiffed a couple of times during the round. At times, I ask myself why I even play the game. My opponent and I, who have similar handicaps, shot the same score on the front nine as well as the back nine. It was ugly at times, but I keep on reminded myself that I am walking on the grass instead of being planted below it.
Linda had multiple hours of being alone yesterday, and preparing for her BONCO session. It would appear that the evening went well. When I emptied the dishwasher a few minutes ago, I did notice some wine glasses. I would bet that the ladies who were drinking wine were the teachers who have to report to school this morning.
I tee off today at 7:20 AM. Linda has her normal MahJongg session at a friend's house.
I was almost going to write that we are free this evening, but I just remembered that we are going out with another couple to celebrate their anniversary. Their anniversary was yesterday. My friend was all set to take his wife out to their favorite restaurant until I told him that the restaurant is closed on Mondays. If you remember, we celebrated our anniversary last week by going to a Patriot Game, and getting lost after the game.
The temperatures are in the mid forties this morning. Fall is in the air. The Farmers Almanac & the National weather service are in conflict with the long term predictions for winter. The Almanac has predicted a cold winter period, but the National weather service says that we are in for a mild winter.
Well, I have to select my golfing wardrobe.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Monday, August 25, 2008
Hello on Monday Morning
Dear Friends,
Sunday went as planned. After a morning session of house cleaning, and dusting, our house is ready to entertain 12 women for BONCO this evening. August is Linda's month for hosting the event.
I did a few outside chores, and settled down to watch an extra inning Red Sox game as well as a playoff of some PGA golf tournament. This was the first day in about 10 days that Linda and I were totally free.
During the middle of the afternoon, Linda left to do some errands while I sat on my butt to watch my sporting contests.
Another busy week is about to begin. I am booked in for the first of four rounds of golf this week. I haven't touched a golf club in over a week.
While the women are having fun this evening, I will be trying to squeeze in a wake in my home town, and a 6:30 PM UNICO Golf Tournament wrap up meeting.
We are starting to over dose with corn on the cob. Last night we had a Japanese named corn that tasted like they injected sugar in it. I would imagine the Mike and his family in Kansas (corn country ) must be going through the same thing.
Well, this is the big week in Berkshire County when the teachers and students go back to school. This will be the fifth August / September in which I will be on the golf course as those yellow school buses go past the first and second holes of our golf course. Two of my golfing buddies will be experiencing this for the first time. I still get "tingly all over" even though it is well past my first time to go through the joy of waving to the school buses.
Of course, people on fixed incomes could always use a few extra bucks as our income stays the same as prices for everything and taxes increase every year. I can see that eventually, I might have to get a part time job of some sort. For right now, I will enjoy the good times. Reading the local obituaries each day as well as seeing several friends going through some physical problems is a reminder that I made the right move when I walked out of the classroom doors at 57 years old in June of 2004.
For all you youngsters, you have a while before you can even think of retirement. I am just giving you a preview of coming attractions.
Have a great week at work or play. The Curley Lad
Sunday went as planned. After a morning session of house cleaning, and dusting, our house is ready to entertain 12 women for BONCO this evening. August is Linda's month for hosting the event.
I did a few outside chores, and settled down to watch an extra inning Red Sox game as well as a playoff of some PGA golf tournament. This was the first day in about 10 days that Linda and I were totally free.
During the middle of the afternoon, Linda left to do some errands while I sat on my butt to watch my sporting contests.
Another busy week is about to begin. I am booked in for the first of four rounds of golf this week. I haven't touched a golf club in over a week.
While the women are having fun this evening, I will be trying to squeeze in a wake in my home town, and a 6:30 PM UNICO Golf Tournament wrap up meeting.
We are starting to over dose with corn on the cob. Last night we had a Japanese named corn that tasted like they injected sugar in it. I would imagine the Mike and his family in Kansas (corn country ) must be going through the same thing.
Well, this is the big week in Berkshire County when the teachers and students go back to school. This will be the fifth August / September in which I will be on the golf course as those yellow school buses go past the first and second holes of our golf course. Two of my golfing buddies will be experiencing this for the first time. I still get "tingly all over" even though it is well past my first time to go through the joy of waving to the school buses.
Of course, people on fixed incomes could always use a few extra bucks as our income stays the same as prices for everything and taxes increase every year. I can see that eventually, I might have to get a part time job of some sort. For right now, I will enjoy the good times. Reading the local obituaries each day as well as seeing several friends going through some physical problems is a reminder that I made the right move when I walked out of the classroom doors at 57 years old in June of 2004.
For all you youngsters, you have a while before you can even think of retirement. I am just giving you a preview of coming attractions.
Have a great week at work or play. The Curley Lad
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Hello on Sunday Morning
Dear Friends,
I left the house on Saturday at 11:45 AM, and headed to a pavilion on one of our local lakes in Pittsfield. There were about 50 guys at the clambake. The food and beverages were endless. I always meet some interesting characters. I saw this guy sitting alone at one of the picnic tables so I decided to strike up a conversation as we ate hot dogs, hamburgers, sausage patties, jumbo shrimp, raw clams (which I can't eat) along with a tuna macaroni salad, and cole slaw. These were just the appetizers before they cooked clams, and then the main meal of a preordered lobster or a steak. Not every one shows up at a clambake even though they paid for the event. Some guys ate four bags of steamed clams each. I had an extra steak since I couldn't eat the clams.
Getting back to the guy who I sat with, I found out that he is single. He is single because he is divorced. He still is involved / friends with his ex-wife who is wheel chair bound, and in a nursing home suffering from MS. He volunteered this information, I just let him talk. He has a trailer in Pittsfield which he leaves at a local campground, and a trailer in Florida which he stays at during the winter. He told me about his prostate problem. At one point he asks me to guess his age. I guessed that he was nearing 80. He just turned 70 years old a few months ago.
Another character there was a mentally challenged person who had a heart of gold. He would get you another soda or beer, took away your empty plate, make sure the beverages were ice down. No one told him to do these things, he just did them. He even went around having people take pictures of him and the participants on his cell phone. Yes, the Curley lad is in one of the photos. By the end of the clambake, he was "three sheets to the wind". I drove him back the public housing complex where he lives in downtown Pittsfield .
I felt bad for my friend who organized the clambake because he had a 2 PM wedding to attend for a friend's daughter. My friend worked with the father of the bride in the print shop at my former high school.
When I arrived home, I didn't last more than thirty minutes before I decided to go to bed (7:30 PM). My biological clock was still out of whack because of my driving detour after the Patriot Game on Thursday night.
Linda did go out to the restaurant in downtown Pittsfield last evening with some friends. I haven't seen or spoken to her since 11:45 AM on Saturday morning.
I think that our day is totally free. I did take home a bunch of those raw clams, and a bag of the uncooked clams. There are enough that Linda might have to share them with somebody.
My Red Sox lost yesterday while the first and third place teams won. Another friend and I listened to the game on radio at the clambake. It was probably good that I didn't see the game on television. It was probably better to visualize how Toronto scored 11 runs while the Sox put up a big fat 0 in the scoring column.
Well, the local newspaper just arrived.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
I left the house on Saturday at 11:45 AM, and headed to a pavilion on one of our local lakes in Pittsfield. There were about 50 guys at the clambake. The food and beverages were endless. I always meet some interesting characters. I saw this guy sitting alone at one of the picnic tables so I decided to strike up a conversation as we ate hot dogs, hamburgers, sausage patties, jumbo shrimp, raw clams (which I can't eat) along with a tuna macaroni salad, and cole slaw. These were just the appetizers before they cooked clams, and then the main meal of a preordered lobster or a steak. Not every one shows up at a clambake even though they paid for the event. Some guys ate four bags of steamed clams each. I had an extra steak since I couldn't eat the clams.
Getting back to the guy who I sat with, I found out that he is single. He is single because he is divorced. He still is involved / friends with his ex-wife who is wheel chair bound, and in a nursing home suffering from MS. He volunteered this information, I just let him talk. He has a trailer in Pittsfield which he leaves at a local campground, and a trailer in Florida which he stays at during the winter. He told me about his prostate problem. At one point he asks me to guess his age. I guessed that he was nearing 80. He just turned 70 years old a few months ago.
Another character there was a mentally challenged person who had a heart of gold. He would get you another soda or beer, took away your empty plate, make sure the beverages were ice down. No one told him to do these things, he just did them. He even went around having people take pictures of him and the participants on his cell phone. Yes, the Curley lad is in one of the photos. By the end of the clambake, he was "three sheets to the wind". I drove him back the public housing complex where he lives in downtown Pittsfield .
I felt bad for my friend who organized the clambake because he had a 2 PM wedding to attend for a friend's daughter. My friend worked with the father of the bride in the print shop at my former high school.
When I arrived home, I didn't last more than thirty minutes before I decided to go to bed (7:30 PM). My biological clock was still out of whack because of my driving detour after the Patriot Game on Thursday night.
Linda did go out to the restaurant in downtown Pittsfield last evening with some friends. I haven't seen or spoken to her since 11:45 AM on Saturday morning.
I think that our day is totally free. I did take home a bunch of those raw clams, and a bag of the uncooked clams. There are enough that Linda might have to share them with somebody.
My Red Sox lost yesterday while the first and third place teams won. Another friend and I listened to the game on radio at the clambake. It was probably good that I didn't see the game on television. It was probably better to visualize how Toronto scored 11 runs while the Sox put up a big fat 0 in the scoring column.
Well, the local newspaper just arrived.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Hello on Saturday Morning
Dear Friends,
Friday was a pretty pleasant day except for the drive home from the game. We started off at the yarn store in Northampton. I sat in the "husband chairs" while Linda poked around in the store. After an hour or so, she made a few purchases. We left the store, and headed toward Gillette Stadium.
At a rest area on the Mass Pike, an hour or so from the Stadium, we had a little picnic.
We arrived at the Stadium before the gates opened, but this wasn't a problem since some of the shops surrounding the Stadium are now open. We only went into one store "Pro Bass Shops". It is the fourth largest store in the country. We only had time to peruse a portion of the first floor. I know that some of you readers might think that this place is designed strictly for men, but it is not. The gender friendly place has enough in it to keep women happy for several hours.
We got into the Stadium parking lot from the store very easily. Linda and I weren't doing any grilling so we were looked like a couple of lost souls sitting in our chairs, and having some cold beverages, next to smoking grills.
In no time at all, we talked our way into tailgating with three women and one guy from Concord, New Hampshire. One women, who was in charge of the grill, did it all. Her twice divorced man friend, whom she met on line (soon after her divorce), just sat in his chair, and was waited on by the woman. Linda and I ate their hot dogs, hamburgs, and pork ribs as well as the usual salads.
We said our "Thank You's", and headed into the Stadium about 30 minutes before the game started.
The Patriots looked absolutely awful. At the end of the third quarter, we had seen enough. This is when the trouble began! Because of the parking lot that we were in, they made us leave in the opposite direction of the way which we wanted to go. I made an incorrect turn a few miles down the road, and we ended up in a liquor store in West Roxbury (just outside of Boston--with a high murder rate) asking directions. Visualize a tall version of "Curley" from the three stooges trying to get me back on the highway to eventually reach the Massachusetts Turnpike heading west. We did eventually succeed getting back home, but our heads didn't hit the pillow until 2 AM. We should have arrived home near midnight. A GPS system could have been very helpful if we owned one.
Linda is still trying to recover from the driving home adventure. I am trying to be extremely quiet, but the telephone just rang with a recorded message from the Berkshire Eagle saying that the newspaper is delayed, and that they are trying to resolve the problem.
I am off to a "guys only" clambake at noon.
Linda just wants to be left alone.
A friend invited Linda and I to go to a newly opened restaurant in downtown Pittsfield for supper this evening. Just what I need after spending the day eating and consuming beverages all afternoon long. I am going to suggest that Linda go with another girlfriend, whose husband is out of town helping their son move.
Well, I have to get back to my quiet chores.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Friday was a pretty pleasant day except for the drive home from the game. We started off at the yarn store in Northampton. I sat in the "husband chairs" while Linda poked around in the store. After an hour or so, she made a few purchases. We left the store, and headed toward Gillette Stadium.
At a rest area on the Mass Pike, an hour or so from the Stadium, we had a little picnic.
We arrived at the Stadium before the gates opened, but this wasn't a problem since some of the shops surrounding the Stadium are now open. We only went into one store "Pro Bass Shops". It is the fourth largest store in the country. We only had time to peruse a portion of the first floor. I know that some of you readers might think that this place is designed strictly for men, but it is not. The gender friendly place has enough in it to keep women happy for several hours.
We got into the Stadium parking lot from the store very easily. Linda and I weren't doing any grilling so we were looked like a couple of lost souls sitting in our chairs, and having some cold beverages, next to smoking grills.
In no time at all, we talked our way into tailgating with three women and one guy from Concord, New Hampshire. One women, who was in charge of the grill, did it all. Her twice divorced man friend, whom she met on line (soon after her divorce), just sat in his chair, and was waited on by the woman. Linda and I ate their hot dogs, hamburgs, and pork ribs as well as the usual salads.
We said our "Thank You's", and headed into the Stadium about 30 minutes before the game started.
The Patriots looked absolutely awful. At the end of the third quarter, we had seen enough. This is when the trouble began! Because of the parking lot that we were in, they made us leave in the opposite direction of the way which we wanted to go. I made an incorrect turn a few miles down the road, and we ended up in a liquor store in West Roxbury (just outside of Boston--with a high murder rate) asking directions. Visualize a tall version of "Curley" from the three stooges trying to get me back on the highway to eventually reach the Massachusetts Turnpike heading west. We did eventually succeed getting back home, but our heads didn't hit the pillow until 2 AM. We should have arrived home near midnight. A GPS system could have been very helpful if we owned one.
Linda is still trying to recover from the driving home adventure. I am trying to be extremely quiet, but the telephone just rang with a recorded message from the Berkshire Eagle saying that the newspaper is delayed, and that they are trying to resolve the problem.
I am off to a "guys only" clambake at noon.
Linda just wants to be left alone.
A friend invited Linda and I to go to a newly opened restaurant in downtown Pittsfield for supper this evening. Just what I need after spending the day eating and consuming beverages all afternoon long. I am going to suggest that Linda go with another girlfriend, whose husband is out of town helping their son move.
Well, I have to get back to my quiet chores.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Friday, August 22, 2008
Hello on Thursday
Dear Friends,
I didn't do any lifting yesterday. I can stand upright with very little discomfort.
Linda had a lot of lookers at the Purple Plume, but they didn't want to spend their money.
Linda and I ate lobsters and corn on the cob for supper last evening. No, I didn't lift any pots of water. I cooked the lobsters outside on the Turkey Frier device, but I filled the pot up with water from a hose.
None of our friends seem interested to join us, so we dined alone.
Linda is off to the Purple Plume once again today.
I am going to give the lawn a trim, take a quick nap, and gather my grill stuff for The Third Thursday Event in downtown Pittsfield. Our Irish Sister City group is setting up in Sottile Park ( corner of Eagle and North Street) at 3:45 PM.
I couldn't help out last evening preparing some of the food for this evening's event because I wanted to stay off my feet until my back got better.
My Red Sox finally sent a pitcher back to the minors after he has lost several consecutive games. Last year he threw a no hitter, and this year the opponents are hitting the cover off of the ball. The first place team finally lost a game, but the Yankees inched closer to the Sox.
Today is our Anniversary. I guess the lobsters last evening were like an anniversary dinner at a fancy restaurant. Not!
Irish Bangers at a street festival is not exactly a way to celebrate 37 years of bliss! Linda will go from the Purple Plume and join us for the festivities in downtown Pittsfield.
Have to go and get dressed.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
I didn't do any lifting yesterday. I can stand upright with very little discomfort.
Linda had a lot of lookers at the Purple Plume, but they didn't want to spend their money.
Linda and I ate lobsters and corn on the cob for supper last evening. No, I didn't lift any pots of water. I cooked the lobsters outside on the Turkey Frier device, but I filled the pot up with water from a hose.
None of our friends seem interested to join us, so we dined alone.
Linda is off to the Purple Plume once again today.
I am going to give the lawn a trim, take a quick nap, and gather my grill stuff for The Third Thursday Event in downtown Pittsfield. Our Irish Sister City group is setting up in Sottile Park ( corner of Eagle and North Street) at 3:45 PM.
I couldn't help out last evening preparing some of the food for this evening's event because I wanted to stay off my feet until my back got better.
My Red Sox finally sent a pitcher back to the minors after he has lost several consecutive games. Last year he threw a no hitter, and this year the opponents are hitting the cover off of the ball. The first place team finally lost a game, but the Yankees inched closer to the Sox.
Today is our Anniversary. I guess the lobsters last evening were like an anniversary dinner at a fancy restaurant. Not!
Irish Bangers at a street festival is not exactly a way to celebrate 37 years of bliss! Linda will go from the Purple Plume and join us for the festivities in downtown Pittsfield.
Have to go and get dressed.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Hello on Friday Morning
Dear Friends,
My day went as planned.
Linda exhausted herself at the Purple Plume. The store was inundated with tourists purchasing the latest fashions.
The Anniversary Celebration didn't exactly take place. Linda left the Purple Plume and headed straight for the Third Thursday Event in downtown Pittsfield. I was at my grill cooking up those Irish Bangers when she arrived. I cooked 72 of them until we ran out. The Sister City Group also sold some soda breads , and Irish Whiskey Cake.
One lady came over to my grill to see what I was cooking. I explained what an Irish Banger was. She said that she was a vegetarian, and that she doesn't eat meat. I tried to talk her into purchasing some Irish Whiskey Cake. She said that she was an alcoholic. At first , I thought she was kidding with me, but then I saw her talking to some friends in front of an ice cream booth. The friends wanted to buy her an ice cream cone. She told the friends that she was lactose intolerant. They call that living!
In anticipation of Linda's arrival, I did take a coolers of beverages. I packed two bottles of Miller Chill, which is the lime flavored beer. The event was an alcohol free event, so I poured the beer into a cup so that people didn't know that she was drinking beer. I consumed of few beverages too. Cooking in front of a hot grill makes you thirsty.
Several of our friends were part of the multitude of people at the event. Linda left me and hung out with them until she decided to go home. I had to stay around, and help with the clean up.
What was also really great about the evening was that many of our friends stopped by to see me at the grill. Some Italian friends even purchased some Bangers on skewers, but I know that they are going to copy what we do. The next time the Italians will their own booth, and sell Italian sausages on a stick. The competition will be fierce!
Linda was so tired that I stayed up with her to watch the Olympics (since it was a travel day for the Red Sox), and she started to fall asleep. Usually, it is the reverse. I am the one doing the bobbing and weaving.
Today is a day where we will bond together to make up for the loss of an anniversary celebration. We are going to recreationally shop our way to the 7:30 PM Patriot Game at Gillette Stadium. Our first stop will be at a yarn store in Northampton. She is planning on being there for an hour. I think I might have to take two coolers today, one for shopping, and one for tailgating at the game.
I am going to let Linda sleep as long as she wants to this morning.
I am going to quietly get some coffee , and read the local newspaper right now.
Have a great weekend.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
My day went as planned.
Linda exhausted herself at the Purple Plume. The store was inundated with tourists purchasing the latest fashions.
The Anniversary Celebration didn't exactly take place. Linda left the Purple Plume and headed straight for the Third Thursday Event in downtown Pittsfield. I was at my grill cooking up those Irish Bangers when she arrived. I cooked 72 of them until we ran out. The Sister City Group also sold some soda breads , and Irish Whiskey Cake.
One lady came over to my grill to see what I was cooking. I explained what an Irish Banger was. She said that she was a vegetarian, and that she doesn't eat meat. I tried to talk her into purchasing some Irish Whiskey Cake. She said that she was an alcoholic. At first , I thought she was kidding with me, but then I saw her talking to some friends in front of an ice cream booth. The friends wanted to buy her an ice cream cone. She told the friends that she was lactose intolerant. They call that living!
In anticipation of Linda's arrival, I did take a coolers of beverages. I packed two bottles of Miller Chill, which is the lime flavored beer. The event was an alcohol free event, so I poured the beer into a cup so that people didn't know that she was drinking beer. I consumed of few beverages too. Cooking in front of a hot grill makes you thirsty.
Several of our friends were part of the multitude of people at the event. Linda left me and hung out with them until she decided to go home. I had to stay around, and help with the clean up.
What was also really great about the evening was that many of our friends stopped by to see me at the grill. Some Italian friends even purchased some Bangers on skewers, but I know that they are going to copy what we do. The next time the Italians will their own booth, and sell Italian sausages on a stick. The competition will be fierce!
Linda was so tired that I stayed up with her to watch the Olympics (since it was a travel day for the Red Sox), and she started to fall asleep. Usually, it is the reverse. I am the one doing the bobbing and weaving.
Today is a day where we will bond together to make up for the loss of an anniversary celebration. We are going to recreationally shop our way to the 7:30 PM Patriot Game at Gillette Stadium. Our first stop will be at a yarn store in Northampton. She is planning on being there for an hour. I think I might have to take two coolers today, one for shopping, and one for tailgating at the game.
I am going to let Linda sleep as long as she wants to this morning.
I am going to quietly get some coffee , and read the local newspaper right now.
Have a great weekend.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Hello on Wednesday Morning
Dear Friends,
Some people were inquiring about my former student in yesterday's e-mail. The thrifty gentleman is in his mid fifties. I had him, his high school sweetheart and eventually their three children in class. The whole family were great individuals to have in class. They came from two parent households. The sharing technique hasn't been mastered yet.
Linda and I made it through Tuesday, but it wasn't easy. One problem started when I convinced Linda to set up MahJongg for the ladies in the screened in room on the deck. I convinced Linda that the rain would stop, and the sun would come out, and everything would be perfect. Things didn't go as planned! The ladies arrived at 11:30 AM with their own lunches, and they were ready to dine out on the deck. Well, the temperature dropped, and the wind started howling. We had to move the already set up MahJongg table from the screened in room on the deck to the family room.
This is when I strained my back lifting up my end of the coffee table to make room for the MahJongg card table. My back hurt all day long, and I looked like the "Hunch Back of Notre Dame".
I left the ladies in my hunch backed position for my first meeting of the day at 1 PM. The REAM (Retired Educators Association of Massachusetts) meeting went for an hour and one half. I had to run the meeting since I am president of this group. The biggest decision was where to have our fall luncheon meeting, and who the guest speaker should be.
I came home in the middle of the MahJongg session, and decided to lay down hoping that I could straighten out my back problem. The little rest didn't help at all.
At 5:15 PM, I left for my UNICO meeting which didn't start until 6 PM. I had to go early to set up the room, which we use in the Italian American Club, so that it looks like a board room. Since I am president of this group, I had to run this meeting too. Well, this meeting lasted for an hour and one half also.
Today, I am going to sit at the computer, and write down all the items which took place at both meetings while they are semi fresh in my mind.
Linda is off to work at the Purple Plume today while I am doing my thing.
I am supposed to go off this evening to help prepare food for the Third Thursday event, but I think that I better lay low and get my back problems resolved. I am the Grill Man on Thursday from 5 PM to 8 PM in downtown Pittsfield.
Last night, I did decide to lay in bed and watch the Red Sox thinking that laying flat would help the back. I do feel better right now, and I can almost stand upright without pain.
It is tough getting old. I did go to bed a happy man, but the first place team won also. The Yankees weren't so lucky.
The temperature was 43 degrees at 6:30 AM. It is starting to be football weather already. Not! We will be getting back to the 80's in a few short days.
Well, I hope that all of you have great day at work or play. The Curley Lad
Some people were inquiring about my former student in yesterday's e-mail. The thrifty gentleman is in his mid fifties. I had him, his high school sweetheart and eventually their three children in class. The whole family were great individuals to have in class. They came from two parent households. The sharing technique hasn't been mastered yet.
Linda and I made it through Tuesday, but it wasn't easy. One problem started when I convinced Linda to set up MahJongg for the ladies in the screened in room on the deck. I convinced Linda that the rain would stop, and the sun would come out, and everything would be perfect. Things didn't go as planned! The ladies arrived at 11:30 AM with their own lunches, and they were ready to dine out on the deck. Well, the temperature dropped, and the wind started howling. We had to move the already set up MahJongg table from the screened in room on the deck to the family room.
This is when I strained my back lifting up my end of the coffee table to make room for the MahJongg card table. My back hurt all day long, and I looked like the "Hunch Back of Notre Dame".
I left the ladies in my hunch backed position for my first meeting of the day at 1 PM. The REAM (Retired Educators Association of Massachusetts) meeting went for an hour and one half. I had to run the meeting since I am president of this group. The biggest decision was where to have our fall luncheon meeting, and who the guest speaker should be.
I came home in the middle of the MahJongg session, and decided to lay down hoping that I could straighten out my back problem. The little rest didn't help at all.
At 5:15 PM, I left for my UNICO meeting which didn't start until 6 PM. I had to go early to set up the room, which we use in the Italian American Club, so that it looks like a board room. Since I am president of this group, I had to run this meeting too. Well, this meeting lasted for an hour and one half also.
Today, I am going to sit at the computer, and write down all the items which took place at both meetings while they are semi fresh in my mind.
Linda is off to work at the Purple Plume today while I am doing my thing.
I am supposed to go off this evening to help prepare food for the Third Thursday event, but I think that I better lay low and get my back problems resolved. I am the Grill Man on Thursday from 5 PM to 8 PM in downtown Pittsfield.
Last night, I did decide to lay in bed and watch the Red Sox thinking that laying flat would help the back. I do feel better right now, and I can almost stand upright without pain.
It is tough getting old. I did go to bed a happy man, but the first place team won also. The Yankees weren't so lucky.
The temperature was 43 degrees at 6:30 AM. It is starting to be football weather already. Not! We will be getting back to the 80's in a few short days.
Well, I hope that all of you have great day at work or play. The Curley Lad
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Hello on Tuesday Morning
Dear Friends,
It was a tough day at the Saratoga Race Track on Monday. I came back with half of what I started with. Linda will have to work extra hours at the Purple Plume to recover from her loses. I will give you an example of how difficult it was to come home a winner. Linda wins the Daily Double for the last two races of the day. The daily double paid $7.30 on a $2 bet. I had the winning horse in the last race, an it paid $6.30 for a $2 bet. It would have been okay if we spent two dollars only per race. We both bet other horses who were long shots, but they never won the whole day. The long shots should have stayed in the horse barn.
I didn't realize that the bus that I went on had brought enough food for everyone on the bus. A bunch of people from our group went to the track early and secured about 8 picnic tables in a pine grove. I forgot to mention that we were on the bus with mostly Italians. You never run out of food when you eat at an Italian home!
I sat next to a former student of mine on the bus. I took a six pack of beer, and a bottle of water. The former student and I downed the three beers each during the first half hour shortly after we arrived at the track.
I didn't know about the food situation. I would have brought a covered dish, and more liquids if I knew what I was getting myself into. I am going on this bus for sure next year.
The day was hot, and I should have packed more liquids. My former student bought four 23 ounce beers throughout the day, and never brought me back one. He never even asked if I wanted a beer. He just told me how good they were! I just assumed that if I had shared half of my six pack with him that he would buy meat least one beer. Well, my former student doesn't have any Italian blood flowing in his veins.
The MahJongg ladies are coming to our house today. I offered to cook some burgers and hot dogs, but Linda didn't want to be the party coordinator. She is still exhausted from all of last weeks' activities.
I have a 1 PM and a 6 PM for two different organizations, so I have enough to keep me busy.
I did go to bed a happy man since my Red Sox won their game, but the first place team continues their winning ways.
Well, I have to do the usual morning activities.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
It was a tough day at the Saratoga Race Track on Monday. I came back with half of what I started with. Linda will have to work extra hours at the Purple Plume to recover from her loses. I will give you an example of how difficult it was to come home a winner. Linda wins the Daily Double for the last two races of the day. The daily double paid $7.30 on a $2 bet. I had the winning horse in the last race, an it paid $6.30 for a $2 bet. It would have been okay if we spent two dollars only per race. We both bet other horses who were long shots, but they never won the whole day. The long shots should have stayed in the horse barn.
I didn't realize that the bus that I went on had brought enough food for everyone on the bus. A bunch of people from our group went to the track early and secured about 8 picnic tables in a pine grove. I forgot to mention that we were on the bus with mostly Italians. You never run out of food when you eat at an Italian home!
I sat next to a former student of mine on the bus. I took a six pack of beer, and a bottle of water. The former student and I downed the three beers each during the first half hour shortly after we arrived at the track.
I didn't know about the food situation. I would have brought a covered dish, and more liquids if I knew what I was getting myself into. I am going on this bus for sure next year.
The day was hot, and I should have packed more liquids. My former student bought four 23 ounce beers throughout the day, and never brought me back one. He never even asked if I wanted a beer. He just told me how good they were! I just assumed that if I had shared half of my six pack with him that he would buy meat least one beer. Well, my former student doesn't have any Italian blood flowing in his veins.
The MahJongg ladies are coming to our house today. I offered to cook some burgers and hot dogs, but Linda didn't want to be the party coordinator. She is still exhausted from all of last weeks' activities.
I have a 1 PM and a 6 PM for two different organizations, so I have enough to keep me busy.
I did go to bed a happy man since my Red Sox won their game, but the first place team continues their winning ways.
Well, I have to do the usual morning activities.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Monday, August 18, 2008
Hello on Monday Morning
Dear Friends,
Linda made it through her 10 AM baby shower while I visited with my Dad in Lee.
We were back in Pittsfield by 12:30 PM. Linda read the Boston Globe while I took a one hour nap.
We loaded up the car, and headed to the Bocce Party / picnic in a neighboring town around 2:30 PM.
We had put 19 people on teams of four. One person played for a couple of teams. The four person team, who had the host as its team captain, won. Would you call that "Home Court Advantage"?
When the tournament was over, the host fired up the grill, and cooked hot dogs , hamburgers, and marinated chicken breasts. Yes, there were some homemade desserts to die for.
The party broke up a little after 8 PM. I was so exhausted that I went to bed shortly after arriving home, that is why I am up so early.
Do we finally have a day of rest? No! I am driving Linda and a Red Hat Society friend to where the bus is departing for their trip to the Saratoga Horse Race track.
After this drop off, I head to the East Side Cafe where I will be picking up a different bus to Saratoga.
Whenever we hook up with different sets of people, I always learn something new. I talked to a set of friends at the BOCCE tournament who lost their son to a blood disorder several years ago. After the ordeal they went through, this couple joined our local group of supporters in what they call "The Jimmy Fund". I was chatting about how ill the chairperson of the Berkshire County Chapter looked the other day at our UNICO Golf Tournament. They said that this person was diagnosed with having MS. After years of giving him MS drugs, they determined that this man didn't have MS. All the ailments that this person is currently having was to due to the MS drugs that they have been giving the man over a several year period of time.
Once this story was told, several other people starting telling their stories of problems that they have had with local doctors. I learned that if you have something that is a major type illness, you better go to Boston, where they have the best doctors in the world, and get a second opinion. I am not trying to say that the doctors in our area are all bad, but you should go to a place where they deal with these major illnesses on a daily basis.
Have to decide what kind of beverages which I am going to pack in my cooler and Linda's as well. If I remember correctly, you can't take any glass containers into Saratoga.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Linda made it through her 10 AM baby shower while I visited with my Dad in Lee.
We were back in Pittsfield by 12:30 PM. Linda read the Boston Globe while I took a one hour nap.
We loaded up the car, and headed to the Bocce Party / picnic in a neighboring town around 2:30 PM.
We had put 19 people on teams of four. One person played for a couple of teams. The four person team, who had the host as its team captain, won. Would you call that "Home Court Advantage"?
When the tournament was over, the host fired up the grill, and cooked hot dogs , hamburgers, and marinated chicken breasts. Yes, there were some homemade desserts to die for.
The party broke up a little after 8 PM. I was so exhausted that I went to bed shortly after arriving home, that is why I am up so early.
Do we finally have a day of rest? No! I am driving Linda and a Red Hat Society friend to where the bus is departing for their trip to the Saratoga Horse Race track.
After this drop off, I head to the East Side Cafe where I will be picking up a different bus to Saratoga.
Whenever we hook up with different sets of people, I always learn something new. I talked to a set of friends at the BOCCE tournament who lost their son to a blood disorder several years ago. After the ordeal they went through, this couple joined our local group of supporters in what they call "The Jimmy Fund". I was chatting about how ill the chairperson of the Berkshire County Chapter looked the other day at our UNICO Golf Tournament. They said that this person was diagnosed with having MS. After years of giving him MS drugs, they determined that this man didn't have MS. All the ailments that this person is currently having was to due to the MS drugs that they have been giving the man over a several year period of time.
Once this story was told, several other people starting telling their stories of problems that they have had with local doctors. I learned that if you have something that is a major type illness, you better go to Boston, where they have the best doctors in the world, and get a second opinion. I am not trying to say that the doctors in our area are all bad, but you should go to a place where they deal with these major illnesses on a daily basis.
Have to decide what kind of beverages which I am going to pack in my cooler and Linda's as well. If I remember correctly, you can't take any glass containers into Saratoga.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Hello on Sunday Morning
Dear Friends,
The deck party went very well last evening at our friend's home in West Stockbridge. There were 9 of us.
We started off with appetizers on the deck. 6 PM was the stated starting time. Of course, most of us came early in keeping with what seniors citizens do. One couple came fashionably late, and missed the appetizers except for the one which they brought.
The male host did four rotisserie chickens on the grill. Yes, there are leftovers! My grilled vegetables, and a jello salad, which the hostess made. complemented the chicken.
Yes there were homemade desserts including a blueberry pie, homemade cookies, and muffins which I grabbed on the way out the door.
We arrived home around midnight. Good thing that I took an afternoon nap!
The festivities didn't end with he conclusion of supper. Out hosts built an bond fire, and shot off fireworks , which are illegal in Massachusetts. A few people stayed around the camp fire, but most of us went into the house, and watched Phelps, and his teammates grab another gold medal.
As I watched Phelps' mom and two sisters celebrate the victory, I was thinking what a wonderful job that his mom did raising those children on her own. I also thought wouldn't it have been nice to have his dad around during those years where her mom struggled to keep the family together on her own? Walking out on his family, when the children were so young, was such a cruel thing that his father did.
I love it when an athlete is victorious, and the cameras focus on the parent (s). Maybe one of these days, we will see both parents enjoying the accomplishments of their children.
We are heading out the door in less than an hour. Linda has a 10 AM shower in Lee at the local golf course. I am going to Lee with her, and visit with my parents.
No, the Curley day never ends with just one event. We are heading north to play Bocce, and picnic at a friend's house. This event starts at 3 PM. More fun and merriment for a second consecutive day.
Are we over scheduled? Some might say "\Yes"! As I look at some of my friends dealing with life threatening illnesses, and as read the obituary section of the local newspaper, and see more and more baby boomers listed in this section, I want to participate in every fun activity that I can.
Life is good for some of us. Enjoy it while you can! The Curley Lad
The deck party went very well last evening at our friend's home in West Stockbridge. There were 9 of us.
We started off with appetizers on the deck. 6 PM was the stated starting time. Of course, most of us came early in keeping with what seniors citizens do. One couple came fashionably late, and missed the appetizers except for the one which they brought.
The male host did four rotisserie chickens on the grill. Yes, there are leftovers! My grilled vegetables, and a jello salad, which the hostess made. complemented the chicken.
Yes there were homemade desserts including a blueberry pie, homemade cookies, and muffins which I grabbed on the way out the door.
We arrived home around midnight. Good thing that I took an afternoon nap!
The festivities didn't end with he conclusion of supper. Out hosts built an bond fire, and shot off fireworks , which are illegal in Massachusetts. A few people stayed around the camp fire, but most of us went into the house, and watched Phelps, and his teammates grab another gold medal.
As I watched Phelps' mom and two sisters celebrate the victory, I was thinking what a wonderful job that his mom did raising those children on her own. I also thought wouldn't it have been nice to have his dad around during those years where her mom struggled to keep the family together on her own? Walking out on his family, when the children were so young, was such a cruel thing that his father did.
I love it when an athlete is victorious, and the cameras focus on the parent (s). Maybe one of these days, we will see both parents enjoying the accomplishments of their children.
We are heading out the door in less than an hour. Linda has a 10 AM shower in Lee at the local golf course. I am going to Lee with her, and visit with my parents.
No, the Curley day never ends with just one event. We are heading north to play Bocce, and picnic at a friend's house. This event starts at 3 PM. More fun and merriment for a second consecutive day.
Are we over scheduled? Some might say "\Yes"! As I look at some of my friends dealing with life threatening illnesses, and as read the obituary section of the local newspaper, and see more and more baby boomers listed in this section, I want to participate in every fun activity that I can.
Life is good for some of us. Enjoy it while you can! The Curley Lad
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Hello on Saturday Morning
Dear Friends,
Friday went reasonably well for the Curleys. I was having one of my better rounds of golf when the rain started to fall as we ended 9 holes. Most of us called it a day, and went home.
As we were leaving the golf course, the rain ceased, and it turned out to be a very nice day for outdoor activities. One foursome of my senior golfers' group decided to play the back nine. I am pretty sure that they were rain free.
Linda made it through a couple of appointments, and she didn't arrive home until after 4 PM.
I did spend a couple of hours doing UNICO stuff with the past President, and another person in charge of scheduling an agenda for the arrival of the President of UNICO National who will be with us for a few days in September.
We also got to see the couple week old grandchild of one of the neighbors on our street.
We did have a quiet evening alone. We finally talked to one another for more than one minute since we have both been so busy the whole week.
We are back to the busy mode today and tomorrow. I am manning our grill for a little while today. I decided to bring grilled vegetables for this evening's deck party. There is another chance for rain today.
Sunday is the 3 PM Bocce party at another friend's house. At least, there is no rain in the forecast.
Speaking of grilling, I am experiencing "Grillers Forearm Strain" because of all the cookouts which I have been working act. I cooked 136 hamburgers, and about 40 hot dogs as well as onions and peppers for the senior golf tournament on Thursday. I like to us tongs as oppose to spatulas when I am cooking hot dogs, and hamburgers, and onions and peppers. It appears that I will have to "workout" before any long term grilling events.
My Red Sox got rained out, but the first and third place team won their scheduled games.
My first chore of the day is to purchase some vegetables to grill for this evening's deck party.
Have go and read the newspaper, and grab a cup of coffee.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Friday went reasonably well for the Curleys. I was having one of my better rounds of golf when the rain started to fall as we ended 9 holes. Most of us called it a day, and went home.
As we were leaving the golf course, the rain ceased, and it turned out to be a very nice day for outdoor activities. One foursome of my senior golfers' group decided to play the back nine. I am pretty sure that they were rain free.
Linda made it through a couple of appointments, and she didn't arrive home until after 4 PM.
I did spend a couple of hours doing UNICO stuff with the past President, and another person in charge of scheduling an agenda for the arrival of the President of UNICO National who will be with us for a few days in September.
We also got to see the couple week old grandchild of one of the neighbors on our street.
We did have a quiet evening alone. We finally talked to one another for more than one minute since we have both been so busy the whole week.
We are back to the busy mode today and tomorrow. I am manning our grill for a little while today. I decided to bring grilled vegetables for this evening's deck party. There is another chance for rain today.
Sunday is the 3 PM Bocce party at another friend's house. At least, there is no rain in the forecast.
Speaking of grilling, I am experiencing "Grillers Forearm Strain" because of all the cookouts which I have been working act. I cooked 136 hamburgers, and about 40 hot dogs as well as onions and peppers for the senior golf tournament on Thursday. I like to us tongs as oppose to spatulas when I am cooking hot dogs, and hamburgers, and onions and peppers. It appears that I will have to "workout" before any long term grilling events.
My Red Sox got rained out, but the first and third place team won their scheduled games.
My first chore of the day is to purchase some vegetables to grill for this evening's deck party.
Have go and read the newspaper, and grab a cup of coffee.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Friday, August 15, 2008
Hello on Friday
Dear Friends,
I just about survived yesterday. I was at the golf course at 8 AM setting up the food tent for the Senior Golf Tournament. I manned the grill from about 10 AM until a little after four PM. I burned my fingers while cooking the last hamburg of the day when I touched a hot pan. I might have a little trouble gripping the golf club this morning.
My turkey frier was a big hit as we used it cook corn on the cob (not in grease). The tag sale purchase was such a good investment.
Linda had a busy day at the Purple Plume. They doubled their goal through the hard efforts of the sales crew at the Purple Plume.
I had just about enough time to take a shower before I was picked up by friends. Yes I / we made it through a dinner and a play. The three couples had a nice meal at a restaurant which was 1/4 of a mile from the theater. The play was something about wearing "plaid". It was a no intermission play that was a musical. It was good enough for me to keep me from falling asleep.
The Red Sox game was over by the time we arrived home, but I did go to bed a happy man once again.
Our senior golf this morning might get rained upon at times. I wouldn't mind a day off. I wouldn't be sad if we got rained out.
After golf, I have a 2 PM meeting relating to UNICO stuff.
I think that the only thing on Linda's agenda is a body maintenance procedure. She needs a day of rest too. As you know, my activities involve her even hen she doesn't want to become involved.
Have to go and read the local newspaper.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
I just about survived yesterday. I was at the golf course at 8 AM setting up the food tent for the Senior Golf Tournament. I manned the grill from about 10 AM until a little after four PM. I burned my fingers while cooking the last hamburg of the day when I touched a hot pan. I might have a little trouble gripping the golf club this morning.
My turkey frier was a big hit as we used it cook corn on the cob (not in grease). The tag sale purchase was such a good investment.
Linda had a busy day at the Purple Plume. They doubled their goal through the hard efforts of the sales crew at the Purple Plume.
I had just about enough time to take a shower before I was picked up by friends. Yes I / we made it through a dinner and a play. The three couples had a nice meal at a restaurant which was 1/4 of a mile from the theater. The play was something about wearing "plaid". It was a no intermission play that was a musical. It was good enough for me to keep me from falling asleep.
The Red Sox game was over by the time we arrived home, but I did go to bed a happy man once again.
Our senior golf this morning might get rained upon at times. I wouldn't mind a day off. I wouldn't be sad if we got rained out.
After golf, I have a 2 PM meeting relating to UNICO stuff.
I think that the only thing on Linda's agenda is a body maintenance procedure. She needs a day of rest too. As you know, my activities involve her even hen she doesn't want to become involved.
Have to go and read the local newspaper.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Hello on Thursday Morning
Dear Friends,
The UNICO Golf Tournament went very well on Thursday. We had a rain free day which was really nice. My day ended around 9 PM which is when I left the golf course.
Linda had a busy day at the Purple Plume.
I have the car packed right now, and I am just about ready to head back to the golf course to cook for our Senior Club Championship. I am not sure when my day will end , but I know that I am supposed to be back for dinner and a play over the mountain in New York State.
Exhaustion is starting to set in, but I still have my scheduled Friday through Monday activities to get through.
Linda has another day at the Purple Plume until about 5 PM.
I found out a new technique to stop your eyes from burning / watering while cutting up onions. A person said that if you light a candle next to where you are cutting up the onions, the burning candle sucks the onions fume right away, and your eyes won't have a problem. Of course, someone tells me this after I cut up the onions, and after I went through the burning eyes saga.
Have to go. The Curley Lad
The UNICO Golf Tournament went very well on Thursday. We had a rain free day which was really nice. My day ended around 9 PM which is when I left the golf course.
Linda had a busy day at the Purple Plume.
I have the car packed right now, and I am just about ready to head back to the golf course to cook for our Senior Club Championship. I am not sure when my day will end , but I know that I am supposed to be back for dinner and a play over the mountain in New York State.
Exhaustion is starting to set in, but I still have my scheduled Friday through Monday activities to get through.
Linda has another day at the Purple Plume until about 5 PM.
I found out a new technique to stop your eyes from burning / watering while cutting up onions. A person said that if you light a candle next to where you are cutting up the onions, the burning candle sucks the onions fume right away, and your eyes won't have a problem. Of course, someone tells me this after I cut up the onions, and after I went through the burning eyes saga.
Have to go. The Curley Lad
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Hello on Wednesday morning
Dear Friends,
The Irish Sister City Committee cookout went well. Included in the many appetizers were some Irish Bangers. Even though we have been cooking them at the past two Ethnic Fairs, I never had the chance to eat one. I grilled about twenty of them on some skewers, and finally got to taste one or two. The hot sausage patties were a big hit. I am slowly getting these Irish folk to try more and more Italian food. As a matter of fact, Irish cookbooks are the smallest in the world.
The party progressed from the deck to our basement. The mosquitoes started to get aggressive, and the temperature dropped so much that several of the ladies borrowed some of Linda's gear to stay warm.
We had some beverages in the basement, and this is when the meeting took place. Most guests left in the 9ish time frame, but the last guests left around 10 PM.
I said my "Goodbyes" , but went back to the basement to watch the last couple of innings of the Red Sox Game. I shouldn't call it a game, it was really a marathon. When the final score ends up 19 to 17 , you realize that this was no pitchers duel. When the Sox scored 10 runs in the first inning, you would think that they could hold the lead. Not! The pitcher, who they just brought up from the minors, couldn't hold the lead. He is back with his minor league team as I type this e-mail.
In a little less than an hour, I will be off to my golf course to work at the UNICO Golf Tournament.
Linda will be off to the Purple Plume around 10 AM.
Our paths won't cross until about 9 PM this evening.
I go back to the golf course on Thursday at 8 AM to man the grill for our Senior Mens golf tournament. Last year my golfing
buddy and I cooked for over 90 golfers.
Have to go and get dressed.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
The Irish Sister City Committee cookout went well. Included in the many appetizers were some Irish Bangers. Even though we have been cooking them at the past two Ethnic Fairs, I never had the chance to eat one. I grilled about twenty of them on some skewers, and finally got to taste one or two. The hot sausage patties were a big hit. I am slowly getting these Irish folk to try more and more Italian food. As a matter of fact, Irish cookbooks are the smallest in the world.
The party progressed from the deck to our basement. The mosquitoes started to get aggressive, and the temperature dropped so much that several of the ladies borrowed some of Linda's gear to stay warm.
We had some beverages in the basement, and this is when the meeting took place. Most guests left in the 9ish time frame, but the last guests left around 10 PM.
I said my "Goodbyes" , but went back to the basement to watch the last couple of innings of the Red Sox Game. I shouldn't call it a game, it was really a marathon. When the final score ends up 19 to 17 , you realize that this was no pitchers duel. When the Sox scored 10 runs in the first inning, you would think that they could hold the lead. Not! The pitcher, who they just brought up from the minors, couldn't hold the lead. He is back with his minor league team as I type this e-mail.
In a little less than an hour, I will be off to my golf course to work at the UNICO Golf Tournament.
Linda will be off to the Purple Plume around 10 AM.
Our paths won't cross until about 9 PM this evening.
I go back to the golf course on Thursday at 8 AM to man the grill for our Senior Mens golf tournament. Last year my golfing
buddy and I cooked for over 90 golfers.
Have to go and get dressed.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Hello on Tuesday Morning
Dear Friends,
I met one of my former students at the supermarket yesterday. She was wheeling her two year old in a stroller. I asked how things were going? After 15 minutes of chatting, I pretty much had her life's history. This student was in my last class of the day. The class is what we used to call "General Mathematics", but that term was no longer in use during the last few years of my teaching career. The term "General Mathematics" might hurt the person's self esteem.
How could I ever forget a student like her? She liked to skip this class as well as many of her others, and roam the halls of the school until she got caught. Yes, we went through the usual parent conferences with the mother and step father. She said that she would play by the rules. This lasted about two days. She didn't pass my class. I think the principal asked her to leave the high school.
Well, here she is with a child. She lives in a half way house (used to be an elementary school) for pregnant teenagers and girls in abusive relationships. She said that she was going back to school to get a CNA certificate (Certified Nursing Assistant). I asked if she was married. She said that she was going to get married after the birth of child who she was now carrying. At least her current child , and one she is going to give birth to have the same father.
Yes, us tax payers are paying for all of this. Even though, I am diehard democrat and liberal, I don't condone this behavior at the taxpayers expense. What is sad is that these children, and the dysfunctional family which they will be part of, have a long and difficult road ahead.
On a happier note, I went to bed a happy man last evening since my Red Sox were victorious.
Today is the Irish Sister City picnic at our home which starts around 5:30 PM. I am praying that the possible scattered showers don't happen in Pittsfield, or at least take place after the cookout. Time will tell!
Have to go and read the local newspaper. The Curley Lad
I met one of my former students at the supermarket yesterday. She was wheeling her two year old in a stroller. I asked how things were going? After 15 minutes of chatting, I pretty much had her life's history. This student was in my last class of the day. The class is what we used to call "General Mathematics", but that term was no longer in use during the last few years of my teaching career. The term "General Mathematics" might hurt the person's self esteem.
How could I ever forget a student like her? She liked to skip this class as well as many of her others, and roam the halls of the school until she got caught. Yes, we went through the usual parent conferences with the mother and step father. She said that she would play by the rules. This lasted about two days. She didn't pass my class. I think the principal asked her to leave the high school.
Well, here she is with a child. She lives in a half way house (used to be an elementary school) for pregnant teenagers and girls in abusive relationships. She said that she was going back to school to get a CNA certificate (Certified Nursing Assistant). I asked if she was married. She said that she was going to get married after the birth of child who she was now carrying. At least her current child , and one she is going to give birth to have the same father.
Yes, us tax payers are paying for all of this. Even though, I am diehard democrat and liberal, I don't condone this behavior at the taxpayers expense. What is sad is that these children, and the dysfunctional family which they will be part of, have a long and difficult road ahead.
On a happier note, I went to bed a happy man last evening since my Red Sox were victorious.
Today is the Irish Sister City picnic at our home which starts around 5:30 PM. I am praying that the possible scattered showers don't happen in Pittsfield, or at least take place after the cookout. Time will tell!
Have to go and read the local newspaper. The Curley Lad
Monday, August 11, 2008
Hello on Monday Morning
Dear Friends,
It must be election time. The price of gasoline dropped to $3.73 per gallon at out favorite place to fill up.
Yesterday, was truly a day of rest for Linda and I. Linda never left the house at all.
We were actually saving our energy for one of the busiest weeks of the summer.
Tuesday is when the action begins. We have an Irish Sister City cookout at our house which starts at 5:30 PM. Linda is sacrificing her MahJongg session, and and am giving up golf to take care of all the details before our guests arrive.
Wednesday there is the UNICO Golf Tournament at my golf course. I have to work a shift at one of the golf holes where a person can win a car if he/she gets a hole in one. My shift starts at 7 AM. Linda will be working at the Purple Plume. After an afternoon nap for me, I have to go back to the golf course (since I am President of UNICO) for the awards ceremony, and to participate in the multi gift raffle.
Thursday I am going back to the golf course to help cook for the Senior Members' Golf Tournament (50 years old +). My friend and I will be preparing hot dogs, hamburgers, peppers and onions, and corn on the cob along with the usual beverages. Linda will be working at the Purple Plume once again.
You would think that our day would end. Not! Linda and I, along with a few couples, are booked in for dinner and a play. I hope that I will be able to stay awake during the play!
Friday is golf with the seniors for me. Linda should have a day of rest after a body maintenance procedure.
Saturday we were invited to a deck party.
Sunday we were invited for an afternoon BOCCE Party and cookout after Linda attends a 10 AM baby shower for a relative in Lee.
Monday we are off to the Saratoga Horse Racing Track (but on separate buses and with different groups), and the beat goes on.
You might think that Linda and I are a bit over scheduled. My aging parents, and what I observe in their lives as their bodies have been breaking down over the past few years is the best motivation that Linda and I have. There will be a time when our bodies and mind will say : "You can't do that !", but that time hasn't occurred yet.
Life is good! Enjoy it while you can. The Curley Lad
It must be election time. The price of gasoline dropped to $3.73 per gallon at out favorite place to fill up.
Yesterday, was truly a day of rest for Linda and I. Linda never left the house at all.
We were actually saving our energy for one of the busiest weeks of the summer.
Tuesday is when the action begins. We have an Irish Sister City cookout at our house which starts at 5:30 PM. Linda is sacrificing her MahJongg session, and and am giving up golf to take care of all the details before our guests arrive.
Wednesday there is the UNICO Golf Tournament at my golf course. I have to work a shift at one of the golf holes where a person can win a car if he/she gets a hole in one. My shift starts at 7 AM. Linda will be working at the Purple Plume. After an afternoon nap for me, I have to go back to the golf course (since I am President of UNICO) for the awards ceremony, and to participate in the multi gift raffle.
Thursday I am going back to the golf course to help cook for the Senior Members' Golf Tournament (50 years old +). My friend and I will be preparing hot dogs, hamburgers, peppers and onions, and corn on the cob along with the usual beverages. Linda will be working at the Purple Plume once again.
You would think that our day would end. Not! Linda and I, along with a few couples, are booked in for dinner and a play. I hope that I will be able to stay awake during the play!
Friday is golf with the seniors for me. Linda should have a day of rest after a body maintenance procedure.
Saturday we were invited to a deck party.
Sunday we were invited for an afternoon BOCCE Party and cookout after Linda attends a 10 AM baby shower for a relative in Lee.
Monday we are off to the Saratoga Horse Racing Track (but on separate buses and with different groups), and the beat goes on.
You might think that Linda and I are a bit over scheduled. My aging parents, and what I observe in their lives as their bodies have been breaking down over the past few years is the best motivation that Linda and I have. There will be a time when our bodies and mind will say : "You can't do that !", but that time hasn't occurred yet.
Life is good! Enjoy it while you can. The Curley Lad
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Hello on Sunday Morning
Dear Friends,
Linda's day went well. While she was doing the wedding shower thing at a local restaurant, I was at my clambake at the Italian American Club.
They formed some BOCCE teams, and had a little single elimination tournament. The team that I was on got knocked out in the first round. This gave me more time to drink beer, and socialize.
I had a very nice conversation with the neighbor, who was at the clambake, about woodchucks. I told him about the one who was our yard eating flowers. I haven't seen the woodchuck lately. My neighbor said that the woodchuck had babies. I told him that I wanted to shoot the woodchuck. He said that he has shot them from his bedroom window when the furry creatures were eating all the vegetables in his garden. Both he and his neighbor have those "have a heart" traps. Both of my neighbors use the traps as death traps.
I also told the neighbor about the two feral cats who live outdoors all winter long. These cats hover under bird feeders just waiting for the birds to make an error in judgment. My neighbor said that he would take care of them too. He thought that they were somebody's pets until I explained the situation. Isn't it great to have neighbors like these guys?
I did need a nap before we went off to the Habitat for Humanity Comedy Show Fund Raiser at Berkshire Community College.
We saw many people from the community at the event.
The comedy acts were good. Another couple and I sat in the first two rows, and we ended up getting zinged during one comedian's act. The couple that we were sitting with happened to have an empty seat between them. The comedian picked right up on that fact , and asked if there was a problem in their relationship. The comedian also picked on me with respect to my hair. Little did this comedian know that I was his Algebra II teacher in High School. I kept my mouth shut (which is difficult to do) because I didn't want to become part of his act.
Linda should be able to sleep as long as she wants today. Our social calendar is free for the moment.
I have to do some cooking which doesn't involve Linda. My projects always seem to unintentionally involve her.
Have to go and read the local newspaper. The Curley Lad
Linda's day went well. While she was doing the wedding shower thing at a local restaurant, I was at my clambake at the Italian American Club.
They formed some BOCCE teams, and had a little single elimination tournament. The team that I was on got knocked out in the first round. This gave me more time to drink beer, and socialize.
I had a very nice conversation with the neighbor, who was at the clambake, about woodchucks. I told him about the one who was our yard eating flowers. I haven't seen the woodchuck lately. My neighbor said that the woodchuck had babies. I told him that I wanted to shoot the woodchuck. He said that he has shot them from his bedroom window when the furry creatures were eating all the vegetables in his garden. Both he and his neighbor have those "have a heart" traps. Both of my neighbors use the traps as death traps.
I also told the neighbor about the two feral cats who live outdoors all winter long. These cats hover under bird feeders just waiting for the birds to make an error in judgment. My neighbor said that he would take care of them too. He thought that they were somebody's pets until I explained the situation. Isn't it great to have neighbors like these guys?
I did need a nap before we went off to the Habitat for Humanity Comedy Show Fund Raiser at Berkshire Community College.
We saw many people from the community at the event.
The comedy acts were good. Another couple and I sat in the first two rows, and we ended up getting zinged during one comedian's act. The couple that we were sitting with happened to have an empty seat between them. The comedian picked right up on that fact , and asked if there was a problem in their relationship. The comedian also picked on me with respect to my hair. Little did this comedian know that I was his Algebra II teacher in High School. I kept my mouth shut (which is difficult to do) because I didn't want to become part of his act.
Linda should be able to sleep as long as she wants today. Our social calendar is free for the moment.
I have to do some cooking which doesn't involve Linda. My projects always seem to unintentionally involve her.
Have to go and read the local newspaper. The Curley Lad
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Hello on Saturday Morning
Dear Family & Friends,
My golf went okay yesterday. My senior foursome had the lowest score which meant that we didn't have to pay our $2 fee for this week.
I did go home after golf, and took a nap.
Linda's day started with a 7:30 AM telephone call from one of my golfing buddies who said that he was playing in a tournament, and that he couldn't play with our senior group. I was already at the golf course. Linda, who was all set to sleep until noon , couldn't get back to sleep after the telephone call. She had a headache all day. It seems as though that I continue to bug Linda even though I wasn't even home.
No, Linda didn't spend the day wallowing in her misery. She hooked up with a girlfriend who is having a shower for her daughter-in-law to be. Linda acted as a shower consultant.
She also did a knitting consult for one of her Tuesday MahJongg lady friends. Actually, it was a friend of a friend. Linda's knitting expertise is starting to be known outside her circle of friends.
We spent a quiet evening alone. We had Chinese food delivered. Linda spent the evening knitting and watching the opening ceremony of the Olympics. I couldn't stand it. I went into the basement , and watched the Red Sox go down to defeat. Maybe, I should have watched what Linda was watching.
No, we don't have a day of rest today.
The first thing on the agenda is my sister is coming over to get the corner cabinet, and a television. We had to change things around when Linda got the television of her dreams.
After that, Linda will be attending a shower which starts at 11:30 AM. I will be at a clambake which starts at noon at the Italian American Club.
No, our day doesn't end when our activities end. Our evening is booked in too. We are attending a comedy show. The proceeds will be going to "Habitat for Humanity". One of the comedians is a former student of mine. He was jokester when I had him in an Algebra II class. I would bet that he could do a good impression of me!
We were booked in for a Pig Roast / Bocce Tournament at the ITAM for Sunday, but this event was changed to an October date. I have decided to use Sunday to cook my two large batches of onions and peppers for a couple of events next week.
I guess from what you see above, Linda and I love to be around people. We learn something knew every time we socialize.
As an example, I got into a discussion with a teacher who retired a few years before I did as I went to my car to head home from the golf course. We were talking about all of our aches and pains as we grow older. He said that he learned from talking to the people at the local senior center; "If the body part doesn't hurt, then it is not working"!
Another good quote, from one of our senior golfers who will turn 80 this month, was : "The best wood in a golfers' golf bag is a wooden pencil with an eraser on it". If you don't understand this quote, ask a golfer.
Well, a coffee and a newspaper sounds good to me right now.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
My golf went okay yesterday. My senior foursome had the lowest score which meant that we didn't have to pay our $2 fee for this week.
I did go home after golf, and took a nap.
Linda's day started with a 7:30 AM telephone call from one of my golfing buddies who said that he was playing in a tournament, and that he couldn't play with our senior group. I was already at the golf course. Linda, who was all set to sleep until noon , couldn't get back to sleep after the telephone call. She had a headache all day. It seems as though that I continue to bug Linda even though I wasn't even home.
No, Linda didn't spend the day wallowing in her misery. She hooked up with a girlfriend who is having a shower for her daughter-in-law to be. Linda acted as a shower consultant.
She also did a knitting consult for one of her Tuesday MahJongg lady friends. Actually, it was a friend of a friend. Linda's knitting expertise is starting to be known outside her circle of friends.
We spent a quiet evening alone. We had Chinese food delivered. Linda spent the evening knitting and watching the opening ceremony of the Olympics. I couldn't stand it. I went into the basement , and watched the Red Sox go down to defeat. Maybe, I should have watched what Linda was watching.
No, we don't have a day of rest today.
The first thing on the agenda is my sister is coming over to get the corner cabinet, and a television. We had to change things around when Linda got the television of her dreams.
After that, Linda will be attending a shower which starts at 11:30 AM. I will be at a clambake which starts at noon at the Italian American Club.
No, our day doesn't end when our activities end. Our evening is booked in too. We are attending a comedy show. The proceeds will be going to "Habitat for Humanity". One of the comedians is a former student of mine. He was jokester when I had him in an Algebra II class. I would bet that he could do a good impression of me!
We were booked in for a Pig Roast / Bocce Tournament at the ITAM for Sunday, but this event was changed to an October date. I have decided to use Sunday to cook my two large batches of onions and peppers for a couple of events next week.
I guess from what you see above, Linda and I love to be around people. We learn something knew every time we socialize.
As an example, I got into a discussion with a teacher who retired a few years before I did as I went to my car to head home from the golf course. We were talking about all of our aches and pains as we grow older. He said that he learned from talking to the people at the local senior center; "If the body part doesn't hurt, then it is not working"!
Another good quote, from one of our senior golfers who will turn 80 this month, was : "The best wood in a golfers' golf bag is a wooden pencil with an eraser on it". If you don't understand this quote, ask a golfer.
Well, a coffee and a newspaper sounds good to me right now.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Friday, August 8, 2008
Hello on Friday Morning
Dear Friends,
Thursday was a long day for the Curley Lad. I will need a nap after golf with my senior golfers today.
Golf with the usual suspects was over by noon on Thursday. I didn't stay for any 19th hole activities.
I went home and took a shower , and then gathered up my gear for the Patriot Pre-Season Home Game.
The ride to the game was slow. There are certain spots on the Mass Pike where traffic is at a stand still. This happened in the usual spots.
What really got my friend , who drove his car to the game , into orbit was a State Police detail guarding a wide load of trucks hauling steel beams. This detail was driving in the passing lane. Yes, you heard that correctly! The passing lane! The detail was at the busiest part of the Mass Pike when you are trying to reach the main road to Gillette Stadium.
We arrived at the Stadium about an hour before the game. Forget about tailgating!
The game was absolutely awful! We saw every player who was trying to make the team including three back up quarterbacks. No Tom Brady !
We gave up a few minutes after half time started.
The only good thing was that parking at Gillette Stadium is still at $40. You pay $117 for a ticket to the game, and then $40 more to park your car. Is their something wrong with this picture?
Well, I have to get ready for golf with the seniors.
Linda has a day of rest. She was out straight at the Purple Plume for the past couple of days. She made a lot of shoppers very happy!
Have to go and read the local newspaper.
Have a great weekend! The Curley Lad
Thursday was a long day for the Curley Lad. I will need a nap after golf with my senior golfers today.
Golf with the usual suspects was over by noon on Thursday. I didn't stay for any 19th hole activities.
I went home and took a shower , and then gathered up my gear for the Patriot Pre-Season Home Game.
The ride to the game was slow. There are certain spots on the Mass Pike where traffic is at a stand still. This happened in the usual spots.
What really got my friend , who drove his car to the game , into orbit was a State Police detail guarding a wide load of trucks hauling steel beams. This detail was driving in the passing lane. Yes, you heard that correctly! The passing lane! The detail was at the busiest part of the Mass Pike when you are trying to reach the main road to Gillette Stadium.
We arrived at the Stadium about an hour before the game. Forget about tailgating!
The game was absolutely awful! We saw every player who was trying to make the team including three back up quarterbacks. No Tom Brady !
We gave up a few minutes after half time started.
The only good thing was that parking at Gillette Stadium is still at $40. You pay $117 for a ticket to the game, and then $40 more to park your car. Is their something wrong with this picture?
Well, I have to get ready for golf with the seniors.
Linda has a day of rest. She was out straight at the Purple Plume for the past couple of days. She made a lot of shoppers very happy!
Have to go and read the local newspaper.
Have a great weekend! The Curley Lad
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Hello on Thursday Morning
Dear Friends,
My weeding took a good portion of the morning.
I had the Queen do a quick inspection of what I had accomplished before she went off to work. She wasn't happy when she saw that I hacked up two flowering bushes that produced flowers, and eventually died due to some beetle activity.
Also, for trash pick up day, I put out the cardboard box which the television came in. She told me to put the box back in the garage (which sat in the night time rain). If there is a problem with our television in the 90 day period, you must return the television in the original box. I need supervision at pretty much everything that I
do.
Linda went from work to MahJongg on Wednesday. We communicated for about a minute before I went off to bed.
I did go to bed a happy man since my Sox won. The only problem was that all the team leaders won their games too. The Sox have to win to keep pace with the other teams.
It is travel day for the Red Sox. This is good since a friend and I am off to a Patriot Pre-Season Game this evening.
The Farve saga is finally over. He will be a New York Jet before today is over. This means that the Patriots will see him twice during the regular season.
I am teeing off with the usual suspects at 7:30 AM.
Linda has another shift at the Purple Plume.
Have to select my golf wardrobe.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
My weeding took a good portion of the morning.
I had the Queen do a quick inspection of what I had accomplished before she went off to work. She wasn't happy when she saw that I hacked up two flowering bushes that produced flowers, and eventually died due to some beetle activity.
Also, for trash pick up day, I put out the cardboard box which the television came in. She told me to put the box back in the garage (which sat in the night time rain). If there is a problem with our television in the 90 day period, you must return the television in the original box. I need supervision at pretty much everything that I
do.
Linda went from work to MahJongg on Wednesday. We communicated for about a minute before I went off to bed.
I did go to bed a happy man since my Sox won. The only problem was that all the team leaders won their games too. The Sox have to win to keep pace with the other teams.
It is travel day for the Red Sox. This is good since a friend and I am off to a Patriot Pre-Season Game this evening.
The Farve saga is finally over. He will be a New York Jet before today is over. This means that the Patriots will see him twice during the regular season.
I am teeing off with the usual suspects at 7:30 AM.
Linda has another shift at the Purple Plume.
Have to select my golf wardrobe.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Hello on Wednesday Morning
Dear Friends,
I can't believe that I used the same title, but it was Tuesday and not Wednesday. My brain must be a day ahead of my body.
Today is Wednesday, and there is a gentle rain falling for a few more hours before the sun comes out.
Tuesday went well for Linda and I. Her MahJongg session only had four people which meant no one had to sit out any games.
My golf went okay. It took me less than 100 strokes to get through 18 holes.
I did give the lawn a trim after golf before taking an afternoon nap.
We decided to stay home last evening. One of our local corn growers started selling his own corn so we pigged out on corn on the cob. A boneless pork chop was the meat for the day.
Linda will be off to the Purple Plume in a few short hours.
I have my usual chores both in and outside the house. One of those tasks is my least favorite which is to weed the flower beds. We have a couple different groups coming to our house for cookouts, and BONCO over the next couple of weeks, and Linda wants the flower beds to look perfect.
I went to bed a happy man last evening since my Red Sox won. They didn't gain any ground since the first place team also won. I tried to get a glimpse of my son and his family, who were at the game in Kansas, but the cameras never focused on them. The new guy for the Red Sox had four hits last night. It appears that the Sox trading Manny turned out to be a good move so far.
I found out what to do with freezer burned hot dog and hamburg rolls. I thaw them in the microwave, and they crumble them up and put the pieces on the railing of the deck for the birds. While we sit in the family room and read the morning newspaper, we watch all species of birds devour the bread. Yesterday, I was busy getting ready for that early morning tee time, and I didn't put out any bread. All the birds started chirping (calling me) to put out their morning treat. I know that some of you are thinking about this bread thing attracting bears. The birds consume all the bread in less than an hour.
Speaking of bears, when my Ohio relatives were at our house on Sunday night, I had to retell the bear story. They couldn't believe that since the houses are so close to one another, and that there are fences on half of our property, that the bears would even bother to come into the yard. Bears are very smart furry creatures. They know where all the free and easy meals can be found. I have been so good this spring and summer. I haven't put out any black oil sun flower seeds at all.
I also decided this year to not put out hummingbird feeders. I have seen several hummingbirds gathering nectar in the many flower beds. Yesterday, I saw one of the those hummingbirds which was the size of a large bubble bee. I did a double take when I first saw it because I really thought that it was a bee and not a hummingbird. I wish that I had a camera.
Well, I rambled long enough.
Have a great Wednesday at work or play.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
I can't believe that I used the same title, but it was Tuesday and not Wednesday. My brain must be a day ahead of my body.
Today is Wednesday, and there is a gentle rain falling for a few more hours before the sun comes out.
Tuesday went well for Linda and I. Her MahJongg session only had four people which meant no one had to sit out any games.
My golf went okay. It took me less than 100 strokes to get through 18 holes.
I did give the lawn a trim after golf before taking an afternoon nap.
We decided to stay home last evening. One of our local corn growers started selling his own corn so we pigged out on corn on the cob. A boneless pork chop was the meat for the day.
Linda will be off to the Purple Plume in a few short hours.
I have my usual chores both in and outside the house. One of those tasks is my least favorite which is to weed the flower beds. We have a couple different groups coming to our house for cookouts, and BONCO over the next couple of weeks, and Linda wants the flower beds to look perfect.
I went to bed a happy man last evening since my Red Sox won. They didn't gain any ground since the first place team also won. I tried to get a glimpse of my son and his family, who were at the game in Kansas, but the cameras never focused on them. The new guy for the Red Sox had four hits last night. It appears that the Sox trading Manny turned out to be a good move so far.
I found out what to do with freezer burned hot dog and hamburg rolls. I thaw them in the microwave, and they crumble them up and put the pieces on the railing of the deck for the birds. While we sit in the family room and read the morning newspaper, we watch all species of birds devour the bread. Yesterday, I was busy getting ready for that early morning tee time, and I didn't put out any bread. All the birds started chirping (calling me) to put out their morning treat. I know that some of you are thinking about this bread thing attracting bears. The birds consume all the bread in less than an hour.
Speaking of bears, when my Ohio relatives were at our house on Sunday night, I had to retell the bear story. They couldn't believe that since the houses are so close to one another, and that there are fences on half of our property, that the bears would even bother to come into the yard. Bears are very smart furry creatures. They know where all the free and easy meals can be found. I have been so good this spring and summer. I haven't put out any black oil sun flower seeds at all.
I also decided this year to not put out hummingbird feeders. I have seen several hummingbirds gathering nectar in the many flower beds. Yesterday, I saw one of the those hummingbirds which was the size of a large bubble bee. I did a double take when I first saw it because I really thought that it was a bee and not a hummingbird. I wish that I had a camera.
Well, I rambled long enough.
Have a great Wednesday at work or play.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Hello on Wednesday Morning
Dear friends,
Linda is so happy since her 42 inch HD television is all hooked up in the family room. The Gerardi Lad, who could be a member of any geek squad who sets up televisions for living, set the television, and surround system. If we didn't have Steve, we would have had to pay some one to do it.
Of course, when I woke up this morning, everything wasn't working. I called Time Warner, they said that they were doing technical upgrade from 1 AM until 6 AM.
I was the good son yesterday, went off for a visit with my parents. I didn't tell my father that I almost weed whacked two garden snakes in their small back yard. I saw one of the slimy creatures go in a opening near the aging foundation. I hope that the two snakes weren't making babies when I stumbled upon them.
My father said that he saw a snake slither across the living room floor a few months ago. I now know where they probably entered the house.
My friends and I tee off in little over an hour. I have to cut the lawn when golf is over.
Linda has her usual Mah Jongg session today.
Tanglewood on Parade takes place this evening. If there is a hint of rain, the Curleys will not be attending.
I actually want to watch the Red Sox tonight because Mike and his family are going to the game with his family in Kansas. Their excellet seats at the park are a bit cheaper than what we pay for tickets for any of the Boston teams.
I have already had people comment that they don't like the blog idea for my daily e-mails. Of course these are baby boomers who think that going to a blog is too complicated.
Of course, they don't complain when thay are searching for things like air line tickets, and hotels, rental cars, etc.
Both the Red Sox and Yankees lost last evening. Both teams should be beating the teams which they are currently playing. I will blame their losses on Jet Lag.
One of our friends in the Boston area was on their way to the doctors on the streets in downtown Boston. They hit a piece of metal , and got a flat tire. My friend changed his own tire. I tried that myself one time. When the AAA guy took out a baseball bat to loosen the tire / lug nuts, etc., I new that I could never have done it myself.
Have to go and read the local newspaper before going off to the golf links.
The Curley Lad
Linda is so happy since her 42 inch HD television is all hooked up in the family room. The Gerardi Lad, who could be a member of any geek squad who sets up televisions for living, set the television, and surround system. If we didn't have Steve, we would have had to pay some one to do it.
Of course, when I woke up this morning, everything wasn't working. I called Time Warner, they said that they were doing technical upgrade from 1 AM until 6 AM.
I was the good son yesterday, went off for a visit with my parents. I didn't tell my father that I almost weed whacked two garden snakes in their small back yard. I saw one of the slimy creatures go in a opening near the aging foundation. I hope that the two snakes weren't making babies when I stumbled upon them.
My father said that he saw a snake slither across the living room floor a few months ago. I now know where they probably entered the house.
My friends and I tee off in little over an hour. I have to cut the lawn when golf is over.
Linda has her usual Mah Jongg session today.
Tanglewood on Parade takes place this evening. If there is a hint of rain, the Curleys will not be attending.
I actually want to watch the Red Sox tonight because Mike and his family are going to the game with his family in Kansas. Their excellet seats at the park are a bit cheaper than what we pay for tickets for any of the Boston teams.
I have already had people comment that they don't like the blog idea for my daily e-mails. Of course these are baby boomers who think that going to a blog is too complicated.
Of course, they don't complain when thay are searching for things like air line tickets, and hotels, rental cars, etc.
Both the Red Sox and Yankees lost last evening. Both teams should be beating the teams which they are currently playing. I will blame their losses on Jet Lag.
One of our friends in the Boston area was on their way to the doctors on the streets in downtown Boston. They hit a piece of metal , and got a flat tire. My friend changed his own tire. I tried that myself one time. When the AAA guy took out a baseball bat to loosen the tire / lug nuts, etc., I new that I could never have done it myself.
Have to go and read the local newspaper before going off to the golf links.
The Curley Lad
Monday, August 4, 2008
An Ethnic Fair tidbit
Dear Friends,
I forgot to mention that I was interviewed by the editor of a once a week local newspaper. He took some pictures of me grilling Irish Bangers on wooden skewers. I had to explain what bangers are, and the technique which I was using to grill them. Look for my picture in this Friday's edition. The Curley Lad
I forgot to mention that I was interviewed by the editor of a once a week local newspaper. He took some pictures of me grilling Irish Bangers on wooden skewers. I had to explain what bangers are, and the technique which I was using to grill them. Look for my picture in this Friday's edition. The Curley Lad
I have a Blog Finally!!!
My lovely wife helped me to set this up today--she has been resisting even though our number 2 son suggested this long ago and actually paid for a site for my last birthday--she was afraid TOO MUCH INFO was going to be shared but --oh well--it happens anyway by e--mail--So here I am my first blog today!!!
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