Dear Friends,
Sunday was a relaxing day since I had my mother's birthday a day earlier than it is supposed to be. She is 92 years old today.
I know that you are thinking that:" How could I have the incorrect date?" Years ago, during the time my parents were born, they often were born in the family home. Sometimes the doctors and parents would report the birth several days after the child was born. The date submitted was often off by a few days. We had celebrated my mother's birthday on one of those incorrect days for as long as I could remember. The social security administration, and the passport people had a legal date so that is why we celebrate her birthday on September 29. I just try to remember that her birthday is near the end of the month of September.
Some friends invited us over for a cookout during the late afternoon. Luckily they have a carport structure so that my male friend didn't have to grill in the rain.
Today I will be busy from 9 AM until 1 PM with the first day of the Superior Court trial for which I was impaneled as a juror.
There is no parking lot at the court house. You park on the street, get parking tickets, and turn them all in at the end of the trial.
I think Linda might have a free day which is highly unusual.
Her Tuesday session of MahJongg is canceled this week because of the Jewish Holy Days.
I did get to watch some Red Sox baseball, and some professional football games. My Patriots had a bye week. The Giants had one too.
The regular baseball season is over for the Red Sox. They won their last game of the season with a rookie knocking in the winning run.
The New York Mets faded once again. The New York Yankees were ousted out of the playoffs over a week ago.
I have to go and select some juror clothes. I couldn't believe how people dressed when they showed up for jury duty last week. They don't expect you to dress up like the lawyers in their fancy suits, but wearing jeans is so disrespectful in my mind. Am I too old fashion?
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Monday, September 29, 2008
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Hello on Sunday Morning
Dear Friends,
Saturday went as planned somewhat. I say somewhat because the scarecrow project moved inside a parking garage with the threat of rain. My UNICO brothers and sisters set up the grill and started cooking breakfast food of egg, ham and cheese on a hard roll. There were donuts, coffee and hot chocolate too. Hot dogs and hamburgers came after breakfast.
This was the second year of this Scarecrow Project, but the first time that UNICO was asked to be the sole food vendor.
It didn't last long before I left the grill area, and started building a scare crow. Visualize me saying "Hello" to a guy in a wheel chair who has been suffering from MS for many years. He graduated from my high school in the early 70's. I never had him in class, but I taught other family members of his. He says that he wants to build three scare crows. He has no tools to do so. He has no team of people to help him. I am feeling really guilty, and how can I say "No". Each team( usually containing three people) of participants are given bundles of wood already shaved, and with holes drilled in the appropriate places, nails, and wires, and hay. The guy happens to find a hammer in the car.
I start trying to visualize how to put the scarecrow together, and I begin nailing the wood pieces to form the scarecrow. An artist / director of the project comes running over, and tells me to stop nailing, and he said to take everything apart because I did it incorrectly. I guess I was supposed to wait for a demonstration of how to assemble the wooden pieces before I started nailing things together.
So now I listen and watch how to assemble the scarecrow, and I / we get to work. Luckily, two UNICO guys came over to help me assemble "the" scarecrow. I say "the" because my wheel chair bound friend wanted to build three scarecrows. The scare crows he wanted to build were supposed to be three scarecrows in vintage baseball outfits. We convinced him that we better just build one this year since this was the first time which we participated in such a project. There is no way that my friend and I could have assembled this scarecrow alone.
Well, the scarecrow got built. I even took off my black socks for the final article of clothing which we put on the scarecrow.
A reporter for a local newspaper took a couple of pictures of the scarecrow and us. It might be in the newspaper this morning.
The scarecrows are going to be fireproofed, and set up in various locations in downtown Pittsfield. Our scarecrow is going to be set up at our, what they call, "Park Square".
My act of kindness has me and UNICO booked in for next year's scarecrow project. We are going to do all three vintage baseball players. Our baseball player has a bat on his shoulder. The ones which we didn't build is a male with a baseball glove, and female with a ponytail both dressed in those vintage outfits.
Linda went off to a crafts fair in a neighboring town, and did a little recreation shopping after that. I was napping around 2:45 PM while she was shopping, but only for an hour.
We were both tired from the Wine Tasting the night before. Papa Ginos cooked us supper. Linda watched reruns, and I watched college football before bedtime.
My mother turns 92 today. I have to contact my sister to see if we are going to do something special for my mother.
Have to go.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Saturday went as planned somewhat. I say somewhat because the scarecrow project moved inside a parking garage with the threat of rain. My UNICO brothers and sisters set up the grill and started cooking breakfast food of egg, ham and cheese on a hard roll. There were donuts, coffee and hot chocolate too. Hot dogs and hamburgers came after breakfast.
This was the second year of this Scarecrow Project, but the first time that UNICO was asked to be the sole food vendor.
It didn't last long before I left the grill area, and started building a scare crow. Visualize me saying "Hello" to a guy in a wheel chair who has been suffering from MS for many years. He graduated from my high school in the early 70's. I never had him in class, but I taught other family members of his. He says that he wants to build three scare crows. He has no tools to do so. He has no team of people to help him. I am feeling really guilty, and how can I say "No". Each team( usually containing three people) of participants are given bundles of wood already shaved, and with holes drilled in the appropriate places, nails, and wires, and hay. The guy happens to find a hammer in the car.
I start trying to visualize how to put the scarecrow together, and I begin nailing the wood pieces to form the scarecrow. An artist / director of the project comes running over, and tells me to stop nailing, and he said to take everything apart because I did it incorrectly. I guess I was supposed to wait for a demonstration of how to assemble the wooden pieces before I started nailing things together.
So now I listen and watch how to assemble the scarecrow, and I / we get to work. Luckily, two UNICO guys came over to help me assemble "the" scarecrow. I say "the" because my wheel chair bound friend wanted to build three scarecrows. The scare crows he wanted to build were supposed to be three scarecrows in vintage baseball outfits. We convinced him that we better just build one this year since this was the first time which we participated in such a project. There is no way that my friend and I could have assembled this scarecrow alone.
Well, the scarecrow got built. I even took off my black socks for the final article of clothing which we put on the scarecrow.
A reporter for a local newspaper took a couple of pictures of the scarecrow and us. It might be in the newspaper this morning.
The scarecrows are going to be fireproofed, and set up in various locations in downtown Pittsfield. Our scarecrow is going to be set up at our, what they call, "Park Square".
My act of kindness has me and UNICO booked in for next year's scarecrow project. We are going to do all three vintage baseball players. Our baseball player has a bat on his shoulder. The ones which we didn't build is a male with a baseball glove, and female with a ponytail both dressed in those vintage outfits.
Linda went off to a crafts fair in a neighboring town, and did a little recreation shopping after that. I was napping around 2:45 PM while she was shopping, but only for an hour.
We were both tired from the Wine Tasting the night before. Papa Ginos cooked us supper. Linda watched reruns, and I watched college football before bedtime.
My mother turns 92 today. I have to contact my sister to see if we are going to do something special for my mother.
Have to go.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Hello on Saturday Morning
Dear Friends,
The "Long and Winding Road" with respect to the Wine & Beer Tasting went well. Linda and I were ready to "crash and burn" by the end of the evening. A financial accounting has not been done yet. I have to get the food and caterer bill before seeing if we made a profit. Even if we didn't make too much money, a lot of happy left when the event ended around 8:35 PM.
No, I don't have a day of rest. I now put on my UNICO hat, and my UNICO brothers and sisters are working the concession stands for the downtown Pittsfield Scarecrow project from about 8 AM until 2 PM at a place called the Common on First Street in Pittsfield. The weather could be a factor. The gloom and doom rain forecast wasn't as bad as predicted toward the end of the day on Friday.
Close to 100 teams of people will be assembly hay scare crows using a bail or so of hay, wooden sticks, and clothes of their choice. I have seen the finished product, but have never seen the people make the scare crow.
I am so exhausted that I can't sleep anymore right now, and I can't even come up with any other thoughts. The Curley Lad
The "Long and Winding Road" with respect to the Wine & Beer Tasting went well. Linda and I were ready to "crash and burn" by the end of the evening. A financial accounting has not been done yet. I have to get the food and caterer bill before seeing if we made a profit. Even if we didn't make too much money, a lot of happy left when the event ended around 8:35 PM.
No, I don't have a day of rest. I now put on my UNICO hat, and my UNICO brothers and sisters are working the concession stands for the downtown Pittsfield Scarecrow project from about 8 AM until 2 PM at a place called the Common on First Street in Pittsfield. The weather could be a factor. The gloom and doom rain forecast wasn't as bad as predicted toward the end of the day on Friday.
Close to 100 teams of people will be assembly hay scare crows using a bail or so of hay, wooden sticks, and clothes of their choice. I have seen the finished product, but have never seen the people make the scare crow.
I am so exhausted that I can't sleep anymore right now, and I can't even come up with any other thoughts. The Curley Lad
Friday, September 26, 2008
Hello on Friday Morning
Dear Friends,
Today will be a busy day for both Linda and I. All of our efforts will be directed to the Wine & Beer Tasting at the ITAM which we are running. and which starts at 6 PM.
Linda does have her end of the month Pittsfield High School retirees breakfast at 8:30 AM, and that is it.
As you know by now, I am a juror on a trial which starts on Monday. I can't discuss it, read about in the newspaper, discuss it among my friends and family, discuss it among my fellow jurors ( until the case is turned over to the jury) before we make a decision of guilt or innocence.
I would love to tell you about the jury selection process, and about some of the characters I observed, but "silence" is word. It is so difficult because I don't do well keeping a secret!
Well, I won't be missing golf with my senior buddies today. The rain has started, and it is supposed to rain for most of the day.
I did go to bed a happy man last evening since my Red Sox won while the first place team in their division lost.
It is official. Linda and I are the same age until my birthday in December. I told her that she looks several years younger than I do, but I am not sure if it made her feel any better. Most of the body parts are working well for both us. We are not taking too many pills. The aches and pains are minimal. I don't get headaches, but sometimes I give the headaches to Linda. As I always say: "Life is Good!"
Have a great weekend. The Curley Lad
Today will be a busy day for both Linda and I. All of our efforts will be directed to the Wine & Beer Tasting at the ITAM which we are running. and which starts at 6 PM.
Linda does have her end of the month Pittsfield High School retirees breakfast at 8:30 AM, and that is it.
As you know by now, I am a juror on a trial which starts on Monday. I can't discuss it, read about in the newspaper, discuss it among my friends and family, discuss it among my fellow jurors ( until the case is turned over to the jury) before we make a decision of guilt or innocence.
I would love to tell you about the jury selection process, and about some of the characters I observed, but "silence" is word. It is so difficult because I don't do well keeping a secret!
Well, I won't be missing golf with my senior buddies today. The rain has started, and it is supposed to rain for most of the day.
I did go to bed a happy man last evening since my Red Sox won while the first place team in their division lost.
It is official. Linda and I are the same age until my birthday in December. I told her that she looks several years younger than I do, but I am not sure if it made her feel any better. Most of the body parts are working well for both us. We are not taking too many pills. The aches and pains are minimal. I don't get headaches, but sometimes I give the headaches to Linda. As I always say: "Life is Good!"
Have a great weekend. The Curley Lad
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Hello on Thursday Morning
Dear Friends,
I completed all my Wine Tasting related tasks yesterday, and other errands which had to be taken care of.
Linda was housebound bound doing her thing until she was picked up by a friend at 5:30 PM. They were doing supper at Bennigans before heading off to West Stockbridge for the monthly BONCO games.
No golf for me today with my retired friends. I have jury duty. I am hoping that I have a short day like Linda did on Tuesday, but I am not having good vibes right now.
My life will be very complicated if I get a trial because Linda and I am running the Wine Tasting on Friday night at the ITAM. I was planning on being at the Lodge a little after 3 PM on Friday to set up the place. I would prefer not to be sitting in a court room at that time.
My Red Sox made it through another win last evening. The leaders of the division have a magic number of one to clinch the division.
No, I am not free this evening. There is a neighborhood crime watch meeting this evening at 6:30 PM at a neighbor's home. I will see if I have enough energy to attend.
The radio interview went well yesterday morning. I covered every Italian and Irish organization in Pittsfield during the interview. I gave the website number out to family members. You can see and hear the whole interview by going through the website. Linda said that I was a bit long winded, but that is not a new concept. This is why I will give out the website on request.
Have to go and read the local newspaper, and get dressed in juror clothes whatever they are.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
I completed all my Wine Tasting related tasks yesterday, and other errands which had to be taken care of.
Linda was housebound bound doing her thing until she was picked up by a friend at 5:30 PM. They were doing supper at Bennigans before heading off to West Stockbridge for the monthly BONCO games.
No golf for me today with my retired friends. I have jury duty. I am hoping that I have a short day like Linda did on Tuesday, but I am not having good vibes right now.
My life will be very complicated if I get a trial because Linda and I am running the Wine Tasting on Friday night at the ITAM. I was planning on being at the Lodge a little after 3 PM on Friday to set up the place. I would prefer not to be sitting in a court room at that time.
My Red Sox made it through another win last evening. The leaders of the division have a magic number of one to clinch the division.
No, I am not free this evening. There is a neighborhood crime watch meeting this evening at 6:30 PM at a neighbor's home. I will see if I have enough energy to attend.
The radio interview went well yesterday morning. I covered every Italian and Irish organization in Pittsfield during the interview. I gave the website number out to family members. You can see and hear the whole interview by going through the website. Linda said that I was a bit long winded, but that is not a new concept. This is why I will give out the website on request.
Have to go and read the local newspaper, and get dressed in juror clothes whatever they are.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Hello on Wednesday Morning
Dear Friends,
Linda's civic duty was over by 10:30 AM on Tuesday. She submitted her parking ticket, and went directly home. The only glitch in her short stint with jury duty was that she couldn't take her knitting needles past the metal detectors at the courthouse before she went into the jury room.
My 18 holes of golf started off in a dense fog. It might have been better if the fog stayed for more than 3 or 4 holes which it did do.
Yes, I had an wonderful afternoon nap before we headed off to the City Council meeting. Our Sister City President did a good job presenting a gift to our mayor from the current Mayor of our Irish Sister City in Ballina, Ireland. The meeting was televised, and they show reruns throughout the week.
We left the meeting and heading to a pub for some food and grog, and to listen to a four piece Irish Band. The band picked up a fiddler who made the band even better.
I went to bed a happy man last evening. My Red Sox clinched a playoff spot. They too had a good deal of fun celebrating the win. What waste of champagne & beer. They were drinking & spraying each other with my beer of choice --> Bud Light!
Today I have to emerge myself in working out the details of the Wine & Beer Tasting event which Linda and I are running at the ITAM on Friday night. I will be glad when this event is over. I hope that we make some serious profits after the expenses are dealt with.
I will be doing a radio promotion this morning at 7:30 AM. I wish that I could be on for an hour so that I could promote both Italian and Irish events. I will be on from 7:30 AM until 8 AM. The audio can be heard on www.wtbrfm.com
Linda has BONCO this evening. A bunch of lady friends are going to do supper before going to the 7 PM BONCO session.
I am content to watch my sporting contests.
I do have to make that 3 PM call today to see if I have Jury Duty on Thursday. I hope that I will be as lucky as Linda.
Somebody asked me if an Curleyisms took place last week which could bring a laugh. The only thing that I could remember was when Linda said that there were leftovers in the refrigerator as she headed out the door with her girlfriends to do supper and to see a chick flick. There was some leftover rice from the crock pot pork dinner, and some wonderful juices. I combined the rice and juices and made a soup which I heated in the microwave. While I was eating the soup like concoction, my eye glasses slipped, and I knocked my glasses off. They fell into the soup. I reached for my glasses, and the spoon fell in too. Both my glasses and the spoon were completely submerged. I had to wash my glasses in the kitchen sink. This all took place while I was sitting on the leather couch in the spot where Linda does her knitting. I don't think that I got any of the sticky mess on the couch. I did get it everywhere else.
Have a great day and work or play! The Curley Lad
Linda's civic duty was over by 10:30 AM on Tuesday. She submitted her parking ticket, and went directly home. The only glitch in her short stint with jury duty was that she couldn't take her knitting needles past the metal detectors at the courthouse before she went into the jury room.
My 18 holes of golf started off in a dense fog. It might have been better if the fog stayed for more than 3 or 4 holes which it did do.
Yes, I had an wonderful afternoon nap before we headed off to the City Council meeting. Our Sister City President did a good job presenting a gift to our mayor from the current Mayor of our Irish Sister City in Ballina, Ireland. The meeting was televised, and they show reruns throughout the week.
We left the meeting and heading to a pub for some food and grog, and to listen to a four piece Irish Band. The band picked up a fiddler who made the band even better.
I went to bed a happy man last evening. My Red Sox clinched a playoff spot. They too had a good deal of fun celebrating the win. What waste of champagne & beer. They were drinking & spraying each other with my beer of choice --> Bud Light!
Today I have to emerge myself in working out the details of the Wine & Beer Tasting event which Linda and I are running at the ITAM on Friday night. I will be glad when this event is over. I hope that we make some serious profits after the expenses are dealt with.
I will be doing a radio promotion this morning at 7:30 AM. I wish that I could be on for an hour so that I could promote both Italian and Irish events. I will be on from 7:30 AM until 8 AM. The audio can be heard on www.wtbrfm.com
Linda has BONCO this evening. A bunch of lady friends are going to do supper before going to the 7 PM BONCO session.
I am content to watch my sporting contests.
I do have to make that 3 PM call today to see if I have Jury Duty on Thursday. I hope that I will be as lucky as Linda.
Somebody asked me if an Curleyisms took place last week which could bring a laugh. The only thing that I could remember was when Linda said that there were leftovers in the refrigerator as she headed out the door with her girlfriends to do supper and to see a chick flick. There was some leftover rice from the crock pot pork dinner, and some wonderful juices. I combined the rice and juices and made a soup which I heated in the microwave. While I was eating the soup like concoction, my eye glasses slipped, and I knocked my glasses off. They fell into the soup. I reached for my glasses, and the spoon fell in too. Both my glasses and the spoon were completely submerged. I had to wash my glasses in the kitchen sink. This all took place while I was sitting on the leather couch in the spot where Linda does her knitting. I don't think that I got any of the sticky mess on the couch. I did get it everywhere else.
Have a great day and work or play! The Curley Lad
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Hello on Tuesday Morning
Dear Friends,
Our Monday went as planned. After a leisure morning, and cooking McCurley McMuffin for Linda and me, I attacked my first chore. I used the word attacked because I used my sister’s power washer to clean my tailgating grill. I took both cars out of the garage, and hooked up the power washer in front of our two cars. The power washer work wonderfully. The caked on residue is all but a memory. I did cause a little mess. As I was using the power washer, the charcoaled residue splattered over both cars. It looks like I had driven over fresh loose tar. So now I have both cars and part of the driveway with residue from the grill.
Once I get a power tool in my hands, I want to keep on using it for everything in sight. I went to my gas grill, and took out the three cast iron grill grates, and power washed them in front of our two cars. The black residue continued to land on the cars, and driveway.
I was going to power wash the cars, but I was nervous about taking the paint off of the cars. I will deal with the cars at a later date, but I will hand wash them.
While I was doing my chores, the crock pot chicken and vegetable soup was doing its thing in the crock pot. I cut up the vegetables using a hand held mandolin which Linda bought for me on QVC. I need a little more practice using this device, but it was fun to use instead of chopping and dicing with a knife. Yes, you can cause serious finger damage if you don’t pay attention. Do not use under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
The soup was wonderful. I grated some cheese. Linda bought an Artisan Wheat bread to go along with the soup. The ladies loved the crock pot soup. The recipe was those that you put in what ever vegetables you have in your refrigerator, add some spices, dice some chicken, and let it brew for 8 to 10 hours.
Linda called the special jury duty number on Monday afternoon at 3 PM. She reports for jury duty at 8 AM this morning.
I will have a more relaxing day on the golf course even if I don’t score well.
My Bat friend returned to the warmth of my bistro umbrella on the deck. Where do bats go during the winter?
My Red Sox couldn't clinch a wild card spot last evening.
Politics -- McCain and his wife were on the Rachel Ray television program yesterday after noon. As we watched the interview Linda said: "How can you not like him and his wife?" They did come across like your down to earth neighbor who would invite you over their house for a cookout.
It looks like Linda is crossing party lines. I just can't do it! It would be like asking Teddy Kennedy to change from a Democrat to a Republican.
Our evening is not free. We (me for sure) are going to the Pittsfield City Council meeting which will be televised at 7:30 PM. Our Pittsfield Irish Sister City President will be making a presentation from our sister city in Ballina, Ireland to our Mayor and city council.
No, the evening doesn’t end. After the city council presentation, which is on the first part of the agenda, we are heading off to an Irish Pub (O'Laughlin's) for some music, food, fun, and merriment. I can’t stay too late because I am on a radio program at 7:30 AM on Wednesday morning broadcasted from the studio located at my former High School. Just tune in to 89.7 on the FM dial (if you are in Pittsfield) to hear the interview. I will be speaking about the Wine & Beer Tasting which Linda and I are running on Friday evening at our Italian Lodge.
Have a great day. The Curley Lad
Our Monday went as planned. After a leisure morning, and cooking McCurley McMuffin for Linda and me, I attacked my first chore. I used the word attacked because I used my sister’s power washer to clean my tailgating grill. I took both cars out of the garage, and hooked up the power washer in front of our two cars. The power washer work wonderfully. The caked on residue is all but a memory. I did cause a little mess. As I was using the power washer, the charcoaled residue splattered over both cars. It looks like I had driven over fresh loose tar. So now I have both cars and part of the driveway with residue from the grill.
Once I get a power tool in my hands, I want to keep on using it for everything in sight. I went to my gas grill, and took out the three cast iron grill grates, and power washed them in front of our two cars. The black residue continued to land on the cars, and driveway.
I was going to power wash the cars, but I was nervous about taking the paint off of the cars. I will deal with the cars at a later date, but I will hand wash them.
While I was doing my chores, the crock pot chicken and vegetable soup was doing its thing in the crock pot. I cut up the vegetables using a hand held mandolin which Linda bought for me on QVC. I need a little more practice using this device, but it was fun to use instead of chopping and dicing with a knife. Yes, you can cause serious finger damage if you don’t pay attention. Do not use under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
The soup was wonderful. I grated some cheese. Linda bought an Artisan Wheat bread to go along with the soup. The ladies loved the crock pot soup. The recipe was those that you put in what ever vegetables you have in your refrigerator, add some spices, dice some chicken, and let it brew for 8 to 10 hours.
Linda called the special jury duty number on Monday afternoon at 3 PM. She reports for jury duty at 8 AM this morning.
I will have a more relaxing day on the golf course even if I don’t score well.
My Bat friend returned to the warmth of my bistro umbrella on the deck. Where do bats go during the winter?
My Red Sox couldn't clinch a wild card spot last evening.
Politics -- McCain and his wife were on the Rachel Ray television program yesterday after noon. As we watched the interview Linda said: "How can you not like him and his wife?" They did come across like your down to earth neighbor who would invite you over their house for a cookout.
It looks like Linda is crossing party lines. I just can't do it! It would be like asking Teddy Kennedy to change from a Democrat to a Republican.
Our evening is not free. We (me for sure) are going to the Pittsfield City Council meeting which will be televised at 7:30 PM. Our Pittsfield Irish Sister City President will be making a presentation from our sister city in Ballina, Ireland to our Mayor and city council.
No, the evening doesn’t end. After the city council presentation, which is on the first part of the agenda, we are heading off to an Irish Pub (O'Laughlin's) for some music, food, fun, and merriment. I can’t stay too late because I am on a radio program at 7:30 AM on Wednesday morning broadcasted from the studio located at my former High School. Just tune in to 89.7 on the FM dial (if you are in Pittsfield) to hear the interview. I will be speaking about the Wine & Beer Tasting which Linda and I are running on Friday evening at our Italian Lodge.
Have a great day. The Curley Lad
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Hello on Saturday Morning
Dear Friends,
Kevin and Kyla just left for a baby shower / picnic (for males and females) in Westboro, which is just outside of Worcester, Massachusetts. I fed them the famous bacon, egg, and cheese McCurley Muffin before they left.
The installation went well on Friday evening. I am so glad that it is finally over, and the organizer, Vin Marinaro, shares the same sentiments. Our friends, who sat at the table next to us went home full and happy. I think one of those lady friends, who doesn't have a weight problem, must have eaten at least 25 of those lollipop lamb chops. Most of the 80 + guests were full on the appetizers before the main meal arrived. A lot of doggie bags went home last evening. I will enjoy the one which my daughter-in-law left in our refrigerator.
Our UNICO National President is on the road right now to the Albany, New York airport. Vin Marinaro, the outgoing president of our local chapter, is in charge of getting her to the airport today for a noon time flight back home to San Diego, California. Pittsield was the first UNICO Chapter which she visited since she became National President in early August.
Our social calendar is free today, but it wasn't earlier in the week. We were supposed to attend a day long Irish Festival in Altamont , New York. The bus got cancelled due to lack of numbers.
This means that the Curleys are free for the moment.
I have abandoned my golfing buddies, abandoned my household chores, and I have failed to take care of the flowers all week long in preparation of last evening's installation. If our flowers could talk, they would be asking me for a large drink of water.
The lowest temperature at our house was 34 degrees this morning. It must have been cold because there was a dead gold finch next to my son's car as he was packing up his car. The poor bird was on his back with his legs upright.
I have a new animal friend who has been living in my bistro umbrella located on our deck. There is a cute little brown bat that enjoys the warm sun under the umbrella during the day before he heads out at night in search of mosquitoes. Not too many of my friends like the thought of dinning with a bat as they party on my deck, but it is my form of communing with nature.
At least I stopped feeding the birds during the summer months which means that we haven't seen any black bears in our backyard.
Continuing with an animal theme, a moose and a car collided with one another yesterday in a neighboring town. The moose had to be euthanized. The driver of the car was okay, but the car has to go to the repair shop.
We have another busy week coming up starting with me going to the New England Patriot football game at Gillette Stadium on Sunday. My friend and I will be tailgating at 9 AM in the morning which is when the parking lots to the Stadium open. Man food is on the menu. Man food is meat of some form. In our group , there are no vegetarians.
The actual game starts at 1 PM. It will be sunny and 75 degrees for the high of the day. The Red Sox game starts around the same time in Toronto.
Go Patriots, and Go Red Sox!
Have get dressed , and do some chores.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Kevin and Kyla just left for a baby shower / picnic (for males and females) in Westboro, which is just outside of Worcester, Massachusetts. I fed them the famous bacon, egg, and cheese McCurley Muffin before they left.
The installation went well on Friday evening. I am so glad that it is finally over, and the organizer, Vin Marinaro, shares the same sentiments. Our friends, who sat at the table next to us went home full and happy. I think one of those lady friends, who doesn't have a weight problem, must have eaten at least 25 of those lollipop lamb chops. Most of the 80 + guests were full on the appetizers before the main meal arrived. A lot of doggie bags went home last evening. I will enjoy the one which my daughter-in-law left in our refrigerator.
Our UNICO National President is on the road right now to the Albany, New York airport. Vin Marinaro, the outgoing president of our local chapter, is in charge of getting her to the airport today for a noon time flight back home to San Diego, California. Pittsield was the first UNICO Chapter which she visited since she became National President in early August.
Our social calendar is free today, but it wasn't earlier in the week. We were supposed to attend a day long Irish Festival in Altamont , New York. The bus got cancelled due to lack of numbers.
This means that the Curleys are free for the moment.
I have abandoned my golfing buddies, abandoned my household chores, and I have failed to take care of the flowers all week long in preparation of last evening's installation. If our flowers could talk, they would be asking me for a large drink of water.
The lowest temperature at our house was 34 degrees this morning. It must have been cold because there was a dead gold finch next to my son's car as he was packing up his car. The poor bird was on his back with his legs upright.
I have a new animal friend who has been living in my bistro umbrella located on our deck. There is a cute little brown bat that enjoys the warm sun under the umbrella during the day before he heads out at night in search of mosquitoes. Not too many of my friends like the thought of dinning with a bat as they party on my deck, but it is my form of communing with nature.
At least I stopped feeding the birds during the summer months which means that we haven't seen any black bears in our backyard.
Continuing with an animal theme, a moose and a car collided with one another yesterday in a neighboring town. The moose had to be euthanized. The driver of the car was okay, but the car has to go to the repair shop.
We have another busy week coming up starting with me going to the New England Patriot football game at Gillette Stadium on Sunday. My friend and I will be tailgating at 9 AM in the morning which is when the parking lots to the Stadium open. Man food is on the menu. Man food is meat of some form. In our group , there are no vegetarians.
The actual game starts at 1 PM. It will be sunny and 75 degrees for the high of the day. The Red Sox game starts around the same time in Toronto.
Go Patriots, and Go Red Sox!
Have get dressed , and do some chores.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Hello on Thursday Morning
Dear Friends,
My day almost went as planned on Wednesday. I went to my REAM meeting in Marlboro, Massachusetts. The two hour drive was uneventful as well as the meeting.
Linda was busy knitting more baby clothes as I entered our house in the middle of the aftrnoon.
I went directly for a nap because I thought we were going to have a long evening since Linda and I were all set to greet the UNICO National President around 10:30 PM at the Crowne Plaza in Pittsfield. The greeting never took place. Around 10 PM, I received a telephone call that her plane was diverted to Newark, New Jersey. Her arrival in Albany, New York would be much later than planned. Going to bed was a better option.
The National President has a full agenda of activities which starts with breakfast at 8 AM.
We then go off to do a live radio talk show at 9 AM.
A fireside chat with the Mayor of Pittsfield is next on the agenda.
She is the keynote speaker for a luncheon engagement for the Rotarians.
We then have a tour for her at the Colonial theater after lunch.
She has a couple hour rest period before she sits down with a few UNICO members in a good old fashion heart to heart conversation at a pub which is walking distance from her hotel.
Supper at an Italian restaurant is the last Item on her agenda. Linda will be with me at this time.
If the National President is not exhausted, we might stop at the Curley home for a night cap.
Well, I have to do the usual morning activities before I head out the door.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
My day almost went as planned on Wednesday. I went to my REAM meeting in Marlboro, Massachusetts. The two hour drive was uneventful as well as the meeting.
Linda was busy knitting more baby clothes as I entered our house in the middle of the aftrnoon.
I went directly for a nap because I thought we were going to have a long evening since Linda and I were all set to greet the UNICO National President around 10:30 PM at the Crowne Plaza in Pittsfield. The greeting never took place. Around 10 PM, I received a telephone call that her plane was diverted to Newark, New Jersey. Her arrival in Albany, New York would be much later than planned. Going to bed was a better option.
The National President has a full agenda of activities which starts with breakfast at 8 AM.
We then go off to do a live radio talk show at 9 AM.
A fireside chat with the Mayor of Pittsfield is next on the agenda.
She is the keynote speaker for a luncheon engagement for the Rotarians.
We then have a tour for her at the Colonial theater after lunch.
She has a couple hour rest period before she sits down with a few UNICO members in a good old fashion heart to heart conversation at a pub which is walking distance from her hotel.
Supper at an Italian restaurant is the last Item on her agenda. Linda will be with me at this time.
If the National President is not exhausted, we might stop at the Curley home for a night cap.
Well, I have to do the usual morning activities before I head out the door.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Hello on Wednesday Morning
Dear Friends,
I did my morning errands on Tuesday, but after that it was a day of rest.
No, we never made it to the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield.
We spent a good portion of the day trying to get used of a computer without a mouse (the new laptop). We received several e-mails of people who bought mouses to run their laptops. My daughter-in-law suggested that we purchase a wireless mouse. We will make a decision soon.
Linda has nothing on her social calendar except dinner and a movie with a retired school teacher whom she worked with, and another teacher who is still employed. The ladies both are / were in the science field as teachers. I think they will being seeing a "Chick Flick". Oh Joy!
My day starts in a little over an hour. I will be attending a President's Meeting for retired educators at a high school which will require a two hour drive for me to get there, assuming no traffic. The agenda for the meeting has me at the school from 9:30 AM until 2 PM.
My day will not end when I arrive home near 5 PM. The UNICO National President will be arriving at the Albany, New York airport from San Francisco at 9 PM. Linda and I will be greeting the National President a little after 10 PM at the Crowne Plaza in Pittsfield where she will be staying. I better figure in a power nap if I am going to be able to stay up that late.
The weather continues to be perfect in the Berkshires --> Low 70's, no humidity, cool nights for great sleeping weather.
Speaking of weather, I almost can't bear to see the pictures of the devastation from the latest hurricane. I often ask myself: " What if was me who was looking at a pile of rubble that was once my house?" Every time some natural disaster hits, I thank God that I don't live in these places. These people won't be saying : "Life is Good" like I do every day.
Linda and I did leave the house to vote yesterday afternoon. Yes, we voted for John Kerry's re-election. We stuck to democratic party lines.
This might change for Linda when the Presidential elections take place.
I don't know if I can take almost two months of political ads on television.
At a social gathering the other day, I was accused of not knowing the issues by a person who used to vote democratic, but has since changed to an independent. I think we should vote for the people on Saturday Night Live to run our country. At least we would have a good laugh at our candidates who are spending a great deal of money beating each other up in the media. Bring back Bill Clinton, and a balanced budget!
Have a great day at work or play.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
I did my morning errands on Tuesday, but after that it was a day of rest.
No, we never made it to the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield.
We spent a good portion of the day trying to get used of a computer without a mouse (the new laptop). We received several e-mails of people who bought mouses to run their laptops. My daughter-in-law suggested that we purchase a wireless mouse. We will make a decision soon.
Linda has nothing on her social calendar except dinner and a movie with a retired school teacher whom she worked with, and another teacher who is still employed. The ladies both are / were in the science field as teachers. I think they will being seeing a "Chick Flick". Oh Joy!
My day starts in a little over an hour. I will be attending a President's Meeting for retired educators at a high school which will require a two hour drive for me to get there, assuming no traffic. The agenda for the meeting has me at the school from 9:30 AM until 2 PM.
My day will not end when I arrive home near 5 PM. The UNICO National President will be arriving at the Albany, New York airport from San Francisco at 9 PM. Linda and I will be greeting the National President a little after 10 PM at the Crowne Plaza in Pittsfield where she will be staying. I better figure in a power nap if I am going to be able to stay up that late.
The weather continues to be perfect in the Berkshires --> Low 70's, no humidity, cool nights for great sleeping weather.
Speaking of weather, I almost can't bear to see the pictures of the devastation from the latest hurricane. I often ask myself: " What if was me who was looking at a pile of rubble that was once my house?" Every time some natural disaster hits, I thank God that I don't live in these places. These people won't be saying : "Life is Good" like I do every day.
Linda and I did leave the house to vote yesterday afternoon. Yes, we voted for John Kerry's re-election. We stuck to democratic party lines.
This might change for Linda when the Presidential elections take place.
I don't know if I can take almost two months of political ads on television.
At a social gathering the other day, I was accused of not knowing the issues by a person who used to vote democratic, but has since changed to an independent. I think we should vote for the people on Saturday Night Live to run our country. At least we would have a good laugh at our candidates who are spending a great deal of money beating each other up in the media. Bring back Bill Clinton, and a balanced budget!
Have a great day at work or play.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Hello on Tuesday Morning
Dear Friends,
My day was hectic at times, but I did make it through what I had set out to do.
After lunch, Linda and I headed off to a local electronics store in search of a laptop computer. Yes, you heard that correctly. The Curleys now own a laptop computer, but there always is a story.
Linda has been researching laptops for weeks (which I wasn't aware of) just like she did for HD televisions. We go to our local Mall in search of the perfect lap top which will fit our needs. Of course, I have no clue.
The sale flier came out on Sunday for the laptop which she had been looking for. The associate at the electronics store said that the one we were looking for was all sold out. Linda asked where the closest store was located, and if these stores had what we were looking for. The associate, a former student of mine, tells us that they have over 25 in a Massachusetts Mall an hour drive from Pittsfield, and a ride East on the Mass Pike.
We purchase the device, and a printer which was part of this package deal. Neither Linda nor I have any clue how of how to set it up.
We bribed a friend by providing him with a steak dinner. After several hours, every device was able to talk to one another, and do what it was supposed to do. I say "talk" because our system is set up to be wireless too.
The laptop is a really strange device for me. I was looking for a mouse, but there isn't one. It is so strange to gently pass my finger over a pad like device to make the cursor move. Also, this is our first computer that we own which is not a MacIntosh. I will finally be able to open attachments from many of my friends that I often could not open. This is a positive.
I did go to bed a happy man last evening because the Red Sox knocked off the leader of their division. The Red Sox are a percentage point out of the first place.
I did stay up and watch Monday night football. I so wanted the Eagles to beat America's team, but they couldn't quite do it.
Our social calendar is free for the last day this week. I have few early morning errands, and then we are free.
As we were heading East on the Mass Pike yesterday, there were temporary electronic signs reminding us that the Eastern States Exposition is taking place this week in West Springfield. We might spend a couple of hours there today since the weather is supposed to be absolutely perfect for not only today, but also for the next 7 days.
Have to go and practice using the new laptop.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
My day was hectic at times, but I did make it through what I had set out to do.
After lunch, Linda and I headed off to a local electronics store in search of a laptop computer. Yes, you heard that correctly. The Curleys now own a laptop computer, but there always is a story.
Linda has been researching laptops for weeks (which I wasn't aware of) just like she did for HD televisions. We go to our local Mall in search of the perfect lap top which will fit our needs. Of course, I have no clue.
The sale flier came out on Sunday for the laptop which she had been looking for. The associate at the electronics store said that the one we were looking for was all sold out. Linda asked where the closest store was located, and if these stores had what we were looking for. The associate, a former student of mine, tells us that they have over 25 in a Massachusetts Mall an hour drive from Pittsfield, and a ride East on the Mass Pike.
We purchase the device, and a printer which was part of this package deal. Neither Linda nor I have any clue how of how to set it up.
We bribed a friend by providing him with a steak dinner. After several hours, every device was able to talk to one another, and do what it was supposed to do. I say "talk" because our system is set up to be wireless too.
The laptop is a really strange device for me. I was looking for a mouse, but there isn't one. It is so strange to gently pass my finger over a pad like device to make the cursor move. Also, this is our first computer that we own which is not a MacIntosh. I will finally be able to open attachments from many of my friends that I often could not open. This is a positive.
I did go to bed a happy man last evening because the Red Sox knocked off the leader of their division. The Red Sox are a percentage point out of the first place.
I did stay up and watch Monday night football. I so wanted the Eagles to beat America's team, but they couldn't quite do it.
Our social calendar is free for the last day this week. I have few early morning errands, and then we are free.
As we were heading East on the Mass Pike yesterday, there were temporary electronic signs reminding us that the Eastern States Exposition is taking place this week in West Springfield. We might spend a couple of hours there today since the weather is supposed to be absolutely perfect for not only today, but also for the next 7 days.
Have to go and practice using the new laptop.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Monday, September 15, 2008
Hello on Monday Morning
Dear Friends,
Our BOCCE gathering at a friend's house went very well. There was much food, beverages and merriment. A great time was had by all of the participants.
I went to bed a very happy man last night because of all of my sports teams won their games. It started off with the Red Sox winning their game. While the Red Sox were winning, the first place team in their division lost their game to the Yankees.
Next, the underdog New England Patriots won their game against the New York Jets.
Finally, I never lost a BOCCE game at our friend's home on Sunday afternoon no matter who I was paired up with.
I was hoping that the Clevland Browns football team would beat the Steelers whom the Patriots play every year in the Sunday night football game. The Browns came close , but couldn't complete the task.
There is a great Monday night football match up this evening The Eagles( who the Patriots play during the regular season), and the Cowboys (who the experts think will make it to the Super Bowl). I can't wait!
I have a bunch of errands related to all the clubs which I belong to to take care of today. Linda should have a relatively free day. She was exhausted by the time we arrived home on Sunday night.
Have a great week at work or play. The Curley Lad
Our BOCCE gathering at a friend's house went very well. There was much food, beverages and merriment. A great time was had by all of the participants.
I went to bed a very happy man last night because of all of my sports teams won their games. It started off with the Red Sox winning their game. While the Red Sox were winning, the first place team in their division lost their game to the Yankees.
Next, the underdog New England Patriots won their game against the New York Jets.
Finally, I never lost a BOCCE game at our friend's home on Sunday afternoon no matter who I was paired up with.
I was hoping that the Clevland Browns football team would beat the Steelers whom the Patriots play every year in the Sunday night football game. The Browns came close , but couldn't complete the task.
There is a great Monday night football match up this evening The Eagles( who the Patriots play during the regular season), and the Cowboys (who the experts think will make it to the Super Bowl). I can't wait!
I have a bunch of errands related to all the clubs which I belong to to take care of today. Linda should have a relatively free day. She was exhausted by the time we arrived home on Sunday night.
Have a great week at work or play. The Curley Lad
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Hello on Sunday Morning
Dear Friends,
The crock pot pork roast, which Linda prepared for our guests, was a big hit. Just as predicted, our guests wanted to know the recipe.
Linda went to bed one tired woman because she also took care of every aspect of the dinner. The crock pot did its thing, but Linda did all the rest. Yes, my project always seems to turn into hers. I am good at loading and unloading the dishwasher.
My UNICO brothers (we do have females members, but they didn't participate in this event) did another excellent job preparing food for the neighborhood initiative block party. We made a lot of men , women, and children very happy.
We ran out of hot dogs and hamburgers which no Italian group or family ever does. The quantity of food was based on last year's numbers. I think that there are more needy people in this not so great economy. We packed up and went home about an hour before the official closing time of 3 PM.
I went to bed a happy man since my Red Sox were able to come from behind,and salvage the second game of a double header. The Sox couldn't gain any ground on the division leaders' since they split their double header too against the Yankees.
After supper last evening (including the homemade apple pie made by one of our guests) the men and women separated. The women watched a movie while us men went into the basement to watch the biggest college football game of the day (or so we thought). The sports channels had been talking about this match up all week. The number 1 team USC playing the number 5 team Ohio State.
I was really hoping that the Ohio State team would keep the game close so that my relatives from Ohio would have something to cheer about. They didn't go to bed as very happy campers!. When your team is beaten by score of 35 to 3, there is a good deal of room for improvement. Yes, I know that one of their star players was injured , and unable to play the game.
USC is like a professional football team. When one of their players goes down due to an injury, they have another player on the sidelines almost as good as the player who has to come out of the game.
We have a 1 PM BOCCE Party today. The rain, which is falling intensely right now, is supposed to stop. Partial clearing is the forecast with a chance of more afternoon thunderstorms.
The Patriots play at 4:15 PM today. My friend and I who have season tickets to Patriot games are trying to figure out how we can watch the away game on television, and still play Bocce.
Well, my quiet morning activities are calling me.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
The crock pot pork roast, which Linda prepared for our guests, was a big hit. Just as predicted, our guests wanted to know the recipe.
Linda went to bed one tired woman because she also took care of every aspect of the dinner. The crock pot did its thing, but Linda did all the rest. Yes, my project always seems to turn into hers. I am good at loading and unloading the dishwasher.
My UNICO brothers (we do have females members, but they didn't participate in this event) did another excellent job preparing food for the neighborhood initiative block party. We made a lot of men , women, and children very happy.
We ran out of hot dogs and hamburgers which no Italian group or family ever does. The quantity of food was based on last year's numbers. I think that there are more needy people in this not so great economy. We packed up and went home about an hour before the official closing time of 3 PM.
I went to bed a happy man since my Red Sox were able to come from behind,and salvage the second game of a double header. The Sox couldn't gain any ground on the division leaders' since they split their double header too against the Yankees.
After supper last evening (including the homemade apple pie made by one of our guests) the men and women separated. The women watched a movie while us men went into the basement to watch the biggest college football game of the day (or so we thought). The sports channels had been talking about this match up all week. The number 1 team USC playing the number 5 team Ohio State.
I was really hoping that the Ohio State team would keep the game close so that my relatives from Ohio would have something to cheer about. They didn't go to bed as very happy campers!. When your team is beaten by score of 35 to 3, there is a good deal of room for improvement. Yes, I know that one of their star players was injured , and unable to play the game.
USC is like a professional football team. When one of their players goes down due to an injury, they have another player on the sidelines almost as good as the player who has to come out of the game.
We have a 1 PM BOCCE Party today. The rain, which is falling intensely right now, is supposed to stop. Partial clearing is the forecast with a chance of more afternoon thunderstorms.
The Patriots play at 4:15 PM today. My friend and I who have season tickets to Patriot games are trying to figure out how we can watch the away game on television, and still play Bocce.
Well, my quiet morning activities are calling me.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Hello on Saturday Morning
Dear Friends,
My nap after golf was a bit too long once again. My sleep patterns are all messed up. I am up before the chickens which is not good.
My golf went okay yesterday. The team that I was assigned to came in first place which meant we didn't have to contribute the $2 per week per man fee. All money collect by our treasurer goes for pizza parties, and cookouts throughout the golf season.
Linda was the queen of errands after she had a leisurely morning while I was on the golf course. Her meeting at our Italian Lodge went well also.
Most of our friends were busy last evening so we dined alone at one of our favorite places for fish and chips.
I am the only person with something on our social calendar today. UNICO is cooking hot dogs and hamburgers for a block party right outside the Catholic Youth Center. The cookout has nothing to do with religion. It is one of those neighborhood initiatives for people who live in some needy neighborhoods. You really feel good when you serve this segment of our Pittsfield population.
The only other thing on our social calendar is that a couple sets of friends expressed a desire to get together this evening. If I was calling the shots, I would fire up the crock pot and try that pork concoction that I was telling you about in a previous e-mail. I can hear Linda saying : "Why does this guy always think of things which involve her?" I keep on reminding her that when I was a kid, we were so poor that we ate home most of the time. The restaurant was my mother's kitchen.
Linda asked me to tell you readers some of the things which didn't go well in my world this past week instead of talking about her life. I can only remember one
The lamp post light bulb burned out the evening of the Mary Kay party. I went off to Wal*Mart the next day, and bought a $7.44 energy efficient, guaranteed for 7 years, replacement bulb. While trying to remove the bulb from one of those hermetically sealed packages, the bulb fell out of my hands, crashed into a million pieces on the cement floor in the garage. I couldn't keep a secret so I told Linda about what happened. She said : "Why did you tell me about your screw up?" Most women complain that their men don't communicate enough. I was just communicating!
Politics -- I can't wait for the Saturday Night Live skits which will be coming up on television soon. Two of the female actresses on the show I know will be a big hit. One of them looks exactly like Gov. Pallin, and the other actress looks like McCain's wife.
Speaking of McCain, he was on a program which Linda watches called "The View". She taped the program for me. Visualize 5 women, one of whom is a Republican, and John McCain. Two of the stars, who host the show, are African American. I normally can't watch this morning program because all the women pretty much talk at the same time. Linda can follow the conversation which they are engaged in, but they talk too fast for me.
Household Hint -- When you purchase lobsters, and cook them at home, what do you do with those rubber bands which are put around the lobster claws so that the creatures won't pinch you? I have found a use for them. In the laundry room, we have one of the collapsible wooden racks for drying clothes. To keep the rack from collapsing as you are putting on wet clothes, I use those rubber bands. They last longer than the average rubber band.
Sports -- I went to bed a happy man last evening. My Red Sox won as they played most of the game in the rain. Most of the East coast teams had their games rained out. The Sox have a day night doubleheader today.
I also can't wait for the Ohio State vs USC college football game. If Ohio State wants to play with the big boys, they better win this game.
Well, I have to get back to my quiet chores.
Have a great weekend at work or play. The Curley Lad
My nap after golf was a bit too long once again. My sleep patterns are all messed up. I am up before the chickens which is not good.
My golf went okay yesterday. The team that I was assigned to came in first place which meant we didn't have to contribute the $2 per week per man fee. All money collect by our treasurer goes for pizza parties, and cookouts throughout the golf season.
Linda was the queen of errands after she had a leisurely morning while I was on the golf course. Her meeting at our Italian Lodge went well also.
Most of our friends were busy last evening so we dined alone at one of our favorite places for fish and chips.
I am the only person with something on our social calendar today. UNICO is cooking hot dogs and hamburgers for a block party right outside the Catholic Youth Center. The cookout has nothing to do with religion. It is one of those neighborhood initiatives for people who live in some needy neighborhoods. You really feel good when you serve this segment of our Pittsfield population.
The only other thing on our social calendar is that a couple sets of friends expressed a desire to get together this evening. If I was calling the shots, I would fire up the crock pot and try that pork concoction that I was telling you about in a previous e-mail. I can hear Linda saying : "Why does this guy always think of things which involve her?" I keep on reminding her that when I was a kid, we were so poor that we ate home most of the time. The restaurant was my mother's kitchen.
Linda asked me to tell you readers some of the things which didn't go well in my world this past week instead of talking about her life. I can only remember one
The lamp post light bulb burned out the evening of the Mary Kay party. I went off to Wal*Mart the next day, and bought a $7.44 energy efficient, guaranteed for 7 years, replacement bulb. While trying to remove the bulb from one of those hermetically sealed packages, the bulb fell out of my hands, crashed into a million pieces on the cement floor in the garage. I couldn't keep a secret so I told Linda about what happened. She said : "Why did you tell me about your screw up?" Most women complain that their men don't communicate enough. I was just communicating!
Politics -- I can't wait for the Saturday Night Live skits which will be coming up on television soon. Two of the female actresses on the show I know will be a big hit. One of them looks exactly like Gov. Pallin, and the other actress looks like McCain's wife.
Speaking of McCain, he was on a program which Linda watches called "The View". She taped the program for me. Visualize 5 women, one of whom is a Republican, and John McCain. Two of the stars, who host the show, are African American. I normally can't watch this morning program because all the women pretty much talk at the same time. Linda can follow the conversation which they are engaged in, but they talk too fast for me.
Household Hint -- When you purchase lobsters, and cook them at home, what do you do with those rubber bands which are put around the lobster claws so that the creatures won't pinch you? I have found a use for them. In the laundry room, we have one of the collapsible wooden racks for drying clothes. To keep the rack from collapsing as you are putting on wet clothes, I use those rubber bands. They last longer than the average rubber band.
Sports -- I went to bed a happy man last evening. My Red Sox won as they played most of the game in the rain. Most of the East coast teams had their games rained out. The Sox have a day night doubleheader today.
I also can't wait for the Ohio State vs USC college football game. If Ohio State wants to play with the big boys, they better win this game.
Well, I have to get back to my quiet chores.
Have a great weekend at work or play. The Curley Lad
Friday, September 12, 2008
Hello on Friday Morning
Dear Friends,
Golf was another struggle, but the weather was superb. My friends and I started off with light jackets, but they soon came off as the sun became intense.
Linda had a pretty relaxing day with me gone for several hours. The Mary Kay party the night before, and the golf yesterday wiped me out, and I needed an afternoon nap.
The crock pot dinner was wonderful. The recipe which Linda got from her crock pot blog was a winner. When we have guests over for dinner, they will ask for the recipe for sure.
Today, I have my usual Friday golf adventure with my senior friends. We tee off at 8:30 AM.
Linda has a 1 PM ITAM meeting to go over the books which she is not that excited about, but which has to be done.
I didn't have my Red Sox to keep me entertained last evening so I watched a different sport , soccer. We do have a professional soccer team in New England called the New England Revolution. They have made it to the finals for two years in a row, but they failed to win the championship game each year. They play their home games at Gillette Stadium. I have to admit that I dosed through some of the
action before I called it a night.
I would bet that the people in the Gulf Coast are tired of hearing the hurricane warning notices. Living in coastal, and warm weather places appears to have some negatives. Did you ever think about what you would take from your home if you had a mandatory evacuation order?
The home that Mike & Danielle are renting in Kansas, has a special room built in the house for tornado protection.
The only special room that we have in our house is the finished off basement where we go to party, or I go to watch sports.
Have to go and do the usual morning activities.
Have a great weekend! The Curley Lad
Golf was another struggle, but the weather was superb. My friends and I started off with light jackets, but they soon came off as the sun became intense.
Linda had a pretty relaxing day with me gone for several hours. The Mary Kay party the night before, and the golf yesterday wiped me out, and I needed an afternoon nap.
The crock pot dinner was wonderful. The recipe which Linda got from her crock pot blog was a winner. When we have guests over for dinner, they will ask for the recipe for sure.
Today, I have my usual Friday golf adventure with my senior friends. We tee off at 8:30 AM.
Linda has a 1 PM ITAM meeting to go over the books which she is not that excited about, but which has to be done.
I didn't have my Red Sox to keep me entertained last evening so I watched a different sport , soccer. We do have a professional soccer team in New England called the New England Revolution. They have made it to the finals for two years in a row, but they failed to win the championship game each year. They play their home games at Gillette Stadium. I have to admit that I dosed through some of the
action before I called it a night.
I would bet that the people in the Gulf Coast are tired of hearing the hurricane warning notices. Living in coastal, and warm weather places appears to have some negatives. Did you ever think about what you would take from your home if you had a mandatory evacuation order?
The home that Mike & Danielle are renting in Kansas, has a special room built in the house for tornado protection.
The only special room that we have in our house is the finished off basement where we go to party, or I go to watch sports.
Have to go and do the usual morning activities.
Have a great weekend! The Curley Lad
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Hello on Thursday Morning
Dear Friends,
I didn't go to bed a happy man last evening since my Red Sox lost in an extra inning marathon to the first place team in their division.
Linda on the other hand went to bed a happy woman because the "Mary Kay" party was a big success. I bar tended during the event. I am attributing alcohol as a positive factor in sales.
There was only one glitch at the start of the party. We had the usual peanuts, cashews, peanut M & M's, pecan tort decaf coffee, brownies, cake, etc. One of the guests has a life threatening allergy to nuts. We had to scramble to move all the nuts (and keep her away from coffee) to a particular section in the room. There were 15 women, not including a Mary Kay field a representative, and a first time Mary Kay representative. Yes, they did have man products.
I tee off in a little over an hour. I will not be wearing shorts today.
Since the weather has begun to get cool, we are starting off with our first crock pot recipe of the fall and winter season. Linda is hooked up with a crock pot blog, and she decided to try a recipe that all the people on this blog have been raving about. The meat is pork. I will let you know how it comes out on Friday morning.
Have to go and read the local newspaper, and then get ready for golf. The Curley Lad
I didn't go to bed a happy man last evening since my Red Sox lost in an extra inning marathon to the first place team in their division.
Linda on the other hand went to bed a happy woman because the "Mary Kay" party was a big success. I bar tended during the event. I am attributing alcohol as a positive factor in sales.
There was only one glitch at the start of the party. We had the usual peanuts, cashews, peanut M & M's, pecan tort decaf coffee, brownies, cake, etc. One of the guests has a life threatening allergy to nuts. We had to scramble to move all the nuts (and keep her away from coffee) to a particular section in the room. There were 15 women, not including a Mary Kay field a representative, and a first time Mary Kay representative. Yes, they did have man products.
I tee off in a little over an hour. I will not be wearing shorts today.
Since the weather has begun to get cool, we are starting off with our first crock pot recipe of the fall and winter season. Linda is hooked up with a crock pot blog, and she decided to try a recipe that all the people on this blog have been raving about. The meat is pork. I will let you know how it comes out on Friday morning.
Have to go and read the local newspaper, and then get ready for golf. The Curley Lad
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Hello on Wednesday Morning
Dear Friends,
No, Linda didn't have few hours to herself on Tuesday. The rain started to fall just before my friends and I were about to tee off.
As she was enjoying her first cup of coffee, reading the local newspaper, and watching the "Today Show" in total peace and quiet, she hears the garage door open, and then I walk in. Her joy soon disappeared.
I really tried to not bug her. I headed straight to our finished off basement, and starting cleaning in preparation for this evening's
" Mary Kay" party. Linda was very happy for a little while until the telephone started ringing. Most of the calls were for me except for one telephone call for her. She was planning on not playing MahJongg. Someone in her Tuesday group called in sick, and Linda said "Yes" that she could play. So that was it was it for her multiple hours of doing nothing but things that she wanted to do.
I did UNICO stuff after she went off to MahJongg. I folded, stuffed, put labels and stamps on, and licked 114 envelopes. My tongue was stuck to the roof of my mouth by the time I finished around 5 PM.
Yes, we did go to the 6 PM Irish Sister City Meeting. Yes, it was exciting! Are you kidding me?
Today, I head off to the dentist for the replacement of the cavity that the dentist popped out during my routine cleaning last week. I can't wait for the 9 AM appointment. I have a bunch of errands after the dentist. i hope that I don't drool my way through them.
I think that Linda just has some preparation stuff for the "Mary Kay " party for the 15 or so women who will be at our home this evening, and that is it.
I didn't go to bed a happy man last evening. The first place team over came a 9th inning lead by the Red Sox. The Red Sox closer couldn't close the deal.
Have to go and read the newspaper in peace and quiet, and then mentally prepare for the dentist.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
No, Linda didn't have few hours to herself on Tuesday. The rain started to fall just before my friends and I were about to tee off.
As she was enjoying her first cup of coffee, reading the local newspaper, and watching the "Today Show" in total peace and quiet, she hears the garage door open, and then I walk in. Her joy soon disappeared.
I really tried to not bug her. I headed straight to our finished off basement, and starting cleaning in preparation for this evening's
" Mary Kay" party. Linda was very happy for a little while until the telephone started ringing. Most of the calls were for me except for one telephone call for her. She was planning on not playing MahJongg. Someone in her Tuesday group called in sick, and Linda said "Yes" that she could play. So that was it was it for her multiple hours of doing nothing but things that she wanted to do.
I did UNICO stuff after she went off to MahJongg. I folded, stuffed, put labels and stamps on, and licked 114 envelopes. My tongue was stuck to the roof of my mouth by the time I finished around 5 PM.
Yes, we did go to the 6 PM Irish Sister City Meeting. Yes, it was exciting! Are you kidding me?
Today, I head off to the dentist for the replacement of the cavity that the dentist popped out during my routine cleaning last week. I can't wait for the 9 AM appointment. I have a bunch of errands after the dentist. i hope that I don't drool my way through them.
I think that Linda just has some preparation stuff for the "Mary Kay " party for the 15 or so women who will be at our home this evening, and that is it.
I didn't go to bed a happy man last evening. The first place team over came a 9th inning lead by the Red Sox. The Red Sox closer couldn't close the deal.
Have to go and read the newspaper in peace and quiet, and then mentally prepare for the dentist.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Hello on Tuesday Morning
Dear Friends,
My day went as planned. My sister and I took Dear old Mom for a doctor's appointment with a geriatric specialist. The body parts aren't working like they used to. I semi convinced my soon to be 92 year old mother that she should be using a walker in stead of a cane.
The doctor didn't ask my mother three words to remember, and then ask her later on what those words were. My sister and I failed to remember the three words the last time we went with mom to the same doctor.
Linda didn't have her day of rest as I thought she would. She spent most of her day in the laundry room as well as returning the house to normal after our wedding guests left yesterday morning.
Linda's highlight of the day was her dinner with the Plumettes. Yes, she and her friends had a wonderful long dinner from appetizers to desserts. Linda reminded me that dinners are for socialization. I haven't quite gotten that message after 37 years of marital bliss. I might have passed on some of my bad habits onto my two boys. My two daughter-in-laws often use the phrase "Those Curley men" when they talk about the idiosyncrasies that I have passed on to them.
My UNICO board meeting went well. I tried to keep it to an hour since I had to get home and watch my Red Sox, and some Monday night football.
Yes, my Sox inched closed to knocking off the number one team in their division. If they can beat them again tonight, the Sox will be tied for first place.
The Patriots found out the their quarterback needs season ending surgery. I am predicting that the team will make adjusts, and have an okay season (compared to last year) with the back up quarterback. An injury to a previous quarterback opened up the door for Brady some 12 years ago. Injuries in football are a fact of life.
While I am on the golf course a couple hours from now, Linda will not be having a free day. We have a "Mary Kay" party being held at our house on Wednesday evening. Linda decided to use our finished off basement which will kick me off of my television. After golf, I have to do a little work in the basement to make it look like that it is not a sports bar. Linda will also have to make a run to a grocery store for a few items for the 15 to 20 person Mary Kay party.
No, we don't have this evening free. We have an another exciting monthly meeting of the Pittsfield Irish Sister City Committee at 6 PM at the Pittsfield Public Library.
Have to go and read the local newspaper, and then put on some golfing clothes.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
My day went as planned. My sister and I took Dear old Mom for a doctor's appointment with a geriatric specialist. The body parts aren't working like they used to. I semi convinced my soon to be 92 year old mother that she should be using a walker in stead of a cane.
The doctor didn't ask my mother three words to remember, and then ask her later on what those words were. My sister and I failed to remember the three words the last time we went with mom to the same doctor.
Linda didn't have her day of rest as I thought she would. She spent most of her day in the laundry room as well as returning the house to normal after our wedding guests left yesterday morning.
Linda's highlight of the day was her dinner with the Plumettes. Yes, she and her friends had a wonderful long dinner from appetizers to desserts. Linda reminded me that dinners are for socialization. I haven't quite gotten that message after 37 years of marital bliss. I might have passed on some of my bad habits onto my two boys. My two daughter-in-laws often use the phrase "Those Curley men" when they talk about the idiosyncrasies that I have passed on to them.
My UNICO board meeting went well. I tried to keep it to an hour since I had to get home and watch my Red Sox, and some Monday night football.
Yes, my Sox inched closed to knocking off the number one team in their division. If they can beat them again tonight, the Sox will be tied for first place.
The Patriots found out the their quarterback needs season ending surgery. I am predicting that the team will make adjusts, and have an okay season (compared to last year) with the back up quarterback. An injury to a previous quarterback opened up the door for Brady some 12 years ago. Injuries in football are a fact of life.
While I am on the golf course a couple hours from now, Linda will not be having a free day. We have a "Mary Kay" party being held at our house on Wednesday evening. Linda decided to use our finished off basement which will kick me off of my television. After golf, I have to do a little work in the basement to make it look like that it is not a sports bar. Linda will also have to make a run to a grocery store for a few items for the 15 to 20 person Mary Kay party.
No, we don't have this evening free. We have an another exciting monthly meeting of the Pittsfield Irish Sister City Committee at 6 PM at the Pittsfield Public Library.
Have to go and read the local newspaper, and then put on some golfing clothes.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Monday, September 8, 2008
Hello on Monday Morning
Dear Friends,
Our Thursday through Sunday guests just departed a few minutes ago.
Our Sunday went okay. I say "Okay" because it didn't go completely as planned.
We departed the Berkshires for East Boston a little before 7 AM on Sunday morning. This was the day after the 5 PM wedding on Saturday evening.
We said our "Hello's" to Kevin and Kyla, and Kevin and I headed off to South Station in Boston to catch an 11 AM train to the New England Patriot Game. The train arrived at the Stadium at 12:30 PM. By the time we walked to the Stadium from the drop off point, we missed the fly over, National Anthem, and tailgating with my friends. I will never take the train again unless it is a desperate situation.
The game had a low point in the first quarter when Tom "Terrific" Brady got knocked out of the game with a knee injury. No one knows for sure how bad that it is. No one has confirmed one way or another if it is a season ending injury.
After the game, due to a lack of communication, Linda and I got in our car, and headed home on the Mass Turnpike. Three out of the four of us had planned to go to a Boston sports pub called "The Stockyard" after the football game that you always see as you head East on the Mass Pike. We will make this stop at another time when we travel to Boston.
No, we don't have a free day today to rest and relax. I am taking my mother to a 9:30 AM doctor's appointment.
This evening Linda has a dinner engagement with the "Plumettes" who are the ladies who work at the Purple Plume.
I will be attending an exciting UNICO Board meeting which I am running since I am President of the organization.
My Red Sox are two games out of first place in the loss column. The first place team is in Boston for the next three days. If all goes well, the Red Sox could be in first place by the end of this series.
Have a great week at work or play.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Our Thursday through Sunday guests just departed a few minutes ago.
Our Sunday went okay. I say "Okay" because it didn't go completely as planned.
We departed the Berkshires for East Boston a little before 7 AM on Sunday morning. This was the day after the 5 PM wedding on Saturday evening.
We said our "Hello's" to Kevin and Kyla, and Kevin and I headed off to South Station in Boston to catch an 11 AM train to the New England Patriot Game. The train arrived at the Stadium at 12:30 PM. By the time we walked to the Stadium from the drop off point, we missed the fly over, National Anthem, and tailgating with my friends. I will never take the train again unless it is a desperate situation.
The game had a low point in the first quarter when Tom "Terrific" Brady got knocked out of the game with a knee injury. No one knows for sure how bad that it is. No one has confirmed one way or another if it is a season ending injury.
After the game, due to a lack of communication, Linda and I got in our car, and headed home on the Mass Turnpike. Three out of the four of us had planned to go to a Boston sports pub called "The Stockyard" after the football game that you always see as you head East on the Mass Pike. We will make this stop at another time when we travel to Boston.
No, we don't have a free day today to rest and relax. I am taking my mother to a 9:30 AM doctor's appointment.
This evening Linda has a dinner engagement with the "Plumettes" who are the ladies who work at the Purple Plume.
I will be attending an exciting UNICO Board meeting which I am running since I am President of the organization.
My Red Sox are two games out of first place in the loss column. The first place team is in Boston for the next three days. If all goes well, the Red Sox could be in first place by the end of this series.
Have a great week at work or play.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Hello on Thursday
Dear Friends,
Yesterday, went as planned with just a few glitches.
My routine dentist appointment was the first troubled spot. The cleaning was going well until the dentist tried to remove some accumulated food stuff around an upper molar. As he was using one of those pick like devices around this molar, which was a previous filled cavity, he popped out the filling. I am booked in for next Wednesday for a filling replacement. I can wait for shots of Novocain, and a round of drilling before replacing the filling.
Linda's day went much better. She and a friend started off with a body maintenance procedure at 11 AM. After the pedicure, they had to do lunch. While they were at lunch I was home gumming some leftovers from our refrigerator.
At 1:30 PM, I assumed the normal position in front of a television, and watched the Red Sox win the final game of a three game series with late inning heroics.
In the evening, we went our separate ways. My meeting lasted from 6 PM until 8:30 PM. The task that which we set out to do was accomplished.
When I arrived home, I turned on ESPN, and watched the Yankees knock off the first place Tampa team for a second day in a row. I can't believe that I have been cheering for the Yankees. This joy of watching the Yankees win will stop after their final game in Tampa today.
I was in bed when Linda came home so I don't exactly know how her book club dinner / meeting went.
Our first set of overnight guests, related to the wedding which we are attending on Saturday, will be at our house this evening. Another couple arrives on Friday. We will spend a portion of today making sure the house is ready for our guests.
I also have been assigned the task of picking up flowers for the Saturday evening wedding. I have to pick up some platters at some point too, which are being made at a local deli, for a cookout on Sunday at the home of the parents of the groom. I will miss the Sunday cookout because I will be at the New England Patriot football game on Sunday with my son Kevin from East Boston.
The National Football Leagues season begins this evening. You know what I will be watching at some point.
Have to grab a cup of coffee, and do some stuff on the computer besides sending e-mails.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Yesterday, went as planned with just a few glitches.
My routine dentist appointment was the first troubled spot. The cleaning was going well until the dentist tried to remove some accumulated food stuff around an upper molar. As he was using one of those pick like devices around this molar, which was a previous filled cavity, he popped out the filling. I am booked in for next Wednesday for a filling replacement. I can wait for shots of Novocain, and a round of drilling before replacing the filling.
Linda's day went much better. She and a friend started off with a body maintenance procedure at 11 AM. After the pedicure, they had to do lunch. While they were at lunch I was home gumming some leftovers from our refrigerator.
At 1:30 PM, I assumed the normal position in front of a television, and watched the Red Sox win the final game of a three game series with late inning heroics.
In the evening, we went our separate ways. My meeting lasted from 6 PM until 8:30 PM. The task that which we set out to do was accomplished.
When I arrived home, I turned on ESPN, and watched the Yankees knock off the first place Tampa team for a second day in a row. I can't believe that I have been cheering for the Yankees. This joy of watching the Yankees win will stop after their final game in Tampa today.
I was in bed when Linda came home so I don't exactly know how her book club dinner / meeting went.
Our first set of overnight guests, related to the wedding which we are attending on Saturday, will be at our house this evening. Another couple arrives on Friday. We will spend a portion of today making sure the house is ready for our guests.
I also have been assigned the task of picking up flowers for the Saturday evening wedding. I have to pick up some platters at some point too, which are being made at a local deli, for a cookout on Sunday at the home of the parents of the groom. I will miss the Sunday cookout because I will be at the New England Patriot football game on Sunday with my son Kevin from East Boston.
The National Football Leagues season begins this evening. You know what I will be watching at some point.
Have to grab a cup of coffee, and do some stuff on the computer besides sending e-mails.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Hello on Wednesday Morning
Dear Friends,
Another day in Curley world went as planned.
There is still much room for improvement in the old golf game. Linda suggested that I get some golf lessons, but I will wait until next spring.
Starting the golfing adventure at 11 AM was a bit of a change. My golfing buddies and I really didn't enjoy playing in the heat of the day.
A 7:20 AM tee time is the best time to play golf.
Even though the heat sapped our energy, two of my golfing buddies, who retired in June, enjoyed the day even more because it was the first day of school for teachers and students in the Pittsfield Public Schools. My friends cheerfully said: "Goodbye and have a nice day" to their wives as they headed off to school. Their wives are both teachers. The ladies grumbled all the way to their cars.
Actually , I am ready to change sports. Yesterday was the start of the Black Bear Hunting season in Massachusetts. Maybe I should winterize the golf clubs, and take out a new weapon.
Linda's luck at MahJongg was off yesterday, but she did have a good time during her losing effort.
Our paths crossed around 5 PM. I emptied the golf clubs from my car, and loaded it up with things which we had to drop off at a friend's house. The friends invited us for supper, and it was so hard to decline. Yeah right!
My first adventure of the day is a 9:30 AM trip to the dentist. It is supposed to be a routine 6 month check up. Nothing is routine when it comes to the teeth in my mouth.
We are both engaged this evening. She has a book club dinner meeting at a friend's home.
I will be off to a meeting related to the UNICO organization which I am president of at the same time as her meeting.
As the Red Sox were winning last evening, I was actually cheering for the New York Yankees. The Yankees were beating the Tampa team who the Red Sox are trying to knock out of first place in their division.
The Sox do battle at 1:30 PM today so you know what I will be doing for a couple of hours.
Have a great day at work or play. The Curley Lad
Another day in Curley world went as planned.
There is still much room for improvement in the old golf game. Linda suggested that I get some golf lessons, but I will wait until next spring.
Starting the golfing adventure at 11 AM was a bit of a change. My golfing buddies and I really didn't enjoy playing in the heat of the day.
A 7:20 AM tee time is the best time to play golf.
Even though the heat sapped our energy, two of my golfing buddies, who retired in June, enjoyed the day even more because it was the first day of school for teachers and students in the Pittsfield Public Schools. My friends cheerfully said: "Goodbye and have a nice day" to their wives as they headed off to school. Their wives are both teachers. The ladies grumbled all the way to their cars.
Actually , I am ready to change sports. Yesterday was the start of the Black Bear Hunting season in Massachusetts. Maybe I should winterize the golf clubs, and take out a new weapon.
Linda's luck at MahJongg was off yesterday, but she did have a good time during her losing effort.
Our paths crossed around 5 PM. I emptied the golf clubs from my car, and loaded it up with things which we had to drop off at a friend's house. The friends invited us for supper, and it was so hard to decline. Yeah right!
My first adventure of the day is a 9:30 AM trip to the dentist. It is supposed to be a routine 6 month check up. Nothing is routine when it comes to the teeth in my mouth.
We are both engaged this evening. She has a book club dinner meeting at a friend's home.
I will be off to a meeting related to the UNICO organization which I am president of at the same time as her meeting.
As the Red Sox were winning last evening, I was actually cheering for the New York Yankees. The Yankees were beating the Tampa team who the Red Sox are trying to knock out of first place in their division.
The Sox do battle at 1:30 PM today so you know what I will be doing for a couple of hours.
Have a great day at work or play. The Curley Lad
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Hello on Tuesday Morning
Dear Friends,
I was in my slug mode yesterday. I watched three different kind of sporting contests--> Golf, College Football, and the Red Sox. Yes, the Red Sox did win their game last evening.
Linda was busy creating photo albums from the many pictures which were taken at Kevin and Kyla's wedding by my sister and another friend of ours. She also finished up dealing with the place cards for the wedding which we are attending this weekend. She even found time to do some knitting of baby clothes.
Of course, there are almost daily pictures of Isabelle sent from Kansas. Linda is constantly changing the pictures frames throughout the house.
Isabelle will be one year old on December 29, 2008. Where has all the time gone?
Before I tee off today near 11 AM, I too will have a bunch of items which I have to deal with. I am a heart beat away from securing a guest speaker for our October 8, 2009 REAM (Retired Educator Association of Massachusetts --The Berkshire County Chapter) luncheon.
Linda's day won't end with her normal Tuesday MahJongg session. She too has several errands to complete after playing MahJongg.
Politics -- The 17 year old daughter of McCain's vice-president running mate was participating in activities on her own. The word is she is going to marry the boy who impregnated her. Obama has already stated: " What goes on in families has nothing to do with the campaign."
The school buses will be running this morning for the first day of school. I hope that everything goes smoothly. The bus drivers made practice runs several days last week.
The Hurricane -- It was good to see that hurricane Gustav did less damage than what Katrina did. We will have to see the overall l damages after the rain finally exits the troubled areas.
Hurricane Hannah could be interrupting our nice weather by the weekend.
Have to go and read the local newspaper. It just arrived. The Curley Lad
I was in my slug mode yesterday. I watched three different kind of sporting contests--> Golf, College Football, and the Red Sox. Yes, the Red Sox did win their game last evening.
Linda was busy creating photo albums from the many pictures which were taken at Kevin and Kyla's wedding by my sister and another friend of ours. She also finished up dealing with the place cards for the wedding which we are attending this weekend. She even found time to do some knitting of baby clothes.
Of course, there are almost daily pictures of Isabelle sent from Kansas. Linda is constantly changing the pictures frames throughout the house.
Isabelle will be one year old on December 29, 2008. Where has all the time gone?
Before I tee off today near 11 AM, I too will have a bunch of items which I have to deal with. I am a heart beat away from securing a guest speaker for our October 8, 2009 REAM (Retired Educator Association of Massachusetts --The Berkshire County Chapter) luncheon.
Linda's day won't end with her normal Tuesday MahJongg session. She too has several errands to complete after playing MahJongg.
Politics -- The 17 year old daughter of McCain's vice-president running mate was participating in activities on her own. The word is she is going to marry the boy who impregnated her. Obama has already stated: " What goes on in families has nothing to do with the campaign."
The school buses will be running this morning for the first day of school. I hope that everything goes smoothly. The bus drivers made practice runs several days last week.
The Hurricane -- It was good to see that hurricane Gustav did less damage than what Katrina did. We will have to see the overall l damages after the rain finally exits the troubled areas.
Hurricane Hannah could be interrupting our nice weather by the weekend.
Have to go and read the local newspaper. It just arrived. The Curley Lad
Monday, September 1, 2008
Hello on Monday Morning
Dear Friends,
Yesterday didn't go exactly as planned. After one of the people on the above e-mail list read that we were semi free on Sunday, she put forth the idea of going out for pizza for supper. Not! Linda and I looked outside, and saw the the crystal clear blue skies, the almost 80 degree temperature, and decided that it was cookout weather. The male guest arrived early, and we watched the Red Sox lose the last game of the three game series while his Yankees went down to defeat. Tampa, the first place team, just continues to win on a daily basis.
Around 4:30 PM, we were all together, and the party officially began. After some simple appetizers, I fired up the grill and cooked some boneless chicken breasts which I marinated in a lemon and garlic marinade. We had some super sweet corn on the cob, and some fresh green beans. For dessert , we had some Irish Whiskey cake with a dollop of whipped cream.
Today we are free once again, but I have a feeling that this will change.
Well, today is the day that all the children and parents ( and school teachers) are counting every second, minute, and hour until the start of school on Tuesday. It was a very exciting time for Linda and I during our life as teachers.
I remember one student, whom I had on my list for a particular mathematics class, did not show up for class. During a teacher preparation period, I checked to see if the student changed classes, was seeing a guidance counselor, was at the nurse's office, was skipping class, etc. He actually was suspended from school. He got caught smoking on the front steps of the school by the principal. This was all before the student reported to his first class of the day.
I decided to really try and stay away from politics, but it is so difficult. I found our that the husband of the Republican vice-presidential candidate works for British Petroleum, and he is a big fan of drilling more oil wells in places like Alaska. Oh Joy!
Have any of you been watching the Hurricane reports on television? That is scary stuff. Another hurricane, called Hannah, is poised to strike the East Coast of Florida. The Curley's have no desire to own property in New Orleans or Florida. Nice place to visit, but no place to live.
Winter does present a challenge for us people living in the Northeast, but at least our homes stay in tact for the most part. Yes, we do have some places experience a tornado every once in a while, or have a river or stream over flow due to heavy rains, but we have no friends who have lost a home so far.
As the schools open on Tuesday, I will have another challenging day on the golf course. Linda will be playing MahJongg with her usual Tuesday group.
It is a difficult life as retirees! We are willing to make the sacrifice of having a great day on each day of the week.
Have to get dressed, and start some quiet activities.
I think that Linda wants to sleep a long time today. For some reason, somebody always calls, and interrupts her plans. This is why being a morning person has its advantages.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Yesterday didn't go exactly as planned. After one of the people on the above e-mail list read that we were semi free on Sunday, she put forth the idea of going out for pizza for supper. Not! Linda and I looked outside, and saw the the crystal clear blue skies, the almost 80 degree temperature, and decided that it was cookout weather. The male guest arrived early, and we watched the Red Sox lose the last game of the three game series while his Yankees went down to defeat. Tampa, the first place team, just continues to win on a daily basis.
Around 4:30 PM, we were all together, and the party officially began. After some simple appetizers, I fired up the grill and cooked some boneless chicken breasts which I marinated in a lemon and garlic marinade. We had some super sweet corn on the cob, and some fresh green beans. For dessert , we had some Irish Whiskey cake with a dollop of whipped cream.
Today we are free once again, but I have a feeling that this will change.
Well, today is the day that all the children and parents ( and school teachers) are counting every second, minute, and hour until the start of school on Tuesday. It was a very exciting time for Linda and I during our life as teachers.
I remember one student, whom I had on my list for a particular mathematics class, did not show up for class. During a teacher preparation period, I checked to see if the student changed classes, was seeing a guidance counselor, was at the nurse's office, was skipping class, etc. He actually was suspended from school. He got caught smoking on the front steps of the school by the principal. This was all before the student reported to his first class of the day.
I decided to really try and stay away from politics, but it is so difficult. I found our that the husband of the Republican vice-presidential candidate works for British Petroleum, and he is a big fan of drilling more oil wells in places like Alaska. Oh Joy!
Have any of you been watching the Hurricane reports on television? That is scary stuff. Another hurricane, called Hannah, is poised to strike the East Coast of Florida. The Curley's have no desire to own property in New Orleans or Florida. Nice place to visit, but no place to live.
Winter does present a challenge for us people living in the Northeast, but at least our homes stay in tact for the most part. Yes, we do have some places experience a tornado every once in a while, or have a river or stream over flow due to heavy rains, but we have no friends who have lost a home so far.
As the schools open on Tuesday, I will have another challenging day on the golf course. Linda will be playing MahJongg with her usual Tuesday group.
It is a difficult life as retirees! We are willing to make the sacrifice of having a great day on each day of the week.
Have to get dressed, and start some quiet activities.
I think that Linda wants to sleep a long time today. For some reason, somebody always calls, and interrupts her plans. This is why being a morning person has its advantages.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
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